february 2014 - natural awakenings

February 2014 | North Texas Edition | NA-NTX.com

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feel good • live simply • laugh more

Happy Healthy HeartPioneering Doctors areLearning about Heart Care

Love Magnet Draw True Love Your Way

Good-for-UsChocolate

RELAXNatural Ways to De-Stress

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3natural awakenings February 2014

hoW To adverTise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 469-633-9549 or email [email protected]. Deadline for ads: noon on the 9th of the month.

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contents 5 newsbriefs 1 1 healthbriefs 14 globalbriefs

17 ecotip 18 event spotlight 20 fitbody 22 consciouseating 27 wisewords 28 healingways 30 naturalpet 32 greenliving 34 healthykids 35 inspiration 37 calendar

43 classifieds 44 resourceguide

natural awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. 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.

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20 cycles oF sPin Returning to its Heart-Healthy Origins by Janet Osen

22 chocolaTe as healTh Food Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig

24 reThinking hearT healTh

Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist

27 love MagneT Katherine Woodward Thomas on Drawing True Love Our Way by Debra Melani

28 siMPle sTress BusTers

Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness

by Kathleen Barnes

30 cardiac care For PeTs How to Keep Little Hearts Humming by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

32 hoMe saFe hoMe Practical Pillars of Well-Being by Christa O’Leary

34 QuieT kids in a noisy World Bringing Out the Best in Introverts by Meredith Montgomery

35 healing hurT A Hawaiian Mantra Lets Love Back In


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letterfrompublisher

Marteé Edwards, Publisher

I am struck by how blessed I am to live in a time when millions of people are recognizing and valuing balance and the interconnectedness of all things. Generations in our country have been raised to believe and value only one side of the health coin, with the notion that if a medi-cal doctor didn’t prescribe it or know about it, then it wasn’t valid. They put all their stock in what the medical community promoted and we wound up with generations

believing that health care comprised routine checks for broken systems and/or chemical or surgical intervention to squelch annoying symptoms. Those with a different perspective understood that this method didn’t promote health, it was instead reactionary and was primarily silencing symptoms. Like own-ing a car, we should focus on careful and routine maintenance, rather than tuning out the tiny squeaks and creaks and allowing our parts to become so damaged that replacement is the only option. I come from a unique family in that our approach to health care has always been a balance between Western and integrative medicine. One of my grandfathers was a doctor of Western medicine and the other was a prac-titioner who, after studying medicine, believed there had to be a better way. After moving from England to New York in 1900, “Granpa” Haynes learned of a man in Davenport, Iowa, who was doing groundbreaking work in helping people heal. Eager to learn more, he moved west and enrolled in the Palmer College of Chiropractic, where he studied with BJ Palmer, the developer of chiropractic. After graduating in 1922, Grandpa and others like him were teaching, promoting and reminding us to make clean, natural, healthy and harmonious living our first prior-ity, and that by doing so, many modern ailments could be avoided. I grew up with a blended approach to health care and understanding that a symptom is the body’s way of alerting us that something was wrong. Contrary to popular belief at the time, I was taught that natural health is the mainstream; that food and plants are traditional medicine, intended by our creator for us to regulate and heal; and that modern allopathic medicine was really the “alternative medicine”. Growing up in a time when these two worlds were mutually exclusive, I’m thrilled we now live in an era when they are starting to unite. We’re reading more about prominent medical institutions bringing in natural paths to health such as nutrition, chiropractic, acupuncture and massage, and even recognizing the connection between negative emotional and psychological stress, and how it can manifest itself in our bodies. It’s a wonderful and exciting time and I’m proud to be part of a publication that while focusing on the natural options, values the won-derful and lifesaving benefits available to us through modern modalities, too. Please consider our advertisers the next time you shop for goods and services related to healthy living and a healthy planet—they are the true champions that are changing lives and make it possible for us to bring you this wonderful free resource each month.

Marteé Edwards, Publisher

are changing lives and make it possible for us to bring you this wonderful free


Grain-Free Workshop

Dr. Christy Porterfield and Dr. Jennifer Taylor,

of HealthWorks: A Creating Wellness Center, in Plano, will be conducting a Weston Price Foundation workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m., March 19, on the advantages of a grain-free diet and its nutri-tional content, with recipes

and a food preparation demonstration. As holistic-minded health care practitioners, Porter-field and Taylor consider natural foods a cornerstone to a healthy lifestyle. They believe that due to the high gluten content in the hybridized wheat found in most products, society has become increasingly sensitive to gluten, and serious autoimmune conditions like celiac and Crohn’s disease have skyrocketed. “Even with gluten free products, an ingredient that isn’t addressed is sugar”, says Taylor. “Grains in general, gluten free or not, raise blood sugar significantly upon ingestion. Processed products labeled gluten free are notorious for be-ing extremely high in carbohydrates (i.e. sugar). A healthier alternative is to go 100 percent grain-free.” The workshop will focus on alternative choices to corn, quinoa or buckwheat, including nut and coconut flours which are full of fiber and protein, making for a nutrient dense and satisfying meal without the sugar load. Admission is free and RSVP is required.

Location: 2317 Coit Rd. at Park, Ste. B, Plano. For more information, call 972-612-1800 or visit HealthWorksTX.com. See ad, page 15.

newsbriefs

Kurt Thomas Invitational Moves to Gaylord Texan Resort

The Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational will be held Febru-

ary 22 and 23 at the Gaylord Tex-an Resort, in Grapevine. Celebrat-ing the 11th annual Gymnastics Competition from Olympian Kurt Thomas, the invitational attracts more than 700 gymnasts aged 5 to 18 from top gymnastics clubs all over the country. Athletes go head-to-head highlighting their gymnastic skills and talent. The Kurt Thomas Invitational offers high-energy competition, an exciting array of skill and talent for gymnastic enthusiasts and a chance to get close to highly ranked gymnasts and coaches from around the country. Three sets of AAI equip-ment allow for three separate series of events to run simul-taneously, offering an unforgettable experience for gymnasts and speculators alike. This year’s event includes special awards for the Top 3 All-Around Athletes and a special ROV (Risk, Originality, Virtuosity) Award. The event schedule runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for children 4 to 10. Children 3 and under are free. Food and beverage concessions are available, as well as vendor booths offering gymnastic garments and accessories.

Location: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. For more informa-tion, call 214-872-4646 or visit KTInvitational.com. See ad, page 39.


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newsbriefsReady, Set, Climb!

Hundreds of people will huff and puff their way to the

top of the Renaissance Tower, in Dallas, February 22 for the annual American Lung Associa-tion (ALA) annual fundraiser, the Fight for Air Climb. Sometimes called a “vertical road race”, participants climb 53 floors of stairs in honor or in memory of

someone with lung disease and in support of the ALA. Climbers are professionally timed and ranked by timing chips which coincide with start time and bib number. Participants receive an official T-shirt, goody bag and refreshments at the post-climb party on the 56th floor, with music, food and give-aways. Participants can raise funds and climb as an individual or as part of a team. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., followed by the race at 8, with start times in five-second intervals. The registration fee is $25 and all participants must be registered and have a minimum of $100 in fundraising received by the day of the event. Water stations will be placed in the stairwells and security and medical staff will be available. Complimentary parking will be provided at the Renais-sance Tower garage.

Location: 1201 Elm St., Dallas. For more information, call 214-631-5864 ext. 209, or visit FightForAirClimb.org.

Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-Up has Bold Tradition

The World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place from

March 7 to 9 at the Nolan County Coliseum, in Sweetwater. Origi-nally conceived in 1958 by farmers and ranchers as an attempt to rid the abundance of rattlers that were plaguing livestock, the event has grown to the largest round-up in the world, netting over 125 tons of rattlesnakes to date. Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jay-cees as a fundraiser benefiting organi-zations such as the Special Olympics, Tri-County Children’s Advocacy, Ameri-can Red Cross, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Texas Adopt-a-Highway and Thanksgiving Day Feast for the Home-less, the Round-Up draws more than 30,000 visitors from all over the world. As much an educational experi-ence as a fundraiser, attendees can learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat, get up-close views, watch snake handlers and even register for guided snake hunts. Activities include a flea market, carnival, souvenirs and curios, a chili and brisket cook-off, rattlesnake-eating contest and a gun, knife and coin show. Admission for adults is $10 and $5 for kids 10 and under. Gates open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 1699 Cypress St, Sweet-water. For more information, visit RattlesnakeRoundup.net.


Toughest Little Trail in Texas

The oldest trail run in Texas celebrates its 33rd anniversary February 15 at

Lake Texoma, in Sherman. The Cross Timbers Trail Runs offer a 50-mile run or relay, marathon, half-marathon and five-mile run on mostly narrow, hilly trails along the shores of Lake Texoma. The start and finish line is located at Juniper Point Park West Campground. A pre-and-post-race meal is free to each entrant and one guest at the park. Additional meals can be purchased for $5 per person. Awards provided to all finishers. Race shirts are issued with early entries or until quantities are gone. Aid stations will be positioned with water, fluid replacement, food and re-freshments. Packet pick-up is at Juniper Point Park West Campground from 5 to 8 p.m., February 14, or 45 minutes prior to the race. Camping sites and lodging are available in the area. The races begin with the monster run and relay 50-miler at 6:30 a.m., followed by the marathon at 7, the half-marathon at 7:30 and five-mile at 7:35.

Location: Cross Timbers Trails, Juniper Point Park West Campground, Lake Texoma, Sherman. For more information and to register, visit CrossTimbersTrailRuns.com.

Turning Home and Garden Dreams into Reality

The fifth annual Collin County Home & Garden Show will be held February 7

to 9 at the Allen Events Center, in Allen. The show offers the opportunity to meet hundreds of experts in home, gardening, remodeling and home décor, along with learning about green energy products and vacation and leisure services. In addition to thousands of square feet of exhibits, celebrity carpenter and designer Jeff Devlin, of Spice Up My Kitchen and I Hate My Bath, will host a seminar on everything there is to know about renovating a kitchen and bath. From backyard challenges to bathroom suites, educational seminars and how-to demonstrations will offer tips and tricks designed to take the worry out of home improvement projects. Show hours are 2 to 7 p.m., February 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., February 8 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 9. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $8.50 for adults 17 and up, $6.50 for seniors and free for children 16 and under. Free parking.

Location: 200 E. Stacy Rd., Allen. For more information, visit AllenHomeAndGardenShow.com.


newsbriefsCelebrating Celtic Canines at the Irish Festival

Celebrating the importance of Celtic ca-nines, the 32nd North Texas Irish Fes-

tival (NTIF), themed “Erin Go Bark”, runs from February 28 to March 2 at Fair Park, in Dallas. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs and visit the local pet adoption society booths in the new pet pavilion, which houses the largest gathering of ani-mal rescue groups in North Texas.

Thirteen stages of live entertainment include musicians such as Natalie Mac-Master and Donnell Leahy, storytellers, fiddlers and folk dancers. A culinary stage, whiskey and craft beer tasting, educational workshops, cultural presentations, Celtic accessories and the Scottish Village round out the Celtic experience. Blacksmithing demonstrations, archery in a Celtic village, Gaelic football and Celtic horse displays allow attendees to

experience Celtic culture. Urchin Street kid-friendly activities include children’s entertainment, a petting zoo, safety demonstrations and art activities. Festival hours are 6 to 11 p.m., February 28, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., March 1 and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., March 2. Anyone entering the festival February 28 before 7 p.m. gets in free. Discount tickets available online or at Tom Thumb stores. Children 11 and under get in free.

Location: 1200 S. 2nd Ave., Fair Park, Dallas. For more information, visit ntif.org.

Running For the Chocolate

The Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K race is coming February 8

to Fair Park, in Dallas. The RAM Racing Series event, in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, raises money for the Mc-Donald “home-away-from-home” program, helping families stay close to their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The 5K race starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 15K at 8:10. Race packets will be distributed at the Hot Chocolate Runner Expo at Fair Park Automo-tive Building from 2 to 7 p.m., February 6, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., February 7. No race day packet pick-up. A party with hot chocolate, fondue, chocolate treats, live entertainment and an awards ceremony follows the race. Race day parking is free at Fair Park for cars arriving before 8:30 a.m. using Gates 5-12. Parking after 8:30 a.m. is $10. Easy access to Fair Park is available via the DART Green Line.

Location: Fair Park Automotive Building, 1010 First Ave., Dallas. For more infor-mation, visit HotChocolate15k.com/Dallas.

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Call for Doggie Volunteers in Medical Trial

Dr. Shawn Messon-

nier, a holistic veterinarian and owner of Paws & Claws Pet Hospital, in Plano, is conducting a study on a new natural supple-ment for his line of natu-ral pet products. The proprietary nutritional supplement is designed to help middle-aged to older dogs that exhibit clinical signs of stiff-ness, difficulty getting up or lying down, lack of energy, decreased mental alertness, decreased ap-petite, decreased mental alert-ness, digestive problems, extreme weight loss or dry skin. He is seeking pet parents in the Dallas Metroplex area with dogs that ex-hibit any of the clinical signs. Pet owners can videotape their dog to determine eligibility. Messonnier is an award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets and host of a weekly radio show. His vet-erinarian practice offers drug-free treatments, anti-aging medicine, holistic anesthesia and blood test-ing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets.

To submit for the study, mail the video and contact information to the attention of Dr. Messonnier at 2145 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 75075. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 972-867-8800 or visit PetCareNaturally.com. See ads, pages 26 and 38.


Warriors Attack Obstacles in Central Texas

Jumping over fire, crawling through mud pits and climbing over ve-

hicles are just a few of the obstacles at the Warrior Dash, held March 22 in Smithville. One of the ultimate events for thrill-seeking athletes willing to take on extreme terrain, the 5K Warrior Dash pushes athletes’ limits through a series of challenging natural and man-made obstacles. The three-mile course is comprised of 12 grueling obstacles that include warrior wall, muddy mayhem, road rage, pipeline, trenches and warrior roast. The first race begins at 8:30 a.m. and is the competitive wave for run-ners looking to place in the top three or obtain a top 25 place to compete in the Warrior Dash World Championship (runners capable of finishing the 5K in 20 minutes or less). Waves of 500 rac-ers thereafter follow every half-hour un-til the final wave at 3 p.m. Runners get a race bib, participant T-shirt, a custom medal and warrior helmet and one free beer at the post-race party.

Location: 578 FM 153, Smithville (SE of Austin). For more information, visit WarriorDash.com.


newsbriefsAsby Joins Synergy Balance

Bryan Asby BS, DC, has joined the team of highly skilled National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Associa-

tion (NUCCA) practitioners at Synergy Balance of Dallas. “Dr. Bryan Asby is joining the team at Synergy Balance due to the growing interest in alternative care and the need for a gentle, stable spinal correction,” says Dr. Cecilia Yu, a NUCCA practitioner and owner of Synergy Balance. “There are approximately 200 NUCCA practi-tioners worldwide and as our region expands, so does the demand for this unique form of spinal health care. Dr. Asby is stepping into this role so we can better fill those needs.”

Asby attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic and worked with a NUC-CA practitioner for more than 15 years in Iowa before moving to the Dallas area. He brings experience as a NUCCA practitioner to those in need, including car-ing for auto accident victims and patients that experienced chronic headaches, migraines, sciatica, low-back pain, tennis elbow, extremity pain, fibromyalgia and other health ailments. He is a strong proponent of public education to help individuals achieve and maintain better health.

Location: 12740 Hillcrest Rd., Ste. 138, Dallas. For more information or to sched-ule an appointment, call 972-387-4700 or visit MySynergyBalance.com. See ad, page 9.

Energy and Transportation for the Future

The fifth annual Texas Alternative Energy and Transportation Conference & Expo (AltCar),

hosted by the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Clean Cities Coalition, will take place at the LEED Silver certified Irving Convention Center from March 27 to 29. The expo will feature an expo hall, ride and drive vehicles and roundtable ses-sions that highlight the latest in alternative fuel and vehicle technologies. The Propane Engine Fuel Summit, hosted on March 27, brings together dozens of pro-pane industry professionals and hundreds more nationwide streaming online. Fleet/industry day, March 28, features John Davis, of Motor Week magazine, as the keynote speaker. A number of roundtable sessions on fleet related topics will be available as will speakers and fleets from across Texas and the nation. The AltCar Expo is open to the public on March 29 and gives consumers and enthusiasts a chance to see the wide variety of alternative fuel vehicles and inform them about the benefits of owning and operating advanced technology cars. The ride and drive and expo hall will be open for test drives on March 28 and 29.

Location: 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. For more information, visit AltCarExpoTexas.com.

Cowtown Marathon Races are Boston Qualifiers

One of the country’s largest multi-event road races, the 36th edition

of The Cowtown marathon, stampedes through Fort Worth from February 21 to 23, including an ultra-marathon, marathon, half-marathon, 10K, adults 5K and kids 5K, The Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo will be held February 22, as will the adult 5K, and Cook Children’s Kids 5K and 10K, allowing runners the chance to participate in the marathon runs on February 23. The Cowtown marathon and ultra-marathon are Boston Marathon qualifying events and there are capacity limits on all races. All races start and finish at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The Cowtown Challenge medal is awarded to those that register and complete a shorter distance on Saturday and a marathon distance on Sunday. Established in 1979, The Cowtown races help support the Children’s Activi-ties for Life & Fitness program that pro-motes and educates children about the importance of creating a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness and nutrition.

Location: 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr., Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth. For a complete schedule of starting times and events, visit CowtownMarathon.org.


healthbriefs

Early Warnings of Heart Troubles Differ for Women

Women may worry more about breast cancer, but in reality, heart

disease is the top killer of American women, claiming 300,000 lives a year, 7.5 times the number that die of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Dis-ease Control and Prevention. Although heart disease is more often perceived as a men’s issue, since 1984 more women have died of heart disease than men.

Part of the reason may be that women’s heart attacks can differ from men’s and the American Heart Association (AHA) warns that women often fail to rec-ognize the symptoms, ranging from torso aches and pains and nausea to anxiety, shortness of breath, dizziness and extreme fatigue. They may experience subtle symptoms for months and write them off as byproducts of menopause, heart-burn or effects of aging. The National Institutes of Health states that 43 percent of women that have heart attacks experience no chest pain. The difference between the more subtle signs of a heart attack in women and the more dramatic signs in men may help explain why 75 percent of men, prompt-ed to act quickly, survive a first heart attack, while only 62 percent of women do, according to the AHA. “Research shows that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men,” notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

The Whole Fish is BesT For Blood PressureOver the years, a

broad range of research has con-firmed that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines promote heart and brain health. Now researchers at the Univer-sity of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have found that taking fish oil supplements isn’t as effective at keeping blood pressure under control as eating an actual fish. The animal study published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Acad-emy of Sciences shows that eating oily fish helped open ion channels, a complex series of membranes in the cells that line blood vessels, letting sodium, calcium and potassium in and out of those crucial cells and helping reduce blood pressure. Because fish oil supplements did not acti-vate the ion channels, they didn’t reduce blood pressure in the same way.


healthbriefs

A Different Breathalyzer Test for Heart FailureSimply blowing up a balloon may help doctors test heart

function, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. Although such examinations usually require expensive and sometimes invasive procedures, the new test can be done in a doctor’s office in 30 seconds, according to the research findings pub-lished in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The patient simply breathes into a Mylar balloon, similar to a party version, and the air is passed through a machine to produce an individual “breathprint”. Researchers determined that exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds that can be easily analyzed to determine potential heart failure.

Zinc Orchestrates Immune ResponseMany have heard that zinc can stop a cold in its tracks,

and new research from Ohio State University tells us why; it turns out that zinc gently taps the brakes on immune responses, slowing them down and preventing inflammation from spiraling out of control.

The researchers’ work with human cells and animals found that zinc serves to balance the immune response within the cells so that the consequences of insuf-ficient zinc at the time of an infection include excessive inflammation. Of all the zinc contained in our bodies, only about 10 percent of it is readily accessible to help fight off an infection, notes Daren Knoell, professor of pharmacy and internal medicine and lead author of the study, published in Cell Reports. The research team suggests that proper zinc balance is especially important in battling serious and potentially deadly infections. Zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people worldwide, including an estimated 40 percent of the U.S. elderly.

haPPy Marriage, healThier livesA University of Missouri expert says that

people in happy marriages are more likely to rate their health better than their peers as they age. Evidently, engaging with one’s spouse builds a strong relation-ship that can improve spirits, promote feelings of well-being and lower stress. Analyzing data from 707 continu-ously married adults that participated in the Marital Instability Over the Life Course panel study, a 20-year nation-wide research project begun in 1980, researchers found that married people have better mental and physical health and are less likely to develop chronic conditions than their unmarried, wid-owed or divorced peers. Thus, researchers recommended involving spouses and families in treatment for any illness. They further suggested that in cases of a strained marital relation-ship, improv-ing marital harmony would also improve health.


Nostalgia Arms Us for the FutureHaving lingering fond memories of happy times,

once actually thought to be a psychiatric dis-order, have now been confirmed as a healthy and, ultimately, positive activity. Most people experience nostalgia at least once a week and nearly half of those surveyed reported experiencing it three or four times a week, say researchers at England’s University of Southampton. When speaking wistfully of the past, individu-als are usually reconstructing happy memories of family and friends, and typically become more optimistic about the future, reports lead researcher and Social Psychologist Constantine Sedikides, Ph.D., who observes, “Nostalgia makes us a bit more human.” The Southampton paper, presented to the American Psychological Association, meshes well with another study confirming that nostalgic memories inspire positive feelings of joy, high self-regard, belonging and meaningfulness in life. In two studies, social psychologists at North Dakota State University found that past fond memories help us become more self-confident and cope better in the present. “We see nostalgia as a psychological resource that people can dip into to conjure the evidence they need to assure themselves that they’re valued,” says lead researcher Clay Routledge.

FDA Moves to Ban Trans FatsHeart-clogging trans fatty acids may

soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the first step to re-move trans fats from its GRAS (gener-ally recognized as safe) list, effectively banning their use in food products. Trans fats, also known as hydro-genated vegetable oils, can be found in many processed foods, including baked goods, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, frozen pizza, marga-rine and coffee creamers. Created by adding hydrogen to liquid oils to turn them into a solid form, trans fats have been used to improve the texture, shelf life or flavor of foods. For more than a decade, numerous scientific studies have documented that trans fats raise dangerous LDL cholesterol and lower good HDL cholesterol. The FDA’s proposed ban would require the food industry to gradu-ally phase out all trans fats, likely over several months or years, noting their threat to health. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the move could prevent 20,000 heart attacks a year and 7,000 deaths. Many food manufacturers have already phased out trans fats since new nutrition labeling requirements were intro-duced by the FDA in 2006; plus an increasing number of local laws have banned them.

egg WhiTes FuncTion like Blood Pressure MedsMaintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for long-term

heart health, and scientists have now discovered evi-dence that a component of egg whites may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Researchers from Clemson University, in South Carolina, found that a peptide in egg white, one of the building blocks of proteins, reduces blood pressure in animals about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a prescription medication for high blood pressure. The RVPSL peptide acts as a natural ACE inhibitor, functioning similar to the entire family of prescription medications that treat hypertension.


globalbriefsNews and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Wild ValentinesMany Animals Mate for LifeHumans like to think of themselves as unique when it comes to taking vows of togetherness. But a surprising number of other species in the animal kingdom provide sterling examples of fidelity, monogamy and lifelong pairing.

Gibbons, of the ape family, are the nearest relatives to humans that mate for life. They form extremely strong pairings and both sexes are on relatively equal footing in their relationships. Bald eagles, our national emblem, typically mate for life, except in the event of a partner’s inability to procreate. Wolves, often portrayed as tricksters in folklore, conduct a family life more loyal than many human relationships. Wolf packs typically comprise a male, a female and their offspring, making them akin to a human nuclear family. Swans form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years or even for life. Their loyalty is so storied that the image of two swans swimming with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of true love. French angelfish are seldom found far from their mate, because they live, travel and even hunt in pairs. The fish form monogamous relationships that often last as long as both individuals are alive. In fact, they act as a team to vigorously defend their territory against neighboring pairs. Other examples include albatrosses, African antelopes, black vultures, Mala-gasy giant rats, prairie voles, sandhill cranes, termites and, of course, turtle doves.

To view images, visit Tinyurl.com/AnimalMatePics and Tinyurl.com/Animal MatesSlideshow.

Sweet SolutionTurning Agri-Waste to Good Use

Cement that incorporates waste ash from sugar production is not only stronger than ordinary cement, it also qualifies as a greener building material. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, have found that cement made with sugar cane ash mixed in is stronger,

can withstand higher pressure and crumbles less than ordinary cement. In countries where sugar cane is grown, such as Cuba and Brazil, this agri-cultural waste product has been added to cement for years. Extracting sugar from the cane typically leaves a lot of fiber waste that is burned into ash, discarded and then requires disposal. Using sugar cane ash also can lower the energy use and carbon footprint of cement production. Heloisa Bordallo, a researcher at the Institute, comments, “You are saving both CO2 emissions and raw materials.”

Source: EcoSeed.org

Loving LocalSmall Retailers Gaining ForceWhile online mega-shopping malls have decimated many types of small businesses around the country, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies notes that independent bookstores are doing surprisingly well. For the last four years, their number and total sales have grown, despite the recent recession. In 2009, citizens patron-ized 1,651 independent bookstores in the United States; today their number exceeds 1,900. In addition, local coffee shops have grown faster than the largest chain’s storefronts. Bak-ers and specialty food purveyors, independent pharmacies and pet, fabric and stationery stores are growing, too. One reason for the good news is the “buy local” ethic promoted by groups such as the American Independent Business Alliance. Last year, sales at independent busi-nesses in cities benefitting from these campaigns grew 8.6 percent; those without them still increased 3.4 percent. Independents are winning cus-tomer loyalty in part by hosting and sponsoring events that enrich the community. The public is realizing that buying local supports area fami-lies, keeps more dollars circulating locally and strengthens a healthy sense of community that benefits everyone.

Source: YesMagazine.org


Handy CurriculumShop Class Teaches Sustainability

According to a report in The Boston Globe, some American schools regret that they replaced woodshops with high-tech educational forums in the 1990s. Shop class is valuable for stu-dents that may underperform in traditional academic settings and empowers them to learn and produce tangible results. Doug Stowe, a woodworker and teacher in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, writes in WisdomOf-Hands.Blogspot.ca, “Our society

has inadvertently created a dependent generation of young people that don’t know how to fix things and lack even the most basic manual competence. Putting girls and boys into shop class would challenge rampant consumerism because a person is less inclined to throw out a piece of furniture and buy a replacement if they know how to fix it. “With so many cheap imports flooding stores, it’s difficult for students to gain perspective on the resources and time required to create a piece of furniture, so shop class can teach students to appreciate long-lasting quality and its accompa-nying fair price tag. In this way, shop class is linked to sustainability.”

Source: Treehugger.com

Jumpin’ JellyfishNumbers Explode with Ocean Warming and OverfishingFavorite destination beach resorts around the world have seen huge increases in jellyfish “bloom” activ-ity. “Jellyfish and tourism are not happy bedfellows,” says Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin, Ph.D., a pioneering marine biologist and author of Stung! On Jellyfish Blooms and the Future of the Ocean. “In Florida, it’s not uncommon in recent years for a half a million people to be stung during an outbreak.” A report, Review of Jellyfish Blooms in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, written by Fernando Borea for the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and the United Nations, cites both global warming and overfishing, which removes jel-lyfish predators, as causes for recent jellyfish population explosions. Of the more than 2,000 spe-cies of jellyfish swimming through the world’s waters, most are com-pletely harmless. However, human contact with some types can cause excruciating pain, and the box jellyfish is among the handful of species that have caused fatalities around the globe. Gershwin says, “Australia is upfront about its jellyfish dangers and also assertive in safety management, whereas other places have them, but may understand less about them or in some cases, just don’t want to say. Tourists need to be aware of local hazards and not expect to necessarily be provided with pertinent information.”

Source: CNN


globalbriefs

Greenwashing WatchdogDr. Bronner Clears Out Imposters

The nonprofit manufacturer of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps (DrBronner.com), known in the U.S. for more than 50 years for its devo-tion to purity and infor-mation-crammed product labels, has taken to filing lawsuits against companies

that don’t live up to health claims or that employ deceptive greenwashing tactics. One primary focus is the cosmetics industry’s use of so-called “organic” ingredients. Company president David Bronner reports, “About 80 percent of these companies sim-ply dropped their claims; the others reformulated.” He also lobbies for labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in Washington State.

Source: Worldwatch.com

Star TrekkingVoyager 1 Enters Interstellar SpaceThe U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) recently confirmed that after 36 years, the Voyager 1 probe crossed the boundary of the helio-sphere, or the extent of our Sun’s influence, a year ago. It’s the first manmade object to ven-ture into interstellar space. At a distance of about 12 billion miles from the Sun, the latest data indicates that Voyager 1 has been traveling through the plasma, or ionized gas, present in the space between stars. The journal Science notes that this corroborates the existence of a long-hypothesized boundary between the solar plasma and the interstellar plasma. Voyager 2, a companion craft launched at the same time, is also expected to break the barrier.

Source: EarthSky.org

A good head and a good heart

are always a formidable combination.

~Nelson Mandela


ecotip

Beyond Bling True Treasures Avert Eco-HarmDone right, Valentine’s Day and gifts of jewelry go together like love and marriage. Those that have no desire to support the unsafe worker conditions, widespread price fixing and waste associated with gold mining, also linked to pollution, financing wars and ter-rorism, look for better options. They wish to have no part in underwriting standard ring-making practices which, according to the Worldwatch Institute, create tons of toxic mining waste that can persist for decades and enter the food chain. Happily, there are far more ethical choices. Alternate routes. Among many sustainable and socially responsible options, jewelry made from recycled gold, silver and titanium plus synthetic gemstones is offered by GreenKarat (GreenKarat.com) while Brilliant Earth (BrilliantEarth.com) provides antiques and also custom makes or helps customers create their own treasured gifts utilizing minerals from pure sources; the company also donates 5 percent of its profits to support communities that have suffered from unethical industry practices. Heirlooms. A son or grandson gifting a grand-mother’s or mother’s cherished piece of jewelry to a spouse or girlfriend expresses a tradition of love and family connectivity, plus gives new life to precious items. Michelle Ercanbrack, a family historian at Ancestry.com, recommends using a family-treasured diamond in a more modern setting or making a ring into a pendant. “Heirlooms link the present to the past—they are part of a family narrative that can increase the present generation’s sense of belonging and identity,” she says. Native American jewelry. Deborah Nelson, owner of Silver Eagle Gallery, in Naples, Florida, and Highlands, North Carolina, attests that artful jewelry by Native Americans supports their culture and forges a connection to Americana with timeless appeal. Bracelets made by Navajo Indians incorpo-rate turquoise pieces often linked together or set in mosaic form on a sterling band. Sterling silver and golden amber sunburst rings also make good gifts. “The handmade attention to detail is a stark contrast to what’s cast in a mold overseas,” says Nelson.


eventspotlight

Now in its fifth year, Natural HealthFest will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 29, at the Plano Centre. Cre-

ated and produced by Healthy by Nature, a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Martie Whittekin, CCN (certified clinical nu-tritionist), author and media veteran. Natural HealthFest is a unique, one-day wellness event that combines the best of nutrition and natural medicine with the best of science. Renowned experts will teach new ways to optimize health and wellness, increase energy and improve memory and mood with safe, natural methods. The event benefits all levels, from the newly health-conscious to seasoned authorities. More than 100 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge health equipment and services, as well as gluten-free products, supplements, innovations in wellness, free screenings, numerous health modalities, skin care, natural foods and product samples. Just as producers do with the radio show sponsors, they set high standards for exhibi-

Learn to Live Well at natural healthFest 2014

by Beth davis

tors in order to show attendees the best products, services and practitioners in each category. Exhibitors must be of high integ-rity with fair, consumer-focused and non-discriminatory business practices. The tone of the event is educational. Whittekin will be broadcasting Healthy by Nature live from the event from 8 to 9 a.m. As always, she is anxious to get the word out to her listeners and beyond. “The Natural HealthFest has the potential to be life-chang-ing," says Whittekin. "We’ve got more than 15 seminars from well-known experts who we’ve hand selected. They will cover topics like bio-identical hormones, non-surgical pain treat-ments, chronic fatigue, essential oils, organic

gardening, brain balance for kids, nutrition, healthy memory and more. No two topics will be the same.” Doug Kaufmann, host of the privately syndicated, na-tional television show, Know the Cause, will be the keynote speaker. Whittekin says his discussion will be an important one. “Health is a natural state,” she explains. “We have

Martie Whittekin


what our body needs for optimum function, but it’s important that we don’t annoy it with an excess of things it can’t handle, such as stress, drugs, smoking, etc. Kaufmann will share what people need to know about these underlying causes.” Plenty of prizes, most of which are donated by exhibitors, will be handed out to lucky attendees. The underlying goal of the event, notes Whittekin, is to educate people and help them make informed decisions about their health. That’s what gave her the idea for Natural HealthFest. She explains that, while entertaining in the process, Healthy by Nature radio show aims to educate with responsible science-based information and empower listeners to choose a healthful path leading to family wellness, abundant energy and a bright outlook. “We had so much information and so many terrific guests with good inten-tions, but only one hour each week,” she states. “We wanted to provide more opportunities for our listeners to learn, so we came up with this idea of having a day of speakers.” Since its inception, the HealthFest has grown tremendously. The first year, the event took place at a hotel and featured about 15 exhibi-tors, most of whom were sponsors of the radio show. The following year, not only did the number of exhibitors grow, but so did the space. It moved to its current location at the convention center the following year, where it’s continues to

expand. Ultimately, Whittekin says the goal is simply to continue making it bet-ter and better, year after year. “It’s really about substance over flash,” she explains. “We’ve had celeb-rities, but that’s not the heart of what we do. People want to make sure they see exhibitors, so we stopped the big seminars and now hold most of the lectures in the exhibit hall.” For her, the event is an extension of her own mission to arm, educate and motivate individuals to take charge and be the best version of themselves. “At the end of the day, I’ll feel better if I know they’ve made an informed

choice,” she notes. Whether individuals want to optimize their good health, solve a chronic complaint or even fight a life-threatening illness, Natural Health-Fest’s talks and exhibits are a tremen-dous resource.

Cost: $8 in advance online, $10 at the door. Location: 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano. For more info and to pur-chase tickets, visit NaturalHealthFest.com. See ad, inside front cover.

Beth Davis is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

The Natural HealthFest

has the potential to be life-

changing. We’ve got more

than 15 seminars from well-

known experts who we’ve

hand selected. They will

cover topics like bio-identical

hormones, non-surgical

pain treatments, chronic

fatigue, essential oils, organic

gardening, brain balance

for kids, nutrition, healthy

memory and more...

~Martie Whittekin


fitbody

CYCLES OF SPINReturning to its Heart-Healthy Origins

by Janet osen

Like many newly minted sports, “Spin” has at its center a near-mythi-cal figure: its creator, Jonathan Gold-

stein—better known as Johnny G—by most accounts a unique eccentric with an unheralded passion for cycling. In 1987, while training for the renowned The Race Across America bike event, a mega-marathon 3,100-mile race from Los Angeles to New York, Goldstein was struck by a car and nearly killed. It produced an epiphany: Building an indoor bike simulating the outdoor experience would create a novel workout that would incorporate cardio training and emphasize a mind-body connection. With the formation of Mad Dogg Athletics in 1994, the Spinning craze began rolling. Rolling Stone magazine named it the newest hot exercise and by 1996 there were 1,000-plus Spin-ning centers in 30 countries.

True to FormConceived as a form of cardio biofeed-back, the activity keyed on training the heart muscle aerobically using a

heart monitor. The original goal was to provide an “aerobic base” by working at 65 to 80 percent of one’s maximum heart rate, making the heart a more effective pump and increasing oxygen levels throughout the body. The Spin program follows the prin-ciple that participants will train aero-bically for six to 12 weeks prior to a “Race Day”—a special ride performed at a steady anaerobic threshold gener-ally at 85 to 95 percent of maximum heart rate. Anaerobic threshold, or AT, is the point at which the body accumu-lates lactic acid in the muscles faster that it can be removed. “Aerobic base building creates a strong foundation for increasing one’s lactate threshold,” explains Lorey Pro, a master Spin instructor and assistant direc-tor of fitness and wellness at Louisiana State University. “Riders can increase their tolerance for anaerobic exercise.” “The metabolism’s foundation is strengthened by aerobic base building. Without it, the body will fall apart if the athlete moves right into anaerobic threshold training,” explains Shannon


Derby, a master Spin instructor and cer-tified group fitness and personal trainer at Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center, in Boulder, Colorado. In contrast to indoor cycling, Spin requires that exertion rates be correlated to levels based on maximum heart rates, and revolutions per minute (RPMs) or pedal strokes be kept at pre-specified levels. According to Pro, Spin should combine mind and body training by using a variety of heart rate zones to improve health, fitness and performance. Instructors take participants through a series of rides known as Energy Zones, each serving a specific purpose like endur-ance, strength or recovery. Terri Arends, a master Spin instructor and group fitness director at the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Texas, attests that without such rides, the aerobic foundation crumbles. She likes to put riders through “kicking Spin rides and moments of Zen that allow riders to let go and find their inner athlete.”

Lost in TranslationIn today’s typical Spin class, no one wears a heart monitor. While some gyms and boutique facilities offer endurance or strength rides, most conduct only interval rides featuring top 40 music selections and a loose interpretation of the prescribed movements, positions and cadence rates. “Interval rides tend to get picked most,” observes Derby. “There are many different kinds and they are fairly easy to teach and well liked, even though that isn’t what the official Spin-ning program recommends.”

Del Lugo, a Spin instructor and fitness professional in Suffern, New York, who works at the nearby Torne Valley Sports Complex and Lifeplex Health Club, says he rarely sees classic Spin done anymore. In Lugo’s world, Spin should be simply a “fun, safe experi-ence with the instructor endeavoring to instill enthusiasm and encouragement.”

Moving ForwardOne key indicator of whether a fitness activity is a trend and not a fad is the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual Fitness Trends survey. In 2012, Spin made ACSM’s top 20 list of fitness trends, citing it as “one of the most popular group exercise programs in the commercial sector.” Yet it fell off of ACSM’s list last year. Reviving the original training program may prove helpful in prevent-ing potential Spin burnout. Workouts were originally designed to culminate each week in a meditative, low-impact recovery ride to allow for rest and re-covery, which is pivotal to any success-ful fitness program. The key to Spin’s continuity may be in moving cycling back to its origins—re-educating partic-ipants about how best to use Spinning to maximize desired results for body, mind and spirit.

Janet Osen is a freelance writer in Rockland County, NY. She is a certi-fied Spin instructor currently working toward her 200-hour yoga teacher certification.

Latest Spins on Original SpinHydrorider: Lightweight aluminum, rust-proof bike affords aqua cycling in the pool.

RealRyder: Bike innovation tilts and moves with participants’ body weight to more accurately simu-late outdoor cycling.

High Tech: Onboard computers track resistance levels, cadence and heart rates designed for preci-sion rides.

Bands Classes: Resistance bands attach to a sliding track on the ceiling to tone abs, arms and chest.

Fusion: Classes combine Spin with other workouts like yoga.

Every great inspiration is

but an experiment.~Charles Ives


consciouseating

“Research tells us that 14 out of any 10

individuals like chocolate,” quips car-toonist Sandra Boynton. American choco-late lovers buy 58 million-plus pounds around Valentine’s Day, according to Nielsen Re-search. Ideally, the dark treat would be as healthy as a salad or an apple. For-tunately, accumulating research is on the way to giving plant-based chocolate superfood status. All chocolate starts with cacao beans, seeds from the pods of the tropical cacao tree that thrives only in hot, rainy climates in Africa, Indone-sia and South America. Local soil and climate conditions determine flavor characteristics, much as with grapes. Harvested beans are fermented to create the chocolate taste and then dried. Afterwards, chocolate makers add brand-specific ingredients to the cacao solids. “The percentage number on a bar’s wrapper represents the weight that actually comes from the cacao bean content,” says Robert L. Wolke, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and author of

CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOODBoosting Diets and Heart Health

by Judith Fertig

What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science

Explained. “The higher the num-

ber, the lower the

percentage of sugar and the

less sweet, more bitter and complex

the flavor.” This is significant because dark chocolate contains higher levels of an-tioxidants which can help reduce cell damage, according to the Integrative Medicine Department at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Alex Whitmore, founder of Taza Chocolate, in Somerville, Massachu-setts, recently had one of its bars lab tested for antioxidant levels, called ORAC, or oxygen radical absorption capacity; the higher the value, the more antioxidants. Taza Chocolate’s 80% Dark Bar had a 65 percent higher ORAC than Himalayan goji berries, famed for being a superfood. “This is very high for a chocolate bar,” notes Whitmore. Cocoa also serves as a superfood for cardiovascular and metabolic health, report two recent studies from separate teams of Harvard School of Public Health researchers. A 2012 me-ta-analysis of clinical trials published in the American Journal of Clinical


Nutrition concluded that consuming dark, unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate can improve blood pressure, vascular dilation and cho-lesterol levels, plus reduce metabolic precursors like diabetes that can lead to heart disease. In 2011, Eric Ding, Ph.D., a Har-vard School of Public Health epidemi-ologist and nutrition scientist, reviewed short-term trials of subjects ingesting 400 to 500 mg per day of flavonoid-rich cocoa, which he equates to 33 bars of milk chocolate or eight bars of dark chocolate. While Ding feels this is an unreasonable amount to eat because of the extra calories from sugar and fat, he states, “Supplements with concentrated cocoa flavonoids may perhaps be help-ful for garnering the benefits discov-ered. The key is getting the benefits for heart disease while avoiding the calo-ries, and for that, chocolate bars are not likely the best solution.” Another observational study pub-lished in Nutrition shows that eating dark chocolate might help keep the pounds off for teenagers. Researchers with the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence program at the University of Zaragoza, in Spain, knew that chocolate consumption in adults already had been linked to lower body mass index. They found that chocolate consumption was also asso-ciated with lower total and midsection fat in European adolescents, reports Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo.com, a natural health research database. “The quality and cocoa content they used in their research is probably much higher than in America,” says Ji. “From my perspective, it appears that even when researchers don’t control for type, the results across the board are rather startling. Even American sub-jects, presumably eating common milk chocolate bars, see benefits.” So, this Valentine’s Day—and every day—we can happily relish that one-ounce piece of artisan dark chocolate melting slowly in our mouth and know we’re doing it for pleasure and for health. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFoodAnd Lifestyle.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Vegan Chocolate PieServe this with fresh raspberries and enjoy a little romance.

Yields 8 servings

Chocolate Wafer Crust61/2 oz dairy-free chocolate wafer cookies, crushed into fine crumbs1 Tbsp maple or date sugar3 oz vegan buttery stick (such as Earth Balance), melted and slightly cooled

Chocolate Filling13 oz dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)1/3 cup strong brewed coffee1 tsp vanilla extract1 lb silken tofu, drained1 Tbsp honey1 (9-in) prepared chocolate wafer crust

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

For the crust, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar and melted vegan but-tery stick. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom, up the sides and just over the lip of a 9-inch metal pie pan. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the crust is set and appears dry, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 hour.

For the filling, melt the chocolate chips with the coffee and vanilla in a me-dium metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring often with a spatula. Combine the tofu, melted chocolate mixture and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the filling becomes firm.

Vegan Hot ChocolateA comforting way to enjoy the benefits of chocolate on a cold day.

Yields 4 servings

21/2 cups plain rice milk3 Tbsp maple or date sugar3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp vanilla extract1 pinch ground cinnamon1 pinch cayenne pepper

Bring the rice milk, sugar, cocoa pow-der, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a sauce-pan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy. Serve immediately.

Source: Recipes courtesy of Judith Fertig

Chocolate Cookery


RETHINKING HEART HEALTHPioneering Doctors and Patients

Reinvent Cardio Careby linda sechrist

to improving heart health highlighted in his book, The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, and an upcoming PBS special, concern lifestyle factors capable of shrinking plaque, improving circulation and strengthening the heartbeat. “Abnormal plaque growth is preventable 90 per-cent of the time,” states the president of Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida. While conducting research on the heart health of nearly 1,000 patients over a period of 20 years, Masley sus-pected that the traditional assessment approach of measuring cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure didn’t effectively address the biochemistry within arteries. Testing intima-media thickness (IMT) using a simple 10-min-ute external ultrasound confirmed it. The test bounces high-frequency sound waves to measure the thickness of the cartoid arteries’ innermost two layers on either side of the neck. “This valuable tool allows for an estimate of arterial age. A healthy, young cardiovascular system has less plaque and an unhealthy, old one has more,” advises Masley. IMT, a useful tool for preventing future heart attacks and strokes, differs from standard carotid Doppler ultrasound, which looks for artery obstructions suggest-ing surgery. A practitioner of functional medi-cine, Masley explains heart-related diagnoses differently than his allopathic counterparts. “Rather than diagnosing high blood pressure as hypertension, I categorize it as not enough exercise, not enough fruits and vegetables, high emo-tional stress and excessive body fat.” To optimize heart health, Masley employs a broad, holistic matrix of op-tions that enhance the cardiovascular system—the interactions among diet, activity level, weight, environmental toxins, hormones, stress and bio-chemical factors such as blood sugar control and inflammation levels. He prescribes heart-healing foods that simultaneously help to manage the aging process, following a customized, heart-friendly supplement plan; engag-ing in exercise that strengthens the heart and arteries; and learning how to better manage stress. He contends that cardiovascular

In 1977, Dr. Dean Ornish began to think beyond an allopathic medicine paradigm that defined the reversal

of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and the hypertensive diseases such as heart fail-ure and stroke, as physiologically im-plausible. Undaunted by the challenge of funding his research, he pushed for-ward. Results of his foundational 1986 to 1992 Lifestyle Heart Trial, published in the Journal of the American Medi-cal Association, proved that individuals with preexisting coronary atheroscle-rosis that make intensive, integrated lifestyle changes can begin to experi-ence improvements in their condition after as little as one year without using lipid-lowering drugs. Based on his 30-plus years of clini-cal research, Ornish and his colleagues further showed that five years of follow-ing proper nutrition, fitness and stress

management—which must include love and support—can reduce symptoms of CHD and other chronic conditions. He remarks in Love & Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health that despite nu-merous studies showing a medical basis for its occurrence, the reason why CHD is reversible is still the subject of debate. Ornish’s work has paved the way for a growing corps of pioneer-ing integrative physicians successfully collaborating with patients to reduce the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Plaque the CulpritThe cause of cardiovascular disease is arterial plaque, a fine layer of fatty material that forms within the arter-ies and blocks blood flow. It is largely the result of food and activity choices, plus the degree of inflammation in the arteries. Dr. Steven Masley’s three keys


events remain the top cause of death because individuals are largely un-aware of treatment options before they get into trouble. More, “Most people falsely assume that their condition has been fixed with a medical proce-dure and/or drugs, and that a lifestyle change isn’t necessary.”

Cholesterol’s Bad RapDr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist, anti-aging specialist and bioenergetics psychotherapist in Man-chester, Connecticut, has also shifted his heart health paradigm. He now prescribes a combination of conven-tional medicine, food, supplements, mind/body strategies and natural heal-ing methods. His book, Heartbreak and Heart Disease: A Mind/Body Prescrip-tion for Healing the Heart, relates many inspiring case histories that address the psycho-emotional component of heart health and illustrate how to repair and reopen a broken heart by releasing long-repressed emotions. Following two years of Gestalt psy-chotherapy training and seven years of bioenergetics training, Sinatra likewise

realized that heartbreak was one of the major causes of heart disease. An expert in the field of natural cardiology, he had once believed that cholesterol and fat were the primary causes before 40 years of treatment research taught him otherwise. “Cholesterol is not the reason for heart disease,” advises Sinatra, founder of HeartMDInstitute.com and author of The Great Cholesterol Myth. “The body produces and needs cho-lesterol to convert sunlight to vitamin D, to make sex hormones, vital semi-permeable membranes for the body’s trillions of cells, plus bile salts for digestion. Even your brain makes and uses cholesterol to build connections between the neurons that facilitate learning and memory.”

Real PerpetratorsSinatra names the real perpetrators of heart disease—stress, inflammation and overeating sugar and processed foods containing saturated fat. He counsels that the heart benefits less from a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet than one low in carbohydrates and higher in

Love and intimacy are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer

and what leads to healing.

~ Dr. Dean Ornish, Love & Survival

healthy fats, overturning widespread medical mantras. Also, a high-fructose, high-grain carbohydrate diet raises triglycer-ides, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and contributes to insulin resistance, causing the liver to produce more cholesterol, as well as more inflammatory, low-density lipopro-tein cholesterol (LDL) particles, all of which increase the risk for CHD, diabetes and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that metabolic syndrome, which affects nearly 35 percent of American adults, may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for CHD. The AHA currently is focused on increasing awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Its Go Red for Women campaign empha-sizes the vital need to take preventive basic actions, including adopting an ex-ercise routine, healthier diet and doctor visits for appropriate non-invasive tests.

Essential SpiritDr. James Forleo, a chiropractor in Durango, Colorado, with 30-plus years of clinical experience, maintains that health is simple, disease is complicated (also the title of his book). He counsels patients, “If mental stress is present in your life, you owe it to your cardiovas-cular system to change to a healthier lifestyle. Your life may depend on it.” Forleo has recognized that an indi-vidual’s state of mind can be a big help


or hindrance in maintaining a healthy heart. “The heart represents a differ-ent realm of experience entirely, one that cannot be explained by logic and reason,” comments Forleo. He champions the link between maintaining normal spinal function and healthy heart function, along with supporting the inner presence of Spirit, which he calls the healthy heart’s ultimate elixir. “Its essence relaxes the heart, opens the mind to possibilities greater than itself and provides the per-spective that the heart and the mind are complementary,” he observes. He explains that when our emo-tions get bottled up, something in our heart or circulation has to give. “If you or someone you know experi-ences heart problems, chances are that unresolved emotions lie directly below the surface,” he says. “There are excep-tions, and genetic problems can explain many heart defects, but heart problems don’t usually show up unless emotions are involved.” Forleo’s concept is supported by the work of Rollin McCraty, Ph.D.,

executive vice president and direc-tor of research at California’s Institute of HeartMath. His research papers include The Energetic Heart: Bioelec-tromagnetic Interactions Within and Between People. “Today, evidence suggests that the heart may play a particularly important role in emotional experience. Research in the relatively new discipline of neurocardiology has confirmed that the heart is a sensory organ and acts as a sophisticated information encoding and processing center that learns, remem-bers and makes independent functional decisions that don’t involve the cerebral cortex,” advises McCraty.

To Happy HeartsPioneering integrative medical doc-tors Masley, Sinatra, Forleo and Mona Lisa Schultz, who also holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, agree that in matters of heart disease, emotions take center stage. Schultz, who recently co-authored All is Well: Heal Your Body with Medicine, Affirmations and Intuition, with Louise L. Hay, a lead-

It is no coincidence that we address our physical and emotional heart by the same name. Our physical

heart usually reflects the state of our emotional heart, and vice versa.

~ Dr. James Forleo

ing founder of the self-help movement, applies her 25 years of experience as a medical intuitive with the best of West-ern clinical science, brain research and energy medicine. Shultz observes, “Every illness has an emotional component, which tells us intuitively that something or some-one in our life or environment is out of balance and needs to be addressed. Our use of language—such as frustra-tion makes our heart race, anger boils our blood—and our common sense are telling us what we don’t need more studies to confirm. If we can’t deal with our anger in a timely fashion, name our feelings, respond effectively and release them, we increase our chance of illness, ranging from hypertension to cardiovascular events.” According to the American Jour-nal of Cardiology, the U.S. spends 10 percent of all healthcare dollars for cardiovascular disease prevention and medical management versus 90 percent on medical treatment proce-dures and hospital care. For individu-als interested in taking charge of their heart health, working with a physician that embraces the emerging paradigm of integrative lifestyle changes and prevention can be a drug-free, life-saving decision.

Linda Sechrist is the senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for full interviews.


wisewords

After years of expe-riencing love going sour, Katherine

Woodward Thomas set a goal: She would marry her soul mate within a year. Her quest inspired a surprising awakening that spurred her to look deep inside for the key that would unblock love. Thomas realized the transformation that enabled her success involved clear steps that could help anyone. Today, the licensed psychother-apist and relationship expert has guided thousands toward successful relation-ships via her national bestseller, Calling in “The One”: 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life, and subsequent books and seminars.

What catalyzed your Calling in “The One” professional journey?I was 41, a card-carrying member of one of America’s largest-growing groups—the never-marrieds. I had bought into the cultural belief that a woman my age had little chance of finding a great husband. I felt anxious and resigned, trying to come to terms with it, but sad inside. Fortunately, at the time, I was part of a small group supportive of each oth-er’s intentions. So I set the outrageous intention that I would be engaged by my next birthday. I also recognized my longstanding pattern of attracting unavailable men who were engaged, married or alcoholics. A woman in the group said, “Katherine, I will hold that intention with you if you permit me to

LOVE MAGNETKatherine Woodward Thomas

on Drawing True Love Our Wayby debra Melani

hold you accountable to be the woman you would need to be in order to fulfill it.” Her wake-up call turned my focus from running out to find love to going within to discover the barriers I had against it. Thus I began what be-came the Calling in “The One” process.

How does it differ from other approaches to finding love?Many approaches focus on the external reasons love is elusive, such as all the good men are taken, men don’t like powerful women or just not having met the right person. This approach focuses more on the internal reasons—going within to discover and release one’s own conscious and unconscious barriers. For most of us, a gap exists between how much we think we want love and how much we are actually open and ready to receive it. Until we bridge that gap, we will covertly keep love at bay, and won’t even realize we are doing it.

What are the most common hidden barriers to love?One hidden barrier is resentment. We only resent people to the extent that we’ve given our power away to them. Uncover your role in what happened. Even if it was 97 percent their fault and 3 percent yours, zero in on that 3 percent, because you’ll only be able to trust yourself to love again once you’ve taken that responsibility. If you still feel resentful, you have not yet evolved beyond the person you were before.

Another centers on old agree-ments—the spoken and unspoken,agreements we make, usually in an emotional time—such as “I’m never going to let myself get hurt again” or “I’ll never love anyone the way I love you.” Such agreements live in our lives as intentions. They may no longer be conscious, yet still set our course. Another has to do with toxic relational dynamics. To find the best partnership, you need to be your best self. Maintaining a toxic dynamic drains personal power, making it hard to move forward in life. It’s vital to evolve out of this debilitating dynamic so you are in the center of your power everywhere in life. The fourth area, and probably the most important, revolves around the core beliefs you hold about both your-self and others. You might have a rea-sonably clear sense of yourself around money, career and friendship, but your core love identity might cause you to believe yourself unworthy of a quality partner. Identifying and challenging these beliefs is critical in learning how to break free from them, helping to raise your value in your own eyes and thus in others.

You believe the best way to find a needle in a haystack is to become magnetic and allow that needle to find you. How does one become magnetic to love?Being centered in the truth of your own value and the real possibilities you hold for true love is wildly attractive. Love yearns to embrace us, but can’t come to us if it can’t come through us. When we shift into this place of possibility, we can become profoundly magnetic to love.

Learn more at CallingInTheOne.net, ConsciousUncoupling.com or KatherineWoodwardThomas.com.

Explore the qualities possible in an enlightened mate at NaturalAwakenings Singles.com.

Freelance journalist Debra Melani is from Lyons, CO. Connect at DebraMelani.com.


Simple Stress BustersNatural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmnessby kathleen Barnes

We all encounter everyday stressors and usually find our own ways of defusing them.

However, when chronic stress remains unresolved, it extracts a toll on health that may range from heart disease and stroke to obesity, gastrointestinal problems and depression. Thankfully, Natural Awakenings has uncovered inviting ways to regularly de-stress that naturally make us feel good. Here are some refreshing ideas for immediate rest and relaxation. Eat Mindfully. Chocolate can be an excellent antidote to stress-related binge eating, advises Dr. Susan Lord, an integrative physician in Great Bar-rington, Massachusetts, who leads mind-body medicine programs at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in

Stockbridge. “We rarely eat mindfully,” comments Lord. “We’re usually gulping down our food while watching TV, ar-guing with the kids or reading a book.” She often leads a meditation in which participants are allotted one small piece of chocolate that they must eat slowly and consciously. “Most people discover they have never really tasted their food,” she says. “They are pleas-antly surprised to discover that they feel satiated and satisfied on every level.” Lord’s teaching is supported by a study from an Oregon Research Institute affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, showing that people lost significant amounts of weight by eating slowly and mindfully. Accordingly, Kripalu has encouraged eating in silence for nearly 40 years, a practice

healingwaysLord heartily recommends to her pa-tients for one meal a day. Walk a labyrinth. A meditative walk on a labyrinth may be just what the doctor ordered, says physician Esther Sternberg, professor of medicine and research director at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. “A labyrinth dif-fers from a maze, which has high walls and many dead ends,” notes Sternberg. “Walking a maze is inevitably stressful; a labyrinth has the exact opposite effect. There is only one path in and one path out. You go to the middle, meditate and walk back out. It’s a perfectly calming walking meditation.” In physiological terms, Sternberg explains, the deep breathing induced by labyrinth walking activates the vagus nerve, which prompts relaxation. It does this by interrupting the brain’s stress response and halting the release of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. Our ancestors built labyrinths as early as 4,000 BCE. They exist today in churches, healing centers and backyards all over the world. Finger labyrinths, even as simple as an outline printed on a piece of paper, also have proved to be effective relaxation tools, says Neal Harris, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Barrington, Illinois. His study confirming its relaxing effects was published in the Annals of Psychothera-py & Integrative Health. Shake (or laugh) it off. Anyone that has ever felt like exploding from tight shoulders, indigestion, head-


aches or other conditions caused by accumulated stress can benefit from Lord’s recommendation to experience a whole-body shake. “Just stand with your feet firmly planted and start shaking—first your feet, then your legs, arms, head and neck and eventually, your whole body—for at least two or three minutes,” she coun-sels. “You’ll shake off all of that tension, energize every cell and probably start laughing, another great stress reliever.” A good belly laugh is likewise a powerful stress reliever, according to a study by researchers at Indiana State University, in Terra Haute, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. Results also showed that laughter increased production of the pro-tective cells that boost immune function. Create a memory garden. For Sternberg, her personal place of peace is an unconscious re-creation combining the sights and smells of her grand-mother’s garden with the comfortable “at home” feeling of her parents’ deck and mementos from a happy time in Crete. At the center of Sternberg’s

happy memories are fragrant jasmine and gardenia trees, lavender and basil, all reminders of happy times in her life. She recalls, “It wasn’t until I was fin-ished that I realized what I had done.” A review of relevant science report-ed in Neural Plasticity explains that the brain’s hippocampus region, a seat of memory, especially related to place, also normally regulates the production of cortisol. But an excess of cortisol due to stress can impair its memory functions. “When we are in a place that brings happy memories to mind, we let go of stress and stop the release of cortisol,” says Sternberg. “It helps to just think of a place where we have been happy.” She recommends creating a home space with some plants on a window-sill, photos of happy family gatherings, fabrics or paint in beloved colors and perhaps inherited items that trigger fond memories.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numer-ous natural health books, including 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

Breathe DeeplyPerform this subtle de-stressor while in line at the market or driving. It slows heart rate, oxygenates the body, improves mental clarity and has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.

n Sit or stand straight.

n Put the tip of the tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind the upper front teeth, and keep it there throughout the entire exercise.

n Inhale through the nose for a count of four.

n Hold each breath for a count of seven.

n Exhale completely through the mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of eight.

n Repeat three more times.

Source: DrWeil.com

Music Soothes the SoulDozens of studies from leading institutions like Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts, the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, in Yonkers, New York, and Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, show that music can offset stress, relieve pain, lower blood pressure, improve immune function and sup-port restful sleep. So play a tune or two of much-loved music and let the calm-ing effects induce a state of relaxation. According to research from the American Society of Hypertension, classi-cal music, the blues and other soothing music work best because they cause

the body to release endorphins and slow breathing rates. It’s better yet if our favorite music inspires stress-

releasing body movement.

Source: GreenMedInfo.com


Symptoms that suggest a dog or cat’s heart is not pumping effec-tively include coughing and fatigue

from light exercise. Before the signs are evident, it is far better to check for heart disease during regular twice-yearly visits to the veterinarian. Using a stethoscope, a skilled doctor can pick up telltale heart murmurs during the examination. A fairly common problem with cats, heart disease tends to occur as cardiomy-opathy, an issue with the heart muscle. In most dogs, where cardiomyopathy is rare, it usually involves damaged heart valves, resulting in “leaks” that allow blood to flow in both directions.

Cardiac Care for PetsHow to Keep Little Hearts Humming

by dr. shawn Messonnier

Upon an initial diagnosis of heart disease, one of two mistakes in treat-ment routinely occur: Either a doctor prescribes strong cardiac medications to “prevent” heart failure from happen-ing (even though no medication has been shown to prevent heart failure), or he takes a wait-and-see approach, only intervening when the disease progress-es to irreversible heart failure. The better approach is to do further testing and evaluation at the first sign of a murmur, including chest X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a cardiac ul-trasound to classify the stage of the disease and determine if conventional medications

naturalpetcan help. Follow-up visits every six months allow the doctor to identify the point at which heart disease has progressed toward impending heart failure. In general, pets with either a dis-eased or failing heart can benefit from supplements. Individual regimens vary, based on the nature of the patient’s case.

Omega-3 Fish oil contains beneficial docosa-

hexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapen-taenoic acid (EPA) unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids. The principle metabolites derived from the metabolism of EPA and DHA tend to be anti-inflammatory. Contrariwise, omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in warm-weather vegetable oils, produce pro-inflam-matory mediators. Because omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids compete with each other to be converted to active metabolites (pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) in the body, decreasing the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and/or increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acid levels, available through fish oil, is generally considered beneficial. The differing numbers identifying omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids simply refer to where the carbon-carbon double bonds are positioned in the molecules. Supplementing with fish oil may also reduce the occurrence of athero-sclerosis, thrombosis, coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden cardiac death by decreasing inflammation throughout the body, including in the heart.

Coenzyme Q-10Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant synthesized in most tissues in the body. The highest


concentrations are in the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. In the diet, CoQ10 is found in foods such as organ meats, poul-try, fish, meat, nuts, soybean oil, fruits, vegetables, eggs and dairy products. The Professional’s Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medi-cines explains that CoQ10 is used in electron transport in mitochondria—small organelles inside cells that con-vert carbohydrates and fats into energy. It reports that studies in people with hypertension showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure through CoQ10 supplementation. Benefits of such therapy studied in people with a heart that has failed in its pumping ability showed increased improved heart func-tion and proper dilation of the blood vessels for improved circulation. It is proving to be one of the best nutrients to help an ailing heart.

HawthornThe herb hawthorn is highly regarded for its suitability in the treatment of heart disease due to its flavonoid and other antioxidant content. It provides several beneficial effects for the heart—helping to maintain a normal heart rhythm with de-creased risk of arrhythmias; bolstering the force of heart muscle contraction; increas-ing coronary blood flow; and decreasing the organ’s energy demands. It acts like angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as the medicine Enalapril, used to help regulate blood pressure and reduce the workload of a failing heart. While other therapies can be used to help pet heart patients, these three are a sound starting point. In some cases, they may be suitable instead of medications that can cause side effects to the kidney and liver, or at least allow for smaller doses. Natural remedies pro-vide a gentler alternative.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unex-pected Miracles: Hope

and Holistic Healing for Pets. For more information, visit PetCareNaturally.com. See ads, pages 26 and 38.


greenliving

Mainstays of a Home in HarmonyCreating an inspired and healthy home environment soothes the soul and recharges our proverbial batteries. Making healthful choices in the products we use and consume helps ensure we retain a healthy body and vibrant living in an era when we are inundated with disease-produc-ing toxins in our homes, food, air and water. Applying simple solutions to slow down helps us maintain a calm mind amidst the frenetic pace of daily life. Periodically unplugging from the instant demands of tech-nology is a good first step. Tuning into our life purpose and sharing it with others allows us to shine. We naturally radiate our inner light in ever-expanding ways.

Mindful StrategiesA study published by the International Academy for Design and Health shows that because our home influences us on many levels, the setting is continually either supporting or depleting its occupants. Consciously creating and sustaining a nurturing environment fortifies the roots from which family members evolve and grow. Experience shows us how improving our immediate sur-roundings, ranging from our wardrobe to household furnish-ings, helps to manifest positive internal transformations. The activity likewise reflects our inner landscape, allowing us to

Practical Pillars of Well-Beingby christa o’leary

Done right, our home serves as an empower-ing foundation for well-being. Aligning with four key pillars of harmony will facilitate an inspired, healthy and vibrant home that supports body, mind and spirit.

Home Safe Home


take a step back and observe how we are changing and hope to change. That’s why we periodically feel impelled to clear unset-tling clutter from our private spaces. It’s an irritant that disrupts order and our sense of beauty; even when it’s stashed in draw-ers and closets, we still know it’s there. It competes for atten-tion and distracts our focus. A recently relocated design client felt that her new house was beautiful, but didn’t feel like a home. The woman ex-plained that when she was there, she was short-tempered with her kids, a sharp contrast to her usual demeanor. She yearned to love her home, enjoy her kids and live vibrantly. A key part of the solution was tackling the home’s mudroom entrance that was cluttered with the kids’ detritus, a condition that ir-ritated her the minute she walked through the door. Many of the home products we buy contain disquieting, hidden elements. Understanding which ingredients are hazard-ous is imperative to maintaining a safe home environment. Key decisions range from the choice of carpets, couches and bed-ding to cleaning products, laundry solutions and air fresheners. Knowing the products we use are healthful enhances peace of mind. As one homeowner said, “I am so relieved to have a better understanding of what products I shouldn’t bring home. I was so scared before that I just ignored the idea that chemicals could be harmful.” Being informed and alert to the composition of the items we bring into our home—including food—is vital. More than 80,000 chemicals make up the ingredients in commonly available products that end up in the typical American home,

and a large portion of them are toxic. Nearly 20 percent of the chemicals are not divulged, according to the U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA also reports that the average person holds more than 700 toxic chemicals in their body. We inhale myriad chemical byproducts that fill the air both indoors and out, plus ingest numerous toxins in the foods and beverages we consume. Once absorbed, they remain in the body unless flushed out, throwing it out of balance and, as widespread research shows, causing a broad range of diseases.

WebMD.com reports that the psychological impacts of feeling stressed, helpless and overwhelmed by the fear of lurking poisons can directly influence our physical health. Making informed choices can alleviate such feelings. It only requires taking a series of small and manageable, progressive steps to create our own style of a healthy and harmonious home life. On a spiritual level, we can rest assured that such caring for our inner temple and larger environment supports a greater good and fosters a deeper connection to life’s Source. We feel more physically, psychologically and spiritually vibrant. Our home becomes a vital wellspring that, cleaned and furnished with holistic awareness, continually refreshes us.

Christa O’Leary is founder and CEO of Home in Harmony, Inc., combining expertise in marriage and family therapy, interior design and green living. Her book, Home in Har-mony Lifestyle: Designing an Inspired Life, will be released in November. Connect at ChristaOLeary.com/FreeKit.


healthykids

Quiet Kids in a Noisy WorldBringing Out the Best in Introverts

by Meredith Montgomery

Gabrielle Perillo’s daughter, A’ngel, 11, is a deep think-er, compassionate for all beings (human and not), a defender of justice, spiritual and extremely creative.

She pursues any subject she studies with focus and passion. Although other children are naturally drawn to her, A’ngel, a born introvert, generally prefers to play quietly on her own. At first, her mother worried that her daughter was being in-sensitive to others and not paying attention to her surround-ings. But once Mom released her own emotional projections, she recognized how happy her daughter is in her own space and began to appreciate the benefits of this independence. At least a third of Americans are introverts, yet many par-ents are prone to mischaracterize their more private children as antisocial, self-centered and lonely. Susan Cain, a former corporate attorney and author of Quiet: The Power of Intro-verts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, explains, “Introverts are not antisocial, they just prefer socializing in lower-key ways.” They usually form a few deep and intimate relation-ships compared to extroverts that often cultivate many friends. Christine Fonseca, an educational psychologist and author of Quiet Kids, notes the danger in misunderstanding a child’s hesitancy or reserved nature. “Kids can benefit from understanding who they are and what it means to be an introvert. Otherwise, they may compare themselves to their extrovert friends and feel deficient.” Introverts own many exception-al qualities. They tend to be deep thinkers able to work independently in highly creative and innovative ways. They may prefer to learn a lot about a few topics instead of a little about many different areas. Often described as empathetic, conscien-tious and self-aware, introverts make authentic leaders and effective man-agers as adults. Introvert and extrovert tempera-ments are distinguished by how individu-als generate energy. Introverts process the world and recharge through solitude; many can flourish in social situations as

long as they can rejuvenate by being on their own. Fonseca notes a defining difference in physiology. “Introverts use part of the nervous system that has a long pathway from point A to point B, so it takes them longer to process information.” Cain adds, “Introverts also usually have a longer runway than others, so it takes them longer to take off and fly. It’s crucial that the message they’re receiving from parents and teachers is, ‘That’s okay.’” It’s important that parents balance how they honor a child’s preferences with teaching them skills to thrive. “Don’t expect them to follow the gang,” says Cain. “Instead, encourage them to follow their passions.” Parents can empower children with tools to increase their comfort zone. If youngsters have difficulty speaking up in class, it helps to prepare them with what they want to say beforehand. Cain notes that this lessens anxiety and when they are able to speak up, they’ll feel like part of the class. Simple tips can offer relief in uncomfortable social situa-tions. Perillo reinforces social manners before she and A’ngel arrive at an event. She focuses on the greetings, reminding her to extend her hand first, speak clearly, make eye contact and smile. Also, because self-promotion doesn’t come natu-rally to introverts, they often need coaching to highlight their own assets when applying for a club, college or job. Fonseca encourages families to embrace digital technology. She observes, “Most introverts are extroverts online. While face-to-face communication tends to drain them, that doesn’t happen as much online, plus it’s easier to feel more adept socially there.” They’ll still need to disconnect and renew after socializing online, so it’s important to set usage boundaries. Fonseca, who has one introverted and one extroverted child, facilitates dialogue that teaches each of them to com-municate with their peers about their needs. “My introvert tells her extrovert friends not to take offense if she needs to take quiet time alone. They offer each other a perspective that makes their own point of view more well-rounded.”

From a neuropsychological per-spective, introverts and extroverts can learn from each other, as well. According to Fonseca, extroverts

that habitually activate their sympa-thetic nervous system (“fight-or-flight”) can experience burnout if they don’t learn how to slow down and be calm. However, introverts, relying mostly on their parasympathetic system (“rest and digest”), can be overly calm and slow to respond to situations. Fonseca notes, “It’s not about one temperament being more positive than the other; it’s about understanding who

everyone is, their authentic self and finding balance.”

Meredith Montgomery is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Mobile/Baldwin, AL (Healthy-LivingHealthyPlanet.com).


Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian huna, a secret to facilitating forgiveness within; or

simply, the art of forgiveness. Four healing phrases are employed in a harmonic mantra to help “make things right” or “correct the errors”. It works to cleanse hurt feelings and relieve suffering from being in an unforgiving or unforgiven state. Accord-ing to the Babylon online dictionary, Ho’oponopono is used to release prob-lems and blocks that cause imbalance, unease and stress in the self; bring peace and balance through physical, mental and spiritual cleansing that involves re-pentance and transmutation; and create balance, freedom, love, peace and wis-dom within individuals, social entities, the world and the universe.

Ho’oponopono Forgiveness Mantra

I am sorry.Please forgive me.Thank you.I love you.

These four forgiveness phrases, both individually and collectively, help heal us and our relationships with oth-ers, especially loved ones. Each one melts hearts and heals souls. Going deeper, we can voice this mantra in communing with the divine and see the effect both within and without.

I am sorry for participating in this er-roneous memory data.

Please forgive me for not seeing the perfection in this moment, and play-ing back a universal memory I have received within me that is riddled with wrongs and errors.

Thank you for cleansing me, others, the world and the universe.

I love you. Loving the sweet divine is the greatest power or energy there is in all space. I am now loving ev-eryone involved and affected. I know that my perceptions of them are within me, where this error first occurred and where it can be eradicated.

Like planting a seed in soil that grows into nothing of our making, the divine does the work as we allow it to work through us. As we come to consis-tently use the Ho’oponopono mantra, we may elect to select a special word as a substitute for the whole mantra to use as a touchstone, so that when we say or think this word, we are immediately clear and clean of all the pain associated with any erroneous memory data pre-sented. Our heart is healed and family or friends will return to relationships with a lighter heart. We do not need to under-stand how it works, only that it does.

Source: Adapted from VividLife.me

HEALING HURTA Hawaiian Mantra Lets Love Back In

inspiration

Gestures, in love, are incomparably more attractive,

effective and valuable than words.

~ François Rabelais


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calendarofeventsNOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section).

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1Backyard Birds – 10-11:30am. Parallel programs for two age groups, 4-7 & 8-12 yrs old. Geared to age level and include hands-on nature learning and fun. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Registration required: 903-786-2826. FriendsOfHagerman.com.TKM® EMT Lecture – 10am-12pm. Learn natural and effective ways to stop and help common to criti-cal health emergencies like asthma attacks, seizures, bleeding, heart attacks and more by only using your hands. $10. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP: 214-731-9795 or [email protected] Gardens: Grow Fruits and Berries – 10:15am. We unveil the secrets of growing fruits and berries in Texas gardens. Learn which plants and varieties thrive in your area, how to properly prepare the soil, and how to have a garden that is not only beautiful, but bountiful as well. Free. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. 817-222-1122. Calloways.com.Bugs: Good, Bad & Ugly – 10:30am-12pm. Learn how to recognize helpful garden insects and attract them to your yard in order to prevent pests and diseases through organic techniques. Free. Biodiver-sity Ed Center at Wagon Wheel Park, 345 Freeport Pkwy, Coppell. CoppellCommunityGarden.org. Make Metal-Free Jewelry for Your Health – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn quick and easy ways to make beautiful, non-metallic earrings and take home what you make. Supplies provided. $10. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP: 214-731-9795 or [email protected].

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 212th Annual Texas Half & 5k – 8am, Texas Half; 8:15am, Texas 5k. Mostly flat course with running surfaces that combine the Campion Trail pathway, asphalt and concrete. Walkers welcome. Irving Convention Center, 500 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving. Info: 817-706-0368 or TexasHalf.com.Bird Walk – 8-11am. Bring binoculars and field guides if have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Can expect about 30+ species. All ages welcome. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. ConnemaraConservancy.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4Amazing YA Book Club – 7pm. Legend by Marie Lu. All grownup but still love reading young adult books? Meet 1st Tues to discuss YA books with other adult fans. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Stacey Irish-Keffer: 940-349-8718.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5Primitive Survival Children’s Survival Series – Feb 5, 26, Mar 26, Apr 16 & May 7. Homeschooler program. Types of days: Water, Food/Tracking, Ed-ible Plants, Shelter, Fire. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor

Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.Art and Me – 10am. Read Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and create artwork or enjoy activities. For ages 2-5. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.Rain Barrels 101 – 10-11am or 7-8pm. Rain bar-rels are a great way to capture rain to use later for watering a garden, plants, shrubs and trees. Learn how to install, use and maintain a rain barrel or ask questions. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.Read to Rover – 4:30pm. Does your child struggle with reading and need low-stress, non-judgmental reading practice? Give your child an opportunity to read one-on-one with a trained, certified therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940-349-8752. Taming the Sugar Beast – 6-7:30pm. This sweet poison is hidden in many places we wouldn’t even expect; it hurts our immune system and causes premature aging. Find out where it’s hidden, safe alternatives, and how to detox your body safely. Free. HealthWorks: A Family Wellness Center, 2317 Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. Shari Miles: 972-612-1800.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6YardWise 2: Green Landscape Design – 7-9pm. Learn about water-saving practices for the landscape, and how to incorporate design principles emphasizing the use of native and adapted plants. Free. Environ-mental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7Collin County Home & Garden Show – Feb 7-9. 2-7pm, Fri; 10am-7pm, Sat; 11am-5pm, Sun. Meet hundreds of experts in home, gardening, remodeling and home décor, along with learning about green energy products and vacation and leisure services. Celebrity carpenter and designer, Jeff Devlin will host a seminar about renovating your kitchen and

bath. $8.50/adults 17 up, $6.50/seniors, free/age 16 & under. Allen Events Center, 200 E Stacy Rd, Allen. AllenHomeAndGardenShow.com. Valentine Cards – 4pm. Show you care with a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Valentine’s card. Ages 8 & up. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. Space limited; register: 940-349-8752.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8Hot Chocolate 15k & 5k – 7:30am, 5k; 8:10am, 15k. The RAM Racing Series is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities to raise money for their “home-away-from-home” program. Post race party featuring hot chocolate, fondue, chocolate treats, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. Race packets pick-up at the Fair Park Automotive Building, 2-7pm, Feb 6 & 11am-7pm, Feb 7; no race day packet pick-up. Fair Park Automotive Building, 1010 First Ave, Dallas. HotChocolate15k.com/Dallas.Lawn Care Seminar – 9-11am. Patrick Dickinson, horticulturalist with the Urban Water Program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Dallas, will teach how to care for your lawn like an expert. Space limited; register: 214-670-3155.Bike Maintenance Basics – 10-11:30am. Routine maintenance on your bike can keep you riding smooth and prolong the life of your bike. Join an introductory class designed to help you take care of your bike. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.Bluebirds – 10-11:30am. Hear Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley on Bluebirds, preparing to welcome them, and the Nesting program at Hagerman. Hager-man National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. 903-786-2826. FriendsOfHagerman.com.Read to Rover – 11am. See Feb 5 listing. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940-349-8752. Sweet Science – 3pm. Explore the properties of different kinds of candy through hands-on science experiments. Ages 6-10. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. Registra-tion required: 940-349-8752.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9Medicine Wheel – 1:30-5pm. We gather at the Medicine Wheel to find our direction, to center

Hot Chocolate Run: Feb 8, Dallas


Cross Timbers Trail Run: Feb 15, Sherman

and feel the guidance of Creator. Do you know your direction? Spirit animal? Come find out.Love offering. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 Coun-ty Rd 2621, Caddo Mills. Silverhawk: 214-288-9935.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11Hands-On Bike Maintenance: Disc Brake Systems – 6-8:30pm. Bring your bike and learn through a combination of hands-on work and demonstrations about your bike’s DISC brake system. $45/member, $65/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Reg-ister: 972-985-2241.Beautiful You Sensé Spa Party – 6:45pm, registra-tion; 7-8pm event. Pamper yourself to healthy; pre-servative-free mini-facial and consult. Anti-aging and non-toxic personal care products for healthy, younger looking skin. Cellular and food nutrition discussion as well. $5. Aqua-Fit Swim and Family Wellness Center, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.Dallas Sierra Club Meeting – 7-8:30pm. Find out why GMOs are controversial. Also learn about the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, which provides sustainable water and habitat for fauna. Free. REI Dallas, 4515 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Dallas. Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13International & Adventure Travel Basics – 7-8:30pm. Join our International and Adventure Travel experts to learn about planning, preparation, and execution of an international adventure trip. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.YardWise 3: Texas-Friendly Plants – 7-9pm. Enjoy a colorful armchair tour of the best plant, shrub and tree selections for our area. Afterwards, stroll through our teaching garden while we discuss appro-priate care. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14Beautiful You Sensé Spa Party – 11:45am, registra-tion; 12-1pm event. Pamper yourself with this amaz-ing lunch and learn. Sensé mini-facial, consultation and product information. Preservative-free skin care that is healthy and make your look and feel great. $10. Aqua-Fit Swim and Family Wellness Center, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Creating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15Cross Timbers Trail Run – 6:30am. Offers a 50-mile run or relay, marathon, half-marathon

and 5-mile run on mostly narrow, hilly trails with some rocky and hazardous areas. Cross Timbers Trails, Juniper Point Park West Campground, Lake Texoma, Sherman. For info & to register: Cross-TimbersTrailRuns.com.Read to Rover – 10am. See Feb 5 listing. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. Space limited; registration required: 940-349-8752.Begin to Bird, Part I – 10am-12pm. Birding can give life-long enjoyment. Start with the basics, with Dick Malnory. Part 2 held Feb 22. Hagerman Na-tional Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. To register: 903-786-2826. FriendsOfHagerman.com.Organic Lawn Care – 11am-12:30pm. Speaker How-ard Garratt will cover: elements for a successful lawn, organic fertilizers, maintenance, and watering lawns. Free. More info: CoppellCommunityGarden.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19It’s a Girl Thing – 4pm. Three Times Lucky by She-lia Turnage. A book club for moms and daughters. Join us for refreshments and book discussion. Best for girls ages 9-12. Denton Public Library, South Branch, 3228 Teasley Ln, Denton. 940-349-8752.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20Natural Networking: Lunch & Learn – 11:30am-1pm. Business owners and professionals who help people live better by promoting health, wellness, sustainability, personal growth, integrative medi-cine, healthy kids and pets, fi nancial well-being and peace of mind, please join us as we connect our community. Meets 3rd Thurs each month. Open group. Menu includes salads and gluten-free pizza. Hosted by Natural Awakenings North Texas Maga-zine. Networking is $10 (cash only) or purchase own lunch to support our host restaurant and no charge

for meeting. Held at Palio’s Pizza Café, 1941 Preston Rd, Ste 1004, Plano. RSVP important; space limited. Leave your details on our RSVP hotline: 469-322-9549 or [email protected] Bike Maintenance: Drive Train – 6-8:30pm. Join our certifi ed bike techs to learn about your drive train as well as how to inspect, maintain and adjust front and rear derailleurs to make sure your ride is as smooth as possible. $45/member, $65/nonmember. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.Boys Only Yucky Stories – 6:30pm. Big Nate: In a Class by Himself by Lincoln Peirce. Boys grades 2-5 read and talk about funny, yucky and gross stories. You won’t have to sit still while we talk because you will be too busy with funny, gross or downright bizarre projects. Emily Fowler Library, 502 Oakland St, Denton. 940-349-8752.Ready To Improve Your Game? – 6:45pm registra-tion; 7-8pm event. Just starting, weekend warrior, to beginning tri-athlete, this event is for you. How can you improve your health to become the athlete inside? A panel of experts on nutrition, exercise and mental clarity will present. Free. Aqua-Fit Swim and Family Wellness Center, 1400 Summit Ave, Ste D2, Plano. Cre-ating Healthy Lifestyles, Sonja Kabell: 972-935-6484.Dallas DownRiver Club Meeting – 7pm. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or [email protected] 2.0 – 7-8pm. Get past the basics and learn the next steps in home energy efficiency. Har-rington Library, 1501 18th St, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.Free Parent Seminar: Improve Self Esteem in Your Child – 7-8pm. Nothing is more distressing to a parent than having a child with low self-esteem. Join Debby Romick, Center Director of Brain Balance in Plano, to explore why certain children develop self-esteem issues. Also, receive an action plan to help improve your child’s self-esteem. Brain Balance of Plano, 1501 Preston Rd, Ste 550, Plano. RSVP: 972-248-9483.Food Waste Composting: Basics of Bokashi – 7-8:30pm. Learn about bokashi, a traditional Japanese fermentation practice that will allow you to compost even meat and dairy leftovers indoors. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.True Prosperity – 7-9pm. Join the Kabbalah Centre as we gain knowledge on how to have True Pros-perity, success without side effects. $36. Held at Museum of Biblical Arts, 7500 Park Ln, Dallas. For details, Kabbalah Centre of Dallas: 214-446-0251.


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21Cowtown Marathon – Feb 21-23. Begins with The Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo, Feb 22. The adults’ 5K, Cook Children’s Kids 5K, and 10K, Feb 23 One of the country’s largest multi-event road races: Ultra Marathon, Marathon and Half Marathon and more. Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo & races, Feb 22. Helps support the Children’s Activities for Life & Fitness (C.A.L.F.) program. Will Rogers Me-morial Center, 3400 Burnett-Tandy Dr, Fort Worth. For complete schedule: CowtownMarathon.org.Mardi Gras! Galveston – Feb 21-Mar 4. Includes parade viewers shouting for beads, lively tunes played by colorful marching bands, 23 different parades, 26 concerts, 20 balcony parties laser light shows and elegant masked balls. Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K Run, 11am on Feb 22; Family Gras! on Feb 23. For more info & complete schedule: MardiGrasGalveston.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22Fight For Air Climb – 7am, check-in; 8am, race. A vertical race to climb 53 floors of stairs. Fundraiser for the American Lung Association. Professionally timed and ranked by timing chips. $25, and participants must be registered and have a minimum of $100 in fundraising. Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm St, Dallas. 214-631-5864 x 209. FightForAirClimb.org.Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational – Feb 22-23. 8am-8pm. Over 700 gymnasts ages 5-18 from top gymnastics clubs all over the nation, go head to head highlighting their gymnastic skills and talent. $15/adults, $10/children 10 & under, free/children 3 & under. Gaylord Texas Resort, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. 214-872-4646. KTInvitational.com.Begin to Bird, Part II – 10am-12pm. See Feb 15 listing. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. To register: 903-786-2826. FriendsOfHagerman.com.Winter Tree Walk – 10am-12pm. Master Natural-ist Jim Varnum leads a walk through the Pecan Grove to point out a variety of trees and teach how to identify trees in winter before leaves appear. All ages. Bring cameras and binoculars. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. RSVP: [email protected] Telling – 1:30-5pm. Omistaipokah (Andy McCollum) will be sharing tales of old and perhaps a few new ones. Tales of past, present and future? Perhaps you have a tale to share. All welcome. Love offering. Four Feathers Trading Post, 3522 County Rd 2621, Caddo Mills. Silverhawk: 214-288-9935.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23Connemara Meadow Preserve Open House – 1-5pm. Experience what makes this natural oasis in the middle of suburbia so special, and always surprising. Free. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. ConnemaraConservancy.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25GeeKON: Author Fair – 7pm. Writers, readers, looking to meet a few local authors who have re-cently been published. Denton Public Library, North Branch, 600 N Locust St, Denton. 940-349-8752.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27Backpacking Basics – 7-8:30pm. REI will take the mystery out of Backpacking with an overview of

planning, preparation and gear. Learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear. Free. REI Plano, 2424 Preston Rd. Register: 972-985-2241.Food Waste Composting with Worms – 7-9pm. Learn to use specialized red worms to compost your plant-based food waste. Then use their waste as a fertile soil amendment to benefit your plants. Free. Environmental Education Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenIn-Plano.obsres.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28North Texas Irish Festival – Feb 28-Mar 2. 6-11pm, Fri; 10:30am-11:30pm, Sat; 11:30am-7:30pm, Sun. Includes 13 stages of live entertainment including, local and regional musicians, storytellers, fiddlers, a Culinary Stage, educational workshops, booths of Celtic accessories, food/beverage vendors and much more. A pet-friendly event. Fair Park, 1200 S 2nd Ave, Dallas. More info & discount ticket: NTIF.org.

plan aheadSATURDAY, MARCH 1Bird Walk – 8-11am. Bring binoculars and field guides if have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Can expect about 30+ species. All ages welcome. Connemara Meadow Preserve, 300 Tatum Rd, Allen. ConnemaraConservancy.org.Compost Fair – 10am-2pm. Learn the basics of turn-ing garden debris into garden gold through compost-ing. Free. Participants are eligible to purchase a C.E. Shepherd compost bin ($120 value) for $20. Supplies limited, pre-registration required. Environmental Edu-cation Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. More info & register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4Nature Awareness Day Camp – 9:30am-2pm. Learn about the plants and animals in your own backyard in the North Texas area. Become comfort-

able and knowledgeable in your own environment. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.Power of Kabbalah Level 1 – 7-8pm. Power of Kabbalah (POK) 1 is a paradigm- shifting course that reveals secrets to all kabbalistic teachings, the golden rules you can master if you seek more fulfillment in your life. Kabbalah Centre of Dallas, 17370 Preston Rd, Ste 470, Dallas. For details: 214-446-0251.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7Rattlesnake Round-Up – Mar 7-9. 8am-6pm, Fri & Sat; 8am-5pm, Sun. Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees as a major fundraiser benefiting multiple or-ganizations. Learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat through a variety of activities. Includes flea market, carnival, vendor booths, a rattlesnake cook-off, food and beverage vendors, and more. $7/adults, $4/kids 10 & under. Nolan County Coliseum, 1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater. For schedule: RattlesnakeRoundup.net.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8Primitive Survival Skills Combo Camp 1 & 2 – Mar 8-10. Lean life skills that will keep you alive in an emergency, accident or natural disaster. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382 or Camp-TonkawaTexas.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13 Kids’ Camps – Mar 13-15. Western Days (9-13 yrs old): Main emphasis on horses, then the Cowboy and Indian way of life. Spring Nature Camp (7-14 yrs old): Connecting children to nature through fun games and activities. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc., 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Details: 940-440-8382 or CampTonkawaTexas.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19Weston A. Price Foundation Workshop – 6-7:30pm. With Drs. Christy Porterfield and Jennifer Taylor. Learn the nutrition value of a grain-free diet, what food items to select, recipes and how to prepare them for optimal nutrition. Free. HealthWorks, 2317


ongoingcalendarNOTE: All calendar events must be received by noon on the 9th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at NA-NTX.com (within advertising section).

sundaySunday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-231-3993.Teen/Adult Horse Club – 11am-5pm. Do you have horse experience, but wish to ride and learn more? Join the Camp Tonkawa Horse club. This Sunday club is for Adults, children come on Saturdays, Home-schoolers on Mondays. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. For restrictions & details: 940-440-8382 or Camp-TonkawaTexas.com/Classes/Horse_club.shtml. Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm, Sun & Sat. A self-guided tour to learn about the animals that call In-Sync home. Helpful volunteers available to answer any questions. $10/adult, $7/senior (65+), $7/child (4-12), free/under 4. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. InSyncExotics.com.Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group – 2-3pm. 3rd Sun. Get info on local resources, education and support. Open to anyone whose loved one may be affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Autumn Leaves of McKinney, 175 Plateau Dr, McKinney. 972-542-0606. [email protected] Explore Family Club – 3-4pm. 1st Sun. Also 1st Mon, 9-10am. Event aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, age-appropriate activities. Free. Environmental Educa-tion Center, 4116 W Plano Pkwy, Plano. Register: LiveGreenInPlano.obsres.com.Transition Dallas Meeting – 6pm. 4th Sun. A group of people interested in learning to live resiliently and sustainably within our neighborhoods. At many of our meetings we have re-skilling sessions, so we can revive the skills that enabled our grandparents to be self-sufficient within their communities. For meeting location & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: [email protected].

mondayOvereaters Anonymous – 12pm. Weekly Mon-Fri. A 12-step recovery program for compulsive eating.

5K Warrior Dash: Mar 22, Smithville

Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St, Plano. 972-238-0333.Angela’s Open Mic Night – 6pm. Grab your guitar, keyboard, banjo, etc and come show us what you got. Also offer live music every Thurs, Fri & Sat in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where we feature comfort food and great spirits. Free. Angela’s at the Crosswalk, 1010 E 15th, Plano. 972-633-9500. AngelasCrosswalk.com. Beekeeping Meeting – 6:30pm. 2nd Mon. Beginner to experienced keepers welcome, ages 8-80. Free. Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association meets at Heard-Craig Center, 205 W Hunt St, McKinney. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-843-8084. CCHBA.org.Monday Night Ride at Arbor Hills – 6:30pm. Bring bike, helmet and light. Meet at the trail head at Arbor Hills. More info: DORBA.org.Native Plant Society Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Mon. Guest speakers on topics related to native plants and habitats. Free. Dallas Chapter Native Plant Society. REI Outdoor Equipment Store, 4515 LBJ Frwy, Dallas. 866-527-4918.Open Stage – 7pm-12am. An opportunity to practice performance on a stage with an engaged and sup-portive audience. Performers sign up to show off their skills in a 5-min time slot, which we film and share with the performer to help hone their craft. After variety show, practice any and all types of performing art. $5 cover, 21+. House of Poets, 580 W Arapaho Rd, Ste 199, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.

tuesdayHealthy Eating Tours – 10am & 4pm. Learn how to make healthier choices, using our ANDI scor-ing system. Learn how to read labels; build menus around plant-based foods low in fat to ensure highly nutrient dense meals. Whole Foods Market, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.Dallas Museum of Art – 11am-3pm. 1st Tues. Pro-gramming designed specifically for children age 5 and under and their families, but all ages welcome. Art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities. Free. Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas. 214-922-1200. Meet and Greet: Healthy Kids Pediatrics – 12-12:30pm. 1st Tues. Come meet our providers. An informal gathering of parents interested in meeting Dr. Deborah Bain and Nurse Practitioners, Christie Potter, CPNP and Jessica Drain, FNP-BC. A time to bring your questions regarding Healthy Kids Pediatrics. Free. Healthy Kids Pediatrics, 4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco. To confirm atten-dance: 972-294-0808. HealthyKidsPediatrics.com. Yoga for Runners – 6:45-7:45pm. 20-wk program, less than $8/session. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

Coit Rd, Ste B, Plano. RSVP required: 972-612-1800. HealthWorksTX.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 225K Warrior Dash – 8:30am. Course is composed of 12 intense and grueling obstacles including tee-tering traverse, rubber ricochet, road rage, muddy mayhem, Normandy military crawl and warrior roast. Spectators welcome to enjoy the live entertain-ment throughout the day and watch the participants tackle the obstacles near the finish line. 578 FM 153, Smithville (SE of Austin). WarriorDash.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 275th Annual Texas Alternative Energy and Trans-portation Conference & Expo – Mar 27-29. Features an expo hall, ride and drive vehicles and exciting roundtable sessions that highlight the latest alterna-tive fuel and advanced vehicle technologies. Enjoy speakers and fleets from across Texas and the nation. Irving Convention Center, 500 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving. AltCarExpoTexas.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

SATURDAY, MARCH 29Natural HealthFest – 9am-5pm; ticket sales from 8am. Learn how to improve your health, energy, memory and mood with safe natural methods. More than 100 exhibits showcase health professionals, innovations in wellness, free screenings, natural foods and product samples. More fun: pet adoption (weather per-mitting), great prizes, and live radio broadcasts. $8/person (2 for $15); $7/seniors. Plano Centre, 2000 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. 972-372-0603 or 877-262-7843. NaturalHealthFest.com.

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Detox Your Home With Plants – 10am-12pm. Learn easy and decorative ways to clean the air in your home and dispose of common toxins with easy to grow plants. $5. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP by Mar 24: 214-731-9795 or [email protected] Natural Health Lecture – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn easy and natural ways to help prevent, or recov-er from illnesses or injuries. Free. The King Institute, 3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244 Carrollton. Must RSVP by Mar 24: 214-731-9795 or [email protected].


Kurt Thomas Gymnastics Invitational: Feb 22-23, Grapevine

Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant So-ciety of Texas Meeting – 7pm. 2nd Tues. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-380-4030. HeardMuseum.org.PTAS Chapter Meetings – 7pm, refreshments; 7:30pm, meeting & program. 4th Tues, Sept-Nov & Jan-May. All meetings and other activities open to everyone. PTAS offers interesting programs and wonderful guest speakers at our meetings that bring a great variety of expertise and excitement to the membership. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Program details: PrairieAndTimbers.org.Public Knowledge – 7pm. 1st Tues. Adults cel-ebrating brains and brews through conversation and presenters from diverse fields in science and history. Different bar or restaurant location each month. For location details: FWMuseum.org/PublicKnowledge.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYSSOAR Addiction Recovery Group – 7-8pm. Supportive Ongoing Addiction Recovery group sessions use a holistic and integrative approach for building skills to support addiction recovery. Free if no insurance. DayRise Recovery, 200 W Boyd, Ste D, Allen 972-359-1600.

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Learn More About Essential Oils – 7-9pm. 3rd Tues. Essential oils increase oxygen, enhance nutri-tion absorption, control flu, staph, viruses, mold and more. Keep your home healthier without dangerous chemicals. Free. North Texas YL Fellowship, 4501 W Oak Shores Dr, Crossroads. Other locations coming soon. RSVP requested, Laura Martin: 214-680-7196.Dance, Dance, Dance – 7-9:15pm. Dance hosts available to dance with unescorted ladies. Refresh-ments served. $5. Plano Senior Recreation Center, 401 W 16th St, Plano. Details: 972-941-7155 or PlanoSeniorCenter.org. Cirque Out – 8-10pm. A weekly circus-skill en-thusiast work out. Work on your hooping, spinning, juggling and general tomfoolery. Nice weather loca-tion: The Richardson Civic Center, 411 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson. Bad weather location: The Peace Pipe Hookah Lounge, 580 W Arapaho, Ste 181, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awaken-ings: 214-494-0952.

wednesdayNature Awareness Club – 9:30am-2:30pm. 2nd Wed &/or Thurs; Club members choose one day each month. Learn about our local North Texas plants and animals, through activities, games, and nature walks. Bring your Nature Journals and pen-cils. Children 4 & up. $15. Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center, Inc, 1036 CR 203, Collinsville. Pre-registration required, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-440-8382.Christian Women Business Networking – 11am-1pm. 1st Wed. Fellowship and networking with other professional Christian women, to draw us closer together. We meet monthly over lunch, for prayer, inspiration and a “Spiritual Vitamin.” Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Rd, Dallas. For res-ervation & details, mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: ExceptionalWomen.org.Business Networking Meeting – 11:30am-1pm. North Dallas Networkers lunchtime networking meeting. Come see one of the best run and most fun networking groups in DFW. $15 includes lunch and a beverage. No charge for the meeting. Membership requirements explained at the meeting. Picasso’s Restaurant, 18160 N Dallas Pkwy, Dallas. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings. Restaurant: 972-248-0011. Vicki Knutson: 214-587-3786.Breastfeeding Cafe – 12-1pm. Designed to offer support to all nursing mothers from newborn chal-lenges to toddler strikes, all breastfeeding moms welcome to join us to chat about breastfeeding at all ages and stages of nursing. Cafe is attended by a Certified Lactation Counselor and/or Le Leche League Leader. Baby scale available to do before and after weights. You may turn up at any time during the cafe to ask your questions. Free. 3253 Independence Pkwy, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-371-5448.Frisco Noon Lions Club – 12-1pm. 2nd & 4th Wed. Friendships, fun and fulfilling. Come share the joy of community involvement and fellowship while helping make the world a better place. Designed for busy small business owners and professional and works well for the time conscious individual (stay at home mom, student, retiree). All welcome, ages 18 & up. Free. Buy own lunch if wish to eat. For details, Brandy Miles & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-335-2487 or [email protected] History Brown Bag Series – 12:30-1:30pm. 1st Wed. Presented by Annie Royer. A look at the “isms” including cubism, romanticism, mod-

ernism and impressionism. How did one “ism” influence the next? How did artists influence and challenge each other? Series will heighten one’s appreciation of art and provide insight into the mind of the artist. Free. Heard-Craig Carriage House located, 205 1/2 W Hunt St, McKinney. 972-569-6909.Discussion on Headaches – 1-2pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Headaches: 3 causes of them and methods used for reduction. Free. Synergy Balance, Frankford Rd & Pear Ridge Dr. Must RSVP 24 hrs prior, Bryan Asby: 972-387-4700.Adults with Special Needs Cooking Classes – 6-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Call for details. Space limited. $10. Market Street Culinary School, 6100 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney. Reserve spot now & mention Natural Awakenings North Texas: 972-548-5167.Evening Social Runs/Walks – 6:30pm. Post party new restaurant each 6 weeks. All levels welcome. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.Organic Society Meeting – 6:30pm, seed & info exchange; 7pm, meeting. 3rd Wed. Denton Organic Society. Denton Senior Center, 509 N Bell Ave, Denton. 940-382-8551.Sport Watch Tech Clinics – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. Garmin, Polar, Nike, Times, Moto, Soleus. Luke’s Locker, 959 Garden Park Dr, Allen. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.

thursdayFree Admission & Wildlife Program – 9am-9pm. 3rd Thurs. Admission and parking free. 7:15pm, Special Program: Saving Our Birds, The work of the Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. 214-309-5801.Lunch Hour Yoga – 11:30am-12:20pm. Class utilizes the Franklin Method and Smart Spine along with various types of yoga for relaxation and reju-venation. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.CPR Training – 6-8pm. American Heart Training Center with 125 trained instructors. Texas CPR Training, 4013 Carrizo, Plano. 214-770-6872. TexasCPR.com.Dallas Organic Gardening Club – 6:30pm, re-freshments; 7pm, meeting. 4th Thurs. Free. REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas. DOGC.org.


Fitness in the Square (FITS): Part of Be Fit Frisco – 6:30-7:30pm. A free one-hour exercise class in the courtyard in front of Frisco City Hall. For kids 10+ to adults. Bring water, towel, and appropriate clothing and shoes. The type of workout changes each month. Bring your family and move together. Be Fit Frisco, Frisco City Hall Square, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. 972-292-6501.Essential Oils Class – 6:45-7:30pm. 3rd Thurs. From Seed to Seal. If you don’t know your seed you don’t know your oil. Learn what the ancients used to remove moles, warts, skin tags, age spots and more. Free. LED Skin Care Center, 3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111, Inside Ova-tion Boutiques, Plano. RSVP; class size lim-ited: 214-587-3786. LEDSkinCareCenter.com. Power Yoga – 6:45-7:45pm. In conjunction with Luke’s Locker Allen, class meets at Allen Yoga Center, 915 Market St, Allen. Details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-854-6244.Dallas Down-River Club Meeting – 7pm. 3rd Thurs. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting club. Roma’s, 7402 Greenville Ave, Dallas. 214-373-0500. More info, Dale Harris: 972-680-2727 or [email protected]’s Only Pilates – 8pm. Class utilizes all the Pilates equipment. $15. Pilates for Life, 103 W Belmont Dr, Allen. 214-704-3070.

fridayYoga Nidra – 4pm & 6pm. 3rd Fri. Combining the most relaxing form of yoga with the restorative pow-ers of salt therapy. Space limited; book early. Session includes salt therapy and yoga mat. Ask about 2014 New Yoga Classes. $42. Salt Escape, 2100 Dallas Pkwy, Plano. 972-378-4945. SaltEscape.com.Free Mom & Kids Yoga – 5:30-6pm. 1st Fri. Find out how our Multisensory Kids Yoga can help im-prove your child’s focus and grades while keeping you both fit at the same time. SMARTS Club, 8780 Preston Trace Blvd, Frisco. Registration required & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-872-8592.Free Community Yoga – 6-7pm. 1st Fri. Suitable for all levels. Learn to breathe, relax and renew. Space limited. Free. Transform U Fitness, 1565 W Main St, Lewisville. Pre-registration required: 972-849-9666.Acoustic Jam Session – 7pm. Weekly open jam and song circle. All acoustic instruments and levels

welcome. All music genres welcome. Sponsored by the Visual Art League of Lewisville. Free. MCL Grand, 100 N Charles, Lewisville. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 469-444-0825.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYSSOAR Addiction Recovery Group – 7-8pm. Supportive Ongoing Addiction Recovery group sessions use a holistic and integrative approach for building skills to support addiction recovery. Free if no insurance. DayRise Recovery, 200 W Boyd, Ste D, Allen 972-359-1600.

savethedate

Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natu-ral Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco. 214-705-9600.Community Dance – 7-9:30pm. 2nd & 4th Fri. Live Music, varied styles. Fun for all ages 21 and up. $5/person Denton Senior Center, 509 North Bell Ave, Denton. For details & mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 940-349-8720.Square and Round Dance for Fitness and Fun – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Individuals and couples of all ages welcome. Texas Reelers, 820 W Arapaho, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awaken-ings: 972-235-1400.

Cowtown Marathon: Feb 21-23, Fort Worth

saturdayDenton Rugby – We are always looking for new recruits in Dallas Fort Worth Area. Email for more info about how to join. Currently we have players that live in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Keller, Southlake, Frisco and many others. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings to Jason Millerd: [email protected]. Pathfinders Fun Cycling – A free, non-competitive riding group for all cycling skill levels. Short, weekly bicycle rides for the purpose of fun and exercise. All rides held on the weekend, less than 20 miles and include a food destination and a “no rider left behind” policy. Routes and destinations change each week. For more info: Facebook.com/CycleHighlandVillage.Operation Kindness – 3rd Sat. No Kill animal shelter brings animals for adoption. Weather per-mitting. Whole Foods Market, outside store, 2201 Preston Rd, Plano. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-612-6729.Saturday Morning Rides – Various start times and lengths. Richardson Bikemart, Southeast corner of Campbell Rd & Coit Rd, in the front parking lot. Men-tion North Texas Natural Awakenings: 972-231-3993. Small Fry Sports Classes – A skills and develop-mental sports class for boys and girls ages 3 & 4. Each month offers a different sport which allows children to develop new skills and gain exposure to all sports offered at the Y. Parents participate alongside their child during this fun and active class. $20/YMCA Family Member, $40/everyone else. Frisco Family YMCA, 3415 Main St, Frisco. Trey Gilmore: 214-297-9622.Recycling: Electronics – 9-11am. The city of Plano encourages residents to bring all old electronic de-vices (not being used) to this site for proper disposal. For details, location & mention North Texas edition of Natural Awakenings: 972-769-4150.Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Waste Collection Program – 9am-12pm. 2nd Sat. For Lewisville residents; must bring driver’s license for proof of residency. A convenient, safe and environ-mentally sound way to get rid of waste materials that should not be put into the landfill. City of Lewisville Residential Convenience Center, 330 W Jones St. CityOfLewisville.com.Collin County Winter Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Features Texas-grown produce and meats, locally made products and a community


classifiedsFor fees and info on placing classifieds, email [email protected]. Deadline is noon on the 9th of the month.

FOR SALE

Pride JAZZY Select Elite Power Wheelchair – Like new and virtually unused since only used for two months. Kept and used inside. Midnight blue color. $1,600 or OBO; originally $5,300. 469-633-1587.

HELP WANTED

SALESPEOPLE WANTED – If you’re not afraid of straight commissioned sales and feel confident of your abilities, Natural Awakenings North Texas magazine may be right for you. Earn a generous commission and unlimited income selling adver-tising packages. Relationship-oriented sales; must like talking to people. Open territories in Denton and Collin counties. Will train and coach. Full and part-time sales positions available. Send resume to [email protected].

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

FOR LEASE – UPSCALE OFFICE PROPERTY – Customize this 1,600 sq ft space to suit your professional or medical office needs. Free stand-ing building with one side currently occupied by a dental office. Great location. Excellent visibility. In Carrollton just minutes from highways 121 and 35. Call Ms. Krishan: 832-545-1243.

center to learn about green and healthy living. Fair-view Farms, 3314 N Central Expressway, Plano. 970- 209-4694.Free One-Hour Seminars – 10am. Topics: garden-ing, beekeeping, rainwater collection, goat milking, poultry. Ploughshare Institute for Sustainable Liv-ing, 7781 Gholson Rd, Waco. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 254-754-9663.Second Saturday for Youth – 10-11:30am. For youngsters aged 4-10; children 6 & under must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, A/V Classroom, 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman. Reservations necessary: 903-786-2826.Kid’s Fish – 11am-1pm. Ages 4-11. The opportunity to go outside to our pond and do some live fishing (weather permitting). If bad weather will have a scavenger hunt. Free. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, 2501 Bass Pro Dr, Grapevine. 972-724-2018. Visit the Cats – 11am-6pm. See Sun listing. In-Sync Exotics, 3430 Skyview Dr, Wylie. 972-442-6888. InSyncExotics.com.Homestead Open House – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Time subject to change during heat of summer. The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Volunteers on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. Regular admission to LLELA: $5/person; free/age 5 &

under. No additional charge for tour. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. 972-219-7980.Kayak down the Elm Fork – 12-3pm. 3rd Sat. Whether have lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here. Kayak Power provides equipment and instruction followed by a 6-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, 201 E Jones St, Lewisville. Reserva-tion required: 214-669-1663.Frisco Humane Society Adoption – 12-4pm. 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat. We invite you to meet and greet some of the wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption from Frisco Humane Society. PetSmart in Frisco, 3333 Preston Rd. 972-498-8980.Heard Nature Photographers Club – 1:30pm. 2nd Sat. Speakers and discussions. Topics include how-to and technique discussions and travelogue presentations. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. More info: 972-462-7314.SpinFest – 3-7pm. 3rd Sat. A free, open event hosted by Creative Motion to explore circus skills with the public. Learn to juggle, hula hoop, or spin poi, staves, or flags. Heights Park Arapaho Rd at Floyd Rd, Richardson. Mention North Texas Natural Awakenings: 214-494-0952.Sunday Mountain Bike Group Ride – 6pm. Open to all levels. Informal and leaderless. Food, fun and riding. Food served after the riding. Location changes weekly. For details & location: [email protected] Star Party – 6:30-9:30pm. 1st Sat. Bring the whole family. Star parties begin at sunset, weather permitting. Free. Spring Park, Jonandrea Ln, Garland. TASObserving.org.Live Music – 7-9pm. Live music and delicious treats: blended or hot coffee, delicious hot cocoa, Collin County’s award-winning specialty bakery treats, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream, fresh baked cookies, cakes and bakery sweets. Free. For details & to confirm happening, mention North Texas Natu-ral Awakenings: Coffee N Cream, 11660 Legacy Dr, Frisco, 214-705-9600; and 190 E Stacy Rd, Allen. 972-678-2626.Frisco StarFest – Sunset-10:30pm. 2nd Sat. Ap-proximately a dozen telescopes will be set up for your viewing pleasure. Weather permitting. Free. Frisco Commons Park. TASObserving.org.

Irish Festival: Feb 28-Mar 2, Dallas

dailyFirst Aid Classes, CPR & Babysitter Train-ing – Various days. Monthly at various branches. For specific info on cost, space availability, times: YMCADallas.org.Dallas Farmers’ Market – 8am-6pm. Year round. One-stop shop for all your produce, meat, floral and specialty-food needs. Farmers from 150 miles around come to give you the chance to “buy locally.” 1010 S Pearl Expwy, Dallas. DallasFarmersMarket.org.

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Connecting you with local businesses and experts in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email [email protected] . ( Leaf symbol indicates green business. Dollar symbol represents businesses offering coupons through NA-NTX.com/DFWDeals)

acne soluTionsled skin care cenTer3645 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 111Plano 75093214-587-3786, LEDSkinCareCenter.com

21st century solutions for Acne, Hair Growth, Hair Removal, Anti-Aging, Non-Surgical Face Lift,

Detoxing Body Wraps, Hydration and more. Non-toxic, safe, no downtime and real results from the inside out. Light years ahead of the rest, we're your path to fl awless skin, one cell at a time.

acuPuncTureacuPuncTure For WoMenJane Liu, L.Ac., MD (China)5850 Town and Country Blvd, Ste 101Frisco 75034214-662-2267 • Acupuncture4Women.net

Over 28 years combin ing experience of both eastern and western medicine by well-trained gyneco log i s t f rom China . Specializing in fertility and IVF/IUI enhancement, recurrent pregnancy loss, PCOS, endo-

metriosis, aging eggs, low ovarian reserve, elevated FSH level and more.

daPhne acuPuncTure cenTerDaphne Su, L.Ac.4101 Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 200, Plano 75024972-665-8618 • DaphneAcupunctureCenter.com

I'm a third generation Chinese Medicine doctor (China) and dedicated to helping people live a physically healthy and emotionally balanced life. Through acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, I help my patients with pain

management as well as relief from allergies, arthritis, asthma, Bell's palsy, fibromyalgia, insomnia, infertility, high blood pressure, headaches and more.

PaTTi carey, l.ac.Acupuncture, Herbs & Nutrition2121 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Ste 107Plano 75023972-704-3730 • PattiCareyLAC.com

After years in Western medicine, I fi nally found a way to really help people heal, relieve pain and reduce stress. In my practice I utilize acupuncture (with or without needles), herbal medicine, nutrition and energetics to help you create and maintain the

healthy body you deserve. See ad, page 28.

addicTion servicesdayrise recovery Michael O’Neal, LCDC, CCDS200 W Boyd, Ste D, Allen 75013972-359-1600 • DayRiseRecovery.com

Addressing addiction from a holistic/medical integrative perspective allows for highly effective and individualized substance abuse treatments, resulting in greater success rates than traditional therapies. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, then

call now for a free consultation. See ad, page 31.

chiroPracTic

sPinal decoMPression and chiroPracTic cenTerDr. Vince Baugher, D.C.2500 Lillian Miller Pkwy, Denton 76210940-484-6336 • SpinalDecompression.net

In delivering quality chiropractic care, our approach is simple, gentle and relaxing. We have been able to save literally hundreds of patients from surgery with the new technology of Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 11.

synergy Balance Dr. Cecilia Yu, D.C.; NUCCA practitioner12740 Hillcrest Road, Ste 138, Dallas 75230972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com

By aligning the first vertebrae through a precise NUCCA adjustment, Dr. Yu eliminates nerve interference from the brain stem. Such interference can manifest itself in any manner including Scoliosis, skin conditions, behavioral disorders, herniated discs or joint

problems. Unlike traditional chiropractic, even traditional upper-cervical chiropractic, there is no popping, cracking or twisting and a NUCCA adjustment holds longer which means you return far less often. See ad, page 9.

coMPrehensive healThcarehealThWorks2317 Coit Road, Ste B, Plano 75075972-612-1800

Whole body & lifestyle healthcare rejuvenating your body from the inside out. Comprehensive healthcare—naturally. Visit our website to view our schedule of free workshops. See ad, page 15.

communityresourceguide dairy circle n FaMily dairyMichelle and Tommy Neu4 Miles West of I-35; on US 82, Lindsay 76240940-372-0343 • CircleNDairy.com

State-permitted dairy licensed to sell fresh, all natural unprocessed grade A raw milk. Visit us at the farm to learn why our great-tasting, fresh, raw milk is a safe and naturally healthier choice for your family. Call us to schedule a tour to

see a working family farm and be sure to visit our on-site store for fresh raw white and chocolate milk, cream, free-range eggs and more. See ad, page 32.

decluTTering / organiZing services

The decluTTerBugAnita Sisler339-832-1220 • TheDeclutterbug.biz

Now is a perfect time to declutter. Let me help you turn cluttered areas of your home into perfect, peaceful spaces. Moving? I can help you with the process of decluttering while packing up your home and/or unpacking and making your new home cozy.

Serving the North Texas area. See ad, page 26.

denTisTrydenTal sTudio oF carrollTonDrs. Robert and Sandhya 2005 W Hebron Pkwy, Carrollton 75010972-395-0150 • DSofCarrollton.comAnd331 W Harwood Rd, Hurst 76054817-282-4539

Approaching dentistry from a natural, whole body health perspective, we make teeth beautiful, keep them healthy and offer honest education on how balanced structures in the

face/mouth can affect your overall health. Serving adults, children and apprehensive clients, at our state-of-the-art facility we offer the cutting-edge "DNA Appliance"; a small device which addresses snoring and sleep apnea, mercury free fi llings and crowns, teeth whitening, Clear Braces, TMJ pain and much more. See ad, page 25.

educaTionnorTh cenTral TeXas college1525 W California St, Gainesville 76240940-668-7731 • nctc.edu

Dedicated to student success and institutional excellence by encouraging student ach ievement th rough a f f o r d a b l e , q u a l i t y education, stimulating

learning environments and comprehensive student support. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools. Campuses located in Gainesville, Corinth, Flower Mound, Bowie and Graham.


WilloW Bend acadeMy2220 Coit Rd, Ste 500, Plano 75075972-599-7882 • WillowBendAcademy.comAnd101 E Southwest Pkwy, Ste 101Lewisville 75067972-436-3839 • WillowBendAcademy.com

SACS accredited e d u c a t i o n a l alternative that

offers individual-ized, mastery-based instruction for grades 4-12. On-campus and Home Study options. Middle and High School International are Students welcome. We provide Form I-20.

green PesT conTrol

naTural PesT soluTions 214-763-2758 • GuysInGreen.com

Eco-friendly residential and commercial pest control using botanical products. We control all types of insect pests including

termites, mosquitoes, ants, roaches and fl eas without the use of harsh, dangerous chemicals. We offer programs from a single pest one time treatment to a comprehensive total protection plan. Call to schedule your Free inspection. See ad, page 12.

hair salon

hair color sTudios 9200 E Lebanon Rd, Ste 32, Frisco 75035214-436-4955 • HairColorStudios.com

Our coloring stylists love to work with the wonder-

ful alternative products we have that are made from natural extracts and yogurt. These exquisite products, such as NAYO, Neuma and Moroccan Oil, actually do improve your hair quality so we in turn can help you look your most radiant while you're out-and-about. Whether you're simply sensitive to some of those harsher chemical lines or just want vibrant, beautiful, healthy hair you'll love our natural approach to how we treat your hair and overall beauty. Ask about free color consultation. See ad, page 30.

healThy diningThe salad sToP3685 Preston Rd, Frisco 75034 972-377-7867Fresh and nutritious, locally grown food.

healThy kidsBrain Balance achieveMenT cenTers Debby Romick1501 Preston Rd, Ste 501, Plano 75093972-248-9482 • BrainBalancePlano.com

The Brain Balance Program brings hope to families of children who suffer with behavioral, academic and social challenges. We special-ize in a drug-free, research-based, multi-faceted approach to address the underlying issues of the many

disorders that impact our children today. Each child has a unique combination of functional weaknesses that impact motor, sensory, immune, visual-spatial, auditory, and cognitive development. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive assessment. See ad, page 13.

holisTic denTisTrydenTal arTs oF Plano Dr. Angela Han, DDS4701 W Park Blvd, Ste 201, Plano 75093 972-985-4450 • DentalArtsOfPlano.com

Dr. Han specializes in cosmetic and Holistic dentistry including mercury-free fi llings and the safe removal of old mercury-based fi llings, metal-free crowns, digital x-rays, help for sleep apnea and TMJ, veneers and Invisalign, the

clear alternative to braces. Her Holistic approach involves looking at the entire person during evaluation, and always talking with you about the material to be used in your mouth. See ad, page 6.

holisTic veTerinarianPaWs & claWs PeT hosPiTalShawn Messonnier2145 W Park Blvd, Plano 75075972-867-8800 • PetCareNaturally.com

Offering drug-free treatments, anti-aging medicine, holistic anesthesia, and blood testing for early diagnosis of cancer in healthy pets. See ads, pages 26 and 38.

inTernal MedicinePriMary care and inTernal Medicine oF Frisco5858 Main St, Ste 210, Frisco 75033972-377-8695Highest ethical and clinical standards of care while providing exceptional attention to every patient.

kid FiT – kid Fun sPorTs Training

JuMPsTreeT indoor TraMPoline Park6505 W Park Blvd, Ste 200, Plano 75093972-378-5867 • GotJump.com

Burn up to 1000 calories an hour, strengthen your whole body and have a blast doing it. This fun is not just for kids. Huge trampoline jumping areas where you can literally

bounce off the walls. Try trampoline dodge ball, a life-size maze, or rope-swing, slide or bounce into a huge foam pit. Special bounce and play area for kids under 7. You've got to see it to believe it. Open jumps, birthday parties, corporate team building and aerobics classes. See ad, page 43.

legal services & assisTancelegal shield indePendenT associaTe M79.LegalShieldAssociate.com

U n e x p e c t e d l e g a l questions arise every day and with LegalShield on your side, you’ll have

access to a high-quality law fi rm for as little as $20 a month. From real estate to document review, speeding tickets to will preparation, and more, our attorneys are here to advise you with any legal matter - no matter how traumatic or how trivial it may seem. Learn more by visiting our website. See ad, page 16.

Massage

3T’s (TJ’s TerriFic Touch)Teel Parkway, Frisco 75034 469-237-4289 • TJ4ttts.com

Specializing in Swedish massage for overall body relaxation and deep tissue massage for tense knotted muscles, an affordable 3T’s massage can help relieve stress commonly associated with a hectic lifestyle. See ad, page 32.

Massage sPace7000 Independence Pkwy, Ste 180Plano 75025972-612-5363 • Massage-Space.com

Seven different types of m a s s a g e t h e r a p y f o r rejuvenation and energy. See ad, page 17.

nerve TheraPy

scienTiFic TheraPy cenTer Ida Cipriano, OTR1441 Coit Rd, Ste C, Plano 75075972-867-0600 • ScientificTherapy.com

Neuropathy treatment that lasts. No medication or surgery. Also safe and effective for facial palsy, carpal tunnel, diabetic ulceration, incontinence and more. Most insurance accepted. See ad, page 42.

I have decided to stick with love.

Hate is too great a burden to bear.~Martin Luther King, Jr.


resTauranTsshandiZ MediTerranean grill & MarkeT4013 W Parker Rd, Plano 75093972-943-8885Halal meats, fresh produce, groceries and fl at bread baked on-site.

solar & alTernaTive energyToTal Wind & solar Offices and service throughout D/FW866-631-5934

Total Wind & Solar offers consu l ta t ion , des ign , installation and service of alternative energy and

rainwater harvesting systems based on your actual needs. Serving the North Texas-D/FW area.

sPa

salT escaPe2100 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 140, Plano 75075972-378-4945 • SaltEscape.com

Adults and children can relax in our salt rooms while breathing in natural salt with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties,

accelerating nasal clearance and improving lung function. Separate salt playroom with viewing window for children. Salt room yoga, onsite massage therapy and onsite refl exology available. See ad, page 16.

sPiriTual develoPMenTkaBBalah cenTre oF dallas17370 Preston Rd, Ste 470, Dallas 75252214-446-0251 • Facebook.com/KabbalahDallas

The Kabbalah Centre offers introductory and advanced courses that will show you ways around the limitations of rational thought, and push you beyond your box. The kabbalistic lens offers a rarely seen perspective by which you can

dramatically improve the quality of your life - and the world around you. Visit our bookstore, call us or visit us on Facebook for upcoming courses and events. See ad, page 21.

shir Tikvah reForM synagogue7700 Main St, Frisco 75034214-500-8304, • ShirTikvahFrisco.orgServices are held on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. Every service welcomes children of all ages. Religious school classes take place on Sunday mornings during school year. Visit website for service schedule. See ad, page 41.

sT. PhiliP’s ePiscoPal6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco 75034214-387-4700 • StPhilipsFrisco.org

Sunday services, community programs, job ministry, preschool, and St. Philip’s Academy “K” class.

neuroFeedBackThe saMs cenTerDr. Marvin Sams972-612-0160 • GreatBrain.com

The Sams Center specializes in evidence based, non-drug therapy for ADD/ADHD, learning issues, chronic Depression and Anxiety, Asperger’s and Autism, epilepsy, Bipolar, and OCD. Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave

analysis) detects and defi nes the neurological issues; NeuroMatrix Neural Effi ciency TrainingTM safely remediates and optimizes brain function. Find out more today. See ads, pages 19 and 33.

nuTriTionsynergy BalanceDr. Cecilia Yu, D.C.; NUCCA practitioner12740 Hillcrest Rd, Ste 138, Dallas 75230972-387-4700 • MySynergyBalance.com

Are you getting enough antioxidants from your food or supplements? With a simple scan of your palm, I can empower you with an easy to understand report of

how effective your nutrition actually is. No needles and safe for children and adults. See ad, page 9.

PediaTricshealThy kids PediaTrics4851 Legacy Dr, Ste 301, Frisco, 75034972-294-0808 • HealthyKidsPediatrics.com

Where your child’s health is our passion! Offering a full range of pediatric services integrating conventional and natural medicine for your child’s optimal health. See ad, page 7.

radio shoW

healThy By naTure radio shoWMartie Whittekin; Certified Clinical NutritionistSaturday 8am • KWRD 100.7 FM

Interviews with authors, doctors and other experts about natural approaches to health and happiness. Listener calls are always welcome. Archives of past shows available on HBNShow.com. See ad, inside front cover.

real esTaTegillian cunninghaM, Broker associaTePrivate Label Realty6900 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 110, Plano 75024469-269-2754 • GillianCunningham.com

Thinking about selling or buying a home? I can take you from “For Sale to Sold!” Maximize your home equity with property preparation tips, staging assistance, optimal exposure. Buyer Representation – at no cost to you. Got a real estate question?

[email protected]. See ad, page 5.

TherMograPhyTherMograPhy cenTer oF dallasDr. Genie Fields5220 Spring Valley Rd, Ste 405, Dallas 75254214-352-8758 • ThermographyCenter.com

Screening with thermography can detect abnormalities, many times 8-10 years before other screening methods. Non-invasive. No radiation. See ad, page 17.

TkMThe king insTiTuTeDr. Glenn King3740 N Josey Ln, Ste 244, Carrollton 75007800-640-7998, KingInstitute.org/TKM

TKM is natural and effective care that's changing lives for people battling immune, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, cancer, migraines, pain and more. See ad, page 26.

WaTerWaTersedge sTrucTured WaTerTwenty First Century Health972-855-8711 • TwentyFirstCenturyHealth.com

Better health through state-of-the-art water. Cutting edge tech-nology. Call us or visit

our website to learn more about how improving your home’s water can improve your health.

WeighT losscreaTing healThy liFesTylesWeight Management & Wellness ConsultingSonja Kabell, Certified Weight Loss Consultant972-935-6484 • SonjaKabell.com

Ready to slim down? Don't want a one size fits all program? Tired of struggling? We create a customized program just for you. Provide accountability, dietary guidance, weight loss tools, supplementation, activity,

meal planning, strategies and much more. You can be a slim you, for life! Call today for more information.

Wellness cenTersshaMBhala Wellness cenTer215 E University Dr, Denton 76209940-380-8728 • ShambhalaWellness.com

A true wellness center and oasis for body, mind and spirit. Our caring practitioners really listen and can help you raise the level of wellness you are experiencing. Massage, Reiki, yoga, nutrition and counseling are just some of the modalities we

offer. Book a session, drop in for yoga or join us at one of our educational seminars.


Share Your Vision And Make A Difference In Your CommunityPublish Your Own Natural Awakenings Magazine

• Meaningful New Career• Low Initial Investment• Proven Business System• Home Based Business• Exceptional Franchise

Support & Training

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can enjoy learning about healthy and joyous living while working from your home and earn a good income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. 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.

To determine if owning a Natural Awakenings is right for you and your target community, call us at:

239-530-1377 or visitNaturalAwakeningsMag.com/mymagazine

Phenomenal MonthlyCirculation Growth Since 1994.

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 88 markets across the U.S.

and Puerto Rico.

• Birmingham,AL

• Huntsville,AL

• Mobile/Baldwin,AL*

• LittleRock/HotSpg.,AR*

• Phoenix,AZ

• Tucson,AZ

• EastBayArea,CA

• SanDiego,CA

• Denver/Boulder,CO

• FairfieldCounty,CT

• Hartford,CT

• NewHaven/Middlesex,CT

• Washington,DC

• Daytona/Volusia/Flagler,FL

• NWFLEmeraldCoast

• Ft.Lauderdale,FL

• Jacksonville/St.Augustine,FL

• Melbourne/Vero,FL

• Miami&theFloridaKeys*

• Naples/Ft.Myers,FL

• NorthCentralFL*

• Orlando,FL

• PalmBeach,FL

• PeaceRiver,FL

• Sarasota,FL

• Tampa/St.Pete.,FL

• FL’sTreasureCoast

• Atlanta,GA*

• ChicagoN.Shore,IL

• Indianapolis,IN

• Lafayette,LA

• NewOrleans,LA*

• Boston,MA

• Western,MA*

• AnnArbor,MI

• EastMichigan

• GrandRapids,MI

• WayneCounty,MI

• Minneapolis,MN

• Asheville,NC*

• Charlotte,NC

• LakeNorman,NC

• Triangle,NC

• Central,NJ

• HudsonCounty,NJ

• MercerCounty,NJ

• Monmouth/Ocean,NJ

• NorthNJ

• NorthCentralNJ

• SouthNJ*

• SantaFe/Abq.,NM

• LasVegas,NV

• Albany,NY

• CentralNY

• LongIsland,NY

• Manhattan,NY

• Rockland/Orange,NY

• Westchester/PutnamCo’s.,NY

• CentralOH

• Cincinnati,OH

• Toledo,OH

• OklahomaCity,OK

• Portland,OR*

• Bucks/MontgomeryCounties,PA

• Harrisburg/York,PA

• Lancaster,PA

• LehighValley,PA

• Pocono,PA/WarrenCo.,NJ

• RhodeIsland

• Charleston,SC

• Columbia,SC

• GrandStrand,SC*

• Greenville,SC

• Chattanooga,TN

• Knoxville,TN

• Memphis,TN

• Nashville,TN*

• Austin,TX

• Dallas,TX

• Dallas/FWMetroN

• Houston,TX*

• SanAntonio,TX

• Richmond,VA

• VA’sBlueRidge

• Seattle,WA

• Madison,WI

• Milwaukee,WI

• PuertoRico

*Existingmagazinesforsale

february 2014 - natural awakenings

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