natural awakenings magazine ~ may 2010

1natural awakenings May 2010

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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MAY 2010 | West Michigan Edition | www.NaturalWestMichigan.com

Women’sPosture

The Importance of Good Posture

SPRING SNEEZING BEGONE

Seasonal Allergy Help

A Woman’s Guide to Financial Health

Steps to Fiscal SUCCESS10

PlantingFor Profit

Growing a Cash CropIn your Backyard

2 West Michigan Edition NaturalWestMichigan.com


contents

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How to AdvertiseTo advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: [email protected]. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.

News Briefs & Article suBmissioNsEmail articles to: [email protected]. Dead-line for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Sub-mit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.

cAleNdAr suBmissioNsSubmit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

wHere to PicK uP NAturAl AwAKeNiNGsIf you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email us at: [email protected]

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Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

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5 newsbriefs

8 healthbriefs

10 globalbriefs

13 inspiration

14 consciouseating

18 fitbody

20 healthykids

22 featurearticle

32 calendar

26

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13 THE POWER OF HALF by Hannah Salwen

14 BYRON CENTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES MICHIGAN WEEK withLocalFareontheLunchMenu

18 CURE FOR HIGH HEEL HANGOVER by Katy Bowman

20 COMMON SENSE DEFENSES AGAINST SEASONAL ALLERGIES TipstoHelpChildren BreatheEasier by Bevin Wallace

22 A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO FINANCIAL HEALTH ItStartswithTrustingYourIntuition by Lisa Marshall

26 PLANTING FOR PROFIT HowtoGrowaCashCrop inYourBackyard by Sharon Pisacreta

32 WOMEN’S POSTURE by Andrew Schafer, DC

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letterfrompublishers

Mothers,daughters,sisters,auntsandgrandmothers everywhere continue

to quietly go about the business of con-sistentlycaringforwhat’simportantintheworld,electingtonurturethatwhichlasts.ThismonthNatural Awakeningspaystributetowomenofallages,recognizingtheself-lessmotheringthatsupportsandforwardsthewell-beingoffamilies,communitiesandnations.It’swhywecelebrateMother’sDay,establishedin1914,onthesecondSundayofMayeachyear,aspecialtimejustforyou.Weallknow thatahealthy,happyMommakesforahappy,healthyhome. OurannualWomen’sWellnessissueisheretosupportyouandallthewomeninyourlifeinmakinghealthful,life-affirmingchoicesfromaholisticperspective,includ-

ingthechoicetobefinanciallystrong(page22).Wealldeservetolivelivesofvitality,pleasureandconfidence.Thismonth’stipsevenincludethewaytoensurewehavehealthy,happyfeet,oneoflife’softenoverlookedneces-sitiesforstandingtall(page18). Ihavebeenfortunatetohavetwogreatmothersinmylife.Mymomhastaughtmelove,loyalty,theimportanceoffamilyandgoodvalues;shecontinuestogivememorethanIcouldeveraskforandtrulyismybestfriend.Mystep-momcameintomylifewhenIwasage3.Withherguid-anceI’velearnedhowtobeafinanciallysmartandself-sufficient,confident,strongwoman.Bestofall,shebelievesinme;IlovehowshecheersmeoninrealizingthatIcanachieveanythingIsetouttodo. TobothMoms,Iofferaheartfeltthank-you,especiallypoignantinthatIwasahandfulasayoungsterandwon’tevenattempttodescribethechal-lengesIpresentedasateen.Irejoicethat,likeallgoodmothers,theyhungintherethroughthetoughtimesandthatwenowhaveagreatrelationship. Somanywomen(andmen)havebeenthereforusaspillarstoholdtoinlife’sroughpatches.Anytimeistherighttimetoacknowledgehowtheyhaveblessedusandcontinuetosupport,teachandbringoutthebestinuswhileembracingusjustasweare. InthisregenerativemonthofMayit’sagoodtimetocelebratebeingawomanaswewishallmothersajoyousandwell-deservedMother’sDay.Pleasejoininrecognizingallofthewomenwhohavemadeadifferenceinyourownlife.

Incelebrationofgoodwomeneverywhere,

Amy

Subscriptions are availableby sending $30 (12 issues)

to the above address.© 2010 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be repro-duced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed lo-cally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled newsprint with soy based ink.

PublishersKyle & Amy Hass

EditorsMaryAnn LawrenceS. Alison Chabonais

Linda Sechrist

MarketingStephanie Harding

[email protected]

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J.R. [email protected]

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newsbriefs

616.328.5716 [email protected]

Clean. Green. Organic.www.cleanairlawncare.comCall or Email today for a FREE estimate!

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Pilgrim Spirit TourIttakesaspecialkindoffaithtomakethejourneytotheTibetan

cityofLhasa,wheretraditionbringspeopleworldwidetoprayandmakeofferingsof yakbutterandmoneyat the templesthere.Withprayerwheelsinhand,theychantastheywalkand,uponarrival,prostratethemselvesbeforetheBuddhainanactofsurrenderandreverence. BothTibetandYunnanareamong the fewplaces in theworldwhereonecanbesteepedintheancientmysteriesthatguidedlifeforthousandsofyears.Nextspring,beguidedbyPilgrimSpiritToursasyoudiscovertheancienttraditionsnestledinthesestillremoteareasofChina.TravelaspilgrimswithourChineseandTibetanguidesaswediscoverandimmerseour-selvesinthesights,soundsandbeliefsofculturesthatremaincolorful,uniqueandlargelyundiscovered. The cost of the 18-day pilgrimage is $4960, excludinginternationalairfare.ContactBarbaraLeeatExtendedGrace,[email protected]. Extended Grace. 616-502-2078. See ad page 39

Grand Opening Massage SpecialGrandRapidsCenterfortheHealingArtshasanewname

andnewlocation–butnottoofar.Thenewspaceisjusttwodoorsdown,at3160-CBretonAvenueSEinGrandRapids.Tocelebrate,Price isoffering$20/hourmassages; there isaminimumofthreehours,butnolimit.Theoffermustbeusedweeklyorbi-weekly,saysPrice. “Iamverymuchlookingforwardtothenewspace,”saysPrice,“asitwillallowmetoexpandfarbeyondmassage.Thenewspacefeaturesagrouproom,aswellasaveryquietspaceformassageandenergywork.”AmaDeusandKundaliniReikitreatmentswillnowbeavailableinadditiontotheextensivemassagemenualreadyinplace,shesays. Upcomingevents includeLaughterYogaworkshopsandclubs, a series of Kundalini awakening workshops, transfor-mationalmeditational training,AmaDeusattunements, andtrainingformassagetherapistsandothers.Asmallgiftshopwilloccupythespaceaswell.Anneplansforthistobeawelcomingdestinationinthearea,“filledwithawonderfulhealingenergyandbrimmingwithloveandlaughter.” Contact Anne Price at Grand Rapids Center for the Healing Arts, 616-648-7011 or at [email protected]. See ad page 29

Open House and Ribbon Cutting Comecelebratetheribboncuttingandopen

houseof thenewlyexpandedandreno-vatedHolisticCareApproachfacilityonMay18from4to7p.m.MeetnewMedicalDirector

Dr.LauraTinningandotherpractitioners.Experiencechairmassage,tours,refreshmentsandsamplingsofthemanyservicesprovided. Holistic Care Approach is located at 3368 Beltline Court, in Grand Rapids, 616-361-9221. See ad page 28.

Writing Workshop Encourages Good, Long LookWriter Ray Bradbury credits hisbreakthroughasawriterto“alonglookat the greenapple trees andtheoldhouseIwasborninandthehouse next door where lived mygrandparents.” Disability rights activists andwritersMikeErvinandRahneePatrickwilllead“GreenAppleTreesandOldHouses:AWritingRetreatforPeoplewithDis-abilitiesandTheirAllies”May21-23atTheLeavenCenterinLyons.Beginningandexperiencedwritersareinvitedtotakealong,reflectivelookattheirownlivesinsearchoftheirpersonal“greenappletreesandoldhouses”–thepeople,places,thingsandeventsthatmakeusinspired,frightened,motivated,daunted,defiant,angry,joyousorgrieved.Par-ticipantswill discover how to recognize and capture thesignificanttwistsandturnsoftheirlivesandexpresstheminwriting.Poets,playwrights,fictionandnonfictionwritersarewelcome. Cost for the weekend is $190. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. To register, contact Karen Bota at The Leaven Center, 989-855-2606. Leaven.org. See ad page 39


First Herb & Spice FestivalUtopianMarketplace,locatedat8832Wa-

terStreetinMontague,hostsitsfirstHerbandSpiceFestJune5from11a.m.to3p.m.Celebratetheloveofherbsandspicesinthisbeautifulaward-winninggarden.Therewillbedisplays,demonstrations,talksandtastycafetreats.Enjoyagardentourandthenrelaxon

thespaciousnewdecktoenjoythemusicalcompositionsoflocalguitaristandcomposerDonSpeziawhowilldebuthisnewcomposition,“UtopianGardens.” Visittheboothsanddemosfeaturingnaturaldyeingwithherbsandotherbotanicals,aromatherapyandherbalteatalks,fairtradeandlocalfoodsinformation,andfeaturingBrittanie’sThymeOrganicBodyCareProductsandTheWesternMichiganHerbSociety.SamplemanydelectablerecipesfromUtopian’sfantasticCaféalongwithherbandlavenderspecialtiesfromCherryPointinShelby. Entertowinagiftbasketandindulgeinasoothingchairmassage or a creative henna tattoo. Learn about organicgardening and seed-saving.There will be many gardeningproducts,seedsandherbandvegetableplantsavailable,alongwithbulkdriedherbsandspices,including150varietiesofSeedSaversheirloomvegetable,herbandflowerseeds. UtopianMarketplace.com. 231-894-9530. See ad page 32

Fair Trade Day CelebrationGlobalGiftswillhostacelebrationtomarkWorldFairTrade

DayMay8from10a.m.to5p.m.Locatedat205528thStreetinGrandRapids,GlobalGiftsisaFairTradenon-profitgiftshopdedicatedtothereliefofworldhunger.Stopbytobrowsethroughthebeautifulshopandregistertowindoorprizeswhileenjoyingsomefreesamplesoffairtradeproducts.Thestoreoffersanarrayofitemsfromgiftedartisanssuchassculptors,jewelers,pottersandtextileweaversfromalloverthedevelopingworld. Thestoreseekstoimprovethelivesofthesesmallpro-ducers,farmersandartisans.Fairtradeensuresgoodworkingconditionsandfairpricesundersafeconditions.FairTradeissustainablecommercethathelpstransformthestatusofwomenandempowersmallproducers. Call 616-245-2225 or visit GlobalGiftsGR.com. See ad page 21

Rain Barrels on a RollSustainablelivingspecialist

David Smith of GoGreenStep,alocalproducerofrainbarrels,willtourgreenfairs,communitygardensandfarm-ersmarketsthroughoutMichiganthisSpringtospreadthewordaboutthemanybenefitsofusingrainbarrelsathome.HisfirststopistheLakeshoreHabitatforHumanityReStoreGreenFairMay13-15inHolland. GoGreenStepcreatesattractiverainbarrelsbygivingusedfoodgradebarrelsanewlife. Thetransformationiscompletewith adeepclean, durablefixtures anda longlastingpaintfinishinmultiplecolorstoenhanceyourhomeandgarden.Smithsaysthebenefitsofusingresidentialrainbarrelsincludehealthyplants,improvedmunicipalrainwatermanagementandhealthyriversandlakes.“Whypayforcitywater,whenyoucancatchyourown?”saysSmith. GoGreen Step is located at 1128 Ottawa Beach Road, in Holland. GoGreenStep.com. 616-283-3104.

Spring: Time to Cultivate,Time to Grow Join Jamie and JustinAllison

May14-16foratransforma-tionalweekendofyoga.Jamieis committed to educating and empowering her studentsthrough theenlightened teachingsofAnusara®YogaandRajanaka®Tantra.ShereceivedhercertificationinAnusara®Yogain1999andbringstoherteachingthewisdomshehasgainedfromheryearsofstudy,practiceanddesiretodeepenherinvestmentinyogaandinlife.JamiehasbeenstudyingcloselywithJohnFriend,founderofAnusara®Yoga,since1994andwithDr.DouglasBrooks,world-renownedscholarofRajanaka®Tantra,since1998. “Togetherwe’lldelve into theUniversalPrinciplesofAlignment™inawaythatmakesthemaccessibleforevery-one,”saythecouple.ThePrinciplesofferamethodologyforbeingreadytoreceive,cultivateandgrowthepotentialofeverymoment,onandofftheyogamat. From the Heart Yoga Center is located at 714-C Wealthy Street SE, in Grand Rapids. Schedule and pricing information at 616-336-9642 and FromtheHeartYoga.com. See ad page 16

Bakers, Caterers, Chefs, Cooks, Entrepreneurs

Robin Cunningham [email protected]: 616-301-4212 www.facilitykitchens.com

501 Ottawa, Lowell, MI 49331FKPA

10-0

02 “ Grow Your Food Business With Us!”


Great Lakes, Great Midwives! Family Fun FestivalJoin Friends of Michigan Midwives for the Great Lakes,

Great Midwives! Family Fun Festival Saturday May 15 atUnityChurchofPracticalChristianity,1711WalkerAvenue,inGrandRapids.Adonationof$10/familyor$5/person isrecommended. Apancakebreakfaststartsoffthefestivalat8a.m.followedbytheFamilyFestivalandArtShowat10a.m.Theday’sfestivi-tiesalsoincludelivemusic,sing-along,storytelling,drumcircle,hennatattoos,Bellies,BirthandBeyondArtShow,kid’sgamesandcrafts,facepainting,asilentauction,raffleprizesandmore.Don’tmisstheOrgasmicBirthfilmscreeningat6p.m.

MNA Opens Door for MembershipNaturopaths,studentsintrainingfornaturalhealingand

naturalhealthpractitionersareinvitedtojointheMichi-gan NaturopathsAssociation. Membership is free throughNovember.Theorganizationoffersprofessionaldevelopment,networking,legislativeprotection,conferencedevelopment,continuingeducation,healthnewsandmore. MichiganNaturopathsAssociation.net. 734-769-7794.

Brand New Commercial Rental Kitchens Opening Soon In Michigan’s tough economy we must

keepourdreamsalive,becreative,followourpassions,andasthesonggoes,“gonnatrywithalittlehelpfrommyfriends”;Fa-cilityKitchensendeavorstobethatfriend.Areyoupassionateabout food?Whetheryou need a test kitchen to develop your

menus,teachgourmetcookingclasses,bringyourgatheringsof freshproducefromLowell’sFarmersMarket forcanning,bakepastries to sellat themarket,cook forabanquetyouarecatering,orproduceaspecialty/signaturefooditemandpackage it for a local groceryor coffee shop, theyprovidethefacilitytodoyourdream;FacilityKitchensis theplace.CommercialRentalKitchensaremovingintotheconstructionphaseofdevelopment. For more information and to contact Robin, please visit www.facilitykitchens.com or [email protected]. Visit often for the latest developments. See ad(s) pages 6 & 21

Health by Naturehas a New OfficeHealthbyNature,LLChasopenedanewofficeindown-

townHollandat222SouthRiverAve.,Suite207.HealthbyNatureprovidesholistichealthcounseling,nutritioncoun-selingandcustomherbalremedies.Consultationsareavailableinthedowntownoffice,inyourhomeorbyphone. Contact Karen Green at 616-566-0349. See ad page 35

Kudos TheYoga Studio congratulates longtime

teacherKatMcKinneyforcompletinganAssociateofAppliedSciencedegree,summacumlaude,atBakerCollegeofMuskegontobecomeaPhysicalTherapistAssistant(PTA).ShewilltaketheNationalPTAExamearlythissummertobecomefullylicensed. KatsaysthatshehasfoundthatherphysicaltherapyandyogastudiescomplementeachotherwellandshelooksforwardtocontinuingtoteachyogainadditiontoworkingasaPTA.TheYogaStudioisdelightedtohaveKataspartofourstaff. The Yoga Studio is located at 955 Cherry SE, in Grand Rapids. 616 776-0836. See ad page 16


healthbriefs

Allergy Prevention TipsWhenpollencountsandotherallergyrisksarehigh,these

preventiontipscanhelp.Avoidusinglipstick,perfumeoranyscentedproductthatmayirritateeyes;getplentyofrest,whenthebodyreplenishesnaturalcortisone,itsownanti-inflammatory;avoidicedbeveragesandinsteaddrinklotsofwarmliquidstostimulatenasalcilia,especiallyhotgreentea,becauseit’shighinantioxidantsthatcanhelpreduceallergysymptoms;blowthenosegently,soasnottoforcemucusintohealthysinusesandearcanals;andkeepasweaterorjackethandytoavoidgettingchilled,whichcancontributetoallergyflare-ups.

Source: Dr. Murray Grossan, consulting physician, depart-ment of otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Acupuncture Relieves De-pression During Pregnancy Anewstudypresentedatthisyear’s

SocietyforMaternal-FetalMedi-cine’sannualmeetingshowedthatacupuncturecanbeasafeandeffec-tivetreatmentfordepressionduringpregnancy.Thisisespeciallygoodnewsbecauseexpectantwomenarenatu-rallyreluctanttotakemedicationsandunderstandthattheuseofantidepres-santsduringgestationposesrisksforthedevelopingfetus. About10percentofpregnantwomenmeetcriteriaformajordepressionandalmost20percentreportincreasedsymptomsofdepressionduringpregnancy.Theeight-weekstudyinvolved150participants,inwhichhalfreceiveddepression-specificacupuncturetreatments. See page 37 for a local Acupuncturist.

More Kudos for Nuts and Mediterranean DietAccording toa report inThe Jour-

nalof theAmericanMedicalAs-sociation,aMediterraneandiet,withan additional daily serving of mixednuts,canbehelpfulinmanagingsomemetabolic disorders in older adults.Research focused on metabolic syn-drome, a set of metabolic disorderssuchasabdominalobesity,highcho-lesterolandhighbloodglucoselevels,allofwhichincreasetheriskofchronicdisease.

CruCiferous Veggies Help WitH CystiC fibrosisScientistsattheUniversityofPennsylvaniaSchoolofMedicineandHealth

Systemdiscoveredthatadietaryantioxidantfoundinvegetableslikebroc-coliandcauliflowerhelpsprotectcellsfromdamage

causedbychemicalsgeneratedduringthebody’sinflammatoryresponsetoinfectionandinjury.The

findinghasimplicationsforinflamma-tion-baseddisordersincluding

cysticfibrosis,diabetes,heartdiseaseandneurodegeneration.


exerCising benefits expeCtant MotHers and babies

Contrarytomoreconservativecustoms,exercisinguptotheendofpregnancyhasnoharmfuleffectontheweightorsizeofthebaby,suggestsnew

researchfromtheSpanishFoundationforScienceandTechnology.Onthecontrary,formerlysedentarywomenwhobegananexerciseprogramthatcontinuedthrough-outtheirpregnancygavebirthtobabiesofahealthierbirthweight,whilemain-tainingahealthierweightthemselves.

Source: fecyt.es

Got Zinc?

Whenitcomestohealing,boostingimmunityandkeep-

ingourDNAintact,zincisastar.AnewstudypublishedintheJournal of Leukocyte Biologyreportsthatitmaybethebasisforfuturetherapiesforfightinginfection,becausethemineralsupportshealthyimmunefunctionbyincreasingactivationofspecificimmunecells(Tcells)capableofdestroyingvirusesandbacteria. Zincsupplementation,forinstance,hasbeenshowntosig-nificantlyreducethedurationandseverityofchildhooddiarrheaandtolowertheincidenceandseverityofrespiratoryinfections.Furthermore,accordingtotheLinusPaulingInsti-tuteatOregonStateUniversity,zincisessentialforpeopleofallagesbecauseitprotectsagainstoxidativestressandhelpsrepairDNA. TheinstitutealsoreportsthatzincdeficiencyiscommonintheUnitedStates,especiallyamongtheelderly,duetotheirlowerabsorptionofthemineralandofteninadequatediet.Awell-balanceddietthatincludespumpkinseeds,chickpeas,almonds,eggs,chicken,turkey,beefandshellfishsuchasoysterscansupplyzinc.Takingadailymultivita-mincontainingabouteightmilli-gramsofzincalsoensuresthatourneedsaremet.

Additional sources: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and DietBites.com

Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses,

Pain Relief, Hormone Issues, as well as Detoxing Foot Baths,

Body Balancing & Biofeedback Scans.

Call Clara: 616.698.6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

Spice For Life-Try it in the Kitchen; You’ll love the results! -FDA approved

aroMatHerapy spiCes KitCHen dutyOregano,allspiceandgarlichavemultipleusesinanykitchen;now,research

publishedintheJournal of Food Sciencerevealsthatwhentheyareusedasessentialoils(commonlyknownasaromatherapyoils)theyalsoserveaspowerfulnaturalbarriersagainstharmfulbacteria. Investigatingtheeffectivenessoftheseoilsbytestinglabsamples,thescientistsdiscoveredthatoreganooilconsistentlyinhibitedthegrowthofE.coli,salmonellaandlisteria;garlicwasmosteffectiveagainstlisteria;

andallspicedisplayedantimicrobialactionagainstE.coliandsalmonella.Aseparatestudybythesameresearchers

showedthatcinnamonalsoofferedprotectionagainstallthreetypesofbacteria.Manyessentialoilsaresafetouseinthekitchenas

flavoringagents,butbecauseoftheirpotency,theyshouldbeusedwithcare.Tolearnmoreabouttheusesandsafetyof

essentialoils,consultwithaqualifiedaromatherapist.

Source: Institute of Food Technologists


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that works for all.

globalbriefs

Shopping TipDecline Unnecessary ReceiptsShoppersneedtobewaryofreceiptsthatcomeonthermalimagingpaper,thekindofcoatedpaperthatfaxesusedtoarriveonandsomecashregistersstillroutinelyspitout.Manyofthesetypesofreceiptsarelacedwithbisphe-nolA(BPA),theestrogen-mimickingchemicalpresentinmanyhardplas-ticbottlesandmetal-basedfoodandbeveragecanssincethe1960s.Theamountthereceiptscarryisn’ttrivial. “Whenpeopletalkaboutpolycar-bonatebottles,theytalkaboutnano-gramquantitiesofBPA[leachingout],”saysJohnC.Warner,co-founderoftheWarnerBabcockInstituteforGreenIn-dustry.“TheaveragecashregisterreceiptthatusestheBPAtechnologywillhave60to100milligramsoffreeBPA.”(Thismeansit’snotboundintoapolymer,asinpolycarbonates,heexplains,butisjustloosemoleculesreadyforuptake.) InWarner’sopinion,whenitcomestoBPAintheurbanenvironment,“thebiggestexposurewillbethesecashregisterreceipts.”Onceonthefingers,BPAcanbetransferredtofoods.A2010FoodandDrugAdministrationupdatesupportsU.S.industry’sactionstostopproducingBPA-containingbabybottlesandfeedingcupsandtofindalternativesforinfantformulacans. Thebestbetfornowistominimizeacceptanceofsuchreceipts,keepthemoutofkids’handsandwashhandsaftertouchingone.Storetheminasepa-rate,zippedplasticbagawayfromthekitchenandnotinawallet.AccordingtoGrist.org,suchreceiptsarenon-recy-clable;checkwiththelocalmunicipal-ityforexceptions.

Fat CountryAmerica Moves to Overturn Obesity EpidemicTheCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionreportsadramaticincreaseinobesityintheUnitedStatesduringthepast20years(cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html). In2008,onlyonestate(Colorado)hadaprevalenceofobesitylessthan20percent.Thirty-twostateshadaprevalenceequaltoorgreaterthan25percent.Awarenessofthevitalneedtocounterthistrendalongwiththewiderangeofas-sociatedhealthrisksisontherisethankstoeduca-tionaleffortsonmanyfronts.Herearesomeofthelatest. ThisFebruary,FirstLadyMichelleObamalaunchedhernational“Let’sMove”anti-obesitycampaigntoendwhatshecalls“theepidemicofchildhoodobesity”inasinglegeneration.Hercampaignissettoengagechildren,parents,governors,mayors,educators,schoolnutritionleadersandfoodmanufacturers. InMarchandApril,ABC-TVcreatedastirwithJamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,aspecialseriescoveringacasestudybentonchangingeatinghabitsintheHuntington,WestVirginia,metropolitanarea.Thetri-stateregionwaslabeledtheunhealthiestplaceinthecountryin2006,basedonhealthhabitsandU.S.governmentstatistics.OliverhassucceededintransformingtheschoollunchsysteminBritainforthebetter;nowhe’stak-ingonAmerica.“OnethingIlearnedhereintheStatesisthatonceyougetinpeople’shomes,there’sayearningforinformationandhelp,”saysOliver.“It’sasconsistentasclockwork.”Hesayshe’sneverworkedwithafamilyoffourthatliveonjunkfoodthatdon’tendupspendinglesseatingfresh.Inhisexperience,“theysaveanaverage$100-$150aweek.” Now,HunterLussi,15,theworld’syoungestcertifiedOlympic-distancetriathlete,ischallengingAmericanstotrainthissummertoestablishanewrecordforthelargestgroupevertoparticipateinatriathlon.He’schallengingAmericansyoungandoldtocompletetheequivalentofhisfirsttriathlon(atage6)byattempting,asindividualsorinarelayteam,a500-yardswim/paddle/float,10-milebike/spin/rolland2.5-milerun/walk/rollthiscomingLaborDayandeveryLaborDay. “IfIcangofrombeingachubbykidtowhereIamnow,anyonecandothis,”saysLussi.SignupatAmericasTriForHealth.com.

Jamie Oliver


Dolphin FriendsCall for More Humane TreatmentNewresearchrevealsthatmanymoderndolphinbrainsaresignificantlylargerthanourownandsec-ondinmasstothehumanbrainwhencorrectedforbodysize.“Dolphinsaresophisticated,self-aware,highlyintelligentbeingswithindividualpersonali-ties,autonomyandaninnerlife,”saidLoriMarino,anEmoryUniversityneuroscientistatarecentAmericanAssociationfortheAdvancementofSci-enceconference.

Marinoandotherexpertsareconcernedby,amongotherthings,thegrowingindustryofcapturingandconfiningdolphins,andthenhavingthemperforminmarineparksortoswimwithtouristsatresorts.Theapproachismisinformedandneedstobereconsidered,shesays,as“Dolphinsarevulnerabletotremendoussufferingandpsychologicaltrauma.”Anearlierstudyindicatedthatdolphins’self-awarenessissimilartothatinhigherprimatesandelephants. The recent Oscar-winning documentary, TheCove, addresses the extremes human disregard for dolphin populations can reach if left unchecked. Take Action by petitioning leaders in the U.S. and Japan to protect the world’s dolphins at TheCoveMovie.com.

Wilderness VigilAmericans Benefit from Elders’ Conservation EffortsGreatOldBroadsforWilderness,anonprofit,publiclandsorganiza-tionbasedinDurango,Colorado,leveragesthevoicesandactivismofelderstopreserveandprotectwildernessandwildlands.Thegroup’sforteisraisingpublicaware-nessoftheimportanceofwildernessandalertingthepublictoinappro-priatedevelopmentandmanage-mentdecisionsaffectingit.Whenitsmemberstalkwiththeconvictionoflifeexperience,peopletendtolisten,saysVeronicaEgan,executivedirectorsince1992. Establishedin1989onthe25thanniversaryofthefederalWilder-nessAct,theseoldbroadsareonamissiontopreservepubliclands,theplacestheylovetohike,fortheirgrandchildren.Broadsin22localchapters,orBroadbands,in18statesjoinwithotherenvironmentalgroupstopreservenationalforests,grasslands,monumentsandparks.MostofthelandtheymonitorisintheAmericanWest,withitsvastroadlessareas.Themostcommonimpactsareonarchaeologicalsitesandriparianlandsthatcontainir-replaceablebiologicaldiversity.Thewomenarevigilantaboutmonitor-ing,documentingandreportingunauthorizedactivities. WallyWhite,acountycommis-sionerofLaPlata,Colorado,con-sidersEgan’swork“unsurpassed.”SheremindshimofthetraditionofNativeAmericans,whohavealwaysreliedoneldersforguidanceandleadership. For more information visit GreatOldBroads.org.

Assisted LivingCleaning for a Reason Helps Cancer Patients for FreeTheCleaningforaReasonFoundationisanonprofitagencythatoffersfreeprofessionalhousecleaningandmaidservicestowomencurrentlyundergoingtreatmentforanyformofcancer.Since2007,theTexas-basedgrouphasbeenconnectingcancerpatientsinall50UnitedStatesandinCanadawithhundredsofbondedandinsuredservicesthatofferfreecleaningtoqualifiedapplicants. Womenseekinghouseholdcleaninghelpcansignuponline,backedbyafaxednotefromtheirphysi-cian.Participatingservicescanhelptwopatientsatatimewithfourmonthlycleanings.Twotothreedozennewagencypartnersarebeingaddedeachmonthaswordgetsoutanddemandfortheservicegrows.

Visit CleaningForAReason.org.

Elder MomentNational Senior Health & Fitness Day

Anestimated100,000olderadultswillparticipateinlocalfitnessactivitiesthroughoutthecountryonMay26aspartofthe17thannualNationalSeniorHealth&FitnessDay.Seniorcenters,healthclubs,hospitals,parksandrecreationdepartments,andretirementcommunitieswillhostsome1,000events.Typicalprogramsincludesmallgroupexercisedemonstrations,walkingtoursandhealthfairs.Nationally,theinitiativeisorchestrat-edbyMatureMarketResourceCenter,aninformationclearinghouseforolderadultprograms.


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Healing NetworkChristian Spirituality and MedicineArecentannualInternationalChristianMedi-calConferencewelcomed400doctorsandothermedicalprofessionalsfrom30coun-trieswhoallbelieveinprayingfortheirsickpatients—withtheirpermission,ofcourse.Theyalsobelievethatdivinehealingshouldbeprovable,whichiswhyseveralpresentedtheirsupportingmedicaldata.“Despitetheadvancementofmedicine,manypeoplearestillsufferingfromdiseas-es…somanyincurableandfataldiseases,”observesRev.Dr.VitalityFishbert,aphysi-cianfromtheRepublicofMoldova,whonowpracticesinNewYorkCity.“Butthereisonewaywhereeverykindofdiseasecanbehealed…thatiswhenyoumeettheAlmighty

God.Hecanhealanykindofdiseasesthatcannotbecuredwithscienceandmedicines.”

Source: ASSIST News Service

globalbriefs

Perfect StormMore Corporations are Catering to Green MomsThankstotheblogosphere,inter-activegroupwebsitesandonlinesocialmedia,womenarebecomingincreasinglyeducatedabouthowtoavoidwhatmaybeharmfultotheirfamiliesaswellashowtolessentheirfamily’snegativeimpactontheenvironmentinwhichtheylive.Theyarevocalabouttheirneedforsustainableproductsataffordableprices,andcompaniesarerespond-ingtomeetthedemand. “Greensensibilitiesaretrick-lingdowntothegeneralmarket,”observesWendyGoldmanScherer,apartnerattheSocialStudiesGroup,commentingonthegroup’snewreport,Green Mom Eco-cosm.Theresearchersconcludedthatwhileloyaltytoclassicbrandsremains,moremomsaresacrificingbrandpreferenceforenvironmentalconsiderations.

Find the full report at SocialStudiesGroup.com.


inspiration

AstheBritishphilosopherEdmundBurkesaid,“Nobodymadeagreatermistakethanhewhodidnothingbecausehecouldonlydoalittle.”Iknowexactlywhathewastalkingabout.

BeforeourfamilyPowerofHalfproject,Ikepttellingmyselfthatnomat-terhowhardItriedorhowmuchmoneyIgavetocauses,Iwouldneverbeabletofullysolveanyoftheworld’sbigproblems.WhenIworkedatCafé458,theAtlantarestaurantforhomelessmenandwomen,Isawdozensofpeoplecomeinlookingdepressedandlonely.Ididn’tseethemasindividuals,butinsteadasagroupcalled“thehomeless.”

Fourteen-year-old Hannah Salwen’s awaken-ing to the urgent need for social justice led to a unanimous family decision to dramatically change the focus of all of their lives. They sold their huge historic house, moved into a more modest home and gave half of the sale price to charity.

In ThePowerofHalf, co-authored with her father, Hannah describes how the project connected her family and lays out how others can undertake their own project (of any size).

Hannah’s work inspires us all to take another look at our own relation-ships and our ability to make a difference in the world.

the Power of Halfby Hannah Salwen

Oneday,Iheardtwohomelessmentalkingaboutacollegebasket-ballgamethatIhadwatchedwithmydadthenightbefore.Isnappedtotherealizationthatthesearepeople,andnotjustsomeanonymousgroup.HowstupidandrudeIhadbeentoseethemasdifferentfromme. Havingthatepiphanywasabigstepforme.Inthatsplitsecondofcomprehension,Iswitchedtosee-ingpeopleinneedasindividuals;theproblemofhomelessnessandhungerseemedsmallerandIfeltlikeIcouldmakemoreofadifference.IalsostartedbelievingthatIcouldhelpbe-causeIwasawareoftheirproblemonapersonallevel. Ibelievethatnomatterhowlittleyouhave,it’sworthpartingwithhalfofsomethinginordertomakeadifference.Sometimesgivingtimeisbetterthangiv-ingawaymoneyorclothes.Thepointisnotasmuchaboutpersonalsacrificeasitisrealizinghowmuchyouhaveavail-abletogiveintime,talentandtreasuretoimprovesomeoneelse’slife.

Excerpted from “Hannah’s Take” in ThePowerofHalf:OneFamily’sDecisiontoStopTakingandStartGivingBack,” by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen, © 2010. Reprinted by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Find more information on creating your own proj-ect via the family’s CD, blog and study guide; visit ThePowerOfHalf.com.


consciouseating

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Byron Center Public Schools Celebrates Michigan Week with Local Fare on the Lunch Menu

byJulieHurley

It doesn’t sound like your typical school hot lunch fare: aMichigancherryburgeronawholegrainbun,roastedaspara-

gus,mixedfruitshortcakeonanAwrey’sBiscuitandPetersonFarmsappleslices,butitiswhatByronCenterPublicSchools(BCPS)willbeservinguptoitsstudentsduringMichiganWeek,heldMay17-21. ThesearejustafewofthespotlightedlocalitemsontheBCPShotlunchmenu,whichcoincideswiththeNationalFarmtoCafeteriaConferenceinDetroitduringthesameweek.Al-thoughtheKentCountyschoolalreadyfeaturesasmanylocallysourceditemsasbudgetandtimeallow,thisisthefirstyearthattheyarepubliclyhighlightingandfeaturingthemforalltosee. SusanMeyer,FoodServicesDirectorforBCPSforthepast10years,saidthattheschoollunchprogramgetsaworserapthanwhattheydeserve. “TheWestMichiganFoodServicesDirector’sGroup,whichmeetseverymonth,begantalkingaboutthislastfall,”shesaid.“Wewantedtomarketourprogramsinabetterlightthanwhatwehadbeenreceiving.Wewantedtogetoutthereandshoweveryonethatwe’reusinglocalproductsasmuchaspossible.” ThemarketingcommitteefromthisgroupbeganworkingwithGordonFoodServicetocomeupwithproductsfortheschoolstochoosefrom.Theygaveeachdistrictatemplatefromwhichtheycouldchoosesomeorallitemstofeatureontheirmenu. “Close to 100 districts across the state, with a lot fromwestandnorthernMichigan,havechosentoparticipateinthe

program,”saidMeyer.“It’sagoodshowingforthefirstyearandit’ssomethingwe’regoingtobuilduponforfutureyears.” Althoughthemenusoundsbasicenough,it’snotaneasythingtopulloffinanoftentimesunderequippedschoolkitchen. “TakeourfreshMichiganasparagusforexample,”saidMeyer.“Becausemanyofourschoolsdon’thaveactualovens,we’llhavetoroastitinourcentralkitchenandthentruckitouttoeachschool.Wehavetotimeitcorrectlyandnotcookittoofaraheadoftimeandriskitgettingsoggy.Wewantthekidstolikeit.” Meyer,whohastrainedinculinaryartsandhasownedherownweddingandcateringbusiness,firmlybelievesincookingfoodsinahealthfulmannerandpreferablyfromscratch. “Nomatterhowbadlywewanttomakefoodfromscratch,it’snotfinanciallypossible,”saidMeyer.“Thelunchbudgetisallonit’sown.Wedon’ttakefromthegeneralfund.Eachyearwehavetomakethatbudgetandalsotrytomakemoneytobuyupdatedequipmentwhenwecan.” Basedonthenationalaverageforproducingalunch,BCPSandotherpublicschoolsacrossthenationgetsreimbursedupto$2.68forfreeorreducedpricedlunchesserved,whichin-

cludeslabor.Districtsalsoreceive$.25perfull-pricedmealservedtohelpoffsetfoodandlaborcosts. “It’s not an easy thing to just buynatural foods, considering our financialrestraints,”saidMeyer.“Thelaborandtimeinvolvedinthefoodprepdrivesthepricesupevenmore.Notonlythat,butwedon’tevenhaveanoveninmanyoftheschoolkitchenstocookraw,freshfoods,includingchicken.We’dalsohavetocutbackonthelunchchoicesateachschool.” Thiscouldbeabigdeal,especiallyatthehighschool,wherethereareover20lunchchoicesforthestudents. “Ourhigh school is oneof thebesthighschoolsaround;noonecouldcomplainaboutthat,”saidMeyer.“Thekidscanchoosefromveggieburgers,grab-n-gosalads,made-to-orderandsubsandwiches,amongmany


others.Thesaladbarevenhasenoughproteinonittoforegoahotitemlikechickennuggets.” BCPShasn’traisedpricesofitslunchesinfouryears,anddependingonthebudgetthe school may have to revisit the subjectinthenearfuture.Ifparentsaskedformoremade-from-scratchandnon-processedfoodswiththeunderstandingthatthecostwouldbehigherforlunch,MeyercouldtakeittotheBCPSBoardofEducationandraisepriceswiththeSchoolBoard’sapproval. With the recent spotlight shown uponthe school lunch by television programslike Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, manypeoplearestarting to takeacloser lookattheschoolhotlunch,includingournation’sdecision-makers.TheHealthySchoolMealsActof2010(H.R.4870)will“helpschoolsoffer plant-basedvegetarianoptions if theychoosetodoso.ItdirectstheUSDAtoconductapilotprogramtodeterminewhathealthfulplant-basedproteinproductschildrenlikeandareeasytoprepareforschoolbreakfastsandlunches.Basedonthefindingsofthispilot,theUSDAisdirectedtothenaddsuchproductstothecommoditieslist,thusreducingsignifi-cantlytheircost.”(http://www.healthyschool-lunches.org/legislative/hsma.cfm) Research has shown that introducingjust one low-fat plant-based meal a weekcanbegintocorrectachild’spoornutrition.Since2050studentstakehotluncheachdayatBCPS,thiscouldmakeasignificantdiffer-enceinthehealthofthecommunity. Luckily BCPS is ahead of the curve.There’safullsaladbarateveryschool, in-cludingallelementaryschoolsandit’sbeenanon-carbonatedbeverageschoolforthepastsevenyears.It’salsooneofonlytwoschoolsinKentCountythatdoesnothaveacontractwithCoca-Cola.Evenso,morechangesdoneedtobemadeandshebelievesthatev-eryonecanbegintoworkinamorepositivedirectionwithwhattheyalreadyhave. “Weneedtoteachkidstomakehealthychoices. Portion control is one of the bigthingsmanydon’tteach.It’ssimple:caloriesin, calories out,” said Meyer. “I believe inmoderation. In leading by example, I tryto help others understand that the food inpeople’slivesmakesadifference.“

A married mother of two young children, Julie Hurley is a freelance writer with a strong interest in natural living; visit her blog at ourlunchbox.blogspot.com. She is also the Grand Rapids Healthy Food Examiner for Examiner.com. Visit her page at: tinyurl.com/healthyfoodexaminer.


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Yoga May Decrease Dowager’s HumpNewresearchsuggeststhat,for

thosepronetocontractingit,dowager’shump(hyperkyphosis)“isnotafaitaccompli,”advisesDr.GailGreendale,aphysicianwhospe-cializesinwomen’shealthwithaninterestinalternativeandcomple-mentarytherapies.ResultsofapilotstudysheledattheUniversityofCalifornia,LosAngeles,showedthatelderlyparticipantswhopracticedyogaforsixmonthssawtheirupperspinecurvatureloweredbyabout5percent,comparedtothosewhodidnot.Thosewithgreaterspinalflexibilityatthestartshoweda6percentimprovement. Morethan100otherwisehealthyindividualswithindicatorsofmoderatehyperkyphosispar-ticipated.Thestudygroupwas81percentfemale,withanaverageageof75years. Duringthesix-monthstudyperiod,theyogagroupalsoshowedsignificantrelieffromupperbackpain,werelesslikelytoreportearlywakeningorinsomniaandneededlesstimetostandupfromachair.Manymembersofthecontrolgroupexperiencedincreasesinthecurva-tureoftheirspinesduringthesameperiod.

Source:JournaloftheAmericanGeriatricsSociety

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fitbody

Wouldwekeepwearingahatthatgaveusaheadacheorabeltthatfrac-turedourribs?Theansweris,probablynot.Yet,mostofuswearshoesthathavemultiplenegativeimpactsonthehealthofourentirebody.

Studiesinleadingscientificjournalsshowthatthesereverberatingeffectsstartwithpainfulanddeformedfeetandcanmigrateuptoimpairedbonedensityandaweakenedpelvicfloor.

AccordingtoThe Journal of Ger-ontology,forexample,astudyexamin-ingseniorpopulationsshowedthatahistoryofwearingill-fittingandhigh-heeledfootwearwasspecificallyassoci-atedwithpoorbalance,hammertoes,bunionsandfootpain.Oncethoughttobegeneticorage-related,researchersarenowbeginningtolookattheimpactthatshoeshaveonthebody.

Identifying the CulpritsThemostdetrimentalpartoftheshoetooverallbodystructureseemstobeheelheight,whichbothincreasestensionintheplantarfascia(thethickconnec-tivetissuethatsupportsthearchofthefoot)andaltersthepositionofthekneesandlowerback.Thehighertheheel,thetighterthemusclesandfasciainthearchbecome,untilwalkingfeelspain-ful.Aheelofanyheightalsoprojectsone’sbodymassforward,increasingthepressureonthefrontofthefoot,whichcanleadtosorenessthereandincreasetheriskforbunions. Otherharmfulfootwearcharac-teristicsalsoneedtobeevaluated.Thenarrowtoespacesofmanyfash-

HANGOVERby Katy Bowman

CUREFOR

HIGHHEEL

Whenresearchersatthe

InstituteforAgingResearch

recentlyanalyzedfootexami-

nationdatafrom3,300older

menandwomen,theyfound

that64percentofthewomen

whoreportedheelandankle

painregularlyworepumpsor

highheelsatsometimeinthe

past.Theyfoundnosignificant

linkbetweenfootpainand

thetypesofshoesmenwear.

Source: Arthritis Care and Research


ionfavoritesnotonlylimitthefoot’snaturalrangeofmotion,theydimin-ishthestrengthofthetoes.Weakenedfootandtoemuscles,resultingfromyearsofcrampingtoesintoatoo-smallspace,provideinsufficientstrengthforproperbalancingand,accordingtotheAmerican Journal of Epidemiology,thesituationcanevenincreasetheriskofkneeosteoarthritis.

Taking a Healthy Stride ForwardAlifetimeofexcessiveshoewearingandpoorshoechoicesmeansweneedtomakefootfitnessapriority.Itispos-sibletoundomuchfootweardamageifwemodifyourhabits.Trymakingthemostofthesefootexercisesandshoeselectiontips:

Foot StretchStandwithyourhandsonawallorachair.Putonelegbackbehindthetorsoandtuckthesetoesunder,inordertostretchthemusclesinthetoesandfeet.Crampingisnormal,sotakeabreakwhenneeded,andthenreturntothestretch.Workuptoholdingthetuckedpositionforaminute,repeatingoneachfoottwotothreetimesdaily.

Toe SpreadingEveryone’stoesshouldbeabletospreadapartfromeachother,justaswecanspreadourfingers.Practicetoespreadingeverydaytoincreasestrengthandflexibilityinthefeet,aswellascirculationandnervehealth.Forfasterresults,sliptoespacersbetweenthetoes(availableatlocalnailsalonsanddrugstores)orweartoealignmentsocks(e.g.,MyHappyFeetColors.com)whilewatchingTVorsleeping.

Shoe Closet MakeoverThesecondpartofourfootmakeoveroccursattheshoestorewhenweselectaflatornegative-heeledshoe(withtheheellowerthantheballofthefoot).Alsomakesurethewidthoftheshoefitswell.Awomanshouldalwaysbeabletospreadhertoescomfortablyinsideashoe,payingcloseattentiontothebigandpinkietoes.Fortunately,moreshoe

designersareofferingcolorful,funandsexyoptionsthesedaysinsandals,balletflatsandotherstylishlooks. It’salsoimportanttominimizetheuseofsandalsorflip-flopsthatrequirethetoestogripontotheshoewhenwalking.Thetoe-grippinghabitcanleadtohammertoes,aproblemthatcanbeeasilycorrectedwithnewfootwearchoicesanddiligentpracticeoffootexercises.Thesameistrueforbunions,aslongaswealsocorrectourwalkingpatterns.Asafinalnote,rememberthatwhileahigh-heeledorpointy-toedshoemaymakeusfeelsexy,alimpingorstiffgaitlooksfarlessattractivethanayouth-ful,powerfulstride.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scien-tist, holds a master’s degree in kinesiol-ogy and is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA. She is the creator of the Aligned and Well™ DVD series of gentle corrective exercise prescriptions, including FixYourFeet (AlignedAndWell.com). Learn more at KatySays.com.

Registration information:[email protected] www.CascadeYogaStudio.comTraining program information:www.PrairieYogaTT.com

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healthykids

ForoneinsevenU.S.children,springbringsthestartofseasonalallergiesthatcanlastthroughthefall.Seasonalallergiessuchashayfeverandallergicrhinitis

occurwhenanairborneallergencomesintocontactwithnasalmembranes,triggeringthereleaseofinflammatoryhistamines.Theresultcanbesneezing,congestion,itchyeyes,coughingandrunnynose.Whilenotlifethreatening,thesesymptomstendtointerruptayoungster’ssleep,weakenconcentrationandkeephimorherfromparticipatingfullyinplayandschool. Over-the-counterallergymedi-cationscanbringrelief,butlikeotherconventionaldrugs,theyarenotwithoutdrawbacks.“Idon’tthinkdecongestantsandantihis-taminesareappropriateforkids,period,”statesRandallNeus-taedter,adoctorofOrientalmedicineandahomeopathicpediatrician.“Theytendtomakekidstired,andtheydon’treallyaddresstheprob-lem.They’relikeputtingaBand-Aidonthesymptoms.It’smoreimportanttobuildupimmunesystemfunction,whichthesemedicationsdonotdo.” Long-termuseofantihista-minesalsohasbeenlinkedtodepression,anxietyandimpairedthinking.Abetterapproachistogentlyandnatu-rallyreduceachild’scontactwithallergicsubstanceswhileboostingtheimmunesystem.Here’show.

common sense defenses Against seasonal AllergiesTips to Help Children Breathe Easier

by Bevin Wallace

Steps for Prevention1. Clean inside air.Installahighefficiencyparticulateair(HEPA)filter,whichremovespollenanddustfromindoorair,andkeepitrun-

ninginthechild’sbedroom24hoursaday.Theportablemodelsworkfineinsmallerrooms

andcostlessthan$100.Onwindydaysandwhilethechildissleeping,keepthe

windowsshut.Ifpossible;removeoldcarpetingandcoverairventswithfilters;vacuumfrequentlywhenchildrenarenotintheroom;avoidusingceilingfans;andwashallbeddingandstuffedanimalsonceaweek.

2. Keep the nose clean.

Itmighttakesomegettingusedto,butrinsingthesinuseswith

awarmsalinesolution(saltwater)isanexcellent,age-old,naturalremedythathelpsreducecontactwithpollenandlessensallergy

symptoms.Sinusrinsekitsareavailableinstoresandonline

forabout$15.AcleansingdeviceofIndianorigin

calledthenetipotisanotheraffordable

alternative.

3. Provide a low-in-flammation diet.


Manychildrenwhohavefoodsensitivitiesdon’tknowit.Foodssuchasdairyandwheatcanpromotetheformationofmucusandinflammationthatcreateanimbalanceinimmunesystemfunction,advisesNeustaedter.Considerlimitingthesefoodsbeforeandduringallergyseason. Healsosuggestsusingnutritionalsupplementstobuildupthesmall-intestinelining,whichhelpsbalanceimmunesystemfunction.Forexample,glutamineisanaminoacidlinkedtoimprovedintestinal-liningmainte-nance.Alsoaddmoreantioxidant-richandanti-inflamma-toryfoodssuchasnuts,fish,grapes,oranges,applesandtomatoestofamilymeals.Becausetheyfightfree-radicalcelldamage(whichinterfereswiththeimmunesystem),antioxidantscanhelpboostimmunity.

4. Try natural medicines.Whenallergysymptomsflareup,Neustaedterrecom-mendstryingChineseherbalformulaswithXanthium,whichrelievessymptomsbyactinglikeanantihistamine.Recentstudiesalsoattesttothehelpfulnessofrosemary,whichisdeemedsafe,evenforchildren. Theideaistodeliver“themosthelpwiththeleastintervention,”Neustaedtersays.Alwaysconsultanexperi-encedherbalistorholisticdoctorbeforegivinganyherbstochildren;somecanbetoxiciftakenimproperly.

5. Consider allergy-soothing teas.Warmliquidssoothethethroatandnasalpassages,andthereareseveralteascreatedspecificallyforallergysuffer-ers.Naturalteasweetenersincludehoneyandstevia.

Other FactorsWhileageneticpredispositionisoftenafactor,recentstudiesalsosuggestthatoversensitivitytoallergensmightbelinkedtoantibioticoveruse,whichmightexplainwhyallergieshavebeenontheriseforthepast40years.“An-tibioticskilloffnotonlydisease-causingbacteria,butalsohealth-promotingbacteria,”explainsGaryB.Huffnagle,Ph.D.,oftheUniversityofMichigan. Inhisnewbook,The Holistic Baby Guide,Neus-taedteralsocitesresearchthatlinksallergiestovaccines.“Someresearchersthinkthatvaccinationofchildrentendstocreateanimbalanceintheimmuneresponses,makingchildrenmorepronetoallergicresponses,”henotes. Themostcommonhayfevertriggersareplantpol-lens.Flowerpollenisusuallycarriedbybees,soitisn’twindblownandrarelygetsintopeople’snoses.Morethan1,000varietiesofgrassgrowinNorthAmerica,butonlyKentuckybluegrassandafewothersproduceallergicpollen.Themostprolificculpritsareweedssuchasragweed,sagebrushandthistle.Treeswiththehighestpollencountsincludeoak,ash,elm,hickory,pecan,boxelderandmountaincedar.

[email protected]

Ginny Hayataka

616.822.8084

CMT-P, CPT, CPA

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Onemidnight,servingbehindthecounterofaDunkin’Donuts,JenSmithcouldsee

thefuture—anditterrifiedher.Shewasworkingthegraveyardshiftatajobshehated,livinginacrampedapartmentandknewnothingaboutentrepreneur-shiporinvestmentstrategies. Whenahomelesswomancladinragswanderedinforawarmcupofcoffee,Smithshivered.“Theonlythingstandingbetweenherandmewasonepaycheckandthatcounter,”recallsSmith,45,ofFortCollins,Colorado.“I

A womAN’s Guide to

fiNANciAlHeAltHIt Starts with Trusting Your Intuition

by Lisa Marshall

“A wealthy woman absolutely has money, but she also has happiness,

courage, balance and harmony. A wealthy woman is generous, clean,

wise and therefore, beautiful. It’s my wish that you will carry these

eight qualities within you wherever you go and that they will serve as

your guideposts to make sure you are always walking toward wealth,

rather than walking away from it.”

~SuzeOrman


realizedthatIwasinavulnerablespot,withnobackupplan.” Fastforwardtwodecadestotoday;Smithnowboastsa$2millionnetworthandthefinancialindependencetoworkonlywhenshewantsto.Whenyouaskforhersecret,shemakeslittlementionofhowtocreateawinningstockportfolio.Instead,shesays,herdecisionsabouthowtoearnandhowtospendhavecomefromadeeper,moreesotericsource. SaysSmith:“Iaskedmyself:‘WhatisitthatIlovetodo?’”Thenshewenttoworkinvestinginherselfandasucces-sionofsixsmallbusinesses,startingwith$1,500perbootstrapoperation.Initially,sheearnedherwayworkingwithani-malswhileinvestingherdollarswithaneyetowardenvironmentalstewardship.In2007,shefoundedapersonalfinanceblog,MillionaireMommyNextDoor.com.Alongtheway,shediscoveredthat,“Mindfullyidentifyingwhattrulymakesyoutick,andthenaligningyourdeci-sionswithyourownpersonalvalues,iskeytofinancialwell-being.” Smithisamongagrowingnumberofwomenlookingbeyondthetradi-tionalworldofpersonalfinancetosummonemotions,spirituality,intu-itionandpersonalvaluesinthepursuitofeconomicabundance.Manybooks,blogsandmagazines,too,havebeguntoexploretheunlikelyintersectionofright-brain,innervoiceconsciousnessandpersonalfinance. “Ourculturehasalwaysbeenverymuchfocusedonfactsandresearch,butpeoplearestartingtorealizewecan’tjustcontinuetorelysolelyonwhatwehavereliedonbefore,becauseitdoesn’twork,”remarksLynnRob-inson,aMassachusetts-based“busi-nessintuitive”whoadvisesexecutivesonhowtousetheirintuitiontomakebetterbusinessdecisions.“Wearealllookingforadeeperknowledgebase,andthatmeanslookingwithin.”

setting the stage

Theshiftcomesatatimewhen,ac-cordingtonationalstatistics,womenarefacingunprecedentedfinancialresponsibility.AccordingtoU.S.Bu-reauofLaborStatistics,January2010

markedthefirsttimeinU.S.historythatwomencomprisedmorethanhalf(50.3percent)oftheworkforce.Fifty-sevenpercentofallcurrentcollegestudentsarewomen,accordingtotheAmericanCouncilonEducation.Thirty-eightpercentofallworkingwivesearnasmuchormorethantheirhusbands,asofthe2009 Shriver Report.Nearly16percentofwivesarethesolefamilybreadwinners.Meanwhile,womencontinuetodothebulkofthehouse-work(97minutesperdayformarriedwomen,versus29minutesperdayformarriedmen,accordingtoa2009studybyVanderbiltUniversity). Despitetheseemploymenttrends,womenstillmakeroughly80percentofwhatmendoforthesamework.Complicatingthesituation,whenitcomestomakingfinancialdecisions,manyfemalesstilltendtobefearful,naïveanddisempowered,accordingtofinancialhealthguruSuzeOrman. “Womenhavebeenthrustintoanentirelynewrelationshipwithmoneythatisprofoundlydifferentthananythingwehaveeverencounteredbefore…Yetwhenitcomestonavigatingthefinan-cialramificationsofthisnewworld,theyareusingoldmapsthatdon’tgetthemwheretheywanttogo,”writesOrman,inWomen and Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny. Ormannotesthatonly12percentofwomenfeelconfidentaboutretire-

mentandmanycontinuetoeitherleavetheirfinancialdecisionsinthehandsofamaleorignorethemaltogether.Thismaybeduetofeelingembarrassedabouttheirlackofknowledge,orasheerlackoftime. Newfemalegraduatesarefacingabrutaljobmarket;manylaid-offwomenfindthemselvesinamid-careerjobsearchandwidowsanddivorceésarefacingretirementwithasmaller-than-expectednestegg.Allthesewomenwanttoknow,“HowcanIconfidentlyembracemynewroleintheevolvingeconomyinawaythatleadstofinan-cialindependence?”

first steps to solvency

Understand the Underlying Emo-tions

Fewheardinhighschooleconomicsclassthatourrelationshipwithmoneyisintricatelyintertwinedwithemotion,commentsJulieMurphyCasserly,aChicago-basedcertifiedfinancialplan-ner.Someofusarespenders,whippingoutthecreditcardatthemalltoeasesomeinnerpain.Somearegivers,pick-ingupthetabatgroupeventsinanefforttofeedaneedtobeliked.Others—per-hapsthosewhogrewupinpoverty—arehoarders,holdingonsotightlytotheirmoneythattheyceasetoenjoyitor

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Set a goal: Askyourselfwhatfinan-cialindependencemeanstoyouanddetermineyour“enough”point.Ifyou’vealreadyreacheditandcon-tinuetoworklonghourstobuymorestuff,itmaybetimetore-evaluateyourpriorities.

Keep good records: Balanceyourcheckbookeverymonthandusethataccountonlyforreadycashandbills(therestgoesintosavings).Createabillfileandpaythemontime.Know-inghowmuchmoneyiscominginandoutiscriticaltorelievinganxietyandwillsaveonfeesandfines.

Save: Everywomanneedsasafetynetintheformofherownsavingsaccount.Rememberthatonaverage,halfofallmarriagesendindivorce,womentendtooutlivetheirhus-bandsandotherrelationshipsoftenend.Ultimately,youshouldhaveliv-ingexpensesforsixtoeightmonthssaved.Putsomethingintheaccounteachmonth,evenifitmeansmak-ingalowerpaymentonahouseholdcreditcard.

Get out of debt: Payoffthehighestinterestratecreditcardfirst;onceit’satazerobalance,shiftallthatmoneytoanotherone.Toavoidrackingupdebtagain,envisionwhatyouwoulddoifyoudidn’thavethatmonthlypaymentandputapicturedepictingitonyourrefrigeratororstickaPost-itnotedescribingitonyourcreditcardasareminder.

Spend thoughtfully: Considermoneyspentas“lifeenergy.”Everytimeyouspend,askyourself:Isitworththelifeenergy(ortimespentworking)itwilltaketoearnthisamountback?

Open a retirement account early: Aswithsavings,manywomentendtoleavethecouple’sretirementaccountuptotheirhusband,butyouneed

yourown.Starttodaybysockingawayareasonableportionofyourincomeeachmonth.Dependingontheinvestmentsyouchooseandwhatthemarketdoesincomingdecades,thatcouldamounttoanicenesteggbyretirementage.

Invest wisely: Beprudent,butnottooprudent.Ifyou’reyoung,investthebulkofyourretirementinstocks,whichtendtooutperformbonds.Ifyouareclosertoretirement,shifttostable-valuefunds.

Considerjoiningorstartinganinvest-mentclub.Thesemeetregularly,pool$25to$100permemberpermonth,discussinvestmentstrategiesandcol-lectivelychoosestockstoinvestinasagroup.Ofthe8,600clubsintheUnitedStates,aboutone-quarterarewomen-only,accordingtothenonprofitBetterInvesting.LearnmoreatBetterInvesting.orgorChicksLayingNestEggs.com.

Think in thirds: Thinkofyourmoneyinthreesegments:“past,presentandfuture.”Spendsomeofitpayingforthepast(get-tingoutofdebt),usesometotreatyourselfinthepresent(tokeepyourselffromfeelingdeprived)andinvestsomeforthefuture.

Show gratitude: Itisinterest-ingwhatbeginstohappenwhenyoustarttosay“Thank-you,”topeople,ob-servesfinancialadvisorandwork-

teN stePs to fiNANciAl successshopleaderRosemaryWilliams.Youremployeesworkharder.Yourbankermightwaiveafeeormakeacourtesycalltoletyouknowanoverdraftispending.Moreimportantly,itforcesyoutotakestockofwhatyoudohaverightnow—andappreciateit.

Trust your instincts: Ifitdoesn’tfeelright,whetherit’saninvestmentoranewbusinesspartnership,don’tdoit.Ifitdoesfeelright,doyourhome-workfirstbeforemakingadecision.

Sources: YourMoneyorYourLife, by Vicki Robin, WomenandMoney, by Suze Orman, and Rosemary Williams, author of TheWomen’sBookofMoney&SpiritualVision


For the first time, half of all U.S.

workers are women, and that

changes everything. Not just for

women, but also for spouses,

families, bosses, coworkers and

society. This is a permanent

change in our culture that’s

affecting nearly every aspect of

our lives—how we work and play

and care for one another.

~The Shriver Report

makeitgrowviasoundinvestments. Recognizingwhichtypeweare,andwhenouremotionsaresabotaginggoodfinancialdecisions,isanimportantfirststeptoattractingwealth.Atipforspendersandgivers,whobothtendtoendupcarryingdebt,istocutupcreditcardsandstartusingcash.“Thereisnoemotionalconnectionwithslidingadebitorcreditcard,butwhenyouphysi-callyhandover$200incash,youfeelthat,”saysCasserly.

Create a Life Map

WithherDunkin’Donutsjobbehindherandablankslateahead,Smithtookaseriousself-inventory.Whensheconcludedthatshewantedtoworkwithanimals,shecalledakennelandagreedtogroomdogsafewhourseachdayinexchangeforaneducationindogtraining.Withinafewyears,sheownedalucrativedogtrainingandboardingbusiness. “Ourlivesarethestorieswenar-rateforourselves,”shesays.“Ifwedon’tlikethestoryourlifehasbecome,wecantellourselfabetterone…andactonit.”Smithrecommendsmakinga“TreasureMaptoaRichLife”outofposterboardasavisualreminderofwhat’simportanttous(e.g.,travel,fam-ily,acareerinaspecificfield).Whenlifecircumstancesderailthoseaspira-tions,whichoftenhappens,wecantakeareminderpeek. Sayourleadingaspirationisget-tingoutofdebt.Imaginewhatthedaywouldlook,feelandtastelikeabsentthatnaggingcreditcardbill.Wouldwestartsavingforasonordaughtertogotocollegeorquitthatsecondjob?Writeitalldownandposttheintentioninfullview.“Surroundyourselfwithallthethingsyouaretryingtocreate,”ad-visesCasserly.“Persistentlyreplaceanyshame,blameandguiltwithdreamsanddesires.”

Earn with Our Spirit in Mind

AsRosemaryWilliams,founderofWomen’sPerspective(WomensPer-spective.org),putsit:“Spiritualityandmoneycometogethereasilywhenwerealizethatwecannotliveasatisfac-torylifewhenwedon’tengageourown

spiritsorwhenweoperateagainstoursoul’spurpose.”Noonewouldarguethatwealltendtodoourbestworkwhenwechoosejobswearepassion-ateabout,andthatwhenweinvestinthingscontrarytoourbeliefs,theyareneverassatisfying. “Partofwhatthechaosofthecur-renteconomyisbringingupforpeopleisthequestion,‘WhatamIheretodoandwhatcallingdoIhave?’”saysRob-inson,notingthattherootofthewordenthusiasmisentheos,or“Godwithin,”inGreek.“Trytofigureoutwhatitisthatenthusesyou,”shecounsels,“andthenask,‘HowcanImakealivingatthis?’atleastpartofthetime.”

Trust Gut Wisdom

Whetherdecidinginwhichstocktoinvestorwhethertotrustapotentialbusinesspartner,thepowerofintuitioncannotbeunderstated,advisesRobin-son.Someviewagutinstinctasthesub-conscioussynthesisofpastknowledgethatrisestothesurfacewhenourbrainneedsit.OthersseeitasamanifestationofaHigherPower.Eitherway,it’sworthlisteningto,asacriticaladjunct. Agoodwaytostarteachdayiswitha10-minuteprayer/meditation,askingthatinnervoicetoprovidethreewaystohelpadvanceourfinancialhealth,andstayingalerttherestofthe

daytolistenfortheanswer,whichcancomewhenweleastexpectit.“Ioftenfindthatwhenawomanasksthesequestions,itprimesthepump,andwhensheiswalkingthedogordoingthelaun-dry,shemayhearaninnervoicespeak-ing,”Robinsonsays.“Payattention.”

Spend According to Personal Values

ToWashington-basedwriterVickiRobin,authorofThe New York Timesbestseller,Your Money or Your Life,fi-nancialindependenceisasmuchaboutspendinglessasmakingmore.“It’snotaboutgoingoutandgettingafinancialadvisororturningoveryoursavingstothestockmarket.It’saboutlivingwithinyourmeans,savingmoneyandget-tingoutofdebt,”sheobserves.“Everyfinancialdecisionyoumakeisachancetosay‘Whataremyvalues,really,andhowdoesthisservethem?’” Robinrecommendsviewingmon-eyas“lifeenergy”andassigningvalueassuchtoeachpurchasewemake.Isthathigh-endhaircutandcoloringre-allyworththestressortimeawayfromfamilyforwhatitcosts?Whatis worththatmuchtous?Oncewestartaligningourspendingwiththatinnerconver-sation,wewillinevitablyspendless,whichresultsinlessdebt,moresavingsandultimately,morefreedom,shesays. Smithagrees.Withthemoneyshemadeworkingwithanimals,sheinvestedfirstinrealestate,andtheninstocks.Whensheacknowledgedherfour-bedroom,three-bathhomedidn’tjivewithherEarth-consciousvalues,shedownsized.Shestilldrivesa12-year-oldcar,frequentsCraigslistandstickswithafrugalbutgratifying“values-basedbudget.”Thepayoffforher,herhusbandandheryoungdaughterhasbeenhuge. “Wespendverylittleonhousingortransportation,butwebuyorganicfood.Wetravelwhenwewantto,wehomeschoolourdaughterandwespendasmuchtimeaswewanttogeth-er,”shesmiles.“Probablythebiggestthingthishasallboughtusistime.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance writer who lives in Lyons, Colorado. Contact her at [email protected].


Asanyonewhohasagreenthumbcanattest,gar-deningproducesmorethanloose-leaflettuceandzucchini squash. Studies show that gardening

lowersstress,providescardiovascularexercise,andevenhelpskeeponementallysharp.Butifyoursuburbanlotislargeenough,youcanalsogrowarespectablecashcrop.Due to the riseof consumerswhocall themselves lo-cavores(peoplewhostrivetoeatfoodproducedwithina100mileradius)suburban‘farming’isnowareality.Considertakingadvantageofthegrowinginterestinlocalorganicfood.Thissummerratherthanpersuadefriendsandneighborstotakejustonemorebagofgardento-matoes,trysellingyourfruitsandvegetablestoawaitingandeagerpublic. Getting Started: Firstdecidehowmuchofyourprop-ertyisavailableforplanting.AccordingtoJohnTullock,theauthorofPayDirt,suburbanfarmersshouldestimatehowmuchsalablecroptheycangetpersquarefoot,whatthedemand for thatcropwillbe,andwhat itsmarketvalueis.Ifyouonlyhaveaquarterofanacre,youmaywanttoconcentrateoncropsthatgiveahighyieldinalimitedspace,suchascarrotsorradishes. Outlineacropplan,notingwhichspeciesyouwishtoplant,estimateddatesforplantingandharvesting,andhowyouintendtorotateorrepeatcropsformaximumyield.Alsoresearchthespacerequirementsforeachcul-tivar.Forexample,asweetcornplantneedsonesquareyardofspacetogrowin,andmaynotbeprofitableformostmicro-farmers.Squash,ontheotherhand,producesthreepoundsoffruitpersquarefoot. Startsmall.Chooseacropyouenjoyworkingwith,andhavehadsuccessgrowinginthepast.Thatfirstcashcropshouldbeonethatisalwayspopular.Arecentsurveyof500marketgrowersrevealedthatthemostprofitablecrops (indescendingorder) are tomatoes, cutflowers,sweet corn, melons, peppers/eggplant, onions/garlic,basil,squashandpotatoes.Toinsurethehighestqualitycrop,don’tforgetthebasics.Yourmicro-farmwillrequire6-8hoursoffullsunlightdaily,andarich,fertilesoil.Havethesoiltestedatalocalextensionservice,andgoorganic

whenfertilizingandcomposting.Somecommunitiesofferfreecomposttolocalgrowers. Farmers Markets: Tomeetthedemandforregionallygrown,organicfood,almosteverycityortownholdsaweeklyfarmersmarketfromMaythroughOctober.Visitwww.foodshed.net/farmersmarketsforadetailedlistingoffarmersmarketsinwestMichigan.Oftentherearenofeestoparticipate,andyouwillhavedirectcontactwiththeconsumer.Weeklyinteractionwithcustomersletsyouknowwhichcropsaremostindemand,andwhichonesaretoocostlytogrow.Ifyoudiscovertoomanyvendorsaresellinglettuce,trygrowingsomethingalittledifferentinthegreenscategorysuchasarugulaorparsley. There’sa lotofcompetitionat thesegreenmarkets,soofferonlyyourbestfruitsandvegetables.Yourstandshouldbeascleanandattractiveaspossible.Trademarkyourfarmbynamingit,andputaneye-catchingsignbyyourtable.Itisalsoadvisabletodisplayanadditionalsignorchalkboardannouncingthatweek’scropandprices.Tolearnmoreaboutsellingatfarmersmarkets,checkoutwww.growingformarket.com/. CSA:JoiningalocalCommunitySupportedAgriculture(CSA)organizationisanotherwaytoguaranteeamarketforyourcrop.CSAgrowersofferanumberof‘shares’oftheirproduct,whichcanincludeacrateofvegetables,fruitorflowerstoconsumerswhohavepaidasubscriptiontoCSA.Consumersarethenentitledtoselectaboxorbas-ketofseasonalproduceonaweeklybasisthroughoutthegrowingseason.Andbecausesubscriptionsareprepaid,thegrowerisassuredofpaymentfortheircropsearlyintheseason.IfyouareinterestedinjoiningaCSAinyourarea,visitwww.localharvest.org/csa/. The Farmer’s Garden:Peoplewhowishtosell,buy,donate or trade their fresh produce may place a freeclassifiedadinTheFarmer’sGarden.Organizedtohelppeopledistributesurplusbackyardfruitsandvegetables,TheFarmer’sGardenservesasasourceforeveryonefromfoodpantriestolocavores.Tolookforlocalavailabilityofsurplusproduce,simplytypeinyourzipcode.Visitwww.thefarmersgarden.comtoregister.

PLANTING FOR PROFITbySharonPisacreta

How to Grow a Cash Crop in Your Backyard


Other Local Venues:Farmersmar-ketsarenotyouronlydirectmarketingoptionswiththepublic.Craftfairsandspecialeventsarealsogoodvenuestosetupabooth.Andwhilezoninglawsarenotlikelytopermityoutosellinfrontofyourhome, look intosettingupatemporarytableintheparkinglotofalocalstore,orevenavacantlot.Makecertainhoweverthatyouarenotviolatinganycityordinancesfirst. Inadditiontodirectlysellingtothepublic,considerotheroutletsclosetohome.Talktotheownersofspecialtysupermarkets or the chefs of localrestaurantsaboutsupplyingthemwithorganicherbsorvegetables. Flowers: Cut flowers are also aprofitable cash crop. Floral productsalesintheU.S.areover$12billionannually,accordingtotheCenterforMicroEco-FarmingMovement.Anum-berofbusinessesrequireasteadysup-plyoffreshcutflowers:caterers,wed-dingandeventplanners,restaurants,hotels,B&Bs,grocerystores,etc.Don’toverlooklocalflorists.Althoughfloristsgetthebulkoftheirstockshippedin,try offering uncommon, vintage orexoticflowerstheymaynotnormallycarry.Inaddition,sunflowers,zinniasand mixed bouquets are perennialfavoritesatfarmersmarkets. Whilethedemandforcutflowersisgreat,keepinmindthatassemblingthebouquetscanbeverytimeintensive.Somegrowerscombineotherproductswiththeirflowers.Missourieco-farmerNancyHayessellshandmadegreetingcardscontainingwildflowerseedsfromherbackyard.Rememberthatcustom-ersareveryparticularaboutflowers,soofferonlyyourbestblooms. A recent business article calledmicro-farming a significant growthindustryintheU.S.Andwithalittleplanning,youtoocanturnyourback-yardgardenintoanorganicandsus-tainablemini-farm.Notonlywillyourfamilyeatthesurplusfordinner,you’llfinallybeabletocashinonthatgreenthumb.

SharonPisacreta is a long-time free-lance writer who recently followedherblisstothevillagesofSaugatuck/Douglas. She may be contacted [email protected].


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Wyoming’swide-openspaceslassoedRobertDuncan’simaginationasaboyandneverletgo.ThoughhegrewupinthesuburbsofSaltLakeCity,hespentcherishedsummersonhisgrandparents’ranch,wherehisgrandmothergiftedhimwithhisfirstsetofoilpaints.Today,hislight-filledcanvasesportraytheruralscenesandsimplerwayoflifeoftheAmericanWest. Realisticandrespectfulofnature,indigenousculturesandthepioneerspiritthatstillpermeatepartsoftheWest,Duncan’sartgivesvisualtestamenttothequietpeaceandbeautyofruralliving.“Weallneednatureinourlives,”Dun-canbelieves.“Thefamilyfarmisdisap-pearingatanalarmingrate. “Iwantmygrandchildrentobeabletowalkthroughafieldandhearameadowlark’ssong,”hesays.Heseeshispaintingsasacalltothinkaboutthethingsthattouchourlives.“Wedon’tallhavetoliveonafarm,buttopassbyandseethecowsgrazing,orjusttoknowthattherearewildplacesbeingkeptwildmakesourlivesbetter.”

Robert Duncan’s art is held in private collections worldwide. View his portfolio at RobertDuncanStudios.com.

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Top Green Eating TipsIndulge in the Big OOrganicfoodisgrownand/orprocessedinwaysthatsupporthealthypeopleandahealthyplanet.Ifyoucan’tfindoraffordor-ganicoptionsforeverything,recognizethatsomenonorganicproducecontainsmorepesticidesthanothers.TheEnvironmentalWorkingGroupofferstheirShopper’s Guide to Pesticidesasafree,downloadableguideandiPhoneap-plicationthatidentifiesthefruitsandveggieswiththemostandleastpesticides.VisitFoodNews.org/walletguide.php.

Feast on Fair Trade fareFairTrade-certifiedfoodensuresaproperwageandwork-ingconditionsforthosewhoharvestandhandleit.It’salsogreenerfortheenvironment.FairTradecertificationiscur-rentlyavailableintheUnitedStatesforcoffee,tea,herbs,cocoa,chocolate,freshfruit,flowers,sugar,riceandvanilla.

Go localLocal,seasonalfoodcutsbackontransportation,useslesspackaging,isfresherandtastierandcomesinmorevariet-ies.Italsosupportssmalllocalgrowers.Goodsourcesoflocalfoodsincludefarmers’marketsorcommunitysup-portedagriculture(CSA)groups.

Don’t follow the packLookforunpackagedorminimallypackaged

foods;experimentwithbringingyourowncontainersandbuyinginbulk,orpickbrandsthatusebio-basedplasticpacking.Recycleorreuseanypackagingyoudoendupwith.

Compost the leftoversCompostingeasestheburdenonthelandfill,

contributestoproductivesoilandkeepsthekitchenwaste-basketodor-free.Apartmentdwellerscandoit,too.AusefulintroductionforindoorcomposterscanbefoundatJourney-ToForever.org/compost_indoor.html.

Grow your ownRaisemini-cropsinaraisedgardenbed,greenhouseorwin-dowbox.Evenurbanitescangetalotofgoodeatsfromnotmuchspace.VisitVeganOrganic.netandsearchfortheexactphrase,“windowsillgardening,”foranintroductoryarticle.

Eat it rawManypeopleadvocatethebenefitsofeatingrawfoods.Besidesthepossiblehealthadvantages,preparingrawfoodconsumeslessenergy,andbecauserawfoodisusuallyfresh,itismorelikelytobelocallygrown.

Primary source: PlanetGreen.Discovery.com

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PostureinWomenwhy is posture important?Inchildhoodmanyofushadtolistentoourmothersrepeatthewell-wornphrase,“standupstraight.”Howeverfewofuswereeverinterestedinlearningwhygoodposturewassoimportant.Now as adults, we can better appreciate that poor postureproducespain,poorhealth,andabodylanguagethatrevealsatimidityorlackofself-confidence.

Posture and PainMostcommonlypoorposturecausesbackpain,neckpain,andheadaches.Slouchingputs thevertebrae inmisalignment.Thismisalignment,whichcanirritatespinalnervesbypinching,stretch-ingorchafing,sendspainsignalstothebrain.Poorposturecausesentiresegmentsofspinetobemisaligned,thuscausinglargeareasofthespinetosignalpain. Thesinglemostcommonsignofpoorpostureistheforwardhead.Ratherthanearslinedupdirectlyovertheshoulders,theheadprotrudesforward,andthevertebraefollow,creatingmisalignmentandpainintheneck.Ifthehead(typicallyweighingabout10lbs)weretocomeoneinchforwardfromitscorrectpositionovertheshoulders,20lbsofforceisrequiredtoholditupright.Stressedneckmusclesatthebaseoftheskullhavetoworkharderresultingintensionheadachesandneckpain.

How occupation Affects PostureManywomenhavedesk jobs involving theuseofcomputers.Whenthecomputermonitorisnotinitscorrectlocationateyelevelandclosetothefrontofthedesk,anindividualwillslouchdownandtheheadwillshiftforwardinordertoseethemonitor.Usingapullouttraytoholdthekeyboardandmouseisalsoimpor-tant.Ifthekeyboardandmouseareontopofthedesk,thewomanhastoelevatetheshoulderstousethem.Constantlyholdingtheshouldersupstrainsthetrapeziusandlevatorscapulaemuscles,causingpainusuallyfeltintheshoulderandupperbackarea.

excessive curvatures in the upper BackElderlywomenoftendisplayanexcessivecurvatureintheirupperbackandshoulders.Referred toas thoracichyperkyphosis, theslouchproducesa ratherunattractive“dowagershump”on theupperback.Thisisalsoseenfrequentlyinofficetypeoccupations,

orinsomeonewhodrivesalot.

excessive curvature in the lower Back Excessivecurvatureinthelowbackmayresultfrompregnancy,sleepingposition,orwearinghighheels.Lumbarhyperlordosisgivestheappearancethatoneis“stickingtheirrearout”.Thereisoftenaweaknessintheabdominalmusclesandtightnessinthelowbackmuscles.Painisusuallyfeltinthelowbackjustabovethewaist-line.Theweightoftheunbornchildduringpregnancywillpullthewoman’sbellyforward,creatingthisimbalanceinweightdistribu-tion.DeliveriesresultinginC-sectionswillcreatefurtherweaknessintheabdominalmuscles,compoundingthisaffect.Pinchednerves,compressed“facet”jointsinthebackofthespineandspasmofthelowbackmusclesalladdtothepainthatoftenresults.Wearinghighheelsandsleepinginaproneposition,(i.e.“onyourstomach”)willputyourspineintothispositionaswell,resultinginasimilareffect.Interestingly,whilehighheelscreatepoorpostureinthelowback,itoftenreducesslouchingintheupperback. Anyofthesepainpatternscanputanywomanormanintoanunpleasantmood.Slouchingcanalsoshortenthepectoralmusclesandmakethethoraciccavitysmaller.Thiscancauseyoutobreatheshallower,whichcancauseyoutofeelmoreagitatedandmoretired.Incidentally,thisalsocausesyourhearttoworkharder,thuscontributingtoheartdisease.Thestressonthenerves,musclesandligamentsallcontributetotheoverallfeelingoffatigue.

How to determine good posture Standwithyourbackagainstawallwiththeheelsabout2-3inchesawayfromthewall.Behonestwithyourselfandstandasyounormallywould.Thereshouldonlybeasmallspacebehindtheheadandbehindthelowback.Theshouldersshouldnotbemorethan3inchesfromthewall.Theheadshouldbeuprightwiththechintuckedinandtheeyeslookingforward.Youshouldfeelaslightsqueezeinbetweentheshoulderblades,drawingthescapulaetogetherslightly.Thekneesshouldbeslightlybentandnot“lockedout”. Whenwomenhavegoodposture,theyrestontheirbonesratherthantheligamentsandmuscles.Theyexpendlessenergytomaintaingoodposture.Theysimplylookbetterandfeelbetter.It’swellworththeeffortandtherewardofavoidingbackpain,neckpain,headaches,andfatigue.

Schafer Chiropractic and Healing Spa is located at 1801 Breton SE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49506. 616-301-3000 or GRChiroSpa.com. See ad page 7.

ByAndrewSchafer,DC


Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

sAturdAy, mAy 1 Grand Re-Opening-10:00am-1:00pm.ComeCel-ebratewithusandsampleourmassages,footdetoxes,natural health consultations, food and drink. 360massageandholisticcare,1514WealthStSESuite218,Grand Rapids. 360massage.com

Learn to Ride your Bike Clinic-10:00am-12:00pm.Gymcoteachershavea80%successrate teachingyourchildhowtorideabike.Members$20/Non-members$25.Gymco2306CamelotRidgeCourtSE,Grand Rapids.

Living with an Open Heart-2:00-4:00pm.Openyourhearttolove,joyandvibranthealthinthiswork-shopwithSusanDuesbery.Exploresimagery,breath-ing,yogaposturesandmeditation.$30.ExpressionsofGraceYoga5270NorthlandDr.NE, Grand Rapids.

Raw Yoga with Michele and Mimi Asana to Fuel the Rasa–3:00-5:00pm.Enjoyavibrantandground-ingYogapracticefollowedbyanintrotofast&deli-ciouslivefoodsforeveryday.$40perperson.Toreg-ister,call616-458-2541orgotowww.sevayoga.net.

suNdAy, mAy 2We Care about Mother Earth-ArtExhibit-1:00pm-4:00pm.FeaturingthemultimediaworkofartistsfromSWMichigan.OpensMay2at theParishChurchofChristtheKing,.Exhibithours:Wednesdays6pm-8pm&Sundays12pm-2pmuntilMay26.Free.Visitparish-church.orgformoreinfo.6928TexasDrive.Kalamazoo.

Concert featuring Rachel Davis, May Erlewine & Seth Bernard-5:30pm.OpeningperformancebyAshleyMcTavish,singer,songwriterandhomebirth-ingMama.SilentAuction.LocallibationsavailablefromShortsBrewery&variouswineries.FundraisertosupportthelegislationeffortsofFriendsofMichiganMidwives.CityOperaHouseindowntownTraverse City.ForinfocontactMelissaat231-421-1506.

tuesdAy, mAy 4Sex and Hormones: Sizzle or Fizzle-PresentedbyDr.JerroldWeinbergHeldatTherma-Scan(Locatedin theWells-Fargo Building) 34100Woodward,Birmingham.RSVPat248-758-9100.

wedNesdAy, mAy 5Mini-Course: Muscle Testing- 9:00am-5:00pm.Learnthisamazingskillandtakechargeofyourownhealth.Costis$89or$499forseriesCallHerbsetcformoreinformation.NaturopathicCommunityCen-ter,503E.Broadway,Mt. Pleasant.989-773-3636.

Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00pm.Escape fromstress anddiscoveran innerworldofcalm,peace&joythroughguidedmedita-tion,andenergyhealingfromHealinginAmerica-trained healers. $5. Holistic CareApproach, 3368E.BeltlineCt.NE,Grand Rapids.269-929-6796.

Celebrate What’s Right With The World-7:00-9:00pm.May12&19.KristenHartnagelwillpresentaseriesofworkshopsdesignedtohelpyoushapeyourreality.Ahands-onseries toprovideyouwithrealparadigmshifters-toolsandexperiencestoenrichyourtoolbox.Loveofferingrequested.UnityChurchofPeace,6025AdaDriveSE,Ada.

Marvelous Empowerment-7:00pm.Joinguestwork-shoppresenterRobinMarvelforMind,Body&SpiritFunforthewholefamily.On5/5AromaDivine-Aro-matherapyfortheDivineBeinginusall.On5/12Mar-velousMeditation.$15adults,$5forkidspersession.Formoreinformationvisitwww.TheCopticCenter.org.

Women: Understanding Women’s Hormones-7:00-8:30pm.OfferedbyGinnyHayataka.Thefirstinaseriestohelpwomenlearnmoreabouttheirbodiesandhowtosupporthealthnaturally.$5forcopyingexpenses.Forlocation&details:[email protected]

fridAy, mAy 7EcoTreck Fitness- 6:15-7:30am. Special EarlyMorningWorkout Session. $12 drop-in rate perpersonoruse$2offcoupon found in this issue.WaterfrontSportsPark,RuddimanDrive&1stSt.,North Muskegon.616-291-2851.

Advanced Reiki Training Class-9:00am-5:00pm.LearnadvancedtechniquestoenhanceyourReikiandtofurtheryourpersonalhealing.Pre-requisite:ReikiI/II.ReikiMaster/TeacherJanAtwood,801BroadwayAveNW,Ste436Grand Rapids.616-915-4144.

sAturdAy, mAy 8Astrology Course-9:00am-5:00pm.Looktothestarsforkeystohealthandwell-being.Costis$178.NaturopathicCommunityCenter,503E.Broadway,Mt. Pleasant.989-773-3636.

Celebrate World Fair Trade with Global Gifts- 10:00am-6:00pm. Support FairTrade andexperienceourbeautifulgiftshop.Doorprizes&freesamplesoffairtradeproducts.GlobalGiftsislocatedat205528thStSE,(BetweenBurtonandKalamazoo)inGrand Rapids. 616-245-2225.

Your Story and Mine: A Community of Hope Exhibit Opening-1:30pm.InconjunctionwiththeopeningoftheexhibitYourStoryandMine:ACom-munityofHope,theLibrarywillpresentanexhibitdiscussionwithcuratorMarthaBloomfieldoftheMichiganHistoricalMuseumandlocalhomelessadvocateRicha.Free.GrandRapidsPublicLibrary,111LibraryStreetNE, Grand Rapids.

suNdAy, mAy 9Astrology Course-9:00am-5:00pm.Looktothestarsforkeystohealthandwell-being.Costis$178.NaturopathicCommunityCenter,503E.Broadway,Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636.

Eckankar-10:00-11:00am. Join the monthlyEckankarWorship Service, “CreativeAbility isSurvival,”andexperiencetheLightandSoundofGod.Motel6MeetingRoom,US131at76thSt,Grand Rapids.616-752-8460.

Extended Grace- Interfaith/Mystic CommunityGathering1:00pmPotluck1:30 IntegralWorshipembracingtheGodbeyond,betweenandwithin.233Washington,Suite208,Grand Haven. 616-502-2078.

moNdAy, mAy 10Do you like helping mothers and babies?-Moms-Bloomoffersfreesupporttopostpartumfamilies.

calendarofevents Wearelookingforvolunteerstohelpfamilieswithanewborn.Getstartedbyattendingourfreetraining.Call 616-447-9788 or [email protected] formoreinformation.

Women’s Midlife Re~Enchantment Three Week Support Group-6:00-8:30pm.May10,17&24.Based on the time tested, highly successful FourGatewaysToMidlifeRe~enchantmentProcessTM.$40forall3weeks.FacilitatedbyDinahofAwak-enedPotentialsForWomen.CalltoPre-registerOpenMind,39CourtlandStNE,Rockford. 616-863-8868.

tuesdAy, mAy 11Conversation with God Study Group-6:30pm.WrittenbyNealeDonaldWalsch,theseBookshavetransformedthelivesofhundredsofthousandsofpeople.$10.IndigosandMysticsBookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

The Grand Rapids Men’s Spiritual Roundtable-6:30-8:30pm.May11&25.FacilitatedbyRayFar-rell.Anongoingbi-monthlymen’sgroup.FreeWillOfferingAppreciated. Nature’s Spiritual Connec-tions,615LyonSt,Grand Rapids.616-929-4204.

wedNesdAy, mAy 12EcoTreck North Muskegon Series-6:15-7:30pm.SPECIALWEDNESDAYEVENINGSESSION.$12drop-inrateperperson.Moreinfoatecotrekfitness.com. Call 616-291-2851 to pre-register. GoodrichPark,100N.LakeSt.,Whitehall(nexttothemarina)

1963 to 2033 Banned Jesus Gospels Discussion Group- 6:30-8:30pm.This is a discussion groupthatwill covermany topics,bible tohealth issuestoaliens...ledbyDavidMac.$10.Thiswillbeanongoingmonthlygroup.Nature’sSpiritualConnec-tions,615LyonSt,Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Fast Track to Health Talk- 6:30pm. & May 26.Listen to Dr. Michael Morea speak about how toaddyears toyour lifeand life toyouryears.Thistalkwillsaveyoutime,energyandmoneyandhelpyoutorealizeoptimalhealth.MoreaChiropractic,388North3rdAvenue,Fruitport.231-865-7474.

Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle-7:00-8:00pm.Relaxtoguidedmeditation,andre-ceiveenergyhealingfromlocalhealerswhilechurch


chaplainsprayoveryourprayerrequests.Donation.UnityChurchontheLakeshore,41So.Washington,Douglas.269-857-8226.

Women: Menstrual Difficulties & Fertility-7:00-8:30pm.OfferedbyGinnyHayataka.Secondinaserieshelpingwomensupporttheirbodiesnaturally.$5coverscopycost.Forlocation&details:[email protected]

tHursdAy, mAy 13Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. & 5/27.Alllevelsofexperiencesarewelcome.Comenetworkwith others and enjoy a safe place to experienceintuitivemessages.$5.IndigosandMysticsBookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

fridAy, mAy 14C.A.R.E. Intensive Begins- May 14-17. This4-dayNCBTMBandIACET(25CEhr/2.5CEU)authorizedtrainingprovidespracticalappliedaro-matherapyskillsforthehealingprofessionalsandnon-professionalsinBibleOils,Vitaflex,Chemistry,RaindropTechnique,EmotionalRelease.Instructor:Kathy Spohn, FCCI, www.oilsofold.abmp.com,[email protected], 2219 28th Street SW,Wyoming.616-261-0015.

Weekend Yoga Workshop-May14-17.JoinJamieandJustinAllisonforatransformationalweekendofyoga.FromtheHeartYogaCenter714-CWealthyStreetSE,GrandRapids.Scheduleandpricinginfor-mationat616-336-9642andFromtheHeartYoga.com.

Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm.This challengingpractice is an invitation to lightyourinnerfire,transformandreshapeyourpractice.$18.Taught by Mimi Ray. Expressions of GraceYoga5270NorthlandDr.NE,Grand Rapids.

sAturdAy, mAy 15Great Lakes,Great Midwives- 8:00am-8:00pm.Family Fun Festival in Grand Rapids at UnityChurchofPracticalChristianity.$10donationperfamily,$5perindividual,withgoodwilldonationsforthepancakebreakfastandthemoviescreening.Visitfriendsofmichiganmidwives.orgformoreinfo.1711WalkerAve.NWGrand Rapids.

Leaven Spring Spruce-up Day -9:00am.ComeandhelpuspreparetheLodgeandtheLeavenlandforsummerandfall!Comewhenyoucan;leavewhenyoumust.We’llprovideaBBQsupperwhen theworkisdone.Nocost.PleaseRSVP.TheLeavenCenter,Lyons.989-855-2606.

1963 to 2033 Banned Jesus Gospels Discussion Group-11:00am-1:00pm.Thisisadiscussiongroup

thatwillcovermanytopics,bibletohealthissuestoaliens...ledbyDavidMac.$10.Thiswillbeanongoingmonthlygroup.Nature’sSpiritualConnec-tions,615LyonSt,Grand Rapids.616-929-4204.

Secrets of Your Hands Revealed with Jewel Shel-don-1:00pm.Meaningsoflines&signsonthepalmwillbepresentedinanin-depthworkshop.Palmistryclues us in to career aptitudes, health tendenciesand much more. $40. Indigos and Mystics BookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Women’s Mindfulness Retreat-2:30-6:30pm.Anafternoon renewing, refocusing and cultivatingyourdivinefeminineenergy.ThisafternoonretreatwillincludeLaughterYoga,visionboardcreationand guided mindfulness meditation. Facilitatedby Jane Donnelly, RYT and Dr. Crystal Frazee,PT.ContactCrystalFrazeeformoreinfo:[email protected],Spring Lake.

Community Group Meditation: facilitated by Danielle Alandt- 6:00-8:00pm.An ongoingmonthly group. FreeWill OfferingAppreciated.Nature’sSpiritualConnections,615LyonSt,GrandRapids.616-929-4204.

moNdAy, mAy 17Meditation Monday- 6:30-7:30pm.All levels ofexperiencesarewelcome.Whetheryouareanov-iceormeditateregularly,comejoinusforatrulyrelaxingexperience.$10.IndigosandMysticsBookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

Spiritual Enlightenment Group-6:30pm-8:00pm.TheSpiritualEnlightenmentGroupgathersmonthlytoshareideas,knowledgeandinformationabouthowtoenhanceour spiritual lives.Free.NaturopathicCommunityCenter,503E.Broadway, Mt. Pleasant.989-773-3636.

Women: Thyroid Health-7:00-8:30pm.OfferedbyGinnyHayataka.Thirdinaserieshelpingwomensupporttheirbodiesnaturally.$5coverscopycost.For location & details: 616-822-8084 or [email protected]

tuesdAy, mAy 18Open House & Ribbon Cutting-4:00pm-7:00pm.ComecelebratethenewlyexpandedandrenovatedHo-listicCareApproachfacility.MeetnewMedicalDirectorDr.LauraTinningandotherpractitioners.Experiencechairmassage,tours,refreshmentsandsamplingsofthemanyservicesprovided.HolisticCareApproach,3368BeltlineCourt,Grand Rapids.616-361-9221.

Reduce Toxins and Lose Weight, through Cleans-ing-6:00pm.WhyamI tiredandoftenneedmore

energy?Whydo I crave sweets?Whycan’t I loseweight?WhydoIfeeldepressed?Free.PeakPerfor-manceChiropractic4150E.BeltlineAve.NE,Suite#4,Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888toreserveyourseat.

Lakeshore Holistic Health Network Group Meet-ing-6:30pm.Networkingforholistichealthprovid-ers.Gettoknowoneanotherandprovidereferralswhenappropriate.Offersmemberssupportinrunningasmallbusiness.Forthosethatarenotcurrentmem-bers, callKarenat616-738-6096 formembershipinformation.222SouthRiverAve.,Holland.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety & Depression-6:30pm-7:30pm.FreeTuesdaynightclassesattheNaturopathicCommunityCenter,503E.Broadway,Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636.

Healthy Eating Shouldn’t Cost You an Arm and a Leg-Foodbudgetstrategiesthathelpavoidhighcostofillness.AnneM.A.SergeantPhDofwww.NourishMD.com.ContactNourishingWaysofWestMichigan.Grand Rapids.616-309-9147.

YIN Circles-6:30pm.Thisisabi-monthlygroupis for women who want to strengthen their ownfemininityinallaspectsoftheirlives.Indigo’sAndMystic’sBookExchange&More,4485PlainfieldAve, Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

wedNesdAy, mAy 19Women: Hysterectomy & Menopause- 7:00-8:30pm.OfferedbyGinnyHayataka.Fourth inaserieshelpingwomensupporttheirbodiesnaturally.$5coverscopycost.Forlocation&details:[email protected]

tHursdAy, mAy 20Holistic Moms Group-11:00am-12:00pm.Asupportandinformationgroupforparentsinterestedinraisinghappy,healthyandholistickidsinanenvironmentallyfriendlyway.Free.NaturopathicCommunityCenter,503E.Broadway,Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636.

Reiki Share Group-5:30-7:30pm.ForthosetrainedinReikitoshareexperiencesandReikiwitheachoth-er.JanAtwood,ReikiMaster/Teacher,801BroadwayAveNW,Ste436,Grand Rapids.616-915-4144.

Women’s Empowerment through Kundalini Awak-ening-7:00-8:30pm.Introductorylecturetoajourneyforwomenlookingtorevitalizeandrepurposetheirlives.Lecturewillalsobeofferedon4/23.Call formoreinformation.AnnePriceMassageCenterfortheHealingArts,3160-CBretonAveSEGrand Rapids. [email protected].

fridAy, mAy 21Green Apple Trees and Old Houses: A Writing Retreat for People with Disabilities and Their Al-

Some Benefits of Colon Therapy are:• Remove toxic waste from ones body• Eradicate constipation• Removes stomach bloat• Increases ones energy

Colon HydroTHerapy

Mary a. delange C.C.T. C.M.T.

P: 616.456.5033 E: [email protected]

also offering Therapeutic Massage


lies-May21-23.Beginningandexperiencedwritersareinvitedtotakealong,reflectivelookattheirownlives.$190.Toregister,contactKarenBotaatTheLeavenCenter,989-855-2606.www.Leaven.org

Women’s Weekend Nature Retreat – May 21-23rd.Arrivebetween6pm&8pmon21st.Endat3pmonthe23rd.Rejuvenate,Reconnect,&Relaxin nature. Facilitated by Dinah ofAwakened Po-tentialsForWomen.EnchantedLake,35MilesNEofGrand Rapids.$150-Lodgingincluded&eachwomanisresponsibleforonemeal.616-754-9672.

EcoTreck Fitness- 6:15-7:30am. Special EarlyMorningWorkout Session. $12 drop-in rate perperson or use $2 off coupon found in this issue.MuskegonLakeNaturePreserveTrail,SECornerofLakeAve&WhitehallRd./Causeway,acrossfromRiteAid,North Muskegon. 616-291-2851.

Going Upside Down & Loving It...Headstands-6:30-8:30pm. Inversions are some of the mostbeneficial postures of yoga.Add spark to yourpracticeandsurpriseyourselfhoweasyitis.$20.WithCarolHendershot.ExpressionsofGraceYoga5270NorthlandDr.NEGrand Rapids.

Green Apple Trees and Old Houses: A Writing Retreat for People with Disabilities and Their Al-lies -7:00pm-1:00pm5/23.DisabilityrightsactivistsandwritersMikeErvinandRahneePatrickwillleadparticipantsintakingalong,reflectivelookattheirownlives.Beginningandexperiencedwritersinvited.$190.TheLeavenCenter,Lyons. 989-855-2606.

sAturdAy, mAy 22Women’s Expo at East West Karate-Seminars/categories:selfdefense,financial,reflexology,chi-ropractic,massage,health&wellness.Thisisafreeevent.Call616-532-1193fordetails.Grand Rapids.

Awakening Consciousness with author Robin Marvel-12:00pm.Thisisaclassforthoseparentswhowishassistanceonhowtohelptheirchildrenusetheirabilitiestoreachbalanceinconsciousawakening$20.IndigosandMysticsBookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

Folias Music & Tango-2:00pm.Join thehusbandandwifeteamofCarmenMaretandAndrewBergeronwillperformaconcertoftangomusic.Comelisten,ordancetheafternoonaway.Free.GrandRapidsPublicLibrary,111LibraryStreetNE,Grand Rapids.

suNdAy, mAy 23Yoga to Manage Your Mood-9:00am-5:00pm.Fulldayworkshopofstrategiestohelpalleviatedepres-sion,anxietyandchronicallyheldtension.Applies

ancienttoolsofyoga,breath,affirmationandsoundto enhanceyourmood.WithCarolHendershot&SueDilsworth,PhD,RYT.$75.ExpressionsofGraceYoga,5270NorthlandDr.NE,Grand Rapids.

Women’s Empowerment through Kundalini Awakening- 4:00-5:30 pm. Introductory lecturetoa journey forwomen looking to revitalizeandrepurposetheirlives.Lecturewillalsobeofferedon 4/20. Call for more information.Anne PriceMassageCenterfortheHealingArts,3160-CBretonAveSEGrand [email protected]

moNdAy, mAy 24Muskegon County Right to Life-Meetsevery4thMondayofthemonth.Comeandjoinus,everyoneisinvited.Callformoreinfoorvisitmuskegonrtl.org.MuskegonCountyRighttoLife,423W.NortonAvenue,Suite111Muskegon.231-733-6300.

Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle-6:30pm.Thisgroupis for Spiritual Healers of all kinds who want tomeetforsupportthroughmeditation,discussionandprayer tofind renewed energy and strength. $15.Indigo’sAnd Mystic’s Book Exchange & More,4485PlainfieldAve,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

tuesdAy, mAy 25Alternative Approaches to Preventing and Reliev-ing symptoms of Hyperactivity & Attention Deficit Disorder-6:00pm.Educatingyouaboutthepotentialbenefitsofalternativehealthcaretreatmentsandhowtheycanalleviateand,insomecases,eliminatetheproblembehavior.Free.PeakPerformanceChiro-practic4150E.BeltlineAve.NE,Suite#4,Grand Rapids.616-447-9888toreserveyourseat.

YIN Circles-6:30pm.Thisisabi-monthlygroupis for women who want to strengthen their ownfemininityinallaspectsoftheirlives.Indigo’sAndMystic’sBookExchange&More,4485PlainfieldAve,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.

CranioSacral Study Group-7:00-9:00pm.Pre-requisite:UpledgerCSTI.$5.FacilitatedbyEllenCostantino. Contact JamilahTuuk for details [email protected] or 616-340-0543. Lowerlevel classroom at Holistic CareApproach, 3368BeltlineCt.NE,Grand Rapids.

Spiritual Wellness–7:00-8:30pm.Every4thTues-day.Anew start to theyearwithCopticMinsterDeniseIwaniw’slatestyearlongworkshop,“SpiritualWellness”.Denisebringsaneveningofspiritualwellbeingandfoodforthesoulcoveringavarioustop-icseachmonth.$15.TheCopticCenter0-381LakeMichiganDrNW,Grand Rapids.616-531-1339.

wedNesdAy, mAy 26EcoTreck North Muskegon Series-6:15-7:30pm.SPECIALWEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION.$12drop-inrateperperson.Moreinfoatecotrekfit-ness.com.Call616-291-2851topre-register.CovellPark,Colby toThompson,Whitehall,RighthandsideofThompson,the“fishing”park.

Tools Practice Nights-6:30pm.For those lookingtodoa littlebitofpracticingandare lookingforacomfortablesafeplacetotakeyourtoolsforaspin.$5.IndigosandMysticsBookExchangeandMore,4485PlainfieldNE,Ste204,Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

fridAy, mAy 28Pirate Party-6:30-9:30pm.Members$20/Non-members$25.Walktheplank,Swingfromtherope,andbecomeapirateforaneveningatGymco,2306CamelotRidgeCourtSE,Grand Rapids.

sAturdAy, mAy 29Lunch and Learn-11:45am.We’llbuylunchattheJazzyCaféwhileyoulistentoa40minutepresentationonthe5thingsyoucandorightnowtobethehealthiestyou’veeverbeen.byDr.MichaelMorea.Signuptoday,seatingislimited.CallMoreaChiropractic,388North3rdAvenue,Fruitport. 231-865-7474.

Consistency in the Face of Change-4:00-6:00pm.AnongoingmonthlyTherapeuticDetoxPractice/Program.$15.Reach intoourboxof ‘tools’ and stepaside,breathe,groundourselves,andthenfacethechangeathand inamorehealthyway.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway,Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

tHursdAy, JuNe 3Finally, A Health Plan That Puts Your Health in Your Hands! – 7:00-9:00pm. Integrity will helpyoufindholisticproviders,offerdiscountstosaveyoumoney,provideeducationseminarsandofferholistic case management to help you with yourhealthconcerns.Everyoneiswelcometohearaboutthis groundbreakinggrassroots idea!Holiday InnGatewayCenter,Flint.Contact:TheresaCallard-Moore877-780-2129.

sAturdAy, JuNe 5HerbandSpiceFest-11:00am-3:00pm.Celebratetheloveofherbsandspicesinouraward-winninggarden.Enjoydisplays,demosandtastycafetreatsas you learn about organic gardening, teas, aro-matherapy,fairtradeandmuchmore.Livemusic.Utopian Marketplace, 8832Water St, Montague.231-894-9530.

ealth by NaturellcKaren GreenHolistic Health PractitionerMaster HerbalistNutrition CounselingHealthy Lifestyles Coach

616-738-6096karen@yourhealthbynature.comwww.yourhealthbynature.com


ongoingevents

erYoga.comformoreinformation.ClassesmeetatWhiteRiverYogaStudio,8724FerrySt.Montague. 231-740-6662.Laughter Yoga with Coptic Teacher Cheryl Oli-ver-6:30pm.Learnto“laughfornoreason”andgetagreatworkouttoo.Wearcomfortableclothing&bringamatorpillowforoptionalfloorexercises.Love Offering.TheCopticCenter.org. 0-381 LakeMichiganDrNW,Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.Earth Institute:Voluntary Simplicity- 7:30-9:00pm.4/19-6/7.Thiscourseexplorestheconceptofsimplicityasareligiouspracticeoraphilosophyoflife.$25.00coursebookisrequired.FountainStreetChurch,24FountainStreetNE,Grand Rapids.Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar -7:30pm.Gentle/Moderate.Drop-inswelcome.Formoredetailsvisitourwebsiteatsevayoga.net.SevaYogaStudio,2213WealthySte220,East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.Meditation & Yoga Philosophy-7:30pm.Sixweekprogram~Learnsimpletechniqueswithacertifiedinstructoranddeepenyourknowledgeofyogaphi-losophy.$50forcompleteprogramorwalk-infeeof$10perclass.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway,Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

tuesdayEarly Bird Vinyasa Yoga-5:45am.Vinyasa is aphysicallychallengingpractice.Priorexperienceisrequired.Heatis82-85degrees.$12walk-incostCascadeYogaStudio5060CascadeRoadSuiteG,Grand Rapids. 616464-1610.Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman–7:45-9:00am&9:15-10:30amDrop-inswelcome.VisitWhiteRiverYoga.comformoreinformation.ClassesmeetatWhiteRiverYogaStudio,8724FerrySt.Montague. 231-740-6662.Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Barbara Badolati-5:30-6:45pm.MuskegonYogaCenter,825WesternAve.Muskegon.www.MuskegonYoga.comFeldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class-6:00-7:00pm.Reconnectwithyourabilitytomove,regardlessofage.VisitBodyWorkbyJudith.com.Manistee. 231-510-5800.Immunity Boost Yoga-6:00pm.BecomeanactiveparticipantinthemanagementofyourownhealthandwellbeingaswecombineBreathandMovementinapurposefulsequence.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway,Saugatuck.269-857-7289.

wednesday50% Off BioMeridian Assessments-State-of-the-artprofilingandtrackingofall58meridiansinthebodywithtake-homecolorcodedchartstoassesshealth progress. Call for an appointment. Grand Rapids.616-365-9176.Intro to Ashtanga for Beginners/Intermediates-10:00am.Stacytakesyoustepbystepthroughtheseriesbeginningwithsunsalutationsandmovingontostandingposes,seatedposes,inversionsandbackbends. SatyaYoga Center, 3385 Blue StarHighway,Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar - 10:30amGentle, 6:00pm Moderate/Vigorous and 7:30pm

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

All month longMay 2010 Special-ReceiveaninitialconsultationinourdowntownHollandofficefor50%off.HealthbyNature,LLC,222SouthRiverAve.,suite207,[email protected]

sundayAwakening–9:00-9:45am.Chanting,tomeditation,andbeyond.Free.ChristCommunityChurch,225E.Exchange,Spring Lake.616-842-1985.Christ Community Church –10:00am.Gatheringservice with traditional and contemporary musicandprogressivemessageencouragingalltoexpandtheir consciousness. Childcare available. 225 E.Exchange,Spring Lake.616-842-1985.Unity Church of Peace Sunday Service–10:00am.Presentingupliftingandvibrantspiritualmessagesinwarmandacceptingatmosphere.Yourministrygrades 1-12 & nursery. [email protected],6025AdaDr,Ada.616-682-7812.Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Discussion-4:30-5:00pm.Discussion.BasedonthewritingsofaBuddhistteacher.Meditation-5:00-6:00pm.Two20minperiodsofsitting&10minofwalking.Free-Donationsaccepted.TheYogaStudio,955CherrySE,Grand Rapids.616-776-0836.Beyond Basics Ashanga Practice-5:30-6:45pm.ThisintermediateclassisrootedinAstanga.Cre-ativelylinkingbreathandmovementinameditativeflow.Thiscultivatesstabilityinthebodyandmind.CascadeYogaStudio5060CascadeRoadSuiteG.Grand Rapids 616-464-1610.The Coptic Center Sunday Series–6:00pm.Anongoingseriesofinspirationalspeakers,centeringandthepianomusicofKarenLauckasweexploreUniversalTruths.TheCopticCenter.org. Love Of-fering.The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake MichiganDrNW,Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

monday50% Off BioMeridian Assessments-State-of-the-artprofilingandtrackingofall58meridiansinthebodywithtake-homecolorcodedchartstoassesshealth progress. Call for an appointment. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.Back to Basics: Early Bird Class-7:30am.Thisclass integrates the whole body by attending tobasicsalignmentanddeepeningawarenessof thebreath. $12 walk in cost. CascadeYoga Studio5060CascadeRoadSuiteG.Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Yoga-Beginning–9:00am.Thisiswhereyoustart.Learnthebasicposes,strengthen,breathawarenessandrelax.FormoreinformationvisitSmilingLo-tusYoga.com or call Smiling LotusYoga, 103 E.LudingtonAve,Ludington.231-852-0849.Stress-Free Yoga class with Warren Mosley-6:00-7:15pm.MuskegonYogaCenter,825WesternAve.Muskegon.www.MuskegonYoga.comIntermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman–6:15-7:30pm.Drop-inswelcome.VisitWhiteRiv-

Gentle/Moderate. Drop-ins welcome. For detailsvisitsevayoga.net.SevaYogaStudio,2213WealthySte220,East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class-6:00-7:00pm.Reconnectwithyourabilitytomove,regardlessofage.VisitBodyWorkbyJudith.com. LudingtonArea Center for theArts, 107 S.HarrisonStreet,Ludington. 231-510-5800.Immunity Boost Yoga-6:00pm.BecomeanactiveparticipantinthemanagementofyourownhealthandwellbeingaswecombineBreathandMovementinapurposefulsequence.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway,Saugatuck.269-857-7289.General Anxiety Support Group –7:00-8:30pm.GeneralAnxietySupportGroupisopentoindividualswhohaveanykindofanxietyproblemaswellastheirfriends&familymembers.AnxietyResourceCenter,312GrandvilleAve,Grand Rapids.616-356-1614.Shambala Meditation Group– 7:30pm. SittingandWalking meditation in theTibetan Buddhisttradition.Free.Beginnerswelcome.Instructionpro-vided.SacredSpace,58E.Beltline,Grand Rapids.616-452-2115.

thursdayGentle Yoga class with Peter Violino- 9:00-9:45am.MuskegonYogaCenter,825WesternAve.Muskegon.www.MuskegonYoga.comYoga/Pilates at Noon-12:00pm.Lunch-timeclassesfocusonposturalmuscles.Enjoythebenefitstheseclasses offer to help finish out your day feelingstrong,centered,energized,andfocused.$12walkincost.CascadeYogaStudio5060CascadeRoadSuiteG.Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610.Course of Miracles’ Class-5:00pm.AllClassesare$15atthedoor.RSVPisappreciated.TheHealingCenter,332S.Lincoln,Lakeview.989-352-6500.Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm. 3rdThursday.Joinotherenvironmentalenthusiastsforcasualnetworkinganddrinks.FormoreInfovisitGreenDrinksGR.orgcontactWMEACat616-451-3051.Grand Rapids.The Intuitive Message Circle-6:30pm.4/1,4/15,4/29.Comeconnectwithothersinasafeenviron-mentforachancetoexperienceyourownintuitiveabilities.All levels of experience welcome. $5.Indigo’sAnd Mystic’s Book Exchange & More,4485PlainfieldAve,Grand Rapids.616-447-8298.Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman–6:15-7:30pm.Drop-inswelcome.VisitWhiteRiverYoga.comformoreinformation.ClassesmeetatWhiteRiverYogaStudio,8724FerrySt.Montague. 231-740-6662.

fridayExploration & Restoration Fridays-5:30pmhikefollowedby7:00pmyoga.Comeandexplore thenaturepreservesofSaugatuckandputupyourfeetafterwards for a wonderfully relaxing restorativeyogapractice.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway,Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.Yoga-Intermediate–9:00am.Learnthebasics.Hold-ingposeslongerandmovingdeeperintoyourpracticeandawarenessofthecore.FormoreinformationvisitSmilingLotusYoga.comorcallSmilingLotusYoga,103E.LudingtonAve,Ludington.231-852-0849.Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class-9:30-10:30am. InATM lessons, students engageinprecisely structuredmovementexplorations thatinvolve thinking, sensing,moving and imagining.


ACUPUNCTUREsAmir rAJANi, mdMedical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907www.mmpc.com

Medical acupuncture can be aneffective treatment for manychronicconditions,includingpain,fatigue, depression and anxiety.Samir Rajani, MD is certified inmedicalacupunctureandpracticesatmmpcInternalMedicine.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHPRACTITIONER

out of the Blue inc.Nancy Despres RN, MBE351 Cummings NWGrand Rapids, MI 49534616-453-4215www.OutofTheBlueInc.net

OutoftheBluehelpothersfindalternative ways for achievingoptimal health through the useofhomeopathy,enzymetherapy,nutritionalsupplementsandhairmineralanalysis.

BODYWORK

wHolistic KiNesioloGyHeAltH services, llcBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapistoffering Therapeutic & LaStoneMassage. Certified WholisticKinesiologist, ReconnectionHealing Practitioner, CertifiedHerbalist, Certified AcutonicsPractitioner,CertifiedReflexologist,and a Certified Matrix EnergeticsPractitioner.See ad, page 15.

BOOKSTOREiNdiGo’s ANd mystic’s BooKeXcHANGe & more4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids616-447-8298www.Iambemore.com

Featuring used books and newbooksbasedonpersonalgrowth,spirituality, music, handcraftedbook accessories and othergift items. There are also bookgroups, classes & seminars heldmonthly.See ad pages 23.

...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michigan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

cHiroPrActic cAre

dyNAmic fAmily cHiroPrActicDr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050

Family owned and operatedin the heart of downtownGrandville, Dynamic FamilyChiropracticfocusesonlifestyleimprovements through living

a maximized life. A safe and natural approachto health through the combination of exercise,nutrition,detoxificationandchiropracticcare.

coloN HydrotHerAPyHArmoNy ‘N HeAltHMary De Lange, CCT., CMT.1003 Maryland Av., N.E.Grand Rapids616-456-5033www.harmonynhealth.net

Certified therapist since 1991offeringcolontherapyinasterileand professional environment.Usingaholisticapproachcolonicsrelieve constipation, diarrhea,gas, bloat, poor digestion, backpain,bodyodorandmore.See ad page 34.

tHe Body ceNter-HollANdMarcella Clark, CMMT, CCHT650 Riley Street , Ste AHolland, MI 49424616-834-2596

Gentle, effective andprofessional colon cleansingdesigned to drop toxinlevels and improve nutrientabsorption. Get relief frombloating and constipation,fatigue and arthritis pain.Warm, secure environment.www.TheBodyCenter.us. See ad page 18.

triciA e. GosliNGHolistic Care Approach3368 Beltline Ct NE616-481-9074

Offeringanadvancedclient-centereddimension of colonics: gentle, safeand effective. Eliminate toxins andenhance well-being. 16 years ofexperience.Also offering QuantumBiofeedbacksessions.

$40/5week series.ContactBodyWorkby Judith,121ELudingtonAve, Ludington.231-510-5800.

saturdayHerbal Studies Programs-GaiaCenterforHerbalStudiesprogramswithSevenSaturdays(certifica-tionoption),specialworkshops,FarmersMarketandmore.VisitGaiaHerbalStudies.net.RSVPfordateandtime.GaiaCenterforHerbalStudies,POBox3599, Ann Arbor.734-769-7794.Sweetwater Local Foods Market-WinterHours:Saturdaysfrom9am-1pm.Wewillbeopeneveryother Saturday from January till May beginning1/9/10. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes,HarveySt.1/2MileSouthofLakesMall.ExitUS31atPontalunaRd.Muskegon.Pranayama/Conscious Breathing-7:30am.Dis-coverthepowerofyourbreath.SatyaYogaCenter,3385BlueStarHighway, Saugatuck.269-857-7289.Kids Yoga Class with Barbara Badolati- 1:30-2:00pm.MuskegonYogaCenter,825WesternAve.Muskegon.www.MuskegonYoga.comGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman–9:00-10:15am&10:30-11:45amDrop-inswelcome.VisitWhiteRiverYoga.comformoreinformation.ClassesmeetatWhiteRiverYogaStudio,8724FerrySt.Montague.231-740-6662.

thenaturaldirectory

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIESCURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATU-RAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES–ForsaleinBirmingham/HuntsvilleAL,Boul-derCO,MorrisCountyNJ,andSouthwestVA.Callfordetails239-530-1377.

FOR SALERetail Business:Call616-447-8298.

House, Barn & 7 acre Farm on Lowellschoolsbusline.2,500sq.ft.RusticcedarsidedNewEnglandsaltboxwithcedarsided2-storybarn.4-bedrooms,2½baths.Living/familyroomhaslargestonefireplace$289,000.Morelandavailable.Call616-443-8446.

WHY BUY? RENT TO OWN!$1,250IonicDetoxFootBathOnly$49/Mo.$1,500WaterIonizer$39.95/Mo.OzoneGen-erator$29.95/Mo.HandheldLaser$29.95/Mo.239-649-0077www.BeWellU.com

OPPORTUNITIES OpportunityforCulinaryProfessionals+En-thusiasts toPursueYourPassion&BusinessDreams.CommercialRentalKitchenstoopenJune2010.FacilityKitchensprovideeverythingnecessary forgetting started,producingandstoringwhatyourequiretooperateyourfoodbusinessbyrentingthearea(s)andequipmentyouneed.Youdon’tneedyourownplace-weareyourplacetogrowyourfoodbusiness.TodiscusshowyoucangetstartedcontactRobinat616-301-4212orrobin@facilitykitchens.com

classifieds


NAture’s mArKet1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.com

Full service natural food storewith all natural/organic deli.Offering organic and naturalgroceries.Gluten-freeproducts.Organic and local produce.Supplements and natural bodycareproducts.See ad, page 12.

utoPiAN mArKetPlAce8832 Water St., Montague231-894-9530www.UtopianMarketplace.com

Our friendly, knowledgeable staffprovides a personalized shoppingexperience.Wehavealargeselectionof gluten-free foods, clothing,jewelry, herbs, supplements, localfoods, gifts and more. Open Miceventseverymonth.See ad, page 32.

Holistic HeAltH ceNters

tHe HeAliNG ceNter352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Naturopathic / HolisticPractitioners. Licensed PhysicianAssistant, Certified NaturalHealth Professionals. Privateconsultations. Counseling& Classes. Blood typing,acupressure, emotional release,iridology, homeopathy and more.See ad, page 39.

HomeoPAtHyBoB HuttiNGA352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

APhysicianassistantsince1976,specializing in naturopathic andhomeopathiccare.Also,certifiedSilvaMethodinstructor.See ad, page 39.

KiNesioloGywHolistic KiNesioloGy HeAltH services, llcBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist,Certified Massage Therapist,ReconnectionHealingPractitioner,Certified Herbalist, CertifiedAcutonics Practitioner, CertifiedReflexologist, and a CertifiedMatrix Energetics Practitioner.Specializing in muscle testing,massage, energy medicine,nutritional counseling, lecturesandclasses.See ad page 15.

couNseliNG

dAN elliNGer, mA, llPsupervised by Psy. D. Mark MahacekHealing Ground Wellness Center857 Summit, Muskegon, MI. 49441231-755-3832

Stress Management, NeuroEmotional Technique (N.E.T.)practitioner helping to identify &letgoof‘stuck’emotionalpatterns.30yearsofcounselingexperience,a holistic health care approach &setting.Affordable&confidential.

Holistic couNseliNG servicesDeborah Jandle, L.M.S.W346 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids616-862-3296www.DeborahJandle.com

Providing services thatemphasize balance in mind,body and spirit in order toimprove problems related tomental health, family issues oraddictions. Insurance accepted,includingPriorityHealth.

JANice de lANGe, PH.d 1514 Wealthy St. SE Ste 260, Grand [email protected]

A mind-body-spirit approachfor trauma and abuse recovery,PTSD, low sense of self-worth,panic & phobias, anxiety,depression,relationships.EMDR&Energyinterventions.

deNtistry / HolisticdeNtAl HeAltH & wellNess ceNterDr. Kevin P. Flood DDS4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids616-974-4990www.FloodTheDentist.com

Comprehensive Holistic DentalServices–AmalgamRemoval&Replacement. Bio-Compatible,metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, GentleAnesthesia.See ad page 2.

eNerGy HeAliNGAmA deus®Beth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 www.Ama-Deusenergy.com

AmaDeushealingenergymethodisa hand mediated technique alignedwith love. The energy helps toenhanceone’sownandothersgrowthand awareness or physical andemotionalhealing.See ad page 27.

mAtriX eNerGeticsBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

MatrixEnergeticsisasystemusedtoheal,transformandcreatenewpossibilities in your life. Usingprinciplesofquantumphysicsandsubtle energy Matrix Energeticshelps you to shift into a morebalancedstate.See ad page 15.

esseNtiAl oilsBe youNG esseNtiAl oilsClara Vander Zouwen616-698-6148www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

OfferingBeYoungtherapeuticessentialoils,MASAJIwholefood drink, Organic mealreplacement shakes, Mineralmake-up. Services: Ionicdetoxing foot baths, Physicaland Emotional balancing,biofeedbackreadings. See ad page 9.

HeAltH educAtioN ceNtertHe wellNess forumSue Scharf, Director830 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids616-942-7907www.WellnessForum.com

Educational programs forpersonal health improvement -Workplace wellness programs- Wellness Forum Foundationfocused on school nutritionand children’s health - Nationalconferences.

HeAltH food storesAffordABle NutritioNJoel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison616-667-1346

Certified NutritionalConsultant – memberAANC, MI-CNHP, NPA.Nutritional counseling,weight loss, sportsnutrition, senior discounts.Available for seminars/lectures.Selecthighqualityvitaminsandsupplements.

HeAltH HuttGrand Haven - 616-846-3026Muskegon - 231-739-1568North Muskegon - 231-744-0852www.HealthHutt.net

Natural & organic foods,vitamins & herbs, sportsnutrition,glutenfreefoods,books, natural body careand more. Open 7 days aweek.See ad, page 15.


mAssAGetHe Body ceNter-HollANdThe Team650 Riley Street, Ste AHolland, MI 49424616-834-2596

Our Massage Team offersseveral techniques andmodalities.FromAhh-Shiatsu,afirmSportsMassage,Detox,HotStone, Rossiter-Joint Mobility,ReikiHealing,tousingOilsandAromatherapytonurture.See ad pages 18 & 28.

midwiferyBirtH soNG midwifery servicesYolanda Visser CM, CPMGrand Rapids 616-458-8144www.BirthSongGR.com

Homebirth services since1982. Committed tofacilitating natural birth,bonding,strengtheningthe

family, informed active participation, and lendingdignitytowomenthroughtheirbirthingexperience.

full circle midwiferyservice, iNc.Patrice Bobier CM, CPMHesperia - 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

Inprivatepracticesince1982- specializing in homebirth.Over 1200 births attended.Offeringmidwiferycarethatmaintains a family-centered

safe birth experience. Empowering women to stayhealthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally andparentinthebestways.

Home BirtH PArtNers, llcSusan Wente, CNM, Dr. PH231-652-3247www.HomeBirthworks.comThis regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with32yearsexperience–over3000birthsattended.Providing pre-natal, home and hospital birthsand postpartum care. Gynecological and Doulaservicesavailable.

reiKireiKi HAusPaula Bojsen Holland: 616-392-1138www.ReikiHaus.comOffering quality Reiki classes & treatments ataffordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki MasterTeacher&GendaiReikiShihan.Alllevels,ReikiMaster classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden.LearnpureJapaneseReiki.

retreAt ceNtertHe leAveN ceNterLyons, Michigan989-855-2606www.leaven.org

A place of beauty on the banksof the Grand River where youcanfindrestandnourishmentforyour body and spirit. Offeringworkshops, retreats, and rentalspaceyear-round.

sKiN cAretrAcy’s fAces dAy sPA - Holistic sKiN cAre7610 Cottonwood Dr., Ste 107 Jenison, MI 49428616-667-9690 or 616-204-3402www.TracysFaces.com

Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers aholistic relaxing experiencewithnatural products for skin care &hairremovalfromheadtotoe.Weoffer Dermalogica & Elina Eliteproductlines.See ad page 28.

sPirituAl trAvelBArBArA lee,iNterfAitH [email protected]@vpweb.com

PilgrimSpiritToursisofferingaTibet/Yunnan/MinorityCulturesPilgrimage May 2012. Tourdetails and prices availableupon request. Also offeringReiki, Spiritual Care, LifePassage Ceremonies, IntegralWorkshops.

womeNs retreAts& GrouPs

AwAKeNed PoteNtiAlsfor womeNDaina (DINAH) PuodziunasEnchanted Lake ~ 35 miles NE of Grand Rapids616-754-9672www.Awakenedpotentials.comwww.Midlifefairygodmothers.com

Providingeverythingawomanneedstonurturehertruespiritandre-enchanthersoulsince1988.SolitudeInNature&Women’sWisdomRetreatsatEnchantedLake.LocalMidlifeRe~Enchantment,Groups,phonecoaching&tele-classes.

For an exfoliating moisturizer:Makeaplainyogurtandorganichoneymask–leaveonfor20minutesandrinse.Greatformoisturizing,hydrating,andbrightening.

TracyMoralesTracyFacesDaySpa See ad page 28.

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