Second Opinion | 1

FREE

MARCH APRIL 2010

40th Anniversary of

April 22, 2010AAAA iill 222 2010Earth DayEarth Day

Second Opinion | 2

Second Opinion | 3

CCoonntteennttss 5 balanced living10 green pages26 happenings in the valley

HEALING FOODS7 Natural Egg Dying

8 Green Tea, the Eighth Wonder of the World

BODY BOOST

12 BONE-afi de Facts about Osteoporosis!

EARTH DAY GUIDE 201016 Green Week

18 Starting Seeds Indoors

20 Saving the Planet, One Household at a Time

22 Green Hospitals

FAMILY FOCUS24 Breathe Green

REJUVENATE25 Eye Wonder...

Offi ce:1927 Ohm AvenueEau Claire, Wisconsin 54701P: 715.831.0325E: a2ndopinion@gmail.comwww.asecondopinionmag.comPublisher/Editor-in-Chief:Arwen RasmussenCopy Editor: Rebecca GorskiManaging Editor:Jen QuinlanStaff Writers:Heather Rothbauer-WanishGraphic Design: Kathy NelsonDistribution:Arkansaw, Barron, Bloom-er, Cameron, Chippewa Falls, Chetek, Colfax, Eau Claire, Eleva, Glenwood City, Hayward, Menomo-nie, Mondovi, Rice Lake, Stanley, Whitehall, Willard

Advertising:Arwen Rasmussen 715.831.0325 a2ndopinion@gmail.com

All articles are the sole property of the writers. Opinions expressed in Second Opinion are the opinions of the writers or advertisers themselves, not the publication or its editors. Second Opinion is not liable for use of any art-work provided by advertis-ers. Please direct concerns to the advertisers.

EDITOR’S NOTE:Spring is in the air, birds are chirping,

and it won’t be too long until the sun shines down and brings to life the tulips, daffodils, and the beginning of another great growing season.

My favorite season is the spring when there is green everywhere and the sun seems to make everyone a bit happier and excited that warmer days are just around the corner.

We hope you fi nd this issue full of great advice and tips for a better, balanced life.

April 22nd is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, so check out our Earth Day guide for some great articles on keeping mother nature green, safe, and happy, and ourselves in balance with her.

Erin LaFaive has a great article on starting seeds early and Meg Marshall has an awesome article on the Eco Teams in our neighborhoods.

You can also rev up your sustainabil-ity with Kenton Whitman’s Green Week article. Great, easy stuff everyone can get into.

Happy Reading!

--Arwen Rasmussen, editor-in-chief

Glitz & Glam715-861-3995

29 W. Spring StreetChippewa Falls, WI 54729

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Where everything makes you say “That’s Adorable!”It’s Spring Cleaning Time ~ Think Green

Reuse, Recycle, Consign! Taking consignments Mondays and Tuesdays. Join us on Facebook Thats Adorable! Be a fan.

You’ll Just Adore Our Low Prices!129 North Barstow · 715-456-6180

Across from Post Offce, Downtown Eau Clairewww.thatsadorable-ec.com

Second Opinion | 4

Govin’s Meats & Berries 5th AnnualLambing Time at the Farm

March 20-21, March 27-28 & April 310 a.m.- 4 p.m.

April 2, 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.Come and enjoy seeing the lambs nursing and bouncing around their mothers. It may even be possible to see a birth. There will be baby

chicks and other baby farm animals to see and touch.

Admission: $5.00/person (under 2 years free)

Group tours available by appointment thru mid April.More info at www.govinsfarm.com

715-231-2377N6134 670th St., Menomonie, WI

East of Menomonie on I-94 to Exit 45, South on Cty B to stop light, then East 1 ½ miles to farm. Or

Hwy 12/29 to 670th St, North on 670th St 1 ½ miles to farm.

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

Time is Running Out!

Saturday, March 20th! 9:30 am

State Theatre– Eau Claire 715-832-ARTS

Order Tickets Now!

Healing Choices Massage and Tai Chi Center2711 Pleasant Street · Eau Claire · 852-0303

www.healingchoices.nutrametrix.com

Free introductory class on Friday, April 23 from 6 to 7 pm at Healing Choices, then on Saturday, 24th we will meet at Sacred Heart Hospital’s main entrance at 9:45 am to practice on the front lawn, (weather permitting) or somewhere inside if not.

World Tai Chi Day is April 24, 2010

Spring Wellness Series every Monday in April from 6 to 7 pm at Healing Choices.

Apr. 5, “Staying Healthy”. Learn how to boost your immune defenses and achieve optimal health.

Apr. 12, “Healthy Kids”. educational demonstration of what healthy eating looks like!

Apr. 19, “Be Good to Your Skin”. Learn to nourish your skin from the inside out.

Apr. 26, “Get ready for that Swimsuit”. Learn how to boost your metabo-lism and eat right for a lifetime! Each class is $15 per person except the Healthy Kids class, where kids are free with one adult - please RSVP # of kids. Or $50 for all 4 classes.

Second Opinion | 5

balanced living Tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life

WHAT’S BIODYNAMIC? Biodynamic products are made without artifi cial pesticides,

hormones, or fertilizers. US executive director of the Demeter Association, which certifi es Biodynamic products like wine, coffee, fl owers, meat, and cheeses, says that some farmers

also enrich their soil with oak bark, dandelions, and horsetail hairs to promote healthier plants and animal feed.

Go green with Lush this spring.Godiva Shampoo Bar – at LUSH, over 60%

of products are “naked” (or free from packaging), including our solid shampoo bars. One bar lasts for up to 70 washes and is equivalent to three 8oz bottles of liquid shampoo. Consider this…if the entire popu-lation of the UK used LUSH’s solid shampoo bars, then the waste of producing and recycling 22 million bottles would be prevented and 6 million metric tons of preserved shampoo would be saved from entering the environment.

Charity Pot – retailing for $20.95, every penny (excluding taxes) from the sale of each pot goes directly into a fund to be donated to handpicked grass root charities and non-violent direct action groups close to LUSH’s heart. The main areas we seek to support are animal protection, environmental con-servation, and humanitarian causes. To date, we have donated over a million dollars to worthy causes.

Vanilla in the Mist soap – a fi rst in the beauty industry, LUSH is proud to announce that all of our soaps are made with a palm oil-free base. Global demand for palm oil, a main ingredient in processed foods as well as soap and cosmetics, is causing the clearing of ancient rainforests, forcing indigenous people off their land and pushing orangutans to the brink of ex-tinction to make room for more palm oil plantations. With demand for palm oil increasing and the problem worsening, LUSH decided that the only responsible thing to do was to reformulate its products to no

longer contain palm oil. LUSH worked for the past three years to develop a soap base that does not contain palm oil, and now all LUSH soaps are made with this palm-free base. The switch to a palm-free soap base has meant that LUSH has reduced the amount of palm oil they use by 133,000 pounds each year. Small amounts of palm oil still exist in some LUSH products but our inventors have committed to fi nding creative ways to remove the oil from our products altogether.

Find out more at www.lushusa.com.

• Every year, upgrades or damage make 100 million cell phones obsolete.

• In 2007, the recycling rate for cell phones was just 10 percent.

• The average life span of a cell phone is 18 months.

• Each year in April, the EPA’s

Plug-In To eCycling program sponsors a “National Cell Phone Recycling Week” to encourage proper phone disposal.

• The world’s largest cell phone recycler, ReCellular, col-lects 25,000 cell phones daily from more than 40,000 collec-tion sites.

Cell Phone Facts:

Second Opinion | 6

More than 3 billion steel aerosol cans are made in the U.S. annually. Theoretically, if everyone recycled these containers, there would be enough extra steel to manufac-ture about 400,000 automobiles.

69%The amount of bpa if you drink from water bottles for 1 week. Swich to stainless steel to de-crease this dangerous endocrine disrupter.

The Truth in Your WaterSome tap water can contain up to 90 con-

taminates. Test your water with Silverlake Re-search’s Watersafe All-in-One Kit, $17 at www.watersafetestkits.com.

This kit will measure levels of bacteria, chlo-rine, lead and pesticides. And its easier than mailing water samples to a lab for testing.

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Second Opinion | 7

HEALING FOODS

Marybeth Buchele HMC/PHC**Homeopathic Master Clinician/Proficient

in Classical Homeopathy500 Main Street Ste 320 Menomonie, WI 54751

715-231-6068www.healthnaturally.biz

Honey, creamed honey, beeswax candles, lip balm, hand cream, beeswax & soap

Douglas & Kim SjostromN469 300th StMaiden Rock, WI715.448.2517

Available at Just Local Food, Eau Claire

Natural Egg DyeingRed cabbage, onion skins, and coffee can be used to trans-

form plain white eggs into colorful Easter gems. Kids can color experiment using hard-boiled eggs and bowls of cold dyes. You may get surprising results, but that’s part of the fun!

Tools and Materials

Natural dyeing agents (red cabbage, turmeric, onion skins, beets, and coffee)

3-quart pot (or larger)White vinegarStrainerSmall bowlsEggsLarge metal spoonPaper towelsDrying rack

Dye RecipesSelect a dyeing agent, and place it in the pot using the amount

listed below. Add 1 quart water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar to pot; if more water is necessary to cover ingredients, propor-tionally increase the amount of vinegar. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Allow the ingredients to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain dye into a bowl.

Red-cabbage dye: 4 cups chopped cabbageTurmeric dye: 3 tablespoons turmericOnion-skin dye: 4 cups onion skins (skins of about 12 onions)Beet dye: 4 cups chopped beetsCoffee dye: 1 quart strong black coffee (instead of water)

Cold-Dipping MethodWith this method, the eggs and the ingredients for the dye are

boiled separately. Using a metal spoon, lower cooled hard-boiled eggs into a bowl of cooled dye, and let them soak for as little as 5 seconds or as long as overnight, depending on the depth of color you desire. Remove eggs with spoon, pat dry with paper towels, and let dry on a wire rack. The cold-dipping method produces subtle, translucent shades, but can result in uneven coloring un-less the eggs are rotated vigilantly while in the dye. For hollow eggs that will last indefi nitely, cold-dip raw eggs, then blow them out after they are dyed.

Boiled MethodThis method involves boiling the eggs with the dye; the heat

allows the dye to saturate the shells, resulting in intense, more uniform color. Set raw eggs in a pot of strained dye; bring to a boil for the amount of time specifi ed in our color glossary. Re-move and dry eggs as with the cold-dipping method.

(Information adapted from www.marthastewart.com)

Color GlossaryDeep Gold: Boil eggs in turmeric solution, 30 min-utes.Sienna: Boil eggs in onion-skin solution, 30 minutes.Dark, Rich Brown: Boil eggs in black coffee, 30 minutes.Pale Yellow: Soak eggs in room-temperature turmeric solution, 30 minutes.Orange: Soak eggs in room-temperature onion-skin solution, 30 minutes.Light Brown: Soak eggs in room-temperature black coffee, 30 minutes.Light Pink: Soak eggs in room-temperature beet solution, 30 minutes.Light Blue: Soak eggs in room-temperature cabbage solution, 30 minutes.Royal Blue: Soak eggs in room-temperature cabbage solution overnight.Lavender: Soak eggs in room-temperature beet solu-tion, 30 minutes. Follow with room-temperature cabbage solution, 30 seconds.Chartreuse: Soak eggs in room-temperature turmeric solution, 30 minutes. Follow with room-temperature cabbage solution, 5 seconds.Salmon: Soak eggs in room-temperature turmeric solution, 30 minutes. Follow with room-temperature onion-skin solution, 30 minutes.

Second Opinion | 8

HEALING FOODS

Green Tea, the Eighth Wonder of the Worldby Jeff Mares, Co-Owner of Infi nitea Teahouse

White tea, red tea, green tea, black tea, hot tea, cold tea, herbals, tisanes, blooming, bricked,

fl owering, spiced, Ceylon, Assam, Lapsang Souchong … There are a lot of teas out there! What does it all mean? And what are their benefi ts?

Let’s start with the basics: “Tea” in the traditional sense, comes from only one family of plant - Camellia sinensis. In the US, we use “tea” to describe any infusion of leaf, fl ower or fruit steeped in hot water. To the rest of the world this is a generalization, and the word “tea” describes only our good friend, Camellia sinensis.

Once the leaf is plucked, it can then become many different things. Primarily, we sort into different levels of oxidation (a fancy word for wilting): White & Green tea (0% Oxidation) to Oolong tea (20-70% Oxidation) to Black and Pu-Erh tea (100% Oxidation).

The Origins of TeaAs a beverage, tea is believed to be

roughly 5,000 years old. The origins of the tea tree are rooted in China and India, but the origins of the beverage vary greatly. Ac-cording to a common and widely accepted legend, tea was said to have been discov-ered by China’s mythical second emperor, Shen-Nung in 2737 BCE. One day while walking through his garden, a dead leaf from a wild tea plant fell into his cup of boiled water, turning it a brownish color.

The emperor drank the tea and found he enjoyed the taste and tea was born.

The World of Green TeaIn the world of tea, there are two major

kinds of green tea, Japanese and Chinese. In Japan, tea is steamed (yes, just like in a steam bath) when it comes into the tea fac-tory. There, it is lightly rolled and then fi red. This gives the resulting beverage a rich green color and delicate fl avor. In China, the majority of green tea is pan roasted instead of steamed. For this reason, Chinese

Luck or Fate: The story goes that the fi rst brewed tea Luck or Fate: The story goes that the fi rst brewed tea occurred in 2737 BC when when Camellia sinensis leaves occurred in 2737 BC when when Camellia sinensis leaves blew into a pot of boiling water. The accidental teameister blew into a pot of boiling water. The accidental teameister

who boiled that water, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, who boiled that water, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, concluded the new brew gave “vigor of body, contentment concluded the new brew gave “vigor of body, contentment

of mind, and determination of purpose.”of mind, and determination of purpose.”

Second Opinion | 9

HEALING FOODS

green teas are less green, both in leaf color and in the cup, than their Japanese counterparts.

In my experience, green tea is the most misunderstood tea by the American audience. At our store, we often are told by patrons that green tea is the bitter/grassy tasting tea that their grandmas give them when they are sick. A few green teas are grassy (such as our Japan Sencha), but none of them, prepared correctly, are bitter.The common bitter taste associated with Green Tea comes from the naturally high level of tannins in Camellia sinensis. Tannins are a bitter and astringent plant polyphenol that causes that dry puckering of the mouth. Tannins in green tea are released only at very high temperatures (as water approaches boiling at sea level) or under long conditions of steeping (generally more than fi ve minutes). For best results, use water that is about thirty degrees less than boiling and steep from one to fi ve minutes.

What Makes Green Tea So Special? The secret of green tea lies in the fact that it is rich in polyphenols and anti-oxidants, particu-larly EGCG. EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant. Besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. EGCG has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Also, because green teas are oxidized less than black or oolong teas, they contain less

caffeine. An average green tea contains roughly 25% that of coffee. Links are also being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-fi ve percent of them are smokers.

Questions: email us at info@infi niteateahouse.com, or stop in to our store at 112 East Grand Avenue in Downtown Eau Claire near Wells Fargo.

Over 170 Healthy

Gift Ideas112 E. Grand Ave., 715-514-1975

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Green Tea Apple Spice InfusionTry this infusion to take the chill our of your day or serve it over ice when its warm. Either way it tastes great and is great for you!Prep: 5 minutes Total: 20 minutesServes 4 to 6

4 cups water2 tablespoons honey1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg1/2 teaspoon freshly grated cinnamon1 Granny Smith apple, seeded and coarsely chopped, plus slices for serving4 strips orange zest, from 1/2 an orange1/3 cup loose green tea

Combine water, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, apple, and orange zest in medium pot; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes.Cover, remove from heat, and let steep 15 minutes. Strain through a fi ne mesh sieve over the green tea leaves, pressing all the juices from the apple. Let steep for 1 minute. Strain out the tea, reheat if necessary, and serve.

Second Opinion | 10

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Ilona Udvari, RMTMaster Teacher in Usui Shiki Ryoho, Seichim, Karuna Ki, and Firefly Reiki

GREEN PAGES...DEDICATED TO BEING NATURAL, GREEN, ORGANIC AND LOCAL

SEATTLE PRIDE COFFEE HOUSE Dr. Oz says, the benefi ts of Chia

Seeds are awesome. Now we want you to know about more super foods!

• Goji BerriesPossibly the highest antioxidant

food on earth, 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E. More beta-carotene than car-rots, more iron than spinach, improves stamina and endurance. Treat them like raisins or make your own juice!

• Maca Powder (mah-cah)Contains 60 potent nutrients, packed

with essential minerals, 18 Amino acids. Increases stamina, combats fatigue, regulates stress factors, is a natural hormone balancer for men & women and is known to boost libido.

• Noni PowderKnown to be an immune booster -

effective against bacteria and fungus.• Acai Berry ( ahh-sigh-ee) Pow-

derMay be the number ONE super

food. Rich in fi ber, supports healthy

joints and healthy infl ammatory processes. Helps mental function and concentration. High levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C & E, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.

• Mangosteen PowderPromotes cardiovascular health,

has anti-viral and naturally anti-biotic compounds. Has anti-infl ammatory (cox-2 inhibitor like Vioxx & Cele-brex but without side effects.)

• Chlorella Powder (clore-ella)More benefi ts than wheat grass,

barley or alfalfa.• Spirulina (Spy-roo-lina) PowderBetter source of protein than beef/

soybeans.• Mesquite PowderBalances blood sugar levels. A di-

gestible protein and vegan pro-biotic. May speed up weight loss.

• Pomegranate PowderMay help in menopausal symptoms

(naturally occurring form of estrogen.) Helps men with impotency and helps protect against prostate cancer.

• Hemp PowderContains 20 known nutrients/amino

acids. Stabilizes blood sugar. Packed with 50% protein. Chocked full of en-ergy, sweet, smooth, and delicious.

• Bee Pollen PowderIncreases energy and boosts the im-

mune system.• Camu Camu PowderHas 600 times more vitamin C than

oranges.• Gota Kola PowderKnown as “The Fountain of Life.”

Supports vein integrity, improves memory, revitalizes nerves, improves refl exes, calms stomach, reduces swell-ing, may be used as a sedative.

• Dandelion Root PowderKnown as the blood purifi er.• Ginkgo Leaf PowderKnown to improve general health of

the brain.Most powders recommended daily in-

take is one teaspoon. Get more detailed information on all of these wonderful super food powders.

Second Opinion | 11

Seattle Pride Coffee House3225 Lorch Avenue(open to the public and located in the Gold’s Gym) 715-

514-4599Note: Chia seeds and Goji Berries dropped my husband,

Dennis’, cholesterol 70 points in 2½ months! See what super powders can do for you!

We make no claims of cures; check with your doctor when adding new foods to your diet.

THAT’S ADORABLEThats’ adorable! I hear that all day long, but then I’m at,

That’s Adorable!, an upscale children’s boutique with new and very gently used items. Located in downtown Eau Claire, at 129 N. Barstow, across from the Post Offi ce. A guest was in the other day and she was on her cell phone telling her friend, “I’m at this great new store , ‘thats affordable’”. It is very afforable, but our rule is it all has to be in great condition and adorable.

I started the store in October of 2008 with my Buckaroo bibs, which are bandana bibs my Mom made for us when we were little. She called them spaghetti bibs so you can wear them even as adults. They are 100% cotton and seem to last forever. We still have some Mom made us. They just get

softer and softer.We have storytime daily from 10:30-10:50am. I have a

passion for children’s literature, and believe children should be raised in a language-rich environment. We are happy to be another place for kids to read.We have hardcover books for only $2 and paperbacks for $1.

We love to celebrate the holidays and are always adding special storytime events with local authors more. Stop in and check us out! We are also on Facebook; please become a fan.

BALDWIN EXPODon’t miss the Natural Health Expo in Baldwin on April

17, from 10 am to 5 pm at the Baldwin Civic Center (415 Maple, Baldwin, WI). There will be vendors, classes, and lots of treats to feed your body and mind! Get back to basics with jewelry, soaps and botanicals, natural healing, oils, toys, education, supplements, birth options, and much, much more. Exceptional seminars will be presented throughout the day. Come discover the many resources in your local region that can help you enjoy a healthier, simpler lifestyle. FREE admis-sion and parking. Visit www.naturalhealingwi.com or call 715.637.1400 for more info.

GREEN PAGES...DEDICATED TO BEING NATURAL, GREEN, ORGANIC AND LOCAL

Join our family-friendly farm for 2010.Weekly deliveries of fresh, local, fruits and vegetables to Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls

www.sunbowfarm.com715-379-7284

Connecting people to the land

and each other.

Second Opinion | 12

BODY BOOST

If you are a female reading this article, you could be the 1 out of every 2 women who may suffer

an osteoporosis-related fracture at some point in her life. For men, you may be the 1 in 8 statistic. Though my focus of this article is geared toward women and bone health (women are 4 times more likely to have osteoporo-sis), men must pay attention as well. Approximately 28 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis!

The National Foundation of Os-teoporosis defi nes osteoporosis as ‘a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to bone fra-

gility and increased risk of fracture.’ This is a preventable and manage-able disease provided action is taken through weight-bearing and strength training exercises coupled with proper nutrition and supplementation. Weight bearing exercise is any activity that is done on your feet and causes your body to work against gravity such as walking, jogging, or a group exercise class (swimming and biking would not be considered weight bearing, though great for heart health). Strength training exercises would be the use of dumbbells, bands, bodyweight, or resistance machines to work both your bones and muscles. Both of these

types of activities are going to cause impact to the skeleton (bones), which in turn breaks bone down so it can re-build/remodel to become more dense.

In a woman’s life there are two crucial times that taking action are im-portant. The best time period to begin is between the ages of 9-14, and ide-ally, she would continue to take action for her entire lifespan. It is during this age range (pubertal growth spurt) that the more impact on the skeleton the most bone building benefi t will occur. By the age of 20, women have reached 98% of their bone mass. The goal after age 20 is to focus holding on to that bone mass through continued exercise and proper nutrition.

The next crucial marker on the timeline to begin weight-bearing and strength training exercise to help prevent the onset or slow the process of low bone mass, is the period just before menopause (average woman begins menopause at age 50). Women can lose up to 20% bone mass 5-8 years after her menstrual cycle begins. For women who are in their 50’s and older and have not participated in any type of weight-bearing and strength-training activity- it is NOT too late! In fact, a study that was done at Tufts University by physiologist Miriam Nelson, showed that postmenopausal women that performed two 40-minute strength training sessions per week for 1 year gained 1% in bone density, while women in a sedentary control group lost 2%-SCARY! You will want to speak with and be cleared by your

BONE-afi de FACTS about Osteoporosis!by Lori Heck

For more information or an appointment, Pamela Jaffke, DVM en, p affke a oo om

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

and personal care items.

And Birth ServicesErin Kaspar-Frett

CPM, LM, MSM, CDOffering: Midwifery Care * Childbirth Classes * Doula Support

612 801 9967 * 715 273 4081www.earthmothermidwife.comerin@earthmothermidwife.com

Second Opinion | 13

Sandi Anderson BS,CHT, RM, CHt. *Intuitive Life Coach

*Energetic Healer *Healing Touch, Reiki Master

*Teacher & Facilitator

Your “Intention” is the energy that will Re-frame your Mind, Renew the Body and

Recharge Your Soul.

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Sustainability from the inside outCommitted to community through the never-ending

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W16191 Simonson RdWHITEHALL, WI 54773

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Naturally Grown Meats and Poultry

physician, plus, meet with and/or hire a certifi ed personal trainer before adhering to an exercise program. A simple twist or misaligned movement for someone who has osteo-porosis could lead to a fracture if movement is performed incorrectly. The certifi ed trainer will also be able to inform you of the exercises that are going to be most benefi cial for you.

Proper nutrients also play a vital role in the prevention or maintenance of the disease. John Mamana, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University and founder of American Health Sciences, emphasizes the importance of calcium and vitamin D. Bone is living tissue that goes through various processes including building and remodeling- calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients to help with those processes. Different age groups require different amounts of adequate limits (so be sure to check with your physician). When speaking of calcium, youth ages 9-18 should consume approximately 1300mg, adults 19-50yrs 1,000mg and individuals 51yrs+ 1200mg. Cal-cium can be found in dairy products, vegetables and many foods are now fortifi ed with calcium. Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption in the intestines. In the kidneys it is converted to a steroid hormone needed for bone develop-ment in children and bone maintenance in adults. Vitamin

D can be found in dairy products, fi sh, eggs and sunlight. Again, different amounts are required for different age groups- for those 6 months and older approximately 400IU, and for the elderly approximately 600IU, unless your physician states otherwise.

The key to overall health and bone health is to get your child active and eating healthy so to set a good habit for later in life. As an adult, get started if you haven’t and be sure to incorporate both cardiovascular and strength train-ing exercises. For those who have elderly parents- learn about their current health status, and if cleared by a physi-cian, encourage them to be or become active! Take control of your health!

* All persons should contact their physician before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have any condition related to osteoporosis. If cleared, be sure to speak with a certifi ed personal trainer to learn about what exercises/movements should be avoided.

Lori Heck, Owner of ASPIRE Personal Training & NASM-CPT. Lori can be reached at lori@goldsgym-ec.com or 715-271-9678

Second Opinion | 14

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Second Opinion | 15

SAFER LAWNSMost of Canada has banned

the majority of common lawn and garden pesticides still in

use in the United States.The documentary movie, A

Chemical Reaction (www.pfzmedia.com), focuses on the origin of the anti-lawn pesticide movement in North America. The documentary movie tells the story of one of the

most powerful and effective commu-nity initiatives in the history of North

America. It started with one lone voice in 1984. Dr. June Irwin, a dermatologist,

noticed a connection between her pa-tients’ health conditions and their exposure

to chemical pesticides and herbicides. With relentless persistence, she brought her concerns

to town meetings to warn her fellow citizens that the chemicals they were putting on their lawns posed

severe health risks and had unknown side effects on the environment.

The movie—through its narrator Paul Tukey, the founder of Safelawns.org—asks a simple yet complex question: “If these products are banned in Canada, why do we still use them here?”

A SAFER ALTERNATIVEChickity Doo Doo™ Organic Fertilizer is derived

from 100% chicken manure. It contains all the desir-able benefi ts that have made chicken manure ex-tremely benefi cial to vegetable farmers and organic gardeners for decades. As individuals become more conscious of traditional synthetic chemical fertilizers and the long-term damage they cause to the environment, the demand for family-friendly and environmentally safe products continues to grow.

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Earth Day Guide Logo by Natalie Hunter

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EARTH DAY GUIDE 2010

Green Weekby Kenton Whitman

Going ‘green’ can sometimes seem like a lot of work, but with scientists developing a better understanding of our impact on the planet’s ecological systems and mainstream media beginning to champion ecological awareness (think the movie Avatar), it’s getting more dif-

fi cult to ignore the part we all play in the Earth’s health. Still, when it comes to making conscious choices that are environmentally responsible, sometimes it takes a reminder or a special commit-ment in order to break out of our usual routines. You can have fun and develop more earth-friendly habits by celebrating a Green Week.

Each day of a Green Week gives you a way to incorporate a small change in your life – but also gives you the option to ‘Get Radical’. The most surprising and delightful thing about a Green Week is that it can challenge the common idea that ‘going green’ requires sacrifi ce. The truth is quite the opposite – the changes presented here can actually make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Take your family on a Green Week adventure. It’s not only good for the planet – it can help you reduce stress, discover fun local opportunities, and make new friends. You can create your own Green Week, or use the Green Week suggestions below.

Monday Find a creative way to make your home energy use just a little greener. Try wash-

ing the dishes in a tub by hand instead of using the dishwasher (a great opportunity to practice mindfulness), or reading a book (alone or have a family reading hour) instead of watching television. These sorts of actions often have the additional benefi t of getting us to slow down, which reduces stress and helps us live a little more in the present moment.

Get Radical!During the winter, it can be fun to have an ‘electric-light free evening’. Once it begins to

get dark, don’t turn on the lights. Instead, use some beeswax candles. Notice how the soft lighting creates a different atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night of quiet relax-ation. You can order beeswax candles at Wolf Honey Farm in Baldwin. Contact them at (715) 684-2095 or visit them online at www.wolfhoneyfarm.com. Honey Hill Apiary out of Maiden Rock (715) 448-2517 is another great source. You can purchase their candles at Menomonie Market Food Co-op (www.menomoniemarket.org).

TTuesdayuesdayReplace one household product with something green. Last

year my wife and I replaced our dish soap with a greener variety. We were delighted. The almond scent smells so delicious that I want to eat it, and it works just as well as the conventional variety – with-out all the extra chemicals. You can implement a small change by replacing a single incandescent light bulb with a compact fl uorescent; or try replacing your soap with a locally made variety, such as Fruit of the Vine soap out of Hudson (www.vinesoap.com) or soap from Coon Creek Family Farms out of Mondovi (715-834-4547). Both are available at Just Local Food in Eau Claire (715-577-5564). Green replacements might cost a bit more, but they usually work better, last longer, and are better for you and the planet.

Get Radical!Green up one room. For the kitchen there are excellent replace-

ments for dishtowels (think bamboo), scrub sponges (using loofa instead of artifi cial scrubbies), dish detergent, and cleaning agents. In the dining room, napkins and placemats can be replaced with hand-made ones (a fun excuse to learn to knit), and china sets from overseas can be replaced with local pottery. Dunn County Pottery makes beautiful pottery in Downsville (www.dunncountypottery.com), and Willem Gebben’s studio is worth the trip to Colfax, WI to fi nd gorgeous and affordable wood-fi red pottery (715-962-3660). You can purchase internationally acclaimed masterpieces of both artistic and functional design in River Falls by visiting McKeachie Johnston Studios (www.mckeachiejohnstonstudios.com).

WednesdayDonate to a cause. In to-

day’s economic climate, many non-profi ts are having trouble funding their programs. Even a fi fty-dollar donation can make a difference. The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) gives you the option to direct your dollars toward protecting lands in the ecosystem of your choice, protecting specifi c coral reefs, or even protecting habitat for particular species, such as the Northern Jaguar. Closer to home, we have the ability to help purchase and protect wild lands with the West Wisconsin Land Trust. They’ve protected over 25,000 acres, and are always adding more. Visit them at www.wwlt.org.

Get Radical!Find a non-profi t that you like and

then email your friends and see if everyone would be willing to pool donations to a certain group. Even small contributions, when multiplied by all your friends on your email list, can make a huge difference.

Second Opinion | 17Second OOOOpOpOOpOpOpOpOpOp OOOOOOpOOpOpOOpOOOOOOOOOOOOOppOOpOOOOpOOOOpO iniiniiniiniiniiniiniiniiiniiniiniiiniiniiiiion on on onon on on on nnonnnnon noononon | | | | | | | | | | 17171717171717171777177717177717777

FridayVisit your library. Long before it became popular to reduce, re-use, and re-

cycle, libraries were veteran re-users, making a single copy of a book available to thousands of readers. Today, many libraries have extensive collections of DVDs as well, so you can not only pick out a book for the weekend, but take home a movie or two. Sometimes a walk up and down the aisles will surprise you when you fi nd an old book that you read years ago, or see something on a subject that has recently piqued your interest. You can even explore your library from home using the MORE library system at www.more.lib.wi.us. Using your library card, you can request books to be sent to your closest library, renew books, or browse titles.

Get Radical!Do you have special skills or knowledge that would be interesting to library pa-

trons? Libraries are often looking for volunteers who can present programs to their after-school groups or for the community in general. If you know about local wild-life or have environmental education to share, give them a call and see if they’d be open to having you do a presentation. My wife and I often give snake presentations for community groups, including libraries. Call your local library to see if your area of expertise might make a fun and informative educational program.

ThursdayLearn about an endangered species. You’ll

get a peek into the life stories of some of the planet’s most rare and interesting individuals. A great starting point is www.endangeredspecie.com, and even pro-vides a state-by-state interactive map. Or do a Google search on a specifi c species and you’ll likely fi nd videos and fun websites that will teach you all about the species’ habits, lifestyle, and habitat. If you prefer books, try one of author Sy Montgomery’s Children’s Titles--books that are perfect for kids and adults alike. She writes about species such as the Golden Moon Bear, the Pink Dolphin, and the Snow Leopard.

Get Radical!Using the website above, learn about one of the

endangered species that is within driving range, and then plan a quest to see if you can photograph one. In Wisconsin we can go searching for wolves (we’re much more likely to fi nd their tracks, but it’s still fun to look), Piping Plovers, Hine’s Emerald Dragonfl y, the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, and many more. Tread lightly, as many of these species have delicate habitats!

The WeekendHave some outdoor fun! It might be diffi cult to

believe, but simply enjoying the outdoors is one of the best things you can do for the planet. In his book Last Child in the Woods, author Richard Louv outlines numerous studies and tons of anecdotal evidence that show the profound effect the outdoors can have on our psyche. For stress relief, excitement, relaxation, or education, there is nothing like getting outside. Best of all, unless you choose to visit to a fee-charging park, it’s free!Plan an outdoor adventure during your weekend. Take your camera and capture some photos, fi nd a quiet place to medi-tate, or go for a hike. When we’re active participants in out-doors activities, we feel more connected to the environment, and we feel inspired to consider our actions in the context of how much impact they’ll leave on the natural spaces we’ve learned to enjoy. In the Menomonie area, Hoffman Hills has a wonderful sledding hill and cross-country ski trails, and the Red Cedar trail offers beautiful cross-country skiing. In

Eau Claire, Pinehurst Park and Oakwood Hills have sledding hills, and wherever you live, there are plenty of free parks nearby where you can get out to enjoy nature. For a small fee, you can also explore places like Willow River State Park or Kinnickinnic State Park – truly spectacular natural areas with plenty of room for adventure.Get Radical! Try a day-long excursion, or, if you’re feeling really radical, an overnight camping trip. These longer-term outings let us settle into nature in a way that shorter visits often don’t; time slows down, we begin to notice more, and our worries and concerns are seen from a new perspective. This time of year, pack along some hot cocoa and hearty food, sit by a frozen river, and watch the winter animals going about their daily lives. You’ll reconnect with nature and gain a new passion for life.There are hundreds of other Green adventures to be had. You can start a nature blog, visit a farm, lead nature hikes, or vol-unteer at State Parks. Whatever Green adventures you choose, realize that even small changes can make a huge difference.

Kenton Whitman was catching snakes and turtles by the time he was out of diapers. A writer and wilder-ness survivalist, he shares his love of nature through outdoor classes and one-on-one outdoor tutelage. He writes a nature blog at www.wildaboutnatureblog.com,

keeps a journal of his outdoor adventures at www.kentonandrebecca.com, and writes a bi-weekly nature column for the Dunn County News.

Second Opinion | 18

STARTING SEEDS INDOORSBy Erin LaFaive, Horticulture EducatorEau Claire County UW Cooperative Extension

Do you want to get ahead of the grow-ing season? Do you want to plant

vegetables that need a longer growing season? Do you want to grow a plant that you can’t fi nd in the stores? A solution to these challenges is to start your own seeds indoors.

Many plants do better if started indoors, since it gives them a jump start on the growing season. This is especially the case in northern Wisconsin where the growing season is shorter and some seeds have a diffi cult time germinating in the early season. Tomatoes and peppers are a great example of plants that need longer growing seasons than northern Wisconsin can provide.

ContainersAny type of container can be used to

start seeds as long as it is sterilized before

planting and has drainage holes at the bottom. To sterilize pots, soak the con-tainers in a 10 percent bleach mixture and thoroughly rinse. Single celled pots are sold in stores and generally only a seed or two are planted in one cell. Mass-sowing seeds are done in fl ats that do not have dividers and they require transplanting after the seedling is bigger.

SoilUse a seed starting mix or other soil-

less indoor plant mixture. These types of soils have been sterilized and contain smaller particles so the embryos have an easier time pushing through. In addition, they are light weight and drain well. If you want to create your own mixture use a pasteurized mixture of equal amounts of soil, sand, vermiculite or perlite; and peat moss.

PlantingMoisten the soil before you add it to

the containers. It shouldn’t be soggy. The general rule for planting depth is four times the thickness of the seed. Also, check the seed packet for recommenda-

tions. Some seeds are very small and hard to see. In those cases, mixing the seed in sterile sand can help you see where you are spreading the seed. Very small seeds are simply sprinkled over the top of the soil. To cover seeds use vermiculite or a layer of screened potting mix you are already using over the seeds. Leave about a ¼ of an inch from the top of the container to allow enough room for the vermiculite.

GerminationCover the planted seeds with plastic

leaving an inch to an inch and a half gap. The plastic helps to keep the soil from drying out and traps some heat. A heating source underneath the seeds will speed up germination. Place them in a window with moderate light but not in direct sunlight. The temperatures should be 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

WateringKeep the soil moist, but be careful not

to overwater. Using a spray bottle works great for tiny seeds because a strong stream of water may move the seeds around too much. Even a stream being poured from a glass of water can be too strong. Watch for the growth of mold which generally looks like white fuzz on the soil surface. When the fi rst seedlings appear, take off the plastic. This is also the time they need stronger light so they require a south facing window or artifi cial lights.

My plants are lopsided! My plants are spindly! This can be prevented by turn-ing the container as the seedlings grow and by giving enough light. Fluorescent lights are another source of lighting. They need 16-18 hours of light. One warm-white, 40-watt bulb and one cool-white,

EARTH DAY GUIDE 2010

Second Opinion | 19

40-watt bulb used together are adequate for seed starting and seedling growth. You can also use fl uorescent lights or grow lights.

Gradually acquaint the seedlings to outside by fi rst starting with an hour and working up. The seedlings are not use to fl uctuating temperatures, wind, and the sun and this gradual introduction prepares the plant for new conditions.

These are general indoor seed germinating rules. By reading the seed package you will likely fi nd more detailed information on seed depth, germination time, and any other specialized requirements.

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Second Opinion | 20

We invite you to embark on an adventure that will lead you to more sustainable lifestyle practices. “Sustainability” means meeting the needs of the present without compro-

mising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Brundt-land Commission, 1987). Another way to say it is, “Enough, for all, forever.” Today, that’s not how we live in America, where 5% of the world’s population uses almost 30% of its resources, wasting close to 75% through ineffi ciency and lack of awareness.

As Yogi Berra once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” Climate change is altering our world. Through our daily activities, each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing this change. You can determine your impact by calculating your carbon footprint at www.myfootprint.com. If you are like most Americans, you will fi nd that if everyone lived like you do, it would take between four and fi ve planets to support us.

When a community decides to become more sustainable, govern-ment, business, and citizens must all be on board. The City of Eau Claire has come a long way in working towards sustainability, and Eau Claire County is beginning to do the same. Some towns are ad-dressing sustainability, as well.

In the business community, the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce has introduced a Green Business Certifi cation program, a commendable move on their part. Community members are the next to bring on board, and that’s where EcoTeams comes in. Our local EcoTeam project is coordi-nated by Erin LaFaive, Horticulture Educator for Eau Claire County Extension, and is funded by grants from the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board, JONAH, UW Extension-Western Division and Xcel Energy.

A team can be made up of your friends, neigh-bors, coworkers, people in your faith community or civic organization, students—anyone really! The typical size is 5-8 households, or 5-15 people. Over a period of a little over two months and in a series of seven meetings, the Green Living Hand-book helps you take action to develop sustainable lifestyle practices in six areas (chapters): garbage, water, energy, transportation, eco-wise consuming, and empowering others. Different team mem-bers run the meetings.

The Sustainable

Lifestyle Assessment in the workbook allows you to keep track of your accomplishments. Before each chapter, you will complete the “before” column for that topic area. Then you will choose which ac-tivities in that chapter you will do. After completion, you complete your “after” column. For example, if you recycled 20% before and 40% after, you have an improvement of 20%.

The typical meeting will begin with a discussion of the previous topic, and then move on to the next.

To get a feel for how the program works, let’s look at an existing EcoTeam. The Unitarian Universalist team, in its sixth meeting, began by reporting their experiences with the chapter on eco-wise consuming, which they had intentionally chosen to do before Christ-mas. Not only did they reduce the number of gifts given, they made efforts to wrap presents in unwanted fabric tied with yarn scraps and give gifts of charity instead of something that may not be wanted or needed. The conversation drifted to memories of the Christmases of our childhood and how things have changed. Everyone

mentioned a heightened awareness of what they bought for the holidays and how much each item was needed.

The meeting then turned to the fi nal topic, trans-portation. Across the board, more attention was paid to eco-driving: driving more slowly, avoiding jackrabbit starts, infl ating tires properly, and plan-

ning errands carefully to minimize miles driven. We acknowledged that public transportation is somewhat

lacking in our area, but the greatest barrier to its use might be that many people don’t know how to ride the bus and don’t know what route to take. Wilma Clark suggested that anyone who takes the bus

somewhere before the next meeting should get extra credit! I expect that in the fi nal chapter, Empowering

Others, there will be suggestions for educating the public on Eau Claire Transit.

Lasting about an hour and a half, the meeting was lively and full of good suggestions and laughter.

Some philosophical musings made their way into the meeting, such as, when we travel,

what do we contribute to the places we visit (economically, culturally) compared to the

emissions caused by the air travel to get there? Overall,

team members have

Saving the Planet, One Household at a Time A Brief Introduction to Eau Claire EcoTeamsby Meg Marshall

EARTH DAY GUIDE 2010

Second Opinion | 21

realized that doing little things allows us to make changes without causing discomfort and inconvenience.

The East Side Hill EcoTeam has planned to go out to dinner after their fi nal meeting, and the person who makes the most improvement will get a free dinner, compliments of the rest of the team. Matt Smith hopes he is the winner. He felt pretty green going into the process, but he says he has learned new things to help him save money and become more environmen-tally friendly at the same time. Like many of us, he is more inclined to take his reusable grocery bags into the store when he shops! Every chapter generates ideas for other activities and projects.

Matt likes the group setting and the motivation and support he receives from other members. That seems to be one of the most important things about EcoTeams. EcoTeams are a great way

to meet your neighbors, to examine your own lifestyle, and to fi nd ways you might be able to live more frugally as you lower your carbon footprint.

Studies show that Americans had the highest level of happiness in 1956, a much less complicated time. Since then, material consumption in our country has tripled. Clearly, stuff doesn’t buy happiness. Happiness comes from human connections, help-ing someone in need, volunteering, and doing what we can to make the world a better place for ourselves, our children and grandchildren, and for people around the world.

Join an EcoTeam today. Call Erin LaFaive (715-839-4712) or Meg Marshall (715-835-1733) or email us at eauclaireecoteams@gmail.com. Check out our website, www.sustainableeauclaire.org for more information.

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Second Opinion | 22

As much of the country strives for a more environmentally-friendly home and workplace, hospitals

have also joined in the movement. The place that you go when you are ill has been making strides towards ensuring that it is a place that not only promotes your health, but promotes the health of the environment. Whether it is cleaning solutions, cafeteria plates, or ordering processes, local hospitals are encouraging their staff and employees to think twice about being a friend to the environment.

One local facility, Sacred Heart Hospi-tal (SHH), has been working diligently to ensure it promotes green practices. Rick Beckler, Director of Hospitality Services, has seen many changes during his 15 years in the position. “Our practices really do differ than they did several years ago,” Beckler said. One way that SHH does this is by benchmarking practices with other healthcare organizations. Part of Beckler’s job is keeping up with environmental trends through publications, conferences, and relationships with other healthcare groups.

“We feel we are on the cutting-edge of these practices,” Beckler explained. Organizational purchasing is one area where Beckler feels the hospital can make a real difference. He and his staff strongly encourage the purchase of goods that can be utilized more than once. “We look at everything and invest in items that can be used more than once,” he said. “It really has become second nature for us,” he continued. This method of purchasing includes everything from reusable needle

containers to recyclable containers for carry-out cafeteria food.

If you do purchase food at the Sacred Heart Hospital cafeteria, chances are you will be purchasing locally-grown food. “We really try to purchase as much local food as possible,” Beckler explained. This not only supports local farmers and grow-ers, but it keeps the money circulating in the local economy. When it comes to the cafeteria and the kitchen area, the green movement does not stop there. The Sacred Heart staff has worked with the Department of Natural Resources to ensure that leftover food does not go to waste. For example, watermelon rhines, strawberry tops and other food scraps are saved until a local farmer picks them up; the scraps are used to supplement feeding the farm animals.

With the amount of food that is pre-pared during a day, there are bound to be leftovers. The prepared food that is left is sent to the local St. Francis Food Pantry, whom the hospital has worked with for many years. Local volunteers come to the hospital and box the food each day before it is sent to the food pantry. Because the food is already done and prepared, the staff felt that it was a great idea to provide it to local families.

Hospital patients are now given reus-able mugs in lieu of Styrofoam cups. Other changes include no use of plas-tic silverware or so-called throwaway containers. Fountain drinks are also now served throughout the hospital, instead of plastic bottles. There is no longer any bottled water offered; rather, there are pitchers of water and cups available throughout the facility. “The staff, em-ployees, and patients are on-board with the changes,” Beckler said. He admits that its focus on green and sustainability can sometimes add costs, but he feels the environmental impact is worth the additional costs.

Another local facility, Luther Midel-fort, has also implemented practices to improve its environmental impact. This is especially important to the hospital as

it is in the midst of a large expansion. Gordon Howie, Director of Maintenance–Facilities Services for Luther Midelfort, explained that the hospital looks at this in two ways: new construction and existing buildings. “With new construction, LEED principles are followed and effi ciency is built in from design development. Luther Midelfort works with engineers, archi-tects, and contractors who are experienced with environmentally effi cient designs and methods,” Howie said. In fact, more than 90 percent of the waste materials from the construction have been recycled.

The existing buildings are also reviewed to seek any changes that may benefi t the environment. “With the existing buildings, we are continually evaluating processes and building functions to reduce energy and water consumption. We have estab-lished a team that meets monthly to review ideas, track progress, and report results. We continually challenge ourselves to do better,” Howie explained.

When asked if they feel marketplace pressure to go green, both Sacred Heart Hospital and Luther Midelfort indicated that they are challenged only by them-selves. Part of the mission of SHH is to give reverance to the earth and Beck-ler feels they are doing that with their environmental initiatives. “We do feel a pressure, a good pressure, from the healthcare industry to go green,” Beckler explained. “The healthcare industry as a whole has done a great job of looking at our environmental impact,” he continued. Howie echoed that sentiment, saying the following, “We keep an eye on what other healthcare systems are doing, but we are our strongest critics.”

At Luther Midelfort, employees also take an active role in seeking green practices. “We have employees who truly believe in bettering the environment,” Howie said. “If our employees see some-thing that needs attention, we hear about it and it’s fantastic,” he continued. Luther Midelfort patients are also encouraged to provide feedback on the hospital’s green

Green Hospitalsby Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

EARTH DAY GUIDE 2010

Second Opinion | 23

creating a healthy environment for patients, employees, physicians and the community as a whole

Sacred Heart Hospital is honored to receive for the 2nd time the

Practice Greenhealth Environmental Leadership Award for 2009The hospital earned the award for initiating innovative programs and setting industry standards for waste reduction and pollution prevention.

One of our innovative programs includes:· Supporting “Buy Local” efforts: We pledged that up to 10% of our $2million annual food budget to be spenton locally produced agricultrual products.

• Fresher products provide greater nutrition & taste • We support local farm production and jobs

initiatives. “We would not con-sider an environmental project a success if our patients are not happy,” Howie commented. One way Luther Midelfort is able to make an impact on the sur-rounding community is through its own food donations to St. Francis Food Pantry; Luther Midelfort gives its unsold but usable food items to the pantry. This is similar to the working relationship Sacred Heart Hos-pital also has with the pantry.

Both local hospitals recycle everything from glass to alu-minum, including some more unique items. Sacred Heart Hospital has contracted with an individual who takes wooden pallets from the facility. These wooden pallets are then turned into landscape wood chips. This is just another way that certain products and assets are seeing a second life.

Many hospitals are also using more energy-friendly lightbulbs,

as well as implementing energy-savings tactics. “We work closely with Focus on Energy and Xcel Energy to ensure best effi ciencies for the cost,” Howie explained. SHH has imple-mented automatic turn-off lights and high-effi ciency airdrives in an effort to cut energy cost and consumption.

For many hospitals, investing in energy effi ciencies, recy-cling capabilities, and reus-able materials means a higher initial investment. However, this investment can save and reduce operating expenses in the future. If you, or someone you know is a hospital patient, take a look around and note the changes that have been made in the building and its processes. As these businesses look to a more environmentally-friendly operation, know that they are still trying to do what is best for the community, the patients, and the environment.

Protecting the health of our patients meansprotecting the health of our environment.Green thinking is included in everything we do.

2009 Governor’s Award forExcellence in EnergyEfficiency recipient

Second Opinion | 24

HEALTHY FAMILY

If you’re a houseplant lover, you probably know there are many benefi ts to having plants in your home. They provide decorating diversity, offer a touch of nature, have a grounding and relaxing effect, and even cleanse the air we breathe. That’s right, houseplants such as ferns, palms, and lilies actually pull pollutants out of the air.

DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH

Think the air in your house doesn’t need detox-ifying? Think again. The Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) indicates that volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, along with a variety of other pollutants are so pervasive in the common household that indoor air is now considerd to be two to fi ve times more polluted than outdoor air!

What in your house could be emitting VOCs and other pollutants? Plenty. VOCs include nasty chem-icals such as formaldehyde and benzene, classifi ed by the EPA as known carcinogens, and are found in common household items like plastic bags, computer ink, pressed-wood furniture, commercial household cleansers, carpeting, even cosmetics.

PLANTS TO THE RESCUE

Many of these every day items have become such a part of our lives that eliminating them seems impossible. Thank goodness we have plants! Back in the 1980’s NASA discovered the fern’s ability to cleanse the air; in fact, researchers discovered 50 types of regular old houseplants can absorb VOCs and actually remove pollutants from the air.

Experts suggest planning one houseplant per 100 square feet in your home. Put one next to your printer or on top of a particleboard bookshelf. Though plants alone can’t completely detoxify your atmosphere, they can help. In addition to using houseplants, consider curbing or eliminating your use of chemical cleansers and pesticides in the home. There are several products on the market that make potting and caring for your plants easier, more organic, and prettier. For ideas on how to arrange houseplants from a renowned feng shui ex-pert, visit naturalhealthmag.com/fengshuiplants.

For not much money at all, you can get some good green plants in your house, benefi t from the added color in your home, and perhaps best of all, breathe green!

Breathe Green

• The Peace Lily ab-sorbs alcohols, trichloro-ethylene (a dry-cleaning chemical), benzene and formaldehyde. Keep this white blooming plant in a semi-sunny spot with even, moist soil.

• The Areca Palm takes

on VOCs found in paint like xylene and toluene. This green, fast-growing plant likes a semi-sunny environment with consis-tently moist soil.

• The Dracaena (or Janet Craig) soaks up trichloroethylene. This

dark green treelike beauty likes a semi-shady spot with soil that’s not too wet.

• The Weeping Fig absorbs formaldehyde. This type of fi cus likes a full-sun location and moist soil.

• The Boston Fern ranks best at absorb-ing formaldehyde. This plant likes it semi-sunny with a daily mist, plus some extra fertilizer during winter months. Added bonus: it adds humidity.

Former NASA scientist Bill Wolverton’s Top Five Pollution Fighting Plants:

Second Opinion | 25

Yoga and Ayurveda - 715•529•3061Clinical Thermography - 608•498•4919

Chiropractics - 715•514•2701

Center for Healing

Arts2722 London Road

Eau Claire, WI

Life Link Health Clinic has a better way to make you better. Your link to longer lasting, drug free relief.

• Hyaluronic Acid, a.k.a. Sodium Hyaluro-nateThis naturally-derived protein attracts 1,000 times its weight in water and plumps up fi ne lines.

• Vitamin E/Tocotri-enolPalm oil-derived vitamin E is more potent than the regular form, though all Vitamin E protects eyes from sun damage, heals redness and stops fl aking in very dry skin.

• PeptidesThese essential proteins promote the production of elastin and collagen, giv-ing a fi rming effect.

• Coenzyme Q10This antioxidant is in every cell of the body. It counteracts free radical damage, increases tissue oxygenation and fi ghts skin damage.

• Alpha-Hydroxy AcidsDerived from sugars in plants like grapes and citrus fruits, these acids are naturally occurring and slough off dead skin cells, thus helping plump up fi ne lines.

• ChamomileThis natural fl ower has anti-irritant and antioxi-dative properties for the mind and skin, helping to alleviate redness and smooth fi ne lines.

• Retinoids/Vitamin AThese vitamin A deriva-tives penetrate the skin, helping to exfoliate dam-aged cells and produce new ones. Use sunscreen with them, as they increase sun sensitivity.

• Green Tea a.k.a. Ca-mellia SinensisThe young tea leaves are packed with anti-oxidants and are rich in anti-in-fl ammatory properties that repair and strengthen skin.

• Essential Fatty AcidsEFAs are derived from plant and animal lipids and are also found in the outer layer of the skin. They pro-tect skin from sun damage.

• Vitamin C-Ester a.k.a. Ascorbyl PalmitateThis non-acidic combina-tion of vitamin C, bio-active metabolites, and minerals reduces puffi ness and stimulates collagen synthesis.

Women of the world have been searching for centuries to fi nd the best way to maintain and pamper the skin in those deli-cate eye areas that tend to age faster than the rest of the face.

Most medical professionals agree that the number one course of action needs to be hydrating the body. But experience shows us that sometimes those little lines around the eyes need more than a good drink. While ancient civilizations used essential oils (still a hallmark of natural eye creams today), modern eye creams feature great combinations of plant-based ingredients and age-defying technology that can do wonders for anyone’s eyes.

Though many skin experts confess eye cream is often unnecessary if a person is already using an anti-aging moisturizer with sunscreen, there comes a time to get some extra help. How do you know when it’s time to add eye cream to your skin care regimen? A tight feeling around the eyes may signal excessive dryness, which is often followed by deeper lines and wrinkles, and then the “raccoon” puffi ness and darkness. Applying an eye cream morning and night can help restore moisture and fi rmness to the eye area, explains Rachel Rowen, of the Center for Beauty and Advanced Esthetics in California. And to help you on your quest to fi nding the perfect eye cream for you, here’s a list of 10 “eye cream all-stars” from the experts at Alternative Medicine.

REJUVENATE

Eye Wonder…

Second Opinion | 26

H a p p e n i n g s i n t h e V a l l e y March/April March/April 20102010Events are subject to change; call ahead for details. Calendar event listings are free. Send your listing by going to our website www.asecondo-pinionmag.com

March 4Handling Complications. 2pm. Morning Star Women’s Health & Birth Center, 321 13th Street Southeast, Menomonie. (715) 231-3100, www.morningstarbirth.com. The Handling Complications class focuses on how Morning Star is prepared to handle complications that may arise during the birth experience, and how trust between a birthing family and their care provider, as well as, the family’s choices in their care affect the birth experience.

March 5 and 6 Massage-a-thon for the EC Children’s Museum. 3-7pm Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday, Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. Massage therapists and massage students will donate their time and you can pick your length of massage and your cost. Suggested donation is $1 per minute.

March 6Yoga Benefi t for Haiti 1-4pm UWEC Campus, Mc Phee contact@rlyaa.com or 715-529-3061 Suggested donation of $5-$50, all going to Haitian recovery efforts. 1-3pm Yoga classes, Mc Phee 210A and 11; 3-3:30pm Belly Dance Performance; 3:30-4 Dance Party, mingling, reception

March 8Herbal Medicine Making Workshop: Stress Free and Happy. 5:30-7pm. Path to Health Massage and Wellness Center, 310 S. Barstow, Eau Claire. $25, all materials included. Yael Grauer at yael@dirttime.org or (715) 514-2673. Dietary measures and medicinal teas to soothe frazzled nerves and make the heart merry. Make your own uplifting or soothing tea blend!

March 9Nutrition Class: Intro to Health & Wellness: 6-8pm. Gateway Chiropractic, Eau Claire. Cost $40/includes textbook. Registration required. Tammy Schwartz, 715-642-3360 or tammy@4yourhealth.org. Learn what science shows as to how we should be eating. Learn how to evaluate health and nutrition information, develop healthier habits, understand supplementation, and dietary myths.

March 13Winter Farmers Market. 9am-1pm. L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire.

Handling Complications. 2pm. Morning Star Women’s Health & Birth Center, 321 13th Street Southeast, Menomonie. (715) 231-3100, www.morningstarbirth.com. The Handling Complications class focuses on how Morning Star is prepared to handle

complications that may arise during the birth experience, and how trust between a birthing family and their care provider, as well as, the family’s choices in their care affect the birth experience.

Spring Cleaning. 10-11:30am. Center for Healing Arts, 2722 London Rd. 715-514-2673 or yael@dirttime.org. $25. Learn how to de-tox gently during the season of cleansing. Leave with your own tea formula.

The Soul & Stress. 10am-noon. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. $25

Seven Power Centers of Life, for Transformation, Healing, Self-discovery and Integration Workshops. March 13, 20, & 27, 10:30am-3:30pm. Sandi Anderson, dasandrson@gmail.com, 715-726-2392. $20 per class. Lunch $5. Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom St., Eau Claire. Registration required. 715-836-0010 or 715-726-2392.This workshop series is on the power of the Chakras. It is created to expand on the basics of these Energy centers. It will explore how they function in body, mind, emotions, spirit and their interconnection to the world of today.

Angel Care Workshops with Judy Meinen. Messages From Your Angels, 9 am-noon; Earth Angels 2-5pm. Green Briar Room, Ramada Convention Center, Eau Claire.Classes $40 each. Free Metaphysical Fair 8am-6pm. Visit www.angelcarehealingtouch.com, call 715.832.7250, or email judymeinen@yahoo.com.

March 15La Leche League of Eau Claire 10am Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd. Eau Claire. Beth 715-874-5040 or bschw09@gmail.com. This month’s topic: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Diffi culties.

March 16Holistic Moms Network. 6:30pm. First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave. Eau Claire. eauclairewi.holisticmoms.org; hmn@gmail.com. Join parents interested in holistic health, green living, and “alternative” parenting styles. This month’s topic: Open discussion and interactive meeting focused on baby wearing. Parents will demo their carriers and share their experiences.

March 17Lunch & Learn: New Year, New You! Noon-12:45pm. The Goat Coffee Shop, Eau Claire. FREE! Lunch included. Pre-register for lunch count to Tammy Schwartz, 715-642-

2204 N. Hillcrest Pkwy.

Suite 1, Altoona, WI

“Naturally Restoring Your Health”

www.Health4Lifellc.com

$25 New Patient Consultation, Examination and X-raysMay not be valid for Medicare or some other insurances.

Mention this ad when calling. Expires April 30, 2010

Second Opinion | 27

Aromatherapy & Reflexology

Joyce Sobotta

E3151 Cedar Rd., Elevajoyce@aromatherapynaturesway.com

715.878.4474 / cell 715.828.0117www.AromatherapyNaturesWay.com

R

Healthy Girls Products EFT Reiki Breast Health Education Consults & Creations

715.834.2733 www.ArtisanHB.com

GREEN BY DESIGN! Practical home design & planning. New homes & remodeling. Complete construction services. Green Built & Energy Star® certified.

Let us help you create a comfortable and healthy home that matches your

unique needs and lifestyle!

Organic ProduceOrganic Grassfed Meats & “Real Milk”

Plese call for Initial visit (715) 568-1867 (Member Program)Kelwin, Nancy, Luke & Andrew Anderson

Wed - Sat 9:00 - 6:00 Bloomer, WIwestonaprice.org & realmilk.org farmkin@bloomer.net

Viking Brewing Co.

Dallas, Wisconsin

Brewery Tours Sat. at 1 PMwww.vikingbrewing.com

715-837-1824

Hot Chocolate A Chocolate Stout with Fair Trade organic cocoa & cayenne pepper

Mørketid German Schwartz Beer

3360 or tammy@4yourhealth.org. Join us for lunch as we talk about how you can build a strong immune system and be a healthier you! We will be sharing an easy way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet everyday with Juice Plus+, whole food nutrition.

Angel Care Workshops: The Court Cards. 6:30-9pm Altoona Public Library Community Room. $25 in advance. Class size limited to 25 participants. For more information or to register, http://www.angelcarehealingtouch.com/ or call Judy at 715.832.7250. The Tarot Exploration Series is an intensive study of this Tool of Divination, with each class focusing on a different aspect of the Tarot.

Early Home Care. 2pm. Morning Star Women’s Health & Birth Center, 321 13th Street Southeast, Menomonie. (715) 231-3100, www.morningstarbirth.com. The Early Home Care class prepares the family for what to expect in the fi rst days and weeks postpartum. The kinds of needs that families with new babies have, and some tips on how to prepare for them are given, as are basics of caring for a postpartum mother and new baby.

March 20 & 21Spring Life Expo. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. FREE! A wellness expo, featuring natural health practitioners, speakers, artists, and food.

March 27Early Home Care. 1pm. Morning Star Women’s Health & Birth Center, 321 13th Street Southeast, Menomonie. (715) 231-3100, www.morningstarbirth.com. The Early Home Care class prepares the family for what to expect in the fi rst days and weeks postpartum. The kinds of needs that families with new babies have, and some tips on how to prepare for them are given, as are basics of caring for a postpartum mother and new baby.

Runes 101: Tree Talk. 11am-4pm. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. $20

March 30Yoga Beyond Form with Dr. Ranjani Cobo MD, MPH 10am-1pm OR 5:30-8:30pm. Family Learning

Center Menomonie. $62 per session. Email of call Andrea to register and specify which session you plan to attend: 715-231-9000 or andrea@thirdmountian.com. Dr. Ranjani Cobo is internationally renowned for being one of the few female yoga practitioners known in the grass roots of yoga and long-time pioneer in the holistic health movement and the integrative approach to healing. Appropriate for all practitioners of all levels of experience. Sessions are not continuous movement.

April 2, 3, 4Yoga Beyond Form with Dr. Ranjani Cobo MD, MPH Friday 6-8:45pm; Saturday 8-10:30am, 11am-1:30pm, and 2-5:30pm; Sunday 10:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-4pm, and 4:30-7:30pm. $62 per session. $170 per day, or $350 for entire workshop. Overnight accommodations available. Register early. www.YogaNyou.com, info@yogaNyou.com, or Judie at 715-222-0825. Dr. Ranjani Cobo is internationally renowned for being one of the few female yoga practitioners known in the grass roots of yoga and long-time pioneer in the holistic health movement and the integrative approach to healing. Appropriate for all practitioners of all levels of experience. Sessions are

not continuous movement.

April 5 Staying Healthy. Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. $15 per person. Learn how to boost your immune defenses and achieve optimal health.

April 10Winter Farmers Market. 9am-1pm. L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire.

The Physical Self & Stress. 10am-noon. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. $25.

Garden Show. Free & open to the public. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org.

April 12Herbal Medicine Making Workshop: Soothe Cuts, Scrapes, Bruises, Cracked Lips, and Dry Skin. 5:30-7pm. Path to Health Massage and Wellness Center, 310 S. Barstow, Eau Claire. $25, all

Second Opinion | 28

412 1/2 Water Street830-0321Eau Claire, WIinfi nitejoy.com/yoga

MAIN STREET MARKET

Whole Foods Cooperative 1 South Main Street Rice Lake, WI 54868

(715) 234-7045

materials included. Yael Grauer at yael@dirttime.org or (715) 514-2673. Learn how to use plants, oil, and beeswax to make luscious lip butters and healing salves.

Healthy Kids. Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. A fun-fi lled educational demonstration of what healthy eating looks like! $15 per person/children free with one adult. Please RSVP number of children.

April 17Natural Health Expo 10am-5pm Baldwin Hockey Arena, 415 Maple St., Baldwin. Contact Paula Quinlan at http://www.paulaquinlan.com, p_quinlan@comcast.net, or 651.772.6971.

Mineral Infusion. 10-11:30am. Center for Healing Arts, 2722 London Rd. 715-514-2673 or yael@dirttime.org. $25. Learn how to nourish your bones, tendons, and ligaments with foods, herbs, and spices. Leave with a mineral-rich tea blend.

Angels in Watercolor. 10:30am-noon. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B,

New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. $60 includes all materials.

April 17 & 18Practitioner Weekend. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. A wide variety of practitioners will be offering discounts on services and free lectures.

April 17 & 18Fine Art Show. Aquarian Garden Holistic Wellness Center, W8741 Cty Rd. B, New Lisbon, WI. 608-562-LIFE; www.theaquariangarden.org. Enter artwork (due by Apr 5th), vote, or just come and browse!

April 19La Leche League of Eau Claire 10am Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd. Eau Claire. Beth 715-874-5040 or bschw09@gmail.com. This month’s topic: Nutrition and Weaning.

Be Good to Your Skin. Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. Learn to

nourish your skin from the inside out. $15 per person.

April 20Holistic Moms Network. 6:30pm. First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave. Eau Claire. eauclairewi.holisticmoms.org; hmn@gmail.com. Join parents interested in holistic health, green living, and “alternative” parenting styles. This month’s topic: Erica Zerr will share more about the grassroots organization Food Not Lawns and we will discuss gardening plans.

April 21Angel Care Workshops: The Four Suits. 6:30-9pm Altoona Public Library Community Room. $25 in advance. Class size limited to 25 participants. For more information or to register, http://www.angelcarehealingtouch.com/ or call Judy at 715.832.7250. The Tarot Exploration Series is an intensive study of this Tool of Divination, with each class focusing on a different aspect of the Tarot.

April 23FREE Introductory Tai Chi Class. 6-7pm. Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-

0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. Learn for free on Friday, and on Saturday, the 24th, we will meet at Sacred Heart Hospital’s main entrance at 9:45am to practice on the front lawn, (weather permitting) or somewhere inside if not.

April 24Eau Claire Community Earth Day Celebration. 11am-6pm. Owen Park (Inclement Weather Site: Haas Fine Arts Center).

Body Lab Expo @ the AmericInn Conference Center in Ashland, WI. 715.635.5228. www.BodyLabUSA.com

April 26Get ready for that Swimsuit. Healing Choices, 2711 Pleasant St., Eau Claire. 715-852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com. Learn how to boost your metabolism and eat right for a lifetime!

www.islandcityfoodcoop.com

Bring in this ad for10% discount

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Organic Produce, Grocery, Bakery, Health & Beauty and so much more!

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Open DailyM-W & F 8-6

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Second Opinion | 29

Yoga & WellnessDharma

Center715-404-9948

You can send payment with name, phone number and address to:

Dharma Yoga & Wellness Center200 North Rural St.

Chippewa Falls, WI 54729E-mail or call and let me know payment is coming.

Wellness Retreat atWhite’s Wildwood Retreat

May 7th and 8th

Most of Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday morning

Yoga, meditation, healthy cooking and eating, massage,

rest and relaxation$150/person

Price includes everythingNeed to sign-up by March 15th

UWEC WELLNESSPilates 2:

Tues. & Thurs. @ 6:30 am-7:15 amApril 6th - May 20th

Hulaerobics 2: Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm-6:00 pm

April 7th - May 12th

Tools to Tame Stress: Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm-7:30 pm

April 6th & 13th

Scentsational Creations: Tuesdays @ 5:30 pm-7:30 pm

April 27th & May 4th

Anything Goes: Tues. & Thurs. @ 12:30 pm-1:30 pm

April 6th - May 20th

Healthy Backs: Mondays @ 7:30 pm-8:30 pm

March 1, 8, 15 & April 5, 12, & 19

Fitness Yoga: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Sessions 3 & 4, April 6th - May 20th Call for details.

Check the schedules at www.uwec.edu/recreation or call UWEC Recreation & Sport Facilities at 836-3377 between

the hours of 7:45am-4:30pm.

N6501 Manore Lane, Arkansaw; (888)700-FARM (3276)andersonfarm@nelson-tel.net; www.andersonfarm.us

Available at Festival Foods, Mother Nature’s Food & our farm.

No antibiotics, hormones or chemi-

cals on land or animals. Our pastured animals get fresh air, sunshine,

exercise, and are humanely treated.

HEALTHY SOIL, HEALTHY ANIMALS, HEALTHY PEOPLE

ONGOING HAPPENINGS...

PLANT-BASED, WHOLE FOODS COOKING CLASSErickson Chiropractic, 10am-noon, Last Saturday of every month. Calls for details. 514-2701. Class is designed to help people add more plant fods to to their diets in a tasty way. Recipes are vegan and gluten-free.

HEALING CHOICES TAI CHI & MASSAGE2711 Pleasant Street, EC, 852-0303. www.healingchoicesec.com All classes 1 hour. Tuesday 6 & 7 pm Tai ChiWednesday 10 & 11 am; Beginner’s 7-8pm

DHARMA YOGA & WELLNESS CENTER200 NORTH RURAL ST., CHIPPEWA FALLS. 715-404-9948.Monday 5pmTuesday 4:30pm, 6pmWednesday 4:30pm, 6pmThursday 5pmSaturday 8:30am (90 minute), 10am

Sunday 11am, 3pm (90 minute HOT)Massage and specialty treatments by appointment. Health Challenge begins March 1st! Wellness Retreat May 7-8th; sign up by March 1st.

PILATES YOGA AND BEYOND4913 River Glen Court, Eau Claire. 832-7335. Drop-in rate $15.00.Space limited. Registration required. Call or email sheri@baemmert.comMonday 5:30 pm Yoga; 6:45pm Pilates ChairWednesday 4:30 pm Yoga; 5:45pm Yoga/Pilates ComboThursday Noon Pilates/Yoga combo; 5:30pm Pilates ChairSaturday 7am Pilates Stick; 8am Pilates Mat; 9:15am Yoga

THE YOGA CENTER412 1/2 Water Street, Eau Claire. 830-0321. Check website for changes: www.infi nitejoy.com/yogaThe Yoga Center

Monday 9:15-10:45 am Multi-level Patricia1:00-2:00 pm Chair yoga at senior center Sandra/Kathy4:00-5:15 pm* Multi-level Sarah 5:30-7:00 pm Continuing SandraTuesday2:00-3:00 pm Pilates Anna5:15-6:45 pm Multi-level Nancy7:00-8:30 pm Buddhist Meditation Wednesday 9:00-10:30 am Multi-level Sarah4:00-5:15 pm Multi-level vinyasa Anna6:30-8:00 pm Multi-level KathyThursday7:00-8:30 am Multi-level Sandra5:30-6:45 pm Multi-level SandraFriday9:15-10:45 am Multi-level PatriciaSaturday9:00-10:30 am Multi-level Robin* Begins February 8For workshops, special topic classes, beginner’s series, andschedule changes, check our website:

www.infi nitejoy.com/yoga

COUPLES YOGA: REUNITE WITH YOUR PARTNER!Second Saturday of every month, 6:00-7:30 pm Cost: $35 per coupleDeepen your heart and soul connection through breath coordination, touch, and eye contact. All yoga poses will include physical connection. For more information or to register, call 715-855-1183 or email Anna King at kingam@care2.com

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUPWillow Creek Women’s Clinic, 130 S. Barstow St. Eau Claire. 715-832-9292. First and Third Tuesdays 10-11:30am

HYPNOSIS TODAY with Richard Marano B.S., C.H. from Hypnosis Center of Eau Claire. Every Wednesday 8 pm and Every Friday at 11 am CTV (Channel 993).

Second Opinion | 30

TASTING MENU AT THE CREAMERY EVERY NIGHT E4620 County Rd C, Downsville, WI. 715-664-8354. Five course meal $65, add wine $85.

YOGA WITH TAMMY SCHWARTZ, RYT Studio fi ve miles southwest of Chetek. 715-642-3360.Mondays 4:45 and 6pmThursdays 5:15pm

PUNKERDOOPS DIAPERS MODERN CLOTH DIAPERING 101 SESSIONS. Learn more about the economical, environmental, and health benefi ts to cloth diapering. See, feel, and try out a variety of cloth diapers and related products. Free. Sessions are at the Punkerdoops Diapers shoppe located at 1135 Jensen Rd, Eau Claire, 54701. www.PunkerdoopsDiapers.com RSVP to 715-563-7388 or Amber@PunkerdoopsDiapers.com Thursday, March 4, 6pm Tuesday, March 23, 6pm

UWEC WELLNESS CLASSESHilltop Recreation Center, 105 Garfi eld Ave. Eau Claire. Contact Lisa Schuetz at 715-836-2400 or schuetlm@

uwec.edu for more information, or register online at http://www.uwec.edu/recreation/SpecialEvents/springwellness.pdf

PILATES 2Tues/Thurs 6:30am-7:15am, April 6-May 20HULAEROBICS 2Wednesdays 5-6pm, April 7-May 12TOOLS TO TAME STRESSTuesdays 5:30-7:30pm April 6 & 13SCENTSATIONAL CREATIONSTuesdays 5:30-7:30pm, April 27 & May 4ANYTHING GOESTues/Thurs 12:30pm-1:30pm, April 6-May 20HEALTHY BACKSMondays 7:30-8:30pm, March 1, 8, 15 & April 5, 12, & 19FITNESS YOGATues/Thurs Sessions 3 & 4, April 6-May 20Call schedules for details at www.uwec.edu/recreation or call UWEC Recreation &Sport Facilities at 836-3377 between the hours of 7:45am-4:30pm.

AYURVEDA-NUTRITION CLASS Thursdays, February 11-March 18, 5–6pm. Hilltop Lounge***Note that this is a different room than the information on the website.Fee: $30.00 UWEC Students, Faculty and Staff/$50.00 Community MembersInstructor: Patricia Wickman, Certifi ed Ayurvedic Practitioner and registered Yoga InstructorLearn more about yourself, how to balance your physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and be inspired to eat and live healthfully.

WEEKLY GROUPS

Quit Smoking Group Meeting. Every Wednesday 7pm. Path to Health and Wellness. 310 S. Barstow St. Eau Claire. Robert Earnest, 715-613-0365, thesmokebuster@gmail.com. Free Class open to everyone using an energy balancing technique called EFT.

Free community forums the First Wednesday of each month at 6pm at Natural Healing, 239 E. LaSalle Ave., Barron. Come network, learn and share. Professionals who wish to present can call 715.637.1400 or

e-mailredragon@baldwin-telecom.net

Healing Circles led by Julie Geigle, Spiritual Counselor & Healer meets every Thursday, 12-2:30pm at Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom St Eau Claire. Call for details. 715-833-1096.

MONTHLY GROUPSMenomonie Wellness Club-Lunch Bunch meets every Third Wednesday at The Raw Deal, 603 Broadway. Noon-1pm. Learn more about wellness, connect, and build relationships with like-minded people! Sponsored by www.USwellnessdirectory.com

Chippewa Wellness Club-Tea Time meets the First Wednesday at the 4:30am Coffee Shop, N. Bridge Str., Chippewa Falls. Hosted by Sandi Anderson, Healing Intention. Please RSVP to 715-456-1391.

Meeting of the Metaphysical Minds meets the First Monday of the month. 10am –noon at Border’s Bookstore, Eau Claire. 715-832-7250. Join Judy Meinen for an informal discussion of healing, Angles, the paranormal, and psychic phenomena.

Angel Care Healing Touch

Judy Meinen, RN

March 13 Workshop & Psychic Fair - See Website!

DiapersPunkerd ps• Modern Cloth Diapers • Free In-Store Demos • Baby Wearing Products

www.PunkerdoopsDiapers.com

715-563-7388

Mar. 5 and 6, Fri., 3-7 pm and Sat., 10 am-2 pm. Massage therapists and massage students will donate their time. Pick your length of massage and your cost. Suggested donation is $1 per minute.

Massage-a-thon for EC Children’s Museum

Healing Choices Massage and Tai Chi Center

2711 Pleasant Street, Eau Claire, 852-0303

Second Opinion | 31

A delicious Easter favorite you don’t have to hunt for.

Hand-Poured Easter Figures

Hand Crafted Truffles

Gourmet Sauces

Unique Molded Barks

310 Water Street | Downtown Eau Claire | (p) 715.514.1720

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Chippewa Valley Energy Club meets monthly on Fourth Tuesday, downtown Chippewa Falls. This organization invites speakers and socializes on environmental topics. slrobinson@clearwire.net

Chippewa Valley Master Gardeners Association. Occasional events and meetings on the Second Monday of the month, except December, at 6 pm. 723-6711 www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/locals/chippewa/chippewa.htm The goal of this organization is to promote environmental stewardship in collaboration with UW Extension by developing an appreciation for and understanding of horticultural practices for all Master Gardeners and Chippewa Valley residents.

Clear Vision Eau Claire Sustainability Task Force meets monthly, dates vary, 832-9705, marymickel@charter.net. The task force promotes the concept of eco-communities to Eau Claire County governmental bodies and engages

individual families and citizens in efforts to reduce their energy and water consumption, waste production and environmental footprint.

Green Drinks meets every Third Wednesday at Haymarket Grill, 101 Graham Ave., Eau Claire at 6:30 pm. This group meets over drinks to discuss all topics concerning sustainability, eco-friendliness and the environment.

Sierra Club, meets First Wednesdays, October thru May, Northstar Middle School, 7:30 pm. 235-9771 www.wisconsin.sierraclub.org/chippewa. Programs vary from slide presentations of trips to talks about environmental issues and suggestions of actions members could take.

Sustainable Dunn www.sustainabledunn.org. Monthly meetings and activities. This group works to promote energy conservation, green building, water conservation and initiatives to make Menomonie a more sustainable community.

Sustainable Eau Claire, occasional meetings. 835-1733. www.sustainableeauclaire.org This group works to promote energy conservation, green building, water conservation and initiatives to make Eau Claire a more sustainable community.

WI League of Conservation Voters, www.conservationvoters.org/Public/. 835-4248. This non-profi t, non-partisan organization works to connect local conservation groups and individuals with state issues.

Indoor Air Contaminant Discussion/Solution Advanced Air & Water Purifi ers Second Thursday each month 9:30 a.m. or by appt. 1421 Cameron St., Eau Claire, WI 54703. aawppurifi ers@yahoo.com 715-225-3111.

Holistic Health Gathering meets the Last Wednesday from noon-1pm, at the Goat Coffee House, 408 Water St., Eau Claire. Featuring Holistic Healing; hosted by Julie Geigle. 715-833-1096.

Eau Claire Holistic Gathering meets

the Second Saturday from 10-11am at the Acoustic Cafe, 505 S. Barstow, Eau Claire. Featuring the Law of Attraction; hosted by Renee Tibbits. 715-577-3511. Open to the public and free of charge. Business people are invited to network and share business cards. Sponsored by the US Wellness Directory.

Plant Based, Whole Foods Cooking Class meets Last Saturday of Every Month Usually 10:00am-Noon.Class is designed to help people add more plant foods to thier diet in a tasty way. Recipies will be vegan and gluten-free. New ecipies every month.For more information and location contact Austin Erickson at ericksonchiroec@gmail.com or 715-514-2701.

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Wednesday, March 3Growing in LoveFertility Appreciation Workshop (parents and children attend). Join Alice and Jeff Heizen, of the Diocese of La Crosse, as they discuss ways parents and their children can maintain and strengthen healthy, fulfilling relation-ships during the growing years. This is for families with children in grades 4 through 7.

6:15 - 8:30 pmSacred Heart Hospital Community AuditoriumFreeCall to register, 717-1600

Mindfulness Based Stress ReductionThis eight week course supports the development of increased mindfulness and our way of helping you work through stress, pain, and illness and the challenges of everyday life. Participants will come into this course for many reasons: to alleviate the discomfort of all types of stress and anxiety, to learn stress management skills, and/or achieve overall life balance. Course includes learning mindfulness mediation, gentle stretching and yoga, exercises to enhance awareness, group discussion and more.

Mandatory OrientationThursday, March 25Noon - 1:30 pm or 5:30 - 7 pm (choose one) PROGRAM SCHEDULE: Thursdays 5 – 7:30 pmApril 15 - June 3, with an all day retreat Saturday, May 22St. Bede’s Retreat and Conference Center1190 Priory Road, Eau Claire$350 for community members, $150 for Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Hospital employees

Tuesday, March 30“2010: An Aging Well Odyssey” Adventure 22nd Annual Senior Americans Day W.R. Davies Center/UWEC, $27 per personRegister on line go to: www.uwec.edu/ce/reg.htm

March 10, 31 or April 14 (choose one)

Joint Renew CampFree educational program for anyone having upcoming joint replacement surgery. April 1Bariatric Symposium Join us for a free community program on the various bariatric surgeries available at Sacred Heart Hospital provided by Marshfield Clinic. This symposium will discuss who is considered a candidate, the preoperative evaluation and also potential complications.

5 – 8 p.m.Sacred Heart Hospital Community Auditorium, To register call 715-717-1600 to register.

S A V E T H E D A T ECaring for the CaregiverFriday, May 7Sacred Heart Hospital

Calendar of

EVENTS

Call the Center for Healthy Living at 717-1600 for more information.

NewOffering