natural awakenings may 2015

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May 2015 | Virginia’s Blue Ridge Edition | NABlueRidge.com

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SPECIAL ISSUE:

WOMEN’S WELLNESSRethinking Breast HealthGentle Ways to Give BirthComplementary Cancer CareSummer Camps

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

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a mediakit, please contact us at 540-384-1815or email [email protected] for ads: the 5th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONSEmail articles, news items and ideas to: [email protected]. Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONSEmail Calendar Events to: [email protected]. or fax to 540-444-5668. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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5 newsbriefs

6 ecotip

9 globalbriefs

10 healthbriefs

12 community spotlight

14 blueridge greentravel

16 wisewords

22 healingways

26 calendar

28 resource directory

12 CANCER CARE Alternative and Complementary Therapies by Karen Adams

14 SUMMER CAMPS Something for Everyone by Anne Piedmont

16 LAURA PREPON’S JOURNEY TO HEALTH Home Cooking, Organics and Massage Are Keys by Gerry Strauss

18 RETHINKING BREAST HEALTH Natural Ways to Keep Breasts Smooth, Pain-Free and Firm, while Reducing the Risk of Cancer by Lisa Marshall

22 GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY Conscious Choices Lead to Less Intervention by Meredith Montgomery

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3natural awakenings May 2015

PublisherTracy Garland

[email protected]

EditorKaren Adams

Marketing & AdvertisingBonnie Cranmer

[email protected]

Design & ProductionCourtney Ayers

Karen Garland, Graphic Design

DistributionLeigh Anne Woods

[email protected]

To contact Natural Awakenings

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Edition:

Phone: 540-384-1815

Fax: 540-444-5668

Email: [email protected]

1390 Southside Drive., Suite 118

Salem, VA 24153

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letterfromthepublisher

Tracy Garland, Publisher

Welcome to the May issue of Natural Awakenings magazine. Our main topics this month are

Women’s Wellness and Natural Birth. We delve into women’s wellness with an

interview with actress and author Laura Pre-pon, who tells how she has adopted a healthier

lifestyle. We’ve included some great articles addressing how women can optimize breast health and fend off breast cancer, and also hear Sandy Messionnier’s story. Messionnier blended conventional and complementary treatments to ultimately survive her battle with breast cancer. May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, a subject which has deeply affected the Natural Awakenings team. Karen Adams, our edi-tor, lost her husband, Ed McGrath, to brain cancer earlier this year. Now my mother, Karen Garland, who has served as the magazine’s graphic designer and my all-around, indispensable partner-in-crime, was recently diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. In honor of our loved ones and others suffering from all types of cancers, we’ve interviewed local practitioners of complementary and alternative cancer care for our Community Spotlight this month. We’ve also compiled some great information about natural birth options for moms-to-be, and I found out I’m in the 1 percent (no, not that 1 percent). Statistics show that fewer than 1 percent of births happen outside a hospital, and I had two of my three sons at home with a certifi ed nurse midwife and a doula. I can attest that I’m glad to be in that minority because those were the two most peaceful and moving experiences of my life. Speaking of babies, I recently attended the Great Cloth Diaper Exchange and Natural Parenting Fair in Roanoke, and met some wonderful doulas and midwives and all sorts of other folks who sup-port healthy and holistic birth and parenting. Look for more infor-mation on this and other natural parenting resources in our August “Parenting with Presence” issue. One of the most valuable lessons that birth and death can teach us is that every moment of our lives is precious and worth celebrat-ing. Fortunately, we have a season of beautiful weather and fun, exciting events ahead to help us get out there and celebrate life with our community, friends and family. So, please check out our calen-dar of events and start making some plans!

Sincerely,

4 Virginia’s Blue Ridge NABlueRidge.com

newsbriefs

Building the New World Conference brings Global Leaders to Radford

The “Building the New World” (BTNW) Confer-ence will be held May 28 through May 31 at

Radford University, in Radford. Educators, scientists, economists, peace activists and futurists from around the world will join Barbara Marx Hubbard, former vice presidential nominee and leader in the New Age movement, to present lectures and workshops.

The conference will focus on the reality that humanity and all life on Earth is threatened in multiple interconnected ways and must quickly imple-ment rational and novel solutions to meet these unprecedented challenges. The event focuses on interdependent sectors of society: education, commu-nications, art, economics, peace building, governance, health, environment, infrastructure, technology and spirituality. Organizer Glen Martin, Ph.D., recipient of the Gusi International Peace Prize and Head of the Radford Peace Studies Department, says, “BTNW will encourage attendees to reach beyond their particular area of interest or expertise and begin the process of synthesizing data across multiple disciplines. This emphasis on networking will underscore the need for real action via transformative and cross-platform solutions.” Conference speakers include The Millennium Project Director Jerome C. Glenn, Huffi ngton Post columnist Valerie Tarico, Ph.D., economist and futurist Robin Hanson, Ph.D., Shift Network Director of Peace Philip Hellmich and Federation of Damanhur Ambassador Shama Viola. Location: Radford University. Cost: $375 ($250 for students) includes four-day conference badge, all meals and dorm room lodging on campus. For more information and registration, call Rev. Laura M. George, J.D. at 276-773-3308 or visit BTNW.org. See ad on page 15.

Unity Church Offers Expanded Bookstore

Inner Journey Gift and Bookstore has expanded its offerings as part of Unity

of Roanoke Valley’s renovation and ex-pansion project. Inner Journey carries books by leading spiritual authors such as Marianne Wil-liamson, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Gregg Braden, as well as a large se-lection of New Thought authors, children’s books and more. The store will also order out-of-stock titles upon request. Unity is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the power of prayer. It honors the univer-sal truths in all religions and respects each individual’s right to choose a spiritual path. The church is a vibrant, loving, spiritual community demon-strating Christ consciousness, embracing diversity and inspiring personal transformation. Unity of Roanoke Valley was founded in 1971 by the Reverends Alan and Kathryn Rowbotham. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke. For more information, call 540-562-2200 or visit UnityOfRoanokeValley.org. See ad, page 23, and Community Resource Directory, page 28.

FloydFest 2015 Offers Music, Healing Arts and Outdoor Activities

FloydFest, the area’s premier annual music and arts festival, will take place

July 22 through 26, in Floyd. “Fire on the Mountain” is the theme for this year’s event, which will offer music, healing arts, outdoor activities, local artisans and vendors. Onsite offerings include: a Vendor Village with more than 100 artisans, food vendors, and crafters; a Healing Arts Village with daily yoga classes, meditation ses-sions and sustainability workshops; and an extensive Children’s Universe, which offers entertainment for young fans. FloydFest also features a variety of outdoor activities, including guided hikes, mountain bike trails, disc golf and river fl oat trips. This year’s musical line-up features bluegrass, Americana and rock, with headliners including Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, and FloydFest favorites Brandi Carlile and Trampled by Turtles. Artists will be performing throughout the fi ve days of the festival on FloydFest’s nine hand-craft-ed, timber-framed stages. Ticket options include the High Roller All-Access VIP, which offers perks including premium backstage camping, complimentary catering and beverage services and access to onstage seating. FloydFest also offers a num-ber of “glamping” options with comfortable mattresses, electricity, and lounge areas. Location: Milepost 170.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Floyd. For more informa-tion, call 888-823-3787, email [email protected] or visit FloydFest.com. See ad on back cover.

This year’s FloydFest is Fire on the Mountain


newsbriefsHealthy Mother’s Day Brunch Offered at Floyd EcoVillage

Springhouse Community School, in Floyd, is hosting a fundraising Mother’s Day brunch with entertainment

on Sunday, May 10, at the Floyd EcoVillage. The brunch will be served from noon to 1:30 p.m., and musical performances will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The event will support Springhouse Community School (SCS), which provides project-based learning for students in grades 7 through12 at the Floyd EcoVillage. “The event is a healthy way to celebrate Mother’s Day and connect with local history,” says organizer Joe Klein. The brunch will consist of organic and locally sourced food in the Floyd EcoVillage Celebration Hall. The ticket price also includes a presen-tation of Appalachian songs by Floyd native son Ricky Cox. In addition, SCS students will perform a song about the local history of a farmer whose family has worked the same land for 400 years in Floyd. Tickets are on sale now online at SpringhouseCommunitySchool.org, and in Floyd at Harvest Moon, the Floyd Country Store and Wildwood Farms General Store. Location: Springhouse Community School, Floyd EcoVillage, 718 Frank-lin Pike, Floyd. Cost: ages 13 to adult, $25 in advance ($30 at the door); ages 5 to 12, $12 in advance ($15 at the door); children up to age 4, free. For more information, call 540-745-4673, email [email protected] or visit SpringhouseCommunitySchool.org.

Raised RightOrganic Flowers Honor Mom and Mother Earth on Sunday, May 10thThe Mother’s Day tradition of gifting mom with fl owers, including such perennial fa-vorites as lilies, orchids, tulips and roses, can be practiced in a sustainable manner. Buy-ing organic varieties protects workers, families and the environment. Flowers grown with conventional tech-niques contribute to the contamination of groundwater and streams through fertilizer and pesticide runoff that can also threaten animal species. Many of the cut fl owers are grown in South America, where farms continue to use pesticides that are restricted in the U.S. and cited as highly toxic by the World Health Organization. GreenAmerica.org provides several helpful tips on bringing joy to mom on her special day in eco-friendly ways: Grow Your Own. Buy organic bulbs or seeds in consumer seed catalogs and retail racks or online from reputable sources that include SeedsOfChange.com. Children can then grow their own fl owers to make them mean even more. Tips for natural weed and pest control, environmentally friendly watering, making raised garden beds and more are posted at EarthEasy.com/yard-garden. Buy Local and Organic. Support local com-munities and save shipping costs and energy by purchasing chemical-free organic fl owers from a local farmers’ market or community supported agriculture. Online retailers like OrganicBouquet.com and LocalHarvest.org/organic-fl owers.jsp offer U.S. Department of Agriculture-certifi ed organic fl owers. Ask Local Florists to Go Organic. Find out if local fl orists purchase any organic and local fl owers, and if not, request that they do so. Also, eschew plastic wraps and vases for eco-friendly fl owers to avoid toxic ingredients and the carbon manufacturing footprint. Fun options to hold and showcase the gift include old, recycled Mason and glass jars and bottles or an artistic vase from an estate sale or an-tique or thrift shop.

ecotip

Tick Talks Symposium Addresses Lyme Epidemic

The Floyd County Lyme Disease Support Network will host Tick Talks, a symposium about Lyme

disease, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 16 at the Floyd EcoVillage Events Center, in Floyd. This new event will feature expert speakers, discussions and presentations on Lyme top-ics, a practitioner’s panel, patient stories and resources. Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, is one of the fast-est growing infectious diseases in the country today. Centers for Disease Con-trol studies have indicated that the incidence of Lyme disease in the U.S. may be between 3000,000 and one million cases per year; however, the condition is commonly misdiagnosed. At the onset, patients may experience a rash and fl u-like symptoms, and later may suffer debilitating effects such as neurologi-cal abnormalities and arthritis. As May is Lyme Awareness Month in Virginia, symposium organizers hope to increase awareness, offer support and resources and bring together the Lyme community for a day of educational programming. The symposium will include presentations, a Lyme diet-friendly lunch,breakout sessions, a practitioners panel on Lyme treatments and patient testimonials, networking, book signings by presenters and socializing. Exhibi-tors will be on hand to offer products, services and resources that support the Lyme healing and recovery journey. The Floyd County Lyme Disease Support Network is an educational and support group that meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. the Floyd EcoVillage Events Center. Cost: $35.Location: Floyd EcoVillage Events Center, 188 EcoVillage Trail, Floyd, For more information, call 203-592-3681 or visit TickTalks.Eventbrite.com.

Floyd native son, Ricky Cox


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Natural Awakenings Helps Sponsor The Real Truth About Health Conference in Orlando

More than 30 of the

most popular and infl uential leading thought leaders, experts and authors from a wide variety of wellness fi elds will be sharing their knowledge, insights and remedies at The Real Truth About Health Conference from May 22 to 31 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Con-ference Center, in Orlando. This free event is a partnership between the Hippocrates Institute, TheRealTruthAboutHealthCon-ference.com and Brian Clement, Ph.D., author of LifeForce and director of the Hip-pocrates Health Institute. Joining Clement as presenting au-thors at what organizers term the nation’s largest health, nutrition and environmen-tal conference, will be Dr. T. Campbell, The China Study; Gary Null, Ph.D., The Healthy Vegetarian; Dr. Helene Caldi-cott, Crisis Without End; Robert Whita-ker, Anatomy of an Epidemic; David Si-mon, Meatonomics; David Kirby, Animal Factory; Joel Fuhrman, The End of Dia-betes; Jeffrey Smith, Seeds of Deception; and director of the fi lm PlantPure Nation, Nelson Campbell, plus many others. “Our Natural Awakenings network of publishers is excited to help support this important event as a sponsor and exhibitor in Orlando,” says company CEO Sharon Bruckman. “We hope our readers will take advantage of this free conference by attending or registering online for these 10 days of empowering information and inspiration.” Those that cannot attend the confer-ence can watch a live stream or a replay of the presentations on their computers. Location: 8101 World Center Dr. For more information and to view the full schedule, visit TheRealTruthAboutHealth-Conference.com. Those interested in being vendors or other sponsorship opportunities, call 516-605-0459 by May 15. Hotel phone: 407-238-8000. Also visit HippocratesInst.org.


Ride Solutions Offers Special National Bike Month Events

May is National Bike Month, and Ride Solutions has organized a variety of events to allow peo-

ple from all backgrounds, skill levels and interests to celebrate. Some of the activities that have been planned for the month include: Clean Commute Challenge: Accept the challenge to walk, bike, carpool, tele-commute or take public transportation this May with the annual Clean Commute Challenge. Explore transportation options and earn entries to win great prizes.

Bike Shorts Film Festival: The 5th Annual Bike Shorts Film Festival will premiere at Roanoke’s Grandin Theatre at 6 p.m. on May 1. This event offers $1,300 in prizes in several categories: Juried Prize, Best Local Film, Best Music Video and Audience Favorite.

Night Rider’s Ball: Join Ride Solutions and Martin’s in downtown Roanoke on May 23 to host the Pimps of Joytime. As always, for the Night Rider’s Ball, your bike is your ticket! Get in free by riding to the show and using the complimentary bike valet or take the Clean Commute Challenge online. Ride Solutions is also hosting a free breakfast, complimentary bicycle repair events and rides. The Bike Month mission is to bring attention to the opportunities and chal-lenges of bicycling as recreation and transportation in central and southwest Virginia. For more information, visit RideSolutions.org/BikeMonth. See Community Re-source Guide, page 30.

newsbriefs

Improvements at Explore Park for 2015 Season

Since tak-ing over

operation of Explore Park in 2013, Roa-noke County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has continued to make im-provements to the property. Passive recreation spaces and trails have been maintained and preserved for public use and the Arthur Taubman Center and Mountain Union Church have been renovated and restored. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visi-tor Center at the park features a gift shop, a museum highlighting frontier culture and an audiovisual presentation about the history of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Changes at Explore Park for the 2015 season include:

Artisan Crafts: This year the gift shop will carry hand-crafted items from local and regional artisans, including jew-elry, pottery, art, carved wooden items, quilted crafts, jams and candies. Starting in June, the Visitor Center will host Arti-san Saturdays, featuring demonstrations, book signings and music.Expanded Park Access: This sea-son, visitors will be able to drive far-ther into the park to access trails, the Roanoke River and historic buildings on the property. New Outdoor Programs: Roanoke County staff members have planned an expanded lineup of recreation opportunities at the park this season including guided nature hikes, stand-up paddleboarding, fl y-fi shing and wilderness survival classes. Full-day outdoor adventure camps for youth will be available this summer and plans are also in place to launch a free interactive scavenger hunt for park guests in the coming months. For more information and future updates, visit ExplorePark.org.

Solarize Montgomery Program Makes Renewable Energy Affordable

Solarize Montgomery is a New River Valley energy program that helps makes

solar purchasing easier and more afford-able for residents and businesses of Mont-gomery County. Building on the success of 2014’s Solarize Blacksburg program, Solarize Montgomery began in April and is available through July 22, 2015. Designed to streamline the process of site assessment, permitting, fi nancing and solar installation, the program helps makes the switch to solar less compli-cated and time-consuming. Community-wide group purchasing of equipment reduces up-front costs for homeowners and businesses. In addition, the program makes solar energy cost less than standard electricity over the life of the system by combining a time-limited discount, a 30-percent federal tax credit and favorable options for long-term fi nancing. Homeowners or businesses that sign up for Solarize Montgomery are con-tacted by a vetted solar installer to conduct a satellite site assessment of the house or building to determine if the roof is suitable for installation. The installer then prepares a proposal for the homeowner based on the program pricing. Homeowners who accept proposals are directed to fi nancing options specifi -cally for the program. When fi nancing is secured, the solar installer obtains all necessary permits, materials and equipment, and schedules the installation. Solarize Montgomery is a partnership between Virginia Sun, Montgomery County, the Town of Blacksburg, the Town of Christiansburg, the New River Valley Planning District Commission and Community Housing Partners (CHP). For more information, call Chase Counts, CHP Energy Effi ciency Programs Manager, at 540-505-4163 or visit VAsun.org/Solarize-Montgomery.


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

Dirty DollarsStores Filled with Toxic ProductsHealthyStuff, a project of the Michigan-based Ecology Center, in collaboration with the Campaign for Healthier Solutions (CHS), has released a report, A Day Late and a Dollar Short: Discount Re-tailers are Falling Behind on Safer Chemicals, about toxic chemi-cals found in dollar store products. It includes test results for 164 dollar store products such as toys, jewelry, school supplies and household items and found that 81 percent contained at least one hazardous chemical above a level that generates concern. The campaign sent a letter to the CEOs of the four largest dollar store chains, including Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and 99 Cents Only, urging them to stop the sale of these unsafe products, especially to communities of low-income and ethnic families that already live in more polluted areas and food deserts, and adopt policies that will instead protect both customers and their own businesses. Combined, these discount chains have an-nual sales totaling more than $36 billion and operate more stores nationally than Walmart.

The CHS is asking for a comprehensive set of reforms; communities need to let dol-lar store chains know that they want safer products and join local and national efforts advocating for nontoxic products. Scroll to Dollar Store Report at HealthyStuff.org for the complete test results. Take action at NontoxicDollarStores.org.

Corporate ClimateCompanies Slowly Embrace Sustainability

The 2015 State of Green Business report (Tinyurl.com/2015GreenBusinessReport), which assesses the environmental perfor-mances of companies worldwide, along with the trends to watch, is produced by Green-Biz, in partnership with Trucost. Collectively, companies have been

nibbling at the edges of challenges such as climate change, food security, ecosystems preservation and resource effi ciency. One measure of corporate engagement going forward will be proactive involvement on political issues that could accelerate the transition to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy. It remains to be seen whether companies can afford to sit on the sidelines, letting the political process unfold, or worse, play defense against changes that might roil their status quo. 2015 will be an interesting year on multiple fronts, especially with the launch of the new sustainable development goals at the United Nations (UN) in New York this fall, along with UN climate talks in Paris in December. Both will be tests of corporate engage-ment and resolve in driving the kinds of change many of their CEOs publicly call for. The reports’ fi ndings of companies’ progress in greenhouse gas and emissions, air pollutants, water use and solid waste production are all leveling off or even declining.


healthbriefs

Meditation Improves Brain HealthHarvard Medical School researchers working at the Massa-

chusetts General Hospital have determined that meditation can improve brain health. The researchers studied 16 volunteers that took part in an eight-week mindfulness meditation study at the University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. The participants conducted mindfulness meditation exercis-es for an average of 27 minutes a day. Before and after the trial, the subjects were given tests and magnetic resonance imaging of their brains.

The researchers found that the practice of mindfulness meditation resulted in increased gray matter density in the hippocampus of the brain, an area associated with increased memory and learning capacity, plus a greater sense of compassion and introspection.

Weight Gain in Moms Lowers Toxins in NewbornsMany expectant mothers try to know about everything they put

into and onto their bodies as multiple studies are fi nding that infants are exposed to toxins during pregnancy. A new study of 325 expectant mothers has determined that the baby’s exposure to tox-ins in the womb decreases when the mother’s weight gain during pregnancy approaches the guidelines recommended by the Insti-tute of Medicine (IOM) in 2009. Women that are underweight at the start of pregnancy are advised to gain between 28 and 40 pounds, women of a healthy weight 25 to 35 pounds, overweight women 15 to 25 pounds and obese women 11 to 20 pounds. The researchers found that expectant mothers with a gestational weight that meets or exceeds the IOM guidelines gave birth to infants with reduced toxin levels. In their analysis of the umbilical cord blood of mothers from Spain, the researchers tested for 14 pesticides and 21 other environmental toxins, including seven polychlorobiphenyls (PCB). Other infl uencers such as age, education and fi sh consumption may also be relevant.

To Get Healthy, Get a Healthy PartnerHaving a healthier partner may be one of the best things to do

for our own health. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine fi nds that losing weight, stopping smoking or becoming more active is easier with a partner that has led the way in any or all healthy pursuits.

The study authors reviewed data collected by the UK Health Behavior Research Center at the University College London that followed 3,700 couples between 2002 and 2012—most of them ages 50 and older and married. Those that smoked at the beginning of the study were more likely to quit by the end of it if their partners quit smoking, and those that were physically inactive at the beginning of the study were more likely to become active if their partners did so fi rst. About two-thirds of the men became newly active during the course of the study. Men with wives that had lost weight were more likely to also shed pounds dur-ing the study, and women with husbands that didn’t lose weight were less likely to do so through the study period.

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Rehabilitating the Digestive System NaturallyManufacturers add preservatives to food

products in order to reduce spoil-age by killing bacteria and fungus in the container. But that can do the same in the gut, killing good bacteria that help the body absorb nutrients and digest food. Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates also harm the gut, feeding intestinal fungus such as Can-dida and allowing it to take over. According to Steven Frank, founder of Nature’s Rite, an herbal remedies com-pany, a well-balanced, three-pronged approach can rehabilitate the digestive system. The fi rst step is to kill off the bad bacteria and irritating fungus with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that is biocom-patible, yet effective. Frank suggests an enhanced aqueous colloid of silver that is optimized to help clear the microbes out of the digestive system. It’s best taken on an empty stomach, dosing two ounces every two hours for two to three days; this prepares the system for enhanced effective-ness of the following treatment. The second step is taking a good pro-biotic daily for at least one month. Finally, take a combination of herbs to increase mucus to protect the digestive system and reduce histamine sensitivity, allowing the intestines to rebuild a healthy lining. Ste-ven Frank, innovated herbalist, suggests a combination of plantain, licorice, aloe vera, peppermint, marshmallow root and slippery elm bark. When working to heal the body, basic building blocks are required, so it’s critical that those using this approach take 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C, 10,000 international units of vitamin D and a good B-complex daily. For more information, call 888-465-4404 or visit NaturesRiteRemedies.com. See ad, page 21.


communityspotlight

One of the most terrifying things a person can hear is “It’s cancer.” After that news, life

is not the same. Amid the emotional turmoil that follows, it can be diffi cult to know what to do about cancer care for oneself or a loved one. A variety of alternative therapies can help cancer patients who choose not to follow the conventional path of surgery, chemo-therapy and radiation, and they can work as complementary therapies for those who do.

Wellness practitio-ner Marcia Garland, of Marcia’s Wellness 4 Life, in Boones Mill, focuses on four main areas of health for her clients: eliminat-ing toxicity, offering

proper nutrition, boosting the immune system and prayer. “When a client comes to me with cancer, the fi rst thing we do is look at the conditions that created it, because if you don’t look at that, regardless of treatment, it’s most likely going to return,” Garland says. But everything she does with cancer patients works for those without cancer too.

Dealing with toxicity is the fi rst el-ement, she says, “because 80 percent of all cancers have to do with a toxic body.” So she considers the parts of the body designed to eliminate toxins: the liver, intestinal tract and colon. “You have to cleanse the liver, make sure the intestinal tract is healthy and move the colon three times a day.” She explains that over 70 percent of the immune system is in the digestive tract. “It sends nutrients to the liver, but if it’s not healthy and the colon is not working, toxins can get into the bloodstream.” Once the colon is work-ing properly, Garland helps her clients with frequent detoxes. Nutrition is the next element. Garland advises her clients on what to eat and what not to eat. “Basically it’s eating real, whole foods as much as possible,” she says, which means an emphasis on vegetarian foods: nuts and seeds, and fruit and vegetables that are raw or lightly steamed. “I encour-age eating foods with the least amount of toxins as possible,” she explains. “Nothing out of a can, no hormones, no antibiotics, no chemicals and eating foods the way God made them.” This also means no sugar, because sugar

feeds cancer, and no soft or carbonated drinks, and Garland reminds clients that dairy and alcohol also contain sugar. “You have to eat foods that support life. That’s how we feel good. That’s what makes us feel better.” Boosting the im-mune system, through high-antioxidant foods, herbs and supplements, includ-ing digestive enzymes and probiotics, keeps it strong. The last part of her wellness plan is prayer, which she says is often the miss-ing link. Her defi nition of “prayer” also includes meditation, deep breathing, forgiveness and living in gratitude and love. “Any disease has an emotional at-tachment to it, and I address that a lot. To live a life of wellness, it’s important to be able to let go and forgive.” She helps her clients learn to love themselves enough to take care of themselves. “Even how we think is part of wellness, because we become what we think about,” she says. “Do things in life that you love. Practice gratitude ev-ery day. Live in the present. Stay away from toxic people and environments. Fall in love with your life. That’s how we create wellness.”

Counselor Laura Rumfeldt, LPC, of Life In Balance Counsel-ing and Wellness, in Christiansburg, works with clients on “bring-ing their lives into bal-ance.” This includes

cancer patients, whose lives may feel anything but balanced. “People often are reluctant to get counseling when faced with a health crisis because they think they have to have a mental health diagnosis,” Rumfeldt says. “Counseling is about well-being and wellness, not pathol-ogy.” Some of the things that go along with cancer are emotions, such as anticipatory grief, she explains. The mind automatically imagines a worst-case scenario, and the “fi ght or fl ight” response sets in. “And we can have anxiety and depression, not only in the patient but also in family members and friends and community.” Counseling can be benefi cial by offering coping skills and a safe place to talk. “I think that’s one of the most healing things: creating a safe

Cancer CareAlternative and Complementary Therapies

by Karen Adams

Marcia Garland

Laura Rumfeldt


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container,” she says. “What you say in the counselor’s offi ce can stay there and not leave those four walls. This allows people to say the thing that they fear the most and deal with that fear.” There’s also the fear of the treatment: Am I going to make it or not? How is it going to affect me physically? How will my family care for me? How will I pay the bills? “Basically, we wonder, ‘What is life going to look like once this begins?’” Counseling can also welcome the spiritual aspect of facing cancer. Rumfeldt defi nes spirituality as how we fi nd meaning, purpose, joy and connection. “Using the cancer situation, we ask, ‘How do you make sense out of it? What are the opportunities in this situation? Where do I need to take care of unfi nished business, with people or projects? Where do I fi nd hope? What keeps me connected to life? In other words, what’s my world view? How do I make sense of life, period?’ It’s that sense of what is greater than what we see in the visible world, the invisible force that guides the world and our part in it.” Other helpful practices are meditation and prayer, and tai chi and qi gong. “These link the mind, body and spirit together, which is the goal; integrating all three of those things,” Rumfeldt says. She also recommends guided imagery. “Just listening to pleasant scenes or having pleasant thoughts, or picturing something specifi c about the body, like moving gently and seeing all the cells of the immune system coming into balance and taking care of itself,” Rumfeldt says. “Or visualizing

something fun in the future. All of this helps the body heal. Because the body knows what to do if we just get out of its way.”

When licensed acupuncturist Greg Johnston, of Danc-ing Crane Center of Chinese Medicine, in Salem, sees cancer patients, he offers “the fi ve branches on the

tree of Chinese medicine”—acupunc-ture, nutrition, herbs, exercise (qi gong) and bodywork —to help his clients feel better and stay as healthy as possible. “Cancer patients usually come to me if they are already getting some type of treatment like chemo or radiation, and they may want relief from side effects such as nausea, or they have had surgery and may be seeking pain relief from that,” he explains. Others come to him as part of their treatment, to help achieve certain health goals. Still others may have cancer in their families, or had it themselves in the past, and they want to learn how to prevent it. “The one thing that’s never addressed is: How did it come to be in the fi rst place?” Johnston says. “Often they realize that and want to be proactive so it doesn’t happen again.” He begins with acupuncture, he explains, which is regulated and safe. “Unlike Western medicine, nothing is being introduced into the body: it’s a solid, stainless steel needle with virtually no chance of infection.” Acupuncture is used to regulate the body’s function, treat disease and ease suffering and pain.

Nutrition is another element of Johnston’s wellness program. Food is more than just its vitamins, he explains. “If it’s kale or steak, each will do different things to the body. And when we come down with some problem, like cancer or heart disease, your diet should change to address that. We want to stop doing some things that aggravate the condition and implement the healthy things that will help.” Chinese herbs also work with nutrition to alleviate problems and boost immunity. Johnston teaches qi gong as well. “It’s a form of exercise but is driven by the mental intention— ‘What am I trying to do?’—and coordinated breathing, and we do it all in a relaxed state.” Qi gong works on the physical level of moving the muscles, as well as the intentional level of breathing, to correct imbalances in the body. He will also offer tui na massage, a form of bodywork that is similar to osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation. “It can be quite restorative,” he says. “It can reduce blockages in the body and it can be incredibly relaxing. That’s so important, regardless of the health conditions: to be able to relax and let the body heal.” Addressing the whole self in this way brings results throughout a patient’s life. “When I’m treating someone, I expect to see a change in their physical well-being, spiritual well-being and emotional well-being,” Johnston says. “Their spirit-soul is part of it. That’s how medicine should interact.”

For more information, visit MarciasWellness.com, LifeInBalanceCenter.com and DCQiMed.com.

Greg Johnston


SOMETHING FOR EVERYONEby Anne Piedmont

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Summer camp has certainly evolved. Whether campers are interested in robots, rocketry, vegetable gardens,

3D printers, ziplines or sketchbooks, there are summer camps in the Blue Ridge region, both day and overnight, that offer something for everyone.

Virginia Western Community Col-lege’s Kids College offers young campers a chance to explore careers during the summer with camps that “mirror the col-lege’s programs,” says Paulette Parkhill, Coordinator of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning, whose offi ce runs the summer programs. For example, “Horticulture: Reap What You Sow,” a camp open to rising 4th through 7th graders, is operated in connection with the school’s horticulture program and the arboretum. During the week-long session, campers learn about vegetable gardening from start to fi nish, includ-ing seed sowing, crop scheduling, soil preparation, transplanting, fertilization, watering, plant care, insect and disease control, harvesting and food storage and garden cleanup. Last year, they planted a garden near the deck at the arboretum. “Girls in Construction,” for girls go-ing into grades 7 through 12, makes use of Virginia Western’s Autodesk Inventor and 3D printer to provide hands-on ex-perience. The college has teamed with Habitat for Humanity to build a shed on campus. They will work with blueprints, solid design and building tools, says Parkhill. In addition to Habitat, a num-

ber of local entities are contributing to the camp, including Branch and Associ-ates, Inc., Hughes Associates Architects and Engineers, MB Contractors, Inc., Li-onberger Construction and the National Association of Women in Construction. Parkhill says all 16 of the Kids College camps are STEM (science, technology, en-gineering and math) related. Other popular camps include “Robotics,” “Minecraft De-signers,” “Fast and Furious Keyboarding” and “The Human Body Shop.” For a different camp experience, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, in New Castle, offers a variety of pro-grams designed to give campers a “true wilderness adventure,” says Mark Gill, director of administration. The camps get involved in challenging outdoor activities such as ziplines, rock walls, high rope elements and pole climbing. “At the end of their sessions, they will have learned about the environment and gained confi -dence and leadership skills,” Gill says Campers eat around a cook circle and sleep in a different place each night, moving about the 500-acre prop-erty, as well as nearby state and national parks, and carry all their gear in back-packs. “It’s defi nitely something they won’t forget,” says Gill. The session ends with “Wilderness Adventure Olympics” and skits about the week at a big bonfi re. Nearly half of campers return the next year. “It’s the most amount of adventure you can pack into a short time,” Gill says.


The Science Museum of Western Virginia offers 11 weeks of different sum-mer camps. Campers range in age from pre-kindergarten through middle school, says Miriam Musco, Director of Educa-tion. The youngest campers can learn the basics of building and engineering, or be junior scientists. Older children get to explore rocketry, fossils and general sci-ence and learn about nature “in the heart of the heart.” All programs offer hands-on science experiences and are a supple-ment to the school year, Musco says, adding that the museum’s current exhibit, “Dinosaurs and Fossils,” will serve as a backdrop for some of the programs. Virginia Tech Carilion’s Medical Research Camp, offered by the science museum but held at the VTC School of Medicine and Research Institute, in Roanoke, is for campers entering grades 6 and 9. It allows campers to conduct experiments in anatomy and medicine, learn from leading research experts, and interact with the institute’s state-of-the-art equipment. The museum also is offering two sessions for girls only, one for rising Kindergarteners through second grad-

ers, and one for rising 3rd through 5th graders. These campers will spend their time exploring hands-on science, including some activities inspired by the PBS show SciGirls. It also will feature women in STEM fi elds and chances to work in groups as well as independently.

The Taubman Museum of Art also offers eight weeks of summer camp for children. Hillary Hardison, Children’s Education Manager, says, “My favorite part of the summer program has been coming up with the lessons,” such as sketching fi eld trips, working on the museum’s balcony above Williamson Road and playing games in the galler-ies. Hardison ties the camp sessions to the museum’s exhibits and galleries and offers campers a look behind the scenes. Some of this year’s sessions will focus on nature, including creating art with natural materials, as well as being inspired by nature, and connecting to other arts, such as music and theatre. Registration is open now for these camps. Don’t miss out on these unique summer adventures!

For more information, visit Virgin-iaWestern.edu/KidsCollege/, Wilderness-Adventure.com, smwv.org/Summer-Camps/ and TaubmanMuseum.org/Main/Summer-Camps. Anne Piedmont is a writer and research associate based in Roanoke. For more information, visit PiedmontResearchAssociates.com.

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Laura Prepon’s Journey to HealthHome Cooking, Organics

and Massage Are Keyby Gerry Strauss

From That ‘70s Show to Orange is the New Black, actress Laura Preponhas long been considered by TV

audiences to be a welcome image of health. Yet Prepon’s recent discovery that she’d been falling short in nourish-ing her body as effectively as possible has set in motion a complete redirec-tion of lifestyle, from her diet to fi tness routine. Now working on a book about clean living and eating due out next year, Prepon has rededicated herself to educating us just as much as she’s entertained us through the years. How do you manage to consistently eat local organic food instead of fast food?My mother was a gourmet chef and an advocate of organic food, so we always had amazing meals growing up. Eating organic produce that’s in season locally seems to help me assimilate nutrition more readily. Whenever I can, I also try to tap into biodynamic agriculture, which takes an even broader holistic approach to food production and nutri-tion. I view GMOs [genetically modi-fi ed foods] as toxic to the system. As a self-taught chef, I like to cook at least 80 percent of my food at home and bring meals to work so I don’t stress about food during the day. It feels good to get people together in the kitchen and I’ve taught friends how to cook healthy foods in simple ways, so they now bring their own meals with them to work. It’s all about preparation, so that you’re not just grabbing some-thing on the run. Knowing what’s going into the food we’re eating is important.

Why do you include a lot of soup in your diet?With all of the GMO food sprayed with chemicals in the typical Ameri-can diet and the other environmental toxins everyone has to deal with, our gut fl ora, intestines and bodies in general are becoming compromised. Ten years ago, few had even heard of gluten allergies unless you had celiac disease, which was rare even then. Now, everywhere you go, there’s a gluten-free option. I love eating soup because the healthful ingredients I use are broken down completely, so the body can im-mediately assimilate needed micro-nutrients, which help heal us from the inside out. I’m talking about home-made broth from grass-fed beef bones,

so you get the marrow; I’m partial to knuckle bones. I always have soup broth in my refrigerator.

What’s key to your ability to naturally stay healthy and fi t in the midst of an intense schedule of work and travel?I love modalities like acupuncture, massage … all of that. I fully believe in keeping energy fl owing to benefi t the functioning of all our organs. As school kids, we learn about the circulatory system and central nervous system, but who knows much about the lymphatic system? It’s extremely important, and people are starting to get the idea. Activities like yoga, swim-ming and bouncing on the trampoline can help.

Do you see society’s penchant for medicating as a way to avoid listening to and address-ing our body’s real needs?I do. That’s why I study Eastern medicine, because I feel that Western medicine treats problems and Eastern medicine prevents problems from happening. I grew up in a family of doctors and “full-on” Western medicine and respect the medical community. Unfortunately, these days, most people are continually medicated and t hey’re not getting better. As a society, we tend to just take a drug to handle a symptom instead of address-ing the actual cause of the problem.

As a celebrity, do you see yourself as a conduit to facilitate a shift away from unnatural lifestyles?Yes. The reason I decided to write a book was because I’ve been struggling with a bunch of different ailments in secret for a long time. When I began working with my integrated health coach, Elizabeth Troy, I started to heal for the fi rst time in all the years of read-ing books on health, diet and fi tness, seeing doctors, taking loads of pills and spending crazy amounts of money on all of these activities. I want to help people struggling to regain their health to get answers.

Gerry Strauss is a freelance writer in Hamilton, NJ. Connect at [email protected].

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Bote ourt Farmers’ MarketDaleville Town [email protected] Facebook: BotetourtFarmersMarketSaturday, 8am-12pmMay through October

Locally grown vegetables, fruits,

chicken, pork, beef, cheese, baked goods, and artisan candles, stationery, jewelry, wo dwork, photos, music and more!

LEAP Grandin Village Community Market2080 Westover Ave. SWRoanoke (behind the Grandin Co-Lab)540-632-1360Markets@LeapForLocalFood.orgLeapForLocalFood.orgSaturday, 8am-12pmLate April - October

Year-round farmers market in Grandin Village, offering meat, produce, and artisan foods produced with a 100-mile radius and matching

LEAP West End Community Market1210 Patterson Ave.Roanoke (Market Pavilion behind Freedom First Bank)540-632-1360Markets@LeapForLocalFood.orgLeapForLocalFood.orgTuesday, 3-6pmLate April - October

Year-round farmers’ market in the West End, offering meat, produce, and artisan foods produced within a 100-mile radius and matching SNAP

Blacksburg Farmers’ MarketBlacksburg540-238-8290BBFarmersMarket.comSaturday, 8am-2pmWednesday, 2-7pm

A bounty of fresh, locally grown, raised and produced foods and goods available at the Market.

We’ve been conditioned to nar-rowly defi ne breast health in terms of pink ribbon cam-

paigns, cancer awareness marches and cold, steel mammography machines. Nearly 30 years after anticancer drug maker Imperial Chemical Industries (now AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals) estab-lished the fi rst National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 1985, many women have come to equate healthy breasts with cancer-free breasts, and assume the most important thing they can do is undergo regular screening. But amid this chorus, some wom-en’s health advocates are striving to get a different message across: There are a host of steps women can take to not only fend off disease in the future, but keep their breasts in optimal condition today. “We need to change the conver-sation about our breasts from how to avoid breast cancer and detect it early to how to have healthy breasts and en-joy them,” says Dr. Christiane Northrup, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Yarmouth, Maine, and author of the new book Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vital-ity, and Well-Being.

Healthy Breasts, Healthy BodyIn adolescence, breast changes are the fi rst to signal the arrival of womanhood. When she’s aroused, a woman’s nipples harden and change color. When a woman gives birth, her breasts fi ll with life-giving milk. “In all these ways, your breasts are deeply connected to your femininity, compassion and sensuality,” says Hawaiian Naturopathic Doctor

Laurie Steelsmith, co-author of Natural Choices for Women’s Health. Because breasts are extremely sensitive to hor-monal fl uctuations throughout the body, they can also serve as a barometer of overall health. “If you’re having chronic breast symptoms, it can be your body’s wisdom saying, ‘Help. Something’s wrong.’ Women need to listen.” While some premenstrual swelling and tenderness is normal, exaggerated or persistent pain is often a sign of sys-temic estrogen dominance in relation to progesterone. It’s common in the years leading up to menopause, but can also hint at impaired thyroid function, because low levels of thyroid hormones have been shown to boost estrogen in breast tissue, advises Steelsmith. Large, fl uid-fi lled cysts or fi brous lumps, while non-cancerous, can also be a refl ection of overexposure to harm-ful chemicals and toxin buildup, com-bined with poor lymph fl ow, notes Dr. Elizabeth Vaughan, an integrative physi-cian in Greensboro, North Carolina. “If a woman has lumpy, bumpy breasts, they probably contain too many toxins, and those toxins are primarily estrogenic.” Addressing such symptoms is important not only to relieve discom-fort, but also

because excess estrogen can fuel future cancer risk, says Vaughan. Any new, suspicious lump should be evaluated by a professional. Also, severe breast tenderness combined with nipple discharge could be a sign of infection or a problem with the pituitary gland, so it should also be checked. But typically, subtle natural healthcare steps can go a long way toward restoring breast wellness. For nipple tenderness, Steelsmith recommends chaste-tree berry (175 milligrams [mg] of powdered extract or 40 drops daily). The herbal supplement mimics naturally occurring progester-one in the body, helping to counter estrogen dominance. Vitamin E (400 to 800 international units [IU] per day) and evening primrose oil (1,500 mg twice a day) have also been shown to alleviate breast tenderness. For fi brous or cyst-fi lled breasts, Vaughan advises supplementing with iodine (up to 12.5 mg per day via kelp, seaweed or oral tablets) or applying an iodine solution to the breasts at night. A key constituent of thyroid hor-mones, iodine helps the liver convert unfriendly forms of estrogen into friendlier forms and fl ush toxins out of lymph nodes in the breast. Also, steer clear of chocolate and coffee,

RETHINKING BREAST HEALTHNatural ways to keep breasts smooth, pain-free

and fi rm, while reducing the risk of cancer.

by Lisa Marshall


because caffeine is believed to interact with enzymes in the breast, exaggerating pain and lumpiness. Also consider ditching the bra, says Vaughan. Brassieres can constrict lymph nodes and hinder blood circula-tion in breasts, locking toxins in and ag-gravating fi brocystic symptoms. The link between bras and breast cancer risk remains hotly debated, with one 2014 U.S. National Cancer Institute study of 1,400 women concluding unequivo-cally that, “There’s no evidence that wearing a bra increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer,” while smaller studies from the United States, China, Venezu-ela, Scotland and Africa suggest a link. Vaughan, the founder of BraFree.org, says the science is compelling enough that she has chosen to keep her own bra use to a minimum and advises her patients to do the same. “Obviously, there are certain sports where you should wear a sports bra and there are certain dresses that only look right with a bra,” says Vaughan. At a minimum, avoid wearing a bra to bed and steer clear of underwires and overly tight bras that leave red marks. “This is not about guilt-tripping women into never wearing a bra. It’s about wearing a bra less.”

Beautiful Breasts NaturallyToo small or too big, lopsided or riddled with stretch marks… it seems almost every woman has a complaint about the appearance of her breasts. That’s a problem, says Northrup, because, “Healthy breasts are breasts that are loved. We have to stop beating them up.” According to the American Soci-ety of Plastic Surgeons, the number

of women getting breast implants for cosmetic reasons ballooned from 212,500 in 2000 to 286,254 in 2014. Physicians—including Northrup—claim that modern implants don’t, in the majority of cases, promote disease like older silicone implants did. Yet even plastic surgeons warn that having implants should be fully thought out, and at some point they’ll probably have to come out. “They are manmade devices, and are not intended to be lifelong. At some point, you will prob-ably have to have further surgery,” says Dr. Anureet Bajaj, an Oklahoma City plastic surgeon. Bajaj notes that implants can rup-ture, forming scar tissue and lending irregular shape to the breast. Often, as a woman ages and her body changes, the larger breasts she chose in her 20s no longer look right and may cause back and shoulder pain. In some cases, implants can also lead to loss of nipple sensitivity. For these and other reasons, 23,774 women—including actress Me-lissa Gilbert and model Victoria Beck-ham—had their implants removed in 2014, often following up with a breast lift (using their own tissue) to restore their shape. Vaughan sees breast implant re-moval as a wise and courageous choice to restore optimal breast health. Better yet, don’t get implants in the fi rst place. “There are a lot of other things you can do to improve the appearance of your breasts,” she advises. Vaughan recommends breast-perking exercises like dumbbell bench presses and fl ys that tone the pectoral muscles beneath the breasts, making them more resilient and look larger. To prevent or reverse sagging, she again

urges women to go bra-free. “We have ligaments in the upper outer quad-rant of our breasts called Cooper’s ligaments, and they’re responsible for holding our breasts up. Just like your muscles atrophy when you put your arm in a sling, your Cooper’s ligaments atrophy if you wear a bra all the time.” In one unpublished, yet highly publi-cized 2013 study, French Exercise Physi-ologist Jean-Denis Rouillon measured the busts of 330 women ages 18 to 35 over a period of 15 years and found those that regularly wore a bra had droopier breasts with lower nipples than those that didn’t. In another, smaller, Japanese study, researchers found that when women stopped wearing a bra for three months, their breasts perked up. Those worried about stretch marks also have options. They can be a sign of inadequate copper, which promotes collagen integrity and helps skin stretch without injury, says Steelsmith. If rapid weight gain is occurring due to adoles-cence, pregnancy or for other reasons, try taking copper supplements or apply-ing a topical copper spray on the breasts. Remember to massage your breasts daily, not only as a “search and destroy mission” for early detection of cancer-ous lumps, says Northrup, but as a way to get waste products fl owing out and loving energy fl owing in. “It concerns me that women feel pressured to think of their breasts as two potentially pre-malignant lesions sitting on their chests,” Northrup says. “These are organs of nourishment and pleasure for both ourselves and others. We need to remember that, too.”

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.


According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be

diagnosed with breast cancer, and nearly 40,000 will die annually of the disease. But at least 38 percent of those diag-noses could be prevented via diet and lifestyle changes, affi rms the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). “For decades, the dominant public message about breast cancer has been about early detection,” says Medical Doctor Robert Pendergrast, an associ-ate professor at the Medical College of Georgia, in Augusta, and author of Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love. “Screening is important, but not nearly enough attention is being paid to prevention.” Here’s what we can do to keep cancer at bay or from recurring. Eat more veggies: Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, caulifl ower and Brussels sprouts, are loaded with indole-3-carbinol, or I3C, a potent anticancer compound that helps break down excess estrogen and convert it into a more friendly, or benign form, says Steelsmith. One study in Alterna-tive Medicine Review found that wom-en that ate high amounts of cruciferous vegetables were 30 percent less likely to develop breast cancer over 30 years. I3C can also be taken as a supplement (300 milligrams [mg] per day). Eat more fi ber, especially fl ax: Fiber, via whole grains, fruits and veg-etables, helps fl ush out toxins includ-ing unfriendly estrogen. Flax contains cancer-fi ghting compounds called lig-nans, which block the effects of excess or unfriendly estrogen on cells. Drink less alcohol: Alcohol boosts estrogen levels in women and is broken down in the liver to acetaldehyde, a known toxin that causes cancer in laboratory animals, notes Naturopath

Bust Musts for Cancer Preventionby Lisa Marshall

Laurie Steelsmith. According to the AICR, a woman that has fi ve drinks per week boosts her risk by 5 percent. Two or more drinks per day boosts such risk by more than 40 percent. Skip the barbecue: Charring meat produces carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines. A study of 42,000 women, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that those that routinely ate well-done hamburger, beef or bacon had four times the risk of those that opted for medium or medium-rare. Keep weight in check: Excessive estrogen, which lives in fat cells, fuels cancer risk. According to the AICR, a woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 (obese) has a 13 percent higher risk of cancer than a woman with a BMI of 25 (slightly overweight). Spice up life: Curcumin from the turmeric plant has been shown in many studies to have potent immune-boosting and anticancer properties, reactivating sleeping tumor-suppressor genes that can kill cancer cells. De-stress: Growing evidence that includes studies from Ohio State Univer-sity suggest that stress can boost the risk of breast cancer and recurrence, plus heighten its aggressiveness by altering hormones and impairing immunity. One study from Finland’s University of Helsinki followed 10,808 Finnish wom-en for 15 years and found as much as double the rate of breast cancer among those that had experienced a divorce or death of a spouse or family member. Drink green tea: It’s loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant believed to suppress new blood vessel growth in tumors and keep cancerous cells from invading healthy tissue.

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When Sandy Messonnier was diagnosed with breast

cancer, she faced scary treat-ment decisions as doctors pres-sured her to consider all means available. “I was more afraid of the treatment than the cancer itself,” says Messonnier, 52, of Plano, Texas. “I kept feeling like I was being lumped into one big category of all women that got breast cancer, rather than treated as an individual.” With the help of her holistic vet-erinarian husband Shawn Messonnier, Sandy took a more measured approach, blending conventional and comple-mentary medicine in an individual-ized protocol the couple describes in their book, Breast Choices for the Best Chances: Your Breasts, Your Life, and How You Can Win the Battle! After careful consideration, Sandy opted for two lumpectomies three weeks apart, instead of a mastectomy, to remove

Triumph Over The ‘Big C’by Lisa Marshall

the small tumor. The second one was done to clear up a few

remaining cells indicated by a biopsy. Meanwhile,

she took supplements including green tea

and coriolus mush-rooms to impede the spread of the cancer cells. Several tests

helped determine if she needed chemo-therapy and the optimum dose for some of her supplements. The results prompted her to decline chemotherapy and opt for a brief stint of radiation while taking the supplements quercetin and curcumin to help combat the fatigue and other side effects. Afterward, she cleansed her body with homeopathic mistletoe, herbal milk thistle and other detoxifying supplements. Then she began the work of keeping cancer at bay. “A lot of doctors never talk to you about what you are going to do after the poisoning [chemo], the burning and

surgery,” she says. “Rather than taking a cancer-fi ghting drug, I chose to be more mindful of what I do with my body.” Her regimen called for committing to keeping up with the healthy diet, plus regular walks, yoga and Pilates that she believes helped keep the cancer rela-tively mild to begin with. But she also made some life changes to address the one thing she believes may have driven the outbreak in the fi rst place—stress. She made peace with her mother, which reduced a lot of stress, began to cultivate a spiritual life and now takes time to meditate or walk when she feels even lightly stressed. She also vowed to keep the fear of recurrence from overwhelm-ing her. “Many women never stop worrying about it,” she observes. “That is toxic energy you are putting back into your body.” As of this October, Messonnier will be fi ve years cancer-free. Her advice for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: “Chemotherapy, radia-tion and mastectomy are not among the right choices for all women. There are other options, depending on the type of cancer. Don’t be so fearful that you make hasty decisions you don’t need to make.”

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Labor and delivery is a natural pro-cess that can be enjoyed. “It’s not something to be afraid of,” says Mel

Campbell, author of The Yoga of Preg-nancy. “It’s a wonderful and beautiful experience. We need to remember that the body is designed for giving birth.” Natural childbirth uses few or no artifi cial medical interventions such as drugs, continuous fetal monitoring, forceps delivery or episiotomies (cuts to enlarge the vaginal opening). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 32.7 percent of deliveries were by Cesarean section in 2013—most performed in situations where a vaginal

healingways

birth would have posed a relatively low risk to the health of mother and child. Entirely natural childbirth is now rare here compared with other countries, but that wasn’t always the case. In 1900, 95 percent of all U.S. births took place in the home; when more moved to hospitals here in the early 20th century, midwives still typically handled the delivery in other countries, sometimes without a doctor present. In America, obstetrics became a profession and a doctor-attended birth in a hospital was promoted as a safer alternative. By 1938, half of domestic births took place in hospitals, and by

Giving Birth Naturally

Conscious Choices Lead to Less Intervention

by Meredith Montgomery

Most births should be viewed as

a natural life process instead of a

potential medical emergency.

~Abby Epstein, The Business of Being Born

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1960 it rose to 97 percent. Currently, midwives attend less than 8 percent of births here, and fewer than 1 percent occur outside a hospital. Natural labor and delivery in a hospital is possible, but, “It’s hard to have an unmedicated birth in many hospitals if you don’t know your rights, understand your physiology and have a doula by your side helping you avoid unnecessary interventions,” says Ina May Gaskin, a pioneering midwife and author of Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Key factors to discuss include fetal monitoring, intravenous tubes and the option to eat or drink during labor.

Benefi ts of Home BirthsWomen choose home births and homey birthing centers because they labor there more comfortably, feel more in control of the process and can more easily avoid interventions. Many moms seek out a midwife’s services because they don’t want to repeat the conven-tional hospital experience that accom-panied their fi rst baby’s arrival. When actress Ricki Lake gave birth to her second child in her home bath-


tub with the assis-tance of a midwife, she felt empowered by doing it on her own terms. “Giv-ing birth wasn’t an illness, something that needed to be numbed. It was something to be experienced,” she says. When women let their bodies natu-rally lead, labor can last as little as 20 minutes or as long as two weeks, and the spectrum of pain intensity is equally broad. A healthy prenatal lifestyle that prepares a mom-to-be for a natural physical, emotional and spiritual experience of childbirth is highly benefi cial.

Compassionate Self-Care“Pregnancy’s not the time to overex-ert yourself; let go of the temptation to overachieve and instead practice breathing and mindfulness,” advises Campbell. “If you’re experiencing morning sickness, try to embrace it and how it serves you. By doing so, you’ll be more in tune with your body. These lessons are gifts you can take with you

into labor.” She reminds women that the baby is always get-ting nourishment from all that mom eats and breathes in, and also feeds off of her feelings and emotions. “The

more we can feel at peace with our-selves and incorporate the baby into our being, the more we feel a connec-tion and union,” she says. “It’s vital that you let your body’s innate wisdom be your guide and respect any cues it may give.” Campbell guides expectant mothers through a yoga practice that embraces the changes occurring each trimester. For example, a more physical practice in the second trimester utilizes the surge of energy to build stamina and strength, while opening the heart, hips and pelvis. Complementary relaxation tech-niques for labor include breathing practices, visualization, meditation and massage. When a mother isn’t con-nected to monitors and tubes, she’s free to experiment with positions and props

Conscious Childbirth Resources

The Yoga of Pregnancy Week by Week: Connect With Your Unborn Child through Mind, Body and Breathby Mel Campbell

Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds by Cynthia Gabriel

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirthby Ina May Gaskin

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin

Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein

The Business of Being Born a fi lm by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein

Mothering Magazine’s Having a Baby, Naturally by Peggy O’Mara

By 2006 Cesarean delivery was the number one surgical procedure in American hospitals.

~U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Unity of Roanoke ValleySunday Services 9 & 11 am, Weekly Classes,

Workshops & Weddings. Celebra ng all paths toGod!3300 Green Ridge Road Roanoke, VA 24019www.UnityOfRoanokeValley.org (540) 562-2200


Determining the best birth setting for a mother necessitates sound planning.

If an unmedicated birth is a goal, these insights may help in making decisions. Home birth takes place in the com-fort of home, typically with the assis-tance of a midwife, and is suitable for a healthy woman with a low-risk pregnan-cy. She is able to wear her own clothing and eat as she pleases. Because monitor-ing of mother and baby is done intermit-tently, she is free to move around. Confi rm the midwife’s training and experience; ask how many home births she’s attended and which obste-tricians she consults. Discuss the signs and symptoms that might necessitate a move to the hospital and how quickly it can be done. While a midwife’s fee is often far less than the cost of a hospi-tal birth, not all insurance companies cover home births. A birth center provides personal-ized, family-centered care in a home-like environment for healthy women. Practitioners follow principles of problem prevention, sensitivity, safety, appropriate medical intervention and cost-effectiveness. A midwife typically delivers the baby, but the collaborative practice team also includes obstetri-cians, pediatricians and other spe-

cialists. Mothers experience personal freedoms similar to a home birth, and tubs for water births are usually avail-able, plus other birthing props such as squatting bars, stools and balls. The center should be accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Birth Centers. Inquire what the protocol for care will be if complications arise, learn what the center’s charges for care cover and confi rm if the family’s insurance policy will pay for the services provided.

A hospital generally has access to the latest medical technology, making it a preferred option for medium-to-high-risk pregnancies. With proper preparations, an unmedicated birth is possible in this traditional setting. Investigate their rates of Cesarean births and episiotomies and the determining parameters. To allow for an active labor, request intermittent fetal monitoring, avoid intravenous fl uids and ask about the availability of birthing props. Become familiar with hospital policies, such as who can be in the delivery room and whether the baby will stay with mom after the birth. If a nurse midwife is not on staff, consider hiring a doula to assist in preparing for and carrying out the family’s birth plan.

A Mother’s Guide to Natural Childbirth

by Meredith Montgomery

There is a great deal of fear and ignorance about allowing labor and birth

to proceed without disturbance. Rates of

routine intervention are so high, most nurses and

physicians rarely see a fully natural birth.

~Ina May Gaskin

such as balls, bars and pillows, plus a warm shower or bath. If a hospital birth is planned, Gaskin notes that labor often slows once a woman leaves the comfort of home, and recommends laboring at home as long as possible. There is no way to predict the course of labor and delivery when women let nature take the lead. Camp-bell, a mother of three, says, “I tried to focus on the intention of what I wanted for my birthing experience, while also surrendering expectations, knowing that I would have whatever type of birth I was supposed to have.” She adds, “The breath is the most important thing—it keeps us in the moment, helps us to relax and supports us through labor.” While the home birth option is im-portant to America’s new generation of trailblazing women, it’s also signifi cant on a macro level. Gaskin explains, “It’s hard for staff to change routine prac-tices in hospitals but home births make innovation possible.” Home births demonstrated that women don’t require routine episiotomies and have shown how maternal mobility and position changes can help labor progress and free badly stuck babies (earlier methods often injured mother and child). Gaskin has found, “Wherever and however you decide to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, mind, body and spirit for the rest of your life. No one should have a home birth who doesn’t want one, but it must be one of the choices.”

Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Mobile/Baldwin, AL (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).


Freestanding birth centers are one safe alternative to hospital birth. The relaxed, home-like environment, large warm tubs and personal care from midwives is a

perfect fi t for many pregnant women. Birth centers also offer op-tions for prenatal care with home or hospital birth, well-woman annual exams and Pap testing, newborn care and breastfeed-ing assistance. Some offer doula services, childbirth education, group prenatal care, ultrasound and prenatal massage. Midwives assess overall health and make recommendations for changes to improve health. Many women who experi-ence pregnancy-related conditions can be assisted to remain low-risk. Certifi ed nurse-midwives (CNMs) can prescribe and administer medications, but may also use various herbs or ho-meopathic remedies when needed. All license d midwives can order lab testing and ultrasounds for their clients. Birth centers are cost-effective compared with traditional physician/hospital care. The average C-section rate for low-risk women in birth centers is 5 percent, or 1 out of 20, compared to more than 25 percent, or 1 out of 4, in most hospitals. What if something goes wrong? If medical attention is needed, all midwives make consults and referrals to medical care when it is needed. Referrals may include chiropractors, family practice physicians, obstetricians, physical therapists and nutritionists as required by a client’s condition. Most problems are handled well before they become emergencies. In fact, emergency transport from birth centers is less than 1 percent of transports. In spite of anti-competitive, restrictive state laws, Virginia CNMs are working to make a difference. There are four CNM birth centers in Virginia. A fi fth is opening soon in the Fort Chiswell/Pioneer area of Southwest Virginia. There are also at least four birth centers owned by certifi ed professional mid-wives in Virginia.

Karen Winstead is a certifi ed nurse-midwife at New Life Birth Center, in Rocky Mount. For more information about birth centers, call 540-482-0505 or visit NewLifeBirthCenter.net.

Birth Centers:Another Option for Expectant Families

by Karen Winstead, CNM

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13 First Ever Fun Run in the Sun – 9am. A brand-new family event! Show off your environmental know-how as you complete this one-mile course. Jump in the Roanoke River with Clean Valley Council when you are fi nished to learn about water bugs! Free Homestead Creamery Ice Cream. Green Hill Park, 2501 Parkside Dr., Salem. 540-995-0000. Blu-eRidgeLandConservancy.org/fun-run-in-t he-sun.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20Body Mind Spirit Fest – 10am-6pm. Annual event featuring 31 readers, healers and vendors and 12 lec-tures. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke. 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokeVal-ley.org. Facebook.com/UnityRkeValley.

savethedate

FRIDAY, MAY 1Annual Strawberry Festival – 10am-5:30pm. Contin-ues on Saturday, May 2, 10am-4pm. Berry-fi lled treats, children’s games and activities, live musical entertain-ment, food and arts and crafts vendors. $5.50/serving. Advance tickets on website. Corner of Elm and Jefferson Sts, Roanoke. Sponsored by Community School. 540-563-5036. StrawberryFestivalRoanoke.com.

Bike Shorts Film Festival – 6-8:30pm. Short fi lms featuring bicycles, bicyclists and bicycling in interest-ing, creative and surprising situations. Screenings in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Blacksburg. See website for details. 540-342-9393. RideSolutions.org/BikeShorts.

Community HU Song and Eckankar Book Discus-sion – 6:45-7:15pm. Community HU Song followed at 7:30pm with an introductory book discussion on Eckankar, The Key to Secret Worlds. The Harmonic Wave Wellness Center, 3201 Hill St, Lynchburg. 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2Stewardship Virginia - Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup - 10am-2pm. Free. Regular parking fees apply. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Rd, Huddleston. Registration required. 540-721-4400. SML.US.com/Environmental/Protect-SML.

Earth Day Celebration – 10am-3:30pm. Come celebrate Earth Day with us! Fun and ecological activities for the entire family. Guest speaker from Mother Earth News. Local food and snacks available. Free local tree seedlings. Free. Floyd Eco Village, 188 Eco Village Trail (718 Frank-lin Pike Rd), Floyd. Facebook: Floyd Virginia Earth Day. [email protected].

TUESDAY, MAY 5Lynchburg Peace Education Center Monthly Meet-ing – 7-8pm. Join us for discussion and planning of local peace and justice events. All are welcome. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. LPEC.Weebly.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 9Mother’s Day Tea Party and Wildfl ower Walk - 11am-1pm. Free. Regular parking fees apply. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Rd, Huddleston. 540-297-6066.

Gallop for the Greenways – 5pm. Annual fundraising event supporting Roanoke’s growing network of pedes-trian and bicycle trails. 5K race and walk, live music,

To have your event included in the Calendar of Events, please [email protected] or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Calendar entries are due by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

calendarofevents

food and beverages for adults and children. Wiley Drive near River’s Edge Sports Complex. Sponsored by City of Roanoke, Parks and Recreation. 540-853-1276. Gal-lop4TheGreenways.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 10Mothers’ Day at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest - 10am-5pm. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 1542 Bate-man Bridge Rd, Forest. 434-525-1806. PoplarForest.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 16Happy Tails Family Fun Day - 10am-3pm. Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Rd, Bedford. Contact Kenny Palmer, BCAS Supervisor at 540-586-7682.

Kids to Parks Day at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - 1pm-3:30pm. Free. Regular parking fees apply. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center, 1235 State Park Rd, Huddleston. 540-297-6066. KidsToParks.org.

Local Colors Festival - 11am-6pm. Free. Regular parking fees apply. Elmwood Park, 706 S Jefferson Street, Roanoke. 540-904-2234. [email protected]. LocalColors.org.

Meditation for Stress Relief – 9am; Mindfulness Matters Discussion – 9:30-10:30am. 30- minute meditation followed by readings and CD recordings exploring topics of mindfulness and meditation with comfortable chairs or fl oor cushions for all sessions. Come de-stress to start your weekend! Free; all are welcome. The Peace Practice, 3200 Memorial Ave, Lynchburg. 434-609-3437. ThePeacePractice.com.

Rally for Road Safety – 10am-3pm. Join us for this fun community event to educate the public on road safety laws and protect users of the road. Bike rodeo, demo on new car tech, prizes, games, safety lessons, car seat checks and fun for all! Sponsored by Roanoke County Parks and Recreation. Free. Firestone parking lot, Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke. RoanokeCountyVA.gov.

10th Annual Barbeque at Sedalia – 11:30am-5pm. Barbeque sampling and brew tasting. Families wel-come. $10/person in advance; $15/person at the gate. Children 12 years and under/free. Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Rd, Big Island. 434-299-5080. [email protected]. SedaliaCenter.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 22Bluegrass and BBQ Festival – 3pm-11pm. Continues Saturday, 11am-11pm. Food, arts and crafts, antique tractor show, kite fl ying, hiking/biking trails, children’s activities, primitive camping, music and much more. Adults/$20

reserved, $25 at the gate; children/free with paying adult. Chantilly Festival Farm, 2697 Franklin Pike SE, Floyd. 276-229-1687. [email protected]. ChantillyFarm.com.

Festival in the Park – 7pm. Continues through Sunday, May 24. Live concerts with national acts, performances from regional and local bands, children’s performances, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, food, 5K and 10K faces, a river fl otilla race and more. Elmwood Park, Elm Ave and Jefferson St, Roanoke. RoanokeFestival.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 23K9 in the Vines – Jump for the Cure - 9:30am-5pm. Continues Sunday, May 24. Benefi ts the Virginia Blue Ridge Affi liate of Susan G. Komen. Wine tastings, food vendors and local artisans. White Rock Vineyards and Winery, 2117 Bruno Dr, Goodview. 540-890-3359. TidewaterDockDogs.com.

7th Annual Louisiana Crawfi sh Boil – 5-9pm. Wharton Memorial’s Seventh Annual Crawfi sh Boil, hosted by Dr. John Bower and Edna Curry. Live Zydeco music, instruction in Cajun dancing and tons of crawfish, mouthwatering gumbo and delicious red beans and rice. Bower Center for the Arts, 305 N Bridge St, Bedford. 540-586-4235. BowerCenter.org.

Night Rider’s Ball – 7pm. Bike Month comes to a close with the Bike Awards ceremony and the Hackensaw Boys at Kirk Avenue Music Hall, 22 Kirk Ave SW, Roanoke. Sponsored by Ride Solutions, 310 Church Ave, Roanoke. 540-342-9393. RideSolutions.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 30Artisan Fair – 10am-5pm. Festival of local and region-al artists, artisans and agri-artisans. Fine arts and crafts for sale, local musicians, special concessions and more. $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under, free. Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Rd, Big Island. 434-299-5080. [email protected]. SedaliaCenter.org.

EXPERIENCE THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD

The purpose of Eckankar is to make God an everyday reality in your life and help

lifetime. As Soul, you have the God-knowledge within you. The teachings of ECK will awaken the knowledge and love for the divine things that are already in your heart.

Worship services, workshops, classes, book

discussions, & more

(recorded message)[email protected]

www.eck-virginia.orgwww.eckankar.org

540-353-5365

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sundayUnity of Roanoke – 9 and 11am services. All welcome. 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roanoke. 540-562-2200. Offi [email protected]. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

Unity in the Seven Hills – 10-11am. Sunday service. Free. 3522 Campbell Ave, Lynchburg. 434-845-5832. [email protected]. UnityInTheSevenHills.org.

Valley Community Church – 11am. Practical solu-tions based on the teachings of Jesus. Services include varied musical programs; refreshments served after-ward. Also streaming live on the Internet. All welcome. Nursery available. 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

Eckankar Worship Service – 11am-Noon. Second Sunday of every month. During each worship service we explore a spiritual topic and practice simple spiritual exercises to help gain personal experience with the light and sound of God. All welcome. Eckankar Center, 1420 Third St SW, Roanoke (fi rst fl oor, back far right offi ce). 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Meditation Class – 11am-12:30pm. “How to Un-derstand the Mind.” Everyone welcome. $10/person. Dharmapala Buddhist Center, 315 Albemarle Ave SE, Roanoke. 540-521-7989. [email protected]. MeditationInVirginia.org.

Enter the Mysterium – 5-7pm. A weekly spiritual service featuring grounding games, interactive presen-tations, mudra meditations and energy healing. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke, 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-998-9789. VCCDS.com.

mondayAA Meetings – 8-9am. Also Wednesdays and Fridays. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roa-noke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

CoWorking at the CoLab – 9am-5pm. Opportunity to sample a working space at the CoLab. Free. Grandin CoLab, 1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-524-2702. [email protected]. GrandinCoLab.com.

Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1 block off Rt 419, behind the Mc-Donald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

A Course in Miracles – 7-9pm. All welcome. Love offer-ing. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd NW, Roanoke. 540-562-2200 x10. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

tuesdayMindfulness Meditation – 5:30-7pm. Sitting and walk-ing meditation, Dharma readings and discussions. Free. Bridge of Compassion Sangha, West End Presbyterian Church, 1200 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke. 540-427-4843. BridgeOfCompassion.Wordpress.com.

AA Meetings – 6-7pm. Also on Thursdays. Valley Community Church, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. 1

ongoingeventsblock off Rt 419, behind the McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

Zen Meditation Group – 6-7pm. Meditation in-struction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Community HU Song in Roanoke – 7-7:30pm. First Tuesday of each month. Singing HU has helped people of many different faiths open their hearts more fully to the uplifting presence of God. Eckankar Center, 1420 3rd St SW, Roanoke (fi rst fl oor, back far right offi ce). 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Spiritual Experiences Discussion in Roanoke − 7-8pm. Third Tuesday of each month. Open discussion of past-life memory, insightful dreams, déjà vu, inner guidance, soul travel and more. Free spiritual experi-ences guidebook with audio CD provided. Eckankar Center, 1420 3rd St SW, Roanoke (fi rst fl oor, back far right offi ce). 540-353-5365. [email protected]. Eck-Virginia.org. Eckankar.org.

Teen Support Group – 7-8:30pm. Free group created by teens, for teens to help each other work through typical problems. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christians-burg. [email protected] 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Edgar Cayce Search for God Group – 7:30-9:30pm. New members welcome. 413 Dunton Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-2873. [email protected].

My Co-op 101 – Last Tuesday of every month. Learn more about a cooperative business and how to make the most of your ownership. Free to owners; walk-ins welcome. Please call to reserve a space. Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-343-5652. RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop.

wednesdayMindfulness Self-Care for Practitioners – 9-10am. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Hosted by Alan Forrest, LPC, LMFT. Practice mindfulness for 30 minutes and then enjoy an open discussion for 30 minutes. Free-will offering. Pre-registration is required. Life in Balance Counseling and Wellness Center, 125-D Akers Farm Rd, Christiansburg. 540-381-6215. LifeInBalanceCenter.com.

Prayer and Meditation – Noon-12:20pm. Add your energy to the peaceful environment of our chapel and be lifted up through the use of positive affi rmations during this sacred time of prayer and focused atten-tion. Unity of Roanoke Valley, 3300 Green Ridge Rd, Roanoke (at the Woodhaven intersection). 540-562-2200. UnityOfRoanokeValley.org.

(X)po Wednesdays – 5-7pm. Gathering of local people talking about their ideas, experiences and interests with the goal of sparking a discussion. Light refreshments and beverages. Grandin CoLab, 1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-524-2702. [email protected]. GrandinCoLab.com.

Zen Meditation Group – 6-7pm. Meditation in-struction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Meditation, Reading and Book Discussion – 6:30pm meditation; 7-8:30pm reading and book discussion. Visit website for current book. Valley Community Church, Divine Science, 5000 Carriage Dr, Roanoke. One block off Rt 419, behind McDonald’s at Oak Grove Plaza. 540-774-5512. VCCDS.com.

New River Valley Unity Study Group – 7:30-9pm. Meditation, introspection and discussion. Free. Loca-tion varies. Call for details, Bev 540-763-2410 or Betty 540-639-5739.

thursdayRoanoke Community Drum Circle – 7pm. Express yourself through rhythm. Free. Grandin Village, Courtyard of Raleigh Court Baptist Church, corner of Memorial Ave and Grandin Rd, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, Roanoke. 540-989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.

fridayAlzheimer’s Support Group – 3-4pm. Third Friday every month. Members will discuss issues that arise from caring for a loved one with dementia. Light refreshments available. Free. Woodland Studio at the Village Center at Warm Hearth Village, 2603 Warm Hearth Dr, Blacksburg. 540-552-9176. Retire.org.

Second Fridays in Centertown Bedford – 5-8pm. Second Friday of every month. Art Galleries and shops will be open. Centertown Bedford, Bedford. 540-586-8582. CentertownBedford.com.

saturdayZen Meditation Group – 9-10am. Meditation in-struction is available. Stone Mountain Zendo, Christ Episcopal Church, 1101 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke. 540-345-5932. [email protected].

Free Science-Based Natural Health Information – 10am-5pm. Second Saturday of every month. Drawings for free gift certifi cates, proven wellness information and great savings opportunities. The Well, 1764 Patriot Ln, Bedford. 540-587-9000, 877-843-9355. [email protected]. WellOfCourse.net.

Monthly Silent Peace Vigil – Noon. Third Saturday of every month. All welcome. Downtown Roanoke City Market Building, 32 Market St, Roanoke. Sponsored by Plowshares, Roanoke. 989-0393. PlowshareVa.org.

The Healthy Water

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AlkalineAntioxidantRestructured

Call 540-230-7459 or [email protected]

for a free 3-week trial!

KANGEN WATER

What’s in your water?R


UNITY OF ROANOKE VALLEY Rev. Linda Taylor3300 Green Ridge Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019540-562-2200UnityOfRoanokeValley.org

We are a vi-brant , lov-ing, spiritual

community, demonstrating Christ consciousness, embracing diversity and inspiring personal trans-formation. Join us in co-creating a world that works for all! See ad, page 23.

VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, DIVINE SCIENCE5000 Carriage Dr., Roanoke, VA 24018540-774-5512VCCDS.com

Teaching practi-cal, spiritual laws based on and found in the example and teachings of Jesus,

as well as the Bible and other great wisdom litera-ture. Through Divine Science teachings you can lead a life of joyful inner and outer satisfaction and serenity.

ENERGY – CONSERVATION AND HVAC

J & J WEATHERIZATION434-847-5487JoLangford@juno.comJJWeatherization.com

With 30 years of experience in home energy performance, J&J Weatherization is a full-service company specializing in insula-tion, home energy conservation and effi ciency.

FITNESS – HOOPING

BLUSKYE [email protected]

At Blu Skye Hoops we are passionate about making life fun through the art of hoop dance. Invoking a fun, creative way fo r se l f -express ion , combined with classes and

custom hoops, we aim to ignite the passion and light that we each hold inside.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

GRANDIN COLAB540-397-4377GrandinCoLab.com

The Grandin CoLab is a hub for ideation, or generation of new ideas. It is designed

to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to re-sources, education and networking opportunities throughout the Roanoke and Blacksburg regions. The space is available for memberships, business meetings and events. See ad, page 14.

H2O AT HOMEJean Cox, Founding Senior Director360-271-9525MyH2OatHome.com/Jean

Ground-floor business opportuni-ty. Earn “green” while helping others go green with your own home-based business. Be among the fi rst advisors in Virginia and help launch the East

Coast. Incentive packages available to experienced leaders. Call for more information.

CHURCHESECKANKAR, RELIGION OF THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD1420 3rd Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 [email protected]

Are you looking for the personal experience of God, every day? Each of us is connected to God through Divine Spirit (the ECK), which can

be heard as Sound and seen as Light. Connect with a spiritual community of people who share your desire for truth. See ad, page 26.

ROANOKE METAPHYSICAL CHAPELRev. Reed Brown, Pastor1488 Peters Creek Rd., NW Roanoke, VA 24017540-562-5122 RoanokeMeta.org

We are a metaphysical church with spiritualist roots. We offer classes, workshops and speakers throughout the year, and we teach and practice positive spirituality. Sunday services: childrens’ Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; adult study,

9:30 a.m.; spiritual healing, 10 a.m.; worship service, 11 a.m. Weekly classes and weddings. All welcome!

To be included in the Community Resource Directory, please email [email protected] or visit NABlueRidge.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

communityresourcedirectory

ANIMALS AND PETS – SUPPLIES

NATURE’S EMPORIUM3912 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018540-989-8020MyNaturesEmporium.com

The largest selection of pet gifts, toys, beds and healthy foods and treats for all the special mem-

bers of the family. Natural and holistic pet food, wild bird and garden supplies.

ANIMALS AND PETS - VETERINARIANS

CONCORD VETERINARY SERVICESLori Leonard, BS, DVM, LFHOM8908 Village Hwy., Concord, VA 24538434-993-2403ConcordVetServices.com

Discover methods of support and comfort for your beloved animals. For 20 years we have offered homeopathy and other holistic modalities as well as

conventional veterinary care. New patients welcome!

HOLISTIC VETERINARY CONSULTANTSMarjorie M. Lewter, DVM2401 S. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060540-616-9247HolisticVeterinaryConsultants.com

Professional guidance for clients with many issues including vaccines, nu-trition and special health problems. Geriatric care, cancer support and hospice care. Routine medical care for small animals, farm animals and horses.

Integrative medicine including acupuncture, botanical medicines, chiropractic and homeopathy. Discover the power of holistic medicine. See ad, page 23.

BODYWORK – REIKI

LUELLA CROCKETTUsui Reiki Practitioner229 Union St., Salem, VA 24153540-397-1355LuellaCrockett.WordPress.comLuellaCrockett@gmail.com

Reiki sessions available at Grandin Gardens every Wednesday and in Salem by appointment. Amethyst BioMat, Bach Flower Remedies and Young Living Essential Oils are

combined to create a relaxing healing session as unique as you. Buy 2 Get 1 Free.


HEALTH AND WELLNESS - COACHING

REV. KANTA BOSNIAK, CHTLife Coach and Wedding Offi [email protected]

Coaching and guided imagery for weight loss, life purpose, creativity, new direc-tions, business and career growth, con-fi dent interviews, dating. Take positive thinking to a deeper level. Personalized and meaningful wedding ceremonies.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - DENTIST

DR. KAREN PERKINS, DDS46 Shelor Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502434-237-6328MercuryFreeDDS.com

Providing the highest quality of dental care in a mercury-free environment, using safe and biocompatible dental materials. We practice safe removal of old mercury/silver (amalgam) fi llings with the safe mercury/silver fi lling re-

moval protocol outlined by the International Acad-emy of Oral Medicine, IAOMT. See ad, page 11.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS - SPAS AND SALONS

REVIVE ORGANIC SALON2305-A Colonial Ave., Roanoke, VA 24015540-816-0986

Organic salon of-fering ladies and men’s haircuts,

demineralizing treatments, organic base coloring, highlights, color correction and hair loss solutions. Revive’s mission is to treat others with respect and dignity while nurturing them in an organic environment.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – WELLNESS CENTERS

LIFE IN BALANCE COUNSELING AND WELLNESS CENTER125 Akers Farm Rd., Ste. D, Christiansburg, VA 24073540-381-6215 LifeInBalanceCenter.com

The Life In Balance team of thera-pists offers psychotherapy for adults, children, adolescents, cou-ples and families, as well as mas-sage therapy, Reiki, yoga classes, relaxation and meditation classes

and health and wellness workshops. See ad, page 7.

FOOD – NATURAL, ORGANIC AND VEGAN

ROANOKE NATURAL FOODS CO-OP1319 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 240151 Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24011540-343-5652RoanokeNaturalFoods.coop

Virginia’s largest, coopera-tively owned natural-foods grocery store. Nutritious food choices and earth-friendly products. We sup-

port sustainable environmental practices, local organic farmers, local businesses and our com-munity. See ad, page 19.

THE WELL1764 Patriot Ln., Bedford, VA [email protected]

The destination for natural health when looking for science-

based information, superior products, herbal tinc-tures, supplements, natural foods, bulk foods, spices and teas. The Well has all of this and more. Your benefi t is our business. See ad, page 9.

FOOD - RESTAURANTS

LOCAL ROOTS FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT1314 Grandin Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015540-206-2610LocalRootsRestaurant.com

Roanoke’s first true farm-to-table restaurant.

Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch and family-style supper. Full bar and wood-fi re oven. Available for private parties, corporate events, celebrations and catering. See ad, page 14.

FUNERAL AND BURIAL SERVICES - GREEN

FOREST REST AT MOUNTAIN VIEW5970 Grassy Hill Rd., Boones Mill, VA 24065540-334-5398Sensor@EvergreenMemorialTrust.comEvergreenMemorialTrust.com

Forest Rest is a natural cemetery where interments are made without burial vaults or common embalm-ing chemicals. Wood tablets or native stones mark the graves. See

ad, page 10.

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HOME – CLEANING SUPPLIES

H2O AT HOMEJean Cox, Founding Senior Director360-271-9525MyH2OatHome.com/Jean

Now you can care for your home with our innovative smart tools and just water or certifi ed natural and organic products. Your home will be sparkling with no harsh chemical

residues or fumes!

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND ECOTOURISM

VIRGINIA GREEN804-986-9119VirginiaGreenTravel.org

Virginia Green is Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout the state’s tourism industry. Member des-tinations and events include recycling, waste reduction,

energy and water conservation and consumer education. The program is a partnership between Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Tourism. See ad, page 7.

PARENTINGPARENTING-SOSCathy [email protected]

Nearly all of us face parenting chal-lenges at some point in our lives. There is no need to let it create ongo-ing stress. Our mission is to help you get over those hurdles by teaching

you positive and effective skills that will bring out the best in you and your family. Complimentary speaking engagements offered.

RECYCLINGBOOKBAG [email protected]

Roanoke-based 501c3 charity keeps two TONS of used school supplies out of the landfi ll every year. Since 1990 the group has traveled each summer to Belize

to deliver supplies to three schools. Email, call or visit the website for more information about making donations.

CLEAN VALLEY COUNCILJefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave., Ste. 319, Roanoke, VA 24016 540-345-5523CleanValley.org

A nonprofi t organization serving the Roanoke Valley for more than 30 years. Providing educa-tional programming and

citizen participation events to spread the word about litter prevention, recycling, waste-stream reduction, storm-water pollution prevention and protecting our natural resources. The go-to resource for local recycling information.

RETAIL - NONPROFIT

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF THE VALLEYS2502 Melrose Ave., Ste. A, Roanoke, VA 24017540-581-0620GoodwillValleys.com

We put your donations to work by dedicating 90 percent of our resources to providing services to

the community. Donations entrusted to us are used to help people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to employment and achieve a level of independence in life.

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

RIDE [email protected] RideSolutions.org

Ride Solutions connects you to your transporta-tion options with free re-gional carpool matching, bike commute support, transit assistance and

employer services, all for free.

WATER CONSERVATION AND FILTRATION - ALKALINE WATER

HEALTHY WATER FOR ME540-230-7459 or [email protected] HealthyWaterForMe.com

Kangen Water® is a great way to increase hydration, balance body pH, obtain optimal health, neu-tralize free radicals, reduce pain and more. Change Your Water…Change Your Life ™. Call to begin a free three-week alkaline,

antioxidant water challenge today. See ad, page 27.

Want a GREENER community?Support our advertisers!

For every $100 spent in locally owned business,$68 returns to the community.

Source: the3/50project.net

Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.

~Robert Browning


natural awakenings may 2015

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