Second Opinion Magazine

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July/August 2015

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Cover by katebentleyphoto.com Second Opinion ‌| 1

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Second Opinion ‌| 2

Why we do what we do.

Our goal is to connect Chippewa Valley consumers with alternative health and wellness resources and products that will help them lead healthier, happier lives. The idea of keeping it local and helping people discover how many incredible services and offerings our little backyard may offer has been a major driving force in everything we do in the magazine.

Why read us?

Second Opinion’s mission is to help educate and empower folks in the region to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

We are THE region’s health and wellness resource and have helped to shape and grow the wellness movement in the area—that includes helping to educate people about the value of massage therapy, chiropractics, organic foods, buying local and much more!

We’d love to help support your mission to thrive and grow in the area and we’d love YOUR support to help us continue being the awesome resource that we are. Together we can help create a healthier, more aware community.

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Opinions expressed in Second Opinion are those of the writers or advertisers themselves, not the publication or its editors. Second Opinion is not liable for use of any artwork provided by advertisers. Please direct concerns to the advertisers. ©2006-2015

Contents

4 balanced living ▪ Beloved Sisters: Local Natural Remedies ▪ St. Joseph's Announces New Birth Center 8 Sip Smart 10 The Story of One Happy Home Birth 11 Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 12 Stress: The Real Reason You Are Not Getting Pregnant 14 Kenton's Place: Working Toward a Local Breast Milk Bank 16 Boost Fertility Naturally 18 Bringing Home Baby 19 Pregnancy and the Litter Box 20 Having Difficulty Becoming Pregnant?

23 Why Holistic Dentistry Says No to Fluoride 24 8 Tips for Injury-Free Yard Work 25 5 Plants Your Kids Will Go Crazy Over!

26 Growing A Mindful Life 29 Tick Facts Cover Photo: Kate Bentley is a photographer specializing in engagement and wedding portraits based in Eau Claire, WI . Kate believes in storytelling, high fives, emotional connection and laughter.

katebentleyphoto.com

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Second Opinion ‌| 3

balanced living Farmers Markets Facts In 2014 there were roughly 8,000 farmers markets in the United States, according to the USDA Marketing Services Division. That number is up 76 percent since 2008.

The popularity of farmers markets would not surprise you if you’ve ever been to the downtown market in Eau Claire on a Saturday morning inUpset July.

starting in 2016. The pavilion will be built by the Ludington Guard band shell in Wilson Park, close to the downtown area and the new Menomonie Market Co-op.”

► Tokens Program Grows

► New at the Markets

GI AtTract? the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market, ► Why Are Farmers ADD DILL watch for a few new vendors this year, who may offer “a different sort” of

found that dill’s limonene Markets So in Demand?Indian scientistsproduct than what shoppers have seen

works as well as prescription antibiotics at The Center for Urban Education there before. also hopes to killing harmful intestinal bacteriaThe suchmarket as about Sustainable Agriculture gives E. coli. feature some special promotions and giveseveral reasons: fresh food tastes better Pairs well with:aways. salmon, eggs, cucumbers, and is healthier, you’re helpingchicken, the Cheddar cheese, mixed greens, Not new this year but looking toward environment by buying local food clearas soups, cream beets, carrots. nextcheese, year, Robyn Thibado, Associate well as supporting family farms, you Director of WestCAP notes, “We are can know where your food comes from excited about moving to a new location and talk to the producers directly, it next year. The City of Menomonie builds community, and it’s a festive received a grant to build a permanent Congested? atmosphere, it’s fun! pavilion that will house the market

43

%

Tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life

ADD CAYENNE

The fiery capsaicin in cayenne deactivates How much lower risk of the linked to substance P, athe neurotransmitter neurological nightmare known as inflammation.

The result: less sinus Parkinson’s disease was among study congestion and pressure. participants who got more thanPairs six hours of moderate exercise well with: root vegetables, roast- a poultry, rice,counts—walking chocolate, leafy greens, week. Anything that raises youredheart rate the eggs,Brain popcorn, grilled-cheese dog, taking stairs, doing chores.shrimp, Source: sandwiches, beans, creamy soups.

The Slimming Spice

Drop the celery and head for the spice rack. In a new study, women Tired? on a reduced-calorie diet who Always also consumed 1 teaspoon of cuminADD daily CILANTRO lost 3 more pounds and 3 times more The carboxylic acid in cilantro binds to heavy body fat in 12 weeks than those on asuch calorically diet metals as mercuryequivalent in the blood and without cumin. How can a teaspoon work Cumin carries them outsuch of the wonders? body. Their removal revs metabolism, researchers say.

Another bonus: on the reverses the toxin buildupThose that causes fatigue, joint pain and derpression. cumin plan saw greater drops chronic in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, thanks Pairs well with: avocados, seafood, corn, to natural plant sterols in the spice. black beans, steak. Practice Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Second Opinion ‌| 4

To make the shopping experience easier, you can swipe your debit, credit, or EBT/FoodShare card in exchange for tokens that can be used to purchase foods.

If youBloated? have tokens left when you’re done shopping, you can use them next time.

PARSLEY They ADD never expire, so if you think you Thanks to stores of apiol and myristicin, may still have its one or two in your change parsley is a natural diuretic that jar, fish them out and bring themrelieves along to bloat-inducing water retention by your first visit of the year. preventing salt from being reabsorbed Theinto token bodilyprogram tissue. at the Downtown Eau Claire market, its fourth Pairs well with: in grains, onions,year, Parmesan will becheese, expanding for those usingtomatoes.

EBT/ pasta, salads, seafood, FoodShare cards, thanks to a grant and a gift the program has received. The Menomonie Farmers Market will also begin accepting EBT/FoodShare cards Feeling Down? this year.

ADD BASIL

The eugenol and rosmarinic acid in basil boost the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin. According to Indian That’s how long itresearchers, takes for you to think this could lead toabout sunnier moodscake in as little as three days. whether that chocolate is healthy after your Pairs well with:about tomatoes, olives, strawfirst thought, which is always taste, according berries, melon, fresh mozzarella, pizza, to a study in Psychological Science. Researchers pasta, white fish, feta cheese.

.195 second

say you can overcome your natural gimme impulse by waiting a second longer to weigh the pros and cons of that cake before throwing it down the hatch.

Nauseous?

ADD GINGER

Ginger’s gingerol and shogaol calm digestivetract spasms to reduce nausea better than motion-sickness drugs, according to a study at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Pairs well with: citrus fruit, tea, sweet potatoes, pork, coconut, miso soup, onions, relishes, pears, rice.

Beloved Sisters: Local Natural Remedies, BodyCare Products, and Classes While strolling the Menomonie Farmers Market and the Eau Claire Artists Market this year, keep an eye out for the booth of Beloved Sisters, a local business featuring natural remedies, body care products, and home-sewn goods. Owner Veronika Zazovsky says her motto “Living Life the Way Nature Intended” was first articulated by her beloved sister Natalia, who died in 2012 from a rare brain tumor. Veronika runs the business as a legacy to her sister.

Zazovsky notes: “We always lived very simply: both parents were teachers, and we could not afford to buy many fruits and vegetables, so we grew everything in our garden. Making all the compost, plant food, and insect

repellant by ourselves was the only way to get it—we could not afford to buy it. Later in life we realized the true value of our childhood. Natalia once attended a class that cost $70 to learn how to butcher a chicken, clean it, and make a soup. After the class, she was upset and said that it was EVERYTHING our grandma would do—what we already knew! Then we came to value our holistic practices and our childhood experience, to express

joy and pride in it, and to use it in making the products. I collect wild herbs and flowers to make remedies, and I teach how to cook just the way we used to in my childhood.”

Her Holistic Homemaking classes, based on “Whole Family and Whole House,” include cooking, cleaning, gardening, composting, sewing, and making teas and body-care products.

Zazovsky adds, “Our mission is to generate awareness, education, and support for holistic homemaking and green living by providing nurturing, open-minded, and respectful local community classes that encourage residents of the Menomonie area to share these principles and learn from each other.”

For more information on products and classes, see www.facebook.com/ BelovedSisters2014 and www.etsy.com/ shop/BelovedSisters or call 715-235-0131.

St. Joseph’s Announces New Birth Center The recently completed $4 million renovation gave the birth center a new look and feel, as well as new features in each room such as spacious showers and larger sleeping arrangements. The renovation also included a new nursery, birthing suites, state-of-the-art equipment, and other features.

The birth center seeks to provide personalized attention from a skilled and caring staff who sees each baby’s birth as the start of a new family.

Besides guiding parents through the actual birth, they also seek to guide families through the new relationships and responsibilities they will encounter. The center features comfortable private rooms and care for both the baby and the

new mother “as a couplet.”

Involvement with the rest of the family or another support person is encouraged.

The staff will work with you to develop a birth plan that is right for you, your preferences, and your circumstances. Whether you want to have a natural birth, use some pain management, or have a planned C-section, nurses and doctors will

follow your plan as closely as possible while keeping you and your baby as safe as possible.

To learn more about the birth center, you can take a tour—the whole family is welcome to attend. If you aren’t able to come to the actual birth center, you can take a virtual tour online at StJoesChipFalls.com. The website also has tools to help

Second Opinion ‌| 5

create your birth plan and resources to help you learn about pregnancy, childbirth, and nutrition. You can also email questions to the nurses, and maps and directions to the center are provided.

The center offers classes for the whole family to prepare for the new arrival. Topics include childbirth, breastfeeding, car seat safety, and other areas of interest to expectant parents.

It is a good idea to preregister by the end of your second trimester so that you can be quickly admitted when you go into labor. You can get the registration materials from your doctor or at your prenatal class.

St. Joseph’s Hospital has an electronic security system and safety protocols are followed to ensure the well-being of your baby.

For more information, call 715-717-7421.

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Second Opinion ‌| 7

Badger Balm badgerbalm.com Every single ingredient is held to the “Badger Natural Standard”; a rigorous look at the growth, sustainability, and supply chain of each ingredient. That means that when you use Badger products, you can be sure that you are using the purest, most natural products available. And because the USDA organic certification is a foodgrade standard, our ingredients are even pure enough to eat!

We harness the powers of aromatherapy, vitamin rich oils, essential oils, and minerals to soothe, smooth, and protect your skin and your mind. This means that Badger is a total body/mind/spirit experience.

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Tea is a great refreshing way to quench thirst this summer, and get some added health benefits at the same time.

◘

Tea taken on its own has no calories, and the leaves are jam packed with antioxidants, which have been proven to have a powerful anti-cancer effect. Antioxidants mop up the free radicals that pollute our modern day society and can cause cellular damage. Free radicals can also damage the skin, causing premature aging. Drinking tea protects the skin and can actually reverse some of this damage; I have come across tea in beauty products and treatments on many occasions. Antioxidants called catechins are one of the most powerful and are found almost exclusively in tea.

◘

Take tea for a walk.

According to Prevention magazine, caffeine in green tea frees up fatty acids so you can fire up a better fat burn during a walk. Try sipping on a cup of green tea before a walk to set the antioxidants lose in your body. (People with high blood pressure should not do this.)

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We have to give a great big THANK YOU to all these wonderful companies who sent us tea to sip and pitchers to brew. We have been drinking happily for weeks!

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Midwife meansand “withdoulas woman. ” is a caretaker of women Midwives areShecaretakers and of their babies and the guardian of birth. Midwives women and their babies normal and the have attended women at birth from the beginning of time. guardians of normal birth.

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Second Opinion ‌| 9

The Story of One Happy Home Birth

By Erin Kaspar-Frett

T

he day began like any other, as I awoke to the baby and the sounds of the children stirring. I came down to begin the breakfast routine and received a text at 7:55 a.m., “Maybe today? ...” After inquiring some more, my client Deena explained that Evie (big sister to be) had been nursing that morning back to sleep at about 6:00 a.m., and the contractions began. This was not unusual, but this time they had not stopped.

Deena agreed to keep us posted. Evie had been asking for Emmy to “come out a play” for weeks. At 9:28 a.m. she decided that we should come at around 11:30. She was not ready for us to come yet, but her partner wanted us to be heading in that general direction “soon” since the contractions were 7 to 10 minutes apart instead of the 15 minutes they had been.

As we drove into the driveway, Evie ran to the cars to meet us with a big smile on her face, “Baby Emmy is coming to play today.” Grandma was keeping her busy during this time of waiting.

Let me back up: I don’t often receive an arrival time for births, but the mother was correct in her intuition. The contractions had been coming consistently every 7 to 8 minutes until we walked in the door. Upon arrival, however, they immediately began coming fast and furious, at about every 3 minutes, as if she knew the exact time active labor would start—she was right! She was sitting on an exercise ball leaning on the bed and her partner, Brandon. They had

a few lovely moments together, and we snapped a few great pictures. The strength and love they emanated was aweinspiring and beautiful. Brandon was ready the entire labor with something to drink and some of the essential oils they use regularly in their lives.

As we did the finishing touches on the water for the birthing pool (we had to hook it up to the laundry input), she was going to make her way to the bathroom and then the birthing pool. She stated, “I felt the baby move down” as she stood up from the ball on which she had been bouncing gently. We moved more quickly as she made her way there.

Once in the tub, it wasn’t very long before she began pushing right away. Kelsi, my student, was alert and attentive, staying by their side. As Emelia slid into this world at 12:30 p.m., we slipped the cord that was over her neck gently over her head, and her parents reached down to receive her onto mom’s chest. Grandma and Evie (big sister) were watching in wonder and awe. They cuddled and kissed Emelia and called her by name. She quickly showed us she meant business for nursing and latched on only minutes after birth as her big sister climbed into the birthing tub to join the fun. Evie exclaimed, “You did it!”

After waiting a bit for the placenta and having it not yet come, Deena decided to head to bed. A few more tricks and it was when she got up to pee that the placenta came. We did the newborn exam in the comfort of their bed and checked everyone over well.

As we left Deena and Emelia tucked into bed hours later, the bliss in the house was palpable. All was well.

Erin Kaspar-Frett is a licensed, certified professional midwife with a master’s of science in midwifery serving western WI, with four children born at home. She can be reached at 612-801-9967 or erin@ earthmothermidwife.com. For more information about Erin and the safety of homebirth please visit www.earthmothermidwife.com.

Second Opinion ‌| 10

Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

By Dr. Emily Smith

P

regnancy can be an amazing experience as you watch your body develop to support your growing baby. Unfortunately, for many women the joy of pregnancy is overshadowed by pain and discomfort.

But pregnancy doesn’t need to be painful. Chiropractic care before, during, and after pregnancy can help to alleviate symptoms and allow for your body to function at its best during a time when it needs it the most.

Chiropractic care consists of adjustments made to correct the alignment of the spine, which allow for the nervous system to function without interference. There are a number of different techniques available, but it is important during pregnancy to choose a chiropractor who is trained (Diplomate and/or pregnancy certification) and experienced in providing care specific to this clientele. This ensures that you will have the best possible experience and optimal results.

There are many reasons why chiropractic care can be helpful during pregnancy, however symptoms/pain are not required. Pregnancy can make pain management a challenge because many medications are either contraindicated or not recommended for use during pregnancy due to unknown side effects. Addressing the source of the problem and correcting it can eliminate the symptoms and the need for medications.

Some examples may include headaches, heartburn, constipation, insomnia, sciatica, back pain, carpal tunnel, and pain with certain movements. Getting adjusted throughout pregnancy can help to prevent/alleviate many of the common symptoms of pregnancy and allow for a more enjoyable experience.

Posture is particularly important during pregnancy, and chiropractic care can help to maintain it. Ideal posture allows for the weight of the head to be balanced with the ears aligned over

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the shoulders/hips/ankles.

• In pregnancy, the weight of the growing chest and abdomen encourage the head and shoulders to slump forward. This altered posture can lead to headaches and upper/midback pain, due to the muscle strain of trying to hold up the weight of the head. Knowing this, and consciously correcting this posture, can help to minimize symptoms.

• The rib cage goes through a lot of change as well, as it expands outward and moves upward to make more room for baby. This can lead to pain and difficulty taking deep breaths if the rib movement is not symmetrical.

• A pronounced low back curve is also common as the body struggles to maintain forward/backward balance. This can cause extra strain on the areas where the mid-back transitions into the low back and where the low back transitions into the pelvis.

Proper movement at these spinal areas can minimize pain and decrease symptoms of constipation and sciatica.

• The alignment of the pelvis is vital in ensuring a safe passageway for baby to enter into the world. The laxity of ligaments, especially toward the end of pregnancy, makes it difficult to keep the pelvis positioned properly. Simple suggestions are to limit holding/carrying of children on the hip, sleep with a pillow between the knees, and avoid crossing the knees to avoid any unnecessary twisting of the pelvis. This attention will help reduce complications during labor, as well as reduce labor time.

Pregnancy can, and should, be an enjoyable experience.

Utilizing the expertise of a chiropractor can help prevent common pregnancy symptoms and aid in making labor/delivery a smooth process for mom and baby.

Dr. Emily Smith, DC, DICCP, is a chiropractic pediatric/pregnancy specialist. Her office, Smith Chiropractic, LLC, welcomes pregnant patients and families at the Eau Claire and Menomonie locations. To schedule an appointment call 715-833-3505 or for more information visit www.myECchiro.com.

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3424 Jeffers Road • Eau Claire • 715-836-8220 Second Opinion |‌ 11

Stress: The Real Reason You Are Not Getting Pregnant

By Heidi Toy

A

ccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 6.7 million American women between the ages of 15-44 have an impaired ability to get pregnant and carry a baby to term. The most common cause of infertility is that of anovulation, and while it is definitely a hormonal problem, it is a stress hormone issue before it is a female hormone issue.

The process of ovulation depends upon a complex balance of hormones and their interactions to be successful, and any disruption in this process can hinder ovulation.

In all humans there is a daily rhythm that is created by our exposure to light and dark: this is called our circadian rhythm. What happens daily with our circadian rhythm directly impacts what happens with a woman’s monthly rhythm. What directly impacts our daily rhythm is what we do or don’t do daily. (You can read about your circadian rhythm in detail in Second Opinion’s February 2015 issue or online at secondopinionmagazine.com) Three primary things cause disruption to our daily rhythm and are all perceived by the body as stress and thus elicit a stress (cortisol) response. They are emotional stress, dietary stress, and pain and hidden inflammation.

A woman’s monthly rhythm involves the two hormones estrogen and progesterone (see the diagram). This monthly rhythm is synced up to what the moon is doing and therefore called a lunar cycle and is usually a 28 day period.

As part of the normal female cycle, the growth hormone estrogen rises in the middle of the month and then drops down just before ovulation. This surge in estrogen causes the uterine lining to grow and an egg to be released from a follicle. Progesterone (“pro gestation”) levels come up in the middle of the month just after ovulation, and they should stay high until the end of the month. In pregnancy it is this hormone that is needed in order for the body to “hang onto” a pregnancy.

When women who are not able to conceive present to their doctor and it is found that they have a problem with

ovulation, these women are usually prescribed prescription synthetic hormones that mimic the estrogen surge so that an egg can be released, and progesterone so that they can maintain the pregnancy.

These synthetic hormones can come with side effects and are not normally covered by insurance. Moreover they not correcting the real problem—the real problem being an impaired daily circadian rhythm due to overuse of the stress hormone cortisol.

In my practice, I have never had a case where the female hormones went out of balance on their own. My mentor, Dr. Dan Kalish, who has been correcting female hormone imbalances and helping women get pregnant for over 20 years, states that he also has never had a woman present to his clinic where the female hormones became imbalanced on their own. This imbalance is always intertwined with the stress response.

Let’s look at how the stress hormones and the female hormones are connected. There is a hormone called DHEA, and from DHEA all forms of estrogen are made. Then there is a second hormone called cortisol, and cortisol is actually made from the hormone progesterone. Every molecule of estrogen in your body comes from DHEA and every molecule of cortisol in your body comes from progesterone.

In turn, DHEA and cortisol are also the stress hormones that are created by the adrenal glands to respond to stress, and progesterone and estrogen are the female hormones made in the ovaries.

The way that the body is rigged is that there is a preferential pathway where the body prioritizes survival over reproduction. So what that means is that if you are under stress, your DHEA and cortisol levels will change and your estrogen and progesterone levels will both drop, and the more stress you are under, the lower the sex hormones go.

This has not changed since we were created or evolved, and it really actually makes sense. Let’s say for example that your tribe is wandering around out in the Sahara Desert and you have no food. The women are under stress, and they will not be able to get pregnant because the body will always put survival above reproduction, and when we are stressed we are in survival mode.

Here is a story I use to illustrate this to my infertility clients.

Imagine if you were an alien looking down at New York City for a year, monitoring what was occurring at night, and you saw all these fires breaking

Second Opinion ‌| 12

The way that the body is rigged is that there is a preferential pathway where the body prioritizes survival over reproduction. So what that means is that if you are under stress, your DHEA and cortisol levels will change and your estrogen and progesterone levels will both drop, and the more stress you are under, the lower the sex hormones go. out, and every time you saw a fire, you also saw all these red trucks at the fire. You might assume that these guys driving around in the red trucks are starting fires; however, we know that this is not true.

We know that the guys in the red trucks are firefighters trying to put out the fires, that they are in fact the emergency response team and are responding to the emergency. This is the exact same thing with female hormones. Female hormones and hormones in general are not the problem, they are the response team to our body’s 911 to any of the three stressors that are starting the fires: dietary stress, emotional stress, and pain and hidden inflammation.

The further one goes from the daily rhythm and the monthly rhythm, the more systemic (not just sex) hormone issues and health issues we have. This is actually good news because “fixing” it and becoming healthy and fertile is simple. In fact it is so simple that mainstream medicine is missing it and trying to fix it by going after the wrong entity. I see it over and over and it works. We test and then correct the daily and monthly rhythm, and then a woman will

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Second Opinion ‌| 13

Though milk banks are becoming more popular, they have been around in the United States since 1911, when doctors at Boston’s Floating Hospital for Children created a milk bank to help babies survive a diarrheal disease that was a major cause of infant mortality.

Kenton’s Place: Working Toward a Local Breast Milk Bank

By Jan Carroll

W

hen Misty Penigar’s son Kenton was stillborn via emergency C-section in March of 2014, it changed Misty’s life forever. In the weeks immediately after the loss or her son, she recognized a need for local support for those who’ve lost a child. She also saw another need in the community. While pregnant, she had been planning to not only breastfeed her baby but to also donate milk to other babies when her baby had finished nursing. She found there was a lack of both types of organizations locally. So, she decided to create an organization that would both facilitate the donation of breast milk to babies who need it and also provide comfort and support to parents who have lost a child.

“I don’t want anyone to feel alone when they lose a baby,” Penigar said. Kenton’s Place sends someone to be at the bedside of a mother who loses a child. They also sometimes will attend funerals of babies lost.

Other support services provided include pregnancy education and counseling, classes on breastfeeding, support groups for post-partum parents and for single parents, and resources and help for those experiencing domestic abuse.

While Kenton’s place currently is providing some support services, it is not providing breast milk, as they are raising funds to purchase equipment and supplies needed in order

to open the milk bank, the biggest dollar item being a pasteurization machine. Penigar, a third-generation daycare provider, hopes opening a daycare center at the same location will help fund the milk bank and supportive roles of Kenton’s Place. Penigar is also writing a book about her experience. The group, which currently has several volunteers, is also seeking corporate sponsorship to help cover start-up and operational costs. The goal is to have the milk bank up and running by March of 2017.

Penigar is encouraged in her efforts by the community support she has seen so far. “There has been an unbelievable amount of support, an outpouring of interest in our various services,” she said.

Currently the two closest cities that have milk banks are La Crosse and Wausau. Penigar explains that it is possible for someone in the Chippewa Valley to obtain breast milk from these banks, but a prescription from a doctor is required, and it is a lot of traveling to get the milk or it costs a lot to pay for special refrigerated shipping.

There are online websites that coordinate the unregulated exchange of breast milk through social media. One such website is Human Milk 4 Human Babies. While Penigar understands why some mothers might choose to use such websites to get breast milk, her goal is to create a regulated milk bank where parents all over northern Wisconsin can get milk that has been screened and that they know is safe. “We want to be that safe resource for people,” she says.

La Leche League International, an education and support organization promoting breastfeeding, issued a statement in March of 2011 regarding milk banks. While their primary goal is to help mothers breastfeed their own babies and to express and store their own milk for their own babies, they recognize that “when their own mother’s milk is unavailable, babies may need human milk donated by other mothers. It is essential that this donated milk be safe” (www.llli.org/ release/milksharing.html).

The La Leche League statement reiterates the benefits of breast milk, especially its ability to bolster a baby’s immune system, but it also stresses the risks with obtaining milk from unscreened donors, including “transmission of certain infectious agents, like bacteria or viruses…drugs, possibly some environmental contaminants, and potentially unhygienic storage and handling of unprocessed donated milk.” They urge, instead, obtaining milk from a qualified

Second Opinion ‌| 14

milk bank. There have also been reported cases of breast milk sold online that has been contaminated with cow’s milk (www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/04/07/397369416/ breast-milk-sold-online-contaminated-with-cows-milk).

When up and running, Kenton’s Place milk bank will screen donors. Penigar explains: “Milk would only be accepted from donors who are on medications if those medications were approved by a doctor to be safe for the baby during breastfeeding.” In these cases donated milk would be marked as coming from someone on these approved medications. Milk is screened for a number of health conditions via a test that Penigar says most insurance policies will cover. Results of all screenings will be kept on file.

Donor screening is only one of the four pillars of breast milk donating. Penigar lists the other three pillars as: 1) informed choice, 2) safe handling of the milk, and 3) pasteurization.

Not only mothers of preemies are looking for breast milk.

Penigar notes: “If a mother is having a hard time producing enough milk, she should be able to make that decision to continue to give the baby breast milk.” Some women are also enjoying donating milk to banks after their own baby is done nursing.

In 2014, there were at least sixteen American milk banks that distribute about 3 million ounces of breast milk each year (www.npr.org/sections/goatsandso da/2014/11/10/362330539/a-smartphone-gadget-pumps-upbreast-milk-banks). All U.S. nonprofit milk banks (which Kenton’s Place will be) ensure the safety of donated milk

by following the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, formed in 1985. Their website says, “There has never been a case of disease transmission from the use of pasteurized donor human milk reported in the United States” (http://milkbankwgl.org/parent-info/insimple-terms/safety/).

Though milk banks are becoming more popular, they have been around in the United States since 1911, when doctors at Boston’s Floating Hospital for Children created a milk bank to help babies survive a diarrheal disease that was a major cause of infant mortality. Since then milk banks have worked to improve infant health and save lives. That goal, along with support for parents who’ve lost a baby, is Misty Penigar’s dream for Kenton’s Place.

For more infomation about Kenton's Place and services offered visit www.facebook.com/kentonsplace or email teamkentonsplace@ gmail.com

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can help. Acupuncture has been found to improve outcomes of IVF [in-vitro fertilization].” Most fertility patients he sees at his practice, Paul Lin Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, have already tried at least one method of treatment prior to acupuncture.

While simple conditions such as headaches are able to be treated through acupuncture with up to 90 percent effectiveness, Lin estimates the success of acupuncture on infertility is around 30-40 percent. For comparison, this is roughly equal to the success rate of IVF. These cases are often complicated, he explains. While some recommendations, such as dietary and exercise changes, can be applied to all patients, “there is no single point in acupuncture or single herb to solve the problem. I wish there was.”

Chinese medicine looks instead to the underlying cause of the issue. Once the root cause is located, Lin creates a treatment plan to address it. Chinese medicine treatments include acupuncture points and herbs. “Usually I use both,” he says. “Chinese medicine looks at the different energies a person has.” Addressing the patient’s overall system allows the practitioner to treat the unique needs of each patient to solve underlying causes of issues such as infertility.

Boost Fertility Naturally

Preparing for Conception with Ayurveda

By Abbie Burgess

A

lthough struggling to become pregnant can feel isolating, the Center for Disease Control state that it is a common problem in the United States affecting around 10 percent of people. Factors that may impact fertility include delayed childbearing, environmental toxins, and lifestyle risks such as stress, smoking and excessive alcohol use.

The good news is that medical technology has made great advances in diagnosing and treating infertility. Medical testing can diagnose any physical challenges, such as hormonal imbalance, low sperm count or blocked fallopian tubes. And we are far past the days when trouble conceiving was considered a women’s problem. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine states that infertility affects men and women at equal rates.

When difficulty conceiving is a concern, many patients look to natural health methods to enhance their chances of getting pregnant. Two practices for boosting fertility that predate modern medicine are acupuncture and Ayurveda.

Acupuncture for Infertility

Acupuncture is widely accepted in the medical community as a resource for patients who need help with fertility. Eau Claire acupuncturist Dr. Paul Lin says that he often treats patients who are also undergoing traditional allopathic procedures. “Studies show that a combination of treatments

Another alternative treatment that is unique to each patient is Ayurveda. Carleen Sterner retired from her position as a family physician at the Mayo Clinic Health System, seeking something more holistic. She is currently training to be a certified Ayurveda practitioner. The word Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words for life and knowledge. According to the Radiant Living Online School of Ayurveda, it has been practiced in India for over 6,000 years.

Sterner says Ayurveda, like acupuncture, can be used in conjunction with mainstream fertility treatments. “I can’t see there being any contraindications,” she says. “Anything you are doing to prepare your whole body [for conception] is beneficial.”

Sterner was attracted to Ayurveda for its holistic approach that brings balance to each individual in a unique way. In Ayurveda, she explains, conceiving a baby is considered a sacred and special event. “You prepare your mind, body and spirit to increase your chances of bringing a healthy and happy baby into the world. You want to be at your best before you make a human being!”

That preparatory process begins 35 days before attempting to conceive. Both partners go through a cleansing process overseen by a certified Ayurveda practitioner. While the treatment plan is uniquely tailored to each individual and their dosha (body type), there are some general Ayurvedic guidelines for increasing fertility.

Balancing the digestive function of both parents is the first

Second Opinion ‌| 16

Choosing the Right Treatment for You Difficulty getting pregnant can take an emotional toll. “It’s huge...it can be quite devastating,” Dr. Dan Czelatdko says. When it’s happening to you, the options for treatment can seem overwhelming. Dr. Dan is a doctor of chiropractic and board certified nutritionist at Tenold Chiropractic in Eau Claire.

As one of his specialties is hormone balance, he sees many patients who are struggling with fertility issues. Here is his take on sifting through the available therapies to find the best choice for you.

► How non-invasive is the treatment?

The non-invasive nature of treatment methods such as chiropractic is something to consider. “The natural approach is less strenuous on the body, and leaves the body in better condition to support an embryo and fetus so there is a better chance of having a healthy baby.”

► What are the benefits?

“We’re not only helping with the fertility,” Dr. Dan explains of holistic care. The treatments target the underlying cause, so the patient’s overall health can improve. “You end up getting side benefits — you can fix two or three other problems at the same time.”

► What is best for you?

“Explore all possibilities. There are many out there.” Dr. Dan says. He encourages individuals to research all the options including the benefits and side effects. “Make the decision on what you think is going to be the best for you to go through.” priority, explains Sterner. “Part of doing that is eating a clean diet. That means fresh, seasonal, local foods including organic plants. Avoid processed foods, leftovers and microwaving.

Prepare and eat your food with love and care.” Certain foods are recommended or discouraged when trying to conceive.

Men should avoid excess salt and bitter flavors such as coffee.

Both partners should eliminate soy and alcohol from their diet as well as citrus (except lime), vinegar, sour cream, pickled and fermented foods and aged cheese. Other detrimental foods are anything pungent, spicy or astringent. Nourishing foods for fertility include dairy, whole grains such as rice and quinoa, meat and fruit.

Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and engaging in a spiritual practice such as prayer or meditation are important for both partners.

This article explores only two of the many natural health practices available. Today’s couples are lucky to have so many resources available to help on the journey to creating families.

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Second Opinion ‌| 17

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Bringing Home Baby

By Dr. Erin Weiss, Voyaging Vet Tech & Services

C

ongratulations! You are having a baby! Many questions may be running through your mind, and for some people, one may be: How do I introduce a baby to our pet?

Before your baby is even born, let your pet explore the nursery and sniff all the new things that come with a baby.

Get your dog used to walking with a stroller. Some people carry a doll around or play recordings of a baby crying, in order to pre-condition your pet to these new sounds and actions. You may also want to accustom your pet to likely changes in its schedule, such as walking/feeding times. No one wants to stay up all night with a crying baby, finally fall asleep at 4:00 a.m., and then have your cat wake you up at 4:30 to be fed!

Create a safe area for the baby, and one for the pet. This may be as simple as putting up a baby gate in order to keep a dog out of the baby’s room. For cats, it may be harder. Some people have replaced the nursery door with a screen door that latches. This will keep animals out, while still allowing you to be able to see and hear the baby sleeping. Others use a mesh tent over the crib. Consider moving a cat’s litterbox and food to a quiet area in order to reduce stress and the chance of house-soiling. Your dog should also have an area that is away from the baby—not so important until the baby is mobile, but then it becomes a necessity!

When you are still in the hospital, have your spouse take a blanket or article of clothing that smells of the baby home for your pet to smell. This will give your pet a head start on learning about the new member of the family. When you bring the baby into your home for the first time, carefully monitor your pet. Let them sniff the baby, but only with your supervision. If you have a particularly exuberant dog, you

When you are still in the hospital, have your spouse take a blanket or article of clothing that smells of the baby home for your pet to smell. This will give your pet a head start on learning about the new member of the family. may want to have someone else enter the house first and get the excitement over with, before entering with the baby.

Never leave the baby alone with your pet, especially when your baby starts to move.

As your family adjusts to its new little bundle of joy, be sure to make time for your pet. Give him or her lots of play time and extra pets and cuddles. They will undoubtedly be feeling the lack of your time and attention and will enjoy the special time with you.

For other ideas and tips, two great websites are http:// growingupwithpets.com/index2.shtm and http://www. dogsandstorks.com/.

And, always make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and flea/tick control! This appointment will be a great time to talk to your vet about any other concerns you may have about bringing your bundle of joy home.

Dr. Erin Weiss is a mobile small animal veterinarian, who owns and operates Voyaging Vet and Tech Services with her partner, Patrice Anderson, CVT. Voyaging Vet & Tech Services is a housecall-only veterinary practice, specializing in wellness exams, vaccines, medical services, hospice care and home euthanasia. Dr. Erin lives on a hobby farm in Plum City, with her husband, two sons, her dog, and chickens.

Second Opinion ‌| 18

I’m Finally Pregnant!! Do I Really Have to Re-home My Cats?!

By Dr. Margaret Meier, DVM, CVSMT

R

ecently, I had one of my cat clients come to me with exciting news. She and her husband were expecting their first baby! She was more upset, though, than excited for her new arrival as her medical doctor insisted she should find new homes for her cats. Without much of an explanation, her doctor said if she didn’t, it could seriously affect her baby. So she came to me for some much needed answers, as “Dr. Google” was scaring her even more.

I explained that the reason for concern is a parasite called Toxoplasmosis gondii. This parasite causes the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis. A zoonotic disease is one that can be transferred between animals and people. Cats are the only species in which this parasite can complete its life cycle.

Therefore, they are the focus when toxoplasmosis becomes a concern, such as during a pregnancy. Unfortunately, very little is discussed with With just a few expectant moms as to options simple precautionary they have to keep their cats measures, expectant or other ways they could mothers can continue to potentially become exposed enjoy their feline friends to this parasite. About 30 and rest assured that percent of the US population their baby will be happy is positive for exposure to and healthy at delivery.

Toxoplasmosis gondii when tested.

The key to making sure everyone, including cats, remain free of Toxoplasmosis gondii lies in understanding the parasite’s life cycle. Studies have shown that cats shed Toxoplasma oocysts in their feces 3 to 48 days after eating intermediate hosts such as mice.1 We also know that when initially passed in the feces, these oocysts are actually not infective for a period of 1 to 5 days. This means that if your cat is an avid hunter and enjoys an inside/outside life style, as an expectant mother you should be particularly careful how you handle your cat’s feces, especially if it is more than 24 hours old.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, daily cleaning of the litter box is required, and every effort must be made to prevent ingestion of feces. If possible, we always encourage the expectant dad to take charge of the litter box in every cat home, regardless of whether or not the cat goes outside.

If our expectant mothers must clean the litter box, gloves should be worn and a thorough hand washing should be performed before any other tasks are completed.

1 Georgi & Georgi. Parasitology for Veterinarians, 5th ed. St. Louis: W. B. Saunders Company, p. 93.

I also shared with my client that I am often frustrated that other sources of infection for toxoplasmosis are rarely, if ever, discussed with expectant mothers. Ingestion of raw or improperly cooked meat during pregnancy can actually provide a much higher exposure risk for this disease to the developing baby than owning a cat. Animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats can become intermediate hosts for this disease when they ingest cat feces. Washing fresh greens and garden produce should also be performed to decrease the risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis.

With just a few simple precautionary measures, expectant mothers can continue to enjoy their feline friends and rest assured that their baby will be happy and healthy at delivery.

Dr. Meier Jones obtained her certification in veterinary spinal manipulative therapy at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Sturtevant, WI. In 2007 she was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in animal chiropractic, and in 2012, Dr. Meier Jones was also certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Dr. Meier Jones also uses other non-traditional modalities such as Reiki and other energy work to help her veterinary patients heal; she has begun her acupuncture training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and is looking forward to being certified in veterinary acupuncture this fall. Dr. Meier Jones currently owns and practices at Animal Wellness Center of Buffalo Valley where traditional and holistic veterinary medicine is practiced, and is an adjunct professor in the veterinary technology department at Globe University, Eau Claire campus.

Second Opinion ‌| 19

Having Difficulty Becoming Pregnant? The Fertility Program Can Help

By Rhiannon Riley, N.P., Mayo Clinic Health System Obstetrics & Gynecology

M

any people dream of becoming parents, but for some, that dream is difficult because they have trouble achieving pregnancy on their own. At Mayo Clinic Health System, we have the privilege of helping patients try to make that dream a reality.

Thinking about having a baby?

What’s normal? How long should we try?

It can take a healthy couple up to a year to conceive. Couples may begin evaluation after one year of unprotected, appropriately timed intercourse (every day to every other day around expected ovulation) OR begin evaluation within six months if there is history to suggest there may be difficulty getting pregnant. History that may contribute to difficulty includes the woman having had irregular menstrual cycles or a tubal pregnancy, or if the man has had history of pelvic injury.

What is an infertility workup?

During a workup, we evaluate a couple to determine the cause of their infertility. This can include lab work and imaging.

What is infertility monitoring?

We monitor a woman through a cycle to see if she is ovulating and/or to measure the response to treatment.

Sometimes, this involves lab work, as well as ultrasound, to look at the ovaries and uterus. We also monitor patients that are undergoing in vitro fertilization at another facility.

How does the process work?

Before the appointment, patients are mailed paperwork that should be completed and brought to the first appointment.

The initial appointment is a one-hour visit with a provider to complete a health and reproductive health history, evaluate the circumstances, and discuss testing. Both partners are encouraged to attend. By the end of the appointment, the couple receives information regarding the plan for the next steps, which may include lab work, ultrasound, etc.

Visit Eau Claire’s Obstetrics & Gynecology page at mayoclincihealthsystem.org, or call 715-838-6100 for more information.

Second Opinion ‌| 20

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Why Holistic Dentistry Says No to Fluoride

W

hile most conventional dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplements, and fluoridated water, holistic dentists usually do not. Traditionally, dentists have felt that fluoride is a key factor in preventing tooth decay.

Many holistic dentists, however, feel that research shows fluoride is not effective against tooth decay and in fact it may cause several physical illnesses when used. According to John Laughlin IV, Health Centered Dentistry in River Falls, Wisconsin, “the basic toxicity and lack of data supporting the premise that using it reduces tooth decay” is the main reason holistic dentists advocate staying away from fluoride.

Fluoride affects many tissues in your body besides your teeth (articles/ mercola.com) and may cause arthritis, hypersensitivity, diabetes, thyroid disease, cancer, and other illnesses. Laughlin says that “normal oral hygiene is the best thing we can do for our teeth, flossing one to three times a day, brushing two to three times a day, and using a water pik, pastes that can help tooth health, and mouth rinses.” Regular cleanings and checkups are important too. Research by the World Health Organization found that fluoridated countries do not have less tooth decay than non-fluoridated countries.

Over 40 percent of teenagers have visible signs of fluoride overexposure, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ articles/archive/2013/04/30/water-fluoridation-facts.aspx).

Be informed before using fluoride toothpaste or supplements and consider filtering your water to avoid the fluoride often found in it. The types of water filters that remove fluoride include reverse osmosis, deionizers (which use ion-exchange resins), and activated alumina.

Second Opinion ‌| 23

8 Tips for Injury-Free Yard Work As we all begin to collectively thaw from the winter, our attention naturally turns to the world outside and to our gardens, as the ice and snow recede to remind us of what lies beneath. This is often my busiest time of year as people get outside and attack their yards, trying to achieve long pent-up plans in the course of one weekend.

1. Warm up and cool down.

Start the day with some easy, non-repetitive work. Plan the order of tasks so that you don’t do unnecessary work. Make sure your muscles are warm by having a hot shower or doing some gentle stretching (or both!). End your workday the same way, paying more attention to gently stretching muscles that feel tired or are sore from the day.

4. Lift right.

Back muscles are not designed as well as leg muscles are for lifting heavy weights. To lift any object, face it squarely and bend your knees while keeping your back relatively straight.

Grasp the object close to your body and straighten your legs as you exhale. Do not twist your back or move your feet as you lift.

Don’t lift heavy objects when you are very tired or first thing in the morning.

Aching or tweaked shoulders, lower backs and necks abound as stiff and underused muscles complain at the unreasonable demands suddenly placed upon them. Treat gardening and yard work as you would a sports event and build up slowly and consistently.

Here are a few tips to help prevent yard work injuries this spring:

2. Enjoy the process.

Thornton Wilder, the American playwright, said, “Enjoy your ice cream while it’s on your plate.” No one will care as much about your yard and garden as you do, so enjoy every moment in it if you can. Don’t race through a task just to get it done—this is often when injuries occur. Take it easy, stop to watch the birds, listen to the breeze.

Enjoy how your body feels as you move, be grateful that you are capable of doing what you are doing.

3. Breathe.

Don’t add unnecessary muscle tension to your body by holding or clenching your breath. Your muscles need oxygen to do their job, and they work more efficiently when you take full, unrestrained breaths.

5. Mix it up.

6. Use the right tool.

While it can be tempting to finish a project in one session, it is often more productive to bite it off in smaller chunks. Most shoulder injuries I see are a result of repetitive injury— too much overhead work all at once, for example. Give each muscle group a rest as they get tired, and you will find you are able to accomplish more in the end.

Just as you wouldn’t try to write a novel on your smart phone, don’t prune your 50-foot hedge with hand clippers. If the job is something you are likely only going to do once, borrow or rent the tool. If it is something that you do every year or two, buy the tool, and buy the best quality tool you can afford.

7. Ask for help.

8. Maintain.

This may be the hardest one of all. We all know the saying “many hands make light work,” and while you may not have an army of friends wanting to help with your project, it is a lot more fun to tackle a project with a few extra hands. I have often found that in an attempt to be independent, I was robbing myself of the chance to build friendships and community. After all, it’s much more fun to sit back with that beer or lemonade with a friend and admire the work you’ve done, than by yourself.

Just like you need to keep your tools sharp, oiled, and in good working condition to get the job done well and with the least effort, make your own body at least as important by investing in your health. Do some light cardio exercise three times a week, stretch regularly or go to a yoga class, and get some good manual therapy to keep your body strong, balanced, and flexible this year, and for every year to come.

Anthony McMorran, LMT, NCTMB, Eau Claire Myofascial Release, 715.548.1561 Second Opinion ‌| 24

5 Plants Your Kids Will Go Crazy Over!

By Ben Polzin, Down to Earth Garden Center

I

n our age of iPhones and video games it may seem tough to get kids excited about a simple plant. But kids are intuitively fascinated by nature. There’s a simple pleasure kids find in digging, discovering insects and worms, smelling flowers, and tasting vegetables. The challenge is to get them into the garden in the first place. Once engaged, kids realize how much fun a garden can be, and they may be more open to learning about environment, health, and nutrition. Plus, they get some exercise, too!

That first step is often the hardest. One way to get over that bump is to pique kids’ curiosity by growing plants with cool features that kids think are fun. These can be plants you and your children grow in the garden together, or ones you grow yourself for your children to “discover” in your backyard.

1. Sensitive plant — This tropical groundcover is a kid favorite. Also known as the “tickle-me” plant, it has sensitive green, fernlike leaves and produces small “balls” of pink flowers in mid-summer. The plant’s big kid draw is its leaves: when touched gently, they automatically fold closed, then eventually reopen. Often grown as an annual, the plant thrives in full sun on dry soil and is easy to start indoors from seed.

2. Lambs’ ears — In early summer, this low-growing plant produces one-foot-tall spikes covered with small pink flowers.

But its foliage is the main draw for kids. The leaves are covered with a soft, white fuzzy growth that, when

touched, feels like a lamb’s ear.

3. Chocolate peppermint — Mint plants are fun and easy to grow in the garden. They come in a range of flavors, including ginger, lemon, orange, and apple. However, my favorite mint for kids is chocolate peppermint. The leaves are tinged with dark coloring, and if you close your eyes, you can almost taste the chocolate flavor.

It’s like eating a peppermint patty!

4. Ketchup ‘n’ Fries — A great name to go along with a cool plant! This brand-new combination grafts a tomato plant on top of a potato, and they grow together. Kids can pick the fresh tomatoes all summer long and then in the fall, dig the potatoes from the ground. A great way to keep them going to the garden all year long.

5. Pumpkins — When I was growing up, pumpkins were the plant that got me interested in gardening. Watching the small fruit from early summer grow into a large pumpkin by fall was fascinating to me. Today, with all the funky and miniature pumpkins available, there is bound to be one that will pique your child’s interest. Plus, they are easy to grow!

Start with these five plants to get out and enjoy the outdoors with your child this summer!

Second Opinion ‌| 25

Growing a Mindful Life

By Sandra E. Anderson

T

here has been much talk about mindfulness, especially during this past year. The everyday practices of mindful people are available. They do a variety of things, for example being present in the moment without judgment of thoughts and feelings, or beliefs.

I like Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way. On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” When mindful in the present moment, you become aware of things that create happiness, better health, deeper wisdom, balance, and greater soul connection.

It’s been an honor to meet, and get to know, inspiring people who live and breathe mindfulness into every day.

Some choose a life of religious study or teaching, but most are everyday people. Some are family and others friends.

Here are six practices gleaned from mindful people and tips on how to grow a more mindful life. As you read through them, pause to see which ones speak to you.

◘ Choose to pay attention “on purpose.”

First, to have a more mindful life, choose to create one…on purpose. Mindful people practice monitoring and observing what thoughts are showing up in their minds. They hold on lightly to them. They don’t believe their thoughts and don’t take them all seriously. When they see familiar patterns of thoughts and beliefs, they question them to see if they still work and believe them.

I can be aware that I am crabby, but that doesn’t mean I am mindful. To be mindful I would have to be purposely aware of myself and observe all of the experience…then use my awareness to adjust. When you see your thoughts in your mind, you are being mindful.

◘ Mindful people feel what they’re feeling.

◘ Mindful people accept that change happens.

This is a fundamental law of life. Everything is constantly changing. Nothing is permanent. It is all energy and energy flows and moves. It does not die, but it does change form and starts anew.

We can use our five senses as a practice in mindfulness.

Such as listening to tones and sounds as they grow and fade away. We can watch with our eyes, over time, the season changing, infants becoming children, or a seedling growing into a tree. Our five senses gather sensations, emotions, and thoughts that come into our growing awareness. We are born on Earth; we grow up, grow older (hopefully wiser), and eventually pass. Highly mindful people cherish, honor, and understand that there will always be change and transition. Because of change, they are grateful for the gifts that each moment and day bring.

◘ They meditate…a sacred pause.

You can still be mindful and not meditate. But, every mindful person I know has a regular moment to pause and meditate. When I stay in my practice of meditation, it helps me to stay aware and present that my inner attitude determines my happiness. It creates clarity and peace for the ups and downs in daily life. Try starting your day with five to ten minutes of meditation in the morning. Smile, you have created good energy to carry through the rest of your day.

◘ Really, do one thing at a time.

Grandmothers have said do one thing till done before going to the next thing. Because you get done faster, and do it better (with less mistakes). Studies have shown Grandma is right; when people divide their attention on more than one task (multi-tasking), it takes them 50 percent longer to do it, and they are 50 percent more likely to make mistakes. Doing tasks mindfully is doing one thing at a time in full awareness about the task at hand. When changing to a new task take a break, like cleaning up, or enjoy 5 min. break before starting the next.

Just because someone practices being mindful doesn’t mean they are always happy. They are in the practice of being in the moment with complete acceptance of that moment as it is. That means allowing whatever is showing up in the moment, without trying to resist or control it.

Create mindful moments.

There will be times they feel unpleasant emotions.

Everyday tasks like doing dishes, shoveling snow, Mindful people feel anger, sorrow, and even fear. What doing laundry, weeding the garden, or eating a meal sets them apart is they don’t try to run or deny the can be a place to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is emotions. They may make use of a simple phrase in a creative energy. Wherever you place your focus and those times as a reminder to stop, hear, see, and feel what energy becomes your experience. Take a moment to pause is coming up for them. They know that emotions, both and focus. Feel the texture, sounds, and aromas. Observe pleasant and unpleasant, are feelings in motion, a natural your thoughts and any feelings. Whether it is short or part of life. I really enjoy the phrase “Whatever you resist long, appreciate that time you took. continues to persist.” Instead of running from it, observe Sandi Anderson is an intuitive life and soul coach and it, walk to it, through it, and out of it. Mindful people take healing touch practitioner; owner of Healing Intention, located in Chippewa Falls, WI . Her focus is to inspire and empower on the observer role. They can respond rather than react, people to create, heal, and thrive into their best life. making better and wiser choices.

Second Opinion ‌| 26

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Second Opinion ‌| 27

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T I C K F A C T S

The Easiest and Safest Way to Remove a Tick Is with Pointy Tweezers

Think of a tick as a little germ-filled balloon. Squeeze it too hard on its back end, and all the germs get pushed to the front end, which is attached to you by the tick’s straw-like mouthpart. Using really pointy tweezers, it’s possible to grab even the poppy-seed-sized nymphs right down next to the skin. The next step is to simply pull the tick out like a splinter. Other tick removal methods, like a hot match, Vaseline, dish soap and cotton, or various little key-like devices don’t work as consistently as pointy tweezers on all types of ticks. Remember to save the tick and try to identify it.

Ticks Crawl Up

Ticks are “programmed” to try and attach around your head or ears. On their normal hosts, ticks also usually crawl up; they want to blood feed around the head, neck, and ears of their host, where the skin is thinner and hosts have more trouble grooming.

Lyme is Nothing to Ignore. Dr. Lindsley Can Help!

24-Hour Window

For most tick-borne diseases, you could have several hours to find and remove a feeding tick before it transmits an infection. Many of the disease-causing microbes transmitted by ticks need a “reactivation” period in the tick once it begins to feed. The germs eventually make their way into the tick’s salivary glands, and the tick spits them into you while feeding.

Some infections, especially viruses, move into the tick salivary glands faster than others. Lyme disease bacteria may take hours to invade the tick’s saliva.

Clothing with Built-in Tick Repellent Is Best for Preventing Tick Bites This strategy can be especially effective for protecting children. Dressing kids in tick-repellent clothes every day is a safe and easy way to keep ticks from biting and transmitting disease.

Commercially treated tick-repellent clothes last through at least 70 washes, while using kits or sprays to treat your current outdoor wardrobe can last through 6 washes.

Tick repellent on clothing, not skin, is something everyone needs to know about to stay safe outdoors.

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Molly Enright 715.559.4840

A DV E RT ISE M E N T

Feeding Baby:

are

HOMEMADE

WHOLE FOODS

By Beth Martin, Just Local Food Cooperative

When the time comes to begin feeding baby solid foods, consider skipping the cute little jars of baby food that line store shelves. Yes, organic baby food is available and a great option when traveling or in a pinch. Making your own baby food is very easy, cost effective, fun, and allows you to provide your precious bundle with a nutrient dense, delicious, first experience with food.

Does is matter if we use organic produce? Truth be told, YES it really is.* Cooking with fresh wholesome foods is always best. Use fresh, well cleaned fruits and vegetables - organic when you can. Feeding baby fresh foods helps develop healthy early eating habits and packs more nutritional value per serving than jarred foods *If affordability is a concern when purchasing organic fruits and vegetables, consider familiarizing yourself with the Environmental Working Group list of the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen” which measures pesticide and herbicide toxicity in conventional produce. You can find these lists at www.ewg.org

Wonderful First Foods for Baby

Fruits & Veggies

Healthy Fats are essential to brain and nervous system development. Use organic, hormone-free butter, extra virgin olive oil, avocado.

Lightly steamed fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Use banana, carrots, apples, sweet potato, papaya, avocado, cooked greens (well pureed).

Advantages of Organic Baby Foods for Infants ●Pound for pound, a baby consumes more pesticides due to their body size than adults. ●Babies who eat organic are not exposed to the levels of pesticides and herbicides found in conventionally grown produce. ●Studies are now showing that organically grown foods are higher in nutrients than their conventionally grown counterparts.

WHERE TO BEGIN!

Healthy Fats

! t s e B ●Organic foods are NOT GMO foods.

High Quality, Local and Pastured Meat Healthy proteins provide better sources of iron and zinc. Try cooked, well pureed dark poultry and organic, chemical free red meat, organic chicken liver, and egg yolk.

Second Opinion ‌| 30

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends trying these as better sources of iron than plant based foods. Wild caught, cold water fish: Salmon. Avoid farmed salmon.

Wild fish provides high level s of DHA, crucial to retinal and brain development.

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A DV E RT ISE M E N T

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Recently, the New York Times came out with an article addressing how American food choices have contributed to the severe drought in California. According to their information, the average American consumes nearly 300 gallons of California’s water each week simply by consuming produce grown there. A sliver of avocado takes 4.1 gallons of water to produce. A bowl of processed tomatoes, a sliver of melon and four broccoli florets consume 9.1, 1.1 and 2.2 gallons respectively.

As California faces a serious environmental catastrophe, the responsibility falls to consumers to begin to make better, more just, food choices. Buying local reduces demand on California farms and pumps thousands of dollars into our local economies. Local food is picked closer to its ripening date, meaning the food is sweeter, has more flavor and nutrients. Local food is transported short distances, saving gas and emissions. Processing food to store through the winter means that we don’t have to rely solely on produce from places like California, Mexico and South America. Just Local Food commits itself to purchasing locally and consciouslly. Visit our produce department for selections from these local farms: Hilsgen Family Farm – Maiden Rock, WI Good Root Growers – Prairie Farm, WI Zebarth Farm – Osseo, WI Blackberry Hills Farm – Wheeler, WI Oasis Gardens – Boyceville, WI St. Croix Valley Produce – St. Croix Valley, WI Gone Wild Acres – Osseo, WI Moonshadow Gardens – Fall Creek, WI Katydid Ranch – Fall Creek, WI Miller Farms – Rock Falls, WI

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Second Opinion ‌| 31

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Second Opinion ‌| 32 #StJosephsBaby #StJosephsBaby