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SPINAL SOLUTIONS Chiropractic Heals Unlikely Conditions

TEETH TALK

Natural Tips for Oral Health

GOAT YOGA

May the Horns Be With You

Slow Food Takes Root Global Movement Gains Momentum

October 2019 | Pittsburgh, PA Edition | naturalawakeningsswpa.com October 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

PITTSBURGH, PA EDITION PUBLISHER Michelle Dalnoky EDITOR Martin Miron CALENDAR EDITOR Sara Peterson AD DESIGNER Zina Cochran DESIGN & PRODUCTION C. Michele Rose SALES & MARKETING Michelle Dalnoky Lisa Doyle

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letter from publisher

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love our article on slow food this month. Food and nutrition are so important. Food is the basis of our health and wellness. You cannot be healthy if you are not eating healthy food. In our culture, food has been put on the back burner as life has gotten busier.

Eating natural, healthy food is almost an afterthought.

We cannot be healthy eating junk, processed, fake, GMO or toxic food. Even cooking good food has been pushed into fast forward.

A few years ago, I got a commercial induction cook top. I can boil water in a few seconds and sear veggies like a pro! I love it and it’s so fast! Then I made a visit to Morocco. I have a Moroccan friend, so I was able to stay with her family and hang out with them. It was a great opportunity and I learned about slow food. The food there is fresh, like it came from your garden. It is heavily spiced but not hot…. just a ton of flavor.

There really are big piles of spices in all of the stores and markets where you go and buy them regularly so they are fresh. One little spice jar from our grocery stores would be enough for one or two meals. There, they scoop up some paprika from the big pile and wrap it in newsprint in a cone shape and then do the same with a few other spices like ginger, coriander and turmeric, and you mix them together and add them to your tagine.

A tagine is the big, clay, cone-shaped cooking vessel that has an opening at the top for steam to escape.

You add your big, chunky, veggies, meat or fish if you like, and spices, and let it slowly cook. The result is an amazing, healthy and flavorful meal. Most food there is also purchased at farmers’ markets, and for about a dollar or two, you can get enough food for a big meal. If you are near the sea, you can buy fresh fish from the fisherman, and you can always find fresh bread and other baked goods at the markets.

Sure, they have canned and processed foods too, but they are almost a side note. This way of eating also brings food back into the center of life. As you stroll through the markets, you stop and talk to your neighbors and the vendors. When you eat, everyone sits around a big round table very close to each other and the table is just full of food. Most of the time, the food is served on a big tray in the middle of the table and everybody has their own little section of the food.

Slow food… and slow life… is like having a wonderful, busy farmers’ market every day, where you buy wonderful, healthy food and spices, socialize with your neighbors and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing a fantastic meal.

Michelle Dalnoky, Publisher

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 10 SPINAL SOLUTIONS Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results

12 SLOW FOOD TAKES ROOT

Global Movement on Fast Track

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16 MOUTH MATTERS

A Holistic Approach to Oral Health

18 JENNY ODELL ON

the Importance of Doing Nothing

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20 ANIMAL ASANAS Goats on the Yoga Mat

22 MINDFULNESS

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IN THE CLASSROOM

Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive

24 PAWS TO CONSIDER Best Friends Waiting for Homes

DEPARTMENTS 4 news briefs 6 health briefs 8 global briefs 10 healing ways 12 conscious eating 18 wise words 20 fit body

22 24 27 29 30

24 healthy kids natural pet calendar classifieds resource guide

October 2019

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news briefs

cover artist

Concert to End Hunger

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Pumpkin Valley

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Catherine Holman

n depicting simpler times, folk artist Catherine Holman portrays the pleasures of everyday life in colorfully detailed, whimsical scenes.

She also accompanies each of her fine art paintings with imaginatively written stories about the people and animals that inhabit her gentle world.

“As my brush works on the canvas, I dream of quaint villages where I would want to work and live,” remarks Holman.

Of Pumpkin Valley, she writes: “Betty’s pumpkins were enormous this year. She’s been dreaming of all the wonderful pies, breads and desserts she’ll be able to make for the county fair. Her neighbor Hank thinks she should enter her pumpkin pie squares that he sampled. He’s willing to try all her new recipes because Betty’s smile is as pretty as her desserts!”

Holman lives in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, a small town not unlike those she captures on canvas. “My paintings remind us of the value of living life at a slower pace, with more time for family and friends,” says Holman. “Today, it seems that everyone thinks that bigger is better, but I still prefer small, cozy cottages and getting to know my neighbors.”

sterhout Berger Disability Law and 412 Food Rescue will present an evening of music performed by acclaimed folk singer and songwriter Peter Mulvey from 7 to 10 p.m., October 18, with proceeds to end hunger and food waste by redirecting surplus foods to those facing food insecurity.

Eighteen records, one illustrated book, thousands of live performances, a TEDx talk, a decades-long association with the National Youth Science Camp, opening for luminaries such as Ani DiFranco, Emmylou Harris and Chuck Prophet, appearances on NPR and hosting his own boutique festival, the Lamplighter Sessions, Mulvey has built his life’s work on collaboration and on an instinct for the eclectic and the vital. He folds everything he encounters into his music. Poetry, social justice, scientific literacy and a deeply abiding humanism are all on plain display.

Admission is $20. Location: 412 Food Rescue office, 6022 Broad St., Pittsburgh. For more information, visit PeterMulvey.com. See ad, page 11.

2019 Healthy Neighborhood Awards

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he third annual Healthy Neighborhoods Celebration will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., October 24, at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Using the Neighborhood Allies Healthy Neighborhoods framework as the inspiration, the Healthy Neighborhoods celebration and award ceremony, recognizes exemplary work this year in the categories of Market Confidence (Roxian Theatre), Quality of Life (ACH Clear Pathways), Neighborhood Image (Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics), Community Ownership (Amber Sloan/Made It), Equitable Development (Circles Greater Pittsburgh) and Ally of the Year (Denise Edwards).

This event brings together a unique network of allies that include local residents, nonprofit professionals, artists and executives, as well as organizations working every day to build healthy neighborhoods across Pittsburgh. Six awards are given, each accompanied by a short video highlighting the work and how it is contributing to building Healthy Neighborhoods.

Healthy Neighborhoods’ mission is to support the people, organizations and partnerships committed to creating and maintaining healthy neighborhoods by creating community partnerships, connecting distressed and transitioning communities with valued/vetted resources and communicating and celebrating progress and success.

Location: 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh. For more information, visit Twitter.com/ nhbdalliespgh. See ad, page 10.

View the artist’s portfolio at Catherine-Holman.ArtistWebsites. com/index.html and visit her blog at CatherineHolmanFolkArt.blogspot.com.

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Peter Mulvey

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To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it. ~Confucius

Wave of Light Recognition Event

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n recognition of National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, Highmark Caring Place and the Still Remembered Project are partnering to offer an event from 6:30 to 9 p.m., October 15, for children that have experienced loss.

As participants stand by children of all ages remembering siblings and loved ones that are gone too soon, the event will include dinner, several fun activities for the kids and a memorable participation in the National Wave of Light.

The Still Remembered Project provides bereaved parents and families support and encouragement for a loss due to miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. Their efforts offer hope and healing throughout all stages of the grief journey. They accomplish this mission by educating local medical and bereavement communities, providing remembrance keepsakes to families, holding awareness events and hosting a monthly peer support group meeting for bereaved mothers.

Admission is free. Location: Highmark Caring Place, 620 Stanwix St., Pittsburgh. For more information, visit StillRemembered.org.

Open House at Sacred. Centered. You.

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acred.Centered.You., LLC, a healing space and wellness collective that includes amazing local individuals promoting missions of wellness and abundance, will hold an open house from 1 to 5 p.m., October 6. Sacred friends and community will enjoy good vibrations, refreshments by Tastefully Simple and magnetic conversation.

Offerings include counseling services, classes, sonic meditation, sound immersion and individual vibrational treatment— all experiences born in the concepts of self-discovery, personal acceptance and healing and promote the values of spiritual development and growth for those seeking it.

kudos Aspect Life Coaching and Serenity Center is celebrating a full year of helping women challenge themselves to establish self-care standards by uncovering their inner strength and divine wisdom; making powerful choices in every aspect of their life; and building a strong connection between mind, body, and spirit, which leads to achieving their goals.

Darlene Nelson, certified life coach and doTERRA wellness advocate, is excited about embarking on another year of sharing the benefits life coaching services, meditation classes, workshops, essential oil education classes, self-care support groups and AromaTouch treatments other tools with women to help them establish and maintain selfcare practices.

Location: 1121 Boyce Rd., Ste. 1700, Upper St. Clair, PA. For more information, call 724-299-3621 or visit AspectLifeCoaching.com.

Location: 304 3rd St., California, PA. For more information, call 412-258-0766 or visit SacredCenteredYou.com. See Resource Guide listing, page 31

October 2019

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Reduce Kids’ Risk of High Blood Pressure With Maternal Vitamin D Children born with low vitamin D levels have an approximately 60 percent higher risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 6 and 18, reports a study of 775 Boston children published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. Those with persistently low levels of vitamin D through early childhood had double the risk of elevated systolic blood pressure between ages 3 and 18.

Higher systolic numbers increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Because infants’ vitamin D levels are determined by the mothers’ levels during pregnancy, researchers suggest exploring an official recommendation for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy.

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In a Brazilian study published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, extracts of rosemary leaves and pomegranate peels, along with a South African herb known as misty plume bush, significantly reduced the ability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria to grow and spread in the laboratory, a finding that may help develop new strategies against the superbug.

Up to 75 percent of women deal at some point with the itchiness, discharge and sexual discomfort and pain of vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida species, the most prevalent being Candida albicans. Egyptian laboratory researchers tested fennel oil and eight other plant-based essential oils on 19 Candida albicans strains that were resistant to the antifungal medication fluconazole. They found that the fennel oil had significant antifungal properties against the strains, outperforming chamomile, jojoba, nigella, fenugreek, cod liver, peppermint, clove and ginger oils. When combined with fluconazole, fennel was effective on seven strains, theoretically lowering the need for higher doses of the medication.

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Fight MRSA With Herbal Extracts

Try Fennel Oil to Fight Vaginal Yeast

Protect Kids From Bullying to Lower Risk of Teen Depression A three-decade study of 3,325 young people in Bristol, UK, found that kids that were bullied at age 10 had eight times the rate of depression in their teen years, and that it persisted for some into their adult years. Using detailed mood and feelings questionnaires and genetic information, researchers found that childhood bullying was strongly associated with depression. Bullied children had a greater risk of both limited depression occurrence and persistent depressive issues. Other risk factors found to be associated with depression in the children included anxiety and the mother’s postnatal depression.

Luis Molinero/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

Balancing Bacteria for Gut Health Many people that have experienced irritable bowel symptoms, indigestion, bloating, fatigue, nausea, stomach/ back aches, headaches/migraines, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, mood fluctuations, hair loss, skin rashes, joint pain, frequently sick, unexplained anxious feelings or an autoimmune disease would never have thought those symptoms could be linked to our overall gut health. The fact is that our intestines house millions of healthy bacteria that keep the gut in balance.

If we feed our healthy bacteria what they recognize and need, they will provide us with optimal hormone, neurotransmitter and immune balance. Regularly consuming green leafy vegetables, lean meats, healthy omegas and fresh fruits are one way to keep healthy bacteria thriving.

In the event we need to take an antibiotic, taking a probiotic with at least 50 billion colony-forming units (CFU) immediately afterward will help to replenish healthy bacteria that have been killed. Not keeping that balance of our healthy bacteria allows for opportunistic bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and parasites to thrive.

Because our healthy bacteria provide us with so much hormone, neurotransmitter and immune support, anyone with disruption in their microbiome can start to experience these symptoms.

Chronic stress and food sensitivities can also cause inflammation and irritation to our gut mucosa that protects us from harmful substances getting in and helps recognized nutrients to be easily absorbed (selective permeability). When we are eating an unhealthy diet, chronically stressed or eating foods that cause an immune sensitivity, our gut lining can become inflamed and lose its ability to protect us from harm and get enough nutrients.

Those experiencing such symptoms can sometimes just take a good probiotic, eat an anti-inflammatory clean diet and reduce stress to obtain relief. In some cases, food sensitivity testing (not allergy testing) and DNA stool testing is necessary to find the root cause.

Alexis Eisner is a registered nurse and clinic manager at Advanced Integrative Medical 360, located in North Pittsburgh and Uniontown. For more information, call 412-227-9255, email aeisner@IntegrativeMedical360. com or visit IntegrativeMedical360.com.

Getting a Handle on Stress is Healthy

Stress is a factor in our modern lives, and each of us handles stress differently. What triggers the stress response in one person may not in another. Plus, the stress response can be triggered by our own thoughts and emotions.

Stress has been linked to leading causes of death in the U.S. (PsychCentral.com) such as heart disease and in some cases, suicide. Long-term stress leads to reduced immune function, high blood pressure, digestive problems, diabetes, obesity, muscle tension, depression, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, accelerated aging, memory loss and reduced learning ability. Over time, chronic stress patterns can even rewrite genetic codes and activate recessive traits that were meant to be dormant (Science Daily).

But the stress response is there to protect us by preparing to confront danger or run away (fight-or-flight).

We may also stop and freeze as we wait for the danger to pass. When the threat is too great and we cannot run or feel survival is possible, we shut down, which may result in fainting or confusion.

Once the stress is passed, we usually return to a more relaxed state. Many people find themselves in a resistance state where the stressor is gone, but they are still operating in a heightened survival state. As we remain in the alarmed state or it keeps repeating, we can become depleted by an exhaustion phase because we cannot keep up with the physiological demands.

Getting out of a stress response pattern can be difficult due to the new neuropathways created by emotionally charged responses. Stress management activities include deep breathing, meditation, flower essences, homeopathic remedies, exercise, journaling, and rest. Having a session with a wellness coach can address the wholeperson approach and tailor an individualized program.

Energy healing, either in person or at a distance, can aid the relaxation response, support the body’s vital energy and help clear and process energy. An energy healer may coach the client in energy healing self-help techniques to support the work of the session and help them retrain to find a healthy stress/relaxation response.

AndrĂŠa Kremposky, owner of Dremari Holistic Wellness, is a holistic health practitioner and certified LifeForce energy healer from Smithfield, PA. She has done remote energy healing sessions with people around the world.

For more information, call 724-984-3926, email dremari_cam@outlook.com or visit DremariHolisticWellness. net. See Resource Guide listing, page 30.

October 2019

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global briefs

Tiny Scrubbers

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Askwsar Hilonga, Ph.D., a chemical engineer and public health scientist in Tanzania, grew up dealing with waterborne diseases such as cholera that made him ill. According to the World Health Organization, he has used his scientific expertise and local knowledge to develop a purification system based on nanomaterials. While the filter is still under study, stations have been set up throughout Tanzania, mostly managed by women, to help those that otherwise would not have safe drinking water.

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Nanoparticles Purify Water

Fertile Fish

Unexpected Aquatic Rebound 724-271-8877

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Overfished and struggling widow rockfish are returning to the Pacific coast. Legal protections since 2001 had made it illegal to take the fish commercially, and fisheries managers implemented “catch share” regulations as the fishing fleet dwindled from 400 to 50 trawlers. But the fish have made a faster comeback than expected. National Marine Fisheries Service biologist Jason Cope notes that scientists were surprised by how quickly some rockfish species can reproduce. “We thought it might take a century or so for them to rebuild themselves; it’s now taking maybe a decade.”

Superfund Success Story Toxic Site Now Welcomes Walkers

A wood-treating process for telephone poles that caused soil and groundwater contamination prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate 47 acres in Bellingham, Washington, as a Superfund site in 1997. The cleanup, including removal of 28,000 tons of contaminated soil to a repository, reestablishment of a natural stream and restoring wetlands, is now complete, with walking and bicycling paths, newly planted native trees and wetland shrubs, and returning birdlife. The Oeser Company, which cooperated with the cleanup, has operated at the site since 1943 and continues to do so.

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October 2019

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Spinal Solutions Chiropractic Care Yields Unexpected Results

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by Marlaina Donato

hiropractors are often perceived as back pain specialists, but optimal chiropractic care treats the whole person from the inside-out, starting with the nervous system. This means practitioners can address many conditions that transcend typical expectations.

The human spinal column sports 31 pairs of nerves, some corresponding directly to digestive, reproductive and respiratory

organs, which might explain why regular spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques can be helpful for seemingly unrelated conditions like asthma, chronic headaches, hormonal imbalances and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

A scientific review of 179 published papers focusing on various non-musculoskeletal conditions shows benefits of fullbody chiropractic treatment for asthma,

infantile colic and cervical vertigo. Results are also promising for middle ear infections in children and pneumonia in seniors.

Clinical evidence suggests the nervous system is a cohesive factor in achieving overall wellness. “In chiropractic and holistic philosophy, the body is considered a self-healing organism,” explains chiropractic physician and applied kinesiologist Marc Terebelo, of the Chiropractic Wellness Center, in Southfield, Michigan. “The nervous system controls the body, so issues in the toes or fingers may be caused by spinal issues in the neck and low back. Likewise, bladder and menstrual cycle problems can be caused by injury to the low back or pelvic regions.”

William J. Lauretti, a New York Chiropractic College professor in Seneca Falls, concurs with the benefits of holistic treatment. “Chiropractors view the body as an integrated unit, and problems in one area might affect a seemingly unrelated area,” he says. “Most chiropractors have a wide variety of treatment approaches to offer, including advice on nutrition, lifestyle, stress management and exercise.”

Chiropractic and Digestion

It’s worth noting that the nerves that innervate important digestive anatomy—from the salivary glands to the stomach down through the intestinal tract—branch off the spinal cord at various levels of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. “This means that chiropractic adjustments given to [the] neck, mid-back, lower back and sacrum are important to optimal digestive function,” says chiropractor Sean Cailteux, of Exodus Health, in Shawnee, Kansas.

In his practice, Lauretti has observed better digestion as a positive side effect to regular adjustments. “I’ve had a few patients over the years who reported improvement in digestive problems after chiropractic treatment of the mid- and low back. In some of those cases, the improvement was serendipitous, because the patient didn’t discuss their digestive symptoms initially, only after they noticed the improvement.”

Hope for Headaches and TMJ Dysfunction

Chronic tension headaches and migraines can become the norm for too many individuals, but chiropractic care—including 10

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healing ways

Chiropractors view the body as an integrated unit, and problems in one area might affect a seemingly unrelated area. ~William Lauretti spinal adjustments, nutrition advice and addressing emotional causes such as stress and anxiety—can be key in reducing pain and getting to the root of the problem.

“Technically, only headaches with a list of very particular characteristics can be properly diagnosed as migraines,” Lauretti explains. “The cause of many cases of chronic, long-term headaches is often from poor function of the muscles and joints in the neck.”

These types of headaches often respond well to treatment focused on restoring normal function to the neck, he says.

TMJ disorders can cause painful and sometimes debilitating symptoms, including facial and tooth pain and locking of the jaw. Chiropractic treatments often provide reliable relief. “The TMJ is a very important joint in the body, with thousands of neuroreceptors. TMJ involvements can cause headaches, particularly around the ear or side of the head, vertigo, tinnitus and other hearing issues,” says Terebelo.

Cailteux notes that aside from experiencing jaw pain and headaches, someone suffering from TMJ disorder may have difficulty chewing, and may experience an audible clicking of the jaw with movement. “Chiropractic adjustments can be particularly helpful, especially when delivered to the TM joint and the neck.

Gentle, soft-tissue manipulation of the muscles and tendons of the jaw, specifically the masseter, temporalis and pterygoid muscles, is also a highly effective treatment.”

For a true holistic approach and lasting success, Lauretti offers this advice: “Look for a doctor who is willing to work as part of your healthcare team and who’s willing to refer you for specialty care when appropriate.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books, including Multidimensional Aromatherapy. She is also a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

If you listen to your body when it whispers to you, you won’t have to hear it yell later. ~Michael Duncan

October 2019

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~Laura Luciano

Slow Food Takes Root Global Movement on Fast Track

by April Thompson

T

he global Slow Food movement is fast gaining momentum, uniting more than 100,000 people in 150 countries with a shared passion for delicious food and a moral conviction about the people and places that sustain it. It satisfies foodies’ hunger for a deeper appreciation and understanding of their meals’ origins, from farm to fork.

“The key principles of Slow Food are good, clean and fair,” says Laura Luciano, a board member for Slow Food USA and Slow Food Governor for New York State.

“It’s the opposite of fast food, where you are in and out with no idea where your food comes from or the stories behind it.”

Fair, says Luciano, means fair to farmers, and paying a fair wage to workers picking and growing food. “Fair also incorporates principles of equity, inclusion and justice. Good means good for the climate, the Earth and us as individuals. Clean means not using GMOs and pesticides in the food,” she explains.

Slow Food has its roots in Italy, where food and wine journalist Carlo Petrini took up the cause in 1986 to halt the homogenous fast food chains encroaching on the country’s

rich, diverse food culture. Slow Food USA has taken off since its founding in 2000 with 150 chapters boasting 6,000 members nationwide. Many convene annually at Slow Food Nations, a food festival for all in Denver, to swap stories, share strategies, celebrate victories and of course, break bread together.

The backbone of the movement is its local chapters. “Food has a regional identity, connected to history, culture and family,” says Luciano, whose blog Out East Foodie shares the stories of her Long Island edibles.

For Bob Quinn, an organic wheat farmer in Big Sandy, Montana, and the founder of the heirloom grain company Kamut International, the Slow Food movement has been a kind of welcome homecoming and acknowledgment of his company’s efforts to protect workers and nourish consumers.

“To me, Slow Food is a return to the roots of agriculture and the soul of organic, because it focuses on the food—the end purpose of agriculture—rather than profits and yields that are the focus of the industrial food system,” says Quinn, author of Grain by Grain: A Quest to Revive Ancient Wheat, Rural Jobs, and Healthy Food. “Slow

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

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food offers an appreciation for farmers’ efforts to improve the soil and the nutrition, flavor and aroma of the foods we grow.”

The Slow Food movement also connects producers like Quinn with chefs like Steven Satterfield, author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons and board vice president of Slow Food’s Atlanta chapter. “As a chef, Slow Food to me means honoring your ingredients and going out of your way to get the freshest, most sustainable, seasonal ingredients,” says Satterfield, who came to Slow Food early in his career as a young line cook interested in the provenance of food and protecting its cultural heritage.

At Miller Union, Satterfield’s awardwinning Atlanta restaurant, all dishes are made from scratch, mainly from farms in the region, to support seasonal eating and local growing. Satterfield’s dishes also feature traditional Southern varieties from Slow Food’s Ark of Taste, a catalog of more than 200 culturally significant foods in danger of extinction. One Miller Union favorite is a hummus made from sea island red pea and benne seeds, an ancient variety of sesame originally brought by slaves from Africa to the South Carolina coast and cultivated in hidden gardens as a staple food.

Beyond engaging diners, chefs and producers, Slow Food also campaigns for big-picture policy changes, like farmto-school programs to introduce fresh produce and get kids excited about healthy eating, says Luciano.

“Eating is a political act. The choices we make speak volumes about what we stand for,” says Luciano. “We talk about joy and justice. There is the joy in food and the justice and stories behind it. Slow Food tries to marry both of those worlds.”

Connect with Washington, D.C. freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

We talk about joy and justice. There is the joy in food and the justice and stories behind it. Slow Food tries to marry both of those worlds.

conscious eating

Savory Slow Food Recipes Place the halved bok choy cut-side-down in the pan in a single layer.

photo by John Kernick

Continue to simmer over medium heat until the bok choy is tender, but still has texture and bright color, about 4 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, remove the bok choy and set aside, but leave the citrus peels and spices in the pan.

Continue to simmer until the broth is reduced by half or more.

Taste the sauce for seasoning, then at the last minute, return the cooked bok choy to the glaze and reheat all the way through.

photo by John Kernick

Glazed Bok Choy with Citrus and Star Anise One of the qualities I love about bok choy is how easily the crisp rib absorbs the flavors of whatever it is cooked with. If it is not closely monitored, however, its tender leaves wilt quickly and the rib may turn mushy. I address this issue by quickly pulling the bok choy from the pan when it just begins to turn tender and succulent, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify on its own. This recipe is perfect with a rice dish or with a delicate fish that could be poached in the cooking liquid for a full meal.

Yields: 4 servings 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock 1 orange, quartered, seeds removed 1 lemon, quartered, seeds removed 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 4 star anise pods 12 black peppercorns 1 tsp kosher salt 4 small bok choy, halved and washed Simmer the stock in a large, wide skillet or shallow braising pan over medium heat.

Squeeze the citrus into the pan, then drop in the peels.

Add the butter, star anise, peppercorns and salt, and bring back to a simmer.

Mustard-Roasted Cauliflower Cauliflower and mustard are both members of the genus Brassica, so it’s not surprising that the seed of the mustard plant is compatible with its big-headed cousin.

Try it for yourself in this incredibly simple vegetable roast, which makes a terrific side dish with fish or fowl and is also hard to stop eating straight out of the pan. If you come across the orange, green or purple cauliflower varieties, mix them together for a stunning presentation.

Yields: 4 to 6 servings 2 Tbsp whole-grain mustard 1 small garlic clove, minced 1 tsp kosher salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium head cauliflower, washed and trimmed into bite-size florets Heat the oven to 400° F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.

Whisk in the olive oil.

Toss the cauliflower in the mustard mixture to coat.

Spread in a baking dish in a single layer and roast until it’s just tender and lightly browned on the edges, 20 to 25 minutes.

Excerpted from the book Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons, by Steven Satterfield.

Coming Next Month NOVEMBER

Natural Sleep Solutions

plus: Optimal Thyroid Function BETTER SLEEP ISSUE October 2019

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Using Nutrition

to Reduce Joint Inflammation

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Pittsburgh, PA

by Danielle Marra

oint and muscle pain or arthritis can develop when there is wear and tear on the joints such as in osteoarthritis or an out-ofcontrol inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or gout. Joint and muscle inflammation can also occur in fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. Each of these is similar in that the joints or muscles can be painful, red and have loss of function. Also, the chemical pathways of the inflammatory cascade can be traced and will often help a natural doctor in customizing a treatment protocol for a patient.

Functional medicine practitioners utilize blood work markers, as well as pH testing to assess the amount of inflammation in a patient’s body. A change in diet may be customized, especially reducing the food allergies that could be burdening the patient. A diet high in olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts may also be recommended.

Other nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids have been investigated for decades, and it’s been shown that an increased intake of omega-3s supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (like Tylenol) use. Preliminary studies indicate it may have a similar effect on osteoarthritis.

A 2005 study of people with RA showed enhanced positive effects when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil. Functional medicine

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practitioners may also utilize turmeric, ginger, boswellia and other specialized herbal combinations customized for the patient.

Turmeric has been studied most. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, participants with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis that took curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) saw significant improvements in pain and physical function after six weeks, compared to placebo. Other research has shown turmeric extract was as effective as ibuprofen for knee osteoarthritis pain with fewer GI effects. A recent analysis of research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food on turmeric extracts concluded that eight to 12 weeks of treatment with standardized turmeric extracts can reduce pain due to arthritis compared with a placebo.

With the population living longer and remaining active into their senior years, constant and continuous anti-inflammatory supplementation, as well as knowing food triggers that will flare up inflammation, is imperative. If the inflammation is reduced in the joints, not only will patients feel better on the outside, but the inflammation will also be reduced internally; the same patients with joint inflammation may suffer from heart, intestine, brain and gum inflammation, as well.

Danielle Marra, DC, is the owner of Panther Functional Medicine & Chiropractic, located in Murrysville and Greensburg.

For more information, call 724-387-1014, email drdlm2000@aol.com or visit PittsburghHealthPro.com. See ad, page 11.

Fall Foraging Fun

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by Jen Dalke

he heat may lead us to believe that summer still has us in a firm grip, but regardless of the heat index, fall is upon us now, offering some wonderful food foraging in this region.

Keep in mind the importance of proper identification with all plants intended for use as food or medicine. Learn the Latin names of plants to avoid unnecessary and possibly fatal mistakes. It is helpful to attend local plant walks to see each plant up close and learn about it with all the senses.

The autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellate) is invasive in this region, so there’s usually no concern about overharvesting or sustainability. The berries are packed with lycopene and other nutrients, so it is the berries we’ll want.

They look like silver-speckled jelly beans, and some people feel they have a magical air about them. The main lookalike in our region is the bush variety of honeysuckles. However, the honeysuckle has opposite leaves, and the autumn olive will always have alternate leaves. Honeysuckle berries will not have any silver in them, either.

The paw paw tree (Asimina trilobal) grows somewhat sporadically in this region, but they’re not impossible to find. The

fruit resembles a small, green, mango, with a flavor like a delicious banana and mango hybrid. There are a number of large seeds in the middle of each fruit, but they are easy to work around. Tree leaves tend to resemble those of the hickory trees, but they are actually quite different.

People make paw paw ice cream, paw paw smoothies and paw paw desserts.

Late fall is one of the best times for harvesting the roots of different plants.

Particularly after the first frost occurs, they send many of the nutrients used during growth back into the roots. Useful roots to dig this time of year include dandelion, burdock, violet, poke root and teasel. They can be dried or made into tinctures.

Don’t stay indoors this fall—find some local teachers and discover all the season has to offer.

Jen Dalke is the owner of Blue Heron Nature Skills and the president of USC Citizens for Land Stewardship. For more information about classes, call 412-760-0801 or visit BlueHeronNatureSkills.com, Meetup.com/swpa-wild-edibles and usccls.org. See Resource Guide listing, page 30.

October 2019

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We look at the underlying causes for gum disease and cavities: Is it your diet, or hormonal changes or acid reflux?

Mouth Matters A Holistic Approach to Oral Health T

“

by Ronica O’Hara

he mouth is the doorway to the body,” so the saying goes, and today we know just how true that is. Years ago, the biannual trip to the dentist was typically a simple “drill-andfill” operation, with other health concerns not given a second glance. Now, emerging research shows that when we neglect basic oral care—even that annoying task of nightly or post-meal flossing—we endanger our heart, lungs, kidneys and even our brains by allowing the buildup of pernicious bacteria in our gums.

In April, University of Louisville School of Dentistry researchers reported that the bacteria P. gingivalis, which flourishes in gum disease, was found in brain samples of deceased Alzheimer’s patients— and that inflammation, swelling and bleeding in gums can transport the bacteria from the mouth into the bloodstream simply through chewing or teeth-brushing.

The study also linked the bacteria to rheumatoid arthritis and aspiration pneumonia.

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Advanced gum disease also increases the risk of cancer by 24 percent, especially lung and colorectal cancers; quadruples the rate of kidney disease; and increases the risk of strokes, coronary artery disease, diabetes and pre-term births, other studies show.

These findings have sobering implications for the nearly half of the American adults over age 30 and 70 percent of adults 65 and older with gum disease. “Science has proven that a healthy mouth is a healthy body,” says San Francisco holistic dentist Nammy Patel, author of Age With Style: Your Guide to a Youthful Smile & Healthy Living.

Body, Mind, Teeth

It’s part of the reason for the fresh interest in holistic dentistry, sometimes called biologic dentistry. “We look at the entire body, not just the mouth,” says Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, of Wrigleyville Dental, in Chicago, and president of the Holistic Dental Association (HDA), based in Coral Gables, Florida. Holistic dentists abstain from toxic

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materials, remove amalgam fillings, may be wary of root canals and focus on minimally invasive procedures—some of which may be high-tech and cutting-edge, such as lasers to clean teeth and gums, ozone therapy to slow the growth of infections and air abrasion to “sandblast” away small areas of tooth decay.

Holistic dentists work closely with a wide range of other complementary practitioners. “We look at the underlying causes for gum disease and cavities: Is it your diet, or hormonal changes or acid reflux?” Patel explains. That may mean prescribing a head massage, acupuncture session, meditation lessons or dietary counseling. They may run blood tests for biocompatibility of materials and incorporate approaches from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, iridology, craniosacral therapy and energy medicine. They will look for signs of sleep apnea and often treat it. However, with the added tests and consultations, they tend to be more expensive, with many procedures not covered by dental insurance. Their numbers are small: Only 391 of 199,000 American dentists belong to the HDA, or about one in 500.

Yet the natural health movement that drives holistic dentistry is having an effect on the profession at large. Many dentists nationwide, pressured by patients and aided by new technology, are abandoning toxic and invasive options for less harmful methods. Controversial mercury amalgam fillings are being edged out by less toxic options like resin composites that match teeth color; the amount of mercury sold in the U.S. for dental amalgams fell by half between 2001 and 2013.

Conventional dental X-rays, which in a Yale study published in the American Cancer Association journal Cancer were linked to non-cancerous brain tumors, are yielding to computerized digital X-rays with a fifth of the radiation: As many as two out of

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~Nammy Patel

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three dentists have switched over. And aided by computer imaging software and 3-D printers, dentists are fabricating new crowns, implants, bridges and dentures right in the office, instead of using what Austin, Texas, dentist David Frank calls “intrusive analog [gooey impressions] that left patients feeling claustrophobic, highly anxious and consistently worried about gagging.”

We look at the entire body, not just the mouth. ~Bernice Teplitsky

When visiting a dentist, whether holistic or not, it’s wise to be prepared with a natural health mindset. Some questions to ask are:

What are you filling the cavity with? Just say no to amalgam, a mixture

Should I have my amalgam fillings removed? Holistic dentists like Patel

give a strong yes. “The problem arises with mercury when you chew or brush your teeth. The abrasion creates heat and causes the mercury to off-gas. Those vapors get swallowed and go into your body, where they’re stored—and that creates significant health hazards—because we’re talking about a known poison,” she says. Other dentists disagree about removal, citing its risks: Holistic pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil, for example, writes that removing amalgam fillings is often unnecessary, costly and stressful, and recommends exchanging them for composite resin only when they break down.

Do I really need antibiotics? Oregon State University researchers found in a study this year of 90,000 patients that the

wary of the following ingredients: fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients are a plus: baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), green tea, Eucalyptol, menthol, tea tree oil and vitamin D.

Flossing: Some smooth, slippery flosses

Dialogue With Dentists

of heavy metals, of which about half is elemental mercury that slowly releases toxic vapors. Plus, “Heavy metals can leak into the enamel tubes of the teeth causing the teeth to appear gray or dark blue and making them brittle over time,” warns Los Angeles cosmetic dentist Rhonda Kalasho.

Instead, ask for relatively nontoxic options such as porcelain or composite resins, which can be made of materials such as silica, ceramic, plastics and zirconium oxide. Some composite resins contain the endocrine disrupters Bis-GMA or BPA; for extra protection, ask for one that doesn’t, or ask the dentist to use a rubber dam to prevent swallowing it.

Toothpaste: Study the labels and be

antibiotics often prescribed by dentists as prevention against infection are unnecessary 81 percent of the time, and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Typically, patients didn’t have the precise cardiac conditions that warranted the extra caution.

Is a root canal the best option?

Some holistic dentists counsel against root canals, citing the risk of long-term health problems caused by lingering bacteria, and advocate the use of herbs, laser therapy or extractions instead. “If root canals were done 20 to 30 years ago, it is definitely a problem, because there were not enough technological advances to clean out all the bacteria which could cause chronic health complications,” says Patel. “Nowadays, depending on the tooth root, canals can be 99.9 percent cleaned by lasers.”

Back to the Basics Considering the stakes, preventive care is all-important and there are many natural options to guarantee robust oral health.

At the natural health store or drugstore, consider the following options:

Toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes re-

duced plaque 21 percent more and gingivitis 11 percent more after three months compared to manual toothbrushes, reported a review of 56 studies involving 5,068 participants. Those that rotate rather than brush back-and-forth clean slightly better.

are coated with toxic, Teflon-like perfluorinated polymers linked to kidney and testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis and hormonal disruptions. A recent study found higher levels in women using those flosses.

Instead, use the old-fashioned nylon kind or try out new flosses made of biodegradable silk or bamboo or those infused with antimicrobial tea tree oil. Or, consider a water flosser, which Canadian researchers found were 29 percent more effective at plaque removal than string floss.

Mouthwash: Mouthwashes containing

alcohol significantly raise the risk of throat cancer, Australian researchers found. Instead, opt for super-healthy green tea as a mouthwash, as well as a drink. Studies show that it protects teeth from erosion and promotes healthy gums. Another simple option is warm salt water, using one cup of water and one-half teaspoon of salt. A 2017 study by the Cochrane medical study organization found it is virtually as effective as the prescription antiseptic mouthwash chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque and microbes.

Pulling: An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, this involves swishing a spoonful of organic coconut oil around the mouth and through the teeth for 10 to 20 minutes.

The oil’s lauric acid, a natural antibacterial, has been found in studies to reduce plaque formation and fungal infections, as well as the strains of bacteria linked to bad breath and irritated gums.

Taking care of our teeth and gums is simply worth the daily time and trouble to facilitate long-term health. “Your oral care should be taken just as seriously as watching your diet,” advises Kalasho.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

October 2019

17

wise words

Jenny Odell on the Importance of Doing Nothing

by Julie Peterson

mission

statement To empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet.

To educate communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability.

To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

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photo by Ryan Meyer

J

enny Odell, a visuWhat is the al artist and writer “attention econbased in Oakland, omy” and why California, is known do you believe for her creative use of second-hand imagery it’s important to from Google Maps, resist it?

YouTube, Craigslist and The attention economy other online sources. includes anything deHer work has been signed to capture and exhibited locally and direct human atteninternationally, and tion. The entire history was featured in Time of advertising has been LightBox, WIRED, The about exploiting attenEconomist and tion. But the attention The Atlantic.

Both social media and economy takes on

Odell, who has new dimensions with been teaching internet the cult of productivity something like social art and digital design are seductive, and when media, whose notifiat Stanford University we’re caught up in them, cations, pop-ups and since 2013, says she is we don’t question them. design are aimed at compelled by the ways keeping someone on in which attention a platform…[contributing] to a general (or lack thereof) leads to consequential feeling that one needs to be always on… shifts in perception. Her new book, How participating… available. to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Someone who participates deeply Economy, proposes that we use our in the attention economy is liable to attention to rebel against the seductive be kept in a loop of anxiety, fear and pull of 24/7 availability and manipulation shallow reaction. Ironically, this feeling by algorithms.

She tells us that redirecting our atten- drives them back toward the attention economy, creating an unhealthy spiral of tion toward nature allows us to gradually attention that could be more meaningremake our lives and forego the mentality fully directed elsewhere. that tells us that we must have a constant return on investment. True productivity, What inspired you to in the end, may very well be connected rethink conventional wisdom to our role in the environment and our about productivity, progress understanding of happiness, and to make and the mentality that we must those connections, we must put our attention to doing nothing. have a constant return on our

investment—including how we spend our time and where we direct our attention?

Right after the election, in late 2016, a warehouse fire in Oakland claimed the lives of many artists. I became aware of how difficult it was becoming to step away and process anything, not to mention mourn. I found that it was only by stepping away that I was able to ask questions about what it was I really wanted and how I could act meaningfully.

Both social media and the cult of productivity are seductive, and when we’re caught up in them, we don’t question them. Understanding anything requires perspective and standing outside of it; productivity is no different. Temporarily ascending to a broader, removed view, you might find that you’re struggling in all the wrong ways, or in the wrong direction.

How is “doing nothing” different from meditation?

It certainly shares some of the same goals. But whereas certain forms of meditation emphasize physical stillness, “doing nothing” for me includes things like wandering and observing.

What is the relationship between our well-being and being unproductive for a part of each day?

When we’re caught up in the idea of productivity, we’re often not

thinking about our own well-being. And yet, the “unproductive” part of one’s day is likely the one in which you remember to take care of yourself or even listen to the needs of your mind and body at all.

How do we go about challenging the forces that are disconnecting us from nature and each other?

I think the first step is simply a movement of attention. Addictive as social media may be, it is not difficult for me to move my attention from that to what is happening in physical space. Sometimes this leads to meeting other people; I’ve had great conversations with strangers when we were both peering up at the same tree, looking at the same bird.

What do you hope people will take away from the message of your book?

I hope it creates a space in which someone might begin to look at the ways they currently direct their attention and how they might want to change that. I also hope it helps people find each other. Rediscovering one’s bio-region or local history is a great way to meet others who might not exist within your social media bubble.

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it. ~Sharon Boustani

ANIMAL ASANAS Goats on the Yoga Mat

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by Yvette Hammett

hen 50 to 60 strangers gather in a barn for their first goat yoga experience, it’s a bit awkward and there’s not much interaction—until the goats come in. “It is an immediate icebreaker, and the place suddenly fills with giggles and laughs,” says Sharon Boustani, whose family runs Gilbertsville Farmhouse, in South New Berlin, New York. There is just something about miniature goats walking around on people’s backs while they do yoga that immediately de-stresses people and makes them downright happy, she adds.

It may be fun, but it’s also a form of serious therapy that’s taken off across the nation and around the globe in recent years.

Yoga by itself is proven to help with stress and pain relief, better breathing, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Add goats to the mix and the benefits are compounded by the well-documented benefits of human and animal interaction.

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A number of studies, like one published in June by the American Educational Research Association, have shown that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Other studies from the fields of psychology, animal welfare, counseling and anthropology note that these interactions offer additional positive health impacts and can reduce loneliness, boost moods and increase feelings of social support.

So combining adorable goats with a physically and spiritually beneficial yoga regimen just made sense to Lainey Morse, of

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People say it’s the best day of their life. It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular. ~April Gould

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Corvallis, Oregon, widely regarded as the mother of goat yoga. In 2015, Morse was diagnosed with a disease and was going through a divorce. “I would go out to my barn or out in the field and just be around my goats,” she says. “I wondered why they didn’t use goats for therapy like they do with horses.”

Goats, she says, have a sense of calm.

“When you are around them, you take on that energy, and it’s hard to be stressed out and have anxiety. But they are also really funny animals. They make you laugh.” She started with goat happy hour at her farm, inviting friends she knew were going through issues of their own.

“Everybody left happy,” she recalls.

When she discussed it with a yogi friend, goat yoga was born. Morse now has 13 partnerships around the country where others teach the classes and she handles the business end. “For me, it’s still about nature and getting out in nature.” Morse says she’s not quite sure why it took off like lightning, but she guesses it’s just because many people love the interaction.

April Gould and Sarah Williams run their Arizona Goat Yoga classes at the Welcome Home Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona. It is now a major tourist destination for the state. “Th ree to four times a week, we walk about 150 people out into one of the pastures,” Gould says.

A lot of visitors from out of state return every time they’re in the area, she adds.

And many Arizona residents come once, and then bring back friends and family.

“People say it’s the best day of their life.

It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular,” says Gould. Those that are more experienced can make it as difficult as they want. “And some people just want to play with the goats.”

For Bisk Education, an eLearning company based in Tampa, bringing goat yoga to its campus was a way to inspire and de-stress employees. “There is a way to integrate wellness into your corporate programs that makes you a differentiator,” says Chief People Officer Misty Brown. “When it comes to a perk, I want to make sure those investments are memorable. It gives Bisk the reputation as more of a progressive culture.”

Boustani calls it an escape experience.

“That’s primarily what it is. Yoga in general

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fit body

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A number of studies, like one published in June by the American Educational Research Association, have shown that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. is kind of geared toward letting go of your everyday worries and trying to come to some peaceful or therapeutic state.”

Introducing something so lighthearted to something that many people take so seriously, like yoga, is interesting to watch, Boustani says. “It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it.”

Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

October 2019

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If every 8-year-old is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation. ~Dalai Lama

MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM

Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive

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“

by Ronica O’Hara

hen I feel like I really want to get angry and yell, I sometimes, like, take deep breaths. My brain slows down and I feel more calm and I’m ready to speak to that person.” Those self-aware words come from a 5-year-old Los Angeles girl in the film Just Breathe.

A 9-year-old boy in a tough Brit-

ish neighborhood forgets about “all the scary stuff ” when he does “petal breathing”—opening and closing his fingers in time with his breath. “If I concentrate on my breathing, the worrying thoughts just go ‘pop’ and disappear,” he confided to The Guardian newspaper.

This is the effect that mindfulness training in the classroom often has on

students, and it’s key to why it’s happening all over the world—not just in the U.S. and the UK, but in more than 100 countries, including Australia, Taiwan and India.

What started a few decades ago as a small experiment in progressive schools is rapidly gathering speed as emerging research documents the strong positive effects of mindfulness on developing brains.

A 2015 meta-review from researchers at the University of Melbourne, in Australia, which evaluated 15 studies in six countries involving 1,800 students, showed three broad outcomes: higher well-being, better social skills and greater academic achievement. They were more optimistic, self-accepting and happier, more likely to help others, more able to focus on lessons and be creative, and less likely to be angry, anxious or disobedient.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally,” is how it’s described by Jon Kabat-Zinn, whose pioneering research at Harvard in the 1980s helped kick off mindfulness as a scientifically based, nonsectarian approach to a calmer, clearer mind. It has spread since then into business, health care and professional sports, as well as schools: Googling “mindfulness in education” brings up 116 million links.

“Mindfulness offers children the skills they need today to meet the age-old challenges of growing up within the new

Sadly, it’s much easier to create a desert than a forest. ~James Lovelock

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healthy kids

context of social media and often abMindfulness offers children the skills peace. “Because everyone has distracsurdly high expectations,” says holistic they need today to meet the age-old tions and strong emotions, learning to doctor Amy Saltzman, co-founder and observe these inner experiences with challenges of growing up within the curiosity and openness is an impordirector of the Association for Mindnew context of social media and often tant part of all children’s education,” fulness in Education. Mindfulness is now being taught in urban, suburban says psychologist Patricia Broderick, absurdly high expectations. and rural schools in 50 states. Such Ph.D., founder of Learning2Breathe, a ~Amy Saltzman programs can be low- or no-cost, mindfulness curriculum for junior and structured in many ways, taught any senior high school students. time and conducted without special equipment—important for Schools sometimes use parental consent forms to counter cash- and time-strapped schools. concerns about any potential religious implications. Often, a As a grassroots movement, mindfulness programs run school’s program expands organically as one impassioned teacher the gamut. Hundreds of schools and districts nationwide have draws in others. “The one single factor that determines a proincorporated into curricula such evidence-proven mindfulness gram’s effectiveness is the depth and consistency of personal programs as those developed by MindfulSchools.org, Learning practice of those teaching it,” says Saltzman. In fact, a University 2Breathe.org and MindUp.org, which often involve teacher trainof Wisconsin 2013 study found that teachers that practiced a ing and structured lessons. guided meditation 15 minutes a day for eight weeks had less anxiSometimes mindfulness is simply a grade school teacher ety, stress and burnout during the school year; those conditions ringing a bell signaling five minutes of silence, giving children worsened in the control group. something to focus on with closed eyes: a sound, a bite of fruit, In Middleton, Wisconsin, high school counselor Gust a stuffed animal. A middle school teacher may use a five-minute Athanas has watched as mindfulness exercises have made students guided app meditation from Calm or Headspace to settle down calmer, kinder, more focused and feel closer to each other and to students after lunch. Some schools offer moments of silence teachers: “A number of students have told me it’s the part of the during the day, a quiet room to go to or an optional class school day they look forward to the most!” in mindfulness.

Others find that teaching mindfulness during “detention” has Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural health writer. Connect a soothing effect, offering oft-traumatized kids a rare feeling of at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

MINDFUL AIDS Mindfulness-building tools: Tinyurl.com/MindfulnessEducation Techniques, Tinyurl.com/ClassroomMindfulnessTools.

“Just Breathe”: Four-minute video, shown on Oprah, of 5-yearolds discussing mindfulness. Tinyurl.com/JustBreatheFilm.

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Mindful help for parents: Tinyurl.com/KindergartenersAnd Mindfulness.

Calm, a meditation app, offers guided mindfulness exercises and is offered free to any K-12 teacher. Calm.com/schools.

Headspace, another popular mindfulness app, is also offered free to teachers, and sometimes works directly with school districts.

Headspace.com/ educators.

October 2019

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No-Kill Initiative

~Emily Bach

Paws to Consider Best Friends Waiting for Homes

by Julie Peterson

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ade Breunig, of Buckeye, Arizona, had lost his marriage, his job and his house. To combat depression, he went to the local animal shelter to adopt the first cat that “talked” to him. As if on cue, a 2-year-old black cat yowled persistently. During the adoption, Breunig learned that “Bubba” had been scheduled to be euthanized. He was saving a life.

Fourteen years later, Bubba died, and Breunig knew he would miss the mischievous, playful companion that loved car rides more than most dogs. Crying, but surrounded by his second wife and kids, he realized, “I didn’t save Bubba’s life. He saved mine.”

Anyone looking to lower blood pressure, ease anxiety or secure companionship can find it all at their local shelter, where homeless dogs and cats are eager to oblige.

Emily Bach, public relations and event coordinator at Bishop Animal Shelter, in Bradenton, Florida, has many inspiring stories about adopted shelter animals. “They are often the most devoted pets because they know they’ve been rescued,” she says.

Devoted and Practical

The benefits of the human/animal bond are manifold, supported by an army of studies that speak to pets’ ability to reduce stress, improve mood and even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research into animal-assisted therapy compiled by the University of California, Los Angeles, details the positive mental, emotional and physical effects of this natural modality.

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Meet Your Match Best Friends Animal Society has a quiz called Paws Like Me (BestFriends.PawsLikeMe.com) to match people with adoptable animals. Shelter workers can also help families select appropriate pets.

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Shelters share success stories of animals that get a “forever home”. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands don’t and are euthanized. Best Friends Animal Society, in Kanab, Utah, is working to change this. By partnering with animal welfare organizations and shelters, Best Friends has a goal to “Save Them All” through an initiative to make all of the nation’s shelters “nokill” by 2025—which means 90 percent of shelter animals might be saved. Euthanasia will be reserved for failed rehabilitation or when an animal has no chance of recovery from an illness or injury.

In 1984, when Best Friends was founded, about 17 million animals died in U.S. shelters annually. As of August 2019, that number is down to 733,000, a nationwide save rate of 76.6 percent.

Historically, no detailed data was kept on shelters. “For decades, we have worked in the dark to end shelter killing because we lacked accurate information about the problem we were trying to solve,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends. The organization recently launched the community lifesaving dashboard (BestFriends.org/2025-goal), a database that anyone can access to help save shelter pets. “With a better understanding of where the trouble spots are and the profile of animals being killed in a community, we can better deploy our collective resources for the greatest lifesaving impact.”

Part of the success of the no-kill movement involves increased awareness that kindness toward all species is important. Bach points out that shelter animals are also the lower-cost option for people that want pets; most are vaccinated and neutered before they are adopted out and are often already trained.

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They are often the most devoted pets because they know they’ve been rescued.

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The outdated myth that shelter pets are incorrigible, unlovable animals with behavioral issues no longer holds. Family circumstances—a change of job or residence, death, divorce or illness—can land a confused and well-loved dog or cat in a shelter. Others become accidental strays or are unceremoniously dumped by uncaring owners. Bishop, a no-kill shelter, places about 100 pets every month, showcasing them on social media, news outlets and at outreach events.

natural pet

Getting Ready to Adopt

Before jumping in to help save them all by adopting, potential pet parents should research breeds, crunch numbers and think ahead. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggests considering several issues:

Lifestyle: Dogs live 10 to 15 years, cats

up to 20. Pets should fit the family now and in the future.

Money: Pets require training, food, toys, equipment, medical exams and treatment.

Breeds: Not all dogs and cats will be a

M

good match for every home. Personality is key.

TRY FOR FREE!

Safety: Pet-proofing a home includes

removing potential dangers and preventing accidental escape through windows, doors or fences.

Not everyone can adopt, but anyone can help. Shelters accept donations and most have a wish list of items. Volunteers are a core need at shelters, and it’s work that can quench the thirst for spending time with animals without adopting any of them.

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin.

Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Pets Promote Health

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any studies document the positive influence of pets on our well-being.

Healthy Heart

Single people that live with a dog have a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

(Tinyurl.com/DogsAndCardiovascular).

Part of the reason for this is likely because dog owners tend to get more physical activity than those without dogs, which makes dog owners generally more fit (Tinyurl.com/NIH-PetsAndHealth).

Less Stress

The demands of life can take a toll on the body. Contact with animals is linked to lower heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety and fear levels, and increased feelings of calmness. Lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, have been shown to help regulate inflammation, which helps the immune system fight off everything from colds to diseases (Tinyurl. com/AnimalVisitationProgram and Tinyurl. com/StressAndInflammation).

Social Bonding

In children with autism spectrum disorder, animals help them learn to connect better to others. One study using guinea pigs found that these kids talked and laughed more with peers. There are now therapy

DON’T MISS YOUR programs using dogs, horses and chickens (Tinyurl.com/AnimalsAndAutism).

Mood Boost

Animals elicit smiles, which makes them great for deterring depression (Tinyurl. com/PetTherapyAndDepression).

Cancer Help

From lessening loneliness to lifting emotional well-being, children and adults undergoing cancer treatment seem to benefit from time with dogs (Tinyurl.com/ CaninesAndChildhoodCancer and Tinyurl. com/AnimalsAssistChemo).

Pain Killer

Animals can soothe away some chronic pain and enable people to reduce use of pain medication (Tinyurl.com/Animals AndPainRelief).

October is National Shelter Pets Month Bring Home a Friend for Life

CONNECTION YOUR NATURAL MATCH IS WAITING TO MEET YOU! Welcome to the largest holistic, conscious, spiritual and green network of dating sites online.

We invite you to become a member and feel the energy on our site from the moment you first log in.

Join now at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

October 2019

25

Seven years without a cold?

sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had

By Doug Cornell in years.” ore and more people are He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early saying they just don’t get it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians colds anymore. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on They are using a new device made the market. a CopperZap. No viruses were found of pure copper, which scientists say Now tens of thousands of people alive soon after. kills cold and flu have tried it. Nearly Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams viruses.

100% of feedback confirming the discovery. He placed Doug Cornell said the copper millions of disease germs on copper. invented the stops colds if used “They started to die literally as soon as device in 2012. within 3 hours after they touched the surface,” he said.

“I haven’t had a the first sign. Even People have used it on cold sores single cold since up to 2 days, if they and say it can completely prevent ugly then,” he says. still get the cold it outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on People were is milder than usual wounds or lesions to combat infections. skeptical but EPA and they feel The handle is New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university better. curved and finely studies demonstrate repeatedly that Users wrote things like, “It textured to improve viruses and bacteria die almost instantly stopped my cold right away,” and “Is contact. It kills germs when touched by copper. it supposed to work that fast?” picked up on fingers That’s why ancient Greeks and “What a wonderful thing,” wrote and hands to protect Egyptians used copper to purify water Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more you and your family. and heal wounds. They didn’t know colds for me!”

Copper even about viruses and bacteria, but now we Pat McAllister, age 70, received kills deadly Dr. Bill Keevil: do. one for Christmas and called it “one Copper quickly kills germs that have cold viruses.

Scientists say the high conductance of the best presents ever. This little become resistant to of copper disrupts the electrical balance jewel really works.” Now thousands of antibiotics. If you are near sick people, in a microbe cell and destroys the cell users have simply stopped getting colds. a moment of handling it may keep in seconds.

People often use CopperZap serious infection away from you and So some hospitals tried copper touch preventively. Frequent flier Karen your loved ones. It may even save a life. surfaces like faucets and doorknobs.

Gauci used to get colds after crowded The EPA says copper still works This cut the spread of MRSA and other flights. Though skeptical, she tried it even when tarnished. It kills hundreds illnesses by over half, and saved lives. several times a day on travel days for of different disease germs so it can Colds start after cold viruses get in 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a prevent serious or even fatal illness. your nose, so the vast body of research sniffle!”

CopperZap is made in America of gave Cornell an idea. When he next Businesswoman Rosaleen says pure copper. It has a 90-day full money felt a cold about to start, he fashioned when people are sick around her she back guarantee. It is $69.95. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it uses CopperZap morning and night. “It Get $10 off each CopperZap with gently in his nose for 60 seconds. saved me last holidays,” she said. “The code NATA13.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The kids had colds going round and round, Go to www.CopperZap.com or cold never got going.” It worked again but not me.” call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. every time.

Some users say it also helps with Buy once, use forever.

ADVERTORIAL Pittsburgh, PA NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com 26

Copper in new device stops cold and flu

M

calendar of events NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 Women’s Guided Meditation – 7-8:30pm. Lovely Ladies Guided Meditation Group facilitated by Bonnie Hoffman, Holistic Health Coach. Unwind while listening to healing music and allow the soothing aroma from our meditation mist help you to relax.

Meditate, visualize and connect with like-minded women. Bring a pillow or mat. $12 donation. Hampton Holistic Center, 1019 Perry HWY, Perrysville.

RSVP via Facebook or Hampton-Holistics.com/ events-1/lovely-ladies-meditation.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 The Art of Intentional Living – 6-7:15pm. Revamp your habits with yoga teacher Cortny Kennick. This four-week course of yoga and meditation will guide you through making meaningful changes during an inward journey to unlock your creativity.

Weekly themes include decluttering, setting boundaries, minimalism, and reflection. $60/series or $20/ class. Youghiogheny Holistic Wellness Center, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville. 724-707-4338.

Plant-based Eating – 7-8pm. Beginners workshop led by certified Holistic Health & Lifestyle Coach Sarah Kaminski. Basic principles of plant-based eating to increase energy and optimize digestion.

Free. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St. 412242-3598. EastEndFood.coop.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 Small Business Resource Fair – 5:30-7:30pm.

Calling all artisans, new entrepreneurs, and craftsmen! Join for an informal networking event based on topics chosen by small businesses like yours.

Free. RSVP to Caitlin Carey: cCarey@aacc-awc. org. August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave. 412-339-1011.

Creating a Sacred Space – 6-8pm. Join spiritualist, activist, wife, earth momma to two, and small business owner Kearra Bradshaw to learn the art of creating a sacred space. Understand the history and spiritual meaning behind using smudge sticks, palo santo, cedar and sweetgrass. $22/ticket.

Youghiogheny Holistic Living Center, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville. 724-707-4338. Ticket: SquareUp. com/store/youghiogheny-holistic-living.

space! Come enjoy good vibrations, refreshments

by Tastefully Simple and magnetic conversation!

304 3rd St, California, 412-258-0766. SacredCenteredYou.com.

Chair Yoga for Inner and Outer Well-being – 6-6:45pm. Join for this chair-based practice to increase resilience, stability and balance. Seated and standing yoga poses along with breath awareness and mindfulness. Yoga Garden, 39 W Main St, Uniontown. 724-970-2273. Register: Clients.

MindBodyOnline.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

ciety of Somerset County. Seven Springs Festival Grounds, 777 Waterwheel Dr, Seven Springs.

Tickets: NamastHay Goat Yoga on Facebook.

412-348-8447.

Moving into Mindfulness – 2-6pm. Wellbeing Solutions hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden.

Join Health and Wellness Coach Colleen Harshbarger for this four-hour yoga and meditation immersed in nature. Learn to let go of stress and anxiety into a space of calm, connect with nature, improve your mood, uplift your energy, and quiet your mind. $100/nonmembers, $80/WVBG members. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WVA. 304-322-2093.

Tickets: Forms.DonorSnap.com.

Slow Flow and Sound Immersion – 5:30-7:30pm.

Hosted by One Point One Yoga. Join Sadie Grossman and Cleveland-based yogi and musician Ylonda Rosenthal-Green for a two-hour slow-flow yoga class and sound immersion experience. Enjoy the healing sounds of crystal bowls, cello and gong. $35. One Point One Yoga, 4929 Penn Ave. 412447-1787. Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Sound Immersion and Chakra Meditation – 10-11am. Immerse yourself in the vibrations of all seven sound bowls played individually while guided through a meditation. Specific mantras are chanted to accompany each chakra and will begin at the root and travel systematically up through the crown. All levels. $20. One Point One Yoga, 4929 Penn Ave. 412-447-1787. Tickets: Clients.

MindBodyOnline.com.

Sacred Centered You Open House – 1-5pm. Join to help Sacred Centered You officially welcome their sacred friends and community into their new

Shiloh Farm Open House – 3:30-6:30pm. Hosted

by Grow Pittsburgh. Third annual open house featuring farm tours, food, face painting, games for the whole family. Taste the unique flavor of grilled veggies and heirloom pepper varieties. Free. Shiloh Farm. 7211 Thomas Blvd.

Trauma and Loss Circle – 6-8pm. Hosted by The Becca White and The Village. Providing open space for women to gather and support each other while rediscovering themselves through uncertainty and loss. For women who have experienced birth trauma and pregnancy loss. Donation based. The Village, 90 W Main St, Ste 200, Uniontown. Tickets: Paypal.me.

Sacred Centered Circle – 7-8:30pm. Join this small group experience to radiate, meditate, and congregate. Share and experience all things healing and wellness from sound healing to chakra talk, from essential oils to mindfulness, to spiritual growth. $5 donation. Sacred Centered You, 304 3rd St. California. 412-258-0766. RSVP: SacredCenteredYou.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 Intro to Essential Oils – 7:30-8:30pm. Hosted by AlchemicOil. Presented by David Gamble, Herbalist and Holistic Practitioner, the CEO of Embody Healing, LLC. Do you know what goes into your essential oils or how to choose good, quality oil?

Learn where essential oils come from, what they are, how to use them, and about issues around quality and sustainability. Free. Register at Eventbrite to qualify for the raffle. Manifest Psychotherapy & Wellness, 1301 S Braddock Ave. 412-407-7642.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 35th Annual Houston Pumpkin Festival – Oct 11-13. 10am-7pm. Featuring family fun for all ages.

More than 175 food and craft vendors, music and entertainment. Children’s games and activities, a

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 An Afternoon of Ayurveda – Noon-3pm. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old tradition offering guidance for living a long, healthy and balanced life. Join Laurnie for a mini Ayurveda consultation session as an introduction to Ayurveda. Learn your natural constitution and create a plan to establish balance through diet and lifestyle choices. $35/ticket. One Point One Yoga, 4929 Penn Ave. 412-447-1787.

Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

NamastHay Goat Yoga on the Mountain – 1-3pm.

NamastHay Goat Yoga of Pittsburgh’s outdoor studio will be lakeside on top of a mountain. Dress for weather, bring your mat. All levels casual class where pygmy, full-sized, and adorable kid goats mingle amongst us. $5 parking fee. $22/ticket. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Humane So-

Make your community a little GREENER…

Support our advertisers.

For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community. source: the350project.net October 2019

27

com/yough_river_trail. Download, print, and mail registration to Yough River Bike Trail Council: 794 Vanderbilt Rd, Connellsville. 724-628-6078.

parade, and pumpkin-related contests. Free admission. Proceeds benefit the Houston Volunteer Fire Department. American Legion Post, #902 Picnic grounds, 124 W Pike St, Houston.

Vision Boarding at the Village 15401 – 2-4pm.

Hosted by The Village: a healing community space and The Becca White. Join for an afternoon of creating a life that you love. Meditation, journaling, releasing and creating. Each guest leaves with their own poster board and access to magazines to create from. The Village 15401, 90 W Main St, Ste 200, Uniontown.

Seedlings: Mindfulness for Kids – 6-7pm. Join Sara, of Learn and Grow with Sara Jo to explore all the fun things that come with fall! Learn new techniques to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine with your kiddos. Kid-friendly meditation, pumpkin carving and exploration of the five senses, scavenger hunt meant to engage parents and children with nature and one another, healthy snack and each child painting a small pumpkin to take home.

Donation: minimum $5/family. Youghiogheny Holistic Living Center, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville.

RSVP: Emily: 724-707-4338.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 RADical Days at Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History – 10am-5pm. An annual event celebrating museum assets with free admission, musical and dance performances, and family activities offered by arts and culture organizations, parks and recreation, sports, and regional attractions funded by the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Free.

Visit the RAD website for all RADical Days events: RadWorkShere.org/pages/radical-days-2019. 4400 Forbes Ave. 412-622-3131.

Healthy Harvest Fest – 1-4pm. Hosted by Hampton Holistic Center. Join us for our first ever Healthy Harvest Fest to celebrate, promote, and support local farms and makers. Featuring Auburn Meadow Farms, showcasing ethically raised beef and pork.

Local vendor market including chair massage, food vendors, apple cider from Soergel Orchard

NOVEMBER

Coming Next Month

Optimal Thyroid Function

Plus: Natural Sleep Solutions BETTER SLEEP ISSUE

and more. Vendors, text: 412-486-1829. Hampton Holistic Center, 1019 Perry Hwy. 412-847-8361.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 Zero-Waste Shopping Demo – 6:30-7:30pm. Learn to shop in bulk, save money, live more sustainably!

Reap financial and environmental rewards by eliminating single-use plastic, selecting environmentally friendly packaging, and building a zero-waste shopping kit. Demo of real food prepared with ingredients from the Co-op’s bulk department. Free. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St. EastEndFood. coop. 412-242-3598.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 Monthly Volunteer Opportunity – 6-7:30pm.

Come lend a hand and bring a dish to share for an open-to-all monthly volunteer night and potluck!

Shiloh Farm, 7211 Thomas Blvd. 412-362-4769.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 NamastHay Goat Yoga of Pittsburgh – to Benefit Paws Across Pittsburgh – 2-3:30pm. The final Goat Yoga event of the year; a portion of proceeds to Paws Across Pittsburgh. Visit their vendor table, along with Goat Charm Chakra Jewelry by Rainy Laux, Vi Laux’s Glass Ornaments featuring adorable goats and lotuses, Mio’s Organic Elixirs, and Feral Moon Alchemy. NamastHay Goat Yoga merchandise will also be available. Location is a field at the top of a dirt driveway, somewhat rugged in spots. $20, children 4-10/free with adult purchase.

Not a good fit for younger kiddos. Located at Potential Farm, 101 Boyds Run Rd, Presto. Ticket info: NamastHay Goat Yoga on Facebook. 412-348-8447.

Healthy Emotions with Essential Oils – 5-6pm.

Introductory class on balancing emotions using essential oils. Led by Herbalist and Holistic Practitioner David Gamble, the CEO of Embody Healing, LLC. Learn which oils can be used safely; compare traditional medicine and modern methods to herbal and holistic practices. RSVP to get a hand-out and be entered in the free raffle for this free but branded presentation (meaning there is some advertising involved). Hosted at Manifest Psychotherapy & Wellness on Facebook, 1301 S Braddock Ave. 412-407-7642.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 25th Annual Fall Foliage Ride/Walk and Picnic – Noon-4:30pm. Noon registration at Yough River Park, picnic at 3pm. $25 covers picnic and longsleeve shirt. Picnic only (no shirt) $5. Link contains payment and registration info: RegionalTrailCorp.

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Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Rest and Rejuvenate: Guided Meditation at the Salt Cave – 3-3:45pm. Hosted by Lesa Vivio of Sacred. Centered. You. LLC. A guided journey of relaxation with vibrational sound healing in the micro-climate of an authentic Himalayan salt cave.

The tones of instruments such as Himalayan and crystal bowls promote therapeutic, deep relaxation while you bathe in the anti-inflammatory, immune system stimulating air of the salt cave. $45/person.

Arrive 15 minutes prior to register. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

Tickets: SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com.

Chair Yoga for Inner and Outer Well-Being – 6-6:45pm. Hosted by The Yoga Garden. Join for this chair-based practice to increase resilience, stability, and balance. Seated and standing yoga poses along with breath awareness and mindfulness. Yoga Garden, 39 W Main St, Uniontown. 724-970-2273.

Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 Teens: Fake News and Information Literacy Workshop – 3:30-5pm. Hosted by PublicSource and Mt. Lebanon Public Library. What does “fake news” mean? Learn to tell if what you are hearing and reading is accurate. Explore the wild, devious world of propaganda/fake news sources like 4chan, message boards, and foreign government propaganda. Free. 16 Castle Shannon Blvd, Mt Lebanon.

412-531-1912. Tickets: MtLebanonLibrary.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Beautiful Buckwheat – Noon-2pm. Hosted by CRAFT (Center for Regional Agriculture, Food, and Transformation). Native to this area, buckwheat has a rich cultural and agricultural history. While usually treated as a grain, it is a seed more akin to quinoa and amaranth and is therefore gluten-free. Delve into its history, learn its many health benefits and unique qualities and taste samples. Everyone goes home with locally sourced buckwheat and recipes to try. $50/person. Alumni use code ALUMNI for 10% discount. CRAFT at Chatham University, 6035 Ridge Rd, Gibsonia. 412-365-1118. Tickets: Craft.

Chatham.edu.

Chakra Balance: Essential Oils for your Wellness – 1-2pm. Hosted by Sacred Centered You and Chakra Yoga Healing. Explore the healing qualities of essential oils to activate and support the full spectrum functioning of the chakra system with Brooke Smokelin. $5. 304 3rd St, California, 412-258-0766.

SacredCenteredYou.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 New Moon Gratitude Circle – 6-7:30pm. Hosted

by The Becca White. New moons are exceptional times to set new intentions and begin again. Join each month for new moon circles. $11/ticket. The Village 15401, 90 W Main St, Ste 200, Uniontown.

Tickets: BalanceWellnessBoutique.com.

ongoing events NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

sunday Metaphysical Monthly Meet and Greet Potluck – 4-6pm. Hosted by Well Oiled. A monthly casual, friendly and welcoming opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded friends.

The shop is closed and that is when the fun begins. Bring something to eat or drink. Free.

Well Oiled, 1414 Potomac Ave. 412-531-6457.

WellOiledMom@yahoo.com.

tuesday Taco Tuesdays – Thru Nov 19. 9am. Treat yourself to three, gluten-free, corn tortilla tacos for $10.

From our dedicated gluten-free café made fresh by Chef David. Four options: Logan Farms ground beef, Cilantro Lime Logan Farms steak, local chicken breast, or enchilada-style veggies. Fresh house-made toppings. Sunny Bridge Natural Foods and Café, 130 Gallery Dr, McMurray, 724-9425800. SunnyBridgeNaturalFoods.com.

Morning Slow Flow with Faith – 9-10am.

Tuesdays. Join Faith for this lovely morning yoga session filled with slow intentional movement, meditation and journaling. Perfect for any level.

Limited to 10 spots, so RSVP at SquareUp.com/ store/youghiogheny-holistic-living.

Youghiogheny Holistic Living, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville. 724-707-4338.

Let’s Get Cooking! – 3:30-4:30pm. Hosted by ConnectedHealth LLC. Join for a weekly fun, free, and interactive cooking demonstration. Dietitian Lauri Lang crafts healthy and delicious recipes with a holistic philosophy and personalized custom focus.

12620 Perry Hwy, Wexford. 724-933-4300.

Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market – 4pm. 34 regional farmers and vendors offering organic and natural produce, local eats, bread, cheese, baked goods, wine, honey, jams, coffee and tea, soaps, candles, plus live music and more. Arsenal Park, 250 40th St, Pittsburgh. 412-802-7220 Volunteer and Potluck Night – 5:30-7pm. Hosted

by Grow Pittsburgh. Come lend a hand and bring a dish to share at Braddock Farms for an open-toall weekly volunteer night and potluck. Braddock Family Farms, 1000 Braddock Ave, Braddock.

412-362-4769.

wednesday Wellness Wednesday – East End Coop – 8-9am.

Receive 10% off regularly-priced vitamins, supplements, essential oils, and health and beauty products. First Wednesday of every month. Free samples and a free wellness class. EastEndFood. coop 412-242-3598.

Co-op Volunteer Opportunity – 4:30-6:30pm.

Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, 7013 Monticello St. Info: 413-639-8380 or Taylor.

Celeste@gmail.com.

Morgantown Farmers’ Market – 8:30am-noon.

All products sold are grown or produced within 50 miles; veggies and fruits, meats, eggs, baked foods, seedlings, herbs, flowers, dried beans, flours, maple syrup, cheese and more. 415 Spruce St, Morgantown, W Virginia.

Swissvale Farmer’s Market – 9am-1pm. Locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade crafts and gift items. Jodikinos Farms, Hawk & Hen Gardens, Catchfly Gardens, Pitaland, Great Harvest Bread, Park Street Treats, Cobbler World, Just Harvest, Knitting by Pam and Donna, Meem’s Knits and Sky Blue Sky Studio. 2036 Noble St, Swissvale. swissvalefarmersmarket@gmail.com Co-op Volunteer Opportunity – 9:30-11:30am.

Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, 7013 Monticello St. Info: 413-639-8380 or Taylor.

Celeste@gmail.com.

The Art of Intentional Living – Thru Oct. 6-7:15pm. Revamp your habits with yoga teacher Cortny Kennick. This four-week course of yoga and meditation will guide you through making meaningful changes during an inward journey to unlock your creativity. Weekly themes include decluttering, setting boundaries, minimalism, and reflection. $60/ series or $20/class. Youghiogheny Holistic Wellness Center, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville. 724-707-4338.

thursday Monthly Volunteer Opportunity – 6-7:30pm. 3rd Thur (Oct 17).Come lend a hand and bring a dish to share for an open-to-all monthly volunteer night and potluck! Shiloh Farm, 7211 Thomas Blvd.

412-362-4769.

Introduction to Herbal Medicine – 6:30pm. With Cutting Root Farm and Apothecary. Plant identification and cultivation tips, harvesting and uses of medicinal plants. $10 donation. Sterrett Middle School Medicinal Herb Garden, 7100 Reynolds St, Pittsburgh. Facebook.com/CuttingRootFarm.

Belly Dance: Magical Motion – 7-8pm. With Dréa Kremposky. Low-impact, natural, body mechanics.

Strengthen and tone your core. All ages and abilities welcome. Dress comfortably for movement. $10/ class or $35/four sessions. The Phoenix Arts Center, 13 Pittsburgh St, Uniontown. RSVP: 724-984-3926.

DremariHolisticWellness.net.

friday Morning Yoga in the Garden – 9-10am. Join yoga instructor Heidi Sherwin to connect with nature. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Bring a yoga mat, water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a small towel. $15/ class, $50/series for members, $65/nonmembers.

West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV. 304-322-2093. Register: wvbg. org/programs/events/.

saturday A.M. Meditation – Beginner Level – Thru Nov. 8-9:30am. Learn how to meditate using affirmations and yoga to bring peace to your heart and find your voice. Donation. Youghiogheny Holistic Wellness Center, 144 N 3rd St, Connellsville. 724-707-4338.

SOKO Community Market – 11am-3pm. 3rd Sat. Sponsored by the Hill District Community Development Corp. The Swahili word for market is Soko. Find locally grown fresh produce, organic products, local small business vendors and local artists. Vendors wanted. 412-765-1820. HillDistrict. org/SOKOmarket.

Bedner’s Monthly Weed Walks –2-3pm. With Jen D of Southwest PA Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Group. No walk during extreme weather. Donation.

Meet at big round table in front of Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald.

Must RSVP 48 hours in advance: BlueHeronNatureSkills@gmail.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople covering the Greater Pittsburgh area, SW Pennsylvania and Morgantown WV to help others grow their natural health & wellness and sustainable living or green businesses. Commission-based. Full- or part-time. Paying 25% commission. Unlimited potential income. Be a part of something magical! Send resume to Michelle: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business, complete with comprehensive training and support system.

New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/MyMagazine.

October 2019

29

community resource guide

HOLISTIC CENTER

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our Pittsburgh community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com to request our media kit.

AROMATHERAPY WELL OILED

Melissa Robb, BSW, JD, CA, RPII Certified Aromatherapist, Reiki II Practitioner 1414 Potomac Ave, Dormont 412-531-6457 • GetWellOiled.com Be your own best wellness advocate. Melissa can help you learn about essential oils, answer questions about CBD or help you along your spiritual path. Holistic We l l n e s s S h o p p r o v i d i n g accessible, affordable, and safe products plus workshops for optimal health and wellness: mind-body-spirit. High-quality aromatherapy oils and accessories, CBD and spiritual workshops. See calendar for classes.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY JANET LAZARUS – BIOLOGIC DENTIST Dr. Janet Lazarus, DMD, NMD Mail: 4313 Walnut St, Ste 178 Office: Olympia Shopping Ctr Arcade, McKeesport • 412-754-2020 Dr.Lazlo@hotmail.com

D r. L a z a r u s p r a c t i c e s compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to offer preventative care and health maintenance. She offers compatibility testing on dental material, safe mercury removal, extraction and a host of other treatments including ozone therapy. She has been practicing for 28 years.

See ad, page 9.

CHIROPRACTIC PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Danielle Mara, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com Dr. Danielle Mara has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications, and nutritional support. The practice provides advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 11.

PITTSBURGH UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

David Radziercz, DC, Co-Director 8110 Ohio River Blvd, Pittsburgh 412-766-0321 Info@PittsburghUpperCervical.com PittsburghUpperCervical.com Upper cervical chiropractic focuses on restoring balance and function to the spine and nervous system to bring about positive health changes. We help people just like you get out of pain and get back to actually living. Ask about our new patient starter package.

FAMILY AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE GENTILE FAMILY DIRECT PRIMARY CARE Natalie Gentile, MD 5655 Bryant St, Pittsburgh GentileFamilyDPC@gmail.com GentileFamilyDPC.com

Affordable, high-quality, evidencebased direct primary care for patients of all ages, regardless of insurance status. Become a member for a low monthly fee and get unlimited office visits, quality healthcare, wholesale prices on prescription medication and at-cost labs. They support a plant-based lifestyle and specialize in intensive therapeutic lifestyle counseling.

HEALTH FOOD SUNNY BRIDGE NATURAL FOODS & CAFÉ

DREMARI HOLISTIC WELLNESS

Andréa Kremposky: Holistic Health Practitioner, Energy Healer (Cert.)

Smithfield • 724-984-3926 DremariHolisticWellness.net Assessments, coaching collaboration for whole individual wellness: body, mind and energy.

Nutrition, herbs, complementary modalities and energy work.

Specializing in distance/remote work. Workshops available.

INTERIOR DESIGN DEBORAH BELLA INTERIOR DESIGN

Debbie S. Bielawski, Allied ASID, Associate IIDA 412-216-5487 • DeborahBella.com Info@DeborahBella.com Redesigning your home or office beautifully by utilizing natural, eco-friendly, sustainable and biophilic solutions that are healthier for your mind, body and soul. See ad, page 15.

NATURE EDUCATION BLUE HERON NATURE SKILLS Jen Dalke BlueHeronNatureSkills.com

Naturalist and herbalist Jen Dalke teaches classes to inspire others to love nature more. Jen leads a multitude of workshops, plant walks and classes. Topics range from plant identification, foraging, camping, herbal first aid, nutrition, survival, to anatomy and physiology for herbalists and more. Class locations include many parks and hiking trails in the Pittsburgh area and free weekly classes at the Bridgeville Public Library.

PETS/ANIMALS

Peters Town Center, 130 Gallery Dr McMurray • 724-942-5800 SunnyBridgeNaturalFoods.com

SOULSHINE HOLISTIC PET SITTING & MORE

Locally owned and operated grocery, health and wellness store since 2002. We offer natural, organic and local foods and products; special diet including GF and Keto; quality supplements; dedicated peanut and GF bakery featuring beautiful custom cakes. Our café offers delicious house-made meals. We provide exceptional customer service and knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 5.

Pet sitting for body, mind and soul.

Pittsburgh area pet sitting in your home – farms included! Jen uses all-natural body care/cleaning products. Skilled garden upkeep.

House cleaning upon request.

Open to watching any type of animal. 15 years’ experience caring for others’ animals, a lifetime experience of caring for her own!

Visit website for more details and offerings. See ad, page 21.

Jen Dalke SoulShinePets.com

Love yourself for who you are, and trust me, if you are happy from within, you are the most beautiful person, and your smile is your best asset. ~Ileana D’Cruz 30

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

SPIRITUAL THE PRAYER WARRIOR AND HEALER ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer.com ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer@gmail.com

Healing children, adults and pets through Divine Intervention practices. Specializing In: customized written prayer requests and crystal grids; assisting empathic and sensitive children; Akashic (past-life record) readings; energy clearing for self, home, property and workplace. See ad, page 8.

THERMOGRAPHY ALL ABOUT THERMOGRAPHY, LLC

Barbara Calcagni, CCTII Serving Western PA and beyond 412-378-7506 • AllAboutThermography.com AllAboutThermography@gmail.com Facebook: All About Thermography Thermography is non-invasive medical testing that is radiation free. Barbara Calcagni is a Certified Clinical Level II Thermographer (CCT II) who provides overall health screenings, finding inflammation/infection or disease. Choose to be proactive with your health.

See ad, page 21.

URBAN FARMING GROW PITTSBURGH

Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org GrowPittsburgh.org Grow Pittsburgh is an urban, agriculture nonprofit that teaches people how to grow food. They envision the day when everyone grows and eats fresh, local and healthy food. Get involved. Take a tour, become a member, learn, volunteer! Visit their website for workshops and events. See calendar for workdays.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC 304 Third St, California, PA 412-258-0766 SacredCenteredYou.com

Offering individual and group experiences that promote healing through self-discovery and personal acceptance. Special focus on sound healing, life coaching, qigong, and vibrational medicine.

WELLNESS LEARN AND GROW WITH SARA JO

144 Third St, Connellsville 724-208-4977 LearnAndGrowSJR.wixsite.com/website Nutrition and wellness coaching through mindfulness, holisticbased approaches, SOUL (seasonal, organic, unprocessed and local) and intuitive eating. By appointment only. Schedule a free, 30-minute consultation.

Empowering others to listen to their bodies and to create health in their lives according to their needs and lifestyle. See calendar for classes.

WINER WELLNESS CENTER 2419 Baldwick Rd, Pittsburgh 412-922-9355 • DrWiner.com

Holistic Wellness Center with practitioners for chiropractic, nutritional consultation, allergy elimination and muscle therapy. Workers’ compensation and accident insurance claims. Fully stocked all-natural supplement store.

Don’t count the days, make the days count. ~Muhammad Ali

October 2019

31

NOVEMBER

Natural Sleep Solutions plus: Optimal Thyroid Function

BETTER SLEEP ISSUE

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Aromatherapy • Eco-Friendly Mattresses, Bedding & Accessories • Meditation Energy Healing • Spiritual Healing • Yoga Classes • Yoga Therapy Biomedical Hormone Replacement Therapy • Skin Care and Spas ... and this is just a partial list!

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Uplifting Humanity

Age-Defying Lifestyles

plus: Earth-Friendly Holidays

plus: Immune Support

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

724-271-8877