Natural Awakenings Charlotte - May 2023 Issue

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WOMEN’S WELLNESS CHARLOTTE EDITION | AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM | MAY 2023

Integrative Family Medicine in the Greater Charlotte Area

www.stanleyrx.com

Direct Primary Care High-quality, patient-centered family medicine

SPECIALIZING IN Men's Hormone and Sexual Health Women's Hormone and Sexual Health Integrative and Holistic Medicine CBD Compounded Medications

Access to your doctor via phone, text, and email Same-day and next-day appointments

STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY 3120 LATROBE DR. SUITE 200 CHARLOTTE, NC 28211 P. 704.370.6612 F. 704.375.5888

Ratliff Integrative Family Medicine NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Call to Schedule Your FREE Meet & Greet Melissa H. Ratliff, MD

104-D Waxhaw Professional Park Waxhaw, NC 28173

(704) 443-8530 • DrMelissaRatliff.com Find Inspiration, Comfort and Closure with Kelle • International Psychic Medium with 18 years experience • Award Winning Author • Psychic Investigator on missing persons cases Book A Reading Today Contact Kelle Sutliff: 978-420-8213 | PsychicMedium@verizon.net 2

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

The Next Step in Spiritual Communities!

David Hulse,

Spiritual Guide We invite you to explore a SpiritGuided, Heart-Centered, ChristConscious, Loving Community!

Wed 11 AM: Mid-Week Class Sun 11 AM: Celebration Service Streamed and In-person!

Spiritual Courses/Workshop Spaces Available to Rent!

HeartLight Spiritual Center 7300 Mallard Creek Rd Charlotte NC 28262 704-599-1180 www.heartlightcharlotte.org

May 2023

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

TRIED EVERYTHING...

But Nothing Has Helped?

Ozone Therapy May Be Your ANSWER!

In addition to purifying the body; Ozone IV Therapy can be useful for patients with: infections caused by bacteria and viruses, fungal/yeast conditions, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders and much more.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm Saturday noon-4pm Sunday-Monday closed

Spiritual, Religious, Metaphysical, New Age Supplies, Gifts & Books, Candles, Incense, Smudge Sticks & Accessories, Gemstones & Crystals, Tarot & Oracle Cards, Pendulums, Herbs, Gemstone Jewelry, Talismans, Egyptian, Hindu, Catholic Statuary 3010 Monroe Road • Suite 104 Charlotte 704-632-9911

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704-655-2719

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Only location in the Greater Charlotte area offering this service 25 Years in Industry

Melissa Ratliff, MD, with Natural Strategies for Managing Menopausal Symptoms MAY GUEST BLOG

May 2023

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Is The Mold In Your Home

Making Your Family Sick?

Contents 16 SOLVING STRESS

Holistic Tips From Lifestyle Doctors

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20 GARDENING THERAPY Our mold remediation and waterproofing services can keep your family breathing easy

Toxic mold floating around in our air is actually invisible to the eye, but still may be seriously affecting your health.

Healing Mind, Body and Spirit in the Yard

22 TAKING CONTROL OF OUR HORMONES

Nutritional Tips to Support the Delicate Balance

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Damp Basement or Crawlspace?

Turn a Moldy Crawlspace into Clean Living

26 THE DIVINE MESSINESS OF MOTHERHOOD

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FREE INSPECTIONS FREE QUOTES Call Today:

DEPARTMENTS 9 news briefs 14 health briefs 14 local health brief 15 global briefs 20 green living 22 conscious eating 26 inspiration 28 resource guide 31 gaston county

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natural guide

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We Keep Charlotte Basements and Crawlspaces Dry as a Desert!

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

DIRECTORY

Find local businesses with ease at www.AwakeningCharlotte.com/businesses

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Awaken your Root Chakra!

Day Retreats: Full day from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. on a 15-acre farm in Siler City, North Carolina

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4 Root Chakra Day Retreats this summer: June 3 • June 10 • July 15 • July 22 Amidst picturesque rolling hills with grazing cows, attendees will participate in a large Sherpa style tent, learn about root chakra, group reiki, vibrational Tibetan singing bowls, gentle yoga, grounding techniques, group sharing sessions, and enjoy a light lunch.

Purchase

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Cost: $444/per person per event; group discounts are available.

For more information or to register (upon which time address will be provided),

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email RootSourceHealth @gmail.com

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RootSourceWellness.com ORGANIC FOODS, PRODUCTS AND SUPPLEMENTS

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS 2020 Gift With Purchase Offer HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media Trilogy Skin Care line, developed in kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email New Zeland, holds these certifications to assure that you are getting the Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for ads: the 9th finest skin care products with the maximum of the month. effects on your skin, and with a minimum effect on our environment.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for editorial: the 9th of the month.

Happy Mothers Day!

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events on AwakeningCharlotte.com.

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHARLOTTE EDITION

letter from publisher

Celebrating Divinely Messy You

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y kids and I are just back from spring break, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. We had a great time, PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie but now it’s back to reality, and I have much to DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca catch up on. Current events and personal happenings add to AD DESIGN Helene Leininger the mix. As a result, I can identify with this month’s InspiraEDITORIAL Jane Aylward Allison Gorman tion article, “The Divine Messiness of Motherhood,” in which

Randy Kambic Marlaina Donato writes, “It’s okay to not be okay. Society Martin Miron tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are CONTACT US human, and so too is being overwhelmed.”

P.O. Box 456 Cornelius, NC 28031 “Unnecessary guilt” is hitting me now—but so is the realization that self-care and Ph: 704-499-3327 • Fax: 866-632-9118 gentleness with myself are what I need. I’m happy to recognize that, as there was a time AwakeningCharlotte.com when I did not and wasn’t gentle with myself.

Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com The article goes on to list a few things you can do to be good to yourself. I have two Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com more ideas to share: SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by emailing Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO Kimberly B. Whittle COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin Design & Production Gabrielle W-Perillo National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

• A hot bath with Epsom salt—lights out, with a candle lit. And perhaps a glass of wine.

• Cathartic cooking, if you’re up for it. I love making a dish that uses up most of our produce that’s about to expire. I find this particularly rewarding even when it doesn’t go over well with my kids. (They’ll complain about chopped sautéed broccoli in macaroni and cheese, for example, and I’m just happy I used that broccoli!)

It’s important to find ideas that really resonate with you. The act of doing so is a gift to yourself—proof that you’re serious about self-care.

Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day and a month of gentleness with yourself, Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors Natural Awakenings throughout the area. appreciates Shannon the generosity

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings of its distributors Please consider supporting appreciates the generosity throughout the area. these major of its distributors distributors by shopping there and picking Please consider supporting throughout area. up the the magazine each month these major distributors from oneby of the racks.

Please consider supporting shopping there and picking Thank these major distributors byyou! up the magazine each month © 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Natural Awakenings shopping there and picking Although some parts of this publication may be from one of the racks. the generosity reproduced and reprinted, we require appreciates that prior up the magazine each month Thank you! permission be obtained in writing. of its distributors from the one generosity of the racks.of its distributors Natural Awakenings appreciates Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed throughout the area.

Thank you! throughout the area. Pick up magazines monthly at: locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

to find a location near you or if you would like copies Please consider supporting placed at your business. thesein major distributors by We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed the articles and advertisements, nor are we shopping there and picking responsible for the products and services advertised. up the Check with a healthcare professional regarding the magazine each month appropriate use of any treatment. from one of the racks.

Thank you!

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed with soy-based ink.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Celebrate Drinking Water Week in Huntersville

news briefs

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Independent Picture House Celebates Women’s Healthcare Month

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s May is Women’s Healthcare Month, the Independent Picture House (IPH) will present a free special event to celebrate women’s health and both increase awareness of and solutions for many important related topics and issues and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 13 in Charlotte. Following a movement class and serving of sweet and savory pastries, the IPH’s Community Impact Film Series (CIFS) will show nine groundbreaking fictions, documentary, comedic and thought-provoking short films on fertility, menopause, birth control, body image and weight, reproductive health in Black women, the stigma of menstruation, pelvic pain, reproductive rights and more.

The event will then also feature a conversation with filmmakers and women’s health community leaders, and conclude with a showcase of many women-owned and -operated businesses, art providers, retailers and resources.

Launched in February, the CIFS sparks dialogue and builds bridges between people and organizations through the power of film.

Location: 4237 Raleigh St. For more information, visit www.Tinyurl.com/WomensHealthCLT and www.IndependentPictureHouse.org.

harlotte Water and the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department invite the public to celebrate national Drinking Water Week and learn more about our community’s water and the environment at a special, free, family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 6 at Quest at the Latta Nature Preserve, in Huntersville, North Carolina.

Along with fun games, there’ll be informative exhibits by Charlotte Water as well as other regional sustainability organizations along with the presence of many of our area’s water heroes.

Location: 6345 Sample Rd. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/WaterWeekCLT2023 or on Facebook.

Advanced medicine

made personal

24/7 physician access | personalized wellness plans | preventative health care

WellcomeMD is proud to welcome Dr. Gary Klein to our Charlotte clinic!

8035 Providence Road 150 Fairview Road Suite 315 Suite 325 Charlotte, NC 2827 Mooresville, NC 28117

(980) 294-4937 | www.WellcomeMD.com May 2023

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news briefs

Ratliff Integrative Family Medicine Opens in Waxhaw

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

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Charlotte Edition

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atliff Integrative Family Medicine, owned by physician Dr. Melissa H. Ratliff, will open on May 1 at 104-D Waxhaw Professional Park, in Waxhaw, North Carolina, with a ribboncutting event planned for the near future.

Providing direct primary care, Dr. Ratliff is also offering free meet-and-greet sessions for prospective clients.

“Health care should be affordable, accessible and of high quality,” says the board-certified family physician with additional training through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina. She provides “better access to your physician via phone, email, text, video or in person; more time to spend with your doctor (30 to 60 minutes); and affordable monthly membership and reduced cash-pay lab pricing.”

More thorough examinations can also be afforded via the limiting of total patient capacities to accommodate same- or next-day appointments and longer visits.

“I’m committed to bringing the health care you deserve to your family and community,” adds the Charlotte native. “Your relationship with your doctor is key in your healing. I’ll meet you where you are and help to bring you forward in your health journey. I provide great value, create space for open communication and build trusting relationships.”

For more information or to arrange for a session, call 704-443-8530, email Melissa@DrMelissaRatliff.com or visit www.DrMelissaRatliff.com and follow on Facebook and LinkedIn. See ad, page 2.

Special Massage Offers for Mothers and Fathers

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e celebrate and salute mothers and fathers on their special respective days and throughout May and June.

Massage therapy is an ideal way to spoil and relax parents during this period and any time. Jessica Peach, licensed massage therapist, reiki master, Medical Reiki Master and owner of British Massage and Wellness Center, in Charlotte, is making such a gift even more affordable with four special massage offers—$55 for one hour, $100 for two, one-hour sessions, $80 for 90 minutes or two, 90-minute sessions for $150.

“This is a wonderful way to help them feel better and get totally pampered!” says Peach, originally from London, England, who is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better both physically and emotionally and has studied massage, energy work and been a reiki practitioner for 20-plus years. “Self-care is so important for our health and well-being.”

British Massage provides many holistic services including reiki, reflexology, Thai, Swedish, deep tissue and hot stone massage along with crystal healing massage and reiki energy work.

Location: 2210 Coronation Blvd., Ste. C. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-572-1310 or visit www.BritishMassage.com. See ad, page 4.

Earth Fare Hosts Music and Food Extravaganza

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arth Fare Charlotte will host an international music and food extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 20. The free event will be a community celebration and cultural exchange in which the public can experience and enjoy music and food from around the world.

“It is also an opportunity for the public to discover one of Charlotte’s best natural food stores headquartered right here in North Carolina,” says Rashah Amen, director of Cosmic Intuition Productions, a nonprofit celebrating 30 years of promoting peace and cultural understanding through the performing arts.

Earth Fare makes for healthy grocery shopping as all foods in their stores are free of ingredients on their Boot List and adhere to their food philosophy of using only the highest quality ingredients.

Location: 12235 N. Community House Rd., in the Toringdon Market. For more information, visit www.EarthFare.com or call 704-672-5011. To connect with Rashah Amen, call 512-636-2389 or email DiversePro@yahoo.com.

Stanley Specialty Pharmacy Supports Women’s Health and Much More

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ay is Women’s Health Month, and since the 1930s Stanley Specialty Pharmacy has been an ideal place in the Charlotte metro area for women of all ages to find the medications and advice they have needed. Yet, they also pride themselves in serving the healthcare needs of men and kids, and even pets thanks to their veterinary team.

Stanley Specialty is a compounding pharmacy, meaning it offers the same prescription medications as other drug stores, but can go above and beyond in service including providing hormone therapy, CBD products, supplements and more. Their four pharmacists and their team of technicians and customer care specialists can work with customers’ doctors to craft tailored medications—not only the perfect dosage and formulation, but in the most convenient forms including as capsules, liquids, creams, lozenges and more.

As compounding experts, Stanley’s staff has an unparalleled level of training and knowledge, and will also take the time to talk to customers about their conditions, medications and all of their options. They also can deliver prescriptions.

Location: 3120 Latrobe Dr., Ste. 200. For more information, call 704-370-6612 or visit www.StanleyRx.com. See ad, page 2.

Body and Health Summer Detox Plan

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ith summer fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about getting in shape for going to our beaches and other outdoor activities. To jumpstart our health and wellness journey, consider the TrueCare Health and Wellness’ Detoxing for Health and Life program as it’s specifically designed to help cleanse our body of toxins, reduce inflammation and increase energy levels.

To make it even more special, TrueCare is offering both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day editions, separate versions for women and men to focus on their specific needs. TrueCare’s goal is to increase both male and female vigor so clients can feel their best and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

They also offer natural weight-loss solutions, non-surgical fat reduction treatments and other ways to treat the root cause of conditions. Their holistic health approach addresses the underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, premature aging and other health issues, all toward achieving lasting results.

Location: 6477 and 6487 Morehead Rd., Harrisburg. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-909-0355 or visit www.APlaceForHealth.net. See CRG, page 28.

May 2023

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news briefs

Purefico Offers Eboo Ozone IV Therapy and New Client Special

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elissa Lynch, MSN, FNP-C, MBA, founder and owner of Purefico MedSpa and Therapy, in Cornelius, North Carolina, attests she is the only regional provider of the Eboo system—widely regarded as the most advanced and effective Ozone IV Therapy system currently available—to treat autoimmune disorders; infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa; chronic fatigue; Lyme disease and other conditions.

Usage benefits include anti-aging, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, immune system stimulation, pain relief, increased metabolism and improved tissue oxygenation and circulation.

The method employs ozone, a colorless gas composed of three oxygen atoms, to address many underlying medical issues such as inflammation, infection and poor oxygen absorption and utilization.

“We believe the body has the ability to restore, revive and renew the energy within, and Purefico is unique in that we have a full line of services that address both wellness and beauty concerns,” says Lynch with 25-plus years of experience in the integrative medicine field and a passion for the health and wellness of others due to her own personal health challenges 20-plus years ago.

For a limited time, first-time clients can receive $100 off their first appointment by mentioning Natural Awakenings. Location: 19401 Old Jetton Rd., Ste. 100. For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-655-2719, email info@Purefico.com or visit www.Purefico.com. See ad, page 5.

Ram Dass Legacy Retreat Returns to North Carolina

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ove Serve Remember Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual Ram Dass Legacy “Summer Mountain Retreat” in Boone, North Carolina at the Art of Living Retreat Center from Thursday, August 24 to Monday, August 28.

The retreat features several interactive activities along with introspective reflections and contemplations around the theme of “Cultivating Loving Presence and Making Peace with Our Shadow.”

There will be four nights of chanting with Krishna Das and his band, Tibetan Buddhist teachings and Dharma talks with Lama Tsultrim Allione, meditations with David Nichtern, exploration of the transpersonal and the experiential in today’s culture with Dr. Sará King, a live podcast hosted by Be Here Now Network’s Raghu Markus, and audio and video content curated from the Ram Dass Digital Media Library.

Early morning Hatha yoga sessions and contemplative nature walks are also available.

Each afternoon features a special session, including a live performance by East Forest, a live podcast with Krishna Das, and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa with Nina Rao. The Art of Living Retreat Center is set amidst 380 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range of the Carolinas. Retreat meals will consist of a locally sourced vegetarian/vegan menu.

Registration for the Ram Dass Legacy Retreat is now open. For more information: www.ramdass.org/boone. See ad, page 10.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

WellcomeMD Adds New Functional Physician Dr. Gary Klein

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r. Gary Klein recently joined the concierge medical practice WellcomeMD in South Charlotte. The Emory University-trained family medicine specialist also became the practice’s third practitioner in North Carolina of functional medicine that focuses on how and why disease occurs for each individual and enables a personalized treatment plan.

“Our rapid growth and continued expansion prove there’s a high demand for elevated primary care services and a more preventative approach to health care,” says WellcomeMD Chief Medical Officer Dr. Edward Espinosa, citing additional offices in Mooresville and also Atlanta and Naples, Florida. “Dr. Klein brings extensive experience in family and emergency care and a strong desire to help patients not only get healthy, but stay healthy.”

Klein, also with an advanced degree in public health, has 30-plus years of experience practicing in both public and private settings, including serving in the Department of Defense for 11 years.

WellcomeMD offers members advanced laboratory testing and medical treatments, 24/7 physician access, health coaching and same- or next-day appointments for acute care needs. Membership numbers are limited to allow for both effective patient health tracking and follow- ups toward better results. Their Concierge 2.0 program emphasizes a personal relationship with a primary care physician and preventative, holistic treatment.

Location: 8035 Providence Rd., Ste. 315, Charlotte; 150 Fairview Rd., Ste. 325, Mooresville. For more information or to make an appointment, call 980-294-4937 or visit www.WellcomeMD.com. See ad, page 9.

MAY: WOMEN’S WELLNESS SERIES

Anna Cabeca

DO, OBGYN, FACOG

Stress and Libido

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and Its Relation to Stress

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Join these Top Women in Wellness as they share their expert tips to empower you to reduce your stress and inspire you to achieve WELLthier Living!

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and Your Thyroid

Scan the QR code to

JOIN US LIVE ONLINE Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Every Tuesday in May at 8pm EDT

www.Tinyurl.com/WWSCLT

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health and Homeopathy

Kela Smith, PhD, DNM Stress and Fertility

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code May 2023

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health briefs

local health brief

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet

What is a Leaky Gut?

Benefits of Water Immersion During Birth

Ground Picture/ShutterStock.com

Water immersion during labor is an increasingly popular birthing option for healthy women that experience a straightforward pregnancy, labor spontaneously at full term and plan to give birth in a midwifery-led care setting. The process involves immersion in a birth pool to achieve relaxation and pain relief during the first and possibly part of the second stage of labor. The mother exits the pool for the actual birth, allowing the infant to emerge outside of the water.

This method is different from a water birth, during which the woman remains in the pool as the infant emerges into the water and is then brought to the surface to initiate breathing.

In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open, researchers compared the interventions and outcomes of water immersion, water birth and no-water-immersion births. After reviewing 36 studies encompassing the experiences of about 150,000 women, researchers found that water immersion significantly reduced the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, maternal pain and postpartum hemorrhage. There was also an increase in maternal satisfaction and improved odds of an intact perineum with water immersion. Water births were associated with increased odds of the tearing of the umbilical cord from the placenta, making delivery of the placenta difficult, although the absolute risk remained low (4.3 versus 1.3 per 1,000). There were no differences in any other identified neonatal outcomes.

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

A leaky gut is a syndrome in which the protective barrier of the small intestine is compromised and allows undigested foods and anything else that happens to be in the gut to cross into the body. When this occurs the immune system attacks the leaked material that doesn’t belong where it is because it assumes that it may be a virus or bacteria. The result is inflammation at the location where this material is present.

There are certain things that we consume that irritate the lining of the small intestines causing the very tiny absorption “holes” to get bigger.

When these “holes” enlarge, substances in the intestines can make their way into the bloodstream where the immune system will try to destroy them. This is an inflammatory process.

Wherever these substances travel in the body inflammation will occur.

The key to avoid a leaky gut is to avoid medications and irritating foods whenever possible. Medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve,) and antibiotics are intestine irritants.

Drinks such as coffee, black tea, red wine (all contain tannins) and soft drinks (phosphoric acid) also have an irritating effect and should be avoided. Chocolate, which also contains tannins, can also contribute to leaky gut.

Foods that can be helpful are blueberries, raspberries, artichokes, turmeric and ginger.

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For appointments, more information or to set up a no-charge consultation, call 704-837-2420, email Reception@HaasWellnessCenters.com or visit www.HaasWellnessCenters.com.

Tomasz Klejdysz/ShutterStock.com

A Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis is often regarded as a lifelong sentence and typically treated as such, requiring an increasing number of drugs. However, sustained remission of T2D is now well established.

In a recent primary care-based cohort study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, advice on a lower-carbohydrate diet and weight loss protocols was offered routinely to 9,800 patients with T2D between 2013 and 2021.

Overall, remission was achieved in 51 percent of the patients that adopted a low-carb lifestyle, with individuals diagnosed with T2D within the previous year more likely to achieve remission (77 percent) than those that had been diagnosed for longer (20 percent for patients with a T2D duration greater than 15 years). Additionally, about 97 percent of the patients experienced improvements in blood glycemic control. Average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased, and there were also significant financial savings on drugs.

A low-carb diet may give hope to those with T2D as a practical, manageable way to achieve remission, as well as substantial health and financial benefits.

Even for those with poorly controlled T2D that may not achieve remission, improvements in diabetic control may be within reach.

Exploring the Doomsday Glacier

Fir Trees Die in Record Numbers

Roughly measuring the size of Florida, the Thwaites Glacier is one of the most rapidly melting ice formations in Antarctica, having retreated more than eight miles since the 1990s.

Scientists refer to it as the “doomsday glacier” due to concerns about its collapse, which could raise global sea levels by more than a meter, causing devastation along coastal cities and communities.

According to two papers published in the journal Nature, researchers are learning more about the driving forces behind the glacier’s rapid retreat, thanks in part to a robot deployed through a 600-meter-deep borehole in the glacier. Although melting has increased beneath the ice shelf, the current melt rate is slower than many computer models had estimated. A layer of fresh water between the bottom of the ice shelf and the ocean below slows the rate of melting along flat parts of the shelf.

Scientists discovered that the melting had produced a stepped topography across the bottom of the ice shelf, resembling a staircase, as well as cracks in the ice where rapid melting was taking place. “Our results are a surprise, but the glacier is still in trouble,” says Dr. Peter Davis, oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey and lead author of one of the papers.

Tomasz Klejdysz/ShutterStock.com

According to unpublished research by the U.S. Forest Service reported by Columbia Insight, fir trees in Oregon and Washington died in recordbreaking numbers in 2022. Labeled “Firmageddon” by researchers, the event involved more than 1.23 million acres across the two states, with Oregon being hardest hit. In some areas, an estimated 50 percent or more of fir trees died.

Surveys of more than 69 million forest acres (over 100,000 square miles) in Oregon, Washington, and small sections of California and Idaho were conducted using a combination of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, drones and satellite imagery.

Although fir die-offs have been recorded as far back as 1952, when surveys began, Firmageddon dwarfs all previous accounts. The causes are believed to be drought compounded by insects and fungal diseases working together to weaken and kill trees.

Extreme heat, including a recordbreaking heat dome, is also being investigated as a possible factor. The dead fir trees pose a major fire risk, especially during the next two years while the trees hold onto their driedout needles.

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

global briefs

May 2023

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Prostock-studioAdobeStock.com

SOLVING STRESS

HOLISTIC TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE DOCTORS

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by Linda Sechrist

edicine is changing as a new class of doctors endeavors to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of disease, helping their patients achieve optimal health with lifestyle changes, medicine, herbs, supplements and modalities tailored to the individual. No longer reaching for a prescription pad as often, these functional and integrative physicians are spending an average of 45 minutes per office visit.

Using their sleuthing skills and innovative skillsets, they ask probing questions about a patient’s current lifestyle and history, pinpoint the root cause of a problem and craft customized solutions.

To help someone manage stress, a functional or integrative doctor may suggest a daily dose of herbal tea, nightly entries in a gratitude journal, a visualization prac16

Charlotte Edition

tice, brisk walks, gardening, art therapy, mindful meditation, a nutrient-rich diet that reduces food allergies, yoga poses and regular sessions of qigong or tai chi.

Armed with an extensive list of better-foryou choices than addictive, prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers, individuals are empowered to improve their health and eliminate stress. Studies suggest that 75 to 90 percent of illnesses are stress related.

Getting to the root cause before it escalates into cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes is what curious and compassionate doctors do.

“Because sleep is a great resolution to almost anything, it’s one of the first things I consider,” says Carrie Jones, a functional and naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon. “Stress can be physiological, caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins, as

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well as blood sugar imbalances. Not getting enough sleep, or poor sleep, is stressful to the body, which is on alert all the time.”

According to Jones, finding ways to coax the body into feeling safe can help people relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep.

“People rarely realize that basic things such as joy, play, laughter and a community of supportive people have anything to do with feeling safe enough to sleep deeply. It’s why I inquire about those things,” she explains.

Tips for Sounder Slumber n

Turn the thermostat down in the bedroom. A cool temperature combats insomnia.

n

Snuggle under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure signals the autonomic nervous system to go into rest mode.

Prostock-studioAdobeStock.com

n

Install blackout shades. Light decreases melatonin, the sleep hormone.

n

Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can disrupt the sleep cycle.

n

Stop using electronics, including social media, television and phones, two hours before getting under the covers. The blue light emitted by screens restrains the production of melatonin.

Connecting and spending quality social time with friends helps to alleviate stress.

Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, advises, “Every day, stress causes the stress hormone cortisol to go up and oxytocin, the connecting hormone, to go down, lessening the desire to connect. It’s a double whammy for women in perimenopause and menopause, because hormones are declining, and stress overloads the already overtaxed endocrine system.”

Rebecca Hunton, personalized medicine doctor and founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, coaches her patients to modify unhelpful habits. “I’m

always looking for that one thing that patients can easily change. Sometimes it’s teaching them the difference between stress resilience and stress avoidance. A stress avoidance activity is spending two hours playing a game on your phone that leaves you beating yourself up and feeling like, ‘Why did I waste all that time?’ If, on the other hand, an activity leaves you feeling energized and wanting to tackle the other things on your to-do list, you just did a stress resilience activity,” says Hunton.

Stress Resilience Activities n

Meditation

n

Prayer

n

Chanting a mantra

Expressing creativity, such as cooking or painting n

Carol Penn is a dual board-certified physician and movement coach in New Jersey.

While observing her 87-year-old father practicing qigong, a form of meditation in motion, she had an epiphany and saw a

powerful life lesson occurring before her eyes. “Moving with strength and grace through his practice so close to the end of his life, it occurred to me that he was role-modeling what it would be like for me to be kind to my future self. I teach my patients from this perspective, visualizing their future selves full of health, vitality, wonder and awe,” says the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness.

Qigong has psychological and physical components, regulating the mind, body movement, breath and posture. “It balances and calms the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that you feel less stress upon completion of the practice. Movements are designed to build longevity on a cellular level,” Penn explains.

According to Lorraine Maita, a boardcertified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey, “The body sends out hormonal fight-or-flight signals when it’s distressed. In the initial stages, there’s a release of adrenaline, followed by cortisol, keeping your body on high alert.

To most people, stress is just worry, and

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they’re thinking they’re handling it, but stress can be like a viral program running in the background all the time. It’s still there whether you’re reacting to it or not, whether you’re stuffing it under the surface or not. It’s why you go to therapy with mental stress, or why you need someone to talk to for processing it.”

Maita is a proponent of alternative modalities that help people modulate the stress response. “I recommend HeartMath to my patients, which is self-regulation technology based on more than 32 years of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, resilience and the interactions between the heart and brain,” says the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, in Connecticut, might determine if her patient is suffering from chronic stress by testing their saliva for cortisol levels in the morning and evening.

Noting that her favorite teas for sleep and

relaxation are chamomile and passionflower, she explains that passionflower is for someone that can’t fall asleep because there’s a radio playing in their head. “For dealing with stress, I like adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and L-theanine. The stress response requires a lot of B vitamins, along with magnesium and vitamin C,” she says.

Citing Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning, Patterson recommends starting every day with a set of stress-relieving rituals Elrod calls “Life S.A.V.E.R.S.” She explains, “S is for silence, like meditation. A is for affirmations. V is for visualization, so you can visualize how your day is going to be. E is for exercise. R is for reading, and S is for scribing, writing things in a journal.”

Pointing out the differences between stress and anxiety, Patterson notes that anxiety is a continual rumination of thoughts, second-guessing and overthinking. Anxiety can cause stress, but stress can occur without anxiety. People with high anxiety sometimes have heart palpitations. Some stress is good for us. Without any stressors,

Patterson cautions, we are unmotivated, lethargic and lacking in enthusiasm.

Technological Solutions to Quiet the Anxious Mind n

Reflect Orb: This handheld biofeedback device can help an individual self-monitor their body’s physiology and learn to control the involuntary body-mind connection.

n

Meditation apps: Insight Timer, Calm and similar apps offer guided meditations, relaxing music videos and meditation instruction for newbies and experienced practitioners.

n

YouTube videos: Look for musical compositions with energy frequencies and binaural beats that encourage relaxation, promote positivity and decrease anxiety.

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for almost 20 years.

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green living

Gardening Therapy

HEALING MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT IN THE YARD

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by Sheryl DeVore

Gardening outdoors adds color and texture to yards and neighborhoods and, with the right plants, attracts pollinators, whose numbers are declining. It also can improve human health. The exercise, sunshine and fresh air promote mental and physical health, and so does our contact with soil microbes and the harmonious patterns of nature.

“Being in the sunlight is a great way to get vitamin D, which is linked to mood and well-being. We spend so much time inside, where our perspective and thoughts can close around us. Getting outdoors can improve mindfulness and the sense of being in the moment, especially when we leave our phones inside,” says Pennsylvaniabased psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, author of Mindful Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Simple Path to Healing, Hope and Peace.

In a study of the health and well-being 20

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benefits of allotment gardening published in the Journal of Public Health, researchers measured the mood, self-esteem and general health markers of people given plots for gardening versus those that didn’t garden at all. The scientists found that the gardeners displayed significantly better self-esteem and experienced less depression and fatigue. The top three reasons participants gave for enjoying their time tinkering in the soil were: being outdoors and having contact with nature (70 per-

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cent); feeling a sense of achievement (50 percent); and having the opportunity for restoration and stress relief (35 percent).

Cultivating our outdoor space also gives us a healthy perspective, helping us to accept our limitations and better understand our place in nature. “It’s easy to see in the garden how many things are outside of our control, such as rain, temperature and pests. We can do our best, but at some point, we need to let go,” Gillihan notes, adding that learning to let go is a lesson we can apply to other aspects of our lives.

When he faced a long-term illness coupled with depression, Gillihan built raised garden beds and planted herbs and vegetables. “I knew I needed to get more involved in something that would bring me a sense of reward and engagement. All of that creative effort really helped to bring me back to life,” he recalls. “In a garden, you’re exercising, but it’s not a repetitive thing like running, so that can make it more fun and seem like less of a task.”

“Digging, walking, carrying and squatting circulate our blood and release dopamine and endorphins in our brains,” says Karen Hugg, author of Leaf Your Troubles Behind: How to Destress and Grow Happiness Through Plants. “We feel more energetic and happier. Similarly, puttering in the garden or designing an ornamental bed is really about playing, and playing is integral to mental health.”

By merely observing greenery we can find peace and clarity. “A tree’s subdividing branches or the whorled arrangement of leaves are patterns that can calm the nervous system. If you look at plants during even a five-minute break, either indoors or out, you’re practicing a kind of relaxation therapy,” Hugg affirms.

A little bit of earth under our fingernails is good for us. “When you get your hands dirty, there are beneficial microbes in the soil that improve your health and well-being,” says Charlie Hall, professor of horticultural studies and department chair at Texas A&M University, who has researched the physiological, psychological and social benefits of plants.

According to Hall, horticultural therapy reduces stress and anxiety, enhances memory and attention span and can improve quality of life for those with physical, mental or cognitive challenges. Citing the example of disabled adults helping to run a garden center and greenhouse at the Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, he notes, “Working together in a

garden builds a sense of belonging. Even those who are not physically able to participate in those activities benefit. Just being in the garden can dramatically reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.”

Gardening Tips to Improve Human and Planetary Health

n Talk to nurseries that sell native species. n Think of the garden as a refuge, a place

to smell flowers and watch plants thrive.

n View gardening as a fun exercise. n Join a community garden to cultivate

flowers and vegetables in a social setting.

n Grow houseplants, herbs and lettuces to

bring in the outdoors.

n Choose a modest space outdoors or

purchase small containers.

n Keep it simple and start small with just a

few plants.

n Read books to learn about plant needs

by region.

n Volunteer at a nonprofit that propagates

vegetables for food pantries.

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore. wordpress.com.

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conscious eating

Taking Control of Our Hormones NUTRITIONAL TIPS TO SUPPORT THE DELICATE BALANCE

Think of hormones as the body’s messengers, sending signals that affect a host of functions. Produced by the pancreas, thyroid and other endocrine glands and organs, hormones drive our metabolism, impact mood, regulate blood pressure, manage our sleep cycles, influence sexual function and more. Key players are insulin, cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

22

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Keeping these hormones in proper balance is critical for health, and imbalances can lead to a wide range of effects, including diabetes, thyroid disease, unintended weight fluctuations, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings and infertility. While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

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cabe/Courtesy of Random House

by Sheila Julson

cabe/Courtesy of Random House

Dr. Ann Lee is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When treating hormonal, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, she says it is important to focus on foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that support those systems. For women of all ages, she recommends blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, celery and papaya. Teens and women in their 20s can also benefit from apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and most lettuce varieties. The nutrients in these vegetables and fruits become even more important as women reach 30 and for those dealing with menopause, so Lee recommends more frequent consumption of these fresh, whole foods to support the adrenal and thyroid glands.

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. She advises women over 50 to lower their caffeine intake. Dairy products contain naturally occurring hormones that can impede human hormone balance and should be eaten in moderation. “The less external hormonal exposure you have, the easier it is for your own hormones to balance,” Lee explains.

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, Lee believes that the trendy eating pattern can deny the body the vitamins and minerals it needs, causing it to produce more adrenalin and cortisol to make

Igisheva Maria/ShutterStock.com

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. up for the loss. “People do intermittent fasting because it might feel good to have more adrenalin, and thus more energy, but it does come at a price—your hormones,” she says.

Most of the foods Lee recommends are low in calories. “In order to curb hunger, you have to eat them regularly, and that goes against intermittent fasting. People that do intermittent fasting often focus on proteins and fats, so they don’t have to eat

KALE AND TEMPEH TACOS broth and kale. Stir again to combine and In this yummy, low-carb taco recipe, cabbage leaves substitute for the tortillas and are filled with a mixture of proteinpacked tempeh, veggies and lots of great spices. Compounds in tempeh called isoflavones serve as a natural remedy for menopausal relief.

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4 oz tempeh, cubed ½ tsp sea salt or more, to taste ½ tsp black pepper or more, to taste ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp chili powder ¼ tsp paprika ¼ tsp cayenne ¼ cup vegetable broth 2 cups stemmed and chopped fresh kale 4 to 6 large, green cabbage leaves, dipped for 30 seconds into hot water to soften ½ avocado, sliced 1 radish, sliced ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ½ lime, cut into wedges

cook until the broth thickens and reduces by at least one-half. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Spread the cabbage leaves open on a large plate. Spoon the kale mixture into the center of the leaves. Add some of the avocado, radish slices and cilantro, then fold in the sides like a taco.

Serve with lime wedges.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved.

No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and tempeh and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Add the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika and cayenne, stir, then add the May 2023

23

for a long time, but that can cause adrenal burnout because the body is not getting what it needs,” she explains, noting that avocados and potatoes tend to help people feel full longer.

Jaclyn Downs is a functional nutrigenomics practitioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and author of Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility. She notes that for hormones to be produced by the body, nutritional cofactors or “helper nutrients” are required.

“Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are a few of the spark plugs that move these processes and keep the wheels spinning,” she emphasizes. “Grass-fed beef liver or capsules contain all of these.”

According to Downs, menstrual problems can be an indicator of eventual fertility issues. To support female reproductive hormones, she recommends cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These foods also support liver detoxification pathways due to their high concentrations of vitamins and sulfur. “The liver helps clear used or ‘dirty’ hormones,” she notes.

Downs also recommends pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation-producing free radicals.

Healthy fats from cold-water, wild-caught fish support pregnant women and growing fetuses. “Folate is often emphasized as a nutrient for pregnant women, but choline is just as important for everybody, regardless of life stage or gender,” Downs notes.

Choline is found in egg yolks, sunflower lecithin and shiitake mushrooms. For 50-plus women, Downs prescribes fish or high-quality fish oil, which can benefit brain, liver and hormonal health.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings.

24

Charlotte Edition

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

VANILLA AND FIG SCONES In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, salt and baking soda. In a medium bowl, WITH PISTACHIOS

whisk together the oil, honey, eggs and A great dessert or breakfast treat, a scone vanilla. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry is a baked good usually made with wheat until thoroughly combined. Fold in the ½ flour and butter. This recipe calls for cup of figs and the pistachios. almond flour instead to reduce the carbs and increase the nutrition. The pastry has Place the dough on the baking sheet and been enjoyed in Scotland since 1513, and shape into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. its name probably derives from the Dutch Cut into squares and then cut the squares word for bread. Figs and pistachios sweeten diagonally into triangular wedges. Sepathe scones and give them a bit of crunch. rate the wedges so they are about 1 inch YIELD: 6 TO 8 SCONES 2½ cups almond flour ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp baking soda ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted ¼ cup honey 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup chopped dried figs, plus some for garnish ½ cup pistachios, roughly chopped Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

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apart to allow for even cooking. Press a few pieces of fig into the top of each wedge.

Bake for 12 to 17 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in a scone comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet, then serve.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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inspiration

The Divine Messiness of Motherhood

T

Beaunitta V W/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

he pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors.

It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Self-care enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the 26

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threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.

“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy: n Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine,

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a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety. n Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes. n Play a favorite song and dance with your kids. n Avoid overscheduling and “shoulds.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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See ad, page 15.

WELLCOMEMD

8035 Providence Rd, Ste 325, Charlotte 152 Fairview Rd, Ste 325, Mooresville 980-294-4937 • www.WellcomeMD.com 30-plus years in public and private settings, Dr. Klein uses a functional medicine approach to develop personalized plans that helps patients get healthy and stay healthy. Schedule free tour today.

See ad, page 9.

GARDENING THE PATIO FARMER

Charlotte, NC • ThePatioFarmer.com ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com @thepatiofarmer on IG and FB Confidently grow food at home with Consultations, Installation and Maintenance Plans. Also, check out Plant Club for in-depth gardening know-how. Contact us today and start enjoying food from your own plants.

FOOTCARE A HUNTERS’ ADVENTURE

Marian Sanders, CNA, MA 360-908-8536 Healing4MerryHearts@gmail.com www.Healing4MerryHearts.org Providing in-home foot soak, massage, and nail clipping with all natural products for elderly, disabled and homebound. Raising spirits, providing comfort, and giving peace of mind. Schedule today, receive 20% new client discount.

HYPERBARIC THERAPY NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 31.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER KATIE SUTTON

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation– in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 www.StanleyRX.com

NC’s most experienced and trusted compounding pharmacy specializing in integrative and root-cause medicine for men and women. Expert pharmacist team works with healthcare providers and patients to prepare custom medications. Call to schedule consult today. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

Sheila Kilbane, MD 2201 Park Rd, Ste B 704-626-6771 • SheilaKilbane.com Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified integrative pediatrician who specializes in finding the root cause of illness including reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain and more.

ORGANIC SALON ORGANIC SALON LKN

427 E Mills Ave, Mooresville 704-883-6564 www.OrganicSalonLKN.com Harnessing nature's beauty with professional organic products while creatively designing the ideal hair routine and style to fit your life. Call today for a free consultation. See ad, page 5.

DIRECTORY

Find local businesses with ease at www.AwakeningCharlotte.com/businesses May 2023

29

OZONE THERAPY PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719 www.Purefico.com

Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 5.

SOUND & VIBRATIONAL THERAPY SPIRIT AND SOUND

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSP, CVSC barb.griggs04@gmail.com 248-321-6098 www.SpiritandSound.net Call today for free consultation. Discover avenues to overcome uncertainty and fear. As a licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and Certified Vibrational Sound Practitioner/Coach, let's awaken the strength and commitment necessary to honor your journey.

PSYCHIC PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE

978-420-8213 PsychicMedium@verizon.net www.PsychicMediumKelle.com

Psychic medium +18 years, author and radio show host. Private readings, psychic investigator on missing person cases. Helps those at a crossroads, experiencing unresolved issues or dealing with loss. Call for appointment today.

See ad, page 2.

SCALAR ENERGY SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

704-920-0963 CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com www.ScalarFrequencyHealing.com

Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids. Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness. Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522. See ad, page 17.

SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

SPIRITUAL CENTERS HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev. David Hulse, Spiritual Leader 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a Spirit-Guided, HeartCentered, Christ-Conscious, Loving Family providing an empowering, universal, Christ-centered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics. Sunday Service 11:15 am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

See ad, page 2.

LIGHT HOUSE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev Kendall Heath, Interfaith Minister 704-658-1442 info@LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com www.LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

2nd & 4th Sundays, Interfaith/ Interspiritual Fellowship Services 10am-11:30am at Soul Wellness, Mooresville. Heart-centered exploration of esoteric, mystical, wisdom teachings of many faiths/ spiritual philosophies. Services include teachings, dialogue, experiential group learning, and music.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

704-920-0963 Members@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com www.ScalarHealthEnhancement.com

3715 Rea Rd Sundays at noon www.UnityofCharlotte.org

When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today. See ad, page 17.

We offer a vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at noon, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages and upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living. Space shared with Wesley United Methodist Church.

Tell them you saw it in Natural Awakenings—in print and online at: www.AwakeningCharlotte.com

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

A nonprofit organization working to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Become a member today.

TACHYON TORCHBEARER TACHYON

20200 Zion Ave, Ste 11 Cornelius • 980-689-1803 www.TorchBearerTachyon.com “Connect to Source” through a 45-minute meditation experience with tachyons. Experience spiritual alignment, clarity, and downloads that improve your mental and physical health. Read our reviews and book your experience today.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

Deadline is the 9th of the mont JOBS P I L AT E S , R E F L E X O L O G Y, ACUPUNCTURE, IV HYDRATION. New Belmont Wellness Center in Gaston County seeking practitioners. Flexible schedules.

Interested parties contact 803-230-3111 or email luke20063@yahoo.com.

PART TIME MAGAZINE Delivery - needed primarily for Mecklenburg County delivering Natural Awakenings magazine. Fuel-efficient/ Hybrid/EV vehicle preferred. Work 1-2 days per month, paid per stop. Must be available during business hours. Info: 704-499-3327.

COMING IN JUNE

gaston county natural guide

SPA HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living.

To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

ORGANIC MARKET & SUPPLEMENTS ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketplaceNC.com

MEN'S HEALTH

Offering traditional and alternative therapies seven days a week to help you achieve optimal health, wellness and balance. Colon hydrotherapy, massage, far-infrared sauna therapy, energizing foot spa and yoni or v-steam.

WEIGHT LOSS

9am -7pm M/F, 9am-6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products. See ad, page 7.

To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com

1308 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

The Healing Power of Oxygen Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a safe and non-invasive therapy that enhances the body’s natural healing process, stimulates stem cell production and strengthens the immune system

Effective Treatment for Both Insurance & Noninsurance Covered Conditions: • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Lyme Disease • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Autism • Fibromyalgia • Ulcerative Colitis • Diabetic wounds • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Radiation injury • Anti-Aging • Concussion • Stroke • Chrohn’s Disease • Sports Injury • Long COVID During your session you can: watch a movie, listen to music, sleep, meditate, or just plain relax

Get Started Today!

Call to speak with our neurologist

(704) 471-4100

Nirvana Hyperbaric Institute • 146 Medical Park Rd, Suite 110 Mooresville, NC 28117• NirvanaHbo.com May 2023

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Providing High Quality Holistic Dental Care with Compassion Better Health Through a Holistic Approach

Our office is modern, comfortable and spa-like, so you’ll never feel like you’re at the dentist. Warm up with a cozy blanket, relax in our massage chairs and listen to your favorite music or watch our overhead TVs during your treatment.

Our friendly and compassionate team will take care of the rest!

Highly trained dental team who focus on whole health Non-toxic, biocompatible, comprehensive dentistry Trained in Ozone Therapy SMART Certified by IAOMT Patient Comfort Is Our Top Priority

$399

Heather Gentry, DMD

No need for Dental Insurance with our Dental Savings Plan!

Covers 2 cleanings/dental exams per year All necessary checkup x-rays Discounts off other dental treatments and procedures Discounted annual fees for each additional family member

Contact our office today to get started!

(704) 554-1007 or Schedule online at

www.GentryDentalCharlotte.com

Marilee Weaver, DMD “Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor “Best Dentist in Charlotte” 2 years in a row

by Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards

5950 Fairview Rd #16, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210