July 2013

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H E A L T H Y L I V I N G H E A L T H Y P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

6Ways to Eat Safe

GOOD and Raw

Model Carol Alt on Raw Food

Pet FoodAlert

GMO's May Be Harming Our Pets

Kick Off Your Shoes

Savor the Laid-Back Days of Summer

July 2013 | Birmingham, AL | NABirmingham.com

3natural awakenings July 2013

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publishersletter

Joel Salatin, in Folks, This Ain’t Normal: A Farmer’s Ad-vice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better World, raises an excellent point:

“The fi rst supermarket supposedly appeared on the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fi elds, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.”

In short, people grew their own food. Or, at the very least, it was grown nearby. Most everybody probably grew at least something that they could eat. A garden was not a hobby. It was a primary food source. If a person didn’t have a garden, other people very near to them did. It is that proximity to original production of produce and other edibles that we have lost completely and are now consciously striving to recreate. And we are making progress.

We have to.

Now that we face a food supply system being taken over by Genetically Modifi ed crops, which have reduced nutritional value and can cause known, and unknown, health problems, our need to get back to growing our own food is both a spiritual awakening and a highly practical endeavor.

Cindy is teaching me how to grow things. Her mother will tell you that Cindy has a green thumb.

I think this is a talent that comes from spirit as much as from practical gardening experience. “Green fi ngers are the extensions of a verdant heart,” writes Russell Page in The Education Of A Gardener. To grow things takes knowledge but it also takes love. And patience. It takes 10 weeks for corn to grow this high!

You also have to weed, water and keep a sharp eye out for bugs. But when you fall in love with your garden, you want to take care of your plants. If you do, they will defi nitely take care of you.

4 Birmingham NABirmingham.com

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contents

Natural 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.

5 newsbriefs

8 healthbriefs

10 ecotip

12 globalbriefs

15 wisewords

23 naturalpet

24 inspiration

25 calendars

29 resourceguide

8

8

10

12

14 A HEALING TOUCH by Nicki Noftz

15 RELISHING RAW FOOD Supermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrant

by Beth Bader

16 SIX WAYS TO EAT SAFE The Latest Facts about Organics, Pesticides, Seeds and More by Melinda Hemmelgarn

19 CUTTING THROUGH THE NUTRITION NONSENSE

Reverse Diabetes (Preferably Before it Starts) by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

21 PILATES: A MOVEMENT EDUCATION by Jennifer Dunbar

22 HAPPY FOR REAL by Julie Watters

23 PET FOOD PERILSLurking GMOs May

Hurt Our Pets by Dr. Michael W. Fox

24 SAVOR SUMMER Revel in Blissful Indulgence

by April Thompson

14

23


newsbriefs

Sydne Stone Opens Practice in Birmingham

Sydne Stone is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in

outpatient and inpatient settings, focusing on a broad range of mental health and chemical dependency issues. Ms. Stone understands that as a normal part of life, people run into unexpected transitions, stresses and losses. Relationship changes, work stress and health issues can create very uncomfortable feelings, physical problems, and we can even start behaving in ways that are not in line with how we want

to go through this life. Counseling can help. Talking with a caring professional who honors individual strengths can help improve the quality of life. Ms. Stone believes each human being has the resources to live authentically and with integrity. Health is manifest in the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life. She works cooperatively with clients to identify helpful means to reach each individual, couple or family’s unique goals. Ms. Stone has worked as a school counselor and gifted education teacher as well as facilitated various group therapies. She is passionate about helping people choose paths that are well fi tting for them. Sydne Stone is located at 2116 Rocky Ridge Rd, Birmingham 35216. For an appointment, call 205-492-7760. See Ad on Page 20 and CRG on Page 29.

July Happenings at the Gardens

The Certifi cate in Native Plant Studies program offers two classes in July, beginning with “Native Ferns and Their Relatives,” an elective which will be

led by Dan Jones, Ph.D. on July 13. The class will allow students an opportunity to examine the life cycles of ferns that befuddled botanists for centuries and highlight typical characteristics of major fern families. The program will also offer a Field Trip on July 27. “Bats and Plants” will visit the 264 acre Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Scottsboro, AL, home to federally endangered gray and Indiana bats. The trip will be led by Kaul Wildfl ower Garden Curator John Manion and Michael Gilbert. For more information about all offerings in the Certifi cate in Native Plant Studies series, and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/plantstudies. Children’s Summer Camps continue in July, beginning with an afternoon camp “Growing Through Yoga” and morning camps “Ahoy! Pirates and Mermaids” and “Southern Summer Chefs: One Sweet Summer” July 8-12. A morning edition of “Southern Summer Chefs: One Sweet Summer” will also be offered on July 15-19, while the week will also present a full-day option, “Passport to Imagination Stations.” “American Girls: Girls Just Like Me” and “Got Bugs?” are offered as morning camps on July 22-26. For more information about all Children’s Summer Camps offered in 2013, and to register online, visit BBGardens.org/summercamps. July 20 will mark the return of Member Day, an annual Birmingham event presented by more than 12 Birmingham cultural institutions, allowing members of each free admission to the others in the group. For more information about Member Day, visit Birmingham365.org. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is open from dawn until dusk 365 days per year. Admission to The Gardens is free. MoreThanColonics.com

205-323-7582

Healing Waters

®

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.

~Oscar Wilde


Glass Recycling Resumes at Downtown Birmingham Recycling Center

Glass collection for recycling will resume today at the Downtown

Birmingham Recycling Center located at 2431 Second Avenue North when Waste Pro, a recycling partner of the Alabama Environmental Council, will provide a roll-off container and help ship the glass to regional markets to be recycled.

“We’re happy to be able to help fi nd solutions for recycling in the Birmingham Metro,” said George Nicholson, from Waste Pro. “We have equipment and regional partners that can accept glass, so we reached out and developed a plan with AEC to be able to begin recycling glass again.” Nicholson said the glass would either go to Georgia or other markets around the Southeast. Long-term, the AEC and Waste Pro have plans to begin processing the glass to pulverize it and get it into a form that is marketable to local and regional industries. Many manufacturing processes could use the glass as cullet or aggregates in their facilities and this could be a sustainable product that could save resources. The Recycling Center is located at 2431 Second Ave North in downtown Birmingham. Find more information about the Alabama Environmental Council at AEConline.org, Facebook.com/aeconline, or Twitter.com/aeconline. To fi nd out where other materials can be recycled, visit the drop-off recycling search engine at RecycleAL.com.

Pilates on Highland Workshop Features Renowned Pilates Instructor Amy Alpers

Save the date, September 6-8, as Pilates on Highland brings the elite Pilates training of Amy Alpers and The Pilates Center from Boulder, CO. Friday,

September 6, Amy Alpers will offer classes and private sessions. Saturday, September 7, 12pm-7pm, Amy shares how a teacher can use essential imagery skills to facilitate the client’s understanding of how to connect to the power of the core as well as untangle the many confusions and complications associated with pelvic positioning. Sunday, September 8, 9am-4pm, Amy illustrates how Pilates is about suspension rather than stability to follow nature’s design and achieve more results with less effort, such as Michael Jordan taking fl ight or Baryshnikov’s impossibly high leap above the dance stage. Individually $350 and 6 hours of CEU PMA Approved. Both Saturday and Sunday $600, 12 hours CEU PMA Approved. Call to register for classes, privates or workshops at 205-323-5961 or email [email protected]. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.

Pilates in the Park

Pilates on Highland is excited to offer Pilates in the Park this summer. Spend some time enjoying the great outdoors this summer and come join us in

Rhodes Park for a Pilates mat class. Pilates on Highland is offering a donation based mat class in the park every Tuesday Morning at 7am. Bring a mat, and some water and come enjoy an early morning mat class before heading off to work. Suggested donation is $5. Rhodes Park is located at Highland Ct South, Birmingham, AL 35205. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.

COMING IN AUGUST

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We do too.

Our natural health experts share helpful information, insights and tips you’ll like.

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Pilates in the Workplace

Pilates is so much more than just a form of exercise, it is a lifestyle. It is more than just coming to class,

working out, and leaving...forgetting about what you have learned. Pilates is meant to follow you out the door of the studio and become part of your life. It is meant to develop awareness within you, a connection to your body that cannot be found from any other form of exercise. It is our wish that everyone can discover this con-nection to their bodies, and discover how Pilates can affect you. Pilates on Highland would like to give you more than one way to be able to do this. We want you to be

able to come to the studio and continue your Pilates education with us, but we also want to be able to bring Pilates to you! We want to give you the opportunity to have Pilates class where you work. We are excited to offer the opportunity for you to have a Pilates mat class at work. If you are interested in getting a Pilates class started at your work please contact us at [email protected]. See Ad on Page 18 and CRG on Page 30.

Fourth Annual Soiree@SoHo on July 11

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will host the fourth annual Soiree@SoHo on July 11 at Rosewood Hall in SoHo Square. The event, organized

by our young philanthropists, includes food, drinks, music, and a silent auction. Guests will also have the privilege of watching some of Birmingham’s fi nest young professionals walk the Role Model runway in the season’s hottest fashions provided by Belk at Colonial Brookwood Village. Proceeds from the event ensure that girls across North-Central Alabama have the opportunity to participate in Girl Scout programs, which help girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. With your support, you have the chance to change the lives of girls in your community. Cost of admission is $25 per person. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Robyn Tucker, Communications Coordinator anytime at 205-453-9530 or [email protected]. Rosewood Hall at SoHo Square is located at 2850 19th St South, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6119.


healthbriefs

Stone Fruits Keep Waistlines TrimSome favorite summer fruits, like peaches, plums and nectarines, may help ward

off metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions including high blood sugar levels and excess fat around the waist that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, presented at the American Chemical Society’s 2012 National Meeting & Exposi-

tion, reported that pitted fruits contain bioactive compounds that can potentially fi ght the syndrome.

According to food scientist Luis Cisneros-Zeval-los, Ph.D., “The phenolic compounds in the fruits

have anti-obesity, anti-infl ammatory and anti-diabetic properties… and may also reduce the oxidation of the bad cholesterol, or LDL, which is associated with cardiovascular disease.”

HEALTHY METALIn the United States, healthcare-

acquired infections (HAI) result in 100,000 deaths annually and add an estimated $45 billion to healthcare costs. Common HAI microbes that often contaminate items within hospital rooms include methicillin-resistant Staphylo-coccus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Few strategies have been clinically proven to reduce the spread of these infections, but copper’s antimicrobial properties are promising. According to a recent study published in the journal Infection Control and Hos-pital Epidemiology, place-ment of bed rails, tables, IV poles and nurse’s call buttons in intensive care unit hospital rooms reduced the number of HAIs in pa-tients by more than half.

Kudos for KaleThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new food pyra-

mid, MyPlate (ChooseMyPlate.gov), is based on its 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, aimed at helping people make better food choices. Fruits and vegetables should comprise half our “plate”, and dark green veggies are the USDA’s top choice of nutrients. Kale leads the list of helpful leafy greens for many reasons. Like its cousins in the Brassica family—broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and collards—kale is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense powerhouse of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. Per calorie, kale contains more iron than beef and more calcium than milk, and it is better absorbed by the body than most dairy products. A single serving (about one cup, chopped) provides 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fi ber, plus two grams of protein. The versatile veggie—it is tasty steamed, braised or baked—is also a rich source of both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Best of all, kale is a “green” green, high on the sustainability scale. Growing one pound of kale uses about 23 gallons of water; raising a pound of beef neces-sitates more than 2,400.

Sources: USDA.gov; VegSource.com

ICED TEA HAS ISSUESIt is peak season for iced tea, but this warm-weather favorite

may not be the ideal choice to counter dehydration. Iced tea made from black tea contains high concentrations of oxalate, one of the key chemicals that lead to the formation of kidney stones, a common disorder of the urinary tract that affects about 10 percent of the U.S. population. “For people that have a tendency to form the most common type of kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink,” reports Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor with the Depart-ment of Urology at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. While all black tea contains oxalate, dietitians note that people tend to imbibe more of it when it’s on ice than when it’s hot.

A BEVY OF BERRY BENEFITSDelectable straw-

berries serve up some sweet health benefi ts. Studying the effects of strawberries on cardio-vascular health, heart disease and diabetes, scientists at the University of Warwick, UK, discovered that ex-tracts from the fruit activate a protein called Nrf2, which increases antioxi-dant and other protective measures in the body and helps decrease blood lipids and cholesterol that can lead to cardiovascular problems. The scien-tists plan to continue their research in order to identify the most healthful varieties of strawberries, how they are best served or processed and the amount to eat for optimum benefi ts.


Nature’s Own Sports DrinkIf Mother Nature chose an ideal sports

drink for light-to-medium exercise, it might be coconut water, the clear liquid found most abundantly inside young, green coconuts. That’s the conclusion reached by Indiana University South-east lecturer Chhandashri Bhattacharya, Ph.D., in presenting his research to the American Chemical Society. “Coconut water is a natural drink that has everything your average sports

drink has and more,” says Bhattacharya. “It has fi ve times more potassium than Gatorade or Powerade. Whenever you get cramps in your muscles, potassium will help you get rid of them.” A 12-ounce serving of coconut water may also help balance the typical American diet, which is too low in potassium and too high in sodium derived from excess salt; individuals consuming such diets tend to have twice the risk of death from heart disease and a 50 percent higher risk of death from all disease-related causes. Coconut water is also high in healthful antioxidants.

PRE-PREGNANCY DIET MAY ALTER GENESIt’s common knowledge that a mother’s diet during pregnancy

makes a measurable difference in the health of her child. Now, new research suggests that what a mom eats before becoming

pregnant might be important, too. According to a study in the online edition of The FASEB Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the foods eaten by a group of non-pregnant female mice chemically altered their DNA, and these changes were later passed on to their offspring. The DNA alterations, called “epigenetic” changes, due to an inadequate maternal diet dramatically reduced the animals’ ability to metabolize many essential

fatty acids that are essential to health.

Plasticizer Undermines Heart Cell FunctioningThe chemical DEHP, a phthalate used widely in

household plastics, may change how rat heart cells use energy, according to a new study by George Washing-ton University, in the District of Columbia. By shifting heart cells to depend on fatty acids as an energy source more than usual, DEHP may ultimately increase the long-term risk of heart attack and heart failure. The fi ndings raise concerns about similar effects of plasticizers in humans. Earlier work from the same research team reported that DEHP causes irregular rhythms in cultured heart cells. DEHP is frequently used for medical blood bags and tubing and is found in foods packaged in plastics, especially fatty foods like milk products, oils and fi sh or seafood.


205-251-3713

Unity of Birmingham Welcomes New Ministers

Unity is delighted to welcome Rev. Charles and Rev. Christine Perry as new ministers. The Perrys recognize and honor the rich history and strong foundation of Unity of Birmingham. Unity offers practical teachings that help people live healthy, prosperous, and meaningful lives by assisting people to discover and live their spiritual purpose with a commitment to rising up to the Christ consciousness in all they do as individuals and all they do as a ministry together. Join us as we walk a Positive Path for Spiritual Living!

Excellence in Academics Enlivened by the Arts– Early Childhood through Grade 8 –

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dedicated to educating responsible world

citizens. We combine academic excellence,

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skills and values to prepare them for success in

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approach that honors the individual child, our

students learn how to meet life with courage,

conviction and compassion for others.

1220 50th Street SouthBirmingham, AL 35222

alabamawaldorf.orgCall (205) 592-0541 to schedule a tour.

Inquiries about tuition adjustment are welcome.

Voted “Best Preschool” and “Best Private School” in Birmingham Magazine’s

2011 Parent’s Choice Awardsand voted

“Best Private School” in 2012

ecotip

Green KitchenHome Composting Boosts SustainabilityA 2012 report from the National Resources Defense Council notes that just 3 percent of uneaten food in the United States is composted, and landfi ll scraps account for 23 percent of all methane gas emissions. Composting, the process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich material, is an easy way to turn food scraps, lawn clippings, garden trimmings and other waste into natural garden fertilizer. Its relatively loose composition allows nutrients to pass into the soil quickly, and the practice reduces discards to landfi lls. Compost material is not limited to what’s left on a plate after dining. Expand contents to include peels, cores and husks from fruits and vegetables generated during meal preparation, egg and nut shells, tea leaves and coffee grounds, bread, crackers and pet food. Fruit and vegetable seeds won’t decompose in cold conditions, however. (Learn more about green gardening at GreenLiving.NationalGeographic.com.)

Now, plates and cups made of sugarcane or corn, plus oil- and plant-based packaging, can also be added to the list. Pending legislation in California would allow products meeting certain criteria to bear “compostable” or “biodegradable” claims on packaging. Manufacturers of compost bins are responding to increased consumer interest with convenient options. In addition to traditional plastic or metal containers and wood-sided bins, new high-quality, enclosed, compost tumblers offer quicker processing time, protection from animals and less odor. Advanced models include automatic, electric, indoor composters. (See more at EarthEasy.com/grow_compost.html.) Live composting in the form of vermiculture, or worm composting, teaches care for creatures and ecosystem sustainability. Food scraps feed worms, which then produce nutrient-rich castings (excreta). (Learn more at GrowOrganic.com and RedWormComposting.com.)


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globalbriefsNews and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a

healthier, stronger society that benefi ts all.

Locavore AidA Handy Atlas for Eating LocalStrolling of the Heifers, a Vermont-based local food advocacy group, has released its second annual Locavore Index, tracking the availability and use of locally produced foods and ranking states based on their committed support. Using recent data from multiple sources, the index incorporates farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) operations and food hubs in its per capita comparison of consumer interest in eating locally sourced foods, known as locavorism. The top fi ve states for accessibility of local foods are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Iowa; the bottom fi ve are Florida, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The organization’s Executive Director, Orly Munzing, says the purpose of the index is to encourage local food efforts by supporting farm-to-school programs, urging hospitals and nursing homes to purchase local foods and asking supermar-kets to buy from local farms.

View the ranking of every state at Tinyurl.com/LocavoreIndex.

Mall DogsHumane Pet Nonprofi ts Follow the CrowdsAnimal welfare organizations serving cities around the country are discovering that shopping malls are ideal places to fi nd forever homes for needy pets. At the Coronado Mall, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Darlene Arden teaches volunteers to clicker-train cats and dogs to make them more adoptable. The SPCA in Cattaraugus County, New York, sets up a highly successful location for adop-tions and raising donations in the Olean Center Mall every holiday season. The Dumb Friends League, in Denver, Colorado, maintains an off-site location at The Shops of Northfi eld-Stapleton, and the Collier County Humane Society, in Naples, Florida, turned a defunct pet shop in the Coastland Center mall into a thriving adoption center staffed by volunteers. Some shelters motivate the public to embrace and encourage the technique

of trap/neuter/release (TNR) as a way to control feral cat populations. Aimee Gilbreath, executive direc-tor of the Found Animals Foundation, states, “We

launched the groundbreaking Michelson Prize and grant program aimed at developing a non-surgical, single-dose

sterilizing agent for cats and dogs. This type of product will help shift pet population

control from lethal to non-lethal methods by dramatically reducing the number of pets com-

ing into shelters.”

Learn more at FoundAnimals.org/pet-spay-neuter.

Happiness is...

a bowl of cherries

and a book

of poetry

under a shade tree.

- Astrid Alauda


Johnny AppletreeOne Life Yields Two ForestsJadav “Molai” Payeng spent 30 years single-handedly planting a 1,360-acre forest in his native India. The ex-traordinary, yet humble, eco-conscious farmer stands as a shining example of what one person can accomplish to make the world a better place. Now he is planning on devoting his next 30 years to planting another forest. Payeng makes a living in the forest he planted, rearing cows and selling milk in the nearest town with his wife and three children. He says, “I feel sad when I see people felling trees. We have to save the nature, or else we all will perish.” In 1979, when Payeng was 16, he began planting vegetation to transform the landscape after seeing wildlife perish from exposure along a barren sandbar near his home in northern India’s Assam region. Decades later, the lush ecosystem he created is now a safe haven for a variety of large and small species that include birds, deer, rhinos, tigers and elephants impacted by extensive habitat loss.

Source: Treehugger.com

Hands OffProtecting a Natural LaboratoryThe International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is working to preserve a tract known as the Experi-mental Lakes Area (ELA), a world-renowned freshwater research facility in Northwestern Ontario that takes research out of the lab and into the environment, where scientists can isolate the effects of specifi c pollutants on aquatic ecosystems.

Over the past four decades, research conducted at the ELA has provided sci-entifi c evidence of the environmental effects of acid rain, phosphorous and other pollutants that has informed policy around the world. With new pressures like climate change and poorly understood emerging contaminants such as chromite, nanoparticles and endocrine disrupters, the logic for continued support is strong. IISD President and CEO Scott Vaughan emphasizes the mission is to be an independent, world-class research facility for freshwater ecosystems science, maintained “in the public domain and in the public interest.”

Bee CarefulHoneybee-Killing Pesticides Banned in EuropeColony collapse disorder, a mysterious ailment that has been killing large numbers of honeybees for several years, is expanding, wiping out 40 to 50 percent of the hives needed to pollinate many of America’s fruits and vegetables. Some beekeepers and researchers cite grow-

ing evidence that a powerful class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which hinder the bees’ brain learning function and leave them unable to make the con-nection between fl oral scents and nectar, could be a key factor. Although manufacturers claim the pesticides pose no threat to bees, a recent British honeybee fi eld study found enough evidence to convince 15 of 27 EU member governments and the Executive European Commission to support a two-year ban on three of the world’s most widely used agricultural pesticides in this category, starting this December. The action followed a European Food Safety Au-thority report in April that indicated these toxins pose an acute risk to honeybees.

Source: Voice of America

Poisoned Poisson Fish Rendered Scentless by PollutionFish living in lakes tainted with met-als are losing their sense of smell, prompting worries about dwindling populations, because when dissolved metals contact fi sh nostrils, their neurons shut down to protect the brain. Fish use their sense of smell to navigate murky waters, fi nd mates and food, and avoid predators. The effect of metals has been linked to impaired reproduction and growth, but this secondary, “covert toxic” effect is described by Keith Tier-ney, a University of Alberta assistant professor, this way: “If you can’t smell food or avoid predators, you’re more likely to die.” The good news from Canadian researchers, as reported in the jour-nal Ecotoxicology and Environment Safety, is that such harm to fi sh can be reversed. When study co-author Greg Pyle, a professor at Alberta’s University of Lethbridge, and his research team relocated yellow perch from Ontario lakes contaminated with mercury, nickel, copper, iron and manganese to a cleaner lake, the fi sh regained their sense of smell within 24 hours. Most of the contaminated lakes involved have a metallic mix, making it hard to determine precisely which pollutants are to blame. Copper is high on the list of suspects; its agricultural and manufacturing use has more than doubled in the United States over the past three decades, according to the Copper Develop-ment Association.

Source: Environmental Health News


The mind-body-spirit connection is not a new phenomenon. For years, we have heard about the

benefi ts of this connection through yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, meditation, acu-puncture and other alternative thera-pies. Keeping our minds healthy as well as our bodies is important to our overall health and well-being. However, we rarely hear about the energetic body. We know that everything is made up of energy and that various vibrations of energies affect us every day. Whether it is waves from our cell phones or nega-tive thoughts or other people around us, we are coming into contact with various energies on a daily basis. As well, we have our own unique energy systems; an energetic system that works in conjunction with our mental and physical body. The tricky part of this energy stuff is we can’t see it. In my view, the energetic body is the space that holds the mind-body-spirit connection. There are various ways to look at the energetic body. Traditional Chinese Medicine calls it the meridians. In yoga and Ayurvedic tradition, it is the chakras. Other types of work focus on the energy fi eld around the body known as the aura. Whether it is an acupuncturist using the meridian system or Reiki practitioner

using the chakra system, they are all looking to remove energy blockages, increase energetic areas that are sluggish or replenish energetic areas that are overworked to create a healthy fl ow within your body. Many struggle with the notion of an energetic body because we cannot see it; however, most of us have felt the energetic body. Think about a person in your life that always seems to suck your energy. It is not something we see, it is something we feel. Now think about how various energies, such as electron-ics, and our own physical and mental patterns can over stimulate or fatigue our energetic systems. Add that to the energy suckers and we have an ener-getic system on overload. We may fi nd some balance with the energy system through yoga or Pilates, but there are other alternatives, such as Reiki/Energy Healing sessions. Reiki/Energy Healing is to help re-balance your energy system. During a session, you are fully clothed while the practitioner uses light touch to scan and balance the energetic body. Energy fl ows through the practitioner to calm overworked areas or stimulate sluggish ones. While the practitioner works, you may get hot or cold, have dreams, have muscle twitches, feel a rush of

A Healing Touch by Nicki Noftz

energy or fall asleep. After a session, you may feel more energized, the need for a nap, de-stressed, deeply relaxed or have vivid dreams. Reiki/Energy Heal-ings can help with anxiety, depression, fatigue, joint problems, pain manage-ment, stress, during transitions, boost your own healing process and immu-nity as well as maintain health. Many hospitals and clinics, such as the Mayo Clinic, are using this type of healing practice to help patients heal. Even Dr. Oz is a proponent of Reiki touting it on his tv show and using it during heart surgery. The best way to understand Reiki/Energy Healing is to experience it your-self. The key is fi nding a practitioner that is the right fi t for you. I always say be a skeptic, but make sure to be open to the experience without expectations. That is the best way to truly experience anything in life.

For more information or to schedule a Reiki session, contact Nicki Noftz at [email protected] or 205-202-9198. See Ad on Page 5 and CRG on Page 29.


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Carol Alt characterizes the latest stage of her 30-plus-year career as a “perfect storm of busy,”

including the launch of her latest book, Easy Sexy Raw, and her roles in Woody Allen’s fi lm, To Rome with Love, and the HBO documentary, About Face, exploring the relationship between physical appearance and the business of beauty. For

Relishing Raw FoodSupermodel Carol Alt on How Eating Raw Keeps Her Vibrantby Beth Bader

the past year, she’s been overseeing the U.S. launch of her skin care line, Raw Essentials.

How has your relationship with food changed over the years, and what role has raw food played?I grew up like other kids on Long

Island. Mom cooked spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Dad would sometimes grill a

piece of meat until it was dead a second time. On weekends, we ate pizza or Chinese takeout. I never realized broccoli was green, because over-cooking turned it gray. One day, I got sent home from a job be-

cause they said I was not in “swimsuit condition.”

A friend recommended a physician that specialized in raw food diets, which was the fi rst I’d heard of it.

So I tried a raw diet, cold turkey, and felt better immediate-

ly. Today I eat raw food as an anti-aging agent and natural medicine

that makes me healthier; it’s also a fi ller that makes me less hungry. My

holistic lifestyle no longer includes any over-the-counter drugs. These days, my system runs effi ciently, like an electric golf cart. When I need to go, I go. When I need to stop and sleep, I sleep. The body can work phenomenally well if we just let it.

“Raw” seems like an easy diet to prepare, but some of the methods can take time and special equipment. What’s a simple starting point?Using a blender, you can make ev-erything from soup to dessert. Start with things like guacamole, salsa and soups. You can also use a pot and hot water (up to 115 degrees) to warm kelp noodles to add to a blended soup. You can make a mousse from raw chocolate and avocado. Also begin to think of a dehydrator as a crock-pot that works while you’re away. It’s a simple option once you are in the habit of using it. Of course, you’ll want to make all kinds of fresh salads.

How do you maintain your raw food plan when you are eating out or in social settings?I look for foods that I know will be raw. If I have any doubts, I ask the chef. If there’s any question, I just don’t eat it. There’s a bit of discipline in this. You have to eat on a schedule and make sure you are getting the food you need. I may lunch even if I am not hungry, especially when I know I’ll be dining out later. It’s important to make sure you are not feeling deprived and hungry; otherwise you may fi nd yourself craving things like the bread on the table.

Do you ever miss cooked foods and sometimes indulge?My diet is 75 to 95 percent raw. When you eat raw foods, you feel so much better that you don’t want to eat anything else. My one indulgence is munching on popcorn when my favor-ite sports team plays.

Do you have any fi nal advice on exploring a raw diet?Relax and have fun trying different things. If you cheat, it’s okay. If you feel deprived in any way, go eat. Above all, enjoy the adventure.

Beth Bader is the co-author of The Cleaner Plate Club and blogs at CleanerPlateClub.com.


Six Ways to Eat SafeThe Latest Facts about Organics,

Pesticides, Seeds and Moreby Melinda Hemmelgarn

Hot fun in the summertime begins with fresh, sweet and savory seasonal flavors brought to life in al fresco gatherings with family and friends. As

the popularity of farmers’ markets and home gardening surges onward, it’s time to feast on the tastiest produce, picked ripe from America’s farms and gardens for peak flavor and nutrition. Similar to raising a sun umbrella, learning where food comes from and how it’s produced provides the best protection against getting burned. Here’s the latest on some of the season’s hottest food issues to help families stay safe and well nourished. Local Organic Reigns SupremeDiana Dyer, a registered dietitian and garlic farmer near Ann Arbor, Michigan, observes, “You can’t buy happi-ness, but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same thing.” Purchasing local foods whenever possible has many merits, including shaking the farmer’s hand, asking about farming methods and developing sincere relation-

ships. Buying local also supports the local economy and contributes to food security. Yet “local” alone does not necessarily mean better. Even small farmers may use harmful pesticides or feed their livestock genetically modified or engineered (GM, GMO or GE) feed. That’s one reason why the smartest food choice is organic, with local organic being the gold standard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification label ensures that strict national organic standards—prohibiting the use of antibiotics, hormones and GM feed and ingredients—have been met. Plus, organically raised livestock must have access to the outdoors and ample time on pastures, naturally resulting in milk and meat with higher levels of health-protecting omega-3 fatty acids. Still, organic naysayers abound. For example, many negative headlines were generated by a recent Stan-ford University study that questioned whether or not organic foods are safer or more healthful than conven-tional. Few news outlets relayed the researchers’ actual conclusions—that organic foods may reduce exposure to pesticide residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria; children on organic diets have significantly lower levels of pesticide metabolites, or breakdown products, in their urine; organic milk may contain significantly higher lev-els of omega-3 fatty acids; and organic produce contains higher levels of health-protecting antioxidants. Jim Riddle, former organic outreach coordinator at the University of Minnesota, in Lamberton, explains that organic farming methods are based on building and improving the soil, promoting biodiversity and protect-ing natural resources, regardless of the size of the farm. Healthier ecosystems, higher quality soil and clean water will produce healthier plants, which in turn support healthier animals and humans on a healthier planet.

Pesticide Problems and SolutionsChildren are most vulnerable to the effects of pesticides and other environmental toxins, due to their smaller size and rapid physical development. Last December, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy state-ment that asserted, “Beyond acute poisoning, the influ-ences of low-level pesticide exposures on child health are of increasing concern.” The organization links pesti-cide exposure to higher risk for brain tumors, leukemia, attention deficit disorders, autism and reductions in IQ. Because weeds naturally develop resistance to the herbicides designed to kill them, Dow AgroSciences has genetically engineered seeds to produce crops that can withstand spraying with both the systemic herbi-cide glyphosate (Roundup), and 2,4-D, one of the active ingredients in Agent Orange, used as a defoliant in the Vietnam War. The latter is commonly applied to lawns and wheat-producing agricultural land, even though research reported in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives links exposure to 2,4-D to birth defects and increased cancer risk. Dow AgroSciences’ new GE seeds


await regulatory approval. Eric Mader, program director at the Portland, Or-egon-based Xerces Society for the conservation of in-vertebrates and pollinator protection, warns that broad-spectrum pesticides kill beneficial insects along with those considered pests. Mader recommends increasing the number of beneficial insects, which feed on pests, by planting a greater diversity of native plants on farms and in home gardens.

Demand for GMO LabelingDespite California’s narrow defeat of Proposition 37, which would have required statewide labeling of prod-ucts containing GMOs, advocates at the Environmen-tal Working Group and the Just Label It campaign are pushing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nationwide GMO labeling. Responding to consumer demand, Whole Foods Market recently announced that it

will require GMO labeling in all of its U.S. and Canadian stores by 2018. Filmmaker Jeremy Seifert’s powerful new documentary, GMO OMG, should give the movement a major push, as well. The 2013 film explores the danger in corporate patenting of seeds and the unknown health and environ-mental risks of engineered food. Seifert says, “I have a responsibility to my children to hand on to them a world that is not poisoned irrepara-bly.” As for the promise that

GMOs are required to “feed the world,” he believes it’s a lie, noting that it’s better to “feed the world well.”

Seed Freedom and Food ChoiceRoger Doiron, founder and director of Kitchen Gardeners International, headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, cel-ebrates Food Independence Day each July Fourth. Doiron believes that growing, harvesting, cooking and preserv-ing food is both liberating and rewarding, and patriotic. More than 25,000 individuals from 100 countries belong to his nonprofit network that focuses on re-localizing the world’s food supply. Food freedom starts with seeds. Saving and trading heirloom, non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds is becoming as easy as checking out a library book. Several libraries across the coun-try are serving as seed banks, where patrons check out seeds, grow crops, save seeds and then donate some back to their local library. Liana Hoodes, director of the National Organic Coalition, in Pine Bush, New York, is a fan of her local Hudson Valley Seed Library. The library adheres to Indian Physicist Vandana Shiva’s Declaration of Seed Freedom and makes sure all seed sources are not related to, owned by or affiliated with biotech or pharmaceutical corporations. In addition to preserving heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, each seed packet is designed by a local artist.

Finicky about FishGrilled fish makes a lean, heart-healthy, low-calorie sum-mer meal. Some fish, however, may contain chemicals that pose health risks, especially for pregnant or nursing women and children. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, which is toxic to a baby’s developing nervous system. Both the EPA and local state health departments post consumption adviso-ries that recommend limiting or avoiding certain species of fish caught in specific locations. For several decades, Captain Anne Mosness, a wild salmon fisherwoman, operated commercial fishing boats in Washington waters and from Copper River to Bristol Bay, Alaska. She worries about the threat of pollution from industrial aquaculture, plus the effects of genetical-ly engineered salmon on wild fish populations, coastal economies and ecosystems. Mosness explains that AquAdvantage Salmon, a product of AquaBounty Technologies, was created “by inserting a growth hormone gene from Pacific Chinook

Get Your Non-GMOs HereReading labels is always a good practice. We can also rely on trusted sources to help us sort out suspect products from the natural whole foods that we know are good for us. Here’s a short list of websites and associated apps to help make food shopping a bit easier.

CenterForFoodSafety.org; Tinyurl.com/getCenter ForFoodSafetyapp

Fooducate.com; Tinyurl.com/getFooducateGMOapp

NonGMOProject.org; Tinyurl.com/getNonGMO Projectapp

NonGMOShoppingGuide.com; Tinyurl.com/get ShopNoGMOapp

Also take action at Buycott.com: Tinyurl.com/get BuycottGMOapp


Private Pilates Lessons Semi Private Lessons Group Pilates Equipment ClassesCardio Pilates Pilates Mat ClassesYoga Classes Private Yoga Lessons Massage Therapy

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flexible muscles, along with a balanced body, mind and spirit.

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and a promoter gene from an eel-like fish called ocean pout into Atlantic salmon.” She questions the FDA ap-proval process and failure to address unanswered questions about the risks of introducing “novel” animals into the food supply, as well as related food allergies and greater use of antibiotics in weaker fi sh populations. “The salmon farming industry already uses more antibiotics per weight than any other animal production,” com-ments Mosness. The FDA’s official public com-ment period on GMO salmon closed in April, but consumers can still voice concerns to their legislators while demanding and applauding national GMO labeling. GMO fish may be on our dinner plates by the end of the year, but with labels, consumers gain the freedom to make informed choices. Consumers can also ask retailers not to sell GMO fish. Trader Joe’s, Aldi and Whole Foods have all committed to not sell-ing GMO seafood.

Antibiotic ResistanceAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotics are one of the greatest public health achievements of the past 100 years. However, one of the most critical public health and economic issues we currently face is the loss of these drugs’ effectiveness, due in large part to their misuse and overuse in indus-trial agriculture. Dr. David Wallinga, senior advi-sor in science, food and health at the Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, says that about 80 percent

Food SupplyNews Sources

Antibiotic Resistance

Healthy Food Action: HealthyFoodAction.org

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy: iatp.org

Keep Antibiotics Working: KeepAntibioticsWorking.com

Meat Without Drugs: MeatWithoutDrugs.org

Not in My Food: Tinyurl.com/NotInMyFoodNoAntibiotics

Fish Food Safety

Center for Food Safety: CenterForFoodSafety.org

Food and Water Watch: FoodAndWaterWatch.org

Food Sleuth Radio interview with fi sherwoman, Anne Mosness: Tinyurl.com/FoodSleuthRadioAnneMosness

GMOs

GMO Food Labeling: JustLabelIt.org

GMO OMG: GMOFilm.com

Local/Organic

Eat Local: Simple Steps to Enjoy Real, Healthy and Affordable Food, by Jasia Steinmetz: TableOfTheEarth.com/eat-local-simple-steps

Organic Farming Research Foundation: ofrf.org

Pesticides

Safe Lawns: SafeLawns.org

Xerces Society: Xerces.org/mission

Seed Freedom and Food Choice

Kitchen Gardeners International: kgi.org

National Center for Home Food Preservation: nchfp.uga.edu

Seed Libraries: NewDream.org and Tinyurl.com/StartLocalSeedLibrary

Seed Matters: Tinyurl.com/ SeedMattersCommunityProject

of all antibiotics are given to farm animals for two reasons: to prevent ill-ness associated with living in crowded, stressful and often unsanitary condi-tions; and to promote “feed effi cien-cy”, or weight gain. However, bacteria naturally mutate to develop resistance to antibiotics when exposed to doses that are insuffi cient to kill them. Wallinga points out that anti-biotic-resistant infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), cost our nation at least $20 billion annually and steal tens of thousands of American lives each year. Most recently, hard-to-treat urinary tract infections (UTI), were traced to antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria in chickens. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria exist in our environment, but are more likely to be found in conventionally, rather than organically raised meat and poultry, which by law must be raised without antibiotics. Consum-ers beware: the word “natural” on food labels does not provide the same protection. The good news is that according to Consumers Union research, raising meat and poultry without antibiotics can be accom-plished at minimal cost to the con-sumer—about five cents extra per pound for pork and less than a penny per pound extra for chicken.

Melinda Hemmelgarn, aka the “Food Sleuth”, is a registered dietitian and award-winning writer and radio host at KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO ([email protected]). She advocates for organic farmers at Enduring-Image.blogspot.com.


Cutting Through the Nutrition Nonsense by Steve Dupont, RD, LD

In case you haven’t heard, our great nation is on a collision course with public health Armageddon. Basically,

we keep getting fatter and sicker every year. Among other grim statistics and prognostications, according to a recent report by UnitedHealth Group, Inc., half of Americans will have diabetes or prediabetes by the year 2020. Half! Yes, I believe our collective soft drink sluicing and couch potato-ism is largely to blame for this, but so is our aging population. After all, the onset of diabetes (Type II), being a degenerative disease, tends to increase almost expo-nentially with age. Perhaps a new wonder drug will emerge, but I say fat chance (no pun intended). If anything comes close, it will likely cost a king’s ransom. Mean-while, a means of reversing diabetes may have already been discovered, and it costs nothing!

First, a Diabetes PrimerA very small percentage have Type I or juvenile-onset diabetes. Unfortunately for this group, the die is cast in terms

of being insulin dependent for life, bar-ring any “cures.” In Type I, the insulin factory of the pancreas is attacked and destroyed by the body itself. But, with proper management, these individuals can live long and prosper, so to speak. According to a 2011 University of Pitts-burgh study, those diagnosed between 1965-1980 lived to age 69 on average. Chances are the life expectancy is even longer for those diagnosed today. About 95% of diabetics are Type II. Understand it’s not Ebola virus or something you’re suddenly stricken with. It’s a wear and tear disease. And, the fact is, some people start life with more durable equipment than others. The disease typically starts with “insulin resistance,” where the insulin produced by the pancreas becomes less effective in doing its main job—that is, escorting blood sugar (glucose) into cells around the body, which use it for energy. This often results from many years of carbo-hydrate overload. For example, sipping on a BIG GULP of Mountain Dew all day, every day—but in fairness to some, not always. Nevertheless, if diet and

lifestyle changes are not made, the diabetic will typically become “insulin-dependent” at some point (requiring shots), because eventually the body’s insulin producing factory in the pan-creas will burn out. Although, in most cases function of the pancreas can still be recovered and the insulin-depen-dence reversed. Again, if the person is willing to buckle down and kick their carb addiction. If not, however, the body becomes a ticking time bomb. Oddly enough, hardly anyone dies from diabetes per se. They die from other, diabetes-in-duced conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, kidney disease

Fast Track toDiabetes Freedom?

There’s another possible path to diabetes reversal, a much shorter one involving much more radical measures—specifi cally a “very low calorie diet.” We’re talking near-starvation levels of intake here, around 600 calories per day as was used in one particular study to reverse diabetes in 64% of sub-jects in just eight weeks! Now, un-fortunately, this constituted seven of only 11 people involved—a very, very small study. But other, slightly larger studies have shown similar results. The big, still-unanswered question of course is: What will it then take to keep the diabetes “in remission?”

Just to be clear, however, I do not recommend embarking on a very low calorie diet unless you’re being advised and monitored by both a registered dietitian and a physician. At the very least you will need to supplement vitamins, minerals and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) in order to avoid potentially serious side effects. And you’ll want to get regular blood tests to make sure you’re on track.

Reverse DiabetesPreferably

Before it Starts


and infection. But that’s not all. Many uncontrolled diabetics will also contract other less-lethal ailments along the way, such as blindness, amputation of limbs and even periodontal disease. So their lives are made shorter and more miserable to boot.

Getting in (Reverse) GearWe’ve known for a long time that Type II diabetes can, in fact, be reversed gradually—over many months or years—by moderate restriction of carbohydrates and overall calories, along with exercise. Oral medications like metformin can be a sensible part of this equation as well. For those who are overweight or obese (vast majority), weight loss of at least 5-10% is critical and 25% or more may be necessary. To get there, I recommend three meals per day, high in protein (lean meats, eggs, seeds, nuts, legumes, dairy, whey), high in “good “ fats (oils such as olive, canola, peanut, coconut, fl ax) and low in carbohydrates, especially breads and starches like white potatoes, corn and pasta. No snacks, unless you’re on insulin and blood sugar is dropping too low between meals. The American Diabetes Association typically recom-mends 4-5 “servings” or 60-75 grams of carbs per meal, which is fi ne if your goal is management. But if you want to reverse diabetes, you’ve got to push the envelope. The only time I’m okay with 4-5 carbs per meal is if they’re all coming from the most nutritious sources, namely fresh fruits and vegetables, whole intact grains like oats, barley, quinoa and non-white rice, legumes and dairy. No sweetened beverages (including fruit juice). No bread. No potatoes. No processed corn (fresh okay in moderation). And no desserts, with possible exception of one bite of dark chocolate, if you have the willpower! With regard to exercise, three times per week at 45-60 minutes each is a starting point. But the more carbs you eat, and the more weight you have to lose, the more exercise you’ll need to do. Assuming you can tolerate it physically, shorter, more intense workouts (15-30 min.) fi ve to seven days a week might be even better. Drinking water is also a must—roughly 64 oz. per day—and if you read my prior article on fl uoridation you know I recommend purifi ed water. This provides basic hydra-tion, dilutes the blood sugar and keeps up a good fi ltration rate through the kidneys. Last but not least, get plenty of sleep. Whatever you need to feel rested. Because when the body gets tired, it tends to get hungry. And when it gets hungry, it tends to crave carbs. If you know someone struggling with diabetes, please share this article with them, and encourage them. The time to turn things around is now!Ashley L. Lundy, LAc.

Doctor Of Oriental Medicine

4735 Norrell Drive, Suite 5Trussville, AL 35173(239) 240-5428

[email protected]

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(205) 492-77602116 Rocky Ridge Road

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Steve Dupont, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and founder of Dupont Dietary Consulting LLC. A “true believer” in the power of nutrition, Steve is committed to serving those wishing to enjoy delicious food while reaping its health benefi ts. Specialties include weight loss, energy balance, supplements, cooking and meal

planning. 205-213-7953. SteveDupont.com.


I get asked all the time what is Pilates? There seems to be much confusion on what Pilates really is. Some will say it

is all about the abs and core while oth-ers think it is some workout with a ball. Others may fi nd it the elite thing to do or too strenuous. None of these encom-pass the raw inspiration that Pilates is. The simplest defi nition of Pilates is an education of your body-mind-spirit con-nection. Joseph Pilates originally called the system Contrology, the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. It was not created to be a bunch of reps or an ab exercise. It was cre-ated to teach you how to move properly with freedom, with a sense of natural grace and focus on connecting the mind and body to invigorate the spirit. Each of the exercises mimics natural human movements with a tension and release approach to build strength with fl ex-ibility. In the Pilates world, we strive for uniform development or a body that is balanced inside and out. And, the key to uniform development is to understand what proper movement is in your body. It makes me cringe every time I hear someone say they do tons of push-ups and crunches because I know it is an injury ready to happen. Not only are they doing too many reps, they are many times moving in improper form focused on isolation of muscles; a technique that is not natural to the body and trains improper movement patterns. Ever heard someone say they do 100 crunches and never get a fl at stomach? The reason is improper form. You can do 1000 crunch-es and never get a fl at stomach because it isn’t about how many you do. It is about how well you do the movements. Many times these sloppy reps cause undo tension in the body leading to injury or chronic pain. Just a slight change in how

they move can make all the difference in achieving optimum results. Pilates only does as many reps as you can do in the right form. We work to move the body in as many ways as pos-sible instead of repeat patterned move-ment, which leads to improper muscle building. Pilates exercises are meant to delve into the deeper inner muscles and myofascial, a sheath that wraps all our muscles, many times forgotten by traditional workouts. These are the real keys to strength, fl exibility and natural movement. More importantly, Pilates is a highly focused practice connecting breath with movement to improve the cardiovascular system, create a rhythm for your practice and calm you. The best part is that Pilates is for everyone. It is for the senior, athlete, new mom, injured person, or those looking to feel good in their own skin. We make adjustments based on the body in front of us, as each person is unique. Adding Pilates to your healthy lifestyle can improve what you love to do. Love the boot camp? Add Pilates and see how much more effective your boot camp will be. Love yoga? Add Pilates and see how you gain balance and body awareness. Love running? Add Pilates to build stamina and endurance. Pilates is an education in how to move your body no matter what you love to do.

Pilates on Highland is located at 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com. Info@

pilatesonhighland.com.

Pilates: A Movement Educationby Jennifer Dunbar

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In March, on the fi rst night of my weekly outdoor class, it was freezing. The time-change had not occurred,

and the group of twenty or so brave participants looked at me with twisted and puzzled expressions. That’s the fi rst time I heard it, in the form of a whisper: “why is she smiling so much?” I laughed to myself, because I was. A lot. So much in fact, that I can remember the cold wind biting me right in the teeth. I wasn’t comfortable. So why do it? “You know, you would do well in the Spanish inquisition,” says a long-time client of mine. This about 30 sec-onds into a really diffi cult exercise. She

is in a visible state of discomfort. I give her an acknowledging grin, reminding her to breathe. Unlike you might expect from a sixty-three year old, she rolls her eyes, sticks her

tongue out and keeps going. Sweat runs down her forehead. She is

a smiler, too. Struggle releases sarcasm in her, a laugh, and

even an occasional

expletive. These are her coping mecha-nisms during hard times. After she’s done the work, she leaves every time with a “thanks honey” and a giant hug. This woman seems externally happy. But she is no stranger to pain. She has suffered through many of the things we pray will never happen to us, the inevitable loss of a parent and the less-inevitable death of her sister by way of breast cancer. For a year, she slowly opened up about her sister, showing some honest hurt, smiling mostly, and being sure to point out things like her brand new pink gym kicks. When she walked with her best friend in “Race for a Cure,” we made sure to meet up for a hug, then stood there laughing away painful stories. Last November, my heart broke along with hers, when her husband died unexpectedly. A month later, when she pulled out a picture of him and subsequently a photo of her

beloved dog, who had passed just before, I joked “Oh man. We need to get some photos of living

people in your wallet.” She cried and laughed simultaneously. Initially

it may seem inappropriate, but I equate it to the scene in Steel Magnolias between Olympia Dukakis and Sally fi eld: “Here. Hit Ouisa!” This year, she suffered a terrible fall, practically debilitating her. When her doctor fi nally cleared her to train again, she came in and promptly showed me where they had shaved her head around a life-

threatening head wound. We made jokes about punk-rock hairdos and got to work. It has not been an easy road for her, but this woman is the defi nition of bounce-back, if

I have ever seen it. I relate to her. Despite my

permagrin, I’ve faced intensely hard times—a myriad of troubles that many people face, but perhaps not all in the

same lifetime. I have a stable of reasons not to smile. And yet, like my client, I do it anyway, because I am seeking joy. Somewhere along the way, I latched on to the idea that happiness is the answer for everything. A person who is

intently happy is less likely to harm oth-ers or himself. A happy girl, grows into a confi dent woman. Happiness weathers pain, fosters resilience, and creates op-portunity for coming back stronger. That’s all well and good, but it can be hard to persuade someone who is intently un-happy to follow suit. Unhap-piness is easy to cling to. From a place of darkness, it may be easier to dismiss joy as ridiculous, unattainable or available only to a fortunate few. I can see how an outsider who sees me smiling could discard the idea that we have anything in common. On the contrary, we have these fundamental things in common: We all experience hardship. We are all capable of happiness. The truth is, many people share space with you in a day who experi-ence heart-wrenching trauma. Just because they don’t share their story with you doesn’t mean it hasn’t or isn’t happening. From violent crime to can-cer, some of the most devastating pain comes as a result of things that have the word “silent” in their nickname. There is now a smorgasbord of in-formation coming out about happiness and its impact on the quality of life. The fact that “The Happiness Project,” a blog-turned-book by Gretchin Rubin made the New York Times #1 best-seller spot, not only restores faith that literacy is still very much alive, but it also illustrates the idea that happiness isn’t limited to a few. A LOT of people are interested not only in what it means to be happy, but how to get happy. I fall into that category. For the past fi ve or so years, I’ve aimed specifi cally for happiness. Since then, I’ve had some hard tumbles, but the fact that I’ve come out on the other side fairing okay and with my smile still in good working condition let’s me know that I’m on the right path.

Julie Watters CPT, CES is a Nationally Certifi ed Personal Trainer, Cancer Exercise Specialist and the original Happy (Fit)Camper. Specialty offerings include private

guided group training and support for weight loss, athletic conditioning, range of motion restoration and belly dance. [email protected]. Facebook.com/jwfi tcamp.

Happy for Realby Julie Watters


Like a canary in a coal mine, dogs serve as sentinels, drawing our atten-tion to health hazards in our shared

home environment and in the products and byproducts of the food industry.

Multiple Health IssuesIn the mid-1990s, as genetically engi-neered or modifi ed (GE, GM or GMO), corn and soy were becoming increas-ingly prominent ingredients in both pet food products and feed for farm ani-mals, the number of dogs reported suf-fering from a specifi c cluster of health problems increased. It also became evi-dent from discussion among veterinar-ians and dog owners that such health problems occurred more often among dogs eating pet food that included GM crops than those consuming food pro-duced from conventional crops. The conditions most cited in-cluded allergies, asthma, atopic (severe) dermatitis and other skin problems, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, infl ammatory bowel disease, colitis, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion, plus abnormalities in liver, pancreas and immune system functions. People often reported failed treatments and harmful side effects to prescribed remedies (e.g. steroids), as well as problems with various manufactured

Pet Food PerilsLurking GMOs May Hurt Our Pets

by Dr. Michael W. Fox

prescription diets after their attending veterinarians diagnosed their animals with these conditions. According to a 2011 study in the journal Cell Research, in engineering crops like corn and soybean, novel proteins are created that can assault the immune system and cause allergies and illnesses, especially in the offspring of mothers fed GMO foods. Diminished nutrient content is a concurrent issue. “The results of most of the few independent studies conducted with GM foods indicate that they may cause hepatic, pancreatic, renal and repro-ductive effects and may alter hemato-logical, biochemical and immunologic parameters,”concluded Artemis Dona and Ioannis S. Arvanitoyannis, of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the University of Athens Medical School, in their 2009 study on the effect of GM foods on animals.

naturalpet Such problems are caused partly by the inherent genetic instability of GM plants, which can result in spon-taneous and unpredictable mutations (Biotechnology and Genetic Engineer-ing Reviews). DNA in GM foods is altered by the genetic engineering process; it can be incorporated by gut bacteria and may alter their behavior and ecology in the digestive tract. Likewise, when digestive bacteria incorporate material from antibiotic-resistant genes, engineered into patented GM foods crops to identify them, it could have serious health implications, according to Jeffrey M. Smith in his book, Genetic Roulette, and Terje Traavik and Jack Heinemann, co-authors of Genetic Engineering and Omitted Health Research.

What Pet Owners Can DoLook for pet foods that are free of GM corn and soy, and/or organically certi-fi ed. Pet food manufacturers that use U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifi ed organic ingredients—and especially those that don’t use corn, soy, canola, cotton byproducts (oil and cake) or sugar beet, which are more common-ly genetically engineered, or imported rice, which can have GM strains—can legitimately claim “No GMO Ingredi-ents” on their packaging. Information, plus tips on avoiding hidden GMO ingredients are available at NonGMOShoppingGuide.com. Many websites also provide recipes for home-prepared diets for companion animals, including DogCatHomePreparedDiet.com. Let responsible pet food manufac-turers know of consumers’ concerns and heed Hippocrates’ advice to let our food be our medicine and our medicine be our food. Enlightened citizen ac-tion is an integral part of the necessary revolution in natural agriculture aimed at promoting more ecologically sound, sustainable and humane farming prac-tices, a healthier environment and more healthful, wholesome and affordable food for us and our canine companions.

Michael Fox, author of Healing Animals & the Vision of One Health, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. Find GMO-free pet food brands and learn more at DrFoxVet.com.


inspiration

From freshly picked cherries to moonlit hikes, summer offers end-less free gifts. Its lingering daylight

reminds us to step outside, take a deep breath and savor life’s simple joys. “Summer is a time to enjoy the small things in life, which are often the sweetest,” counsels Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and founder of the online Simplicity School (SimplicityJourney.com). “Kids do this instinctively, like seeing who can throw a rock further-est into the water. I’m happy just having a simple backyard dinner with friends, reading a book in a city park or paddling a canoe.” Here are some summer classics to ex-pand our own “to savor” list.

Feast on Earth’s bounty. Make the most of summer’s cornucopia of candy-sweet berries, rainbow-colored heir-loom tomatoes and other natural treats abounding at local farmers’ markets.

Get wet. Go skinny-dipping in a hidden creek, run through sprinklers in shorts or swimsuit or round up the neighborhood kids for a trip to a local water park, lake or public pool. Water games like Marco Polo and underwater tea parties never grow old, even for grown-ups.

Commune with creatures. Who can resist the winking lightning bugs, fl icker-ing dragonfl ies and songs of an evening insect chorus? Summer immerses us in nature. See how many animals that eagle-eyed friends and family members can spot during visits to area parks and preserves. Read by sunlight. The pleasure of reading heightens with natural light and fresh air. Pick an easy read to take to the beach or a hammock with sun-glasses and a glass of herbal sun tea. Celebrate community. ‘Tis the sea-son for free local festivals, picnic con-

certs, open-air movies and state fairs. Invite a friend or make a Dutch treat of it, even organize an informal potlatch block party. Take a day trip. Consider the healthy dose of activities that exist close to home. Delightful discoveries await the curious when traveling by local waterway, walking trail or bicycle path. Map a fl exible route, allowing ample time for unexpected stops. Try something new. Summer is a chance to be adventurous. Step into a bright, pastel shirt or tropical sundress, and then revel in the compliments. Move from an indoor exercise routine to a free yoga class in a shady park and test ride a standup paddleboard. Look up. Summer skies offer more drama than daytime TV. Perch on the porch at sunrise, sunset or before a thunderstorm rolls in. On a clear calm night, lie back on a blanket and trace constellations while watching for shoot-ing stars and meteor showers. Capture memories. Gather a pocketful of seashells, press wildfl ow-ers from special spots, make bread-and-butter pickles from the garden and print favorite snapshots to spark happy summer memories any time of the year. Do nothing. In the midst of so many marvelous options, we can also give ourselves permission to cancel our own plans on a whim and just do nothing. Simple daydreaming can lead to good ideas and inner rhapsodies. Summer is the best time to just be. “Try to not to plan more than one thing in a day this summer,” advises Luhrs. “Otherwise, you’ll end up cut-ting short activities to rush off to the next thing instead of enjoying what’s already in front of you.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Savor SummerRevel in Blissful Indulgences

by April Thompson

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calendarofevents

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Flames For Freedom: Night Iron Pour & Fire Show – 7pm. Celebrate our independence with a fi re show and molten hot iron. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a cooler to enjoy the festivities. You will also have the chance to make your own metal art. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, 20 32nd St North, Birmingham, AL 35222. Sloss Furnaces.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Jazz in the Park—Lao Tizer, Kim Scott – 6-9pm. Admission free. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233. 205-616-1735.

Thunder on the Mountain 2013 –9pm. Firework show over Vulcan Park. For the best viewing experi-ence, make sure you have a clear view of Vulcan. Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, UAB cam-pus, among others. For safety purposes, Vulcan Park itself will close at 6pm.

Freedom Fest – 5-7pm, car show; 6-9pm, music & entertainment; 9pm, grand fi reworks show. Admis-sion free. Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, 100 Ben Chapman Dr, Hoover, AL 35244. 205-739-7361 or 205-739-7362.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Open Meditation – 7:45-8:45am and 12:15-1:15pm. EMBODY Practice Center will be open to anyone looking for a quiet space to meditate. Props will be available. Admission free. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Let us know to expect you: 205-637-0299 or email [email protected]. EMBODY birmingham.com.

Breath Class with Margaret Pittenger – 9am-12pm. With Margaret’s training in Feldenkrais and yoga, this will be a unique opportunity to experience lightness and peacefulness within the body through the breath. Appropriate for all ages and abilities. $50. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with [email protected]. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

Southeastern Outings Sunday Stroll and Swim 1pm. An easy, fun short Sunday stroll with long swim and small, natural waterslide in the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve near Pinson. Meet at Pinson Chevron Station, 6700 State Highway 79 North. For additional important info, contact Dan Freder-ick at [email protected] or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com.

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SUNDAY, JULY 7

Jazz in the Park—On Purpose Featuring Dwight Houston, Roland Gresham, Pedro Moore – 6-9pm. Admission free. Wiggins Park & Recreation Center, 3301 Jefferson Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35209. 205-616-1735.

MONDAY, JULY 8

Learning Indian Cuisine with Chef “E” – 6pm. This program provides a great introduction to the slow food movement’s philosophy of homegrown ingredients, and family participation in meal preparation. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. Reservations required. Contact Leslie West, 205-332-6620 or [email protected].

TUESDAY, JULY 9

The Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club – 6:30pm. Join us as we explore the world of slow food with Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Homewood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Ox-moor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

Contentment in Everyday Life – 7-9pm on 5 Wednesday evenings beginning July 10. This course provides an exploration of genuine contentment, the foundational views of the Buddhist teachings, and meditation in action for daily life. Cost: $75 (or whatever you can afford). Birmingham Shambhala Meditation Center, 714 37th St South, Birming-ham, AL 35222. Please register at Birmingham.Shambhala.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Race—Are We So Different? Film Series: The Power of an Illusion: The Story We Tell – 6:30pm. The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th century science that legitimized it, and how it came to be held so fi ercely in the western imagination. McWane Sci-ence Center, 200 19th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-714-8300.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

The A,B,C’s of Medicare – 12pm and 6pm. Karen Haifl ich will answer all your questions about the how benefi ts are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to fi le a claim. Homewood Public Library, Room 116, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

Outdoor Summer Concert Series—Hunter Lawley Band – 7:30-9:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show. Admission free; rain or shine. Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest, 1221 Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. 205-978-4678.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Native Ferns & Their Relatives –8:30am-12:30pm. This course will examine the life cycle of ferns and highlight typical characteristics of major fern families. Common Alabama ferns will be spotlighted with special focus on their identi-fi cation, ecology, culture, and landscape uses. $40 Members/$45 Non-Members. Birmingham Botani-cal Gardens, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-414-3950. BBGardens.org.

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is—infi nite. ~William Blake


Trussville City Fest – 9am. The 33-year-old festival located in the heart of historic Trussville features vendors, food, activities for the kids, entertainment by local bands, and much more. Admission free. The Mall in Trussville, 125 South Mall, Trussville, AL 35173. 205-655-7535.

Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am. Join Becca Impello for the third of a 4-part series. Low Back Basics with additional poses to open the hips. $35 per class. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100. Register with Becca at SOSYoga.com.

Southeastern Outings Easy River Float, Picnic, Swim, Short, Moderate Dayhike – 9:30am. An easy river fl oat on the Locust Fork River. Float and walk in the river from Swann Covered Bridge to Powell Falls. Depart from the Cleveland Chevron. For additional important info, contact Dan Freder-ick at [email protected] or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Jazz in the Park—Goodfellas, Tina Wilson, Fred Spraggins – 6-9pm. Admission free. W.C. Patton Park. 3969 14th Ave North, Birmingham, AL 35234. 205-616-1735.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

Turning Trash Into Treasure: Backyard Com-posting and Vermiculture – 9am-12pm. Have composting questions? Join us for an informative workshop discussing the basics of backyard and worm composting. Please register by Monday, July 15. $10. ACES Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests, 2612 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223. 205-879-6964x10. ACES.edu. [email protected].

THURSDAY, JULY 18

The Color Of Healthcare – 6-9pm. Join us for a panel discussion that explores how historic and contemporary views of race affect medical research and healthcare delivery. Admission free. McWane Science Center, 200 19th St North, Birmingham, AL 35203. 205-714-8300. McWane.org.

Food Integrated Training With Jennifer Cole Conn – 6pm. Learn how easy it is to prepare foods at home so that you can control the amount of so-dium, sugar, fats in your diet and take back control of your life. Homewood Public Library, Round Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

Jones Valley Teaching Farm – 6:15-7:15pm. Learn about community gardening, plant something to take home, and eat local produce. Admission free. Homewood Public Library, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6619. Homewood PublicLibrary.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Childrens Yoga Teacher Training – 4-8pm, July 19; 8am-5pm, July 20; 10am-4pm, July 21. Ajeet Khalsa. For yoga teachers, school teachers, thera-pists, parents, and anyone interested in sharing the joy of yoga and health with children. Learn more at BirminghamYoga.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center Presents Nite Market – 4pm. Buy produce from local farmers markets while enjoying live music, food from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and craft brews from Good People Brewing Co. Admission free. Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1200 Tenth Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-2787. AlysStephens.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Jazz in the Park—Kenneth Williams, T.A.D. of Jazz, Jose Carr – 6-9pm. Admission free. Ensley Park and Recreation Center, 2800 Avenue K, Bir-mingham, AL 35218. 205-616-1735.

MONDAY, JULY 22

“Green” Feng Shui with Katie Rogers 6pm. Certi-fi ed feng shui consultant Katie Rogers advises on how to live “greener” by giving solutions that instill respect for the Earth. Homewood Public Library, Large Auditorium, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

Master Food Preparation Class – 10am-3pm, July 24-25. How to prepare and preserve vegetables and fruit in season. The second day will consist of preparing and enjoying a meal from preserved food. $20. ACES Food Safety, Preparation & Preserva-tion, Springhill Baptist Church, 5400 Hwy 278 W, Cullman, 35057. 256-737-9386. [email protected]. ACES.edu.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Playing @ the Plaza—Flying Jenny – 6:30pm. Flying Jenny is an old-time string band that plays American music that is the precursor to bluegrass and country. Admission free. Hoover Public Library, 200 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216. 205-444-7821. HooverLibrary.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

Restorative Yoga at EMBODY – 6pm-8pm. Join Lauren Brown for a full session of restorative yoga, where your mind and body can rest and renew with the help of props and massage to support the body’s relaxation. $25. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, register with [email protected]., EMBODYbirmingham.com.

Land Aid –7pm. The event will be held at Avondale Brewery and will feature local music. All proceeds will benefi t the Freshwater Land Trust. Avondale Brewing Company, 201 41st St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. For tickets, call 205-417-2777 or email [email protected].

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Southeastern Outings Short Hikes and Long Swims – 8am. Join us for short, moderately easy hikes to two waterfalls on South Caney Creek and Hubbard Creek. We’ll swim at both of the falls, which are very lovely. Meet 8am at the Kmart Green Springs or 9:30am at Jacks Double Springs. For additional important info, contact Dan Freder-ick at [email protected] or 205-631-4680. SEOutings.com.

Therapeutic Yoga for Low Back – 9-11am. Join Becca Impello for the last of a 4-part series. Advanc-ing your yoga practice while protecting and nourish-ing your low back. $35 per class. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, register with Becca at SOSYoga.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Jazz in the Park—N’Fusion Featuring James Crumb Jr, Left Field, Soul Collaboration – 6-9pm. Admission free. East Lake Park, 1st Ave North & Oporto-Madrid Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35206. 205-616-1735.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31

Better Than Therapy Book Club – 2pm. Join us as we discuss Laura Moriarty’s The Chaperone. Home-wood Public Library, Boardroom, 1721 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-332-6620.

Until he extends his circle of compassion to include

all living things, man will not himself fi nd peace.

~Albert Schweitzer


sundayMysore Yoga – 10:30am–12pm. Brent. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Sunday Service – 11am-12:30pm. Unity of Bir-mingham, 2803 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

Community Yoga – 5-6:15pm. Lindsey. Open to all levels. A beginners fl ow Vinyasa Yoga Class based on the Ashtanga System. Donation-based class. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

A Course in Miracles – 5-6:30pm. On-going dis-cussion group. Unity of Birmingham, 2803 High-land Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205. 205-251-3713. UnityBham.com.

mondayYoga All Levels – 9:30-10:30am. Becca Impello. An all levels yoga practice with an emphasis on core control and functional daily movement. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, pay-able to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with [email protected]. EMBODY birmingham.com.

Kundalini Yoga – 12:30-1:30pm. Christine S.A. An all-levels class emphasizing breathing, medita-tion and chanting. Origin of these kundalini sets are from Yogi Bhajan. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

7-Week Series for Runners– 5:30-6:45pm, Mon-days through July 29. Jennifer Howell. $15 class. This 7-week series for all levels will focus on what runners need most to keep them limber, fl exible, run more effi ciently, and stay injury-free. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Basic Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Karen. A good class for newcomers and those that like an gentler slower practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Msyore Yoga – 6pm. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

ongoingevents

Yoga All Levels – 6-7:30pm. Lauren Brown. An all levels traditional yoga practice, to include relaxation, basic pranayama (breathwork), asanas (postures), and meditation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with [email protected]. EMBODY birmingham.com.

Beginner Basics Community Class – 7-8:30pm. Students will learn how to build strength, increase fl exibility, and align the spine using asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), restorative postures, and meditation. Geared toward beginners but all levels are welcome. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. Birmingham Yoga.com.

tuesdayMysore Yoga – 6:30-8am. Student works individu-ally, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Pilates in the Park – 7am. Donation-based mat class to get your day started. Suggested donation $5. Make sure to bring a mat and some water. Rhodes Park, Highland Ct South, Birmingham, AL 35205. For more info, please contact info@pilateson highland.com.

Tai-ji Quan (Tai Chi) – Beginners class at 5:30pm, Intermediates at 6:30pm. First Class free or just come and observe. Embody Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Crestline (next to Post Offi ce). Taught by Stephen Guesman of Dancing Stone Tai-ji Quan. 205-919-6231. [email protected].

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5:30-6:45pm. Kerry. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specifi c breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Michelle. A vigorous class for those with a strong yoga practice. Get your heart rate up while you move deeper into your practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com. Ashtanga Yoga, Level 2 – 6-7:30pm. Akasha. Level 2 will build on the practice from beginner series, taking the Primary series postures a bit deeper. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Restorative Yoga – 6:45-8pm. Bliss Wood. Bir-mingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Yoga for Fertility – 7-8pm. Michelle. Aids in fertil-ity by helping to reduce stress, balance hormones, and improve the fl ow of energy (or prana) in the body. Physically assists the body to prepare for and improve the chances of pregnancy. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

wednesdayPranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:15-7:30am. Akasha. We will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition, to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Bir-mingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Mysore Yoga – 7:30-9am. Akasha. Student works individually, with guidance and adjustments from a teacher on the Ashtanga series of postures. Bir-mingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Community Mat Class – 8:15-9am. Free com-munity mat class taught by apprentices enrolled in a training program. Wednesdays and Fridays 3pm-4pm. Pilates on Highland, 2827 Highland Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35205. PilatesOnHighland.com. [email protected].

Yoga All Levels – 9-10am. Join Suzanne Graham for this Hatha based class. Appropriate for all levels. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks Payable to instructor. Register with sgraham.bham.rr.com. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Road Suite 100. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

Chair Yoga with Suzanne Graham – 10:30-11:30am. For those with limited mobility or those who want to explore a different yoga experience. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. Register with sgraham.bham.rr.com. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODY-birmingham.com.

Basic Hatha Yoga – 12-1pm. A level 1-2 hatha yoga class focused on learning basic movements, breathing, and meditation skills for stress reduction. Taught in the Kripalu Yoga tradition. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors – 1:15-2:15pm. A flowing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. No prior yoga experience needed. Physician’s approval required. Please register through UAB at [email protected] or 205-934-5772. PH Balanced Fitness, 3325 Rocky Ridge Rd #211, Birmingham, AL 35243.


Prenatal Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Nancy Roberts. Prenatal class focussing on the gentle needs of a pregnant woman’s body to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and prepare for the miracle of birth. A doctor’s waiver is required for all new students. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Primary Series Ashtanga Level 3 – 5:30-7:15pm. This is the full Ashtanga led Primary Series with everything in Level 2 This is an all-levels class, but can be considered physically challenging to those who are new to yoga and/or exercise. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Basic Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Emily. A good class for newcomers and those that like an gentler slower practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 In-dependence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Beginner’s Yoga – 6-7:30pm. Introduces skillful pose alignment and transitions, mindful move-ment, breath awareness, and guided relaxation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, or register with a friend for $60 per person. Payable to instructor. Register with [email protected]. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Road Suite 100. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

thursdayPranayama Yoga – 6-6:30am. Akasha. During this class we use certain healing chants (mantras) Breath-ing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series and meditations. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.


Mantra/Meditations – 8-9am. Akasha. Birming-ham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Yoga All Levels – 10-11:30am. Lauren Brown. An all levels traditional yoga practice, to include relaxation, basic pranayama (breathwork), asanas (postures), and meditation. $15 drop-in, $72 for 6 weeks, $120 for 10 weeks, payable to instructor. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. Register with [email protected]. EMBODY birmingham.com.

Earth Fare’s Family Dinner Night – 4-8pm. Every Thursday from 4-8pm kids eat free. One adult meal of $5 or more receives up to 6 free kids meals. We have a cafe where families can sit and eat, or we can package everything to go. Earth Fare, 3230 Galleria Circle, Hoover, AL 35244. 205-988-2938. EarthFare.com.

Farm Stands on the Railroad – 4-7:30pm. Are you looking for a good place to buy fresh produce during the week? If so, stop by Railroad Park. Farm House of Homewood and Grow Alabama will be on site every Thursday evening. Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation – 5-6pm. Akasha. This class is great for all levels. In a Kundalini class we will practice an asana or set of asanas using a specifi c breath in each pose to initiate the energy to move upwards. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors – 5:45-7pm. A fl owing sequence of supported yoga postures, breath work, and meditation, designed to help manage the side effects and stress of cancer. No prior yoga experience needed. Physician’s approval required. To register, contact [email protected]. EMBODY Practice Center, 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35213. EMBODY birmingham.com.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Michelle. A vigorous class for those with a strong yoga practice. Get your heart rate up while you move deeper into your practice. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Core Vinyasa, 4 Class Series – 6:35-8:05pm. Me-lissa Scott. A strong vinyasa fl ow practice with an emphasis on developing deep core strength. Good for all levels and great follow up from Intro and Ashtanga Series. $48 for series. Drop-ins welcome. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

fridayPranayama and Kundalini/Meditations – 5:15-7:30am. Akasha. We will practice an asana set, usually from the Kundalini tradition, to awaken and energize the body. Following will be breathing exercises based on the Ashtanga Pranayama Series, and healing chants (mantras) and meditations. Bir-mingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.


Gentle Flow Yoga – 12-1pm. Karen. Gentle Flow is designed for those who prefer a less vigorous class. It includes gentle stretches and breathing as well as simple movements to systematically increase the range of motion, strength and fl exibility. McMinn

Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Home-wood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Yoga for Body Maintenance – 1:15-2:15pm. Not a fully guided practice, but more of a semi-private instruction. A great opportunity to receive feedback on your personal practice as you practice. $20/class. Pre-approval required from Becca. EMBODY Practice Center 3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100, Bir-mingham, AL 35213. Register with [email protected]. EMBODYbirmingham.com.

Community Ashtanga Flow – 5:30-6:45pm. Christine S.A. Release stress from the week and welcome your weekend with this energizing and relaxing fl ow class. Class is donation based, sug-gested donation is $10. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228 BirminghamYoga.com.

saturdayHomewood Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. Urban Cookhouse presents a Farmer’s Market with vendors of all kinds, including cooking demos. SoHo Square, 1830 29th Ave South, Homewood, AL 35209. 205-405-8881.

Slow Flow Yoga– 9:15-12:15am. An all levels class which is designed to move gracefully at a slower pace, holding postures and slowing down the move-ment in order to experience and explore the align-ment and benefi ts of each posture. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Pilates Arc Class – 9:15am. Utilizes Pilates mat exercises to connect to your core mentally and physically. We move through a variety of exercises using the Pilates Arc to challenge our body to con-nect deeper and discover the true meaning of core. Requires prior Pilates experience. $25. Pilates on Highland, 205-323-5961. PilatesOnHighland.com.

Shiva Flow Yoga, Level 2 – 10-11:30am. Lauren. Inspired by the Ashtanga Primary & Secondary Se-ries, this vinyasa fl ow class is good for experienced beginners and experienced yogis looking for a heat-building practice. Room is heated to 80-85 degrees. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Michelle. Offers a safe and supportive environment for both expectant and new mothers. Postures in this class are modifi ed, and help ease pregnancy and delivery by building strength, creative fl exibility, and emphasizing proper breathing. Doctor’s release required. McMinn Clinic Yoga Studio, 3521 Independence Dr, Homewood, AL. 205-259-6782. [email protected]. McMinnClinic.com.

Slow Flow Yoga– 12-1:30pm. Jennifer H. A fl ow-ing style of yoga that deeply integrates breath, movement, awareness and alignment. Birmingham Yoga, 605 37th St South, Birmingham, AL 35222. 256-637-4228. BirminghamYoga.com.

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it

is—infi nite. ~William Blake


communityresourceguide

ACUPUNCTURE

ASHLEY LUNDY, LAC. Doctor of Oriental Medicine4735 Norrell Dr, Suite 5Trussville, AL [email protected]

Specializing in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Using noninvasive treatment to help treat pain, high blood pressure, fertility issues, insomnia, fi bromyalgia, and weight loss. Located inside

Eastern Chiropractic. Call today for your appointment.

CHIROPRACTIC

CHIROPRACTOR & HERBALISTDr. Jeanne R. Chabot2116 Rocky Ridge RoadHoover, AL 35216205-822-2177ChabotChiropractic.com

36 years of Chiropractic experience, certifi ed herbalist and Reiki Master. Dr. Chabot provides physiological therapeutics, conventional Chiropractic adjustments, decompression therapy, as well as gentle adjustments according

to your preference and need. Private treatment rooms provided for your comfort. Also available at the clinic:Massage therapy, Hypnotherapy, Energy Work, Mediation classes, Personal Training, and Yoga classes. Most insurances accepted.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

HEALING WATERS COLON HYDROTHERAPYBernadine BirdsongI-ACT & NBCHT Certifi ed Instructor and School720 23rd St South, Birmingham, AL205-323-7582MoreThanColonics.comDetox your body with Colon Hydrotherapy, Infra Red Sauna, and BioCleanse Therapy. We are the only hydrotherapist in Alabama providing colonics

with ionized, microclustered, anti-anti-oxidant, alkaline water. We also offer Lipoex®, a non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite, and tighten skin. Computerized Biofeedback, Massage therapy, pain management, infra red sauna, light therapy, Korean-style Hip Bath, and VibaBody Slimmer are also available. Come and experience the difference. Be sure to ask about the QXCI, “the computer that can tell if your are well.” It is a must for anyone who is serious about improving wellness. Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm and Sunday 9am-4pm.

COUNSELING

SYDNE STONELicensed Professional CounselorAAMFT, Clinical Member2116 Rocky Ridge Rd Birmingham, AL 35216205-492-7760SydneStoneCounseling@gmail.comSydneStoneCounseling.com

With 25 years of experience, Sydne Stone has been successful in helping people in several areas including Life Stage Adjustments, Grief, Divorce, Anxiety, Work and Career, Stress, Self-esteem, Addictions and Co-Dependency, Couple and

Family Therapy and Coping with Chronic Illness.

ENERGY HEALING

SOULNICITY: SYNCHRONICITY OF THE SOULNicki [email protected]

“Inner peace is standing still in the chaos of life.”

Offering Reiki/energy healing, Pilates/Mindful Movement Instruction, meditation, spirituality and workshops. Energy healing can provide deep relaxation, assist in the healing process emotionally

and physically, assist in connecting the mind-body-spirit, balance life energies, and help you maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. Call or email for more information about energy healing or other services. Two locations available in the Birmingham area.

FAMILY MEDICINE

BIRMINGHAM INTEGRATIVE HEALTHDr. Melanie Miller159 Main StreetTrussville, AL 35173205-655-2110BirminghamIntegrativeHealth.comFacebook.com/Birmingham IntegrativeHealth

Dr. Miller brings a commitment to integrative health to her patients in the greater Birmingham area. Her defi nition of good health goes beyond freedom from disease. She strives for both physical and mental well-being. She is a Family

Medicine Doctor with interest in adrenal, thyroid, hormone balancing, nutrition, food allergies, weight loss, herbs, supplements and acupuncture.

HOOVER ALT MDElizabeth Campbell Korcz, M.D.3421 S. Shades Crest, Suite 111 Hoover, AL 35244 205-733-6676 HooverAltMD.com

Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Wellness/Natural Medicine, Acupuncture, Weight Loss/Fitness, Hypnosis, Aromatherapy, Biofeedback, Counseling, Addiction, Botox/ Fillers, Facials. “A different kind of practice, a deeper kind of care."

FELDENKRAIS (SOMATIC EDUCATION)

JENNIFER ROWLEY, LMT # 1039Certifi ed Feldenkrais® Practitioner1025 23rd Street South Suite 205Birmingham, AL. 35205205-595-3671Learn to move more easily and with less effort. Learn to move beyond your habitual patterns of movement and posture that may be causing pain or limitations. The Feldenkrais Method® of Somatic Education (www.feldenkrais.com) offers a way to live more comfortably in your body. Over 28 years experience of assisting others to move better. Call for more information or to schedule a movement lesson.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To fi nd out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email [email protected] to request our media kit.


FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS

OFF THE VINE ORGANIC PRODUCEServing Birmingham and [email protected]

All organic—all the time! We bring the farmers market to you. Check our new selec-tion every Friday and pick up the following

week. Pick up or delivery available.

HOLISTIC HEALING

INTEGRATIVE HEALINGRama S. Khalsa, LMT #238, DAC1025 23rd Street South Suite 205Birmingham, AL. [email protected] Offering an integrative treatment approach for optimal health and wellness through massage, acupuncture, yoga (trained by yoga master Yogi Bhajan), ayurvedic nutritional counseling and energy healing. If you are seeking more vitality through a balanced state of being, please call for more information or to schedule an appointment.

HOMEOPATHY CONSULTANT

JOAN SCOTT LOWEHomeopathic Consultant1901 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. SouthBirmingham, AL 35209205-939-0071Joan@HomeopathyBeWell.comHomeopathyForWellness.comCall or email Joan Scott Lowe, Homeopathic Wellness Consultant, to determine your individual constitutional remedy, the FDA-approved nontoxic homeopathic remedy based on the totality of your mental, emotional, and physical condition, chosen according to the Law of Similars ("like heals like"). Achieve wellness and freedom from illness!

MASSAGE THERAPY

JUDY BOWLES LMT #556, NMT1025 23rd Street South Suite 205Birmingham, AL. [email protected]

Massage therapist with 18 years of therapeutic bodywork experience. I specialize in back, neck/shoulder pain; help with headaches/migraines and range of movement. Deep Tissue, Neuro-Muscular Reprogramming, Struc-tural Integration, Thai Mas-sage and Sports Therapy. Let me

help you be pain free. By appointment only.

STEPHEN WADE, LMT #23901025 23rd St. South Suite 205BBirmingham, AL 35205205-792-1967

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the daily pressure of life, needing therapeu-tic sports massage to complement your active lifestyle or for tension and pain relief. I would like to help you so call today for your appoint-ment. Over 5 years’ experience.

Specializing in neck and shoulder relief.

NUTRITION AND GIFTS

GOLDEN TEMPLE, NOW 3 LOCATIONS1901 11th Ave. South, Birmingham: 205-933-63333309 Lorna Rd, Suite 7, Hoover: 205-823-7002110 N. Chalkville Rd, Suite 148, Trussville: 205-655-0353Since 1973, we have been bringing you the best in healthy living. We offer a wide variety of merchandise including vitamins, herbs, supplements, natural foods, organic produce, incense, clothing, books, and gifts.

PILATES

PILATES ON HIGHLAND2827 Highland Ave [email protected]

Pilates on Highland is a full service studio located in the historic Highlands area, offering a caring, certifi ed staff, personalized attention and top of the line Pilates equipment. The Pilates method increases your strength, tones your body, decompresses your joints, improves fl exibility and range of

motion, boosts circulation and stimulates your mind.

PSYCHOLOGICALKINESIOLOGY

TRANSCENDING WISDOMTerry Lowry, PSYCH-K Facilitator2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650 Birmingham, AL 35209TrancendingWisdom.com205-414-7559

PSYCH-K is an interactive process. Within minutes a limiting belief held in the subconscious mind can be changed into a positive belief. PSYCH-K incorporates Educational Kinesiology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), acupressure, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, and

various psycho-spiritual healing systems. Call to set up an appointment for a free demonstration.

YOGA

BIRMINGHAM YOGA STUDIO605 37th Street SouthBirmingham, AL [email protected]

Serving the community, Birmingham Yoga offers and hosts: ongoing yoga classes in two beautiful studios, 200-hour yoga teacher training accredited with Yoga Alliance, morning meditation, exciting workshops and class series, monthly community kirtan, musical events, and rental space for

guest speakers and teachers.

EMBODY PRACTICE CENTER3918 Montclair Rd, Suite 100Birmingham, AL [email protected]

EMBODY Practice Center offers Yoga for all ages, levels, and health conditions.

Classes include All Levels Yoga, monthly Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga, Beginner’s Series, and series specifi c to injuries (such as neck and shoulders or low back). EPC also offers Tai-Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Breath/Feldenkrais® Class, Meditation workshops, and various other community and professional workshops.

It may well be thata society’s

greatest madness seems normal

to itself. ~Alan Bloom


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July 2013