natural awakenings magazine october 2012

1natural awakenings October 2012

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October 2012 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com

SHAPING THE

FUTUREWE

WANT

PRODUCT LIFECYCLES

Eco-Comparisons and Alternatives

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Help forCommon

Complaints

WARM WINTER WORKOUTS

Team Up and Have a Ball

WILDLIFE SUCCESS STORIESThreatened

Species Rebound

Global Commitments to Catalyze Change

2 West Michigan Edition NaturalWestMichigan.com


15 25 By 2025 Up For Vote by Julie Hurley

17 COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION Threatened Species Rebound by April Thompson

18 OPERATE YOUR WELL BEING A Conversation with Sadhguru by Karen Jacobson

20 CHIROPRACTIC CARE Help for Common Complaints by Kathleen Barnes

24 TEAM UP AND HAVE A BALL Warm Winter Workouts by Randy Kambic

26 SHAPING THE FUTURE WE WANT Global Commitments to Catalyze Change by Brita Belli

30 PUMPKIN FOR PETS Ease the Digestive System by Morieka V. Johnson

35 EMBRACE THE SEASON Michigans Fall Colors by Julie Reynolds

38 FOLLOW THE LIFECYCLE Crunching the Numbers on Products We Consume by Brita Belli

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

5 newsbriefs 1 1 healthbriefs 13 globalbriefs 17 inspiration 18 wisewords 20 healingways 22 fitbody 30 naturalpet 3 1 community spotlight

36 greenliving

41 calendar 43 classifieds 45 naturaldirectory

11

contents

38

20

15

24

30

13

advertising & submissions

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

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26


The late John Wooden wisely advised, Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out. Having a positive attitude makes all the difference in your day, as we all know from experience. This October, Positive Attitude Month, affords a helpful reminder.

Simple steps will start us on our way toward maintaining a more consistently positive attitude, beginning with each mornings decision to embrace this state of mind until it becomes an ingrained habit. Surrounding ourselves with positive people and positive media always provides a boost. Plus, its a big help to exercise, get fresh air, eat well and do the small joyful things

that bring us and others happiness. Setting our heart on having an attitude of gratitude helps us pay attention to the good times that make us glad.

Last fall, when I was on a weekend trip with my mom, aunt and cousin, enjoying a genial dinner conversation, my cousin looked at me and said, Wow, you are such a positive person. I really need to have that kind of outlook on things. I was particularly pleased because no one had ever told me that. She went on to recount how several times during the weekend I had contributed a positive spin on the topic at hand. When she asked me how I did it, I shared my secret of surrounding myself with positive people.

Since owning Natural Awakenings, I have noticed that most of the people I deal with are positive; I love how they teach me to look at life. We are all so blessed to live in a free country of endless possibilities, yet how often do we take something good for granted? Being with agreeable people has affected all aspects of my life in welcome ways, from my health and stress levels to business success to a growing ability to be the best possible person I can be to everyone I encounter.

One valuable aspect Kyle & I long ago added to our life treasures is chiropractic care. Wont you join us this month in celebrating National Chiropractic Month? We are walking testaments that it turns on your power, as our chiropractor likes to say. Natural Awakenings is here to put you in touch with the chiropractic practitioner that best suits your needs. We encourage you to get started now with this months Healing Ways article on Chiropractic Care for Common Complaints. Youll be amazed at the results.

Happy autumn,

Amy and Kyle Hass, Publishers

PublishersKyle & Amy Hass

Assistant PublisherAmanda Merritt

EditorsS. Alison Chabonais

Linda Sechrist

Design & ProductionInteractive Media Design

Scott Carvey

PrinterStafford Media Solutions

Natural Awakenings484 Sunmeadow Dr. SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508

Phone: 616-656-9232

[email protected]

2012 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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

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

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newsbriefsExtraordinary October Events

Three extraordinary October events are scheduled at From the Heart Yoga and Tai Chi Center located at 714 Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids. Internationally recognized Yoga Teacher Desiree Rumbaugh will kick it off October 12-14 with a weekend workshop titled We are the World. Rumbaugh has been immersed in Yoga since 1987. For Rumbaugh, teaching yoga is a playful art form

and she encourages her students to see their practice as a channel for personal creativity. Dr. Douglas Brooks will be there for a weekend of Philosophy and Conversation October 26-28. The conversation will be on the goddess Lakshmi. Dr. Brooks is a scholar of Hinduism, south Asian languages and the comparative study of religions. He lived in India with his teacher Dr. Gopala Aiyar Sundaramoorthy for many years studying and practicing Srividya, Auspicious Wisdom and the modern traditions of goddess-centered Tantra. He holds both Masters and doctoral degrees from Harvard University and is a Professor of Religion at Rochester University. On October 27 at 7:30pm, Shantala will be there for a night of Kirtan, Ecstatic Chants of Devotion. Benjy and Heather Wertheimer lead Kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide as the duo Shantala, with soul-stirring vocals, sacred lyrics and exotic instrumentation.

For information visit www.fromtheheartyoga.com. See ad page 16.

Grand Opening - Thornapple Health & Nutrition

On October 1st from 10am to 7pm, Thornapple Health & Nutrition will celebrate

their Grand Opening at 9175 Cherry Valley Ave, Suite D in Caledonia. This premier local store will feature a wide variety of Gluten-Free products, physical fitness, nutrition, vitamins, homeopathic products, essential oils, Michigan made products and more. Stop in everyday during opening week to look for extra special deals on these products and meet the owner, Janette Bremer and her friendly, helpful staff. Enter a drawing to win a free one hour Reiki session with their in-house Reiki Master, Julie Ann Coon. Many more surprises await, so come on down and celebrate good health!

Visit us at thornapplehealthandnutrition.com for more information. See ad page 23.

Connecting the Light Streams that Surround Us

On Saturday, October 20th from 7-9:30pm, Beyond Books invites you to experience Rheisa K. Barres, a Multi-Dimensional Consciousness Shifter. Barres taps into the field of energy that ALL is made from and helps awaken and align the light streams, or energetic cords that make up the patterns of our reality. These streams or cords are filled with communication, information and knowledge that when fully activated, help connect the

individual to a heightened consciousness of being. This in effect releases blockages, stuck patterns and increases the flow of energy available to the individual. Barres will share an overview of the channeled information she is receiving and then lead a group session focused on healing, one of the most challenging patterns on earth today, The Universes Expression of Love for Self or Why Them is really Us? Barres is the founder of Light Plus Wisdom Consulting, an entity created to be of service to those seeking a more balanced, fulfilling and joyful life. She is trained in Reiki, Quantum Touch, Esoteric Healing, Astrology, and is a UCM certified Healer Practitioner and Lay Minister.

Desiree Rumbaugh

Rheisa K. Barres


Space is limited, so call Beyond Books now at 269-857-8200 to reserve your experience. The fee is $33 with 10% off if you mention Natural Awakenings. Barres will also be available for some individual healing sessions on Sunday. Beyond Books is located at 403 Water Street, Ste 3 in Saugatuck.

Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center

The Buddhist Temple in Grand Rapids has changed its name to the Grand Rapids Buddhist Temple and Zen Center to more accurately reflect its activities. It has launched a new website www.grzen.org, which includes MP3 broadcasts of the Dharma talks and downloadable copies as well. The Temple is now in its Fall Practice Period and welcomes participants from all faith traditions.

See website for more details, grzen.org. See ad page 10.

Reiki Training Oct 20 & 21

Reiki Master Chitradevi Caradedios is offering Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 Trainings at Journey Home Yoga and Healths studio in Ada on October 20th and 21st. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. The word Reiki means spiritually guided life energy. It is a simple but powerful technique. Due to Reikis effectiveness in alleviating pain and stress, as well as accelerating recovery and healing time, it is commonly being employed in hospital and hospice programs throughout the United States and Europe as a complementary form of treatment. The ability to learn Reiki is not dependent on age, individual talent or acquired ability so Reiki can be learned by anyone. Reiki 1 and 2 are taught together during a weekend intensive. Reiki 1 Training is offered on Saturday, and Reiki 2 on Sunday. You may choose to attend only Level

1 or both Levels on the same weekend. Level I must be completed before Level II. The class is a combination of lecture, discussion, and experience.

For more information on the trainings or to register, visit www.urhomeyoga.com or call JHYH at 616-780-3604. See ad page 17.

Create Sanctuary at Home

Join Minnie Kansman, Feng Shui Master, on Saturday October 13th from 1:30-3:30pm at Expressions of Grace. The energy exchange for this class is $33. Learn how to use the art of Feng Shui to Create Sanctuary at Home. Clear your clutter at the energetic and mundane levels to improve the quality of life force that surrounds you. Lift the vibration of your space to reflect and support the life that you desire.

Topics include: What is Feng Shui, following the Chi room by room, Clutter Clogs and how to eliminate them, and Opening up the space to receive.

Please register early at Expressions of Grace www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com or call 616-361-8580. See Expressions of Graces ad page 16.

Looking for Local Artisans

Are you dreaming of moving your cottage-industry business stuff out of your dining room, kitchen, back corner of

the closet, under and around the guest bed, up in the attic, etc.? Are you wondering if youre ready to make the move to a commercial space, but dont want the expense on your own? Moondrop Herbals Cottage of Natural Elements is looking for local artisans to time share studio/work and retail space. Short- and long-term rentals are available. With the summer craft season winding down, maybe its time to showcase your natural artisan made products in its

Minnie Kansman


own cozy space! Items featured in the cottage must be made from natural, sustainable materials or made from reclaimed/repurposed items, and promote earth-stewardship practices. The Cottage is located at 351

Cummings, NW in the Standale shopping district and features its own parking, is close to wellness centers, resale shops, Meijer, and many restaurants. The Cottage also offers facilities for small group meetings.

For more details, l ike us at www.facebook.com/MoondropHerbals or contact the cottage at 616-735-1285. See ad page 6 & 45.

Divine Guidancefor Everyday Living 2012

Coptic Fellowship International is pleased to present Divine Guidance for Everyday Living 2012, the first one-day seminar in the Coptic Fellowship Lecture Series. The day-long event features internationally known Hay House author, Sonia Choquette. Choquette is a world-renowned author, storyteller, vibrational healer, and six-sensory spiritual teacher in demand for her guidance, wisdom, and capacity to heal the soul. Her books have sold more than a million copies world-wide, including her New York Times best seller The Answer is Simple. Other speakers include: John Davis, Carl Franklin, and Denise Iwaniw. John is an author and numerologist. He is the director of Coptic Fellowship International, World Service Order, and the Spiritual Unity of Nations. His books, Messiah and the Second Coming and Revelation for Our Time, are positive prophecies for the new millennium. Carl holds masters degrees in divinity and counseling. He has done over 3,000 Life Script readings, allowing one to look into their Akashic record. He is the author of the Alpha Breakthrough series of self-help CDs. Denise is an author of four books and five guided visualization CDs, including A Year of Mystic Angels. She hosts a weekly internet radio show, Balancing Heaven and Earth.Set aside November 17th as this event promises to bring uplifting and inspirational messages to downtown Grand Rapids at the WMU Conference Center. Admission is $60 per person and online registration is available at www.thecopticcenter.org or through Facebook at The Coptic Center.

For more information call The Coptic Center at 616-531-1339. See ad page 14.

Two Special Eventsat Beyond Books

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey makes her debut on the Roc list with Dark Currents (Roc Hardcover; October 2nd; $26.95), the first book in an all-new urban fantasy

series. Join us on October 6, 5:00pm at Beyond Books for a reading from her new release Dark Currents and have Jacqueline sign your copy afterwards. Also, on October 14, from 9am-12pm, Beyond Books hosts Meet your Power Animal Shamanic Journey. This is a Core Shamanism class where you will learn to journey to the upper and lower worlds to meet your power animals and teachers. Journeying boosts the immune system, energizes the spirit, and is unparalleled as a wisdom tool. Cost is $45 per person.

Call Beyond Books at 269-857-8200 to reserve your copy of Dark Currents or to reserve your space in Meet your Power Animal Shamanic Journey. Beyond Books is located at 403 Water Street, Ste 3 in Saugatuck.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Srendipit Organiques

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Breast Cancer Fund. One of the goals of the Breast Cancer Fund is to evaluate the science linking toxic chemicals to the disease and use that science to make sure the products we put on our bodies are safe. In 2004, Breast Cancer Fund co-founded the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics along with Environmental Working Group. That same year Environmental Working Group launched the Skin Deep website, an online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products. In June of this year, Teri Kelley opened Srendipit Organiques, where she carries only personal care products and cosmetics that score Low Hazard, 0-2 on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database. After going through a health scare a year earlier, educating people about toxic ingredients in products and making them more readily accessible became a passion for Kelley. All lines offered at Srendipit Organiques have been carefully chosen to include everything from cleaning products, to cosmetics, to personal care products, to products to keep your pet healthy and smelling good!

During October, Srendipit Organiques will be donating ten percent of all sales to the Breast Cancer Fund. For more information call Teri at 616-419-8115, or stop in at 944 Cherry St SE in Grand Rapids. See ad page 12 & 45.

SEEK: Open Minds Wanted

People reject faith in Jesus for some good reasons. Some meet religious people who are rigid, self-righteous, or hypocritical. Others visit churches and find it pointless and boring. Its good that those things turn people off.

Paula Bosen


Everyone knows bad faith when they see it: arrogant, immature, un-teachable, but maybe the faith thats rejected is just one kind of faith--not the only kind.

So what does good faith look like? Good faith is when people take a step forward in their lives. It is humble. It doesnt cut itself off from others but learns from them. While bad faith shuts down someones interest in Jesus, good faith can explore questions like: Is there more to life? Is it possible for me to connect with a real, active God? And how could that affect my life? The topic of good faith vs. bad faith is foundational to the discussions people have in SEEK and opens them up to sharing experiences instead of arguing about religion. Most find this is the best way to take steps forward in their spiritual journey. SEEK meets Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm at Derby Station in East Grand Rapids. SEEK is free and so are the appetizers.

For more information, conversation topics and testimonials visit facebook.com/SEEKgr. RSVP to [email protected] (SEEK provides childcare options for those who RSVP).

Food, Fun & Fashion Fair

On Sunday, October 21 from 10:00am-5:00pm the Food, Fun & Fashion fair will be held at the Outdoor Educational Center on Clear Lake in Dowling, MI.

Included in the fair will be a farmers market, clothing exchange, and tradeshow. Vendors will be offering food like honey, pumpkins,

squash, spice mixes, canned food products, fudge, flavored oils, baked goods, eggs, fruit and other organic food products and fashion The clothing exchange is free. Bring something from your closet in good condition and take something home you like for free. Tradeshow vendors will be offering wood furniture, pottery, woven rugs, wool products, art, candles, jewelry, healers, massage practitioners, aura photography and readers for your entertainment.

Give yourself the gift of time and enjoy nature, good conversations, and some fun. Admission of $3 includes access to the entire fair. For more information & directions call Ken at 269-377-4641 or visit reikiconnect.com.

Practical Kirtan for Your Life, Yoga Practice and Teaching

Kirtan (sacred chanting) has taken the yoga world by storm. But what is Kirtan? Through fascinating stories and deep personal experiences, Mike Cohen will guide you into a deeper understanding of the essential elements of Kirtan - mantras, Deities, Saints and Sanskrit on October 7. Of course, there will be lots of chanting. Best of all, you will learn easy, practical and effective ways to introduce and delight your friends, students and community through the heart-opening experiences of Bhakti Yoga. Several program participants can choose to be guided in leading the group in a simple, yet powerful chanting experience. You will depart with

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Mike Cohen


an open heart, clear understanding of how your Kirtan practice can influence and transform all aspects of your life and practical ways to introduce Kirtan to others. Participants receive a download of Cohens debut CD (Om Dattatreya) and a 30-page e-booklet titled A Bhakti Yoga Perspective on Kirtan - $20 value!

Sunday, October 7 from 2-5pm. Tickets $30 in advance, $40 at door. Purchase tickets at Lakeshore Yoga Studio, 715 Washington, Grand Haven, online at www.lakeshoreyoga.com or by calling 616-844-1900. See Lakeshore Yogas ad page 16.

Introducing Grace Kelly

Ottawa Village Chiropractic (OVC) in Holland, Michigan is proud to introduce Grace Kelly, our therapy dog. It has been proven that therapy dogs aid healing and well-being, and we are proud to have her on our team. Grace was on death row in Springfield, Missouri two years ago, because she had either run away from her home or was abandoned by her owners. She was in rough shape: A sinus infection, worms and kennel cough. She was set to be put down after rescue groups posted her information in newspapers and onlinehoping to find her owners. They never came, and there was no one to adopt her. After a few donations to rescue her from Animal Control and a loving foster home, she made her way to Michigan. Grace has endured many hours of training and certification processes and has become a natural for

therapy work. In fact, Grace is now a certified Therapy Dog and her first assignment is helping out at OVC.

P lease ca l l Ot t awa V i l l age Chiropractic at 616-399-9420 if youd like to meet Grace Kelly. See ad page 23.

Halloween Candy Buy-Back

The Grand Rapids dental expert, Dr. Kevin Flood, who refuses to create more business for himself by handing out candy to local children on Halloween, wants to make a bold statement by buying back kids Halloween candy. He is putting his money in your childrens mouth!

Last year over 300 children decided they would rather be paid for their Halloween candy than ruin their oral health. Children will be paid $1.00 per pound for their candy. The candy will be utilized by a local charity, Road Trips At Bedtime. This group assists families in creating their own ginger bread houses for the holidays.

This unique healthy buy-back will take place at the office of Dr. Kevin Flood on Thursday, November 1st from 2-4 PM. The office is located at 4990 Cascade SE, Cascade Road. See ad page 48.

Make your community a little GREENER Support our advertisers

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Grace Kelly


Celebrating 25 years of Healthy Living

Natures Market is celebrating 25 years of business on October 6th from 10am to 4pm. This anniversary celebration will feature local farmers, vendors and lots of free samples including Pleasant Hill Farm, Creswick Farm, Grassfield Farm, Hilhof Farm, CJ Veggies Farm, Ever Green Lane farm, Willyos, Salt of the Earth, Larry Hasselman, Simpatico Coffee, Good Life Granola, Honey Boy Bob, Michael Clark Soaps, Eco Trek Bars, Selestial Soap, free chair massages and more.

This opportunity is a token of our gratitude for the support of our community in the past 25 years.

The event will take place during regular store hours 8:00am-6:00pm at 1013 S. Washington Ave, Holland. Call 616-394-5250 for more information.

Weekend Intensive with Tias Little

Internationally acclaimed master yoga teacher Tias Little will be in Grand Rapids on October 12-14th for a weekend of hands-on yoga classes. Little will teach on a variety of subjects including Kidney Shakti, The Hip Elixir and a practice for the Core. This intensive series of workshops is appropriate for all levels of students and anyone looking to deepen their practice. Littles knowledge of anatomy, therapeutics and yogic philosophy along with his one of a kind wisdom, compassion, humility and humor will inspire and transform your practice.

Sponsored by Cascade Yoga Studio, classes will be held at the Donnelly Center of Aquinas College. Call 616-464-1610 for session times, prices and directions- email [email protected]. Visit www.cascadeyogastudio.com for more details at. See ad page 16 & 29.

Free Fitness Bicycling Event

The next free EcoTrek Fitness-sponsored bicycling event will be led by Kalamazoo Series Leader, Kylie Schultz on Saturday, October 20 at 8:30am. Meet at Mayors River Front Park at 251 Mills Street -- the ride will be 15

miles total, to D Avenue and back down the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Hang out afterwards for a healthy brunch out with the group. No fancy jerseys or souped-up bikes needed, we are in this for fun, and you will not be out to beat a certain time or qualify for a race.

To sign up, simply email: [email protected] or call 616-291-2851. See ads pages 29 & 37.

KudosOn The Path Yoga congratulates founder, Sandy Parker, on her newest certification as a Healthy Foot Practitioner from the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, California. Sandy will be sharing her expertise in foot care, and its impact on the body in their upcoming Women in Spirit and Wellness Weekend on November 2-4th.

See Calendar section for details. See ad page 16.

Tias Little


October 24 is Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Day

The popularity of acupuncture in the United States is increasing steadily, according to a study of Americans use of the ancient Chinese energy-balancing technique, published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Researchers found that in 2007, 6 percent of adult Americans included acupuncture as part of their regular health care regimen,

up 42 percent from 2002 (at that time, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine also reported that 60 percent of adults surveyed considered acupuncture as a treatment option). Most commonly used for pain relief, acupuncture is based on the theory that needle stimulation of specific points on the bodys energy channels, called merid-ians, corrects imbalances and helps restore health. Some Western experts believe that the needles stimulate pain-sensing nerves, which trigger the brain to release endorphins, the bodys pain-relieving chemicals. Former President Richard Nixon is generally credited with popularizing acu-puncture in the West after he toured medical facilities during his visit to China in 1972. New York Times reporter James Reston, who was traveling with Nixon and underwent an emergency appendectomy during the trip, wrote extensively about the post-operative pain relief he experienced.

Breast Cancer Links to Environmental Toxins

New evidence that chemical pollution may be linked to breast cancer comes from a surprising source: a group of male breast cancer patients at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. Poisons in the camps drinking water, including benzene, a carcinogenic gasoline additive, perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), are regarded as a cause; conditions at the base are also blamed for unusual rates of leukemia and birth defects. The worst period of contamination of the bases water supply began in the late 1950s and continued for more than 30 more years. Because men are simpler to study than womentheir risk of developing breast cancer is not compli-cated by factors such as menstruation, reproduction, breastfeeding and hormone replacement therapythe

epidemiologists may be able to conclusively link industrial chemicals with an increased risk of the disease for both genders.

Source: National Disease Clusters Alliance

healthbriefs

CAFFEINE A NO-NO FOR BABIES

New moms that are breastfeeding should abstain from caffeine, according to an interview with Dr. Ruth Lawrence published in the Journal of Caffeine Research, a peer-reviewed publication. Lawrence says that because infants are not able to metabolize or excrete caffeine efficiently, a breastfeeding mothers consumption of the drug may lead to caffeine accumulation and symptoms such as wakefulness and irritability in her baby.

VITAMIN D CURBS DEPRESSION

Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, particularly among those with a history of the disorder, according to what researchers believe is the largest such investigation ever undertaken. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center psychiatrists, working with the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, reviewed the relevant results of nearly 12,600 participants from late 2006 to late 2010. They suggest that patients with a history of depression could benefit from a vitamin D assessment.


ABCs Keep Colon Cancer at Bay What do Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower have in common? According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, these cruciferous veggies are associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer. Throw in a good measure of As, as in apples, and people can also reduce their risk of distal colon cancer, report researchers from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research at the University of Western Australia and Deakin University, in Victoria, Australia. The investigation examined the potential link between fruits and vegetables and three cancers in different parts of the bowel.

Breast Health Screening Questioned

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and thousands of well-meaning healthcare providers will continue to recommend mammograms. However, a growing body of research suggests that X-ray mammography may not be the best screening approach, at least on an annual basis, and even the National Cancer Institute notes potential harms ranging from false results to overtreatment and radiation exposure. A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Radiobiology revealed that the type of radiation used in X-ray-based screenings is more carcinogenic than previ-ously believed. The researchers wrote, Recent radio-

biological studies have provided compelling evidence that the low-energy X-rays used in mammography are approximately four timesbut possibly as much as six timesmore likely to cause mutational damage than higher energy X-rays. Peter Gtzsche is director of the Nordic Cochrane Centre and an author of the landmark 2001 Cochrane systematic review, Screening for Breast Cancer with Mammography, which concludes, Currently available reliable evidence has not shown a survival benefit of mass screening for breast cancer. In 2011, Gtzsche stated, It is getting more and more difficult to argue that mammography is reasonable to [use] for breast screening.

Dentists Can Help Diagnose Gluten SensitivityThe mouth may be one place that signs of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity are manifested, according to a recent study by researchers at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They discovered a link between the disorder and dental enamel defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, and concluded that dentists can play an important role in identifying unrecognized celiac disease. Appropriate referral and timely diagnosis can help prevent serious complications.

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

healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

globalbriefs

Eco-PioneerPaying It Forward: Rachel Carsons LegacyThis year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carsons seminal book, Silent Spring, which warned of the far-reaching dangers of deadly pesticides and was widely regarded as a catalyst for Americas con-servation, clean air and water and environmental protec-tion movements. Now author Laurie Lawlor and illustrator Laurie Beingessner bring her message to todays youth in the childrens book, Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. Carsons lifefrom her childhood fascination with nature to becoming a col-lege graduate and biologist to writing Silent Spring before her death in 1964is told in easy-to-understand terms. An epilogue recounts her legacy for all genera-tions. Carson encouraged readers to rethink fundamental values about the relation-ship between people and nature and not to suppose that, Nature exists for the convenience of man, as she put it. One of the vivid examples of lifes interconnectedness that Carson cited occurred in Clear Lake, California, between 1949 and 1957. To eradicate gnats, three sprayings of DDD, a cousin of DDT, were applied, killing western grebes that breed on floating nests. When scientists examined the dead birds, they found astounding levels of DDD and realized that it occurred because the birds fed on lake fish that fed on DDD-laden plankton, passing the toxic pesticide up the food chain in a whole chain of poisoning. Carson also warned of potential human cancers resulting from handling pesticides and eating contaminated fish. The state Department of Public Health consequently banned DDD in 1959 and the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants subsequently banned DDT for agricultural use worldwide in 2004. Along with the enactment of many environmental laws, Carsons work helped spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The advent of Earth Day, in 1970, led Mark Hamilton Lytle to write in his biography of Carson, The Gentle Subversive, that, No event could have done more to celebrate the ideals that Rachel Carson bequeathed to the environmental movement. Her legacy lives on.

Number PleaseLet Your Fingers Do the BlockingWith the advent of online access at home and ubiquitous use of smartphones, the traditional printed telephone book is going the way of the dodo. Yet competing companies across the country are still churning out the archaic directories and

delivering them unbidden to millions of people annually. Many receive multiple publications that, although they can be

recycled, still add up to a tremendous waste of resources and an unnecessary burden on landfills. Now an industry-sponsored online opt-out regis-try, YellowPagesOptOut.com, has been established to provide a convenient way for residents to choose which

directories they want to receive or to stop delivery. At least 12 weeks are required to process an opt-out request.

Lets EatNational Food Day is October 24Sponsored by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day provides a national focus for healthy food-related initiatives across the country.Get involved at FoodDay.org.

Developing ProblemThe Case to Save SwamplandAn out-of-the-way quagmire or boggy boondock off a lonely road might seem like just so much wasteland rather than something to be concerned about when its paved over for a new strip mall or big-box store. But citizens are realizing that these plots where land meets water provide a vital and valuable ecological function. In addition to nurturing essential biodiversity, wetlands purify water, produce fish, store carbon dioxide that would otherwise increase global warm-ing and protect shorelines from floods, storm surges and erosion. When we lose wetlands, were losing something we wont recover for years, remarks Dr. Moreno-Mateos, a wetland ecologist at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, at Stanford University. When people develop that huge shopping mall, it will take centuries to restore the functions we had before. After-the-fact restoration efforts yield far more limited benefits.

Source: plosBiology.org


Food FightNo More Hidden GMOsCalifornia voters face a food-pro-tection milestone this November when Proposition 37, a citizens initiative, appears on their bal-lots. If it passes, California will be the first state to require label-ing of a wide range of foods con-taining genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. Determined to defeat this first-ever initiative, some of the nations largest biotech and agribusiness companies have poured millions of dollars into negative advertising. Even more alarming is that much of the money comes from sources most shoppers would not suspect. Consumers might be surprised to find out that brands hiding under natural faades are in fact owned by multi-billion-dollar corporations that are contributing bushel baskets of cash to defeating Propo-sition 37, says Charlotte Vallaeys, director of Farm and Food Policy at The Cornu-copia Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting sustainable, organic agriculture via research, investigation and education. According to Cornucopia, recent polls indicate that nearly 70 percent of California citizens support informational labeling. Proponents of Proposition 37 have contributed $3 milliona number dwarfed by the $23 million bursting from biotech and food manufacturer coffers to fight the measure. The California vote is crucial because many companies will find it more expensive to produce foods with GE labels for California while creating a different product line of foods for the rest of the nation. Just as weve observed in Europe, where labeling of food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is man-datory, we fully expect that when given a choice, consumers will choose organic or non-GMO products, said Cornucopia Co-Director Mark A. Kastel. To help consumers identify and support organic brands whose corporate own-ers have contributed to Proposition 37 and avoid product lines committed to its defeat, Cornucopia has compiled an online guide and is sponsoring a petition.

Learn more and take action at Cornucopia.org/2012/08/prop37.

Busty Justice October is Bra Recycling MonthThe Bra Recyclers, a Gilbert, Arizona-based textile recycling company, is celebrating the third annual Bra Recycling Month during October. The intent is to collect new and gently used and cleaned bras for interested women nationwide. Healthiest options are non-underwire garmentsDr. John McDougall, in his book, The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart, notes that constricting bras have been implicated in the rise of benign, non-cancerous but often painful breast cysts and lumps. Bra Recyclers CEO Elaine Birks-Mitchell states, The month-long campaign ties directly into breast cancer and domestic violence awareness. The Bra Recyclers believe every woman and girl should not have to worry about something as simple as a bra as they tran-sition back to self-sufficiency or being cancer-free. The results are enhanced self-esteem and encouragement and strength to carry on.

To participate, visit BraRecycling.com.

It promises to be aday of upliftingmessages and

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The state of Michigan pays $1.7 billion annually to other states to purchase coal for its energy needs. This November, voters in Michigan will decide to add Section 55: Michigans Clean Renewable Electric Energy Standard to Article IV of the Michigan Constitution, which will bring $10 billion of investment to Michigan, keep our dollars here in our state and create jobs for Michigan workers in the fast-growing clean energy sector (mienergymijobs.com). Proposal 3, also referred to as 25 by 2025, will require that a minimum of 25 percent of Michigans energy comes from clean, renewable sources, including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower by the year 2025. To protect consumers, it will also limit rate increases to comply with this standard to 1 percent per year. Proposal 3 is the best opportunity we will have this year to rebuild Michigan manufacturing, create 94,000 Michigan jobs that cant be outsourced and help Michigan compete against other states, said Mark Fisk, spokesman for the Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs campaign. This is an exciting moment for Michigan voters, who want our state to compete for renewable energy jobs and opportunities that are going to other states right now. On November 6, we have an opportunity to make Michigan a real clean energy leader. According to a Michigan State University economic impact study on 25 by 2025 in August 2012, Proposal 3 will create at least 74,000 Michigan jobs that cant be outsourced.

The full language of the proposal is as follows:

55 Michigans Clean Renewable Electric Energy Standard

1. It is the policy of Michigan to promote and encourage the use of clean renewable electric energy sources. Clean renewable electric energy sources, which naturally replenish over a human rather than geological time frame, are wind, solar, biomass and hydropower.

2. Beginning no later than 2025, at least 25% of each electricity providers annual retail electricity sales in Michigan shall be derived from the generation or purchase of electricity produced from clean renewable electric energy sources. The foregoing clean renewable electric energy standard shall be implemented incrementally and in a manner that fosters a diversity of energy generation technologies. Facilities used for satisfying the standard shall be located within Michigan or within the retail customer service territory of any electric utility, municipally-owned electric utility or cooperative electric utility operating in Michigan.

3. Consumers shall be charged for electricity from clean renewable electric energy sources in the same manner and on the same basis as for electricity from other sources.

4. To protect consumers, compliance with the clean renewable electric energy standard shall not cause rates charged by electricity providers to increase by more than 1% in any year. Annual extensions for meeting the standard may be granted, but only to the extent demonstrated to be necessary for an electricity provider to comply with the foregoing rate limitation.

5. The legislature shall enact laws to promote and encourage the employment of Michigan residents and the use of equipment manufactured in Michigan in the production and distribution of electricity derived from clean renewable electric energy sources.

6. Any provision or portion of this section held invalid or unconstitutional shall be severable from the remaining portions, which shall be implemented to the maximum extent possible. (mienergymijobs.com)

Norman Christopher, Director of Sustainable Community Development Initiative at Grand Valley State University and author of the forthcoming book Sustainability Demystified! said, The 25 by 2025 proposal is a very forward-looking proposal. Currently, the State of Michigan does not have a comprehensive energy policy. Today, we do have in place a statute to obtain ten percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2015. Christopher said that much progress has been made on this initiative and is sure we can learn a great deal from Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and others who have successfully implemented these projects. Energy policy is a very complex issue for utilities, the private and public sectors and residents. It is a big leap to go from using renewable energy technologies from ten percent by 2015 to 25 percent by 2025. The discussions should continue as new jobs will be created by use of the various renewable energy technologies as they become more commercialized and cost competitive. The Michigan Energy, Michigan Jobs campaign says that Proposal 3 will help expand Michigans clean energy production without significantly increasing energy prices. Studies by independent economists predict that it would cost the average Michigan household no more than $1.25 a month, and in the long run, could reduce our energy bills.

A married mother of two young children, Julie Hurley is a freelance writer with a strong interest in natural living. She is also the Director of Public Relations at Principia Media, a publishing house in Grand Rapids, www.PrincipiaMedia.com.

Up for vote in 2012:25 by 2025 by Julie Hurley


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The founders of the United States chose the magnificent and per-vasive bald eaglea bird unique to North America and sacred to many Native American tribesas a symbol of their proud and flourishing new na-tion, but by 1967, it was on the brink of extinction. When the combination of habitat loss, pesticide use and other factors landed it on the endangered species list, the country rallied. Conservation organizations, indigenous tribes, busi-nesses, individual citizens and govern-ment at all levels worked together to strengthen the numbers of this na-tional icon, which had dwindled to 417 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states, despite the fact that the species was doing well in Alaska and Canada. Captive breeding programs, law enforcement efforts, habitat protection around nest sites and the banning of the toxic pesticide DDT all contributed to the recovery plan, spearheaded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Today, the bald eagle is again soaring highjust five years after being removed from the list some 10,000 pairs now make their nests in the lower 48. More than 40 percent of the worlds millions of species have similar-ly suffered and are now in critical con-dition, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature; new threats like climate change make their

futures ever more tenuous. Yet the bald eagles stunning comeback proves that being labeled an endangered species isnt necessarily a death sentence. The California condor, peregrine falcon and black-footed ferret are among many animals that have returned from the verge of extinction via protective ac-tions taken under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Other decimated populations targeted by international conservation efforts, from Rwandas mountain goril-las to Indias wild tigers, also show en-couraging signs of recovery. Rhinos, for example, are returning to the African wilderness thanks to community-based, public/private conservation programs that fight poaching, habitat loss and other human threats to this prehistoric creature. Since its launch in 1997, the World Wildlife Funds African Rhino Programme estimates that the white and black rhino population on the continent has more than doubled, from approxi-mately 11,000 to 25,000.

For wildlife success stories across America, visit fws.gov/endangered. To learn of progress among other global species and how to help, explore Priority Species at Panda.org.

April Thompson regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

Collaborative Conservation

Threatened Species Reboundby April Thompson


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Visit IshaKriya.comfor a free meditation

Sadhguru is an Indian yogi and mystic who founded the Isha Foundation, a volunteer-run, international nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating human potential through a customized system of yoga in its full depth and dimension. Isha Foundation operates in more than 150 cities in 14 countries and is headquartered at Isha Yoga Center in southern India and at Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in the United States. Ishas signature program, Inner Engineering, is scientifically structured to present simple but powerful processes from the yogic tradition, to transcend the limitations of each individual and bring people to higher levels of consciousness. Inner Engineering gives people the tools to create the lives they want. Sadhguru will be in Detroit to lead the workshop Inner Engineering, from October 12 to 14. Natural Awakenings (NA) obtained this interview with Sadhguru (S) to learn more about his current focus and plans for the upcoming visit.

NA: Why have you begun to emphasize the importance of raising human consciousness more than ever over the past year or so?S: For the very first time in history, we have the capability, the resources and the technology to solve all the basic human problems of nourishment, health and education. Never before was this possible. A hundred years ago, even if you dreamt of it, there was no capability. Today, we are capable. The only thing that is missing is human consciousness. If only human consciousness, especially in the leadership, was more inclusive in the approach to life, all these fundamental problems of human survival and existence could be sorted out. Today, it is not an empty dream; it is a standing possibility. However, between possibility and reality there is a distance. As a generation of people, we must ask ourselves, Will we walk the distance or not?

NA: What kind of impact can one person have on raising human consciousness? How does ones personal growth affect a community?S: Even if just a few people in a group are truly meditative, the whole group will experience the benefit of this. If you do it for yourself, it will naturally happen around you. Slowly, the quality will be imbibed. We have been conducting yoga programs in the prisons in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India for the last seventeen years. About thirty percent of the people have started meditating in these prisons and a huge, miraculous change has happened. When we first went to one of the prisons, in its 136-year history, not a single day had passed without somebody being in solitary confinement. After the program, not a single person went into solitary for the next three months. They started writing poetry! Wherever people start meditating, suddenly there is a whole change in the situations around them. If you make just one percent of the world truly meditative, the world will be fantastic the remaining 99% will just be sucked into it.

NA: You are known for creating consecrated spaces. How do you think consecrated spaces have a role in raising human consciousness?S: Consecration is a live process. It is like this: if you transform mud into food, we call this agriculture. If you make food into flesh and bone, we call this digestion. If you make flesh into mud, we call this cremation. If you can make this flesh or even a stone or an empty space into a divine possibility, that is called consecration. Today, modern science is telling you that everything is the same energy manifesting itself in a million different ways. If that is so, what you call the Divine, what you call a stone, what you call a man or a woman, are all the same energy functioning in different ways. For example, the same electricity becomes light, sound and so many other things, depending upon the technology. If you have the necessary technology, you can make the simple space around you into a divine exuberance. This is the phenomenon of consecration. It is my dream that someday the whole humanity should live in consecrated spaces. Human beings can carry a phenomenal sense of energy, intellect and capability if you create large consecrated spaces where the whole generation of people are in touch with that kind of energy and space.

You have been consecrating the feminine goddess energy in many places throughout the world. Some people think this is pagan worship. Can you explain its purpose and how can people benefit from it?When I say feminine, I am not talking about being physically male or female. The feminine can be as alive in a man as it is in a woman. The feminine is a certain quality and the masculine is also a certain quality. Only when these two qualities happen in balance, can

O p e r a t e Y o u r W e l l B e i n g A C o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h S a d h g u r u

by Karen Jacobson


a human being live a life of fulfillment. For a long time, humanity has given too much significance to the masculine because survival has been the dominant factor. It is only when societies have handled their survival well and reached a certain level of stabilized culture and civilization that the feminine can flower. Societies are now coming to that phase, but one thing that is also happening is that economics is becoming the primary force in the world. We are once again bringing everything down to the level of survival, so the masculine will once again dominate. Many women may be becoming CEOs, but to do this, they have had to drop the feminine and operate more like men. There is no room to use the feminine in these situations. Without the feminine, we will have full-grown trees that will never flower; you will have everything in your life and you will have nothing in your life. Today, with the available technology, if all the seven billion people become alpha-males driving themselves full-scale, this planet will not last very long. If the feminine was in equal expression as the masculine, human sense would definitely save the planet.

NA: What do you wish to accomplish when you come to Detroit in October?S: My effort is to bring a technology for your wellbeing. Today there are various technologies to bring external wellbeing. Because of these technologies, human life has become more comfortable and convenient than ever before. As a generation of people, we are the most comfortable generation ever, but we cannot say we are the most joyful generation. We cannot say we are the most peaceful or loving generation. This is because we have taken care of the external technologies, but we have not made use of the inner technologies. So Im coming to Detroit to offer this dimension in utmost purity and in the way it works. Technology essentially means doing things the way it works, not doing things the way you believe it is. Technology is non-discriminatory; you may be a man, a woman, a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, whatever. It doesnt matter; when it comes to technology, you just have to learn how to do it, and it will work for you. Right now, you see millions of people busily engaged with their iPhones and iPads, but Im asking you what about the personal I? This human being is the most sophisticated piece of machinery and technology. If you learn to empower this, if you learn to operate this in its full depth and dimension, you will live your life magically, not miserably. So this is my offer to everybody, not just in Detroit, everybody anywhere in the world. This is my offer that it is time that you learn to operate your wellbeing in a scientific manner.

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Chiropractic CareHelp for Common Complaints

by Kathleen Barnes

Most people visit a chiro-practor because they are in pain and seeking relief, although some initially visit for general health, says Keith Overland, president of the American Chiropractic Association and a practicing chiropractic physician in Norwalk, Connecticut. Every doctor of chiropractic should first perform a com-plete and thorough exam and develop a diagnosis to determine the best approach to the patients condition. Rick Burns, a doctor of chiropractic and professor of chiropractic technique at Palmer College of Chiropractic, in Davenport, Iowa, notes that more than 100 techniques and endless permuta-tions of adjustments and thrusts can be used to help bring the body back into alignment and health. Most chiroprac-tors integrate several methods, depend-ing on the needs of the patient, he says. While chiropractors undergo four years of post-graduate training, like medical doctors, they specialize in, making certain the brain communicates 100 percent of the time through the

spinal cord to the nerves, explains Burns. Miscommunication between the brain and the nerves caused by spinal misalignments, called sublux-ations, are at the heart of the science of chiropractic adjustment. Most chiropractic schools give students a basic toolbox of techniques before individual practitioners go on to obtain certification in advanced techniques; much like medical special-izations, says Overland. His specialties include treating sports injuries and he has many Olympic athletes as patients.

Most Common TechniquesDiversified: This catch-all term encom-passes the short thrust spinal adjust-ment approach used by an estimated 80 percent of all chiropractors, says Dr. Cynthia Vaughn, an Austin, Texas-based chiropractor and member of the board of governors of the American Chiro-practic Association. It is characterized by what is called the high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLA), resulting in the popping sound

familiar to most people that have expe-rienced chiropractic care. Although the adjustment is painless, some patients instinctively tense their muscles. Adjustment is a sneak attack, My reflexes being faster than yours, remarks Burns. The average muscle contracts in about a quarter of a sec-ond. We do a lot of speed training so we can do the adjustment in one-tenth of a second. Activator: The activator technique, used by about 20 percent of chiroprac-tors as part of an integrated practice, employs a small, spring-loaded, rubber-tipped device, slightly larger than a pen, which applies a small amount of force to a specific area. It makes a stapler-like sound and the recipient usually feels only slight pressure. Not everybody can tolerate the more aggressive manipulation that is performed as a foundation in chiroprac-tic, especially elderly people or very young children, says Overland. The activator technique claims to be faster, more specific and less forceful than manual adjustment. Applied kinesiology: Also known as muscle testing, applied kinesiology evaluates muscle strength at various spe-cific points to help determine if a specific type of adjustment or even a nutritional supplement might be helpful to an individual patient as a treatment. This in-dividualized treatment is popular among chiropractors and their patients. It is a way to glean a tremendous amount of diagnostic information to specifically tell where the subluxations (imbalances) are, says Vaughn, and is used by about 20 percent of chiropractors. Sacro-occipital technique (SOT): Another form of non-forceful adjust-ment, SOT usually involves having the patient lie face down on a table. Insert-ing a variety of wedges asymmetrically distributed under the pelvis creates a helpful torque. Gravity causes the adjustment to happen very subtly in about 10 min-utes, explains Vaughn. It is effective for the elderly and people with osteo-porosis that cant tolerate more vigor-ous adjustments. Gonstead: Similar to the HVLA technique, a Gonstead approach pays particular attention to the lower spine

healingways


and the effects of its misalignments on the rest of the body. These practitioners generally prefer to adjust the neck with the patient in a sitting position. More than half of all chiroprac-tors use some form of the Gonstead technique. It involves detailed structural analysis of the spine, which can include various types of palpitation, nervoscope analysis of heat and nerve pressure along the spine, and X-rays. All of these techniques require extensive education and thousands of hours of training, concludes Overland. Adds Burns, Each patient is evalu-ated and diagnosed individually. So try different techniques and see what works for you. The goal is to unlock the bodys ability to heal itself.

Kathleen Barnes is a natural health ad-vocate, author and publisher. 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women, written with Dr. Hyla Cass, is among her many books. Visit KathleenBarnes.com.

Waking up with a stiff neck or shoulder or back pain sends 20 million Americans to the chiro-practor each year.

~ American Chiropractic Association


As exercise reaches beyond the realm of pure athlet-ics to include fitness fans everywhere, people have noticed that their efforts to stay in shape often are thwarted by back pain. Thats why knowledgeable trainers counsel that any well-designed workout must honor the health and mechanics of this important part of the body. Dr. Karen Erickson, a New York City-based chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Associa-tion, sees firsthand why alignment is crucial, especially if an individual has a history of back pain. Good stability and good flexibility are the big factors for keeping the spine healthy, she says. No matter what exercise mo-dality one chooses to practice, Erickson advises begin-ning conservatively, as benefits can be achieved without pushing the level of difficulty.

core strength countsDeveloping muscle strength throughout the torso is key to maintaining the correct spinal curvature for a strong back. In addition to the muscles that directly attach to the spine, the spine is also stabilized by deep stomach strength, strong pelvic floor support and the up-per thigh muscles. Pilates is well-known for its focus on such core conditioning. Pilates uses apparatus expressly designed for working the abdominals and the back, explains Lolita San Miguel, from her studio in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Most of our work is in the supine or prone positions [lying down], so that the vertical pull from gravity is lessened, and the body can be worked with a more correct alignment, and thus more effectively. One of a small group of active practitioners who studied with Pilates method founder Joseph Pilates, San Miguel is a living testament to the benefits of the practice. When this 75-year-old isnt doing her daily Pilates, shes engaged in other physically demanding activities. Pilates makes life sweet for the senior, she says.

Posture mattersDespite well-meaning parental advice, it turns out that good posture entails more than just pulling our shoulders back. Alignment practices like Restorative Exercise and the Alex-ander Technique were designed to develop an awareness of

full-body mechanics as we go about daily activities. Annette Cantor-Groenfeldt teaches the Alex-

ander Technique in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The central theme of the technique is the spine, learning how to maintain length through the spine as you move, she advis-es. It is used extensively by actors, danc-ers, musicians and other high-performance people whose activities depend on postural alignment.

In 2008, the Alexander Technique was the subject of a

yearlong study published in the British Medical

Journal, where it was shown to be effec-tive in relieving low-back pain. The system focuses on both mental and physical aspects of movement, and usually includes passive treatments on the massage table, where the

EXERCISE FOR SPINE HEALTHSMART TRAINING BEATS BACK PAIN

by Michael Curran

october is National spinal Health month

fitbody


teaching practitioner manipulates the body to help release muscular tension.

stay flexibleKeeping spinal movements fluid and supple is also essential for keeping the discs of the spine healthy. Tai chi and the related qigong emphasize this kind of mobility. Many Tai chi students find that they can move some of their vertebrae, but others seem to be stuck, with several vertebrae moving as one, reports Sound Beach, New York-based Tai chi Master Bob Klein. He explains, In Tai chi, you become a master of moving the spine so that it almost seems devoid of bones, flowing and turning with ease, in exact coordination with the rest of the body. Both Tai chi and qi-gong are gaining popularity among those who are looking to maximize a cardio-style workout, while minimizing impact on their bones and joints. Yoga is a longtime favorite approach to maintaining both stability and flexibility through strong muscles and align-ment. Ana Forrest used her hatha yoga practice to recover from an accident that seriously injured all the regions of her spine, and Forrest Yoga was born out of her retraining. People spend 90 percent of their waking hours in positions that compress the spinein how they sit, how they stand, even how they do backbends in yoga class, she observes. Part of a good yoga practice is to create length in the spine, create a feeling of spaciousness in the body. While Erickson considers herself a fan of all the exer-cise modalities listed here, she always emphasizes personal responsibility when it comes to back health. Never do an exercise that causes you pain, she offers as a rule of thumb. For long-term back health, she explains that chiropractic care is great for improving alignment and other back-related is-sues, yet is no substitute for daily exercise and self-care.

Michael Curran has credentials in psychology, ayurvedic medicine, and Restorative Exercise.

Contacts: Karen Erickson at [email protected]; Ana Forrest at ForrestYoga.com; Bob Klein at MovementsOfMagic.com; Lolita San Miguel at LolitaPilates.com; and Annette Cantor-Groenfeldt at 505-670-0474.

FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO AVOID BACK PAIN

by Katy Bowman

Lose the high heels. The scientific consensus is that high heels compress and damage the lumbar spine, increasing osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease in the low back.

Let the feet point the way. Just like the wheels on a car, feet should point straight ahead when walking. Military or dance training, or an ankle or back injury can sometimes result in a sort of duck walk. Line up the outsides of the feet along the straight edge of a carpet or tile floor and walk along it to practice.

Stretch the calves. Tight calves are a major contributor to back pain. The tighter the lower leg, the more ones gait pattern whips the upper back forward and contributes to curling of the upper spine. Adding a daily calf stretch to any exercise routine helps to better align the spine.

Do the twist. Each vertebra in the spine not only bends forward and backward and from side-to-side, it also rotates. Of all these natural motions, the twisting of the torso is the least used in our culture. Incorporating a yoga spinal twist into an exercise routine will gently reintro-duce rotation back into our movement repertoire.

Get a better butt. The main culprit of low back pain is weak butt muscles. Gluteal muscles not only stabilize the tailbone, they help support the function of the low back muscles. If the glutes are weak, the low back muscles have to work harder than normal, which makes them fatigued and sore. Squats work well to strengthen the butt.

Katy Bowman, a biomechanics scientist, is director of the Restorative Exercise Institute in Ventura, CA (Restorative Exercise.com).

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Warm Winter Workoutsby Randy Kambic

During seasons of extreme weather, those that pre-fer to exercise indoors can complement the individual huffing and puffing sounds of gyms and fitness clubs with the social shouts of competitive community sports. Fall is an ideal time to sign up for winter leagues to take advantage of the flip side of outdoor summer leagues. Here we can continue playing what many of us enjoyed as kidsvolleyball, basketball and bowling; a welcoming facility is likely just a short distance away.

V-Ball and B-Ball ActionMany facilities use their gyms for basketball leagues two or three nights a week and set up volleyball nets on the other nights, notes Bill Beckner, research manager with the National Recreation and Park Association. He reports that in season, there is more open play in basketball, especially on weekends, and also during weekday lunch hours for workers. YMCA/YWCAs, as well as some public school gymnasiums, welcome adults to play either basketball or volleyball. Opportunities include after school, on weekends and during semester breaks. While beach volleyball competitions continue to garner more media atten-tion, indoor volleyball has remained consis-tently popular. USA Volleyball, the sports national governing body, has 40 regional associa-tions that provide access to grassroots play, as well as organized competitions. Business team leagues also exist in many cities

and towns, as well as infor-mal gatherings of friends that simply meet up. With six people per side, its fun to rotate po-sitions and learn to serve,

block the ball, set up a teammate and return or

spike it over the net. Accord-ing to Beckner, Early Boomers

enjoy the camaraderie and generally find volleyball less physically demand-ing than basketball. He reports that co-ed volleyball is also popular with young adults, and he anticipates even more interest following the Summer Olympics. Participating in either sport may lead to minor injuries without proper equipment. To help prevent ankle sprains from an awkward landing, Paul Ullucci, of East Providence, Rhode Island-based Ullucci Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy, recommends tightly fitting, hightop sneakers. Lace them all the way up and tie them tightly, he says. For some, he also advises an ankle brace over socks for even more support. Because fingers may get bent by the ball, Taping two fingers together with thin strips of medical tape above and below the knuckles can stabilize a joint prone to getting sprained while maintaining flexibility, suggests this

member of the National Athletic Trainers Associations Board

of Directors.

Have a BowlBowling similarly offers friendly social competi-tion, as well as a way

to develop individual playing style and track

personal improvement. The United States Bowling

Congress reports that 71 million people bowled at least once in 2010,


making it the number one U.S. participa-

tory sport. Nationwide,

it sanctioned 71,904 leagues in

2010-2011, fairly evenly split between men and women. Steve Johnson, executive director of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, views its 3,600 member locations (about 75 percent of all centers) as community destinations for recreation and entertainment. Its ideal as a family activity and double-dating venue; more centers now offer fruit juices and energy drinks. As Stefanie Nation, of Grand Prairie, Texas, an avid recreational league player and member of the United States Bowl-ing Congress defending world champion womens national team, notes, Leagues are a fun opportunity to get together with others. Theres something about releasing the ball that relieves stress. She adds that bowling burns ap-proximately 240 calories per hour and completing three games is the equivalent of walking a mile. Footwear is available for rent at centers if players dont have their own, and bowling balls of various weights are provided. A good rule of thumb is to choose a ball that weighs 10 percent of your body weight, up to 16 pounds. Many serious players wear wrist supports to help absorb the weight of the ball and to keep the wrist rigid for consistency in delivery, she says. The sports appeal is broadening, especially in urban centers where a Rock n Bowl phenomenon often enlivens the young adult crowd on Friday and Saturday nights. Centers have also become sites for community fundraising events and corporate parties. Meanwhile, Philadelphias Sweat Fitness recently added 10 bowling lanes to one of its 10 facilities and the regional chain expects to continue the trend.

Randy Kambic, of Estero, FL, is a freelance writer and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.


We dont need another plan of action or more treaties; what we need are people that will begin to implement the commitments and meet the goals that have already been created and es-tablished, explains Jacob Scherr, direc-tor of global strategy and advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about the new thinking that drove this years Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The June conference brought together international heads of state, business leaders, nonprofits and activ-ists to prioritize and strategize sustain-able development. Unlike the United Nations annual climate change confer-ences, which led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997a legally binding treaty that

set targets for greenhouse gas emissions the United States refused to signthe United Nations Conference on Sustain-able Development is held once every 20 years. The theme of Rio+20 was simple and direct: The Future We Want. Moving away from political posturing and endless negotiating, the meet-up asked businesses, governments and charities to publicly declare their specific commitments and solicited the publics ideas for realizing sustain-ability, all aligned with the priorities and opportunities of the 21st century. With growing populations depleting resources, how do we keep increas-ing and ensuring prosperity while we are already using more than we have? queries U.N. spokeswoman Pragati Pascale. Its a conundrum.

Sustainable development, as defined by the U.N., includes fighting poverty, social inclusion (including advancing the status of women) and protecting the environment. Building a sustainable future for the planet, say those involved, means addressing all three simultaneously. It demands the kind of real, immediate action so evi-dent at Rio+20.

Real ResultsBy the end of the Rio conference, more than 700 voluntarily secured commit-ments, valued at more than half a trillion dollars, were earmarked to address ev-erything from protecting forests and re-ducing ocean pollution to building rapid transit bus systems and increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in the green economy. The NRDC launched CloudOfCommitments.org to track and publicize new pledges and make them easily searchable by region or category. Some commitments are breathtak-ing in scope:n International development banks

have pledged $175 billion to boost sustainable transportation in devel-oping countries;

nBank of America promised $50 bil-lion over 10 years to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and energy access;

nThe World Bank committed $16 billion to boost clean energy, access to electricity and cookstoves in developing nations;

nThe New Partnership for Africas Development promised to achieve energy access for at least 60 percent of Africas population by 2040;

nThe European Bank offered $8 billion by 2015 to support energy efficiency projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia;

nMicrosoft pledged to be carbon neu-tral across all its operations by the end of 2013;

nThe United States together with the Consumer Goods Forum (which represents more than 600 retail and manufacturing companies) commit-ted to achieve zero net deforestation in their supply chains by 2020.

The real action, the real en-ergy, was the 21st-century aspect [of Rio+20], advises Scherr. I call it

Shaping the Future We WantGlobal Commitments to Catalyze Change

by Brita Belli


the network world, recognizing the number of players today. Its not just national governments; its states and cities, corporations and philanthropists. In addition to the official meetings and negotiations, between 3,000 and 4,000 other gatherings were going on between business people, mayors, civil society organizations and others, pre-senting myriad opportunities to make specific commitments. Were moving to a different dynamic.

Sowing SeedsThe inclusive atmosphere is reflected in another new U.N.-sponsored inter-national sharing website, FutureWe Want.org, featuring visions and videos relating to sustainability and solutions to dire environmental problems, such as turning global warming-inducing methane from Chinas farms into a us-able energy source; predicting periods of drought in Ethiopia to prevent humanitarian crises; and investing in solar power to bring electricity to 1.4 bil-lion people around the world. More than 50 mil-lion people worldwide have submitted ideas for a more sustainable world, ranging from ways to increase public education to plans for stopping in-dustrial pollution and better manag-ing waste. The huge public engagement in the conference is exciting, says Pascale, because thats really how progress will happen. People have to force their governments to take action. The NRDC dedicated website

is part of a coordinated effort to hold governments, businesses and nonprofits accountable and inform the public. The new U.N. websites facilitate a thriving discussion of what sustainability means and how it can be put into practice. We want to continue the over-all campaign and build upon it, says Pascale. Whatever frustrations people have with businesses, nongovernment organizations (NGO) or governments, we need to harness that energy and keep that dialogue going to give people a voice in making sustainability happen.

Results-Oriented Role ModelsState-based examples of sustain-able development in action speak to widespread needs in the United States. Here are examples of five models worth replicating.

PlaNYC: New York City Mayor Michael Bloombergs announcement of PlaNYC, on Earth Day 2007, signaled an his-toric moment. The peoples vision of a cleaner, healthier New York City, one that could accommodate 9 million predicted residents by 2030, aims to be a model for urban sustainable develop-ment. Its original 127 initiatives leave few sustainability stones unturned, including cleaning up brownfields, building more playgrounds and parks, increasing public transportation and

bike lanes, implementing ag-gressive recycling, enforcing

green building standards and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Two-thirds of the initial goals have

already been achieved; the latest up-date calls for 132 initiatives, including a new set of annual milestones. Speaking at the Museum of the City of New York in 2009, Daniel Doctoroff, the former deputy mayor of economic development and rebuilding for the Bloomberg administration, called PlaNYC one of the most sweeping,

most comprehensive blueprints for New York ever undertaken.

Most critically, all of its stated commitments

are achievable (see Tinyurl.com/PlaNYC-goals).

With growing populations depleting resources, how do we keep increasing and en-suring prosperity while we are already using more than we have? Its a conundrum.

~ Pragati Pascale, United Nations spokeswoman


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Evergreen Cooperative Initiative (ECI): Businesses and community groups in Cleveland, Ohio, determined that they needed to solve the problem of jobless-ness in low-income areas by creating living-wage jobs and then training eligible residents to fill them. They developed a new, cooperative-based economic model, based on green jobs that can inspire other cities with similar economic woes. The ECI is a community undertak-ing in which anchor institutions like the Cleveland Foundation, University Hospitals and the municipal government leverage their purchasing power to help create green-focused, employee-owned local businesses, which to date include a green laundromat, the hydroponic greenhouse Green City Growers, and Ohio Cooperative Solar, which provides weatherization and installs and maintains solar panels. The solar cooperative will more than double Ohios solar generating capacity from 2011 levels by the end of 2012 (see EvergreenCooperatives.com).

CALGreen: Updated building codes may not generate much excitement until we consider that U.S. buildings account for a lions share of carbon dioxide emissions (39 percent), and consume 70 percent of the electricity we generate. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports, If half of new commercial buildings were built to use 50 percent less energy, it would save over 6 million metric tons of CO2 annually for the life of the buildingsthe equivalent of taking more than 1 million cars off the road every year. The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which took effect in January 2011, sets the

highest green bar for new buildings in the country. It requires that new build-ings achieve a 20 percent reduction in potable water use, divert 50 percent of their construction waste from land-fills, use paints and materials with low volatile organic compound content and provide parking for clean-air vehicles. Multiple key stakeholders have been in-volved throughout the process, includ-ing the California Energy Commission and the Sierra Club. We really tried to bring together an entire spectrum of people and groups with different perspectives and expertise to build a consensus, says David Walls, executive director of the California Building Standards Commis-sion. If we were going to put some-thing in the code, we wanted to make

sure it was right. (See Tinyurl.com/CALGreen-Home.)

Renewable Portfolio Standard: Texas leads the country in electricity gener-ated from wind power. One complex, in Roscoe, features 627 turbines on 100,000 acres that cost $1 billion to build. Much of the rapid growth of the states wind industry can be credited to Texas Renewable Portfolio Stan-dard, legislation passed in 1999 that mandated construction of renewable energy, including solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass and landfill gas, in addition to wind. It further mandated that utilities generate 2,000 megawatts of addi-tional renewable energy by 2009, then 5,880 MW by 2015 and 10,000 MW by 2025. The 10-year goal was met in six years, and Texas has added many green jobs, increased tax revenues and provided security against black-outs, which is critical in the event of extreme heat or drought (see Tinyurl.com/TexasStandard).

Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund: Clean technology is booming despite the economic recession and attracting serious investment funds. According to a report by Clean Edge, Inc., venture capital investments in clean tech-nologies increased 30 percent between 2010 and 2011, from $5.1 billion to $6.6 billion. New Jersey entrepreneurs are upping their states potential in this arena with the Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund. The program proffers loans of up to $2 million for compa-nies, research facilities and nonprofits engaged in producing clean energy

Sustainable development includes fighting poverty, increasing social inclusion (including advancing the status of women) and pro-tecting the environment.


technologies, ranging from energy effi-ciency products such as LED lighting to solar, wind, tidal, biomass and methane capture. A condition of the loan is that a project must employ 75 percent of its workforce from New Jersey, or commit to growing 10 high-paying jobs (mini-mum $75,000 annually) over two years (see Tinyurl.com/NewJersey-EDA).

Grassroots LeadershipElinor Ostrom, the political economist who won a Nobel Prize in economics but passed on just before the start of the Rio conference, dedicated her last blog post to considering the events impact. Titled Green from the Grassroots, the post stressed the priority of a multifac-eted approach to curbing emissions. Decades of research demonstrate that a variety of overlapping policies at city, subnational, national and interna-tional levels is more likely to succeed than single, overarching, binding agreements, Ostrom remarked. Such an evolutionary approach to policy provides essential safety nets should one or more policies fail. The good

news is that evolutionary policymak-ing is already happening organically. In the absence of effective national and international legislati

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