November 2007 Holistic. . . Realistic Our Practitioners Benjamin Bekker, LMT Massage Therapist Mischa Davis, RMT Reiki Master Teacher Morgan de Vos, LMT Massage Therapist Dawn Gandalf, CADCIII, MHS Holistic Addictions Counselor Jennifer Hess, DC, MPH, PhD Chiropractor Justine Michaud, MA, HHC Holistic Health Counselor Sivaji Narayansamy Foot Reflexologist Deanna Rennings, LAc Acupuncturist Luminara Serdar, NMT NMT Practitioner Ananda Stiegler, ND Naturopathic Physician Julie Tenner, MPH, RD Nutrition Counselor Valerie Willman, LMT Grief Counselor

Natural Sweeteners submitted by Justine Michaud Who among us doesn’t love sweets? The sweet flavor releases serotonin in our brains, the chemical responsible for our sense of well-being and contentment. But when it comes to sweeteners, not all are created equal. There are side effects and health risks from refined sweeteners like white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and from artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet, saccharin and Splenda. Because they have been stripped of vitamins, minerals and fiber, refined sweeteners can spike our blood sugar, which can lead to cravings and mood and energy fluctuations. Using natural, minimally processed sweeteners instead can reduce cravings for sugary things, even out blood sugar ups and downs, stabilize our moods and have a dramatically positive effect on our long-term health. What are these natural sweeteners? (full text article ) Classes/Groups Cultivating Compassion: The Dance With Anger Tuesday, November 27th 6:30-8:00pm Broadway Apothecary, 1712 Willamette St, Eugene FREE Facilitated by: Mischa Davis, Reiki Master Teacher Valerie Willman, LMT Feel Better: Help for Chronic Pain Thursday, November 29th 7:00-8:0pm Market of Choice at Willamette and 29th (upstairs in the community room) FREE Facilitated by: Luminara Serdar, NMT practitioner Upcoming Events Seasonal Wisdom from Village Health Services Saturday, December 1 9:30 - 11:30am We’ll focus on the Winter Season and how to take care of ourselves during this time of declining light and temperatures. It is a time for inward reflection, a time to visit the source of who you are, and to give to yourself as well as others. We will discuss seasonal approaches to nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction from a multi-disciplinary perspective. For more information and to register: Tamarack Wellness Center

Autumn Is Here and So Is Leaf Raking by Jennifer Hess, DC, MPH, RD Before you rev up the lawnmower or reach for your rake this autumn, consider the possible consequences: upper or lower-back strain, neck strain and pain in the shoulders. Just as playing football or golf can injure your body, the twisting, turning, bending, and reaching of mowing and raking can also cause injury if your body is not prepared. Like an athlete, if you leap into something without warming up or knowing how to do it, the chances of injury are greater. What can you do? (full text article) Day of Service Relief Nursery Tuesday, November 27 12:00 pm-2:00 pm The Relief Nursery is a non-profit program proven to strengthen high-risk families and keep their vulnerable young children safe and healthy. Click here for details about our Day of Service program.