August 2009 Issue - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte

Transcription

HEALTHY LIVING
HEALTHY PLANET
feel good
live simply
laugh more
SPECIAL
CHILDREN'S
ISSUE
Calming
Anxious Lives
A Holistic Parenting Approach
Smart
Snacks
A
Child’s
Place
Helping Charlotte’s
Homeless Children
AUGUST 2009
Greater Charlotte-Edition | www.awakeningcharlotte.com
FREE
AwakeningCharlotte.com | 1
Melt away extra weight, overcome stress,
develop incredible energy – and gain
lasting confidence and peace of mind!
Relaxing
TAI CHI
Harmonizing
YOGA
Explosive
Calming
KUNG FU MEDITATION
Authentic classes will get you into the best shape of your life as you cultivate your
mind and spirit to the highest levels, attaining greater harmony, wisdom and satisfaction.
Classes 7 days a week
● Programs for adults, children and teens
● Authentic lineage curriculum
● Clean and spacious studios
● Dedicated, certified instructors
● Beginners and advanced students
welcome
● Tailored programs for any level of
fitness or health condition
● Outdoor gardens and training areas
●
“I lost 50 pounds during the first six months
of starting classes at the Peaceful Dragon. I am
stronger, more confident and healthier at 33 than
I was at 23.”
Frank Tippett, 33, Investor, Charlotte, NC
“Classes at The Peaceful Dragon have
improved my life considerably. I appreciate
the great environment and people.”
David Block, 50, Sales, Charlotte, NC
SUMMER
SPECIAL
SUMMER SPECIAL
FREE
“Thanks to The Peaceful Dragon, getting older really
does mean getting better! I’m stronger, more coordinated, and more flexible than I was 20 years ago. Master
Sbarge is a model of patience and relates to every student at his or her own level. The Peaceful Dragon is
the Harvard of martial arts schools, with one of the
most beautiful facilities in the country.”
Orientation and Two
FREE Semi-Private
Introductory Classes
-- A $95 Value!
Good thru 9/30/09. Not valid with other offers.
New students only.
Kathy Crowe, 60, graphic/web designer, Charlotte, NC
“The best thing I ever did for myself was start
classes at The Peaceful Dragon.”
“The Peaceful Dragon is not just a
place where people go to learn the
physical aspects of the Martial Arts
but there is also the philosophy that
reinforces the physical aspects. To put
it plainly the student gets the whole
package of mind, body, spirit development.
—Robert Beaver, 26, Surveyor, Charlotte, NC
“There are very few things that you could do to
change your life for the better than taking classes
at The Peaceful Dragon. I have achieved energy
and vitality and I am less stressed.”
Wes Adams, 33, Financial Advisor,
Indian Trail, NC
Keith Burnett, 34, Charlotte, NC
Call (704) 504-8866 today or visit www.ThePeacefulDragon.com
to schedule your first FREE lesson.
The Peaceful Dragon
12610 Steele Creek Rd (Hwy 160), Charlotte
2 | August 2009, Charlotte Edition
704-504-8866
www.ThePeacefulDragon.com
CONTACT US
Publisher
Rebecca Jeffery Fowler
letterfromeditor
Raising a Green Teen
[email protected]
There’s a sharp contrast between my lifestyle
as a teen in the late 70’s and early 80’s and my
daughter’s today. Doing a book report involved
spending hours at the library pouring through
encyclopedias and periodicals and then mindfully plucking away on my Smith Corona typewriter. She can find out anything she wants to
know in seconds on Google.
Editor
Lisa Moore
[email protected]
Accounting
Cara Banash
[email protected]
Graphic Design and Layout
Melissa Oyler Designs
melissaoyler.com
Ad Design
Aubrey Derk
Advertising Sales
[email protected]
Deadline: 12th of month
Kana Duplak
Jan Riebe
Calender of Events
[email protected]
Deadline: 12th of month
360 N. Caswell
Charlotte, NC 28204
Mailing Address
PMB 174 - 9716-B Rea Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-499-3327
© 2009 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.
Although some parts of this publication may be
reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior
permission be obtained in writing.
Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed
locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is
available in selected stores, health and education
centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call
to find a location near you or if you would like copies
placed at your business.
We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed
in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.
We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions are available by sending $24
(for 12 issues) to the above address.
Natural Awakenings
is printed on recycled
newsprint with soybased ink.
I didn’t talk much to my friends on the landline
after school; mom didn’t like me gabbing on
the phone. She networks with hundreds of
friends on Facebook and texts faster than she can talk. To relax, I would ride my
horse or curl up with a book. She has Wii and Rockband.
Back then, I was excitedly trading my 8-track tapes in for “hi-tech” cassette tapes
and listening to my favorite static-filled radio station. To see a band perform, I’d
go to Carowinds and stand in the hot sun to catch a glimpse of Jefferson Starship. She is a music aficionado and has hundreds of songs on her ipod, and she
knows the lyrics to every song from my generation to hers. To see her favorite
bands, she’s got You Tube and MTV. About the only thing in common about our
teen years are that the clothes I wore then are back in style.
Being a teen, no matter the era, is challenging, but today teens are bombarded
with excessive stimulation and distractions from every direction. They are technologically savvy and socially advanced. With so much going on, how do we
instill in them the power they have to make the world a better place for themselves and their children? After all, there is no Planet B for them to escape to.
The key to tuning teens into the environment is awareness about issues and
problems and then education. Kids follow by example and parents who have
adopted a green lifestyle are perfect role models. They instill green values and
influence children to understand and live a sustainable life so they can pass it on
to future generations.
An average teen uses between 15 and 25 products a day containing some 200
chemicals. From petrolatum in lipsticks to butyl acetate in nail polishes to coal
tar in hair dyes and creams, teens have a lot to protest in the beauty industry.
If they were educated about safer products, perhaps they would make better
choices for personal and environmental health.
Living green means adopting ways of thinking and living that will impact our
lives on personal, environmental, social and economical levels. They all interconnect and have tremendous impact and long-term consequences. By giving
our kids tools for positive action, they can advocate for greener alternatives,
human rights, animal welfare and laws to protect health so someday the world
truly will be a better place to live in.
But until then, keep yelling at them to turn the lights off and to stop putting
things in the trash that belong in the recycling bin!
Peace,
Lisa Moore, Editor
Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. Our mission is to provide insights and information to
improve the quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally and
spiritually. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information
on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green
living, creative expression and the products and services that
support a healthy lifestyle.
awakeningcharlotte.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
DEPARTMENTS
newsbriefs
7
Group Therapy
16
Helping Charlotte’s Homeless
18
Beneficial for Chronic Pain
globalbriefs
briefs
11
PG. 16
Children Stay in School
by Lisa Moore
healthbriefs
briefs
14
Parents of Allergic Kids
22
Swing Dance
26
Calming Anxious Lives
28
Polite Leash Walking
32
Movie Review
34
Smart Snacks
38
School Lunch Programs
40
by Lisa Moore
moonmagic
20
PG. 34
Your Way to Fitness
by Lisa Moore
healthykids
22
by Lisa Marshall
fitbody
25
by Erica Pytlovany
naturalpet
32
PG. 18
consciouseating
38
PG. 26
calendarofevents
42
community
resourceguide
48
PG. 22
Food, Inc.
by Lisa Moore
by Elisa Bosley
A Prime Opportunity to
Serve Up Improvements
by Aimee Witteman
© 2009 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior
permission be obtained in writing.
Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education
centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen.
We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We
welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.
Natural Awakenings
is printed on
recycled newsprint
with soybased ink.
newsbriefs
Ivy’s Diaper Service
Happy butts make a healthy planet!
Today more parents are seeking ways to raise their
children naturally. Ivy’s Diaper Service offers earth-friendly
cloth diapers that are easy to use and inexpensive. Simply
leave your bag of dirty diapers outside your front door once
a week and Ivy’s comes by and replaces them
with clean, soft, sanitized diapers.
Made from 100% unbleached
cotton, Ivy’s diapers contain no harsh
chemicals like disposable diapers and
they help prevent diaper rash. In 1955,
before disposable diapers were even
invented, it was estimated that only 7%
of babies suffered from diaper rash. In
1991, after disposables had taken over
the market, that number jumped to an
alarming 78%.
Cloth babies potty train an average of
six months earlier than disposable babies.
With cloth diapers your child is able to understand the cause and effect relationship, which helps potty train him or her faster.
Every disposable diaper ever used in this country is still in a landfill somewhere and will be for at least another 150 years. Two and a half years worth of
disposable diapers for one child will use up 20 trees and 420 gallons of petroleum. Cloth diapers are guilt-free!
For more information visit www.ivysdiaperservice.com.
Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference
Emphasizing Wise Woman Tradition
Women of all ages, shapes and stripes will gather
to learn, connect, and deepen at the 5th annual
Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference on October
2-4, 2009 in Black Mountain, NC. Special guest will
be Susun Weed, known as an extraordinary teacher
with a joyous spirit, a powerful presence and an encyclopedic knowledge of herbs and health. She is the
voice of the Wise Woman Tradition, and an internationally renowned author of four books on herbs and
women’s health.
Susun Weed
Fifty classes offered by over thirty teachers will
include: herb walks, tea blending, herbal skin care,
herbal baths, menstrual health, menopause, women’s wellness, nutrition, phytochemicals, HPV, shamanic breathwork, talking stick, self esteem, as well as art,
dance, yoga, and poetry - all based in the Wise Woman Tradition.
The Wise Woman Tradition involves simple living, earth-based healing and
local plants. “Women are hungry for this knowledge. The conference offers an
opportunity for them to steep themselves in these teachings for an entire weekend,” says conference Director Corinna Wood.
For more information visit www.sewisewomen.com or call 877-SEWOMEN.
Acupuncture
Center for Balance
& Healing
Offering Bioset Allergy
Elimination
Tina Berisha, Licensed Acupuncturist and owner of Acupuncture
Center for Balance & Healing in Davidson, is offering a new technique
to create and maintain an improved
state of health and wellness.
Bioset is based on energetic
medicine and utilizes meridian
therapy, acupressure, immunology
and homeopathy along with muscle
testing.
Bioset gets to the root of an
illness and is comprised of three
aspects - organ and tissue specific
detoxification, enzyme therapy and a
unique sensitivity desensitization.
“I use Bioset along with acupuncture for optimal results. It can
help with seasonal allergies, food
sensitivities, hormone imbalances
and auto-immune issues,” says the
mother of two who used Bioset to
overcome her intolerance to milk.
The technique can be safely used on
infants, children and adults.
Berisha strives to educate her
clients on the wide variety of alternative modalities available for optimal
healing results. “I look at all aspects
of healing for each client individually
with quality care and compassion,”
she concludes.
The Acupuncture Center for Balance & Healing is located at 709-20
North East Drive in Davidson. For
more information contact (704) 6812634 or acupuncture-tina@hotmail.
com or visit www.bioset.net.
The Ivey Adult Day Care
Wide-Ranging Care at a Low Price
Ayurvedic
Vegetarian
Cooking Workshop
Dr. Aruna Patki, an Ayuvedic
Physician and owner of Ayurveda
Healing Spa, will hold a workshop
on Ayurvedic cooking on Sept 5-7.
Ayurveda is a 6,000 year-old holistic, natural system of health and
healing from India.
Ayurvedic food is nourishing,
energizing and incorporates the six
tastes of foods (sweet, salty, sour,
bitter, pungent and astringent) in
simple ways to enhance health and
provide a tasty, satisfying meal.
With a holistic approach to diet,
digestion and nutrition, participants
will learn how to prepare authentic recipes and the principles of
Ayurvedic food preparation.
The workshop menu includes:
Ginger-Lemon-Honey Appetizer
(Nectar), Chapathi (flat yeast-free
whole wheat bread), mixed vegetable curry, Pakora (onion-lentil
fritters), Dal (lentil) soup, saffron
rice and Coconut Kheer.
The workshop will be held
Sept 5 and 6 from 10am-5pm
and 9am-noon on Sept 7 at 1980
Woodstream Drive in Harrisburg.
Cost is $210 and lunch and dinner
are included. Info: 704-808-0708
or AyurvedaHealingSpa.com.
The Ivey, the adult day care in South Charlotte founded by Lynn Ivey, is now
a not-for-profit organization. The Ivey has lowered its fees while maintaining a
remarkable array of services for older adults in a gorgeous lodge setting. For only
$60 a day, The Ivey provides a warm, home-away-from-home for adult loved ones.
The Ivey serves older adults affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of
memory loss, social isolation, or physical frailty due to stroke, Parkinson’s, and
other similar illnesses. Each client benefits from an individualized care plan that
includes socialization, medical supervision, personal care, nutritious hot meals
and stimulating activities. The center’s family programs provide hope, guidance,
support and education to caregivers.
“ W e b e c a m e not-for-profit in response to the economy and our desire
to serve
a broader range of people. These services should not
just
be for high-income individuals. Everyone deserves
the best when growing older,” Ivey says. “Plenty of
research shows that increased socialization enriches
the quality of life for every senior. Combined with our array of services, we
strive to maintain or possibly improve
your loved one’s functioning and life
ex- pectancy. ”
To schedule a personal
tour, call The Ivey at 704-9092070 or visit www.theivey.
com
Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act
Introduced
Could Provide Health Insurance Access
In January, Congressman Maurice Hinchey of New York introduced HR 646,
The Federal Acupuncture Coverage Act of 2009. Passage of HR 646 would amend
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of qualified acupuncturist services under Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the
Aged and Disabled) of the Medicare Program.
It would also amend Title 5 of the United States Code to provide for coverage
of such services under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Passage of
the bill would open the door for other insurance companies to cover acupuncture
and enable greater access to this ancient healing art across the country.
The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM)
is conducting a grassroots campaign asking for support in the passage of HR 646.
The AAAOM is also lobbying for a companion bill to HR 646 to be introduced in
the U.S. Senate.
The AAAOM asks HR 646 supporters to send a letter to their representatives by
visiting www.RallyCongress.com/aaaom and clicking on “Contact Congress.” Fill
in your ZIP code to identify your representative. The automated form letter can be
sent as written or personalized.
For more information go to www.AAAOMOnline.org.
Healthy Products
for People
and the Planet
At The Boulevard at NoDa
The Boulevard at NoDa, a
unique fashion, art, craft and gift
marketplace located in the heart
of NoDa, Charlotte’s historic arts
district, is offering an array of
healthy, earth-friendly products.
Monique Velez of NoDa
Kids carries G-Diapers that are
flushable and only take 50-150
days to break down. These ecodiapers are made of materials
that are “neutral or beneficial” to
the earth and help to offset the
approximately 50 million diapers
going to the landfill daily and
an average decomposition time
of 500 years. Velez also offers
Green to Grow bottles that are
free of BPA, a common chemical found in most plastics that
may have toxic, harmful health
effects.
Jill Cooper supplies ecofriendly baby products including
onsies and bibs made with 100%
unbleached certified organic cotton that protects babies from skin
allergies. She also carries Naked
Bee products that are paraben, dye and pigment free and
not tested on animals. Natural
ingredients like honey, palm and
coconut oils, beeswax are used.
Animal advocate Cindy Harris, owner of Meow and Fetch,
believes pets should be eating
a healthier diet and offers pet
lovers holistic, natural pet food
such as Wysong and Canidae.
To further spread the spirit of
environmentalism, she placed
a recycling container outside of
the shop so pedestrians and shop
girls can reduce waste.
For more information visit
www.blvdnoda.com.
Energy Medicine
Classes Offered
Based on Donna Eden Methods
Classes based on the methods of Donna Eden, one
of the world’s most renowned practitioners of energy
medicine, will be offered in Concord starting in September. The program has two options: A Wellness Track for
those wanting to learn to maintain and enhance their own
health and well-being and that of friends and family, and
a Certification Track for those wanting to professionally
practice Eden Energy Medicine.
In energy medicine, the body heals by activating its natural healing energies and also by restoring energies that have
become weak, disturbed, or out of balance. Energy Medicine
is both a complement to other approaches to medical care
and a complete system for self-care and self-help. It can address physical illness, emotional or mental disorders, and is
also used to promote high-level wellness, peak performance
and joyful living.
Classes will be conducted by Sarah Owen, MS, LPC and
Senior Faculty with the Eden Energy Medicine Institute. Students note her classes are powerfully transformative as well
as informative and filled with humor and heart. The series
of 4 classes held one weekend in Sept, Nov, Jan and March
completes Year 1 of the EEM Certification Program. Each
class is a pre-requisite for the following class. Students are
then eligible to go on to Year 2 of the main CP which is held
quarterly in Phoenix AZ.
Info/registration: Sarah Owen at (910) 538-8115,
[email protected] or healinginyourownhands.
com.
Bedtime Stories
Fairy Tales Replaced with
Gentler Narratives
ACUPRESSURE
CALMS CHILDREN
BEFORE SURGERY
University of California anesthesiologists have found
that applying an acupressure treatment to children
undergoing anesthesia tends
to lower their anxiety levels
and reduce the stress of surgery for the young patients
and their families.
Source: University of California –
Irvine, 2008
Controversy is cooking as some parents find classic fairy tales too dark for
storytelling to little ones. The Telegraph
reports that a poll of 3,000 British
parents showed that a quarter of the
mothers reject some of the classic
tales today, even if they grew up
reading them. Cited concerns in
the UK about their being un-PC
are joined by questions in the
United States about their perpetuation of gender and beauty
myths.
More recent favorite bedtime
stories on the Telegraph’s list are:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mr.
Men, The Gruffalo, Winnie the Pooh,
Aliens Love Underpants, Thomas
and Friends from The Railway
Series, The Wind in the
Willows, Charlie and
Lola, and What a Noisy
Pinky Ponk!
globalbriefs
News and resources to inspire concerned
citizens to work together in building a
healthier, stronger society that works for all.
Green Lunchrooms
University Cafeterias Show How to Cut Waste
Dozens of universities are doing away with lunch trays as a
keystone in cutting cafeteria waste. A recent survey
of 25
schools by Aramark, a food-service provider for some 600 institutions of higher
education, found that trayless dining
reduced food waste by an average of 25
to 30 percent per person. Seventy-five
percent of the 92,000 students surveyed
at 300 colleges said they were in favor of
the change. Accompanying changes typically include the recycling and composting of
food waste and using eco-friendly serviceware.
A separate study by the University of Illinois, which serves
1,300 students a day, noticed a 40 percent reduction in food
waste. Kristen Ruby, an assistant director, explains that because
students couldn’t carry as much, they didn’t take more than they
could eat. “Not having trays [also] saves 516 gallons of water a
day,” says Ruby, who counts the consequent dishwashing detergent saved in an academic year at 473 pounds less.
The same principles apply to food operations in businesses, convention centers, sports arenas, entertainment venues,
government agencies, correctional institutions and assisted
living facilities.
Source: The Christian Science Monitor
Safe Kids
Saliva Test Detects Lead Levels in Children
Confirm BioSciences recently released the first non-invasive
test, a saliva screening kit, that parents can use to discover if
their kids have been exposed to excessive levels of toxic lead.
Industrial areas, with older housing incorporating lead pipes
and old paint, are of special concern. Children often get lead
poisoning by eating lead-based paint chips or breathing in
lead paint dust, but a range of consumer goods have produced
lead recalls in recent years, as well.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that
lead poisoning is the leading environmentally induced illness
in children, yet one of the most preventable. Nearly a million
children under the age of five now have lead levels that experts consider dangerous. Lead poisoning can cause learning
disabilities, slowed growth and developmental delays.
Also, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
statistics report that at least a million U.S. adults, in some 100
different jobs, are exposed to lead daily.
For more information, kit availability and related articles, visit
LeadTestConfirm.com.
Good Food
New Farm Bill Favors Sustainable and Organic Farming
Sexting Survey
National Campaign Alerts
Parents to Harmful Trend
A survey by the National Campaign
to Prevent Teen Pregnancy has
found that one in five teens and
one in three young adults aged 20
to 26 have sent nude or semi-nude
pictures of themselves via phone
or posted them online. The practice
is known as “sexting.” Campaign
spokesman Bill Albert says he
believes those numbers are low
because they were self-reported. A
separate survey by WiredSafety.org,
an Internet educational nonprofit,
reported that 44 percent of teen
boys said they have seen at least
one naked picture of a female
classmate.
“A lot of the kids feel anonymous online, so they feel more
comfortable doing inappropriate
things because they think they
won’t be linked back to them,”
observes one 11th-grader who has
advocated cyber-safety since the
eighth grade.
The campaign’s survey also
found that the majority—66
percent of girls and 60 percent of
boys—say they thought of sexting
as “fun” or “flirtatious.” Yet, 70
percent recognized it could have
serious, long-term consequences
for their careers or social standing.
Albert notes that despite a rising
number of pornography court cases
stemming from the phenomenon,
“Legal consequences were low on
their list of concerns.”
Source: The Christian Science
Monitor
For most of its 70-plus
year history, the term
‘farm bill’ has conjured
vast acreages of uniform
rows of subsidized corn
and soybeans stretching toward the horizon.
Once the purview of a
few farmers and fewer
big agriculture lobbyists,
today, everyday people
have started to notice
that federal farm legislation is also about the
quality of our food and the environment. The attention of these conscientious eaters is making a difference.
Last May, the most recent farm
bill—the $300 billion Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008—was
signed into law. The good news is that
this new bill gives greater support
than ever before to sustainable farming and food systems.
Yes, additional measures are
still needed to make healthy food
and sustainable farming practices a
more central focus of legislation. But
organic farming has received a big
boost, thanks to grassroots efforts. Jim
Crawford, who has owned and operated New Morning Farm, in southcentral Pennsylvania, since 1972, sees
the recent changes as a good thing.
“The cost of certifying organic
can be prohibitive if you are a begin-
ning farmer,” Crawford
explains, “when, for
three years, you are
using organic methods,
but still getting paid
conventional prices.”
He says that is the
reason why many of his
neighbors ultimately
decide not to convert.
Crawford considers
helpful new farm bill
programs as imperative
in ensuring that U.S.
producers can meet consumers’ rising
demand for organic foods.
Among other provisions, the
current farm bill provides individual
producers up to $750 to offset the average $1,000 cost of certifying organic.
Another new program provides up to
$20,000 a year in financial assistance
to support conservation practices
related to the transition from conventional to organic systems. This, according to Crawford and others, goes a long
way toward making the conversion to
organic tenable for farmers. It all means
that more healthy, sustainably produced
food will be available to the public.
To learn more, visit Sustainable
Agriculture.net and check out the
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Grassroots Guide to the 2008
Farm Bill.
Learn a complete system of healing and transformation
driven by a shift in perception and a groundbreaking new
consciousness technology developed by
DR. RICHARD BARTLETT
Ethical Era
Generational Shift in Management Philosophy
Nearly 20 percent of Harvard’s 2009 master’s of business
administration graduating class have signed “The MBA Oath,”
acknowledging that the goal of a business manager is to
“serve the greater good.” It’s their public vow that they will act
responsibly, ethically and refrain from advancing their “own
narrow ambitions” at the expense of others.
The New York Times reports that top business schools
have witnessed an explosion of interest in ethics courses and
in student activities about personal and corporate responsibility. The student-driven idea is to view business as more than a
money-making enterprise. “Rather, they will think about how
they earn their income, not just how much,” says Bruce Kogut,
director of the Sanford C. Bernstein & Company Center for
Leadership and Ethics, at Columbia. This new generation of
activists promises to consider a corporation’s affect on its community and the public, its workers and the environment.
At Columbia Business School, all students must pledge
to an honor code that states in part: “I will not lie, cheat, steal
or tolerate those who do.” The code, in place for three years,
came about after discussions between students and faculty.
Smokeless Home
Adults’ Example Influences Youth Tobacco Use
Research conducted by Umeå University, in Sweden, has
determined that its country’s teenagers are more positive
today towards their parents’ attempts to discourage them
from smoking than in the past. The finding holds true
whether or not the young people smoked.
The research, which included 15 years of public
health data and 13,500 adolescents, concluded that the
most effective actions parents can take are not smoking
themselves and not allowing their children to smoke at
home. Unsurprisingly, younger children responded more
positively to these approaches than older children. Other
influences dissuading young people from smoking likely
include changes in national legislation and the decreasing
social acceptability of smoking.
Source: MedicalNewsToday.com
Dr. Bartlett teaches Matrix Energetics©, a consciousness technology for
insight, healing and spiritual growth.
Join Dr. Bartlett in a playful, possibility-expanding journey that shatters
preconceptions of the seemingly
“solid” universe and how unlimited our
potential to change it truly is. If you
are ready to embrace a reality where
anything goes, miracles happen and
nothing is beyond your reach, then you
are ready for Matrix Energetics©.
Teachable &
transferable,
Matrix Energetics© is accessible
to everyone
from a ten-year-old child to a medical professional.
During this life-changing weekend, we will learn the
art of rewriting any rule of our reality—about our
health, happiness or even our understanding of what
is physically possible.
Richard Bartlett, DC, ND is the author of Matrix
Energetics: The Science and Art of Transformation (Atria Books/Beyond
Words) and The Matrix Energetics Experience (April 2009, Sounds True).
Chicago, IL
Lvl 1&2
Apr 17-20
Toronto, ONTARIO
Lvl 1&2 Jun 19-22
Whizard’s Training Plus Dr. Garcia
San Francisco May 16-18
SEATTLE, WA May 29 - June 1
Level 1&2 with PC Training
Practitioner’s Certification
June 2
San Diego, CA - Back-to-Back
1&2 & 3 On the Beach, Aug 21-27
www.matrixenergetics.com 800.269.9513 AwakeningCharlotte.com | 13
healthbriefs
Nature’s Prescription for
ADHD
A
new study by the University of Illinois shows
that a dose of nature—a simple and inexpensive remedy—can make a great difference in the
lives of children who find it difficult to complete
tasks that require focus and concentration, such
as doing homework or taking a test. That’s good
news for the up to 2.4 million youngsters that
might have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), diagnosed or not.
Researcher Faber Taylor explains. “From previous research, we know there might
be a link between spending time in nature and reduced ADHD symptoms.” In 2008,
he explored the idea by taking children on walks in different settings—one especially
“green” and two less green. He found that after a walk in the park, children generally
concentrated better than they did after a walk in the downtown area or the neighborhood area.
Taylor concluded that the physical environment in which children play and spend
time matters, and that the greener the space, the more their attention spans improve.
Hairspray and
Birth Defects
Pregnant women who are exposed to hairspray
containing phthalates have more than double
the risk of a son being born with the genital birth
defect hypospadias, which involves malformation
of the uretha, says new research published in the
journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
MOST MEDICATED
POPULATION
American children are about
three times more likely to
be prescribed psychotropic
medication (altering perception, emotion or behavior)
than European children. A
new study led by Julie Zito
of the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy
suggests that regulatory
practices and cultural beliefs
about the role of medication
in emotional and behavioral
problems likely account for
the difference.
Source: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 2008
THE LOWDOWN
ON AD GLUT
A ban on fast food advertisements
in the United States could reduce
the number of overweight American children by up to 18 percent,
according to a new report in The
Journal of Law and Economics.
Source: Lehigh University, 2008
Tea Helps
Keep Teeth
Healthy
W
ith refined sugars and citric acids
found in sodas and some fruit juices permanently eating away our teeth’s
protective enamel, an alternative drink
is needed. Brewed tea, according to a
recent report in the peer-reviewed journal
of the Academy of General Dentistry, can
help protect teeth.
Apart from taste, tea has many health
benefits, such as helping to decrease the
risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease
and diabetes. The authors of the study
recommend green tea over black due
to its higher content of antioxidants. Tea
may be served hot or cold, as long as it’s
home-brewed, simple and pure.
The researchers recommend that we avoid adding milk, lemon or sugar, because these additives decrease the tea’s benefits. They further suggest that people
stay away from prepackaged iced teas, because they usually contain citric acid
and high amounts of sugar.
The Beet Goes On
T
here may be more to blood-red beets than meets the eye. A recent study
from St. Bartholemew’s Hospital (Barts) and The London School of Medicine
found that consuming two cups of beet juice a day can significantly improve
cardiovascular health. The study monitored the blood pressure of
14 participants who drank two cups of either pure beet juice
or water.
Professor Amrita Ahluwalia and her team
reported 10 millimeters of mercury (mmHg, the
standard unit used to measure blood pressure)
reductions in systolic blood pressure levels two
and a half hours after consumption and 8 mmHg
drops in diastolic pressure levels three hours after
consumption. Researchers believe that the beneficial
agent countering hypertension is the dietary nitrate
found in beetroot, which is converted to nitric oxide,
a compound that opens blood vessels in the body.
Beet juice is available at most health food stores,
but it is also easy to make. At the market, select beets
that are small and firm, with deep maroon or burgundy
coloring and unblemished skins. Remove the tops, boil
the roots, cool, peel and juice, adding a little water or
vegetable or fruit juice to dilute. Flavor by serving over
ice, with a twist of mint or lime.
Source: Queen Mary, University of London, 2008
By Cary Collins
Beneficial for Chronic Pain
A
ccording to the American Pain Foundation, there are
more that 80,000 Americans suffering from chronic
pain, which can lead to hopelessness, depression, anger,
grief, loss of self-esteem and anxiety disorders. Living with this
day-to-day pain can affect life on many levels. Sufferers may lose
their jobs, experience financial hardship, lose interest in normal
activities and have increased stress within their families and
personal relationships. They may also have to contend with the
unpleasant side effects of pain killers and other medication and
experience digestive upset, weight gain and lethargy. It is easy to
feel isolated, judged and out of control.
Research has shown that group therapy can be effective in
managing all types of chronic pain. Oftentimes family, friends
and colleagues do not understand what it’s like to live with
chronic pain. When people come together with a similar issue, it
can be a huge catalyst for healing. With a social support system,
friendships are formed and hope can be found by benefiting
from others’ stories. These powerful connections can allow
pain sufferers to become vulnerable in a safe, non-judgmental
environment where they can express thoughts, feelings and concerns.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Changes Thoughts
Research also indicates that psycho-educational groups using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy greatly reduces pain levels as
well as depression, anxiety and disability, compared to control
groups. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy involves identifying, evaluating and changing negative, unrealistic and unhelpful thoughts,
beliefs and images. Chronic pain sufferers may have detrimental
beliefs about their pain, such as “I can’t control my pain” or “If
my pain increases I must be doing further permanent damage to
myself.” They may also view themselves as weak, unlovable or
incompetent.
When people come together with a similar issue,
it can be a huge catalyst for healing.
Group therapy allows me
to share my story with
others who have suffered
greatly in a safe,
supportive environment.
Group therapy helps pain sufferers to
change their negative thoughts in relation to
their pain, the effects it has on their life and
other stressors. It can enhance communication and problem-solving skills so relationships can be healed and new ones formed.
People with chronic pain can gain empathy
for others and become more compassionate
toward themselves. Being a part of a group
affords encouragement and motivation from
others and a myriad of solutions.
anaOne Charlotte woman says working
with a group of people with similar problems
has helped her live a happier and useful
life. “Group Therapy allows me to share my
story with others who have suffered greatly
in a safe, supportive environment,” she says.
“It helps me understand that neither I nor
my problems are unique and that I am not
struggling alone. When I share my problems,
others in the group share their experience,
strength and hope with me. They have differing viewpoints, and may have already
found solutions for the problem I am facing.
In the rare event that I encounter an issue not
previously faced by others in the group, they
willingly help me to know I don’t have to
walk through difficult situations alone.”
Group therapy assists patients in mastering skills for pain management and stress
and learning how to mobilize those skills
during periods of increased stress and pain.
They are encouraged to set and discuss the
goals they hope to achieve. The group can
help them identify unrealistic expectations
and engage them in taking the first steps
towards self-efficacy.
Chronic pain sufferers can begin to gain
control of their lives again by giving and
receiving in the group environment. With
less anxiety, depression and pain, increased
socialization can occur. Supportive group
therapy is cost and time efficient as well.
Group sessions generally last longer than individual therapy sessions for approximately
half the cost.
Cary Collins is the owner and the psychotherapist at Seasons of Healing Counseling
Services in Southeast Charlotte. She can be
reached at 704-860-6944. For more information visit www.seasons-of-healing.com.
communityspotlight
Helping Charlotte’s Homeless Children Stay in School
By Lisa Moore
August means back-to-school shopping for thousands of
students in Charlotte. But for Mecklenburg County’s homeless children, a trip to the store to select the latest backpacks,
markers and lunch boxes is not a reality. One local organization is dedicated to erasing the impact of homelessness on
children and their education.
A Child’s Place, a collaborative effort between the local
community and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, seeks to
provide support services to enhance academic opportunities
for homeless students and to provide services to families to
ensure long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
The number of homeless children in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools has increased 20% this past year, with nearly 3,000
school age children identified as homeless and an estimated 600
preschool children. Because of the shame and guilt that accompanies homelessness, there are likely many more.
A Child’s Place (ACP) provides homeless children with
stable, appropriate education in a mainstream setting.
Comprehensive and timely assessments ensure that students
receive the instruction and services they need.
Children who are homeless may move up to 2-3 times
during a school year. Changing schools each time they
moved would hurt them academically. Executive Director
Annabelle Suddreth says it is important for kids to stay in the
school they attended when they had a home.
“For children without a permanent home, school becomes the most stable part of their day,” she says. “It’s where
they see the same teacher, they sit in the same seat and play
with the same friends.”
Suddreth has seen a change in the types of needs families are experiencing this year. With increasing prices and the
loss of jobs or hours, many are not able to make ends meet
and other community agencies are not able to meet all of the
community needs.
“We found that families were not able to provide food
for their families. So we started a food pantry and were able
to provide food at times when children are out of school and
not able to get free breakfast and lunch,” she states.
For homeless students who are in need of extra support
in order to achieve academic success, food, clothing, personal hygiene products and school supplies are distributed. Volunteer professionals provide medical, dental and counseling
services. Volunteer tutors and “lunch buddy” mentors also
offer academic and emotional support to
children coping with stress, fear and other
emotions resulting from homelessness.
Through its Family Advocacy program,
A Child’s Place provides parents connections to the employment, housing and
education opportunities that can lead to
a life of stability. Links to crisis counseling, budgeting and financial assistance
programs are also available, along with
emotional support and encouragement.
Nadia’s family was assisted by ACP
earlier this
year. She was
“For children
excited to
get her own
without a
room after
permanent home, living with
her mother
school becomes
and broththe most stable
ers for a full
part of their day.” school year
in one motel
room. Her
mother, who does not own a car, struggled
to get her children to school every day and
herself to her full-time office job. ACP
coordinated the provision of after-school
tutoring, help with transportation and the
transition to the family’s own house.
A Child’s Place is 100% privately
funded and receives no federal, state or
local tax dollars. There is no endowment or
business on the side to generate revenue.
The organization relies on donations to
stay afloat and has seen their numbers drop
this year.
Beyond monetary gifts, ACP is in need
of items like school supplies, toiletry items,
school uniforms, socks, underwear and
snacks. “We try to put a nutritious snack
in every child’s backpack each day in case
they don’t get dinner that night,” says Suddreth.
With A Child’s Place services needed
now more than ever, she wants to be able
to provide assistance, turning no one away.
Volunteers are needed as lunch buddies,
tutors, snack providers, birthday sponsors
and classroom assistants. Suddreth says
that serving for just an hour a week can
make a dramatic difference in a child’s
academic success.
“You wouldn’t believe what a big
impact that small investment in time can
make!
For more information visit www.achildsplace.org.
MOON
MAGIC
Astrological Timing for Success – August 2009
This Sun-ruled month of Leo begins with Lughnasa, the Celtic festival
of the Sun god, Lugh. Also known as Lammas or Loaf-mass, it is the
traditional time to share bread of the first harvest. The Moon is growing toward Full on Aug 5 when we have yet another eclipse, the 3rd in
4 weeks! An eclipse brings opportunities to eclipse or eliminate whatever needs to be let go from our world. As old psychic patterns break
down, energy is freed for a new creation.
August
The energies released from the July 21 Total Eclipse of the Sun will be
re-constellating around any new purpose or initiative we bring forward
the next few months. Following a total solar eclipse the next solar gate
is most important for powering on the new creation. Lammas marks
the cross-quarter of Summer, the mid-Leo ‘power gate of fire.’ The
Lammas festival begins August 1 and the cross-quarter date is August
6-7 when the Sun is exactly halfway between Solstice and Equinox.
August
Mid-August, shooting stars will be streaming brightly from the sword
of Perseus while the great benefic Jupiter shines brilliantly in the
evening sky. Jupiter is at opposition, closest to our planet, bringing
celestial blessings. Saturn will just be fading from view as the Lord of
the Rings makes a solar rendezvous and turns rings edge on toward
the Sun for a once-in-30-years Spring Equinox. Spring time on Saturn
is good news for planet Earth.
August
1
July
2
4:11 a.m.
thru
August
3
3:54 p.m.
MAGICAL NEW BEGINNINGS
Lammas / White Rabbit Day
Say ‘White Rabbit’ first thing for good luck through the
month. The rabbit opens us to magic; the Rabbit in the
Moon is our magical guide.
RENOVATE YOUR INNER WORLD
Moon Out of Bounds South
As the Moon travels below the zodiac, our inner world
becomes illuminated. Subconscious beliefs and behavior
are revealed and more easily reformed. We may experience challenges where we’ve been blocked or hiding from
ourselves. This is a time to go beneath the surface, do
research, change habits or renovate our inner world.
4
5
5:21am
Aug
6-7
BARACK OBAMA’S BIRTHDAY
Now turning 48 and entering a first house year in astrology, it’s time to fully come on stage and this story is just
beginning. The first house speaks to the realization of
one’s ultimate potential and addresses one’s personality
and presentation to the world.
ILLUMINATION
Sun in Leo Full Moon
This is the Asala Full Moon when all the ascended enlightened leaders of the world gather in their spirit bodies
to focus energy for planetary renewal. Special energies
flow through for three days following Full Moon. Revelations may come in dreams, ‘chance encounters’ or sudden
flashes of inspiration.
POWER ON A NEW MYTHIC STORY
Lammas Cross-Quarter
Midpoint Leo, the power gate of fire, culminates the
festival of Lughnasa (or Lammas) that began August 1.
This cross-quarter brings opportunities to realize dreams
and bring illumination. Dreams and portents predict what
is to come in the Autumn season. Take note! Aug 6 is the
Catholic Feast of Transfiguration celebrating the date
when Jesus went up on the mountain to be illuminated.
August COSMIC BALANCE TIME
8
Moon at the Equator / Lunar Zero Point North
Lunar 0 Points are cosmic balance times for our creative
imagination. Moon at the Equator moving North is like the
9:09
Spring Equinox, a time to envision. The magic window is
to
10:09 p.m. open for about two hours from 9:09 – 10:09 pm.
August
13
8:00 p.m.
thru
17
1:48 p.m.
OPEN-MINDED AND IMAGINATIVE
Moon Out of Bounds North
We enter ‘the higher world’ new ideas are more easily and
successfully shared. It’s time to share new opportunities,
make announcements, do a promotional or bring a new
discovery to light. August 15 is most magical when the
Moon is maximally Out of Bounds North sailing over Orion
close by the planet Mars.
MAKE A WISH
August
16
thru
18
Aug
19
until
Sunset
Aug
21
August
22
August
22
thru
25
Balsamic Moon
This is a time for putting wishes on
the air and bringing people to mind
for healing. Empathic feeling brings
healing. As we feel, we heal.
August
27
7:42 am
TIME TO LOOK WITHIN
Dark of the Moon
The ‘Dark of the Moon’ is a 3-day
period starting the day before
New Moon and ending when the
crescent becomes visible. Although
unfavorable for outward activities,
this time is ideal for inner work.
It is also a good time to sage the
home for a new lunar cycle and
clear space for magic.
BE QUIET
New Moon
The prophet Nostradamus called
the New Moon “the day of Diana, a
time for silent rest.” Quiet at the
New Moon opens our inner knowing
and allows us to draw from the
psychic well within.
IDEAL FOR ALL NEW
BEGINNINGS
August
26
LET GO THE OLD, POWER
ON NEW
1st Quarter Moon
Tonight the Moon passes close
by Antares, the star of death and
rebirth. This is an opportunity
to clear out the old and channel
energy to the new. Breathe deeply
and focus on the light overhead to
make the ideal real.
CHANGE HABITS
Moon Out of Bounds South
12:15 p.m. As the Moon plows our inner world
whatever has been hidden will
thru
be revealed. This is a time to go
beneath the surface, do original re9:54 p.m. search, change habits or renovate
your inner world.
30
Steve Nelson is a professional
astrologer who uses tarot, name
analysis, and traditional astrology
to help clients understand personal
myths and realize natural abilities.
He may be reached at 704-3753759 or email stevenelson@
carolina.rr.com
Crescent New Moon
The next few days following the appearance of the lunar crescent are
ideal for starting a new business or
staging a successful public event.
It is time to share new opportunities, make announcements or bring
new discoveries to light. This Moon
tide will energize whatever we
bring forward.
healthykids
Parents of Allergic Kids Charlotte
Supporting, networking, understanding
by Lisa Moore
P
arenting is hard work, but raising a child with food allergies can present day-to-day challenges that can be overwhelming. Food allergy occurs in approximately 6 to 8 percent of
children under the age of 4. From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy
increased 18% among children under age 18 years, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Allergic reactions range from mild: rashes, itching, swelling and digestive upset to severe:
trouble breathing, wheezing or loss of consciousness. In
extreme cases, anaphylactic shock or death may even ocFrom 1997 to 2007, the cur.
Food allergies can complicate the simplest childhood
prevalence of reported activities
-- from eating and attending school to birthday
parties
and
sleepovers. Between chauffeuring kids to docfood allergy increased
tor visits, researching treatment, making plans around their
18% among children
allergies and creating an allergy-proof home, parents can
become very burned out.
Parents of Allergic Kids (PAK) Charlotte provides a supportive environment for parents of and the children who have serious food allergies. The group
raises awareness and educates parents, caregivers, professionals and children’s peers about safely
caring for those with food allergies.
Formed in April 2006 by parents of children with food allergies, PAK is a free support group
with a network of over 300 families in the Charlotte area. Dr. Maeve O’Connor and Dr. Gray
90% of all
food-allergy
reactions
stem from
eight popular
foods - milk,
eggs, peanuts,
tree nuts, fish,
shellfish, soy,
and wheat.
Food allergies can
complicate the simplest
childhood activities
Norris, Board-Certified Allergists from
Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center,
serve as medical advisers. Meetings,
guest speakers and special events offer support and fun. The PAK message
board helps parents communicate about
allergy challenges and to coordinate
meet ups.
Because society is undereducated
on the hardships of allergies, parents
often have to be an advocate for their
children. Teresa LeBlanc, who has a
young son with allergies, says PAK has
assisted her in many ways. “I network
with people that can relate, offer advice, an ear and help me feel that I am
too nice sometimes when it comes to
protecting my son,” she says. “In some
cases it reinforces my actions by seeing
or hearing what ‘over the top’ behavior
results in.”
Blanc also says that PAK has helped
her to become more educated on her
rights for her son in the school system
and challenges he may face when he
gets older.
With 90% of all food-allergy reactions stemming from eight popular foods
- milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish,
shellfish, soy, and wheat - cooking for a
child with food allergies requires extensive planning and creativity. Members
learn about new foods and recipes from
others that have similar food allergies.
“It is through PAK that I learned many
new foods to feed my son,” states LeBlanc.
Parents of Allergic Kids are welcome
to take part in upcoming events. On
August 16th, PAK will sponsor its 4th
Annual Food Free Zone at the Charlotte
Knights Baseball game, welcoming all
food-allergic families. The 4th Annual
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Carolinas Walk for Food Allergy: Moving Toward a Cure will take place at
Freedom Park on September 20th. Funds
raised will go towards food allergy
research and education. The next PAK
meeting will be on September 25th at St.
Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne.
For more information, visit www.
pakcharlotte.org.
fitbody
walking form. Their upper body tilts
forward and their legs go out the back.
Engage the body’s core. – Engaging
your core muscles connects your torso
to your legs and stabilizes the pelvis
during movement. It also strengthens
these muscles over time. This allows
you to walk with your whole body. An
unstable pelvis increases vulnerability
to a host of ailments, such as lower
back pain, hip bursitis and iliotibial
band syndrome, which affects thighs
and knees.
ChiWalking
Daily Steps to
Focus, Strengthen
and Energize
by Katherine and Danny Dreyer
E
arlier generations recognized
the amazing effects that walking
has on health. G. M. Trevelyan,
a noted English historian, wrote in the
1920s: “I have two doctors. My left leg
and my right.”
In those days, science had not
yet documented how the traditional
evening stroll exercises the heart, calms
the mind and benefits one’s overall
constitution. But today’s research shows
that walking may be nothing short of a
miracle cure.
A recent study reported in the
journal Medicine & Science in Sports
& Exercise shows that adults in their
50s and 60s who consistently walk are
about 25 percent less likely to die in
the next eight years than their sedentary
counterparts. The University of Michigan Medical Center study further notes
that, for smokers and others with high
blood pressure or diabetes, the risk of
death drops 45 percent.
The myriad benefits of walking,
as attested in studies published in The
New England Journal of Medicine,
The Journal of the American Medical
Association and others, go beyond
increasing bone density and improving mental acuity to lowering the risk
of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Walking literally can make the difference between life and death.
In our work with walking instructors and students around the country,
we have found that applying some Tai
chi principles to walking movements
boosts benefits and makes walking a
mindful practice. As in Tai chi, Pilates
and yoga, ChiWalking teaches you how
to use the strong core muscles of your
torso to walk, which helps prevent pain
and fatigue.
Learning and practicing ChiWalking connects you more deeply with
your body as you listen and respond
to its needs and rhythms. We call it
“body sensing,” a centered awareness
that allows you to align mind and body
in a way that promotes healthy, effortless, steady and balanced movement.
Eckhart Tolle, in A New Earth, writes
of such awareness of the inner body
as “anchoring you in the present moment.”
Taking it a step further, we teach
how projecting your energy forward to
a point or object in the distance, with
which you maintain a visual connection, leaves little room for distraction.
Everything naturally falls into alignment, following the direction of the
eyes. In Tai chi, this concentrated focus
is called y’chi.
ChiWalking involves
five mindful steps
Get aligned. – First, create great posture. Then, walk by keeping the shoulders in front of the hips, leveraging
the pull of gravity to assist in forward
momentum. This reduces the impact to
the lower back and legs. Watch a small
child walk, and you will see perfect
Create balance. – Most of us thrust our
hips forward when we stand or walk.
This is what throws the whole body out
of alignment and increases impact on
the knees and lower back. Leading with
the shoulders in ChiWalking relieves
pressure on the lower back and allows
you to walk with slightly bent, relaxed
knees. Practitioners of ChiWalking, as
those of Tai chi, learn to create balance from back-to-front, side-to-side
and upper body-to-lower body. A state
of physical balance supports a state of
emotional balance.
Make a choice. – The first three steps
help establish a platform for daily making the kinds of positive choices that
profoundly affect health and well-being.
Walking is a good way to enhance and
manage your energy. You can choose
to calm yourself if you’re tense, get
energized if you are tired or get focused
if you are feeling scattered.
Move forward. – The final step asks
you to move forward into your life and
your walking by being consistent with
your practice. It is as simple as putting
one foot in front of the other, and as
important as choosing healthy foods to
nourish your body. Because a consistent
practice of healthy movement is the key
to good health and vibrant energy, it’s
among the best preventive medicines in
the world.
Katherine and Danny Dreyer are founders of parent company ChiLiving, and
co-authors of ChiWalking and ChiRunning, out in a new edition this year. For
more information visit ChiWalking.com
and ChiRunning.com.
ChiRunning
Makes Running
an Injury-free Joy
by Katherine Dreyer
“Humanity was born to run,” writes
the Los Angeles Times, reporting a
study by Harvard University and the
University of Utah, in which scientists draw the stunning conclusion
that, “The ability to run long distances was the driving force shaping the
modern human anatomy.”
Running does not hurt the body;
it is the way that we run that causes
the impact and injury for which
running is infamous. When proper
biomechanics are applied, running
becomes a safe and healthy activity
that can help us all stay fit and feel
great.
ChiRunning is based on the
same principles as ChiWalking. This
includes starting with good posture
and leveraging gravity to make running easier and gentler on the body.
As in the practice of Tai chi,
the focus of ChiRunning is to move
from your center, not solely from
your legs. It’s learning how to use
gravity to aid propulsion by relaxing
your legs and gently falling forward
in a steady cadence. Moving in this
way turns running into a healthy,
relaxing and safe form of exercise
and adds a mindful element to the
oldest sport in the world.
8/1/09
SEI - Charlotte
231-9187-NA-touch-4x3
Natural Awakening
4.75” x 3.25”
MF
6/30
TouchÊlivesÊdaily
Professional Clinical
Massage Therapy
Learn Neuromuscular Therapy and Swedish Massage
Student Massage Clinic
50min Swedish Massage $25
Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat 9am - 4pm
By Appointment Only!
4 Financial aid available to those who qualify
4 Placement assistance for graduates 4 Day or evening classes
Call Toll Free
Charlotte
Main Campus
1.888.203.3613
5250 Seventy Seven Center Drive, Suite 100
www.SoutheasternInstitute.com
Warning: Swing Dance may be addictive.
Your Way to Fitness
By Lisa Moore
distinct culture and their own variations of every dance.
The earliest forms of Swing Dance actually predate swing
jazz music and began in African American communities.
With the pressures of job and social obliThe music features the syncopated timing associated with
gations pulling us in many directions, it’s
West African and African American music and dance, but
introduces changes in the way these rhythms were played,
often hard to find time for exercise. And
often with a distinct delay or relaxed approach to timing.
when we do, the thought of jogging on the
Zoë Whittaker, President of the Charlotte Swing Dance
Society, says Swing Dance is great for all ages and ability
treadmill or tossing around dumbbells can
levels, and notes that her grandfather was still doing the
seem like drudgery. Swing
Charleston when he passed at age 93.
Dance can help you dance
“I have always contended that if you
“Swing Dance comes from
can
walk you can dance,” she says. “Evyour way to physical fitness, a bygone era that still has
erything in social dancing comes in pairs.
social confidence and perIf you have two left feet then you can learn
magic and power.”
to have two right feet.” Beginners can exsonal happiness while hav- Zoe Whittaker,
pect to be dancing by the end of their first
Charlotte Swing Dance Society
ing a blast.
class, she claims.
Swing Dance can keep you fit in a
variety of ways. Depending on the step, it can burn anywhere
Swing Dance refers to a group of dances that developed
from 250 calories to 400 calories an hour — about the same
simultaneously with the swing style of jazz music in the
as a brisk half-hour walk on a treadmill.
1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s, including the Lindy Hop, Charleston,
Dancing works muscles in various parts of the body and
Shag, Balboa and Blues, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing,
Rock and Roll and Jive. The variety of styles offers dancers an sharpens coordination, agility and balance. Memorizing
array of workouts from fast and jumpy to smooth and sensual steps and twirls flexes the mind — a crucial benefit for older
Americans.
or even acrobatic. Each local swing dance community has a
Anyone can swing dance
as long as you feel the
music and can listen to
your partner.
The tempo and pace of each
dance is set by the music. Fast
songs will provide an aerobic
work out, while slower, bluesy
tunes offer stretching and holding a line with your
partner. “Swing dancers have notoriously
developed stomach muscles
because everything we do
comes from our core or center,” says Whittaker.
Dancing reduces
stress and tension and also
improves attitude, confidence
and body awareness. “I’ve seen
so many people bloom socially
through dancing,” states Whittaker. “I can’t tell you how many
shy people walk away from their
first dance lesson grinning from
ear to ear.”
Swing dance offers couples a
great way to spend time together,
but no partner is required at
classes. The Charlotte Swing
Dance Society sponsors
and promotes multicultural events that
bring together community members to
share the common experience of
music and dance that transcends
race, age, gender and creed.
So grab your zoot suit and
wing tips and give it a whirl, but
consider one important disclaimer - Swing Dance may be
addictive.
For more information about
classes and events visit www.
CharlotteSwingDance.org.
At right, Zoe Whittaker and Mike Eblen
doing the Blango Nuevo
photo by Dennis Goetz
Calming Anxious Lives
by Lisa Marshall
For fourth-grader Skylar Shumate, a typical Tuesday looks like this. Rise at dawn for some toaster
waffles and juice before sprinting to the bus at 7:15 a.m. Study for spelling en route to school.
Embark on a seven-hour school day, filled with classes and quizzes. Head to cheerleading at
3:15 p.m., hip-hop class at 5 p.m., then return home to practice piano and do homework before
grabbing dinner and heading to bed.
In all, Skylar reports, she is a happy kid. “But sometimes, if I’m super stressed, I’ll go cry in my
room,” she confesses. “I sometimes just wish there wasn’t so much pressure.”
S
uch a statement from a child is
particularly chilling. But, according to a growing body of research
and legions of concerned child development experts, Skylar is not alone.
Troubling Trends
According to a study by the Californiabased Lucile Packard Foundation for
Children’s Health, up to 70 percent of
parents report that their 9- to 13-yearold children experience moderate to
high levels of stress. In a recent poll of
high school students by Stanford University, 65 percent admitted they were
often or always stressed out. According
to the National Mental Health Information Center, anxiety disorders affect 13
out of every 100 children ages 9 to 17.
Nationwide, healthcare providers report an increase in stress-related
health problems like stomach aches, teeth
grinding, sleep disorders and behavioral
problems in children as young as preschool age. Some anxiety can be attributed to trouble at home, such as abuse
or personal tragedy. But a more insidious
culprit appears to have emerged: a culture
of hyper-parenting, in which kids are overscheduled and academically overloaded,
and adult role models—concerned about
everything from terrorism to pandemics
and the economy—are more stressed than
ever.
“We have stumbled into a unique
moment in the history of childhood, a
cocktail of cultural and historical trends
that have intersected to create a perfect
storm,” says Carl Honoré, a 41-year-old
father of two and author of Under Pressure: Rescuing our Children from the
Culture of Hyper-Parenting.
He notes how anxious parents are
feeling the need to prepare their kids for
a tough job market. They have money
to afford extracurricular activities, and
because they are becoming parents
later in life and raising fewer children,
they have a tendency to dote on them
and expect great things. “Children are
the target of more adult anxiety and
intervention today than at any time in
history,” says Honore.
Most troubling is the realization
that too much childhood stress can
have lifelong health consequences.
According to a 2008 report by the
Centers for Disease Control, chronic or
severe childhood stress can disrupt the
development of fragile brain circuitry,
resulting in a “low threshold for stress,”
throughout life. Excess stress hormones,
like cortisol, can also damage the brain
region responsible for learning and
memory and impair the immune system, leaving kids vulnerable to asthma,
allergies and other illness.
The good news: Parents who take
care to shield their children from excess
stress and help them deal with inevitable stressors in a healthy way, can set
them up for better long-term mental
and physical health.
“In a very real way, Mother Nature
expects parents to be good parents,”
says psychology professor Chris Coe,
Ph.D., an immunology researcher at
University of Wisconsin-Madison. “It
helps to guide a child’s biology in the
right direction.”
What Parents Can Do
The first key step, experts say, is for
parents to learn to recognize when their
kids are stressed out, and it can happen
far earlier than many assume.
“It starts to kick in around their
first or second birthday,” says psychologist Charles Fay, Ph.D., president of the
Golden, Colorado-based parenting organization, the Love and Logic Institute.
Fay says toddlerhood (12 to 30
months) is particularly stressful, as kids
go through potty training and learning
to walk. For older preschoolers, changing schools, older siblings moving away
or parents divorcing can all be stressful.
While some stress can be beneficial, adults need to be vigilant about
looking for signs that a child is experiencing too much stress, particularly if
the child is too young to verbalize his
or her feelings. Common signs include
regression, temper tantrums, withdrawal and tummy, head or muscle aches.
Hyperactivity Can
Signal Stress
“We see a lot of kids and families
who are in a perpetual state of fight or
flight and sadly, the kids get wrongly
diagnosed with learning and behavior
disorders, such as ADHD (Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder),” says
Fay.
Holistic Solutions to Stress
by Lisa Marshall
A bit of childhood stress is inevitable,
and can even be motivating when taken
in small doses, experts say. But parents
can do much to help kids better manage it.
Set aside relaxation time: “There is such
a thing as preventative mental health,”
says Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D., author
of The Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Workbook for Kids. “You wouldn’t let
your kids go a day without brushing their
teeth. Don’t let them go a day without
relaxing.”
He recommends that children of all
ages carve out at least 15 minutes each
day for focused relaxation. Put on soothing music, ask them to breathe deeply
and close their eyes, and then leave them
alone.
Sleep: Sleep produces the calming, feelgood brain chemical serotonin, while
lack of sleep results in too much of the
“fight-or-flight” brain chemical, cortisol.
A child who doesn’t get enough sleep
won’t handle stress as well. According to
the National Sleep Foundation, toddlers
need 12 to 14 hours and preschoolers
11 to 13 hours. Kids ages 5 to 12 do well
with 10 to 11 hours of sleep and teens
with about 9 hours.
Nutrients: Brandy Webb, a naturopathic doctor in Tacoma, Washington,
and adjunct faculty member at Bastyr
University, says certain nutrients can go
a long way in counteracting the physical
impacts of stress. Omega-3 fatty acids,
found in fatty fish, flax seed, certain nuts
and dietary supplements, can counteract
the inflammatory response that comes
with stress. This also helps fend off problems such as headaches and muscle
aches, which can come with stressinduced inflammation.
Stressed-out kids burn through critical nutrients, particularly calcium, so
a balanced diet is critical. Magnesium
supplements are known to help relieve
anxiety and stress. Vitamins C and E
boost immune function.
Botanicals: Webb recommends calming
herbal tinctures, such as catnip and pas-
sionflower, for quieting a child in the
throes of a stressful moment. Lavender,
in either a tea or a bath, can be effective in reducing anxiety. Better yet,
brew some tea and allow your child to
sit in the bath with it for 20 minutes,
breathing in the lavender-laced steam.
Exercise: Shapiro and Webb both recommend at least 30 minutes of free,
outdoor play per day.
Limit screen time: Never allow your
child to have a TV or computer in their
room, advises parenting expert Charles
Fay, Ph.D. Also, keep screen time to an
absolute minimum for youths under 2
years old. Keep the volume down (loud
noises can aggravate stress) and be particularly wary of television if your child
is already prone to hyperactivity.
“If kids are predisposed to hyperactivity, too much TV will exacerbate that
predisposition,” Shapiro notes. Also,
overuse of electronic media—such
as video games and Internet social
groups—could be a warning sign that
the child is stressed. “A lot of the most
stressed-out kids I deal with gravitate
toward those things as unhealthy coping mechanisms,” comments Webb.
While social networking tools
like Facebook, instant messaging and
Internet chat rooms don’t necessarily
cause stress, experts advise, a child who
spends too much time with them may
get behind on homework, adding to
their stress.
Worse yet, they’ll rob themselves
of time spent playing face-to-face with
friends outdoors in the fresh air. Watch
any kid at play: There is no better stress
reliever.
Trees like to
have kids climb on
them, but trees are
much bigger than
we are, and much
more forgiving.
Another tip: Check your own stress level. “Kids take their emotional cues from
the adults around them,” advises Fay. “A
lot of high-achieving, perfectionist kids
think mistakes are the end of the world,
because they see their parents reacting
that way.”
He counsels parents to model positive reactions to stress. Take a moment
to tell the kids a funny story about how
you spilled coffee in your lap and had
to run home to change—and the lesson
learned. Instead of freaking out as you
rush around the house looking for the
car keys, say, “Oh well. It’s not the end
of the world if I am a few minutes late.”
Experts say overscheduling is
another chronic source of stress, with
many parents shuttling junior from story
time to baby yoga to playdates. According to a 2001 study by University
of Michigan researchers, children ages
3 to 5 have eight fewer hours per week
of free play time than they did in 1981.
Kids ages 6 to 8 enjoy 13 fewer hours
of free time.
An easy solution: “Remind yourself
that it is okay for kids to be bored,” says
Fay, noting that boredom fosters creativity and prepares kids for a “real life”
that is not always action-packed.
If you find yourself often eating
in the car en route to endless pursuits,
your child throws a fit or falls asleep
on the way to a practice or he or she
doesn’t talk much about an activity (a
sign of genuine interest), it could be a
wake-up call. Ask your child to make
a list of his or her favorite interests, in
order of priority, Fay suggests, and trim
off the bottom.
On the flip side, Fay counsels
that too little structure at home can be
stressful for kids; they look to their parents to demonstrate assertiveness and
provide the boundaries that make them
feel safe. “If you have anxious kids, one
question to ask is, ‘Am I setting enough
limits and sticking to those limits?’”
School-age Solutions
- Diane Frolov
& Andrew Schneider
By far, the most common cause of
school-age anxiety (particularly amid
middle-to-upper-income suburban kids)
is academic stress. Numerous studies
show that adolescents place schoolwork
above friend problems, bullying and
trouble at home when ranking stressors.
One recent Stanford University poll of 496 high school students
in California’s Bay Area found that
when students were asked to list what
causes the most stress in their lives, 68
percent cited schoolwork. Nearly 78
percent reported having experienced
stress-related physical problems like
headaches, weight gain, insomnia or
stomach problems. In some cases,
excess stress turns to depression and
tragedy can strike.
“Kids are more stressed than in the
past for a whole host of reasons, and it
is a big problem,” confirms education
researcher and Stanford lecturer, Denise
Pope. “There is more emphasis on
testing, and kids feel the pressure from
their teachers. Homework levels have
gone up significantly. They feel like
they are the hope for the future, and the
pressure is on.”
Research supports Pope’s conclusion, including a 2004 University of
Michigan survey of more than 2,900
students that found the time it takes
kids to complete their homework has
increased 51 percent since 1981.
In response, Pope, a mother of
three, founded the Stressed Out Students Project (now called Challenge
Success) in 2007. The national organization teaches parents and teachers
how to minimize academic stress.
“People have this
vision that their child
has to get straight
As and involve
themselves in every
extracurricular activity
in order to get into a
good college: Not true.
There is a college out
there for every student
who wants to go to
college.”
~ Education researcher and
Stanford lecturer, Denise Pope
HHM.1/2Vert
The first step, she says, is for parents to clearly define
their own vision of “success” for their child. Is it really attendance at an Ivy League school? Or, is it participating in
an enjoyable college environment that enriches their life?
“People have this vision that their child has to get
straight As and involve themselves in every extracurricular
activity in order to get into a good college: Not true,” states
Pope. “There is a college out there for every student who
wants to go to college.”
If a parent gets the sense that their child’s homework
levels are excessive, they need to be proactive and call the
teacher, says Pope. As a general rule, kids should have no
more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level (10
minutes for first-graders, 30 for third-graders, two hours for
high school seniors, etc.). Pope asks her child’s teachers to
send work home in advance in weekly packets, so they can
distribute it over the week around other commitments.
“I know kids who do different, multiple sports each
season after school, then come home every day, eat dinner
and start in on homework at 8 or 9. We are asking them to
put in longer days than most adults do,” Pope remarks.
3/12/09
12:27 PM
Page 1
THE AREA’S BEST
HEALTH FOOD
MARKET
Let Kids Be Kids
Honoré, a London author who has made a living writing
books about how to slow down and lead a less frenzied life,
says he too, found himself falling into the “hyper-parenting”
trap. When his son’s art instructor suggested his 7-year-old
might have a gift for art, he found himself sifting through
catalogues, looking for just the right afterschool course or
summer class to nurture his budding Picasso’s special talent.
When his son got the news, he looked at his father, dumfounded, and asked, “Why do grownups have to take over
everything?”
“I realized I had lost my bearings as a parent,” Honoré
says. He backed off and ended up writing a book about
it. He now takes care to ask himself what his motives are
before guiding his son toward an activity: Is it for me, or is it
for him?
Meanwhile, this grassroots researcher is optimistic that
“The pendulum is beginning to swing back,” and that a
backlash against hyper-parents and stressed-out kids is upon
us.
In 2008, Toronto became one of the first jurisdictions in
North America to crack down on excess homework, all but
eliminating it in elementary grades and banning it during
weekends and holidays. Meanwhile, communities across
the United States have begun to host “Ready, Set, Relax”
days, where all homework and extracurricular activities are
canceled.
On a smaller scale, experts say the revolution toward
less stressed-out kids can begin when parents look at their
kids in a new light. As Pope puts it: “We need to love the
kid before us, not the kid we want them to be.”
Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer and mother of four in
Colorado.
Healthy Home Market is the place to come
for healthy foods, nutritional supplements,
natural & homeopathic remedies and
4 FREE HEALTH SEMINARS a week!
• The Area’s Biggest Selection Of Top
Brand Vitamins & Supplements
• Knowledgeable Vitamin Consultants
• Herbal, Homeopathic & Natural Remedies
• Local Organically Grown Produce & Natural Meats.
• Bulk Natural Foods (Nuts, grains, flours, herbs etc.)
• Area’s Largest Inventory of Health & Special Diet Foods
(Gluten-free, Vegan, Diabetic etc.)
• Naturally Delicious Deli with Smoothie/Coffee Bar
3 Area Locations:
HISTORIC SOUTH END
2707 South Boulevard
704.522.8123
EPFX Quantum
Biofeedback
5410 E. INDEPENDENCE BLVD.
(@ Idlewild Road)
704.536.4663
LAKE NORMAN at DAVIDSON
261 Griffith St. (I-77 Exit 30)
704.892-6191
Visit Our Website For Healthy
Info And A List Of Upcoming
Seminars & Events.
www.hemarket.com
Sessions Available!
Call Joy Fanning
at 704.522.8123
For An Appointment
Find The Stressors To Your
Health & Wellness.
EVERY TUESDAY IS VITAMIN DAY!
Save 10% On Any Regularly Priced Supplement.
naturalpet
POLITE
LEASH WALKING
by Erica Pytlovany
“Dogs don’t come speaking English, and they don’t read minds.
Communicate less with your voice
and more with your body (like
dogs do), and your dog will understand you better.”
~ Patricia McConnell, Ph.D.
A
re you walking your dog, or
is your dog walking
you?
A dog pulling on a
leash is a common, but curable problem. You can teach
your dog how to walk politely
on a leash, using firm, positive approaches. Even 8-week-old
puppies can learn; no special collar or tool is needed.
METHODS
If your dog pulls and you take one step forward, you have
rewarded the pulling. The one consistent message your dog
learns in all of the following approaches is that pulling does
not get him where he wants to go. (Our trainers do not recommend employing leash pops and collar-jerking, because
of the emotional fallout that sometimes accompanies these
methods when performed improperly.)
Be a Tree: When your dog pulls on the leash, stop, as though
you are rooted in place. Do not take another step forward
until the dog has released pressure on the leash. Your dog
needs to learn that pulling equals stopping. Consistency and
timing help a dog learn quickly.
One variation on this technique is to use a word or
phrase to signal your dog that he is pulling and you are going
to stop. Speak in a happy voice, because you are not scolding; you are simply giving your dog information. Some use
“whoops!” Others use “uh-oh!”
If, when you stop walking, your dog dances around you
in circles or runs to the end of his leash in every direction,
gradually shorten the leash until there is nowhere interesting
left to go. This makes the wrong choice (ignoring you) boring
for the dog, and it is much easier for him to make the right
choice, which is relaxing on the end of the leash, looking up
at you.
Penalty Yards: When your dog starts to pull toward something, stop movement in that direction and go backwards.
Depending on the dog’s level of excitability, take two or three
steps, or up to 20 feet, in the opposite direction.
This is useful when your dog is pulling toward a specific
target (another dog, a favorite bush, the swimming hole). You
are letting the dog know that pulling gets him the opposite of
what he wants. You also are increasing the distance between
him and the exciting thing, which helps him gather his selfcontrol. Once he stops pulling, he gets to go see the dog or
sniff the bush as a reward.
Zigzag and Circling: When your dog begins to pull, start
walking in a broad, zig-zag motion. Alternatively, curve off to
the right or left, in a wide circle. This deflects some of the pulling into a sideways
motion and reminds the dog that, smart as
he is, he doesn’t know which way you’re
going to go, so he’d better pay attention.
Clicker and Treats: Using food can be
a highly motivating way for a dog to
learn polite leash walking. Carry a
pouch of pea-sized treats and use
a clicker (sold at local pet
stores), or pick a consistent
word to say, like “Yes!”
Capture a moment that
your dog is behaving the way
you want and click or say “Yes!”
After that, offer a treat. Your dog will
associate the click or the word “Yes”
with getting a treat and begin to
understand that the moment you click
is the moment he earned the treat. Do
not get the food out until after the click.
The dog should be thinking about how
to earn the reward, not trotting after the
food.
Initially, you will reward frequently, at least several times a minute. As
the behavior becomes a habit, continue
to praise the dog for good behavior, but
phase out the treats.
HOW LONG IT TAKES
Young or energetic dogs require more
training than mature or calm dogs.
Dogs that don’t get out of the house
much require more training than dogs
that see the world on a regular basis.
To maintain the momentum of the
learning process, make sure the animal
gets plenty of exercise. Be consistent.
Never allow the dog to get somewhere
by pulling; all family members need to
be on board with this.
Above all, have patience. Some
days it may feel like your dog will never
learn, then suddenly, one day you will
look back and have to think hard to
remember how he or she used to pull.
Erica Pytlovany is a certified pet dog
trainer with WOOFS! Dog Training
Center, in Arlington, VA. Learn more at
WoofsDogTraining.com.
MORE EXPERT ADVICE
Teach your dog not to pull while
you are both standing still by holding the leash firmly with both hands
and refusing to budge until your
dog slackens the leash. Not a single
step! Hold on tight and ignore every
leash-lunge.
As soon as he or she sits, say
“Good dog,” offer a food treat, and
then take one large step forward
and stand still again. Repeat this
sequence, advancing to two steps,
then three steps, until your dog
walks calmly forward on a loose
leash and sits quickly when you stop
and stand still.
~ Dr. Ian Dunbar, DogStarDaily.com
moviereview
Food, Inc.
Are you hungry
for change?
By Lisa Moore
Food Inc., a film more frightening
than The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,
should cleanse your palate of
Big Agriculture and make you
forever frown on Happy Meals.
Director Robert Kenner explores
the industrial food revolution from
the 1940’s McDonalds-inspired
fast food archetype to our present
day supermarkets stocked with
engineered “food.”
Any romantic notion of your food coming from beautiful,
pastoral farms replete with bright red barns and John Deere
tractors is soon erased as Kenner shines the spotlight on the
handful of corporations that greedily control the growth,
processing and distribution of food in the US. It’s stunning
to learn how food industry lawyers and lobbyists have taken
over the government agencies responsible for policing the
same companies for whom they worked.
The documentary features narratives by nutrition activists Eric Schlosser (author of Fast Food Nation) and Michael
Pollan (author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma) that are interspersed with interviews from farmers and ranchers. The use
of creative and informative graphics make it easy to take in a
wealth of varied information.
You may think twice about sinking your teeth into a
mouth-watering KFC drumstick after seeing how inhumanely
chickens are treated. Bred to be top heavy for their coveted
white meat, they have a lifespan of only 6 weeks – growing
“We put faith in our government to protect us, and we’re not being protected
at the most basic level.” -- Barbara Kowalcyk, whose 2 1/2 year old child, Kevin, died from E. coli.
so fast they can’t walk in their dark,
cramped conditions.
Don’t choke on your genetically
modified popcorn when you see that
Bessie the cow is no longer grazing on
grass in a green pasture. Instead she
is fed government-underwritten corn
while standing ankle-deep in manure in an overpopulated cattle farm,
increasing our risk for E. coli, which
makes 73,000 Americans ill each year.
Kenner follows Barbara Kowalcyk
on a day of lobbying at the Capital for
passage of a law named after her twoand-a-half-year-old son, Kevin, who
died ten days after eating an E. coli
tainted burger. “Kevin’s Law” would
give the FDA the power to close meat
processors that distribute contaminated meat--a power it unbelievably
doesn’t have.
Monsanto, a former chemical
company that invented Agent Orange,
has a patent on an herbicide-resistant
custom gene in 90% of America’s
soybeans, thus forcing farmers to buy
seed from them each season. If a farmer grows soybeans outside Monsanto’s
jurisdiction and some of the altered
genes drift into his crop from neighboring fields, Monsanto will sue him
for patent infringement. And because
they have the money they will win,
mercilessly breaking the lives of small
farmers.
Health concerns don’t seem to be
at the forefront of Big Agriculture, with
obesity and diabetes reaching alarming rates. An estimated 1 in 3 Americans born after 2000 will contract
early onset diabetes. There’s a reason
why a Big Mac costs less than a head
of broccoli – and it has absolutely
nothing to do with nutrition.
The Orozco family, workers exploited in the corporate food system, is
forced to eat the very food it produces.
Though they yearn for fresh vegetables
and fruit, they don’t have the money
or the time to eat it. Their fast food
lifestyle has forced the father to spend
hundreds of dollars each month on
drugs for diabetes, and the youngest
daughter is on her way to succumbing
to Big Pharma as well.
Despite the gloom and disappointment, Food, Inc. does offer hope.
Forward-thinking farmer Joel Salatin,
“I found it necessary to get up at 3 or 4 in the morning before
the (private) investigators are on the road following me.”
– Moe Parr, pushed out of the seed business by Monsanto.
owner of Polyface Farm in Virginia,
insists he can produce “the best food in
the world” as economically as largescale farming. And Walmart, swayed
by consumer demand, is stocking its
shelves with organic products - an
excellent reminder of the power we, as
consumers, have.
The moral of this story is to take an
active role in the food you consume.
Know that every time you hear the blip
of the supermarket scanner, you are
casting a vote. Going for local, sustainable, slow food encourages the food industry to put the emphasis back where
it belongs - on health.
For more information, visit www.
foodincmovie.com.
doyourpart
Healthy Choices Begin
With The Three ‘R’s
Sending Kids Back To School In Healthy Style
The choices we make while
gearing up for school can
make a big impact on our children’s health and the health
of our planet. My family and
I have fun this time of year
by finding interesting ways to
reduce our waste, reuse items,
and recycle what we can’t.
One of my children is 13. Need I
say more? She wants the latest fashion
and you can find them at Plato’s Closet; a resale shop catering to children
and young adults. It’s a bit overwhelming at first but you can really find some
steals. Plus, my daughter can trade in
outgrown items for cash or store credit.
The same is true at resale shops for
the younger set. You can find newborn
to youth sizes at many resale stores
including Once Upon a Child. It’s a
great way to get gently used to practically new items for the ages that grow
so fast. This is a great lesson for your
kids in reusing and you’ll spend a lot
less money.
School lunches are a biggie when
it comes to a healthier lifestyle. I
found a cool lunch bag made from
recycled water bottles (ReusableBags.
com). My family has a daily goal of
packing 100% waste-free lunches. So,
we ditched the non-recyclable plastic
baggies for plastic containers that we’ve
been stockpiling in the pantry. And we
use a “Wrap-N-Mat” (also at ReusableBags.com) that keeps any size sandwich
fresh and doubles as a placemat.
Packing a reusable water bottle is essential and reusable utensils and a cloth
napkin finish off the waste-free lunch. I
don’t have worry about my kids accidentally throwing them away because they
never need to go to the trashcan –everything goes back in the bag! Think about
it this way - every child generates about
67 pounds of lunchtime trash each year.
Do Your Part to reduce what your child
tosses in the trash.
Don’t forget what goes inside the
lunch bag. Buying snacks in bulk will
cut back on packaging waste. Items like
crackers or pretzels are available that
way and your kids won’t be throwing
away those small, individual packages.
Organic and locally grown fruits and
vegetables are another smart choice.
Pack a little dip too! That’ll encourage kids to eat up. Buy seasonal fruits
and vegetables from local growers and
you’ll be supporting your community’s
economy and farmers while significantly reducing your eco-footprint.
You can also make a statement
that you’re working toward a healthier
planet by stocking kids’ backpacks with
eco-friendly supplies. Folders, dividers, composition books, pencils and
pencil packs made of recycled content
are easier to find. One local company,
Carolina Pad, recently launched a new
line of recycled paper products called
“Sasquatch: leave nothing but tracks”
available at Target, Wal-Mart and Walgreens. Supporting the recycled-content
industry is another way to Do Your Part.
These simple choices about what
your kids take to school can drastically
reduce your family’s eco footprint.
It also is a good opportunity to have
important conversations with your
kids about what we all can do to tread
lightly on our planet.
Terri Bennett is an earth scientist and
mom. Visit her website at www.doyourpart.com or contact her at doyourpart@
terribennett.com.
Coming in
September
consciouseating
Smart Snacks
by Elisa Bosley
The kids just walked in the door, ravenous, and headed
straight for the fridge. They grab an apple or a few mini-carrots and a big glass of organic milk. Sound hard to believe?
Why fuss if they go for cookies or chips instead?
CREATIVE
EXPRESSION
Look for creative
inspiration to express
your divine gifts in
new ways in the
Natural Awakenings
September edition.
For more information
about advertising and how
you can participate, call
704-499-3327
Because, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture research, snacking has increased fourfold in the past 25 years.
Snacks now contribute 26 percent of total calories consumed by kids ages 2 and older—with sugar stealing the
show from vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
“T
hese days, kids have 5,000
activities that they are doing
after school, on weekends or
before school, and they really need to
be fueled properly,” says Bonnie TaubDix, a registered dietitian and mother
of three from New York City, who has
served as a national spokeswoman for
the American Dietetic Association. “It’s
important that you think about what
your kids are eating.”
Cookies, fish crackers and “juice”
pouches, while easy to grab, lack the
good stuff a child’s body needs, she
says. The trick is to provide choices
that are quick, irresistible and healthy.
Here’s how to mind the munchkins’
munchies with smart-snack strategies.
Be a model. – As with all things, children imitate what they see, so we can’t
expect our child to eat healthy snacks
if we’re noshing on junk. Start by
eliminating unhealthy nibbles from the
house. Instead, keep bowls of grapes,
cherries or plums out on the counter,
and be sure that the kids catch their
parents eating them.
Give everyone a time out. – Offer food
in a relaxed environment, away from the
television. A 2006 study published in the
International Journal of Obesity found
that increased TV time directly correlates
to increased intake of sugary drinks and
empty-calorie snacks, as well as lower
vegetable intake. Have worthwhile bites
ready and mindfully keep the to-do list
from demanding attention while the
family enjoys a snack together.
Choose satisfying combos. – “The
most important approach [to snacking] is to combine protein and whole
grain carbohydrate,” says Taub-Dix. For
example, offer whole grain crackers or
toast, spread with nut butter. If a child
insists on something sweet, add a little
honey or cinnamon. For times when the
kids go straight from school to an activity, “You can make them a sandwich; it
can be kept in their backpacks,” advises
Taub-Dix.
paired with hummus or a yogurt-based
dip. (Taub-Dix recommends Greek
yogurt, which tastes more like sour
cream.) If it has to be chips, buy varieties made with whole grains and baked.
Go easy on the juice. – Although juice
can be a good source of vitamins, it
also delivers concentrated calories.
Rather, focus on water or sparkling water, livened up with a splash of vitaminrich lemon, cranberry, blueberry or
pomegranate juice.
Think accessible and quick. – What’s
ready and in plain sight is what’s
likely to get eaten, so make wholesome
snacks easy to find at all times. Try
string cheese or yogurt for calcium and
protein; raw food fruit and nut bars for
fiber and vitamins; unsalted nuts, trail
mix with dried berries, and whole grain
granola or organic breakfast Os for
antioxidants and good carbs.
Teach youngsters to be label savvy. –
Just because something is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.
“Take your kids to the market and look
at the labels with them,” suggests TaubDix. “Compare two products that are
similar and ask, ‘Why is this one better
than that one?’ Emphasize cause and
effect: When you teach a child that
calcium is going to make bones strong
for doing all those fun things that
kids do, they understand the ‘why’
of healthy eating.”
Dip it. – Offer vegetables such as sugar
snap peas, mini-carrots, sliced cucumber, red bell peppers or zucchini,
Elisa Bosley is a freelance writer and a
food editor who also develops and tests
recipes.
Have Healthy Snacks at Hand
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Apples and cheddar cheese
Graham crackers crumbled into
cottage cheese
Yogurt dip with fruit slices
String cheese and whole grain crackers
Salsa with baked chips
Whole grain, low-sugar cereal and milk
Raw food fruit and nut bars
Whole grain pretzels and almond butter
Cinnamon graham crackers and peanut
or cashew butter
Guacamole or hummus with jicama sticks
Smoothies with yogurt, milk, frozen
berries and bananas
Organic dried veggies
legislationwatch
School Lunch
Program
A Prime Opportunity
to Serve Up Improvements
by Aimee Witteman
T
he United States deserves an F on
any national report card on children’s nutritional health. One out
of three of our children are overweight.
During the past 30 years, the rate of
obesity has quadrupled for children
ages 6 to 11 and tripled for those ages
12 to 19. As a result, it is now predicted
that one in three children will develop
diabetes in their lifetime.
Our education system has traditionally held that reading, math,
science and English classes form basic
building blocks for success. But what
lessons are our children learning daily
in their school cafeteria?
Why School Lunch is Vital
For many of America’s children, a school
lunch is the most important meal of their
day, constituting a third to half of their
nutritional intake. As childhood obesity
and Type 2 diabetes skyrocket, Congress
is re-examining what shows up in school
lunches and exploring ways to get
healthier, locally grown foods served up
to our nation’s kids.
Admittedly, school lunch programs
are just one of several areas that need
to be addressed to reverse the current
unhealthy trend, but many experts think
that it’s one of the most critical.
Studies have shown that the
nutritional quality of lunches is lacking in many schools, as they mirror the
national trend toward overly processed
foods that are low in fiber and high in
fat and salt. The Department of Agriculture’s School Nutrition Dietary
Assessment, which collected data from
130 school districts across the country,
determined that only 6 to 7 percent met
all nutrition standards in the federal
government’s Dietary Guidelines for
Americans. Most of the meals had
too much fat or saturated fat or too
few calories.
Farm to school programs connect schools (K-12) with local
farms. Goals include serving healthy meals in school
cafeterias, improving child
nutrition, supporting local
and regional farmers and
educating the public about
the links between agriculture,
health and nutrition.
Lobbying for Change
This year, Congress plans to reconsider
the Child Nutrition Act—federal legislation that authorizes the school lunch
program—and a grassroots effort is
underway to improve the state of affairs
in school cafeterias. Specifically, good
food advocates would like to see $50
million in mandatory funding for Farm
to School programs.
The farm to school concept has
been broadly defined as a school-based
program that connects schools (K-12)
with local farms. Goals include serving
healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving child nutrition, supporting local
and regional farmers and educating the
public about the links between agriculture, health and nutrition. Already,
independent farm to school initiatives
have begun cropping up around the
country. If Congress mandates such
programs through the Child Nutrition
Act, these programs could flourish in
every part of the country. This would
help children to start naturally building healthier eating habits and connect
them more closely with where their
food comes from.
Too many of today’s kids are
shocked to see that the milk they drink
from cartons came from an animal.
One young girl visiting a farm couldn’t
believe that lettuce exists outside of a
plastic bag.
Parents may question whether their
child would choose baked butternut
squash over a butter-slathered biscuit.
In all seven studies of existing farm to
school programs compiled in the report
Bearing Fruit by the Center for Food Justice at Occidental College, participating
students chose more fresh fruits and
vegetables, regardless of the alternative
meal option.
Community Payback
It’s not just the kids who benefit. Farm
to school programs regularly translate to more money going to schools
because they spark increased participation in school lunch programs and
schools are paid on the number of
lunches served. Local farmers realize
more income, which in turn strengthens
local economies and creates jobs.
Ecotrust, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, has published an analysis of the impact of investing school
food dollars in the local food economy.
The study found that for every food dollar spent locally by two school districts
in the Portland area, an additional 87
cents was spent in Oregon.
Deborah Kane, vice president of
Food and Farms programs for Ecotrust, in
Portland, says the research confirms that
these programs are a viable investment.
“Farm to school programs can make an
immediate impact on nearly every sector
of our state’s economy,” she says. “We
knew the effort would likely benefit the
Oregon agricultural community and,
of course, Oregon’s children. We were
encouraged to learn that the benefits
extend far beyond the most obvious.”
Because there is
more to your story.
You wrote the manuscript … Let
us give it the cover it deserves.
melissaoyler.com
704 560 9212
modern original design
Visit FarmToSchool.org for program
details. Help ensure farm to school is
a pivotal provision in the reauthorized
Child Nutrition Act by calling members
of Congress through the U.S. Capitol
switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Aimee Witteman is the executive director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Support the mission at
SustainableAgriculture.net.
Organic oils and linens - of course.
More importantly, an organically
tailored massage to meet your
living needs.
Book online at
360 N. Caswell Rd., Charlotte | 704-808-9977 | breatheorganicmassage.com
Mention this ad for $25 off your first 1 hour massage.
calendar
Saturday, August 1
Charlotte Art League’s July Exhibit – Free. This
annual exhibit showcases the many talents of our
members with no set theme. 1517 Camden Road.
www.charlotteartleague.org.
Lammas Celebration - $10. Potluck at 6pm and
sharing of “Lammas Bread.” Talk about Lammas
Celebration & current eclipses 7:30-8:30pm by Steve
Nelson. Drumming in the yurt 8:30-9:30pm led by
Dr. K. Fire Drum under the stars at Sacred Grove’s
stone circle 9:30-10:30pm. Celebrate this day to
bring across change and power on your “new” story.
Sacred Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. Info/ Register: 704-463-0768 or www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Sunday, August 2
Change Your Story, Change Your Life -10:30am. Sunday service. Rev. Learn how the story we constantly
tell ourselves impacts our life and how we can
change it to live the life we always wanted. Unity of
Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Rd. Info: 704-523-0062
or www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Marjorie Thompson House Concert in the Yurt 4pm. $10. With bass accompanist Greg Franklin,
Marjorie will perform her repertoire of original songs
plus traditional blues and roots.Marjorie was featured
on the Oprah Winfrey Show in February 2008.
Potuck follows. Sacred Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike
Inn. Info/Register: 704-463-0768 or www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Monday, August 3
Oneness Blessing- 8:30pm. Love offering. Oneness
Blessing is the transfer of Divine Energy, which can
quiet the constant chatter of the mind, open the door
to higher states of awareness and help us awaken
to oneness. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Rd.
Info: 704-523-0062 or www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Friday, August 7
Fire Ceremony at Munay Spirit Center - 7pm. Arrive
by 6:45pm.Gratitude offering. Honor this powerful
elemental force with focused meditation. Get new
ideas and insights and release that which does not
serve you. Join in the service of healing the oceans
(both physical and cosmic). Info: www.MunaySpirit.
com or 704-263-5323.
Moonlight Kayak Trip - 6:30-10:30pm. $99. Experience anticipation, excitement, surprises, fulfillment
and even romance. Includes guided kayak trip, kayak
rental, wine & cheese reception. Sacred Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. Info/Register: 704-463-0768
or www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Saturday, August 8
Meditation for the Beginner the “Practical Mystic” – 10am-12pm. $39, includes lunch. Workshop
leader, Dr. K (Saleef Kafajouffe Ph.D), discusses how
to obtain inner peace by reclaiming your natural
inclination to self-actualize. Soar inwardly beyond
mysticism and become a “practical mystic”. Sacred
Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. Info/ Register: 704463-0768 or www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Out of the Drum We Come - 1-4:30pm. $49. Dr. K
presents a Djembe-Jam drumming workshop. Individual
personal growth & meditative drumming. Free practice
CD provided. Drum rental $10. Sacred Grove Retreat/
Bed and Bike Inn. www.sacredgroveretreat.com. Register: 704-463-0768.
Balance and De-Stress Now - 3:30-5 pm. Free. Ayurvedic Physician Aruna Patki shares simple methods
and remedies for self-care. Healthy Home Market,
2707 South Blvd. Register: 704-522-8123. www.
healthyhomemkt.com.
rental, wine & cheese reception. Sacred Grove Retreat/
Bed and Bike Inn. Info/Register: 704-463-0768 or
www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Sunday, August 9
Drumming in the Yurt - 3-5pm. $5. Experience the
magic of drumming in the yurt with Dr.K. Bring your
drum, percussion instrument or dancing feet and have
some fun. Drum rental $5. Sacred Grove Retreat/Bed
and Bike Inn. www.sacredgroveretreat.com. Register:
704-463-0768.
rental, wine & cheese reception. Sacred Grove Retreat/
Bed and Bike Inn. Info/Register: 704-463-0768 or
www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Tuesday, August 11
Strength Training and Diet Meet Up - 6:30-7:30pm.
Free. Build your better body and stronger mind now.
Join Fit4Life and have The Total Package Certified
Personal Trainers, Darrell Terrell and Alisa Plymale.
Healthy Home Market, 2707 South Blvd. Register:
704-522-8123 or www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Wednesday, August 12
Women’s Health- 6:30-7:30pm. Free. Find out the
most up-to-date health research relating to women.
Learn how to improve thyroid problems, osteoporosis
and leave with info on anti-aging remedies. Upper
Cervical Health’s Dr. Chad McIntyre. Healthy Home
Market, 2707 South Blvd. Register: 704-522-8123 or
www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Sacred Circle of Women - 6:30-pm. $20. This twice
monthly gathering provides a safe and sacred space for
women to awaken to their authentic Selves. Each woman is celebrated and nourished to manifest the wise
woman within. Consciousness Gathering Room, 5200
Park Rd. Info: 704- 989-1830 or www.christineodell.
com or www.consciousnessgatheringroom.com.
Thursday, August 13
Vortex Based Mathematics - 6-7:30 pm. Free. Math to
back up sustainable technology. Randy Powell is back
to discuss healing and energy technology. Healthy
Home Market, 2707 South Blvd. Register: 704-5228123 or www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Want to mark the
calendar?
We reserve the right to edit
for space and clarity.
Deadline:
12th of the month prior to
publication.
Submit to:
[email protected]
704-499-3327
Cost:
$10 per listing. No charge for
community events.
Saturday, August 15
Human Relations Workshop - 10am-4:30pm.
$79, includes lunch. Enhance your ability to
maintain casual, professional, and intimate relationships. Dr. Saleef Kafajouffe has an interdisciplinary Ph.D degree which includes Educational
Pschology and Human Ecology and has delivered
workshops and seminars for over 20 years. Sacred
Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. www.sacredgroveretreat.com. Register: 704-463-0768.
South African Sweat Hut & Intro to Thokoza
Sangoma Traditional Healing – 3pm. Suggested
donation $20. Intro about the South African Thokoza Sangoma tradition w/ Q & A. Discussion to
include African sweat hut, Mandau and Manguni,
water spirits, ceremonies, medicines and personal
experiences in the tradition. Traditional sweat hut
folows at 5pm using sangoma medicines. Munay
Spirit Center. Info/register: 704-263-5323 or [email protected]. Bring a dish for the feast.
Monday, August 17
Gluten-free Bread -- 6-7pm. Free. Health and
Nutrition Coach Robin Ives will lead a food-prep
demo and tasting of a delicious, nutritious glutenfree bread. Earth Fare South Park, 721 Governor
Morrison Street. RSVP: 704- 749-5042.
Shamanic Journey-7pm. $20. Explore an ancient
method to safely contact the spirit realms for
guidance, insight and healing. Drumming is used
to shift consciousness and strengthen intuition.
No experience necessary. Harmony Yoga in South
Charlotte. RSVP: 704-277-3887. www.HarmonyYogaNC.com.
Tuesday, August 18
Charlotte Green Team Meeting – Free. 3-4:15pm.
A consortium of organizations with a goal to pave
the way for improving the environment through
sustainable events and business practices. Special
events should leave a lasting impression on you,
not on the earth! Charlotte Convention CenterRoom 213. Info: 704-339-6039 or www.charlottegreenteam.com.
Matrix Energy Class – Free. An introduction to
a new pathway of healing. Blue Ridge Healing
Arts Academy, 9 Union St N, 4th Floor, Concord,
NC. Info: www.blueridgewellnesscenter.com or
704-794-7478.
Wednesday, August 19
An Introduction to Feng Shui - 6:30pm. Free.
Steve Kodad of The Feng Shui Cure will present
an introduction to the basics of Feng Shui, the art
of placement and balance. Give your home or
office that ‘special’ feeling! Griffin Room, Monroe
Library 316 E Windsor Street in Monroe. Info:
704-283-8184 ext. 232 or 704-843-4740. www.
union.lib.nc.us.
Friday, August 21
End of Summer Detox Retreat – 9am- 6pm. 60$.
Take a moment to detox with a Full Body Dry
Brush Treatment, Reflexology session & NADA
Acupunture (ear detox treatment.) The Wellness
Center at Blue Ridge, 9 Union St N, Concord.
Info/ Appt. 704-794-7478 or www.blueridgewellnesscenter.com.
Drumming Circle - 7-8:30pm. Love offering.
Drumming and sacred ceremony. Bring your
drum and /or rhythm instruments. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Rd. Info: 704-523-0062 or
www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Saturday, August 22
Drum Making Workshop - 10-5pm. $150/includes lunch and materials. A magical birthing
process to create your sacred instrument. The
workshop concludes with a naming ceremony
of each drum. Register by Aug 12. Class size is
limited. Info/ register: 704-263-5323 or email
[email protected].
Watercolor Class - 10am-4:30pm. $69. Dr. K
(Saleef Kafajouffe, Ph.D) teaches how to paint
utilizing both hemispheres of the brain. Beginners
and novices welcome. Bring paper & paint. We’ll
provide a productive and beautiful environment
in which to work. Class size is limited. Sacred
Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. www.sacredgroveretreat.com. Register: 704-463-0768.
Natural Hair - 2-3pm. Free. Discover the truths
and misconceptions about living without chemicals for wonderful coiling strands of hair. Learn
the history on the relaxer and drop it forever.
Healthy Home Market, 2707 South Blvd. Register: 704-522-8123 or www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Sunday, August 23
“From Chaos To Clarity” Workshop – 10am-5pm.
$90.Tools to promote wellness and coherence in
these challenging times. An experiential workshop to learn to balance physically, emotionally
and mentally using simple techniques to come
back to focus on a moment to moment level.
Register: 704-263-5323 or Robbie@MunaySpirit.
com. www.munayspirit.com.
Monday, August 24
Pandemic Protection- 6-7:30 pm. Free. Protect
your family if a legitimate viral threat comes your
way. Robert Bell, nationally recognized D.A.
Homeopath, will discuss silver hydrosol, vaccinations, selenium, chromium and more. No reason
to fear the flu. Healthy Home Market, 2707 South
Blvd. Register: 704-522-8123 or www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Emotional Wisdom - 7-8;30 pm. Love offering.
Emotional Wisdom, an introductory talk with
author Ruth King. Discover how our emotional
disturbances can teach us how to be more emotionally wise.
Unity of Charlotte, 401E. Arrowood Rd. Info: 704-523-0062 or
www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Tuesday, August 25
Sacred Circle of Women-10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $20. This
twice monthly gathering provides a safe and sacred space for
women to awaken to their authentic Selves. Each woman is
celebrated and nourished to manifest the wise woman within.
Consciousness Gathering Room, 5200 Park Rd. Info: 704- 9891830 or www.christineodell.com or www.consciousnessgatheringroom.com.
SAVE THE DATE
September 5-7
Ayurvedic Vegetarian Cooking For Mind, Body And Soul -$210. A weekend workshop
on cooking and home remedies. Ayurveda, a traditional, holistic, natural system of
health and healing from India, has been teaching how to live a healthy, balanced life
for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda Healing Spa, 1980 Woodstream Drive, Harrisburg, NC.
Register: 704-808-0708. www.AyurvedaHealingSpa.com.
September 10-12
Thursday, August 27
Home Staging with Feng Shui Certification- In Raleigh, NC, at the Courtyard Marriott. Seating is limited to 12 students. Download course information from www.
TheFengShuiCure.com. 704-408-8274.
Fresh Herbs in Season- 6:30-7:30 pm. Frree. Info-share, foodprep and tasting to explore amazing flavor and health benefits
of fresh herbs. Healthy Home Market, 2707 South Blvd. Register: 704-522-8123 or www.healthyhomemkt.com.
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, August 29
Herb Day at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market – 7:30am – 12pm. The Charlotte
Herb Guild presents herbal food samples, herbal craft demonstrations and advice. Fresh
hand-tied tussie-mussies made on site, lavender wands, herb wreaths, herbal jellies and
baked goods, homemade potpourri, handmade lavender sachets and more. Info: www.
geocities.com/charlotteherbguild.
The Wise Woman Within Workshop, Trusting Your Inner
Voice-10:30 am.-2:30 pm. $45. Are you ready to change your
life from the inside out? Learn to trust your inner voice and
your feminine wisdom to fuel your deepest passions. Consciousness Gathering Room, 5200 Park Rd. Info: 704- 9891830 or www.christineodell.com or www.consciousnessgatheringroom.com.
“A Family, A Fair”- 10 am - 2 pm. Free. A Parenting Festival at the Lake. Children’s
activities, exhibits, raffle and silent auction. Sponsored by LLL, Town of Davidson, and
Wooden Stone. Davidson Town Green. Info: 828-777-2969.
Energy 101 - 1pm-5pm. $49. Learn energy healing. Beginners
only. Led by Tim Beebe who learned energy healing techniques after a healing crisis. Class sized is limited to 6. Sacred
Grove Retreat/Bed and Bike Inn. www.sacredgroveretreat.com.
Register: 704-463-0768.
Eden Energy Medicine Class 1 of the Certification Program- $495. $100 discount for
registration before September 1.Learn energy testing (including surrogate testing); a 5
minute routine to keep your energies humming and 4 different powerful energy medicine treatments. Sarah Owen MS LPC [email protected], (910) 538-8115, www.
healinginyourownhands.com.
Sept 25 - 27
Sunday, August 30
October 2-4
6th Annual LJCC Health Fair – Free.The LJCC Health Fair will
have various free screenings and education. Levine Jewish
Community Center. Info: 704-944-6871.
5th Annual Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference – Held in beautiful Black Mountain,
NC, with special guest, author, and internationally renowned herbalist Susun Weed.
A weekend for women to learn, connect, and deepen into the Wise Woman Tradition
through herbal education, nourishing foods, empowerment, and community. More than
30 teachers and 50 classes. www.sewisewomen.com. 877-SEWOMEN.
ongoingevents
Sunday
Center for Positive Living Sunday Service- 9:15am meditation. 10am – 1st
Service, 11:30am -2nd Service. Embrace the diversity and co-creative power
within as we change our lives through the powerful spiritual principles of the
Science of Mind teaching. Center for Positive Living, 6101 Idlewild Rd., Ste.
332. 704-531-7993. www.CPLcharlotte.com.
Charlotte Whole Life Center – 11am. Sunday Spiritual Gathering, Join us
every Sunday at our new location - The Bag Lady, 1710 Kenilworth Avenue.
An interfaith spiritual group that honors all spiritual paths.
Unity of Charlotte Sunday Service- 10:30am. Unity honors the many paths
to God and the Divine in each person. Our mission is to empower and
inspire spiritual living in an awakening world. Our vision is to co-create a
world that works for all. 401 E. Arrowood Road 704-523-0062 or www.
unityofcharlotte.org.
Tai Chi, Yoga, Kungfu and Meditation Classes – Cultural center open 7 days
a week. The Peaceful Dragon, 12610 Steele Creek Road (Hwy. 160), Charlotte. (704) 504-8866. www.thepeacefuldragon.com
Monday
Yoga for Cancer Classes-Free. 6-week series. Presbyterian Cancer Rehab &
Wellness Center offers classes for anyone diagnosed with cancer. 125 Baldwin
Ave., Ste. 100. Info: [email protected] or 704-384-6953.
Yoga Bliss - 10am. A fusion of breathing techniques, gentle poses, meditation and live drumming for rejuvenation and exploration. All levels, beginners welcome. Harmony Yoga in South Charlotte. www.HarmonyYogaNC.
com or 704-277-3887.
Beginners Chen Tai Chi- 6:30-8pm. Learn the original style of Tai Chi.
Chen Tai Chi is a fitness exercise and internal martial art that develops the
Chi within the body for health enhancement, self-defense and mind-body
balance. Tao Healing Arts, 14136 Lancaster Hwy. 704-542-8088.
Exploring Holistic Healing Series -7-8:30pm. Love Offering. New speakers,
topics and activities each week. See schedule at www.unityofcharlotte.org.
401 E. Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062.
Spiritual Growth Book Club- 7-8pm. Reading and discussing empowering
books and learning powerful spiritual principles. All denominations welcome. Open to the public. Love offering. Organic Marketplace (downstairs)
1025 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC.
Supportive Psychotherapy Group for Chronic Pain-7 pm. $45/90 min. For
physical, emotional and/or spiritual pain. Seasons of Healing Counseling
Services in Southeast Charlotte area. Info: Cary at 704-860-6944 or Celia at
704-999-1930. www.seasons-of-healing.com.
Tuesday
Got stress? Get Yoga-5:30 & 7pm. Breathing techniques, gentle poses and
meditation to peacefully bring you into the present moment. All levels, beginners welcome. Harmony Yoga in South Charlotte. 704-277-3887 or www.
HarmonyYogaNC.com.
Elixir Qigong Energy Healing Certification - 6:30-8:30pm. Learn one of
the most profound and complete methods designed to awaken the healing
elixir within the body for self-healing and healing others with Qi. 250 hours
certification program, level one. Tao Healing Arts, 14136 Lancaster Hwy.
704-542-8088.
The Secret Code of Success -7-8:30 pm. Love offering. A series of sure-fire
techniques to unleash the secret code to long-term happiness, wealth, and
success. Unity of Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Rd. 704-523-0062 or www.
unityofcharlotte.org.
Wednesday
Yoga Bliss - 10am. A fusion of breathing techniques, gentle poses, meditation and live drumming for rejuvenation and exploration. All levels, beginners welcome. Harmony Yoga in South Charlotte. www.HarmonyYogaNC.
com or 704-277-3887.
Supportive Psychotherapy Group for Chronic Pain-1:30pm. $45/90 min.
For physical, emotional and/or spiritual pain. Seasons of Healing Counseling Services in the Southeast Charlotte area. Info: Cary at 704-8606944 or Celia at 704-999-1930. www.seasons-of-healing.com.
Holistic Moms Network-7pm. 3rd Wed of the month. Earth Fare.12235
N. Community House Rd. Cady @ 704-542-3993 or www.holisticmoms.
org.
Thursday
Yoga Classes with Vicky – 12-1pm. $12. Discount packages available. All levels- beginners welcome. Blue Ridge
Healing Arts Academy,9 Union St N, 4th Floor, Concord.
(704)794-7478 or www.blueridgewellnesscenter.com.
Lake Norman Green Drinks – 5:30pm. Free. New
Chapter of GreenDrinks in Lake Norman. Info:
www.lkngreendrinks.com or 704-258-2567.
Original Chen Tai Chi: 6:30-8pm. Learn the original style of Tai Chi.
Chen Tai Chi is a fitness exercise and internal martial art that develops the Chi within the body for health enhancement, self-defense
and mind-body balance. Intermediate level class. Tao Healing Arts,
14136 Lancaster Hwy. 704-542-8088.
Reiki Healing Circle-7pm. 1st and 3rd Thurs. Unity of Charlotte, 401
E. Arrowood Road 704-523-0062 or www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Quantum Touch Healing Circle – 7pm. 2nd and 4th Thurs. Unity of
Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Road 704-523-0062 or www.unityofcharlotte.org.
Charlotte Drum Circle-7pm. For beginner or advanced hand drummers: djembe, bongos, conga, etc. Info: www.drumcircle.meetup.
com/256/.
Yoga Classes with Vicky – 7-8:15pm. $12. Discount packages
available. All levels- beginners welcome. Blue Ridge Healing Arts
Academy,9 Union St N, 4th Floor, Concord. (704)794-7478 or www.
blueridgewellnesscenter.com.
Cardio & Culture: West African Dance Class-7:40-9pm. $10. Experience authentic West African choreography and live drumming! Just
Dance Studio - 5221 Equipment Drive, Charlotte. Info: LeShea at
(704) 293-2462.
Friday
Body & Soul Yoga-10am. Breathing techniques, gentle poses and
meditation to nurture and restore you. Beginners welcome. Harmony
Yoga. 704-277-3887. South Charlotte. www.HarmonyYogaNC.com.
Drum Circle- 5:30-7pm. Free. All ages. Drumming at the red caboose in downtown Huntersville.
Saturday
Moms Only Saturdays- Moms, take a little time to care for yourselves
and get acupuncture at a huge discount at St John Acupuncture in
the Park South Professional Center, 10430 Park Rd, Ste 200. Info/
appts: 704-541-7177 or www.stjohnacupuncture.com.
Free Intro to T’ai Chi - Yang Short Form – 9:30am, 1st and 3rd
Saturdays. Learn Relaxed Awareness. Blue Ridge Healing Arts Academy, 9 Union St N, 4th Floor, Concord. (704)794-7478 or www.
blueridgewellnesscenter.com
Yoga Bliss- 10:15am. A fusion of breathing techniques, gentle poses,
meditation and live drumming for rejuvenation and exploration. All
levels, beginners welcome. Harmony Yoga in South Charlotte. www.
HarmonyYogaNC.com or 704-277-3887.
Yoga Classes with Vicky- 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. $12. 10:30am.
Discount packages available. All levels, beginners welcome! Blue
Ridge Healing Arts Academy, 9 Union St N, 4th Floor, Concord, NC
(704)794-7478 or www.blueridgewellnesscenter.com.
Free Chinese Medicine Health Screening -11am-3pm. Walk in and get
your Qi checked by an acupuncturist at St John Acupuncture, Park South
Professional Center, 10430 Park Rd. Ste 200. Details: 704-541-7177 or
www.stjohnacupuncture.com.
to submit calendar listings:
To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be
submitted each month.
Deadline: 12th of the month prior to publication.
Submit to: [email protected]
communityresourceguide
… connecting you to leaders in holistic & environmental businesses in our community
Reach 70,000+ readers looking for your products and services.
Ad deadline: 12th of the month. To place a listing: [email protected]
ACUPUNCTURE
ACUPUNCTURE CENTER
FOR BALANCE & HEALING
Tina M. Berisha L.Ac
709-20 NorthEast Dr.
(704) 681-2634, Davidson
Licensed acupuncturist offering quality acupuncture
and allergy elimination. Specializing in working
with children, women’s health, infertility, digestive
issues, food sensitivities, seasonal allergies.Wellness
Packages Available! See ad pg 54.
CHARLOTTE ACUPUNCTURE
Hope Peek, LAc & Todd Trembula, L.Ac
700 East Blvd.,
(704) 333-8899
www.charlotteacupuncture.com
Licensed acupuncturists
using acupuncture, herbal
medicine, and nutritional
therapy to effectively treat
many conditions including:
infertility, women’s health,
insomnia, depression, pain,
stress, and weight
management. See ad page 25.
DARREN HOLMAN, L.AC. MAOM
Acupuncturist and Oriental
Medicine Practitioner
704-942-5300
Darren is a knowledgeable,
compassionate general
practitioner who strives to
educate as well as heal his
patients. He uses acupuncture
and Chinese herbs to treat
health concerns of all kinds.
See ad page 33.
GREEN CROSS ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Eddie Choi, L.Ac., OMD
6404 Carmel Rd., Suite 202, Charlotte
(704) 540-6900
Offering Acupuncture, Chinese
Herbal Medicine, Japanese style
needle skills and alternative
health services to provide the
highest standard of health
enhancement. www.
gcacupuncture.com. See ad
page 23.
ACUPUNCTURE
ST JOHN ACUPUNCTURE
Marston St. John, L.Ac.
(704) 541-7177, Charlotte
www.stjohnacupuncture.com
Offering the highest quality health care to adults,
children and infants. Feel healthy, be healthy,
think positive and enjoy your life. See ad pg 17.
TAO HEALING ARTS
Camilo Sanchez, OMD. L. Ac. RYT
(704) 542-8088
www.taohealingarts.net
With 20 years experience in
Acupuncture and Chinese
medicine, Dr. Sanchez’s
expertise is to identify the
underlying root cause of
health imbalances. He
specializes in the treatment
of pain conditions,
women’s health, digestive disorders, sport
injuries, stress, and chronic diseases. His approach
to wellness is to empower people to awaken the
healing medicine within the body. See ad page 15.
WANG’S ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL
CLINIC
Dr.’s Jeffrey Wang
& Mary Ren, DOM, L.Ac
(704) 968-0351
www.ballantyneacupuncture.com
Acupuncture & herbal
experts and professors from
China with 27 years clinical
experience now serving
Charlotte. See ad page 42.
ASTROLOGER
STEVE NELSON
[email protected]
(704) 375-3759
Astrology in the Jungian tradition for
understanding personal myths and realizing
natural abilities. Cycles consulting, event timing,
astrological forecasting, vacation, relocation and
more. See ad pg 21.
AYURVEDA
DR. ARUNA PATKI, BAMS
NCTMB, LMBT #6253
(704) 808-0708
www.massageayurveda.com
www.ayurvedahealingspa.com
Ayurvedic therapy involves
establishing an individual’s
mind-body constitution and
nature of imbalance.
Therapy consists of herbal
remedies, massage therapies,
dietary and lifestyle choices.
See ad pg 19.
COLONICS
WELLNESS 2000
Center for Detoxification
Darlene Barnes, CCT
Wellness2000online.com
(704) 921-0079
Member of International Association for Colon
Hydrotherapy. “National Certification Level”.
Changing lives by improving health with colon
hydrotherapy and nutritional awareness for over
17 years. Also offering Ionic Footbath, Body
Detox and Far Infared detox on the Biomat.
www.biomat101.com.
CHARLOTTE COLON
HYDROTHERAPY
Catherine & Paul Simard
942 W Hill Street, Charlotte NC 28208
www.charlottecolonhydrotherapy.com
(704) 858-4802
Detox, Cleanse & Rejuvenate with COLONICS!
Lifestyle and nutritional counseling included.
Package pricing is available. We are conveniently
located Uptown, behind the Bank of America
Stadium.
HURLEY WELLNESS CENTER
www.HurleyWellnessCenter.com
1807 South Main Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
704-938-1589
For the most comfortable,
relaxing, and private colon
cleansing experience , schedule
your colonic with us today.
Cleaned, purified, magnetized,
warmed water for your safety.
Packages available. See ad pg
9.
COUNSELORS
BELINDA HAVERDILL, M.A., L.P.C.
7810 Pineville-Matthews Rd. Suite 6
(704) 540-2855
[email protected]
Promoting a holistic approach
in exploring opportunities to
deal with life’s struggles
which go beyond focusing on
symptoms. Belinda’s
approach is empowering,
compassionate and life
changing. See ad page 47.
LESLIE MAITRI, M.ED., LPC, CHT
Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy
Cotswold area of Charlotte
(704) 458-5561
www.BeingHome.info
For those that are looking for
someone that can listen well,
respect your experience, and
facilitate deep lasting change
and transformation.
Counseling and Psychotherapy
services are reimbursable by
most insurance companies.
MANDORLA COUNSELING &
CONSULTING
Mandy Eppley, M.A., LPC
Tammy A. Starling, M.Ed., LPC
1204 The Plaza, Suite 2
(704) 372-4010
www.mandorlacounseling.com
and women’s issues.
COUNSELORS
RUTH KING, MA
Leading Authority on Emotional Wisdom
(704) 542-0737
www.RuthKing.net
An opportunity to make
emotionally wise choices that
transform body and mind.
Offering cognitive strategies
and mindfulness practices
opening you to your innate
nobility and freedom. Serving
individuals, groups,
practitioners, and
organizations. See ad on page 43.
SEASONS OF HEALING COUNSELING
Cary Collins, MEd., LPC
Celia Waller, B. S.
Southeast Charlotte Area
(704) 860-6944
www.seasons-of-healing.com
Supportive group and individual psychotherapy
for physical, emotional and spiritual pain due to
illness, injury or life transitions. Motivational
consultation is also included as part of the
therapeutic process. See ad page 37.
DENTIST
PAUL PLASCYK, DDS
(704) 841-7358
South Charlotte
www.ExcellentPatientCare.com
Dr. Plascyk offers
“minimally invasive” dental
care as well as metal-free
fillings and crowns. Natural
and holistic disease
prevention blended with
state of the art equipment.
See ad page 3.
Make empowered choices!
Counseling that includes
compassionate support &
practical feedback toward
personal & spiritual growth.
Specializing in relationship
tools, infidelity, loss
recovery, depression/anxiety
MIRACLES, INC. HEALING AND
COUNSELING CENTER
Mooresville NC
704-664-1009 ext.11
www.miraclesinchealingcenter.com
Are you struggling with your
life or purpose? We are a
group of supportive, heart
centered, Licensed
Counselors whose treatment
philosophy address the
whole self. Call for your
FREE phone consultation.
Services reimbursable by most insurance
companies.
ENERGY AUDIT
ENERGY HEALING
A RADIANT LIFE HEALTH CENTER
for Body, Mind & Spirit
FREE Intro to REIKI
704-280-1010
Reduce stress. Remove energy
blocks. Guided meditations;
therapeutic essential oils; DNA
attunements; intuitive readings.
Linda Backes, Reiki Master
instructor, practitioner
reikieducation.org, web.mac
com/a_radiant_life .
MATTERS OF THE HEART
A Natural Pathway
438 Williamson Road, Mooresville
980-721-3101
Reiki Artisan, Donna Sharon,
balances energies, assisting
individuals to reconnect with
their own unique design ...
toward empowering their true
nature. Aqua Detox - Ear
Candling - Reflexology www.
mattersoftheheart-ki.com
FITNESS
THE PEACEFUL DRAGON
12610 Steele Creek Rd. (Hwy. 160)
Charlotte, NC 28273, (704) 504-8866
Tai Chi, Kungfu, Yoga, and
Meditation. Traditional and
authentic classes 7 days a week.
Take control of your fitness,
stress reduction, healing and selfdefense. Programs for kids aged
3 and up, through senior citizens.
See ad inside front cover.
FOOT CARE
FOOT SOLUTIONS
GREEN HOME
Matt Coapman
(704) 909-7913
greenhome-charlotte.com
Call for an energy overview today. Save up to
30% on energy costs! See ad page 15.
ENERGY AUDIT &
RENOVATION
GREENMODELING
Energy Audits, Green Building and
Remodeling, Residential & Commercial
www.GreenmodelingNC.com
(704) 999-4636
Lower utility bills and
increase value, efficiency
and sustainability of your
property. Solar hot water,
rainwater harvesting,
weatherization, air and water
purification, and so much more.
Ken Zelin, Certified Pedorthist
704-540-4664
www.FootSolutions.com/Ballantyne
Feet hurt? We can help. Offering comfort shoes,
orthotics, diabetic foot care, running shoes, socks
and more. All expertly fitted to your feet.
Complementary foot analysis.
GIFT SHOPS
FREE SPIRIT GIFT SHOP
Marie Hadden
2621 Weddington Road
(704) 291-9393
Come in to experience all the peace and joy
a spiritual shop can offer. We offer a wide
variety of items for your enjoyment. http://clik.
to/freespiritgiftshop. Now offering Meditation/
Shamanic journeys. See ad page 23.
GIFT SHOPS
MAMA BESSIE’S PLACE
Botanica, Spiritual Supplies, Gifts & Books
3010 Monroe Road, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 632-9911
We offer spiritual readings by appointment
and a diverse array of supplies, gifts and books
representing a variety of religious/spiritual beliefs
and practices. See ad pg 19.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
MELISSA OYLER DESIGNS
Melissa Oyler
(704) 560-9212
www.melissaoyler.com
Melissa Oyler Designs creates
books that are more than just
photo albums. Everyone has a
story to tell, and Melissa can tell
yours in true fairy-tale fashion
with a mixture of photos and
words. Wedding, family reunion,
or baby’s first year? All moments
you’ll want to remember for a lifetime. See ad page 44.
HAIR CARE
PHENOMENAL HAIR CARE
Applebaum Salon
Rosedale Shopping Center
(704) 947-2010
Offering paraben-free, 100% vegan, zerosulfate hair
care products. Services: Cuts, Color, Straightening &
more. Long hair specialist: Silk. Licenses: NC,GA,CA.
Grade A Salon.
HERBALS & SUPPLEMENTS
CLARA’S CHOICE FOR HERBS
Bringing Health to Life
590 Indian Trail Rd., Indian Trail NC
(704) 821-5306
A retail store dedicated to bringing awareness
through education and guidance to help you
physically, spiritually and mentally achieve
wellness through the body’s own healing ability.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
HOLISTIC HEALTH NETWORK
Sponsored by the Charlotte Network of
the American Holistic Nurses Association
Belle Radenbaugh
(704) 542-7040
www.ncholisticnetwork.com
Interested in holistic healthcare? Join us at 6:45PM on
the first Tuesday of the month, September to June, at
Charlotte’s Presbyterian Hospital. Interesting topics by
dynamic speakers. See calendar for details.
HOMEOPATHY
MICHAEL T. SMITH, N.D.
Carolinas Natural Health Center
1212 Mann Dr., Ste. 100,
Matthews, NC 28105,
(704) 708-4404
www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com
Providing whole family
healthcare. Specializing in
classical homeopathy and
clinical nutrition. Treating
people with conditions
ranging from diabetes to
ADHD. Restoring health
naturally. See ad page 54.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN
THERAPY
CHARLOTTE METRO HYPERBARICS
Huntersville, NC 28078
www.hboinfo/ncarolina.htm
704-875-7189
North Carolina’s premier outpatient hyperbaric therapy
center. Incorporating space age technology to treat
patients of all ages by saturating the body with oxygen.
See ad pg 43.
MASSAGE CLINIC
ESSENTIAL THERAPY
Laura Vokoun, LMBT, NC#5315
447 S. Sharon Amity, Suite 225
(704) 806-8380
[email protected]
RELIEVE your pain,
RETRAIN your muscles,
REBALANCE your body, &
RELAX and enjoy life.
Massage Therapy for Pain
Management, Injury Recovery/
Prevention, Stress Reduction,
Relaxation. $10 off your first visit.
MEDICINE WOMEN
MUNAY SPIRIT CENTER
Using Earth Medicine & Ancient Teachings
www.MunaySpirit.com
704-263-5323
Release limitations and step into
your power. Drum Healings,
Releasing Ceremonies, Rites of
Passage, Shamanic Journeys,
Stone/Crystal Healings, House
Cleansings, Medicine/Power
Animal Readings. See ad pg 19.
LIFE COACH
ENERGYCONNECT COACHING, LLC
Jackie Burleson (CPC, MBA)
(704) 529-5287
www.eccoaching.com
Certified Transformational
Life Coach. Learn to
appreciate who you truly
are and experience more
joy, inner peace and
positive energy. Certified in
Vibrational Healing and
EFT (Emotional Freedom
Techniques). See ad page 37.
MARTIAL ARTS
THE PEACEFUL DRAGON
12610 Steele Creek Rd,
HWY 160 Charlotte, NC
(704) 504-8866
Tai Chi, Kungfu, Yoga, and
Meditation. Traditional and
authentic classes 7 days a
week. Take control of your
fitness, stress reduction,
healing and self-defense.
Programs for kids aged 3 and
up, through senior citizens. See ad inside front
cover.
MIND-BODY
INTEGRATION
STEVEN J. CUDDY, M.S., LMBT
Relaxing Body and Mind
8318 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Suite 271
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 930-6686
Don’t be a prisoner of limiting
beliefs-Free Yourself! Sessions
include: Emotional Freedom
Technique, Touch for Health,
Shiatsu and Bach Flowers.
Free phone consultation. 15
years experience.
NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE
INSTRUCTION
CHRISTY SNOW
(704) 516-7113
Listen & Purchase CDs:
www.christysnow.com
An intuitive, encouraging
and patient instructor. Learn
techniques that will give a
voice to the flute song within
you. Flutes provided for
class and available for sale.
NATUROPATH
MICHAEL T. SMITH, ND
Carolinas Natural Health Center
1212 Mann Dr., Ste. 100,
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 708-4404
www.CarolinasNaturalHealth.com
Providing whole family
healthcare. Specializing in
classical homeopathy and
clinical nutrition. Treating
people with conditions
ranging from diabetes to
ADHD. Restoring health
naturally! See ad page 54.
DR. LORA HURLEY, ND, CTN
ANCB Board Certified Traditional
Naturopath
Certified Live-Blood Cell Analysis
Certified Brimhall Practitioner
Certified Lymphatic Tissue Detoxification
704-938-1589
www.HurleyWellnessCenter.com
With nearly two decades of
clinical research as a
healthcare provider and
educator; Dr. Hurley is
confident that no matter what
your complaints are that she
and her team at Hurley
Wellness Center can help you
with your Wellness Healthcare, Nutrition and Whole
Body Detoxification. See ad pg 9.
PSYCHIC
CHARLOTTE’S PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Mary Beth Wrenn
(704) 566-8300
www.marybethwrenn.com
In-Person, Telephone, Online
Readings & Gallery/
Workshops. Aura, Tarot,
Clairvoyant Visions of Past,
Present, Future & Other Side.
References Available — Over
20 Years Experience!
QUANTUM TOUCH
HANDS ON ENERGY HEALING
Kimberley Stroncek
Certified Quantum-Touch® Practitioner
(704) 574-0210, Waxhaw
[email protected]
Practitioners use breathing
techniques and energy
awareness to direct life force
energy to facilitate the
client’s natural healing
process. Therefore, it is
beneficial for all conditions.
REFLEXOLOGY
ALTERNATIVES
Jan Riebe
704-506-9986
Lake Norman and Ballantyne
Offering reflexology
(therapeutic foot massage),
ear candling, reiki and ionic
detoxing foot spas. Call for
10% off your first session.
www.edmundcenter.com.
REIKI
Experience: Feeling “seen,”
intrinsically valued and
unconditionally loved.
Profound stress and pain
reduction and jump-start
healing through gentle yet
powerful Reiki. 18 years
experience. See ad pg 52.
SOUND THERAPY
JENNIFER THOMPSON ACUTONICS® PRACTITIONER
Om Enerji (minutes from uptown!)
(704) 661-1606
www.OmEnerji.com
A gentle therapy using sound vibrations to
enhance relaxation, mental clarity, balance energy
fields and yin/yang energies, open chakras,
improve sleep, decrease pain, and change negative
patterns of behavior. See ad pg 37.
SPIRITUAL CENTERS
CENTER FOR POSITIVE LIVING
Co-Ministers: Renee LeBoa & Christy Snow
6101 Idlewild Rd., Ste. 332 Charlotte, NC 28212
(704) 531-7993
www.CPLcharlotte.com
We are an ecumenical spiritual
community recognizing and
honoring the divine nature and
innate goodness in every
individual. We have ongoing
events, classes, concerts and
workshops. See ad page 44.
RETREAT
SACRED GROVE RETREAT
Gold Hill, NC
704.463.0768
www.SacredGroveRetreat.com
Eleven acres of sacred space for individuals or
groups to heal, renew and evolve. Hiking Trails,
cabins, labyrinth, bonfires, drum circles, concerts
and workshops. The yurt is ideal to hold events of
all kinds. Less than an hour from Charlotte. See
ad page 52.
SHAMANISM
FREE SPIRIT GIFT SHOP
Marie Hadden
2621 Weddington Rd.
(704) 291-9393
CENTER OF LIGHT
Rev’s Simone and Matthias Locke
(704) 900-8594
[email protected]
A welcoming spiritual community and school for
training and development. In each of our 14 centers, we
offer spiritual community, classes, services, seminars and
individual instruction to all who seek it. See ad pg 42.
UNITY OF CHARLOTTE
Minister, Rev Nancy Ennis
401 E. Arrowood Rd., Charlotte
(704) 523-0062
www.unityofcharlotte.org
Call for appointment. Guided meditation/
visualization to meet your spirit guides and
for assistance in all matters. FREE 15 min
introductory sessions available. See ad pg 23.
SOUL COACHING
DIANE MONTGOMERY
SoulCollage and SoulCoaching
803-323-7177
[email protected]
Goal setting, release work,
night out with the girls. Play
or process, it’s about having
fun! Workshops tailored to
your needs.
ad page 11.
A supportive community that
celebrates and recognizes the
spirit of God present within
each individual. A path for
spiritual living using the
Universal principles of truth.
Offering classes and activities
to support Spiritual Living. See
SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE COACH
AZIZA’S CENTER FOR INTUITIVE
HEALING
(704) 804-0956
Located in the Dilworth Community
www.azizasonline.com
Combining Intuitive
Counseling & Intuitive Reiki
to facilitate a personalized
healing session for every
client. Aziza works with
Divine Spirit providing
Alternative Healing
Modalities for Adults and
Children. See ad pg 37.
TAI CHI/QIGONG
TAO ENERGY ARTS
Camilo Sanchez, OMD. L. Ac. RYT
(704) 542-8088
www.taohealingarts.net
Dr. Camilo teaches original
Chen style Tai Chi and Inner
Elixir® Qigong to develop the
energy inside the body (Chi)
for fitness, self-defense, healing
and cultivation of the spirit.
Classes held Monday and
Thursday at 6:30pm. Call to
register. See ad page 15.
THE PEACEFUL DRAGON
12610 Steele Creek Rd,
HWY 160 Charlotte, NC
(704) 504-8866
Reduce stress, boost energy and
develop top physical and spiritual
well-being! Learn authentic and
traditional tai chi and qigong at
Charlotte’s #1 school for martial
arts and health arts. See ad inside
front cover.
THERMOGRAPHY
DILLON NATURAL HEALTH
Dr. Jennifer Dillon, DC, CCN
(704) 333-9991
www.dillonnaturalhealth.com
Healthy breast tissue does not develop disease! We
offer a holistic approach to health including acpuncture,
chiropractic, clinical nutrition and thermography a noninvasive, no radiation, early detection screening for breast
disease and more. See ad pg. 26.
VACATION
CLEAN STAY VILLA
Promoting a Non-Toxic Environment
(704) 236-2510
www.cleanstay.com
Litchfield Beach just 12 miles south of Myrtle
Beach. This 1150 sq ft villa sleeps six and
includes an Air Purification System, Whole House
Water Filtration, VOC-Free Paints and more! Less
than 350 feet from the beach. Call to schedule your
vacation today! See ad page 25.
WELLNESS CENTER
HAAS WELLNESS CENTERS
Dr. Kenneth Haas, DC
(888) 602-5883
www.DoctorHaas.com
Compassionately treating the
root cause of your condition
using the latest technology,
chiropractic and nutritional
therapy. Call for
Complimentary 15 Minute Consultation to start on your
path to better health today! See ad pg 6.
WEIGHT LOSS
ADVOCARE INTERNATIONAL
Cindee Brown
704-307-8641
www.advocarechampions.net
Since 1993, our world-class nutrition company
has specialized in weight management, health
and wellness. Call today for your personal
consultation. Live YOUR best life!
WELLNESS CENTER
THE WELLNESS CENTER AT BLUE
RIDGE
9 Union St. N, Concord, NC 28025
(704) 795-7478
www.blueridgewellnesscenter.com
The area’s premier destination for holistic
bodywork and alternative therapies. Offering
massage, bodywork, hydrotherapy, acupuncture,
T’ai Chi, Yoga, and Free community Classes. See
ad pg 54.
YOGA
HARMONY YOGA
Lisa Moore, Registered Yoga Teacher
Located in South Charlotte
(704) 277-3887
www.HarmonyYogaNC.com
Yoga sends a signal to every cell
of your body to relax,
calming racing thoughts and
clarifying your spirit. Small
classes in a quiet, nurturing
space overlooking nature.
Gentle poses and breath work
for all levels.
Beginners welcome. See ad page 39.
THE PEACEFUL DRAGON
12610 Steele Creek Rd, HWY 160
Charlotte, NC,
(704) 504-8866
Authentic yoga for health,
self-cultivation and
enlightenment. Using postures
and methods practiced for
centuries in the Shaolin and
Taoist traditions of China. See
ad inside front cover.
Be Your Own Boss...
publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine
Our Green and Healthy Living industry is growing.
As a Natural Awakenings publisher, your magazine
will help thousands of readers to make positive
changes in their lives, while promoting local
practitioners and providers of natural, earth-friendly
lifestyles. You will be creating a healthier community
while building your own financial security.
You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer
a complete training and support system that allows
you to successfully publish your own magazine.
Wo
rk a
t Ho
me •
Low In
vestment • Financing Av
ai
e
labl
• G
rea
p
t Su
Team
port
• Meaningful New C
aree
r
Now serving:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Birmingham, AL
Huntsville, AL
Mobile/Baldwin, AL
Little Rock/Hot Springs, AR
Phoenix, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Hartford County, CT
Fairfield County, CT
New Haven/Middlesex, CT
Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL
NW FL Emerald Coast
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL
Melbourne/Vero Beach, FL
Miami & Florida Keys
Naples/Ft. Myers, FL
North Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Palm Beach, FL
Sarasota, FL
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tallahassee, FL
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Florida’s Treasure Coast
Atlanta, GA
Augusta, GA
Lexington, KY
Louisville-Metro, KY
New Orleans, LA
Ann Arbor, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Greater Genesee, MI
Greater Oakland/Macomb, MI
Wayne County, MI
Central Missouri
Asheville, NC
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC
North Carolina Southern Coast, NC
Somerset-Middlesex Counties, NJ
Morris County, NJ
Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM
Long Island, NY
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
New York City, NY
Rockland/Orange, NY
Westchester/Putnam, NY
Cincinnati, OH
Tulsa, OK
Portland, OR
Lehigh Valley, PA
Rhode Island
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Grand Strand, SC
Upstate, SC
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Austin, TX
East Texas
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Richmond, VA
Southwestern, VA
Madison, WI
Puerto Rico
For more information and a free market study call 239-530-1377
or visit us online at NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
Currently publishing
Natural Awakenings
magazines for sale:
Atlanta, GA
Denver, CO
Mobile, AL
Morris County, NJ
New York City, NY
classifieds
ASTROLOGY
Name analysis, tarot, traditional astrology and
charting. Steve Nelson, (704) 375-3759.
StarMuses Astrological Services, 30 years
experience. Kay Hall, www.starmuses.com
CLEANING SERVICES
Personalized home cleaning by Maria.
Experienced, honest, professional with references
available. $10 off first cleaning service! 704-6056915.
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE
Individual suites available for small businesses.
Located in the heart of Elizabeth near Plaza
Midwood and Uptown. Renovated historic
building in prime location! Ideal for wellness
practitioners, sales professionals, etc. (704) 4082480. rent.awakeningcharlotte.com.
PRODUCTS
Great family shopping site-lots of green products,
visit: www.shoptoearth.net/carlbecky.
Please click on our picture at bottom for more
info.
REFLEXOLOGY
Now accepting new clients in Ballantyne and
Lake Norman. Also offering reiki, ear candling
and ionic detox foot spas.10% off your first
session! Jan Riebe, 704-506-9986.
RETREAT CENTER
Eleven acres of sacred space for individuals or
groups to heal, renew and evolve. Hiking trails,
cabins, labyrinth, bonfires, drum circles, concerts
and workshops. Less than an hour from Charlotte.
SacredGroveRetreat.com, 704-463-0768.
Classifieds
Rate: 50 cents a word | Call 704-499-3327
[email protected]
Learn, connect, and deepen at the 5th Annual
Southeast Women’s Herbal Conference
October 2-4, 2009 in Black Mountain, NC
A weekend dedicated to the Wise Woman Tradition –
simple living, earth-based healing, and local plants!
with special guest teacher Susun Weed
and 30 other exceptional presenters
M@in
Mt. Xpress
Organicfest
Asheville.com
Hendersonville.com
Natural Products Lab
WNC Natural Awakenings
Charlotte Natural Awakenings
Upstate SC Natural Awakenings
Southwest VA Natural Awakenings
www.sewisewomen.com • 877-SEWOMEN

August 2009 Issue - Natural Awakenings Magazine Charlotte

Transcription

Similar documents

THE PARK EXPO AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Humane Society of Charlotte Prepares for Pet Palooza 2013

Help the Silly Bus kids get to school!

Don Gasgarth`s Sunday November 13th 2016 From 8:00 am to 3:00

read more - Another Choice

water ridge office park

Flyer - BVB Properties

N[YFll ,.~t:l~ C. - Providence Volunteers

most powerful - The Charlotte Chapter of The Links, Inc.

to view the Red Hot Pursonality Live and Silent Auction Packages.