Second Opinion Magazine

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March/April 2015

Second Opinion |‌ 1

New and Effective Solutions for Your Health Concerns

Active Health Chiropractic & Nutrition Your Source for Safe and Natural Family Care

Call 715-834-6333

Just South of Brian St. on London Road, Eau Claire, WI

World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day

Buy our products in Bulk on Amazon.com NEW! Gluten-Free Line on Amazon.com Both can be accessed by going through our home page.

Great River Organic Milling is located on the upper Mississippi River, in the heart of what is called Hiawatha Valley. Most Great River flour is stone-ground. We believe the natural granite millstones contribute to the quality, taste and nutritional integrity of the whole grain flour.

Sales: Rick Halverson Phone: 608-687-9580 Fax: 608-687-3014 Email: rhalverson@greatrivermilling.com For General Information Call: 507-457-0334 Or Fax: 507-454-5525 www.greatrivermilling.com Second Opinion |‌ 2

April 25 at 10 am Tai Chi Classes

Mondays 5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.

Phoenix Park

(on the labyrinth or under the pavillion) A celebration of personal and global health and healing.

Healing Choices Oasis LLC

2711 Pleasant Street · Eau Claire · 715-852-0303

www.healingchoices.wordpress.com

Contents

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.

4 balanced living 5

:

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.

Healing Paths Alternate avenues to find health, wellness and balance in body and spirit 6 8 10

Earth Day Special Section

CONTACT US:

Arwen Rasmussen 715.831.0325 editor@asecondopinionmag.com www.asecondopinionmag.com Graphic Design: Kathy Nelson

Holistic Dentistry: The “Whole” Package Activated Oxygen Therapy Circadian Rhythms and Your Health

12 13 14 15 16 18 21 23

Honey Bees GOOOOO!!!

Our Green City Mother Nature's Food Getting Green with True Blue Housekeeping Do the Solar Math Sunrider International Keep Off the Grass for Your Own Sake Rain Barrels

Office:

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3315 Nimitz Street Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701 All articles are the sole property of the writers.

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. ©2006-2014

Hot Yoga!

N a t u r a l

25 26 27 28 30 31

P e t

W e l l n e s s

Playing Safe The Scoop on Food 5 Supplements for Your Pup Lawn Chemicals and Canines Q&A with a Holistc Vet Equine Therapy for Veterans

Subscription Now Available!!

Do you know someone who may like reading Second Opinion? Did you visit and find us and would like to read more?

Have you missed an issue? Now get it right at home. $15/year for 6 issues. Email or call us today! editor@asecondopinionmag.com / 715.831.0325. Or send a check to our office with your mailing address! It's that easy!

Second Opinion |‌ 3

balanced living Amazing Recycling and Waste Stats

1.

An impressive 34 percent of our waste could be composted, and perhaps this is not that surprising given the fact that we waste about 33 million tons of food annually, according to the EPA. Composting at home is an increasing trend, however, so if you're up for learning a bit about dealing with your food and other compostable waste, you could help decrease some of these numbers.

2.

33 million tons of food is a huge number, but if you look at this figure on a smaller scale, the average American wastes between 209 and 253 pounds of food every year. For many of us, that means we waste more than our own body weight in food. Not all the news about food waste is negative,

though. Many companies are trying to find ways to reuse food.

For example, some supermarkets are recycling their food waste, meaning it either gets donated, fed to animals or composted.

Organic vs.

Conventionally Grown

Who knew recycling a single glass bottle would allow you to spend 30 minutes browsing the internet? Just think what recycling a whole case of beer or soda bottles could do. Glass is one of the best candidates for recycling because it never loses quality the way some other recyclable materials do.

Bottles can be made into new bottles over and over again.

The Environmental Working Group's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides identifies fruits and vegetables that have the lowest pesticide residues. These 15 fruits and vegetables, which make up their "Clean 15" list are: avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, sweet peas, onions, asparagus, mangos, kiwi, eggplant, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, cantaloupe and watermelon.

3.

OMG — So GOOOOD! Santa Barbara Popcorn Company takes pride in making the most delicious, healthiest, and highest quality popcorn you’ll find out there. They specialize in delectable savory recipes, using only the finest ingredients. Organic popcorn kernels are California grown on a sustainable family-owned farm.

They source their ingredients as close to home as possible and all recipes are 90-100% organic. The entire line is completely GMO free, gluten free, and vegan. The unique line of Gourmet Popcorn is handmade in small batches and you’ll love it.

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Tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life

These foods are least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues.

Always Choose Organic

Apples still rank second (following peaches) on the nonprofit Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues.

Consider removing the peel.

Many of the pesticides stay in the peel, so discarding the skin can reduce residues significantly—by up to 98 percent, according to a 2008 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry study.

31st Annual

Quality Spring Craft Sale UNCOMMON CRAFTS~EXPERTLY HAND MADE

Saturday, March 21, 2015 ◆ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Chippewa Falls Senior High 735 Terrill St. – Chippewa Falls, WI

◆ More than 75 Hand Selected Crafters from Throughout the Midwest ◆ Everything Hand Made ◆ Enter under the Cardinal ◆ Admission $1.00 - Proceeds Benefit CF Wrestling Club ◆ Food Booth by Chi-Hi Booster Club

To be a vendor or for more information, contact us at chippewacraftinfo@gmail.com or call Pam at 715-723-6633

"I love to take a long hot shower or bath, scrub down, and then after drying off and body powdering, use my face serum and body butter. My skin is fed, I am a whole new me."

Read more about Ora's Amazing Herbal at her website https://orasamazingherbal.com

Created to provide a natural and organic cleanser for women to reinvigorate their skin and keep it clean and smooth. At Blum, we believe that your skin deserves the pure goodness of all-natural ingredients from certified sources to keep you fresh at home or on the go. Purchase at drugstore.com

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All natural body powder is free of talc, gluten and grain as well as paraben free, fragrance free and not tested on animals.

Absorbs excess moisture, as well as functioning as a gentle deodorant, and soothing any irritation.

Helps your skin combat free radical damage and other damage due to exposure to the air and environment.

Team Keeki believes when it comes to being healthy, what you eat shouldn't be your only worry! Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs up to 60 percent of what we put on it. Keeki Pure & Simple promises to never sacrifice on quality or safety of ingredients to make a profit. More at keekipureandsimple.com Day Rejuvenating SPF 15 Lotion & Night Rejuvenating Serum Co-formulated with French scientists with a shared common bond on green personal care products, renowned for their innovative, specialty, antiaging cosmetics ingredients.

• Protects from damaging free radicals and harsh environmental factors.

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) holds up to 1000 times its volume in water • Increases skins surface texture

Infused with natural and organic botanicals that remove eye and face makeup.

These exfoliating towelettes contain microbeads that help to deep clean & lift away dead skin cells.

Enriched with natural and organic botanicals that will help prevent crows feet and reduce puffiness while moisturizing.

The active ingredients smooth away signs of skin aging with triple firming action.

The cleanser is enriched with Nectapure and Hyssopus a special mixture of plant extracts from the Swiss Alps.

Inca Inchi Oil is a natural source of omega 3 and omega 6. The soothing elements leave the skin with a clean and fresh appearance.

Second Opinion |‌ 5

Healing Paths

Holistic Dentistry: The “Whole” Package

By Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and Isabelle Rothbauer

W

hen people describe how to be successful, they usually say you have to be smart, ambitious, passionate, and hard working, or--in other words--have the whole package. Similarly, holistic dentistry, also known as biological or environmental dentistry, focuses on taking care of the body’s overall health, not just oral health. The practice draws attention to how diet, decay, gum disease, missing teeth, mercury fillings, and root canal procedures can affect the whole body, and then it offers alternative procedures and materials that are beneficial to the patient’s health.

Holistic dentists don’t have a specific set of rules or guidelines to follow. Rather, each has his or her own techniques and beliefs on how to treat their patients. However, most dentists lean toward more conservative and preventative methods. Practitioners also tend to treat the cause of symptoms rather than the symptoms themselves, so as to treat the problem from its core. The practice accommodates patients’ personal needs, and some doctors will use blood or other tests to determine their patients’ compatibility to certain materials.

Holistic dentists usually advocate the use of natural products that are beneficial to both the mouth and body. Some recommend organic toothpastes and powders and herbal mouth washes, while others suggest treatments like acupuncture because of its

pain-relieving and relaxing benefits. Holistic dentists advocate healthy habits in their patients, as well, including eating nutrient-dense whole foods, avoiding root canals and amalgam fillings, making sure there aren’t large gaps or cavities between teeth that are prone to infection, and advising patients to abstain from smoking and to drink alcohol in moderation.

Most holistic dentists also monitor the use of widely known harmful materials and are usually fluoride free and mercury free.

They practice proper disposal of dental waste such as mercury, which can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife. Holistic dentists may also use digital X-ray equipment to minimize the amount of radiation the patient is exposed to. Conventional dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons may not be labeled as holistic dentists but can practice some of the same principles. In fact, research has shown that 50 percent of the population has been exposed to and treated with some sort of holistic dentistry.

If you want to make a difference with your teeth and dental care, a balanced nutritional diet can make a huge difference in oral hygiene. Teeth require several minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron.

Yet, most of these minerals aren’t in refined sugars, white flour, and white rice—all staples in our diets today. Additionally, drinking soft drinks and eating fruits is damaging because of their high sugar content and acids that destroy tooth enamel. Removing or reducing these foods in your diet plus taking supplements can greatly improve oral health.

Holistic dentists tend to stay away from fluoride and amalgam fillings because they can be harmful to the body. Many believe fluoride causes cancer and degenerative bone diseases and isn’t an effective way to prevent tooth decay. Amalgam, an alloy of mercury and silver, is the most widely used type of filling because it’s inexpensive and easy to put in, but, in reality, it contains

Dr. Laughlin Chimes In Q: What would you say is the biggest difference between traditional dentistry and holistic dentistry?

A: “Unfortunately there are so many shades of holistic dentistry.

There is the holistic general dentist who has stopped using mercury as a filling material and now calls themself holistic. When compared to the holistic dentist who uses all the proper precautions for mercury removal, treats teeth with ozone, and evaluates electricity readings between Second Opinion |‌ 6

teeth before treatment planning heavy metal elimination; there is a wide gap. Basically, in order to evaluate the differences between any dentists – holistic or otherwise – you need to look into their educational and therefore philosophical background.”

Q: What is the most important element to holistic orthodontics?

A: “The most important thing to remember is that we have all our teeth for a reason. In about 95 percent of the cases we (orthopedic/holistic

orthodontic practitioners) can create enough room in the mouth for all the teeth to come in and avoid extractions.

The earlier you can get started, the better then end result. We like to evaluate children between the ages of 3–7 years old, though we do provide opinions and options even younger.

I think that the most important thing is that any dentist who is working on a tooth with a mercury filling be taking all the proper precautions to protect the patient, doctor, assistant, and the rest of the supporting staff.”

more mercury than any other manufactured good in the United States. The average mercury content is estimated at around 1,000 milligrams, which may not seem like a lot, but that amount can slowly cause mercury poisoning. This can affect the body’s nervous, immune, and endocrine systems and inhibit the body’s detoxifying capabilities. Furthermore, research on mercury exposure has shown its connection to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Other harmful filling materials include nickel, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and fluoride and silver.

Some dentists believe that because mercury is bound with other metals it doesn’t release itself into the body. In actuality, mercury vapor leaks from the filled tooth every time you chew, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, winner of the Shorty Award for Health. If you already have one of these fillings, there’s no need to worry because procedures are available for safe removal. Conventional dentists may also use similar methods, such as providing an alternate air source to prevent inhalation of fumes, using dental dams to prevent swallowing of residue, and using cold water spray to reduce the amount of vapors. With modern technology, dentists can replace the filling with other materials like porcelain, a strong, long-lasting substance that is metal and mercury free and non-toxic.

Holistic dentists are also cautious when it comes to root canals.

According to Dr. Mercola, a root canal procedure involves removing the pulp within the tooth and replacing it with foreign substance.

The problem with this is that bacteria is wedged in this area and can become toxic if the immune system is too weak to fight it off. Dr. Weston A. Price, the founder of the National Dental Association, connected root canals to heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, and neurological and immune diseases as early as the 1900s. Studies performed later by other researchers have also shown an evident correlation between root canals and breast cancer.

Holistic dentists recommend having the tooth removed and replaced with an implant instead of getting a root canal because the risk of infection is so high. However, they strongly believe that teeth should only be removed when absolutely necessary, especially wisdom teeth and abscesses. Gaps and cavitations can be targets for bacteria, and a nutritional balanced diet can help eliminate abscesses. Gum cleanings can also force bacteria into the bloodstream, so holistic dentists use natural antibacterial agents to reduce the chance of infection.

The Holistic Dental Association, founded in 1978, has an online database that provides contact information about holistic dentists nationwide. They aim to educate the public on new procedures and support doctors who practice and advance holistic dentistry.

Whether you choose to go to a conventional or holistic dentist, it’s still important to ask questions about the types of fillings and X-rays they use and how they dispose of medical waste. Not only could small changes make you more eco-friendly, it could also make you happier and healthier.

If you’re looking to improve your dental health at home, www. holisticdentalstore.com, owned by Luscious Garden Inc., sells a variety of organic products including natural mouth wash, herbal tooth and gum powder, gum cleaning brushes, and supplements.

Second Opinion |‌ 7

Healing Paths

Activated Oxygen Therapy (AOT, Ozone)

By Sue Peck, PhD, GNP-BC, APNP, FAAO AOT - What is it?

Oxygen we breathe is made of a pair of oxygen atoms (O2).

It’s very stable and colorless. Ozone is blue (it’s what makes the sky blue), and is made of three oxygen atoms (O3) instead of two. Adding the third oxygen atom makes ozone “supercharged” oxygen, and gives it remarkable medical properties. Our white blood cells make ozone as part of the immune response. Pure medical grade ozone, when used according to established medical guidelines, has a solid safety record.

AOT Therapy – What is it used for?

Ozone has been used for medical care for 50+ years. Clinical practice and research show benefit for: ■ ADD and ADHD ■ Allergies ■ Chronic Sinusitis ■ Heart Disease ■ Auto-immune Disease ■ Cancer – All Stages ■ Chronic & Acute Neck, Back & Joint Pain ■ Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue ■ Chronic infections from viruses, bacteria, and parasites ■ Digestion and bowel disorders ■ Depression, Anxiety, Panic ■ Diabetes and Insulin Resistance ■ Candidiasis – Yeast Overgrowth

Earth Mother Midwife Midwife means “with woman. ” She is a caretaker of women and their babies and the guardian of normal birth. Midwives have attended women at birth from the beginning of time.

They were the sisters, grandmothers, wise women; those that truly knew how to be “with women. ” SERVICES PROVIDED

Erin Kaspar-Frett, MSM, LM, CPM

Combining Wisdom of the Ages with Modern Training

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• Well Woman Care • Birth Services • Prenatal Care • Postpartum Services • Newborn Care

■ Headaches and Migraines ■ Bladder Problems ■ Lung Problems ■ Lyme Disease ■ Macular Degeneration ■ Memory Loss ■ Menopause and Andropause ■ Metabolic Weight Loss Programs ■ Arthritis ■ Parkinson’s Disease ■ Prostate Disorders ■ Sports Injuries

Contraindications for AOT: Conditions that would mean you should not have AOT ■ Alcohol intoxication ■ Recent heart attack ■ Pregnancy ■ Active bleeding ■ Hyperthyroidism ■ Recent disc herniation ■ Extremely low platelet count (slow blood clotting) ■ Thrombocytopenia (major clotting disorder) ■ Ozone allergy ■ G6PD deficiency ■ Artificial joints CANNOT be injected.

What is involved to determine if AOT would work for me?

At the first visit we’ll review your health history and do a physical exam. Depending on your needs and the complexity of your health, you may or may not get AOT at that first visit.

Sue Peck, RN, PhD, GNP-BC, APNP, CHTP/I Integrative Nurse Practitioner

Health Office Co. Located at Optima Health & Vitality 3321A Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701

715-832-1953

Find the cause before treating the symptoms:

▪ Ozone Therapy ▪ Nutrition - Supplements ▪ Prolozone and IV Supports ▪ Healing Touch ▪ Guided Imagery http://www.optimahvc.com/holistic-nurse-practitioner.html

You will sign an informed consent. If you are interested, you can participate in the national research study we are part of. There is not a reduction in cost if you participate, but the information about your progress can greatly affect whether insurance companies pay for AOT therapy in the future.

You will need to commit to good nutrition, self-care, and exercise appropriate to your situation. Without that care for your health, AOT is unlikely to work.

How is AOT Therapy Done?

Major Auto-Hemolytic (MAH) Therapy – An IV is started in your arm. You donate half a unit of blood for yourself.

Ozone is mixed in, and then your donated blood is run back into your vein. MAH takes about one hour. You are seated in a comfortable recliner. Be sure to eat and to drink plenty of water before the therapy.

Prolozone Therapy is used to treat painful joints and soft tissues. You may need x-rays first. If you had x-rays recently, bring them or the written report to the visit. You will be fully clothed except for the area we work on. The skin will be cleaned and topical numbing spray applied. A very small needle is used to first inject a mixture of vitamins, numbing medicine, and homeopathic solutions. The needle is stabilized while the syringe is changed and ozone is injected.

You’ll feel and hear a slushy bubbly sound as the ozone goes

BREAKTHROUGH NATURAL PRODUCT SYSTEMS

in. The needle is then removed and a Band-aid applied. Very little/no pain is felt with the 10 to 15 minute procedure. You can use the joint and be active, but avoid stress on the joint for two weeks while it heals. Repeat injections, if needed, can be done in two weeks.

Ozone therapy can also given be rectally, into the bladder, topically, or as part of a sauna, depending on your needs.

What does AOT therapy cost?

Insurance (most companies) and Medicare/Medicaid will cover the appointment visit with Dr. Sue but will not cover the AOT therapy costs.

Prolozone injections are currently $125–175 per site injected. MAH intravenous (IV) treatment is currently $100 per treatment. **Prices may change without notice.** Resources: www.aaot.us/, www.antiagingmedicine.com/ treatments/ozone-therapy, http://drsozone.com/ Sue Peck, PhD, GNP-BC, APNP, FAAO Health Office Co. Dr. Sue is certified in ozone therapy and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Ozone Therapy.

To make an appointment, call 715-832-1953.

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Healing Paths

Circadian Rhythms and Your Health

By Heidi Toy

O

n Sunday March 8, 2015, at 2:00 a.m., we will set our clocks ahead one hour. Most of us will wake the following morning and many mornings after feeling drowsy or like we are “off” and in need of more sleep. This feeling of drowsiness will continue until our biological clock reprograms and adjusts to the new time setting. This happens because there’s been a disruption of our natural circadian rhythms, and your internal clock is still saying that it is one hour earlier than what the actual time on the alarm clock reads.

Because of the earth’s rotation, almost all organisms function under 24-hour day–night cycles, called the circadian rhythm. However, it should be noted that this daily rhythm is not a simple response to alternating changes of day and night. It arises from an innate and genetically operated timekeeping system referred to as a “biological clock.”

This biological clock prepares us for changes that occur in our physical environments and enables our cells and body systems to behave appropriately at the right time of day.

In mammals there is an area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus, and it functions as the master circadian pacemaker of the circadian rhythm, controlling when we sleep and rest, and when we are awake and active. Circadian rhythms also regulate body temperature, heart activity, hormone secretion, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, metabolism, and many other functions.

It is widely accepted that an adrenal steroid hormone called glucocorticoid (cortisol) has a daily variation in its circulating levels and is directly under the control of the circadian timing. In a normal circadian rhythm, cortisol

Nutrition is the medicine that allows people to heal without medicine.

peaks in the morning around 6:00 a.m. and cascades throughout the day and is at its lowest between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and midnight. This is key here, as this hormone called cortisol also plays a crucial role in our adaptive response to various types of stress.

Stress can be anything from getting in an argument with your spouse to commuting in rush hour traffic to being exposed to a chemical such as mercury or lead. It can be due to a wide variety of issues. There are three major types of stress that we experience: emotional stress, dietary stress, and pain and hidden inflammation/infection.

When we think about the main source of stress, it is usually emotional. This can be the death of a loved one, working with or for someone that is unpleasant, financial changes, divorce, or moving to a new location. It can also be sitting in rush hour traffic as mentioned above.

Dietary stress (glycemic dysregulation) can be from diets that restrict calories for too long, overeating processed carbohydrates, alcoholism, and skipping meals. It can also come from foods that trigger an immune or allergic response like gluten, dairy, corn, or peanuts for example.

Pain and hidden inflammation/infection can be from known sources, such as physical trauma like motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and surgeries or diseases such as arthritis or bursitis (anything with an “itis” as an ending

Do you need answers or help with a health issue? Dr. Court can help!

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Second Opinion |‌ 10

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means inflammation). It can also be from things that are not known, such as liver toxicity due to heavy metal exposure, infections that have gone undetected like parasites, and poor gut bacteria.

We as humans were not designed to endure chronic stressors as these listed here. We have not evolved to handle our modern day stresses. We have a system that was designed to run away from a charging animal or to throw spears once in awhile. To get up and run and climb away to safety and to survive. In fact all of our body mechanisms are designed to ensure our survival. That is why the stress response is called “fight or flight.”

We were not designed nor are we equipped to sit in rush hour traffic daily or to actually sit all day at a desk staring at a computer screen. So when we are locked in these chronic stressors, we cannot deal with it, and we have a revved up system that is not able to act.

Cortisol levels then go up and stay up, and consequently we suppress our immune system and we cause blood sugar handling dysregulation. We’re no longer able to handle mental emotional stress as we should because we are stuck in this over-reactive mode. Any one or all three of these variables will cause cortisol dysregulation and adrenal burnout, and many of people that I work with in my clinic have all three of these variables.

When we constantly overstimulate the adrenals they become burned out, and the amount of cortisol available throughout the day and throughout our circadian rhythm cycle becomes altered. This is where the chronic health conditions come into play. Symptoms such as excessive fatigue, neck/back pain, inability to hold a chiropractic adjustment, hair loss, irritability, poor immune response,

insomnia, cravings, female hormone imbalance, digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation, inability to lose weight, headaches, depression, indigestion, lightheadedness, lack of concentration, anxiety, food allergies, environmental allergies, dry skin, and poor memory can all be linked to adrenal burnout and an inefficient circadian rhythm.

I see this daily in my practice, and it is at that time that we run a lab-based saliva panel that actually tests the cortisol level several times throughout the day to determine what the rhythm is exactly and when it is deficient. There is a logical treatment option that does not treat symptoms but rather the underlining causes.

This is functional medicine. People have chronic health issues that are not being addressed by mainstream medicine. These health issues require a lifestyle change. They also require changing the diet and healing the adrenal glands. If you are looking for answers to health issues for what modern society and its dependents have done to our bodies and to our health, look to finding out the health of your adrenal glands and addressing the imbalances of them.

Heidi Toy is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and the owner of "Educated Nutrition", located in Altoona, WI. Her focus is helping people heal holistically, with an emphasis on autoimmune disorders.

Acupuncture for Wellness Acupuncture that Works!!

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Session One: Ends March 19 Session Two: March 30 May 21 (8 weeks) Classes Include: Monday: Just Pump with Deb Begotka, 5:10-6:10pm, McPhee 111

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(715) 3

Honey Bees GOOOOOO!!

By Drew Kaiser, protector, fan and keeper of all things bee!

T

he first major project to come from the Advisory Commission on Sustainability has been approved by the Eau Claire City Council. On Tuesday, February 10, the council voted unanimously (10-0) in favor of an ordinance that details a system for beekeeping, which had previously been deemed illegal via the city’s nuisance ordinance. The new law requires would-be beekeepers to obtain a permit from the City-County Health Department before starting a home apiary. A yearly fee was set at $45 and a first year pre-inspection fee, which has yet to be set, is estimated to be between $60-$100.

Second Opinion |‌ 12

The unanimous support was due largely to rigorous criteria needed to obtain a permit. Folks interested in keeping bees will be required to abide setbacks and create “flyway barriers” when a hive is located closer than 25 feet to a property line. A flyway barrier may be a fence or dense vegetation that directs the foragers’ flight path over 6 feet. The total number of colonies allowed is determined by the proposed lot's size; from two colonies on a half acre or less, up to 8 colonies on a property over one acre. In most cases at least 80 percent of neighbors within 100 feet of

property lines will need to give consent for an apiary.

Other important aspects include providing a water source for the bees, keeping hives out of view from sidewalk and streets, and conspicuously posting a sign including the words “HONEY BEE HIVE”, the beekeeper’s name and telephone number which can be clearly readable at twenty-five feet from the hives.

The Health Department and Advisory Commission on Sustainability are currently developing materials to aid applicants in the process. The hope is to start accepting applications in March for the coming season. If you’re interested in learning more about beekeeping, consider attending a meeting of the Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Association. A meeting schedule, contacts and more information can be found at: http:// chippewavalleybeekeepers.com

Our Green City — The City of Eau Claire has made some awesome strides

to be as green as it can be. From forming a sustainability committee, to planting trees, to reducing emmissions, to solar installation, we have eco-ed up Eau Claire quite well! Here are some facts and figures from the past few years.

Did You Know the City of Eau Claire:

■ Used approximately 400,000 gallons of fuel last year ■ Implemented an anti-idling policy for city-owned vehicles in 2011 ■ Owns 7 environmentally friendly vehicles, including three hybrid buses ■ Has 2.67 miles of on-road bike lanes and approximately 30 miles of off-road bike trails ■ In 2013, 1,047,962 people rode Eau Claire Transit*

The city of Eau Claire uses on average, from its 15 operating wells, 9.25 million gallons of water daily. That’s like filling up 185,000 50 gallon bath tubs or 15½ Fairfax Swimming Pools per day! *

The average per-person recycling volume in Eau Claire County increased from 123.2 pounds in 2012 to 141.2 pounds in 2013.*

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that Americans use 90 billion plastic bags, sacks, and wraps each year. Each year it is estimated the average American uses 330 plastics bags. Hence, city residents used on average approximately 21,741,390 plastics bags in 2010.*

For 2013, 2, 650 trees were planted (2, 000 seedlings and 650 balled and burlapped trees). Public Works’ projects included an additional planting of 85 street trees. Recycled 3,800 Christmas Trees during Merry Mulch Event, as well.**

In 2013, the city procured three hybrid buses; that have saved over $50,000 in fuel consumption. UW-Eau Claire students designed three biosphere bus-wraps to increase awareness on the environment.**

In 2013, the city replaced all the library’s original 1976 windows with more energyefficient ones.**

Installed public Wi-Fi on 22 city buses.** In 2014, Eau Claire County residents recycled 7,423 tons of recyclables; properly disposed of 63,633 pounds of hazardous waste and 3,439 bulbs during four Clean Sweep events; and over 2,000 pounds of medication were incinerated.

—Amanda Haffele, Recycling Coordinator, Eau Claire County Recycling Program

*EC Green Team Newsletter **Green Tier Legacy Community 2013 Annual Report

Second Opinion |‌ 13

Mother Nature’s Food

By Diane Wolfe

M

other Nature’s Food Store opened in 1971, at 2434 London Road in Eau Claire, next to the Tokyo Restaurant. The current owner, Debbie Koteras, started working there in 1996 when she moved back to the area and started her family. She had retail management experience and wanted to own the business. She believed in the business model of helping people to take their health into their own hands at whatever age or stage of life they were in. It was a place in the community to get educated and try new ways of living well and healing.

Since taking over fifteen years ago, business has steadily grown, and with the help of the internet, local people are being educated and have a place to go for the products they want. The top-selling products have changed over the years. Fish oil and anti-oxidant products were popular ten

years ago, and today, curcumin, probiotics, and coconut oil are selling well. Mother Nature’s Food offers the largest selection of bulk herbs and spices in the area, and the largest selection of supplements. Other product offerings are: grass-fed meats, frozen wild fish, gluten-free products, dog and cat food, and natural health and beauty products.

Not only has the internet popped up in the past fifteen years, but other local stores now sell some of the same products. Debbie does not feel they have hurt her store because the customer service is excellent. She and her employees are genuinely interested in the products they sell and use some themselves. Every day they hear firsthand testimonies about how a product has helped a person’s condition, and they pass that information along to each other. There is plenty of free literature available in the store to take home as well. Debbie is convinced that Mother Nature’s Food is “naturally, the best!”

Call Today!

We treat depression and all kinds of pain and discomfort!

503 E. Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701 715-832-2223

www.ptcofec.com

Welcome to the New Lindsley Chiropractic Clinic!

Lindsley Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center

New Available Services: ▪ Microcurrent 1565 195th Avenue, Bloomer, WI 54724 ▪ Colon Hydrotherapy ▪ Laser Therapy 715.832.8414 or 715-568-5058 ▪ Massage www.Lindsleychiropractic.com Second Opinion |‌ 14

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Keep It Simple, and Make a Huge Change

By Molly Enright, True Blue Housekeeping

P

eople often want to know what my all time favorite cleaner is, the secret green weapon. I’d like to share this, and a few other really simple things to do around the house to save you time and energy, and to keep you from getting buildup in places that might lead you to use harsh chemicals to get it back to normal.

When it comes down to it, the one thing I cannot clean without would have to be rags. I keep a bunch of them in the kitchen and the bathroom and use them for everything.

I throw one on the floor while I am cooking or doing the dishes and clean up spills with my feet as they happen. Then I throw it in a small laundry bin. I run one under the shower water while it’s warming up and wipe down the sink and the toilet, dry it with another, and throw them in a bin. By keeping a little bit of soap or your favorite green cleanser, a toothbrush, and a slew of rags accessible, you can eliminate ever really needing to scrub the places that usually get the worst.

A couple of other things that help would be to keep a squeegee in the shower and get the water and soap residue

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Molly Enright 715.559.4840

Most Insurance Accepted Including Medicare & Medicaid

Paul Schlosser, M.D.

Paul Schlosser, M.D. Integrative Medicine ◆ Medical Acupuncture Integrative Medicine 200 Main Street, Eau Claire, WI 715-855-8280 Medical Acupuncture www.tworiversclinic.com ◆ 2riversclinic@att.com

off of the walls and doors before it hardens. Wiping just the shower fixtures dry and never giving soap and hard water a chance to leave residue. Not using bar soap is a huge help too. All-natural soap does not seem to be as problematic, but if you are noticing soap caked on your shower walls, you may want to look into treating yourself to an all-natural body wash and living a life of healthy leisure, or else succumbing to the never-ending battle of using half a bar of soap and scraping the rest off of your shower wall. This new habit will help with the plumbing too and keep you from a six-month Drano dump ritual.

I’ve also switched from plastic shower curtains to fabric ones. I’ve noticed this getting marketed as a specific thing now, but you can actually just use any shower curtain cover.

The thinner the better actually, because then it will dry quicker, but the water won’t go through. The trick is to get two and switch one out to be washed with all of your used rags. These could be the last shower curtains you ever buy, and think of the ridiculous amount of plastic used to make the regular ones, and where all of the ones you have used are now. It’s so awful. So next time you take yours down to replace it, throw the outer liner inside the tub and try a shower to see what I mean. I like to keep what I can out of the landfill and the water system, and these simple things have allowed me to do that in a great many ways.

Gonstead, Stangl & Arkowski Chiropractic and Massage Therapy, LLCs The Pain Therapy Center of Eau Claire, LLC Specializing in micro-current therapy

“Working together for your health and well being.”

Dr MJ Gonstead • Dr Melissa Stangl • Dr Lisa Arkowski Dana Bauer, CT • Emma Verbos, CMT

www.TogetherForYou.com

715-832-2223

503 E. Clairemont • Eau Claire, WI Natural • Effective • Safe • Non-invasive Second Opinion |‌ 15

200 Main Street, Eau Claire WI

715-855-8280

Do the Solar Math

By Joe Maurer, Next Step Energy, llc

W

hy install a solar PV system? You can hedge against rising fuel costs! You can own your energy up front! You can offset your own fossil fuel consumption! You can have energy independence!

You probably have heard some of what a solar PV system can do for you, but what about the costs? What does the math of a solar PV system say? A baseline PV costing exercise usually begins by looking at your kWh/per year usage. Here is a sample exercise you can do at home.

At our home business, the energy usage is 8,300 kWh per year. To estimate my PV system size, I will begin by dividing my kWh per year by 1.2. This gives me an estimated PV system size of 6,917 watts or a 6.9kW system. To calculate my installed cost, I multiply the PV system size by the cost per watt for a roof mounted system, which in this case is $4.00. This gives me an installed cost of $27,988. Not exactly chump change, I know. But wait! There is more to this equation.

If I am a rural business owner, I can apply for a 25 percent USDA REAP grant. To figure this amount, I multiply my installed cost by 0.25. This puts me at $20,991. If my utility participates with Focus on Energy, I can take an additional $2,400 dollars. This Focus on Energy grant is taxed at 33 percent (-$792), so the cost of the system is now at $19,383. The federal tax credit is considerable at 30 percent.

To calculate this, I simply multiply my installed cost minus the USDA grant by 0.30. This puts me at $14,693.70! I know exciting, right? We are not done—let’s look at depreciation. Depreciation indicates how much of an asset’s value has changed.

For tax purposes, businesses can deduct the cost of the tangible assets they purchase as business expenses. To figure depreciation, multiply your installed cost ($27,988) by 0.21. Our net solar system cost is $8,816.22! This isn’t chump change either—but it’s a considerable difference from where we started.

So, what’s the payback time? To calculate this, divide the net solar system cost by the solar energy value in year one and multiply by 1.35. To calculate your solar energy value in year one, multiply your annual electric load by your utility rate. For example, for my solar energy value in year one, I multiply $0.11 x 8,300 to get $913. So to find payback, I divide my net system cost ($8,816.22) by solar energy value ($913) and multiply by 1.35 to give weight to module degradation, property insurance escalation, inverter replacement etc. My payback time is 13 years. Or I could say after 13 years, I make money with my system! System life is expected to last at least 30 years.

Check with your tax professional and solar site assessor to find out if you qualify for solar energy tax incentives.

Make a New Year's resolution to do something for your health—we can help with a regular yoga practice.

Check our website for many new classes.

EXCITING NEWS!

Introducing

Dr. James Kolmer

Cranial Adjusting

Get help with Headaches, TMJ, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Bell’s palsy…and much more!!

715-723-2713

Chippewa Falls Chiropractic Second Opinion |‌ 16

Spring Psychic & Wellness Fair April 25, 10 am - 5 pm

Sleep Inn & Suites/29 Pines, Eau Claire Free Admittance More than 25 Vendors, Healers and Readers Attend Free Mini-Workshops with Joe “The Rock Guy” of Maple House Arts, Judy Meinen of Angel Care Healing Touch, and more.

Call 715.832.7250 or find us on Facebook.

Visit AngelCareHealingTouch.com for more details

Midwest Environmental Consultants Over 50 Years of Landscaping and Environmentally Conscious Lawn Care

Aphrodite Blue

Executive Diva #813246 715.552.1474 peacelovemusic@sprynet.com

Specialists in: ▪ Landscape Design ▪ Environmental Planning ▪ Natural Lawn Care

Call Gordon Petschow TODAY! 715-878-4472 Eleva, WI

Organic Valley dairy farmers like the Ihm family believe in the importance of providing healthy, local, organic dairy products for the communities they live in.

For more than 25 years, our farmer-owned cooperative has been committed to producing nutritious, organic products in harmony with the earth and with respect for animals. Learn more about our mission at OrganicValley.coop.

©Organic Valley 2015-11007

Ihm Family Farm One of our more than 750 Midwest farmer-members.

Second Opinion |‌ 17

Sunrider’s Sunny Dew is very different. Other brands commonly use a chemical reaction to process Stevia, altering its natural structure. However, Sunrider uses a special extraction and concentration process to preserve the natural structure found in its whole food form and therefore enhance its benefits. Containing zero calories, the natural extract makes an excellent flavor enhancer and is also used to help maintain normal blood-sugar levels.

Sunrider International Since 1982, Sunrider International has helped people around the world improve their lifestyle and wellbeing. Sunrider researches, develops, and self-manufactures over 400 earth-friendly products in the areas of nutrition, cosmetics, skin care, personal care, and household products. As a “product of the product” for seventeen years, I can personally attest to the high quality of the company and their products and the life-changing responses I have experienced.

Sunrider’s approach to health is to use the right combination of foods to nourish and cleanse the body—to keep a balance between yin and yang.

All Sunrider products, be it the foods, cosmetics, or toothpaste, are based on

Reiki Master Teacher in Usui Shiki Ryoho, Seichim, Karuna Ki, and Firefly therapies

the Philosophy of Regeneration. By using this philosophy as a blueprint, Sunrider products help keep the systems of the body—endocrine, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and immune—in balance, just as the five elements—fire, metal, earth, water, wood—keep the universe in harmony.

An excellent example of Sunrider’s quality and philosophy is the product Sunny Dew. Many companies are marketing Stevia products, but

Sunrider has a complete line of regenerative herbal foods and drinks, healthy and safe skin care and cosmetics, and personal care items.

For more information or an appointment, Pamela Jaffke, DVM Owen, WI • 715-229-4195 • p_jaffke@yahoo.com

Tracy Chipman ~200 RYT

Ayurveda = choosing to live life with awareness

715.309.2485

Ayurveda Yoga Specialist – by appt.

Ayurveda Yoga Specialist – by appt.

Ilona Udvari RMT

RECREATE ~ REJUVENATE • Treatments • Attunements/Classes • Spiritual Channeling

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

N4002 State Rd. 25 Menomonie, WI 54751 715-235-7732 ilona@fireflyreiki.com

Tracy Chipman ~200 RYT

715.309.2485

tlchipman@gmail.com http://tlcyoga.weebly.com/

Buy 2 treatments get 1 free!

tlchipman@gmail.com

Elements for Healthcare

Joyce Sobotta Certified Aromatherapist & Reflexologist

715-878-4474 or 715-828-0117 Essential Oil Classes, Presentations, E. 3151 Cedar Rd. Eleva, WI 54738 Breast Health, Personal Blends Info@AromatherapyNaturesWay.com www.AromatherapyNaturesWay.com www.aromatherapynaturesway.com www.HealthyGirlsBreastOil.com joyce@aromatherapynaturesway.com

• •

The Christine Center Retreat programs for meditation, Yoga, art and writing & many others. Bring family, friends and co-workers for get-togethers and meetings.

Ayurveda = choosing to live Barbara Wheeler life with awareness

Acupuncture • Therapeutic Massage Stress & Pain Management Education

715.832.2005

Cottages, guest house, homemade mostly

meals. Bookstore, library, trails.

Tracy Chipman ~200vegetarian RYT Eau Claire Call 715.267.7507.

Ayurveda Yoga Specialist – by appt.

www.elementsforhealthcare.com

Visit www.christinecenter.org

715.309.2485

tlchipman@gmail.com

Where Beautiful Skin Begins...Naturally!

Aloe Skin Care ▪ Color Cosmetics Nutrition ▪ Income Opportunity Marge Hebbring Skin Care Consultant 7361 203rd Street Chippewa Falls WI 54729 715-829-6253

hebbrima@charter.net ▪ www.giftsofnature.lbri.com

Second Opinion |‌ 18

Golden Hills Buffalo

How can partnering with a horse Inspire YOU? Receive 10% off a session when you mention code 102 Jayne Nuutinen Wolff – 715-829-5379

www.EquineInspiredWellness.com

Not just good, but good for you!

Our buffalo roam on grass pastures and are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for heart health.

N44867 Cty. Rd. E • Osseo 715-597-2517 goldenhillsbuffalo@gmail.com Available at Just Local Food Co-op

A DV E RT ISE M E N T

FA

We Are What We Eat If we are what we eat (and we are), is it any wonder we have disease and general ill-health nearing epidemic proportion in the U.S.?

We have gotten used to trusting the foods stocked on grocery store shelves. We are used to paying low prices for our food without thinking about why that food is so cheap. We are used to not thinking at all about the big picture when it comes to our food. If it looks good, smells good and comes at a good price, it must be good.

Sadly, this is no longer the case. There are thousands of entry points to this conversation and not enough room on this page to paint the big picture. To simplify things for a moment, consider one of our favorite national spring foods; ham. Spring and Easter are just around the corner. Let’s take a moment to consider the pig.

The majority of pork available for purchase these days comes from animals raised on CAFO’s (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations). The animals raised in factory farms live in horrifying conditions. Yes, ethical issues abound. The animals are pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones, and fed beyond substandard diets. Basically, they aren’t allowed to be pigs and do what pigs do. The result is a product that is bad for your health, bad for the earth and destructive to local economies.

When an animal, (be they pigs, chickens, sheep or cows) spends their days in the sunshine and fresh air, drinking clean water, free to express their natural tendencies with access to appropriate food for their breed; something very interesting happens. The meats from these animals exhibit superior flavor, texture and nutrient values than meats from animals raised in confinement, indoors with cocktails of antibiotics and growth hormones.

When compared to pork raised indoors in confinement, pastured pork has been show to have: 1. More omega-3 fatty acids (heart healthy & reduces inflammation) 2. More Vitamin E 3. More Vitamin D (in the pork fat) 4. Higher levels of other beneficial nutrients.

5. Noticeable flavor and texture improvement compared to pork from confined animals.

Just Local Food Cooperative has been selling locally raised and pastured, chemical/hormone free meats for over ten years.

We have developed deep relationships with our local farmers and know exactly where our pork, lamb, beef and poultry products come from.

We know how these animals have been treated, raised, fed, processed and brought to market. And we only work with local and regional processors to ensure the quality of the product we sell is high. Supporting these small businesses bolsters our local and regional economies.

What does this mean for you?

1. You enjoy a more delicious & healthful meal.

2. You gain more nutrition for your money.

3. More money stays in our local or regional community.

4. Local farmers are receiving fair prices and access to market, allowing them to continue to steward the land.

5. Healthy land is the key to good, nourishing food since it is the land that feeds the animals.

When considering where you Easter ham will come from this year, take a moment to think about the true cost of what you choose to feed your family.

Just Local Food Cooperative is proud to offer an excellent selection of locally pastured ham and pork products from Deutsch Family Farm in Osseo. Our knowledgeable staff are available to answer any questions you might have.

Second Opinion |‌ 19

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FARMER FEATURE

JustLocalFood cooperative

everyone welcome • knowledgable staff • fair prices full service natural food cooperative

staff pick

Andy and Steph Schneider dedicate their 160 acre farm to producing some of the best meat products in the region. Their bratwurst are in such high demand in our store that we have a hard time keeping them in stock!

The Schneiders, along with their two daughters, raise beef, pork and lamb (and occasionally poultry) near Eleva, WI. Their beef and lamb are 100% grassfed, receiving new fresh pasture daily and have access to raw apple cider vinegar, high quality salt and minerals. You can find their pigs roaming the pastures and woods and munching on the wild hazelnuts, apples, raspberries, blackberries, plums and cherries sprinkled throughout the farm. Steph also makes lard based soaps, lip balms and lotions with the lard from her pigs.

Currently, we carry bratwurst from Together Farms. Our most popular flavor is Jalepeno Cheddar. Stop in and give them a try! You won’t be dissappointed. For more information on Together Farms, visit www.togetherfarms.com

PRODUCT FEATURE Fire Cider 8 or 16 oz

New in the wellness department!

Made by hand by husband and wife team in Pittsfield, MA, Fire Cider is a spicy tonic known to ward off just about any ailment or illness winter can throw at us. Certified Organic apple cider vinegar is mixed with whole, raw, Certified Organic oranges, lemons, onions, ginger, horseradish, habanero pepper, garlic and turmeric. Amy and Dana let this mixture steep for 6 weeks at room temperature, to preserve the living vinegar culture and delicate flavors of the ingredients. Lastly, they blend a generous helping of raw wildflower honey into the mix. The result is potent but balanced, offering layers of sweet, tart and spice. Fire Cider tastes great on its own, or as an addition to tea, juice or salad.

JustLocalFood cooperative

Second Opinion |‌ 20

“We spend a lot of time outside in Wisconsin. I love to be outside in the cold, but I love coming in and warming up with a cup of Legacy Chocolates Hot Cocoa.”

Beth Martin Marketing and

Legacy Chocolates Customer Service St. Paul, Minnesota Manager Hot Cocoa Mix 1117 S. Farwell St.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin 715.552.3366

open daily 8am-9pm www.justlocalfood.coop

Keep an eye out for Seed Savers Exchange seeds, vegetable and native plant starts at our store!

$5

off

expires 5/30/15

purchase of $30 or more excludes beer

for your own sake!

By Dr. Lynn Thompson

I

n springtime our attention turns from snow removal and keeping warm to preparing and caring for a lush, green, and beautiful lawn. How we accomplish the picture-perfect lawn may be less than “perfect.” According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops.”1 The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) allows the use of over 200 pesticides, and approximately 35 of these chemicals and combinations are in over 90 percent of lawn care treatments accounting for over 80 million pounds of pesticides used yearly on the nearly 30 million acres of lawn in the United States.

How do these toxic chemicals affect human health?

Chemicals that are used as pesticides are toxic and have been associated with birth defects, adverse reproductive effects, mutations, and cancer in laboratory animals. The EPA has only tested “nine of the 750 registered pesticides for their effect on the developing nervous system: six of the nine

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tested were more harmful to young animals than adults.”2 Fetuses, infants, and children under the age of five, when their cells reproduce more rapidly, are more vulnerable to pesticides. Children may encounter more damage to their reproductive systems and loss of brain function when exposed to the neurotoxins.3 Households that were using pesticides have statistically increased odds of children with leukemia, brain cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.4 Many of the causative agents in the pesticides are the inert ingredients. Many of the inert materials are extremely toxic and may make up 90 to 95 percent of the pesticide product.

Some of the inert materials are suspected carcinogens. Others are suspected to be toxic to the central nervous system and related disorders, kidney and liver damage, birth defects, and some short-term health effects.5 You can try to avoid exposures by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, washing exposed areas often, and keeping your personal protective equipment clean and in good operating condition.

The following information is from the National Pesticide

INTENTIONS HEAL

Life Coaching & Integrative Energy Services

Sandi Anderson BS, CHTP, RM, CHT Life & Soul Coach, Integrative Energy Healer

Anna Martinson Professional Life Coach

715-834-3959

leapoffaithlifecoaching.com leapoffaithlifecoaching@gmail.com

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-456-1391 Monday - Thursday, Friday & Saturday Special Request Follow Sandra dasanderson@gmail.com on www.sandi-anderson.com Intuitive Insights to Light Your Path Second Opinion |‌ 21

More Stats to Know ▪ 78 million households in the United States use home and garden pesticides.

▪ Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 have studies pointing toward carcinogens, 13 are linked with birth defects, 21 with reproductive effects, 15 with neurotoxicity, 26 with liver or kidney damage, 27 are sensitizers and/or irritants, and 11 have the potential to disrupt the endocrine (hormonal) system.

▪ Children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that make them more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxins.

▪ The National Academy of Sciences estimates 50 percent of lifetime pesticide exposure occurs during the first five years of life.

Information Center6 What to Do When Pesticide Poisoning Occurs The key to surviving and recovering from a pesticide poisoning is rapid treatment. Take emergency action immediately when you suspect a pesticide poisoning. As time continues to elapse after exposure, recovery is hindered, and the toxic effects are heightened.

Immediately call 911 whenever a pesticide poisoning is suspected. An advanced life support team will be dispatched to provide assistance. Additional information is available at The Poison Center, 1-800-955-9119. The poison center will be able to provide specific directions on procedures to follow until a life support team arrives.

What a victim might think is a cold or the flu could be a fatal pesticide poisoning. Whenever possible, find out the following critical information: 1. Has the victim been exposed to a pesticide?

2. If so, which one and how did the exposure occur?

3. What emergency actions are on the pesticide label?

Many labels direct that vomiting be induced. Vomiting can be induced by giving the patient ipecac and water or by inserting the finger into the throat of the victim. Do not

induce vomiting when: 1. the label says not to; 2. convulsions have occurred; 3. the victim is unconscious; and 4. the pesticide contains petroleum products such as xylene.

Always wash the victim’s exposed skin with a detergent and plenty of water. Skin irritation can result from continuous exposure if not treated. If skin exposure occurs, obtain medical treatment. If the victim’s clothing has been contaminated by a pesticide that is readily absorbed dermally, remove the clothing and decontaminate the victim’s skin.

Even though careful pesticide application is normal, accidents can happen. Be prepared. Keep the number for the Poison Center readily available either in your telephone directory or near your telephone. Do not hesitate to contact medical authorities if any symptoms of pesticide poisoning occur. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Dr. Lynn Thompson holds doctorates in chiropractic, naturopathy, and homoeopathy, and is one of sixty-five people worldwide certified by doTERRA to teach the AromaTouch Technique of essential oil application. She is also authorized

by NCBTMB to provide CEU for massage therapists for the AromaTouch Technique.

Sources: 1. USFWS. Homeowner’s guide to protecting frogs-lawn and garden care. Division of Environmental Contaminants. July, 2000.

2. USEPA. FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Meeting. June 25–27, 2002.

3. Wargo J. Our Children’s Toxic Legacy. 1998. Yale University Press.

4. www.beyondpesticides.org/schools/alerts/SEPA. 5. www.oag.state.ny.us/environment/inerts96.html#table1.npic@ace.orst. edu.

6. npic.orst.edu.

Please join us on Tuesday evenings at Globe University for FREE educational classes.

Please RSVP attendance to me at drlynnthompson1@gmail.com to confirm.

If school is cancelled, class is cancelled too.a

Virtual Visits Are Here!

A Locally Owned Independent Restaurant

Visit the Joyful Doc Clinic once this year and you can do follow up visits with Dr. Jodi Ritsch M.D. virtually from your smartphone or computer. Great for 10 minute quick visits over your lunch break.

The Joyful Doc Clinic 520 Wilson Ave., Menomonie

715-953-4451 Easy online scheduling at joyfuldoc.com

Second Opinion |‌ 22

Focused on using fresh, LOCAL ingredients 415 S. Barstow Street • Eau Claire

715-835-6621

Hours: Tues.-Sat. Open @ 4:00pm www.houligans.net

Rain Barrels: A Win-Win for All

By Jeannie Voeks Happy Earth Day Month! Let’s talk about one simple thing we can do for Mother this year in promoting sustainability. That is saving her gift of rainwater. There are different reasons to want to do this.

There are Eco-nomic reasons as well as Eco-logic reasons that saving and using rainwater is beneficial. For lack of space and in keeping with Earth Day, I am going to focus on the Ecological aspect only.

replenished by this natural pH water, nitrogen is delivered to the soil and plants thrive.

Rainwater is a constant renewable resource to Earth because of its continuous production cycle and is very pure due to the water cycle it goes through. Although there are some similarities between rainwater and tap water, there are also many differences.

Tap water contains contaminants due to the many substances collected in the environment. These contaminants,

Eco-logical benefits:

Collecting rain in barrels helps slow runoff and encourages rain to soak into the soil more efficiently, to recharge groundwater supplies and protect sensitive ecosystems.

Overloaded municipal sewer systems can cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers, thus causing pollution to our valued lakes and rivers.

By saving rainwater from wetter seasons, you’ll have plenty to use without taxing the municipal supply, or your well during the summer, helping out during times of not-so-rainy days.

Eco-facts to consider:

Gardens, trees, bedding and house plants are more likely to flourish when they always receive Mother Nature’s pH-balanced rainwater. What could be more simple and natural?

Have you ever noticed how green a good rain turns lawns and gardens?

This is not just “a good cleaning up” by the rainwater. The soil is

such as pesticides, prescription drugs, sewage, bacteria, metals, oil, etc. then need to be filtered out, so it can be used for drinking and cooking.

So WHY is rainwater better than tap water for our plants and lawns?

Well, there are a few reasons… ► Simply said, it is what Mother Nature intended. Rainwater is purer, more easily absorbed because it is naturally soft and free of minerals.

This allows for healthier growth. ► Salt exists in the soil naturally.

In areas where the water is naturally full of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, sodium (salt) is used in municipal water and in water softeners to soften water to reduce deposit buildup. Too much salt is bad for plants, and as it builds up it starves the roots of water. Rainwater dilutes the salts in the soil and pushes them further down, away from the plant’s root system. ► Municipal water services add a lot of chemicals to the water supply to keep it clean as it flows through pipes. Fluoride and chlorine are very common additives. Fluoride is put into the water in an effort to keep people’s teeth healthy. Chlorine is used to kill off harmful bacteria in the water supply. Both of these chemicals affect the pH of the soil, often making it too acidic for maintaining healthy plants.

Rainwater contains neither of these chemicals, having been filtered by evaporation, and is pure.

I hope this has helped you understand the benefits and importance of harvesting rainwater for your plants, gardens, trees and lawn.

Try rainwater for other uses, too.

You’ll be surprised how much you’ll like it for washing your car, bathing your pet, or washing your own hair… you might find that you won’t need to buy conditioner, as rainwater is naturally soft.

Many of us are finding ways to go back to a simpler way of life. This is one of those smarter, simpler ways that make sense, save money and save on the environment. Give it a try… oh, and if you do, please remember to choose a rain barrel that is good for the environment and won’t end up in a landfill. Mother Earth will thank you.

Green Planet Rain Barrels, LLC 715-835-4080 or greenplanetrainbarrels@gmail.com Second Opinion |‌ 23

Heat Up Your Life — and Your Yoga!

By Anna Lucas

I

t’s late Sunday morning. You’re bundled up, shuffling along North Barstow Street, decked out in your winter best—a nearly equal comparison to a super-sized marshmallow with your puffy down jacket, knitted scarf, head wrap, thick mittens, and clunky, insulated boots. The winter wind bites at your cheeks as you squint your eyes against the sun’s glare off the freshly fallen snow. Winter in Wisconsin–“Experience the cold that seeps into your bones.”

Then, you see “308 N. Barstow Street: Dragonfly Studio,” where you stop and pull open the door. When you enter, you’re instantly bathed in warmth–the entire room heated to a comfortable 90 degrees. It’s as though you’ve stepped into a giant hug. The cozy air envelops your entire body, and every muscle immediately begins to release and your heart sighs happily. The rooms smells lightly of pine. There’s music playing and laughter ringing throughout the studio as you begin to notice a whole community of people talking and setting up their yoga mats on the golden, hardwood floor.

Welcome, my friend, to “90 Degree Yoga.”

Maybe you currently have your own yoga practice and have already discovered many of its diverse and plentiful benefits.

Or, perhaps you have simply heard people buzzing about a class they’ve recently taken and are curious about what yoga might be like for you. Either way, what is “90 Degree Yoga,” anyway?

“90 Degree Yoga” had its humble beginning at Dragonfly Dance and Wellness Studio in Eau Claire, in January of 2014.

Anna Lucas, owner of Crave Yoga & Wellness LLC, had recently fallen in love with heated yoga and was eager to replicate a similar class in the Chippewa Valley.

So, what can you expect? As with any yoga practice, it’s important to show yourself–your body and your mind– compassion. That’s why yoga is referred to as your “practice.”

Because, no matter your skill level, we are all continual Second Opinion |‌ 24

learners! Every person will be somewhere different on their yoga journey. Simply know that when you attend a class, you will find yourself in a community that deeply supports and encourages one another. Our environment is one of warmth, love, learning, and continual growth. All you need to bring with you is an open mind and maybe invite a friend. Expect to have fun, breathe, sweat, and move.

“But, I’m not flexible.” We hear this one a lot. More important than physically flexibility is mental flexibility. Allow yourself to be open to new possibilities. The yoga style taught is a Power Vinyasa Flow, which means that you will be led through a series of dynamic yoga poses that follow the rhythm of your natural breath. Movement through these poses (which are all guided by a certified instructor) will expose both your strengths and weaknesses. This is all a part of the journey.

Letting go and breathing through challenges will not only give you strength, but will allow the tension in your body and mind to release further, thus resulting in increased range of motion and all over flexibility. Simply trust in the process.

But, why turn up the heat? The increased temperature gives your muscles a natural way to stretch and can also help to prevent injury. We “warm up” the body both through movement AND heat. The vast majority of hot yoga studios in the country crank up the heat to a steamy 98+ degrees, and you’ll undoubtedly leave class drenched in sweat. At Dragonfly Studio, we keep the temperature at 90 degrees to offer the benefits of heat and to evoke a light sweat to cleanse the body of impurities.

We delight in the diversity of our yoga students. No matter your past experience of yoga (or lack thereof) you are welcome!

Come find your peace, ignite your passion, and unleash your power.

“Yoga is ultimately a journey into truth: truth about who you really are, what you are capable of, and how your actions reflect your life.” —Baron Baptiste Anna Lucas is a real-deal wellness advisor and owner of Crave Yoga & Wellness LLC. In addition, Anna is a healing touch (Reiki) practitioner, prolific writer, national speaker, free-flowing yoga instructor, and an expansive grinner. Anna resides in Eau Claire (for now) and founded the blog “Flow to Be Free,” where she poetically shares her spiritual journey toward self-love, vulnerability, and living courageously. To schedule a personal coaching or Reiki session or to get more information on events, please email her at craveyogawellness@ gmail.com and visit her blog www.flowtobefree.blogspot.com.

And, please LIKE Crave Yoga & Wellness LLC on Facebook!

Crave Yoga & Wellness LLC Offerings 90 Degree Yoga - Sundays @ Noon Gentle Yoga Flow - Mondays @ 7:30PM All classes held at Dragonfly Studio (308 N. Barstow St.) $12 drop in or 2 for $22 Private Yoga, Reiki and Personal Coaching Sessions with Anna Lucas

YOGA + WELLNESS

715.864.3041 ◆ craveyogawellness@gmail.com

LLC

N a t u r a l

Playing Safe

By Dr. Erin Weiss

S

pring and Summer is such a great time to have a dog!

Who doesn’t love running around outside with your best friend, throwing the ball or a Frisbee; fishing with a wonderful companion; or enjoying a hike through the woods, as your dog explores the underbrush around you? Just remember, that as great as summer is, there can be hidden dangers to your pet, as well.

Dogs have a harder time dealing with heat than we humans.

Remember, they wear fur coats 24/7! And dogs can only cool themselves off by panting and some sweating of the pads. The best time to exercise with your dog is early morning, or in the evening, when the heat and humidity are lowest. This is especially important for the brachycephalic (smushy-faced) breeds like pugs or bulldogs, because their short noses can sometimes mean it is harder to pant. If you do need to be out in the hottest part of the day, make sure your pet has plenty of water and access to shade. We need to also remember that pavement can get extremely hot, and dogs don’t wear shoes. The pavement that is “hot enough to fry an egg” can burn the pads of your dog’s foot quickly. And, as always, do not leave your dog in the car during the summer. In fact, on a sunny 70 degree day, your car can heat up to over 100 degrees within minutes!

While swimming or boating with your pet, make sure they

P e t

W e l l n e s s

can swim or are wearing a life jacket. Most dogs love the water and are natural swimmers but not all of them! Clean your dog’s ears regularly after swimming, to avoid infections. Even our backyards can be dangerous at times. Many lawns are treated with fertilizers and pesticides during the summer, and dogs will walk on there and then lick their feet, ingesting these possibly toxic chemicals. Pool-owners, keep pool covers firmly in place, and make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladders are located. Our grills can also be a source of concern. Does your dog long to lick the drip pan? Barbecue scraps and fatty leftovers can give your pup pancreatitis, causing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Corn cobs and peach pits are also a huge no-no because they can lodge in a dog’s intestines. Lastly, every night after spending all these wonderful days together, be sure to inspect your pet for ticks. The deer tick can be very small—so look closely! Talk to your veterinarian to decide what the best tickprevention product is for you, and for your best friend!

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, 2 sons, her dog, and chickens.

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We Come to You!

The Scoop on Food

By Melissa Kullman, Puckabee’s Eco Friendly Grooming

I

f you’re like many pet owners, you go into a pet store and stare at the stacks of pet foods and wonder where to even start. You then take a closer look at the packaging and sift through bags of product that boast “all natural ingredients,” “complete nutrition,” “prime cuts of meat,” and so on. While this all sounds like exactly the thing your dog or cat would love, that cryptic list of ingredients on the back probably leaves you feeling less than confident in the product. Here are some essential pieces of information you’ll need to get you and your best buddy on your way.

The best place to shop is at your locally owned pet supply store. The store owners and their employees tend to have a closer relationship with the supplier/food rep, which means a well-educated staff to offer you the best choices for your pet. Local pet supply stores also have the best selection of the quality foods your pet needs that aren’t even available through pet store chains and grocery stores. The best pet food companies are very particular about who sells their product.

They want their product well represented by people that are able to educate the consumer.

Start by looking for companies that use human-grade foods that are sourced in the United States. More often than not,

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dog/cat foods are made of the “left-overs” or the by-products of the human food industry and labeled as unfit for human consumption. What this means is contamination. Grains are littered with molds, mites, and other insects, while meats or animal by-products carry infection and disease. There are far fewer guidelines and restrictions in the pet food industry than in our own. The AFFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) establishes nutritional standards and leaves it up to the pet food companies to be responsible and formulate products according to these standards. However, the AAFCO does not regulate, test, approve, or certify any of these pet foods in any way.

Next, search for a food that is made of ingredients that are appropriate for your carnivore. Accept nothing less than whole meats and vegetables, without grains like corn and wheat (fillers that have no place in your pet’s diet). Always be on the lookout for other unacceptable ingredients found in your pet’s foods, including artificial dyes, corn syrups and sugar, preservatives like BHA/BHT and ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol (yes, this is found in anti-freeze AND Purina’s Beneful).

So what happens to dogs and cats that are fed these

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poor quality “foods”? Because dogs and cats are fed the same food day in and day out, their diet does not vary and they are regularly exposed to high amounts of food contamination on a daily basis, which makes them more likely to suffer life-long ailments and disease. This includes things like food allergies from grain proteins (symptoms include dry itchy skin, excessive scratching and licking, chronic skin and ear infections, diarrhea, and hot spots), liver and kidney disease, as well as a variety of cancers.

Here is a quick list of the repeat dog and cat food offenders: Alpo, Ol’ Roy, Iams, Kibbles ‘n’ Bits, Pedigree, Purina, Science Diet, and Tuffy’s. Choose a company that goes above and beyond, offering quality ingredients, like Eagle Holistic, Nature’s Variety Instinct, Fromm, Solid Gold, Wellness Core, Taste of the Wild, or Orijen.

I know what you’re thinking. “Those higher quality foods probably cost more, right?” While you may pay a bit less for a bag of Purina or Iams, you can be sure that you’ll more than make up for the difference in vet bills, steroid shots, medications, medicated shampoos, and the silent suffering of your beloved pet. Feed your pet a diet of junky grains, additives, and diseased meat by-products, and that’s exactly what your best friend will get...a lot of junk (itchy skin, allergies, skin and ear infections) and disease (cancer, liver disease, tumors). When food is concerned, that old adage rings true: you get what you pay for.

Five Nutritional Supplements for Your Dog Supplements are beneficial for dogs to live a long and happy life. In today’s world there are numerous varieties of supplements to choose from. So how do you know if you are giving your dog the right supplements? Simplifying the wide array of products, there are five essential categories of supplements that every dog should be taking no matter what their life stage.

► A Multivitamin/Mineral

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that your dog’s body requires to achieve optimal wellness and provide nutritional support. Vitamins and minerals found in supplements cannot be manufactured by the body, giving them crucial role to play in maintaining the health of your dog.

► Fish Oil

Fish oils are in important source of omega 3 fatty acids known as EPA and DHA. These “good fats” are beneficial because they not only make your dog’s skin and coat shine but also help to strengthen the immune system, nervous system, and keep blood flowing through the heart. It has also been shown that fish oil can help reduce inflammation in the joints.

The most common fish oil comes from salmon but pollack, anchovy, and sardine varieties are available.

► Probiotics

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Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines and help to control yeast and harmful bacteria. Even though probiotics can be found in the intestines, it is still a good idea to provide added probiotics. Probiotics help improve your dog’s digestion and intestinal health. Think of dogs taking probiotics for the same reason that humans eat yogurt.

► Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are needed to help further break down your dog’s food and other supplements, such as fish oil. This is necessary so the maximum amount of nutrients can be absorbed and utilized for proper digestion.

► Glucosamine/Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are like lubrication for your dog’s joints. They help the joint cartilage maintain a higher water content, allowing it to have an absorbing quality similar to that of a wet sponge. Joint cartilage lacking in glucosamine and chondroitin tends to become brittle like that of a dry sponge, and the chance of arthritis increases.

It’s never too late to provide the best for your dog. Pet Food Plus offers an array of supplements to fit the needs of most dogs.

Stop in to the store today to speak with our knowledgeable staff to find THE right supplements to fit your dog.

Dori Friedemann, Pet Food Plus Second Opinion |‌ 27

Lawn Chemicals and Canines

By Heather Mishefske, Owner of emBARK

L

awn chemicals. To some, these words conjure up images of lush green lawns to lust over. To many of us those words conjure up images of sick pets and children.

We all know that lawn chemicals can cause more harm than good to both our environment AND our pets. One breed in particular has been studied more than many, looking at the damage that lawn chemicals can have. Scottish terriers are 16 times more likely to develop transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and research is suggesting that the exposure to herbicides and insecticides is having a dramatic influence on this increase.1 How and why do these chemical affect our dogs? As we all know, our dogs are all inherent hunters. Some of them hunt ants on the sidewalk, while others track moles under the earth in our yards. The routes in which these chemicals enter a dog’s body are ingestion, inhalation, and Second Opinion |‌ 28

transdermal exposures. Our dogs walk through our neighbors’ lawns and come home to sit on the couch and lick their paws. They are intent on smelling where that rabbit hopped off to, and inhale deeply. And, even if you are not using these chemicals, it is well known that they can travel in the wind over 50 feet into your lawn. Wind speed is a warning on the application guidelines for herbicides, but this may be unknown to many who apply them.

Keep you dogs safe this spring/ summer by avoiding lawns that have been treated and by being overly cautious about wiping off noses, paws, toes, and tails that have been possibly exposed with a damp towel.

Source: Glickman, L., Raghavan, M., Knapp, D., Bonney, P., and Dawson, M. “Herbicide Exposure and the Risk of Transitional Carcinonoma of the Urinary Bladder in Scottish Terriers.” In Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association.

April 15,2004, pp. 1,290–1,297.

Stats to Know: • 90 million pounds are applied on lawns and gardens per year.

• Studies find that dogs exposed to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens can double their chance of developing canine lymphoma and may increase the risk of bladder cancer in certain breeds by four to seven times.

• Of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides: 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to fish and aquatic organisms, and 11 are deadly to bees.

• Pesticides can be toxic to wildlife and cause food source contamination, behavioral abnormalities that interfere with survival, and death.

• Lawn and garden pesticides are deadly to non-target species and can harm beneficial insects and soil microorganisms essential to a naturally healthy lawn.

See more statistics and references at www.beyondpesticides.org.

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H N

Nat Org Foo Tre leg to g foo

Q&A with a Holistic Vet

By Margaret Meier Jones, DVM, CVSMT

A

s our pet’s age, there can be changes that we notice in their behavior and personalities. Often, we dismiss these changes as the result of “old-age”, but that is not always the case. Here are some very frequent questions we address that actually may indicate that your pet has a medical issue that could be treated with the help of your veterinarian.

Why does my 12 year old cat yowl more?

Especially at night?

Vocalization of the older cat can be an indicator of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or arthritis. And, of these issues, I would say hyperthyroidism is the most common cause for vocalization, especially at night. Our thyroid glands help us with our metabolism, very similar to how the thermostat helps the furnace work in your home. With an over active thyroid gland, your cat can find it difficult to relax; and because cat’s are nocturnal animals, this can be seen especially at night.

Your veterinarian will perform a blood test to determine if an overactive thyroid gland is to blame and discuss treatment options with you that best suit you and your cat.

My older dog is finding it very difficult to climb up the stairs, even seeming to need a “running start” when he used to bound up the stairs. Can you tell me what might be the problem?

Difficulty climbing stairs and jumping can be indications of arthritis, especially in the hips and elbows. Arthritis is something that affects dogs and cats, but you may find it more difficult to see in your cat as both sides are often affected equally in cats. As your pet ages, you may see a gradual slow down in their activity level and this is very often just attributed to age. However, there are numerous

treatment options available today for arthritis, and many of these are non-invasive and very effective. If you are noticing your pet is a bit slower in it’s daily routine and having difficulty with stairs, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for the best way to help your pet deal with it’s arthritis. They will often recommend anti-inflammatories, diets high in essential fatty acids, and supplements to improve cartilage health and increase joint fluid. As well as veterinary spinal manipulative therapy and/or veterinary acupuncture.

Is Acupuncture a good treatment option for arthritis?

Acupuncture may be a very viable treatment option for arthritis or other issues your pet is experiencing that are not responding to traditional veterinary treatment methods. As with people, acupuncture must be administered to your pet by a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

It is always best to give your veterinary team a call if you have any questions or concerns regarding changes in your pets behavior and/or activity. There are numerous treatment options that are available to you and your pet at very affordable prices.

Dr. Margaret was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2007 and the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2012.

“Traditional & Holistic Veterinary Care”

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Animal Wellness Center of Buffalo Valley

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It’s All About the Connection: Equine Therapy for Veterans

By Toni Mattson

I

n the business world, a connection can result in a new job, a great promotion, and surprising opportunities. In our world at Trinity Equestrian Center, connections between horse and human result in changed lives…sometimes even saved lives!

Veterans come to us for help for many reasons relating to their service experience. Most often it falls in the broad category of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While there are many demons that lurk under that cover, one that disrupts the very foundation of their recovery is emotional detachment.

While in combat, it was a critical skill that not only helped them cope with all they had to do and see, but it may be the very reason they survived. Without emotions you can analyze the situation objectively, do what you need to, and complete your mission. Here are some statements from veterans: “I feel empty, hollow…totally unattached from my family and friends.”

“My wife says she thinks I don’t love her or care about the kids anymore…I can’t feel anything anymore.”

“Sometimes I hurt myself just to prove that I CAN feel something…anything.”

Our equine therapy starts with a guided walk with our veteran among a selected herd of horses called a Herd Walk.

We encourage our veteran to just “be” not so much “do” anything. Relax, watch, listen, and just co-exist. During this time, it never fails: a connection is made between the veteran and a horse. We can see it develop right before our eyes.

Over the weeks of equine therapy, that deeply rooted, trained skill of shutting off one’s emotions begins to dissolve and is softened by the unabashed, unapologetic desire of the horse to connect at a very deep and meaningful level with the veteran. That connection grows into a relationship, one that is

unconditional, non-judgmental, and surprisingly welcomed.

The veteran’s increased desire to connect with the horse and the liberating feelings that come from that connection slowly translate into a desire to reconnect with family, friends, and life. It gives them hope. Hope that things can get better, in fact will get better. Hope changes everything. It saves lives.

After only a few weeks in our program, one of our vets shared that he had carried with him a suicide note for years prior to joining us for therapy. At the beginning of his fifth week’s session and with tears in his eyes, he shared the existence of the suicide note and that he had torn it up.

Something he never thought he would or could do. He said, “I don’t need it anymore. I don’t wanna die, I wanna live! Lilly (his horse) changed everything for me.”

We go many different directions with our equine therapy and work on any issue the veteran brings to us or that is discovered on the journey. It is an incredibly effective method that gives them hope and saves lives.

Since 2009, Trinity Equestrian Center (TEC), a non-profit organization has provided nearly 1,800 FREE therapy sessions to 140 veterans and their families who are struggling with the effects of PTSD and traumatic brain injury. With equine assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, natural horsemanship, and prayer therapy that collectively produce an amazing 83 percent success rate.

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