May/June 2009

Second Opinion | 1

FREE

May/June 2009

Farmer Directory 2009 Allergy Attack! Be Prepared! Harmony in the Garden with Feng Shui Compost at Home with Worms Tai Chi for your Health

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Organic Raw Foods, Juice Bar & Smoothies Fresh Roasted Coffee

Speciality Wine and Beer

603 South Broadway, Menomonie, WIwww.rawdeal-wi.com

715-231-3255

Providing comprehensive midwifery care including:

• Prenatals • Birth• Postpartums • Well Woman Care

Also offering massage, aromatherapy, and yoga

715.338.3499 www.lifecirclewellness.com

P.O. Box 514 · 32 Fifth AvenueShell Lake, WI 54871

• Gift Certificates Available •

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Contents 3 editor’s note4 balanced living13 green pages29 happenings in the valley

Healing Foods

6 Power Food: Rhubarb7 Farm Directorygood eartH

15 Compost at Home with Worms16 There’s Money Running off Your RoofHealing PatHs

18 Harmony in the Garden with Feng Shui

Family Focus

20 Sleep: The Natural State of Bodily Rest22 Allergy Attack! Be Prepared!24 Whose Choice Is It?Beauty natural

26 Spor ty Summer Body Boost

27 Tai Chi for Your Health

Editor’s NoteOffice:1927 Ohm AvenueEau Claire, Wisconsin 54701P: 715.831.0325F: 715.831.1925E: [email protected]

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief:Arwen Rasmussen

Managing Editor: Rebecca Gorski

Staff Writers:Heather Rothbauer-Wanish

Distribution:Arkansaw, Barron, Bloomer, Cameron, Chippewa Falls, Chetek, Colfax, Durand, Eau Claire, Edina, Eleva, Glenwood City, Hayward, Hudson, La Crosse, Menomonie, Mondovi, New Richmond, Pepin, Red Wing, Rice Lake, River Falls, Spooner, Stanley, Thorp, Viroqua, White-hall, Willard, Winona, Woodbury

Advertising:Arwen Rasmussen 715.831.0325 Jennifer Quinlan [email protected]

All articles are the sole property of the writers. Opinions expressed in Second Opinion are the opinions of the writers or advertisers themselves, not the publica-tion or its editors. Second Opinion is not liable for use of any artwork provided by advertisers. Please direct concerns to the advertisers.

We hope that this issue finds you well and filled with excitement for the coming summer months! We once again have our farmer’s directory for this summer. Many of the farmers listed participate in the annual farmers markets throughout the area, so don’t be shy when shopping. Stop and chat about the weather or the growing season. Our local farmers are always very cheerful and thankful for your patronage.

We hope that your gardens will be off to a great start very soon. This issue’s Compost at Home with Worms and There’s Money Running off your Roof will, no doubt, give some pointers on helping your garden be the best it can be while saving you a little money in the process.

Why not make this year’s garden a sanctuary to relax and be at peace in? Diana DiCristina tells you how in Harmony in the Garden with Feng Shui.

To help you further enjoy this summer’s activites, we hope you will find Al-lergy Attack! Be Prepared! and Sporty Summer enjoyable and informational.

Finally, why not try a new routine this summer by practicitng Tai Chi in the park? It’s relaxing, meditative and good for you health. Read more on pg 27.

Until the next issue, I hope you are well. Namaste.

-Arwen Rasmussen, editor/publisher

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balanced living Tips and ideas for a healthy and balanced life

Conscious Choice

Party In My Pants (PIMPS)Sound funny? Yeah, we know. But this woman-owned company has developed an eco-friendly—and comfortable—alternative to the many disposable options available to

women on their periods. Party In My Pants (aka PIMPS) are machine washable menstrual pads that are made of flannel or cotton, don’t leak or feel bulky, and are available in a variety of snazzy patterns. Even women who have sworn off pads forever are raving about these! They are good for your budget, and naturally, good for the environment, since there is no more waste. They are all handmade in Ashland, WI by a trio of sisters. Nice work ladies. For more info, visit their website www.partypantspads.com or check out their display in Just Local Food in Eau Claire.

Are rAw Almonds reAlly rAw?Since the USDA’s ruling in 2007, organic almond growers in Cali-fornia have been economically devastated by the mandatory fumiga-tion of almonds. Complicating matters even more: USDA’s regula-tions allow fumigated and pasteurized almonds to be labeled “raw,” deemed fraudulent almond labeling by many. The lawsuit by U.S. almond growers aims to overturn the USDA’s deception which has generated significant criticism from the raw food and vegan commu-nities. Raw foods leaders insist that fumigating or pasteurizing nuts destroys as much as 90% of their nutritional value, which can alter proteins and destroy disease-fighting phytonutrients. The USDA, however, has not acknowledged any qualitative differences between cooked and raw foods.

The USDA says there is no requirement for retailers to alert consum-ers to the toxic, propylene oxide fumigation or steam treatment applied to raw almonds from California. Cornucopia’s Will Fantle noted that the almond lawsuit is already moving through the judicial system. “We believe this is a strong legal case and hope for a favorable decision in time to protect this year’s almond harvest,” Fantle said. (www.Naturalnews.com)

EEEEWWWWW....We have all had that moment where you grab the shopping cart and your hand comes away sticky and oh, not so clean. Before you reach for the standard hand sanitizers, think twice. Natural Health Magazine suggests trying eco-friendly sanitizers with botanicals like aloe and jojoba oil.

Organic Choice: Try EO Organic Lemon Hand Sanitzer • with organic alcohol to zap the germs and organic jojoba oil for moisture. Herbal Choice: The thyme oil formula in CleanWell • Natural Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs while aloe nourishes your skin.Natural Choice: Biodegradable and free of synthetic • ingredients, All Terrain Hand Sanz with Aloe and Vit E soothes hands while killing germs.Best Value Choice: Hands2GO Instant Foaming • Sanitizer holds twice as many applications as its gel counterparts. The dye and fragrance-free foam has aloe, chamomile and lavender, which you’ll love.

CLEAN

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Soaking Grains Enhances DigestibilityAll grains contain phytic acid (an organic acid in which

phosphorus is bound) in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and especially zinc in the intestinal tract to block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains may lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. The modern misguided practice of consuming large amounts of unprocessed bran often improves colon transit time at first but may lead to irritable bowel syndrome and, in the long term, many other adverse effects. Soaking allows enzymes, lactobacilli and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid. As little as seven hours of soaking in warm acidulated water will neutralize a large portion of phytic acid in grains. The simple practice of soaking cracked or rolled cereal grain overnight will vastly improve their nutritional benefits.

Soaking in warm water also neutralizes enzyme inhibitors, present in all seeds, and encourages the production of numerous beneficial enzymes. The action of these enzymes also increases the amounts of many vitamins, especially B vitamins.

Scientists have learned that the proteins in grains, especially gluten, are very difficult to digest. A diet high in unfermented whole grains, particularly high-gluten grains like wheat, puts an enormous strain on the whole digestive mechanism. When this mechanism breaks down with age or overuse, the results take the form of allergies, celiac disease, mental illness, chronic indigestion and the candida albicans overgrowth. Recent research links gluten intolerance with multiple sclerosis. During the process of soaking and fermenting, gluten and other difficult-to-digest proteins are partially broken down into simpler components that are more readily available for absorption.

From Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats, by Sally Fallon. Reprinted with permission from www.newtrendspublishing.com. For more information, or to order this book , call 877-707-1776.

Acids to Use When Soaking (1-2 Tbsp per cup of grains)Lemon Juice (if •severely allergic to dairy)Whey•Yogurt•Kefir•Buttermilk•

omegA 3 minus the FishIf you are looking for more ways to incorporate Omega-3s into your diet but you don’t want to eat fish tonight, try these options:

Omega-3 rich eggs are a great • source of DHA and EPA as well as ALA, a third omega-3.Flaxseed oil, walnuts & hemp milk are all rich in • ALA. Dr. Reed Mangels says that it’s a slower process but our bodies do process DHA and EPA from ALA. Fortified Soy and Daily with DHA derived from • algae are great sources too. Try Odwalla Soy Smart milks or Breyer’s Smart! Yogurt.

Out Bug Out! Terminate them this summer with tips from Joshua Abar-banel, author of A Field Guide to Household Bugs: It’s a Jungle in Here.For Ants: Sprinkle baking soda in cracks and anywhere else they enter your home.For Bedbugs: Wash bedding, vacuuming mattresses. You can also use baby powder in floor cracks to prevent a return.For Dust Mites: They can’t service in temps lower than 70 degrees and humidity under 50%, so keep your home cool and dry. Source: Parenting Magazine June 2008

TIP:The numbered stickers on your store-bought produce can tell you whether or not its organic. Conventionally grown produce has a four-digit number beginning with 3 or 4. Organically grown produce has a five-digit number that begins with 9. So if your carrots say 3409, the organic ones will say 93409.

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Power Food: Rhubarb

What to do with all that rhubarb? Make this candied ginger rhubarb jam, using honey in place of sugar. The subtle spiciness of the ginger is a pleasant diversion and the sweetness of the honey nicely offsets the tartness of the rhubarb.

Candied Ginger Rhubarb Jam 1 lemon • 2 c fresh rhubarb, chopped• 1 large apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped • ½ c water • 2 ⅜ c honey • 1 ½ Tbsp candied ginger, finely chopped (or crystallized) •

Remove thin outer rind from lemon with a veggie peeler and cut 1. into fine strips with scissors or sharp knife, or use a zester.Place in a medium saucepan.2. Squeeze and reserve 1 Tbsp of juice from lemon. 3. Add rhubarb, apple, and water to saucepan. 4. Bring to a boil over high heat. 5. Cover, reduce heat, and boil gently for 15 minutes or until fruit 6. is tender.Add honey, ginger, and lemon juice. 7. Return to a boil and boil rapidly, uncovered, until mixture forms 8. a gel (about 10 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from heat. 9. Ladle into hot, sterile jars and process in a hot water bath for 10 10. minutes.Remove from bath, let jars cool, label, and store in a cool place.11.

Did you know: Chinese rhubarb has been traced back to 2700 BC. According to folklore, Chinese doctors recommended it for its medici-nal qualities as a laxative, to reduce fever, and to cleanse the body.

Nutrition Breakdown

1 Cup diced, uncookedCalories 26Fiber 2 gVitamin A 122 IUVitamin C 10 mgFolate 8.7 mcgCalcium 105 mgPotassium 351 mg

Rhubarb is as hardy as a weed. It is a very beautiful garden plant, with huge extravagant, lush green leaves and pink or red stalks. Harvesting usually begins mid June and you can get a second crop harvest around August before the plants flower. Try to pick the medium stalks as they will be more tender than the others and go for a deeper red color which will have more flavor. Once picked, keep in the refrigerator, unwashed for three weeks.

Rhubarb is usually made into pies, bars, or jams and does need the addition of a sweetner and sometimes fruit like strawberries to help combat its tartness.

To freeze: Chop into 1/2-inch pieces, spread them on a sheet pan and place in the freezer. Once frozen, slide the rhubarb into heavy-duty plastic freezer bags. Seal tightly and put back into the freezer. Packed this way, rhubarb will keep for up to six months, and can be measured from the freezer bag.

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AAnderson FarmArkansaw, WI. [email protected]; www.andersonfarm.us. Grass-fed Black Angus beef, pastured pork, and chicken. All meats available year round.

Aquarian Gardens Downsville, WI. 715-664-8808 www.aquarian-gardens.com Naturally grown vegetables, herbs, flowers, bedding plants.

Alfred Bautch Eau Claire, WI. 715-832-0106Natural pork/beef, brokering hay, deer corn.

Becki’s Olive SalsaEau Claire, WI. [email protected]. Olive salsa: hot, mild and cream cheese varieties.

Blackberry Hills Farm-OrganicDunn County, WI. [email protected]; www.members.localnet.com/~bhftrust. CSA,

apples, honey, fruits, veg-etables.

Blueberry Hill Bison Elmwood, WI. 715-639-3205 [email protected]; www.blueberryhillbison.com. Grass-fed bison.

Bolen Vale Cheese Renee Bartz Downing, WI. 715-265-4409 [email protected]; www.bolenvalecheese.com.Natural, homemade honey, syrup, and pizza. Grass-fed beef; cheese, milk, butter, ice cream cones and malts, bulk spices, and baking supplies.

Bohemian OvensBloomer, WI. 715-568-3676Catering/Restaurant/BakersFind us at the Eau Claire, Chippewa, and Ladysmith Farmers Markets.

Breezy Haven Farm Bloomer, WI 715-568-3907 [email protected]

Dairy, strawberries.

Bullfrog’s Eat My Fish FarmMenomonie, WI.715-664-8775 [email protected]; www.eatmyfish.com. Rainbow trout specialty.

Bushel and a Peck Market Chippewa Falls, WI. 715-723-0133. [email protected]. Over 30 varieties of U-pick apples; fall raspber-ries, jams, jellies, honey, and syrup. Open early August to November.

Butler FarmsWhitehall, WI. 715-983-2285 [email protected] cheese

Castle Rock Organic FarmsOsseo, WI. 715-597-0085 [email protected]; www.castlerockfarms.netCertified organic dairy, beef, pork.

Charlotte’s Berry FarmEau Claire, WI. 715-832-7186 (info hotline)U-pick raspberries

Becky Chwala Stanley, WI. 715-644-3400 [email protected] and garden décor, candles, Door County coffees, sauces, produce and Wiscon-sin’s very own “Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream!”

Class Apple Eau Claire, WI. 715-834-9060 [email protected]; www.classapple.com. Eight varieties of apples; WI Apple Growers’ Association member; environ-mentally-friendly integrated pest management.

Coon Creek Family Farm Mondovi, WI. 715-834-4547 www.cooncreekfamilyfarm.com. Certified organic veg-etables and pastured poultry, including chicken, turkey, and eggs. Handcrafted goat milk

2009 directory

Markets, Farmers, Growers, Producers, Makers, Bakers, and Friends

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soap, pasture-raised turkey brat products, composting worms.

Country CheesecakesBloomer, WI. [email protected] variety of cheesecakes, whole and by the slice, avail-able at farmers market and on the farm; also available for weddings and special events.

Crystal Ball Farms Osceola, WI. 715-294-4090 Certified organic dairy; 20 ice cream flavors, free-range chickens, cage-free eggs, fresh breads, produce, and ham-burger. 3D Farm Inc. Menomonie, WI 715-235-1087 Natural, grass-fed/pastured lamb, beef and pork; llama and wool fibers.

Damar Farms Organic Angus Meats, LLC Strum, WI. 715-563-BEEF www.damarfarms.comCertified organic, pastured beef.

Danzinger Vineyard Alma, WI. 608-685-3628 Table, juice, and wine grapes.

Donna’s Kooler Dallas, WI. 715-837-1326 [email protected], tomato plants, baked pies and buns.

Eau Galle Cheese Factory Durand, WI. [email protected]; www.eaugallecheese.comSpecializing in hard Italian cheeses: Parmesan, Asiago, Romano, and Eau Galle Italian.

Farmer to FarmerGlenwood City, WI. 715-265-4516. www.farmerto-farmer.org. Guatemalan coffee.

Farmhouse Bakery & Cheese715-238-7947Artisan goat cheese, goat milk, homemade jams, jellies and bakery goods.

Farm Sweet Farm, LLCCadott, WI. 715-289-4896All natural, grass-fed beef, pas-tured chicken and free-range eggs, using organic feed. No growth hormones or antibiot-ics.

Fertile Valley Farm Downing, WI. 715-265-7481 CSA June thru October, no work; naturally grown dairy/eggs, vegetables, fruit, herbs, and gourds.

Genesis AcresWhitehall, WI. 715-538-2036www.genesisacres.50megs.com. Grass-fed beef; pork, chicken, turkey. Gingerbread Jersey Augusta, WI. 715-667-5350Handmade cheese; available at the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers Market.

Golden Hills BuffaloOsseo, WI. 715-597-2517 [email protected] buffalo graze on certified organic pastures during the warmer months and organic hay during cooler months. Also available: organic corn, oats, wheat, soybeans, and hay. We also provide custom farm services.

Govin’s Meats and BerriesJohn and Julie GovinMenomonie, WI 715-231-2377www.govinsmeatsandberries.com. Pasture raised beef and lamb, free-range chicken, strawberries, and pumpkins. Lambing barn tours.

Grimms New Auburn, WI. 715-237-2234. Beef, hogs, sheep, and wild game; summer sausage, wieners, bologna, bratwurst, smoked hams and bacon.

Hay River Foods Prairie Farm, WI. 800-928-7145. [email protected]; www.hayriver.net. Organic pumpkin seed oil.

Hog’s Back Farm Arkansaw, WI. www.hogsbackfarm.comCSA June to Dec. Certified organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, squash and pumpkins.

Jackson Hollow FarmBrian and Laura JacksonMondovi, WI. [email protected]; www.jacksonhollow.netCSA shares of true free-range chicken, eggs, and produce, all produced by sustainable, hand-tended organic methods. Highlights: heritage tomatoes, five kinds of cucumbers, and specialty melons. Pick-up locations within 100 miles of the farm are available; please email for exact locations for 2009. Keppers’ Pottery & ProduceTurtle Lake, WI. 715-986-4322Year-round CSA: variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits, as available; on-farm sales and wood-fired pottery available as well.

Kraft’s Compost Kris Kraft Menomonie, WI.715-235-8516. Grass-fed and pastured compost/manure from horses, chickens, and cows. Aged two years.

Kummer FarmsEau Claire, WI.Found at Just Local Food

Lamb A LotAugusta, WI. 715-286-4157Lamb meat, lambskin rugs, and

honey.

Little Springs ValleyEleva, WI. 715-210-0906Jersey beef Maple Leaf Orchard Spring Valley, WI. 715-778-5881. maplelea-forchard.com. Cherries, apples, cider, honey, pumpkins, syrup, jellies, apples, garden mums. Hayrides on the weekends. Open Labor Day – Oct. 31st 10 am-5pm.

McIlquham Orchards Chippewa Falls, WI.715-720-1663. www.mcilquhamorchards.com17 varieties of apples, wine tasting, U-pick apples and pumpkins; Mid Aug.-Oct. 31st.

Messa Menagerie Menomonie, WI. 715-644-8374. Certified or-ganic Angus beef and broilers.

Midvalleyvu Organic Foods(A Private Membership As-sociation)Wayne & Janet BrunnerArkansaw, WI. [email protected]; www.midvalleyvu.com. Complete line of organic, grass-fed meats, raw dairy products, groceries, and produce.

Mommsen’s Produce Patch Rice Lake, WI. 715-234-6363 [email protected]; www.producepatch.comU-Pick and pre-picked straw-berries, pumpkins, squash; hayrides, petting farm

2009 directory

Govin's Meats & Berries John and Julie Govin Family

N6134 670th Street Menomonie, WI 54751

715-231-BERRY(2377) www.govinsmeatsandberries.com

Pasture Raised Beef, Lamb & Pork Free-Range Chicken & Turkey

Strawberries & PumpkinsLambing Barn Tours

Our Animals Graze Their Grasses Off!

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Open mid Sept.-Oct. 30th.

Moss Elk RanchEau Claire, WI. [email protected]. USDA Inspected Rocky Mountain ElkVisitors welcome.

North Creek Community FarmPrairie Farm, WI. 715-455-1569. CSA Jun-Oct; vegetables, fruits, herbs, flow-ers; no work.

Northstar Bison Rice Lake, WI. 715-234-0045100% grass-fed bison, organic, pastured chicken, turkey, and lamb; organic shrimp, pastured beef, pork, elk, and ostrich.

Olson Farm Acres, LLC Mondovi, WI. 715-926-5035 Annual and perennial flowers; vegetables, gourds, U-pick and pre-picked strawberries; vegetable stand beginning mid July.

Organic Choice Mondovi, WI. 715-926-4788www.nextgenerationdairy.comOrganic dairy

Otter Creek Growers Wheeler, WI. 715-658-1074 [email protected]; [email protected] vegetables

Out To Pasture BeefMary and Vic Price Fall Creek, WI. [email protected]. 100% Grass-fed Angus beef.

Pine Point Pork Farm Jeff Styer Menomonie, WI.715-232-0773. Conventional pork.

Pittman’s Pure Maple Syrup and SuppliesGreg Pittman Arkansaw, WI. 715-285-5396 On-farm maple syrup produc-tion, providing bottling, whole-sale and retail sales.

Promise Farm Buffalo John and Shawn McMartin Menomonie, WI.715-664-8696 [email protected]; www.promisefmbuffalo.com. Naturally raised, quality, grass-fed buffalo/bison meat.

Raven Croft Farm Bob & Pam KeilGlenwood City, WI.715-265-7520. Certified organic beef, lamb, and eggs; honey.

Ritscher Family FarmAlma WI. 608-685-3660Naturally grown, grass-fed beef and poultry.

River Winds Farm Jill and Craig Johnson Boyd, WI. 715-667-3499 [email protected]; www.riverwindsfarm.comPure grass-fed, hormone/antibiotic-free lamb; wools and yarn for fiber artists.

Romar GreenhouseAugusta, WI. 715-286-5335Heirloom produce, natural dog treats, free-range chicken.

Sam’s Produce Arkansaw, WI. 715-285-5351 [email protected] (u-pick and pre-picked), sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, squash, and pump-kins. Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market.

Schaefer’s Orchard Run Ronald SchaeferChippewa Falls, WI. 715-723-8865. Certified organic U-Pick and pre-picked apples.

Silver Bison Ranch and Shop Loren and Marilyn SmeesterBaldwin, WI. 715-684-2811 [email protected]; www.silverbison.com All natural buffalo; Native American art, jewelry, fur and leather products, moc-casins, books, music and soap products.

GENESIS ACRESGENESIS ACRESBruce and Mary C. AndersonW16191 Simonson RdWHITEHALL, WI 54773

(715) 538-2036

Naturally Grown Meats and [email protected]

N6501 Manore Lane, Arkansaw; (888)700-FARM (3276)[email protected]; www.andersonfarm.us

Available at Just Local Food, Mother Nature’s Food & our farm.

No antibiotics, hormones or chemi-

cals on land or animals. Our pastured animals get fresh air, sunshine,

exercise, and are humanely treated.

HEALTHY SOIL, HEALTHY ANIMALS, HEALTHY PEOPLE

2009 directory

Honey, creamed honey, beeswax candles, lip balm, hand cream, beeswax & soap

Douglas & Kim SjostromN469 300th StMaiden Rock, WI715.448.2517

Available at Just Local Food, Eau Claire

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Snow Bound Bison Gary Workman Barron, WI. [email protected]. 100% grass-fed and grazed bison, eggs.

Spring Hill Community Farm Michael Racette and Patricia Wright Prairie Farm, WI. 715-455-1319. www.springhillcom-munityfarm.com. CSA: fruits, veggies, maple syrup.

Spring Vale Charolais Prairie Farm, WI. 715-455-1857. Antibiotic/hormone-free beef.

Pat and Nancy SnyderChippewa Falls, WI.715-723-8159. [email protected]. Natural, pasture-raised beef (all year) and lamb (Dec-Apr).

Sunbow Farm Kristina and Alex Beuning Eau Claire, WI. 715-379-7284www.sunbowfarm.com Organic CSA May-Nov. Veg-gies, fruits, herbs, flowers, gourds. Friends of the Farm à la carte options for non-members.

Sweetland Farm Karen Bumann and David Schmidt Menomonie, WI 715-232-8785 www.sweetlandfarm.com. A certified organic farm, offer-ing organic, 100% grass-fed raw Jersey cow milk through a farm share program; free-range eggs, chicken, grass-fed beef,

and other items in our Farm Member store. Call prior to first visit.

Sylvan HillsMenomonie, WI.715-235-1695. www.sylva-nhillsfarm.com. CSA Jun-Oct. Over 90 varieties of certified organic produce. Mostly veg-etables plus watermelon and strawberries.

Talking OaksPrairie Farm, WI.866-889-3480. www.talkingoakfarm.com. Certified organic vegetables, venison.

Twin Valley FarmPrairie Farm, WI.715-455-1719. www.twinval-leybison.biz. Naturally grown bison.

UdderMart, Inc.Kelwin AndersonBloomer, WI. 715-568-1867Certified organic, grass-fed/pastured beef, pork, and poul-try year round; organic dairy and eggs.

Valley View Ranch/Russian Bakery Durand, WI. 715-672-4656www.anasbakery.com CSA June-Oct; naturally grown vegetables, herbs, flow-ers, gourds, bedding plants, straw/hay, eggs, baked goods, breads, pasta, and soup.

VanSomeren Vegetable Garden Betty VanSomeren Baldwin, WI. 715-684-2662 Vegetable garden/roadside

stand open daily 8am-7pm, July thru October; 1 mile north of Baldwin on Highway 63.

Viking Brewing CoRandy & Ann LeeDallas, WI. [email protected]; www.vikingbrewing.com Beer and bracket West Ridge Farm Stanley, WI. 715-644-3400Greenhouse, annuals, peren-nials, tree shrubs, gift shop, Chocolate Shoppe ice cream, Door County coffee, cheese, pumpkins.

Wolf Honey Farm, Inc. Dale and Joyce Wolf Baldwin, WI. 715-684-2095 [email protected]. Hand-dipped beeswax can-dles, molded candles, beeswax lip balm, chapped hand lotion bar, beeswax salve. Varieties of fruit and nut-creamed honey, clover and wildflower honeys.

Westwood Pastured PoultryKris KraftMenomonie, WI.715-235-8516. Home-grown, free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free chickens. Taking orders in March; pick up fresh Jun-Aug.

Wheatfield Hill Organics Helen Kees Durand, WI. 888-255-0491Certified organic, grass fed/pastured beef, veggies, fruits, popcorn.

Wild Crescent Farm Jody Padgham Boyd, WI. 715-667-3203 [email protected] farm w/organi-cally raised broilers and lamb. Taking poultry orders in Mar. for summer & fall production.

Wooddale Farm Crafts Janice Morrow Cornell, WI. 715-288-6918Fresh eggs, maple syrup, pumpkins/squash in the fall; we will be selling crafts such as pillows, bead jewelry, flower baskets, and wall hang-ings.

FARMERS MARKETSEau Claire Downtown Farmers Market Saturdays in May, 7:30am-1pm; Wednesdays and Sat-urdays, June 7-October 29, 7:30am-1pm and Thursdays (June 7-Sep 27), noon-5pm.Farmers Market Pavilion in Phoenix Park, Eau Claire, 715-834-5697.

Oakwood Mall Farmers Market (front lot by Macy’s)Mid-June thru October, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:30am-1pm. Highway 53 South to Golf Rd. 715-835-5307.

Festival Foods-Eau ClaireSundays, June 21-October 18, 8am-2pm. 3007 Mall Dr. Eau Claire.

♦ Certified Organic Pasture Raised ▪ Chicken ▪ Turkey ▪ Eggs

♦ Handcrafted goat milk soap♦ Unique “Something Special From Wisconsin” gifts

2009 directory

Second Opinion | 11

• Glass Bottles • Vat Pasturized • Non-Homogenized

“To ensure top quality we control all aspects of our

products, from growing the crops that our cows eat, to

processing our milk right on the farm.”

Available @ Just Local Food Co-op

Osceola, Wisconsin 715-294-4090

Farmstead Mini-Factory

( 7 1 5 ) 2 8 6 - 4 0 0 7Watch Us Make

Your Cheese!

**Available at Just LocalFood in Eau Claire**

Dedicated to the genius of... "Bullfrog Fresh" RAINBOW TROUT, Smokin' GOOD FISH and More

Founder - Preservation of Character… Using a rural way to tell a story... Education • Promotion • Advocacy

Info @ www.eatmyfish.com or 715-664-8775

Dedicated to the genius of... "Bullfrog Fresh" RAINBOW TROUT, Smokin' GOOD FISH and More

Founder - Preservation of Character… Using a rural way to tell a story... Education • Promotion • Advocacy

Info @ www.eatmyfish.com or 715-664-8775

Organic ProduceOrganic Grassfed Meats & “Real Milk”

Plese call for Initial visit (715) 568-1867 (Member Program)Kelwin, Nancy, Luke & Andrew Anderson

Wed - Sat 9:00 - 6:00 Bloomer, WIwestonaprice.org & realmilk.org [email protected]

Viking Brewing Co.

Dallas, Wisconsin

We brew over 22 different styles of

unpasteurized beers.www.vikingbrewing.com

Brewery Tours Saturdays at 1 pm715-837-1824

Chippewa Falls Main Street, Inc. Thursdays, June 11-October 29, noon-5:30pm. Corner of Bridge and River Streets. 715-723-7858.

Menomonie Farmers MarketFirst Saturday in May thru last Saturday in October. Wednes-days, noon-6pm, Saturdays, 8am-1pm. Wilson Park (on Wilson Ave. between 7th and 8th Streets). 715-265-4271, ext. 330.

New Richmond Market Saturday mornings until sold out, July through October.Heritage Center parking lot at 1100 Heritage Drive, New Richmond. One block off Hwy 65 between AmericInn & Suzanna’s restaurant. 888-320-3276.

Barron-Country Lane Farmers MarketThursdays 2-8pm, begins June 19. Three miles north of Bar-ron on Rural 16th St. 715-637-5367.

Durand Farmers MarketSaturdays, June to September, 8am-noon. High School Park-ing Lot. 715-672-4444.

Rice Lake Farmers Market Saturdays, end of June-Oc-

tober, 8am-noon. 37 S. Main St. Rice Lake Chamber of Commerce Parking lot. 715-458-2737.

STORES & CO-OPSJust Local Food772 First Ave., Eau Claire715-552-3366www.justlocalfood.com

Menomonie Co-op521 E 2nd St.Downtown Menomonie715-235-6533

Main Street Market1 S Main St.Rice Lake, WI 54868715-234-7045

Island City Food Co-op1490 2nd AvenueCumberland, WI [email protected]

Second Street MarketCorner of Second & KansasHayward, WI 715-634-2944

2009 directory

FOOD CO-OP & BAKERY

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Second Opinion | 12

Golden Hills BuffaloNot just good, but Good for you!Our buffalo roam on grass pastures

and are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which aregood for heart health.

Available at Just Local Food Co-opNutrition Facts (100 grams of meat)Bison: fat: 2.42 g; calories: 143; cholesterol: 82 gChicken: Fat: 7.41g; Calories: 190; Cholesterol: 89 g

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We offer Unheated & unfiltered (Extra Virgin) honey, ideal for some allergies and healingLiquid &strained honey in clover, basswood, wildflower and buckwheatCreamed honey with real fruits, flavors include cinnamon, apricot, pecan maple, blueberry, cranberry, lemon, ginger spice, c lover, strawberry and raspberryBeeswax products include - hand dipped and molded candles, blocks, all natural salves, lotion bars and lip balm

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Just Local Food Co-op1117 S. Farwell, Eau Claire, WI

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Summer...and Olive Salsa...

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100% Grass Fed and Finished Beef (available year round)Pastured-Raised Chickens (preorder NOW) 16294 250th Street

Cadott, WI 54727715-289-4896

Second Opinion | 13

How did you get started in your field? Kicking and screaming! My extreme perfectionist, scientific personality did not understand this qualitative way of healing and health. I started attending the UWEC to further my education in nursing. One of the classes involved using Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch as nursing care interventions. I was very skeptical about the concept, theory, and practice of such a technique, and studied a variety of resources on the subject. I interviewed three instructors at the university who were currently educated and practicing it on clients and research subjects. After taking the Healing Touch class in February of 1997, I found that it made a strong scientific case for complementary healing and that the clients that I used it on were very pleased with their results and wanted more. April of 1998, I started Angel Care Healing Touch and have been practicing these techniques and adding to them ever since. In February 2002, I took Dr. Doreen Virtue’s Angel Therapy certificate course. I am still strongly skeptical and rely on my scientific knowledge as well as my intuitive hunches to back up anything I hear, see, read, or feel.

What do you with your patients? Depending on the technique they choose, the Healing Touch and Reiki clients stay fully dressed and may lay down on the massage table during the healing sessions. For the Angel or Tarot readings, the client sits at the desk with me and we discuss the card readings and any other questions or information that may present. The hypnosis clients may lay down on the massage table during the session or be seated in a chair. The QXCI clients sit in a chair in my office during their session or they may be in a different location during the session.

How does your work help people? The most common feedback I receive from my clients is about what they feel: relaxation, emotional relief, increased health (less colds, flu, headache), increased comfort, increased self-esteem, increased self-confidence. That they are not alone, not crazy, and feel more in control of their lives and their reactions to the other people in their lives, workplace, home, and the public in general. The clients usually comment that they feel that what they heard me say is what they have been feeling all along and this session just confirmed it.

What types of services do you offer?

Healing Touch and Reiki: Laying on of hands; energy work to help boost the immune system and allow the natural healing abilities of the body to function at their highest level. Chakra balance, calming and stress reduction, pain relief.

Hypnosis: Using progressive relaxation techniques and hypnotherapy scripts personalized to the client, I unlock their potential for healing addictions, cravings, weight issues, emotional issues, test anxiety, phobias and fears of all kinds.

Angel and Tarot Readings: I use a variety of card decks to reflect to the client what they need to know to move forward in this life and to feel validated, acknowledged, and normalized. We seek information regarding past life issues, number of angels, guides, ancestors, animal spirits, etc. surrounding the client. I teach the use of a pendulum and why one would use it for healing and getting answers to questions.

A peek into the life of….Judy Meinen, intuitive healer

(www.angelcarehealingtouch.com)

Green Pages...conscious businesses dedicated to being natural, organic and local

Angel Care Healing Touch

Judy Meinen, RNCertified Angel Therapy Practitioner

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1119 Regis Court, Ste 220 ♥ Eau Claire715.832.7250 ♥ www.angelcarehealingtouch.com

Second Opinion | 14

Green Pages...conscious businesses dedicated to being natural, organic and localBodyLab 2009 Spring FlingBodyLab is hosting an alternative healing expo in north-

ern Wisconsin which is new to these smaller communi-ties. People in smaller communities can sometimes find it difficult to get into the cities to find what they need or to even learn about what is out there. We are giving people an opportunity to explore past lives, get a psychic read-ing, experience a therapuetic energy healing, animal com-munication, or just to learn more about re-incarnation or soul traveling. These are just some of the things you can explore at our expo. Healing can come in many ways. It can be physical, emotional or spiritual. All of the lectures are free and there is no fee to enter. Our goal is to make it as easy and inexpensive for you to find exactly what you are looking for on your journey to healing. Our world is changing and as that is happening we are all feeling the stress and upheaval of change. Come and take your mind off things and begin your journey to finding peace, joy and happiness in something other than what the material world can bring. This world has much more to offer than the world that is in front of us. We have all come here for a greater purpose and their are many different practitio-ners who can help you understand more about your life's purpose and your role in this world.

Raw DealRaw Deal is committed to providing the highest quality or-

ganic and raw foods in the Chippewa Valley, using all local ingredients when possible and always dedicated to offering the freshest and best tasting foods and brewing premium or-ganic free trade coffee. It’s part of our dedication to offering people a place where they can EAT REAL. And now it’s time to DRINK BETTER! Raw Deal has

worked exclusively with accredited food and wine experts and is proud to offer a wide array of the highest quality beer and wine available in the Chippewa Valley. Using an array of local breweries and wineries as well as small independent suppliers throughout the country, we have worked diligently (and rather enjoyed the process) to create a unique menu, with something to please even the pickiest of pallets. Its not elitist. It’s good beer. It’s good wine. It’s affordable. It’s what your

mouth wants, and we are happy to oblige. With new extended hours in April: (Monday–Wednesday,

6:30am–6:00pm; Thursday–Saturday, 6:30am–10:00pm; and Sunday, 10:00am-3:00pm) we invite you to stop in to our newly renovated historic building and explore a differ-ent kind of place! Our knowledgeable staff (we didn’t go on all these brewery and wine tours for nothing!) can walk you through the informative menus and help guide you to a glass of wine or a pint of beer that will leave you saying, “YES!!! That is what I like!” Treat yourself to the Raw Deal experi-ence. Eat Real. Drink Better.Our Beer“We pour only beer that resists multi-million dollar adver-

tising campaigns meant to distract you from the fact that the beer itself is boring and tasteless. Beer is not a status sym-bol.” Our Wine“Wine is NOT a pleasure reserved to the rich and powerful.

Wine is made by farmers. The elite (as I am sure they like to call themselves) have laid claim to the world for far too long. We’re helping the little guy take it back one glass at a time.” Raw Deal, 603 South Broadway, Menomonie WI 54751(715) 231.3255

Supercharge Yourself & Your Family!

Life-Transforming Sessions with Omar Where: Body Lab Expo, Days Inn Rice Lake

When: Sat., May 30, 10 am to 4 www.omarstouch.com

Second Opinion | 15

Compost at Home wth WormsVermicomposting uses

worms to compost. This takes up very little space and can be done year-round in a basement or garage. It is an excellent way to dispose of kitchen wastes and it will help your garden grow and thrive .

You will need a bin about 1. 8 to 16 inches deep. This bin can be a dish pan, used shipping crate, com-mercial worm bin, wash-tub or a storage bin made of plastic. Make sure there are ventillation holes in the bottom of your bin for drainage. Make about 9 holes, approximately 1/4” in diameter.A good general rule is to have two square feet of stor-2. age bin per person in your house. Make sure your bin is in a shady location that won’t 3. get too cold or too hot. Some ideal places are the garage, patio, or basement. Line the bottom of the bin with a fine nylon mesh to 4. keep the worms from escaping.Put a tray underneath to catch the drainage.5. Shredded newspaper works well as bedding. Rip into 6.

pieces and water well so that it is thoroughly moist. Place on one side of your bin. Do not let it dry out.Add worms to your bin. Redworms are recommended 7. for best composting, but other species can be used. Redworms are the common small worms found in most gardens and lawns. You can collect them from under a pile of mulch or order them from a garden catalog.Provide worms with food wastes such as 8.

Stale bread • Apple cores • Orange peels • Lettuce trimmings • Coffee grounds • Non-greasy leftovers • Vegetable scraps•

Do not add fat or meat products. Limit feed—too much at once may cause the material to rot.

In about three months the worms should have changed the bedding and food wastes into compost. At this time add fresh bedding and more food to the other side of the bin. The worms should migrate to the new food supply.

After a couple of weeks, open your bin in a bright light. The worms will burrow into the bedding. Scoop out the finished compost and apply to your plants or save for use in the spring.

There are a few things to be aware of when vermicom-posting. Some signs that your worm composting is not going well are if your worms are dying or if your bin starts to smell and attract flies.

If your worms are dying, it could be:That they are not getting enough food, which means 1. you should bury more food into the bedding. They may be too dry, in which case you should 2. moisten the box until it is slightly damp. They may be too wet, in which case you should add 3. bedding. The worms may be too hot, in which case you should 4. put the bin in the shade. The bedding is eaten, and it is time to add fresh bed-5. ding.

What if my bin smells?If your bin smells rotten and/or attracts flies, there may be

three causes:It may be that there is not enough air circulation. In 1. this case, add dry bedding under and over the worms, and do not feed them for two weeks. There may be non-compostables present such as 2. meat, pet feces or greasy food. These should be removed. There may be exposed food in the bin. In this case, 3. secure the lid, cover food scraps with bedding, and cover worms and bedding with a sheet of plastic.

Good earth

Second Opinion | 16

Do you remember wooden rain barrels? In times past, people used wooden rain barrels to collect water for watering flower gardens and lawns. These are still reasons to use a rain barrel, however, the barrel itself has changed. You may start to see plastic barrels strategically placed under rain gutters usually at the corner of a building from a simple one barrel set up to a more elaborate system of connected barrels or other holding containers. The purpose of a rain barrel is to collect rain water, typically at the bottom of downspouts as it runs off a roof. This technique not only provides a free source of water, but also helps to reduce urban run-off and flooding.

In urban and suburban landscapes, concrete reduces the amount of rainfall that can soak into the ground. In these types of areas where natural ground is minimal, rainwater is diverted into storm drains that run into water bodies or retention ponds. Sometimes the amount of rainfall is greater than the ability of the storm drains to divert the water, resulting in various degrees of flooding. Rain barrels are a way to help hold water so that it can later be put on lawns and flower gardens, thus helping to divert rain water. As much as 600 gallons of water can be collected for every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of roof. Diverting water in this way reduces erosion and helps prevent storm water pollution of lakes and other waterways.

Rain barrels provide homeowners and gardeners a free source of soft, non-chlorinated water for irrigating lawns, shrubs, flowers, and trees. Due to possible leaching of chemicals or microorganisms coming off of roofing materials, rain barrel water is not recommended for use on vegetables or for drinking water. In addition, rain barrels are not recommended for homes with tar and gravel roofs, or roofs made of asbestos or treated cedar shake shingles.

A rain barrel is comprised of a

reservoir to store the water, some sort of lid or screen to prevent organic matter and insects from contaminating the water, spigots for easy drainage, and overflow valves designed to direct excess water. More elaborate systems contain valves and hoses to connect multiple barrels together so as one barrel fills up, the next connecting one collects the spillover.

There are a variety of methods for modifying your rain barrel, depending on your site conditions and use of the barrel. First, create an opening for water collection. This can be as easy as cutting a large hole or several large holes in the top of the barrel and covering the hole(s) with a screen or filter to catch leaves or other plant debris and to prevent insects from entering. Alternatively, you can cut a hole the exact size of your downspout and secure the downspout directly to the barrel. Next, construct an overflow valve on the side of the barrel near the top. An overflow valve is critical to redirect water during periods of heavy rain and when the barrel is full. Use a spigot or barbed spout and hose with the valve, or attach a downspout elbow and flexible downspout to the barrel to guide excess water away from the barrel and any water-sensitive areas such as a house foundation. Add additional spigots and hoses at the top of a rain barrel to connect several barrels together to maximize water collection. Also attach a spigot a few inches from the bottom of your rain barrel that can be used to drain the barrel. Seal all fittings and spigots with caulk to minimize water leakage.

Install your rain barrel on a level surface and elevate it using concrete or cinder blocks. Elevating a rain barrel helps to increase water pressure allowing for a faster flow. Having a level surface for the base of the rain barrel and proper screening on the top are essential for creating a secure and thus safe rain barrel for children and household pets. Prevent mosquito breeding by emptying the container every week. If algae grow, dump the water out, scrub algae off the surfaces using a solution of ¾ cup of

There’s Money Running off your Roof

Good earth

Second Opinion | 17

bleach to 1 gallon of water, then rinse thoroughly. Finally, consider painting or otherwise decorating your

rain barrel to make it a distinct and attractive part of your yard or garden. For more information visit this link http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/XHT1157.pdf

If this all seems like too much work, there’s always the purchasing method! You can find many shapes, sizes, and styles at local garden centers, home improvement stores, and on-line.

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711 N. Bridge Street, Courthouse, Room 118 Chippewa Falls, WI 54729

715-726-7777 toll-free at 1-888-400-6920

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(click on County Departments, click on Aging)

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in Classical Homeopathy500 Main Street Ste 320 Menomonie, WI 54751

715-231-6068www.healthnaturally.biz

Second Opinion | 18

“Oh what a beautiful garden!” your friends say as they take a quick look outside the window of your home. They are experiencing the energy and feelings of the garden as if they were in the presence of another living being, because they are. They are feeling the auspicious feng shui of your garden.

Feng Shui, pronounced “fung shway” translates as “wind water,” and traces its roots back thousands and thousands of years to the beginning of Chinese life when early settlers sought harmony and natural forces to survive. Their con-nection to the land was truly dependent on their survival. Feng Shui was also utilized to determine the most auspi-cious sites for tombs of ancestors and later to site palaces, important buildings and monuments. They designed their gardens around the existing landscape such as rocks, trees, and natural landforms. They built their gardens around what already existed.

Simply stated, feng shui is living in harmonic balance with nature. Feng Shui is all about living in harmony with our natural environment and tapping the goodness of nature to benefit humanity by working with the flow of energy in all areas, including the garden.

One of the most important principles of feng shui is that

every person, place and thing is alive with energy. I invite you to take a minute to look and “see” your existing gar-den. How does it feel? Do you love what you see? Does it flow? Are you just planting or are you building a garden? What is your intention for the garden? Did you know that how you place things in your garden is a reflection of how you see the world? Only surround yourself with what you love, as the energy of your garden has a very powerful impact on the energy of you and your home.

Be creative in building your feng shui garden, enjoy the process and have fun. The joy is in the journey. Use nature as your guide and pay special attention to how nature puts things together in a very soothing and comforting way. Making sure your intention is pure and from the heart, nurture and co-create your garden. Embrace the experi-ence with nature.

Remembering that everything is alive with energy and, energy is nature, I’d like to share with you a few tips that will help you create harmony in your garden using feng shui:

Honor and preserve that which naturally thrives in ۞your area. Here in the Midwest, it is lovely to have plants that are green all year, such as evergreens.Invite positive flow of energy towards your home ۞with a birdbath or water feature. Make sure that the direction of the water flow is toward your home, as you want positive energy flowing to your home rather than away.Create a beautiful garden view from every window ۞and door of your home. You will want to feel cradled by nature and its beauty.Choose and place garden art that has significant ۞meaning to you. If you don’t love it, don’t place it.Plant flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies, birds ۞and other friendly critters, as they add beauty and life force energy to your garden.Have a meandering pathway to the front door of your ۞home. As you observe nature and its language, notice that the pattern of everything in nature is meandering. There are no straight lines.Be careful not to plant trees or large plants that will ۞block your front door.Assure that the front of your house is well lit and ۞your front door is easy to find and has a very warm and inviting presence.Store trashcans and recycling out of sight. ۞Create outdoor “rooms” or gathering areas. ۞Mix shapes and sizes of plants making sure that no ۞one plant or tree overwhelms the others. And, use plants with soft round shaped leaves rather than those with sharp points.Nature loves asymmetrical balance. Give yourself ۞permission to play with this and resist the temptation

Harmony in the Garden with Feng Shui© by Diana DiCristina CPFS

healinG Paths

Second Opinion | 19

to be symmetrical.Less is more. Be selective when designing and build- ۞ing your garden. Allow your eye to meander and then rest on the beauty of a very intentionally placed beautiful plant, garden art, rock or something special. Refrain from over planting. Less is more.Balance your use of color. For example, if you like the ۞warm colors such as red, orange or yellow, balance them with cool colors such as purple, blue or green. And don’t forget white, as it gives balance to either warm or cool colors.Enhance your senses with fragrance. Did you know ۞that our sense of smell is one of the most powerful memory triggers? There are many fragrant plants and herbs to choose from such as lilies, basil, and laven-der. Bring back loving memories by choosing flowers and plants that have a scent.Beautiful musically tuned wind chimes are a delight- ۞ful enhancement to any garden and they create a wel-coming tone especially at the front door of your home.Avoid prickly plants, spiky leaves, artificially stunted ۞plants such as bonsai, and downward plants like weep-ing willows.If you choose to work with a professional landscape ۞designer, it is very important that you share your ideas and feelings of what you want and how you want your garden to feel. Remember, your garden is to be a re-flection of you, not the landscape designer. When you are in your garden or when you rest your eyes while looking out any window or door of your home, you want to feel nurtured and replenished by the presence and beauty of nature in your garden.

As you venture out to co-create your beautiful garden this year, embrace the energies of the land and focus on building your garden rather than just planting. So the next time your friends say “Oh, what a beautiful garden!” you will have a rich story to share of how you designed, built and co-created with nature, harmony in the garden with feng shui.

Diana DiCristina, founder of Wind Water Harmony, is a spiritual direc-tor, intuitive, feng shui and color consultant, interior alignment practi-tioner and Sacred Circle of Light™ designer. In pursuit of her passion for spirituality, feng shui and color, Diana has traveled coast-to-coast studying with many masters. As a respected expert in her profession, she shares her wisdom of spirituality, feng shui and color through teaching and mentoring, as well as private consultations with individuals, busi-nesses and organizations. Diana received her feng shui certification from the Wind and Water School of Feng Shui, her spiritual direction certifica-tion from the Center For Spiritual Guidance, and her interior alignment certification through the International Institute of Interior Alignment. You can contact Diana at 952-346-9339 or visit www.windwaterharmony.com

Joyce Sobotta

[email protected]

Aromatherapy & Reflexology Healthy GirlsTM available at Just Local Food Co-Op & Path to Health Massage.

Healthy GirlsTM * ReflexologyReiki * Consults and Creations * EFT

715.878.4474 cell 715.828.0117E3151 Cedar Rd., 1119 Regis Ct.

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Fewer migrAine heAdAches by summer?What if you could be mi-

graine free in just two months? And what if you could not only be migraine free, but you could also completely elimi-nate the use of medications? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Here’s how that might be pos-sible:

In a 6-month Australian study, 123 migraine patients suffering from migraines

between the ages of 10 and 70 years with a minimum of one migraine headache per month were randomly divided into two groups. One group was treated with, believe it or not, chiropractic care; with a maximum of only 16 visits over a 2 month time frame. The other group (control group) received physical therapy.

The average response of the treatment group (chiropractic group) showed a statistically significant reduction in migraine frequency, duration of head-ache, disability and medication use. The most signifi-cant improvement was in medication reduction, where many were able to completely eliminate the use of their pre-treatment medications.

This study supports the use of chiropractic for pa-tients suffering from migraine headaches.

Like all doctors’ offices, care may vary from office to office. But if you are looking for a Chiroprac-tor who offers short term, affordable care for your headaches, or if you have questions, call Eau Claire Chiropractors Drs. John & Judy at 834-6333. And the best part is that you can be seen immediately with no obligation to extensive treatment plans.

References1. Winner P. A double-blind study of subcutaneous dihydroergotamine

versus subcutaneous sumatriptan in the treatment of acute migraine. Arch Neurol. 1996;53:180–184.

2. Zeigler D, Hurwitz A, Hassanein R, Kodanaz HA, Preskorn SH, Mason J. Migraine prophylaxis. A comparison of propranolol and amitrip-tyline. Arch Neurol. 1987;44:486–489.

3. Tuchin PJ. The efficacy of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in the treatment of migraine—a pilot study. Aust Chiro Osteo. 1997;6:41–47.

4. Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraines. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23:91–95.

Second Opinion | 20

N4002 Hwy 25Menomonie, WI 54751

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If it is so natural, then why do we have so many problems achieving it? Insomnia is a constant annoyance that rears its ugly head at the most inconvenient times. In our quick-fix world, it seems only natural that when someone begins to experience chronic insomnia, they look for the fastest, simplest method to get back on track to having deep, restful nights of sleep.

Some will argue that before they used Lunesta®, they were tossing and turning all night long, and now that they have been taking the pill, they have been well rested and ready to take on anything that may come their way. If we have learned anything from taking the easy way out, it is that it almost never works and often has negative side effects. Sleeping pills are no exception. Daniel F. Kripke, MD and author of ebook The Dark Side of Sleeping Pills, says, “Most of the sleeping pills are physically addicting drugs which produce both tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. In severe cases, the withdrawal can be life-threatening.”

The quality of sleep brought on by sleeping pills is not

on the same level as the quality of sleep that is gained by falling asleep naturally. This may seem like common knowledge, but the fact that all sleeping pills give people a sleep “hangover” is not. Sleeping pills reduce brain cell activity during sleep, and into the day as well, making people less alert. So actually, that ‘great night sleep’ the sleeping pill popper just had is really a slowing down of brain cells. So why would anyone want to expose their brain to pills when there are plenty of natural methods that work just as well without impairing your brain’s full capacity?

Sometimes lifestyle adjustments are all that people need to cure their insomnia. Watching television, smoking, consuming alcohol and eating a large meal before bed are all simple changes that people can make that often fix the trouble they have falling asleep. However, if this does not work, there are multitudes of natural sleep aids that can help you fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly. Before the miracle invention of zaleplon (the drug found in Sonata) generations of human beings found ways to cure their

Family Focus

Sleep: The natural state of bodily restby Iana Yegoiants

Second Opinion | 21

tossing and turning. We have all heard of the glass of warm milk remedy. If it has worked for years, why turn our back on it now?

Before deciding to turn a new leaf and begin to take natural supplements to fight insomnia, recognize this: natural things are good for the body, but since they are not on steroids they do the job at a slow, steady, and safe pace, beginning to work after a few weeks of use. Patience is a virtue that will have to be used when you are switching from pills to herbs. However, once you achieve natural sleep, going back to popping pills will not be an option.

Now that we have that out in the open, it is time to learn about the various all-natural sleep aids that will grant you a fulfilling, full night sleep. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb that has been used to fight insomnia since the days of ancient Greece. There is no evidence that valerian is addictive or causes grogginess in the morning. Often times, when people go off of sleeping pills and switch to a natural supplement, they complain of experiencing increased insomnia for a short period of time. This is not found among people who go from prescription sleeping pills to valerian. Valerian can be found in tea, pills, or a liquid extract form. 160 mg of Valerian Root was used in the German-made natural sleeping pill Euvegal Forte. The pill was prescribed to children who had been experiencing insomnia and restlessness (ADHD). After about four weeks of the children being on the medication, the majority of them experienced improvement: 81% of those suffering from insomnia experienced improvement and 70% of children who had restlessness experienced positive improvement. No negative side effects were found in any child. The work was done by a trio of specialists, Janet Zand Lac, OMD, Rachel Walton, RN, and Bob Rountree. They also recommend other natural sleep aids in their book Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child (1994, Avery Publishing). They also suggest chamomile and passion flower tea before sleep, putting skullcap in tea before bed, or taking it in capsule form one hour before bed, or taking

valerian root. There are also many other remedies for insomnia that are

not in the form of an herb. Many times, insomnia is traced back to trouble in the far reaches of the subconscious. Guilt and stress are one of the main causes of psychological insomnia. A clear conscience can lead to a good night’s sleep. However, going to a therapist who specializes in insomnia can help mend broken sleep for good. What to expect when meeting with a sleep therapist is pretty standard. Most people attend once-a-week sessions for a month, and somewhere in the first meeting, the therapist will ask you to keep a sleep journal. They will ask you to keep track of when you go to sleep, wake up, and your caffeine intake. They will then use that information to find where your individual problem falling asleep lies and work with you to create a specific plan to help you conquer it. Finding sleep clinics is not difficult. See SleepFoundation.org, or ask for a referral from your doctor. The bright side of sleep therapy is that most insurance policies cover it, so you can work on sleeping better without having to worry about the cost.

After overcoming insomnia, there are some other facts about sleep that everyone, including the deepest of sleepers, should be aware of. Five hours seems like a good amount of time to recharge and dream. However, it is not enough time. A lack of sleep, like a measly two to three hours, can be bad for your heart. Francesco Cappucio, MD was the lead researcher in a recent study of 6500 adults. The researchers found that women who got five hours or less of sleep were subject to having blood pressure twice as high as women who got seven or more hours of sleep a night. Cappucio also states that not getting enough sleep might increase chances of developing diabetes or obesity. Donna Arand, PhD., and clinical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton Ohio, explains that depriving yourself of sleep can trigger a stress response. This response may elevate blood pressure. Arand recommends that having a bedtime and a waking time

that are relatively the same each day can help you sleep soundly. She also suggests getting regular exercise in the afternoon.

Wehether you choose drinking herbal teas before bedtime, alternating your diet so there is no caffeine raging through your blood stream at 10 o’clock at night, or going to see someone who specializes in sleep, if you choose a natural path to overcome your insomnia, you will be able to sleep better with the knowledge that you are doing good by your body and getting a good night’s sleep in return. Who would want to turn that opportunity down?

We have all experienced those sleepless nights. Natural Health magazine suggests you give these ideas a try the next

time you are counting your 276th sheep. Guided Imagery. A study in 2007 in Brazil found that • 12 insomniacs slept better after listening to guided imagery CDs for five consistent weeks. Herbal Tea. Many herbs like passion flower, chamomile, • and skullcap have sedative properties. Look for them in tea form at your natural health food store and relax with a cup about an hour before you head to bed.5-HTTP, which is derived from tryptophan. It helps up • serotonin levels, a brain chemical that helps regulate sleep. Doctors recommend taking one capsule of 100 milligrams nightly.

Second Opinion | 22

Allergy Attack! Be Prepared!by Marybeth Buchele, Homeopath

Family Focus

Get a jump on allergies this year. Several simple, inexpensive strategies can make a difference in your symptoms, especially if you start before you are in the middle of a full-blown allergy attack.

Clean up your diet. If there are foods you have trouble 1. with, you might be able to get by with them most of the year, but during allergy season, you need to lower the stress on your system. A good place to start is to reduce your sweets and sugar intake dramatically. Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners make it harder for your body to function. Also, reduce the amount of fat, preservatives, and junk foods in your diet so your body functions better.Get enough sleep. If you’re tired when you wake 2. up in the morning, you’re not getting enough sleep, or maybe not enough quality sleep. Poor sleep is associated with lower immune system function. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep. If you feel you are not getting good quality sleep, you wake frequently, have a hard time getting to sleep or getting back to sleep, research natural sleep strategies. Many people find sleep-inducing drugs to be an unsatisfactory option.To reduce allergy symptoms, start taking quercitin 3. with bromelain (to increase absorption). Quercitin is a bioflavinoid, is related to Vitamin C, and strengthens the lining of your nasal passages so you don’t react to pollen so quickly. For best results, take it between meals according to the label instructions and start it two to three weeks before you usually get allergy symptoms.

Your allergy symptoms might actually be mold 4. sensitivities. Do you have black, brown or yellow patches on your walls or ceilings? Is your basement always musty? You need to clean up any mold in your home to get rid of your symptoms; if you don’t, very little else may help you. You may need to change the grade on the outside of your home so water flows away from the house when it rains. Move the discharge pipe for your downspouts at least six feet from the foundation, and install a dehumidifier in the basement to take out excess moisture.

These strategies may help you reduce or avoid the sneezing, drippy nose, watery eyes, and droopy feeling of seasonal allergies—so you can enjoy a glorious spring after a very cold winter.

Several homeopathic remedies work very well for seasonal allergies.

Homeopathic remedies are FDA approved, can be very effective for allergy symptoms and are not known to have side effects. Many of our homeopathic remedies have been in use for over 150 years so they have very nice usage and safety track records.

Allium cepa• is a good remedy to look at for allergy symptoms. For this remedy to be effective, the person would have sneezing, sore, watery eyes, clear mucus running from the nose that burns or that makes the underside of the nose sore and red. The person may say their nose is “running like a faucet” and they feel better for a short time after splashing cold water on their face. It is also the most common remedy used for colds.

Second Opinion | 23

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Euphrasia• can be very helpful for allergies that cause bloodshot, burning, swollen eyes. The person’s nose may run, but the nasal discharge doesn’t irritate the skin under the nose. The eyes may have sticky mucus and feel like there is sand in the eyes. The allergy symptoms are worse in the open air, in the morning, and while lying down.Nux vomica• is a remedy for a person with seasonal allergies who is highly irritable and perhaps is rather Type A in personality: hard driving, ambitious and a high achiever. To use this remedy on a person, they would have eyes and nose that are dry during the day and watery at night and would be sensitive to odors.

With homeopathic remedies, you need to match your symptoms to the symptoms the remedy works on. If these don’t match up, the remedy probably won’t work.To use the homeopathic remedies, take two to three

doses of the remedy, about 60 to 90 minutes apart. If your symptoms go away, don’t take any more remedy until the symptoms return. If the symptoms return and are exactly the same, repeat the remedy. If the symptoms return and they are different, you will need to choose a different remedy. If the remedy helped for a few doses, then didn’t help so

much, you will need to choose a different remedy. If you take more of the remedy or if you increase the dose or take it more often, hoping the remedy will “kick in,” you won’t get relief. With homeopathy, either the remedy works or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t work, or stops working, you will need to choose another remedy.If you experience allergy symptoms a lot or all year,

constitutional or long-term homeopathy could help you. This approach can change how your body responds to allergens and often can free a person from allergy reactions so they don’t need medications or a remedy to feel well.

Marybeth Buchele HMC is a professional homeopath with offices in Menomonie, WI and St. Louis Park, MN. She has studied alternative healing for over 25 years and delivers compassionate, professional expertise in complementary health care. She works with people of all ages and specializes in complex health problems. Her phone number is 715-231-6068; website: www.healthnaturally.biz.

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Second Opinion | 24

“The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living”--Socrates

The history of Ayurveda is significant when juxtaposed with modern medical practices. Ayurveda evolved as a system of health care as a result of meditation on the part of ancient rishis or wise people. These were leaders in the community who were concerned about the health and spiritual well being of their communities and who wanted to find solutions to the plagues that were devastating their villages. The system that evolved placed emphasis on how to prevent disease or how to balance minor illnesses before they developed into full-blown diseases. The science of Ayurveda is complex and the ancient texts that enumerate its wisdom are voluminous. However, when Ayurvedic principles are put into practice, maintaining good health becomes elegantly simple: eat well, get plenty of rest, breathe deeply, move gently, make sure that you have a daily bowel movement, and love yourself as well as your fellow humans and the environment.

Contrast this with our modern medical model that requires doctors to work mind-bendingly long hours. Extended work shifts were instigated by a renowned American surgeon named William Stewart Halsted. He became addicted to cocaine after exploring (on himself) how this drug could be used as a local anesthetic. He went to a sanatorium where he was put on morphine to cure him of his cocaine addiction—then causing him to be addicted to morphine until the end of his life. While individual allopathic doctors may have high moral and ethical principles of caring for their patients, they are at the mercy of the evolution of the western medical model itself. The purpose of this article, however, is not to claim that there is no place for the heroic life-saving technologies and methods of allopathic medicine. The different heart/mindset of the founding “fathers” of modern medicine versus Ayurveda opens up a discussion large enough to fill several books. For the purpose of this article, I simply wish to raise awareness about how political, cultural, and market forces are squelching an individual’s right to choose the method of health care that most resonates with him or her.

There is a bill that the Wisconsin State Legislature is considering that will limit the healthcare freedom of our community members. If passed, people who give nutritional advice will either have to be licensed with the Wisconsin Dietetic Association or possess some form of specifically designated licensure (chiropractors and acupuncturists will be able to give nutritional advice). While it may seem easy to argue that this bill is keeping people safe from “quacks” that give bad advice, it would prohibit professionally-trained homeopaths, Ayurvedists and other holistic practitioners from guiding people to eat

healthily. To read the complete bill (SB 115) please visit http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2009/data/SB-115.pdf.

There are some red flags that reveal that this bill is more concerned with power and money mongering than keeping people healthy/disease-free. Some of the Wisconsin Dietetics Association sponsors include: Pepsico ($20 billion annual sales); The Coca Cola Company ($7.6 billion); Mars, Incorporated ($21 billion); Colgate Palmolive ($15.3 billion) and General Foods ($13.7 billion). For a complete list of WDA sponsors visit http://wihfc.com/WDA_Sponsors.htm.

We can observe glaring examples of the market-driven American idea of proper nutrition by looking at the advertisements posted on none other than the walls of our medical clinics. When I was in the waiting area of our local urgent care clinic to be treated for Strep Throat, I noticed a large poster advertising diet soda (targeting people with diabetes) including a not-so-subtle Coca Cola trademark. Any person with an ounce of research skills can find plentiful studies that show the deleterious effects of aspartame (a key ingredient in diet soda) on the human body. Could my Ayurveda teacher, who eloquently explains the physiology of how aspartame poisons the nervous system, really be considered a person who is giving people bad advice? The fact is, the Coca Cola company gets its pockets lined with each new diabetic patient who believes that drinking diet soda will help slow the progression of their disease. What the advertisement does not divulge, is that long-term drinking of diet soda causes people to have tremors similar to those that happen in the cases of Parkinson’s disease. Visit http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html for more information on aspartame. Ayurvedic practitioners, on the other hand, recommend wholesome drinks to their diabetic clients that will not cause harmful side effects.

Family Focus

Whose Choice Is It?by Patricia Wickman

Second Opinion | 25

In all fairness, I have heard rumors of holistic health care providers who instruct their clients to throw away all of their medications and use only natural/nutritional means for overcoming illness and disease. My Ayurveda teacher taught me as well as all of my colleagues (which included two MDs) that we were never, under any circumstance, to encourage people to stop taking their western medications. Our teacher instructed us to stay within a safe scope of practice: educate and support our clients to have a cleaner diet and simpler lifestyle. In this way, the Ayurvedic practitioner is a complementary advocate for their clients’ health. Ayurvedists do not have daily patient quotas and do not bill insurance companies so we have ample time to educate people regarding how they can take personal responsibility for their own health and well being. I recently had a conversation with a physician friend who admitted that, on the whole, doctors do not have time to educate their patients on self-care. In his words, “Doctors fail when it comes to education.” Again, I am not vilifying my doctor friends, but simply pointing a finger at antiquated bureaucratic functioning of hospitals and clinics. According to my friend, if a doctor does not meet his daily quota of patients, he is reprimanded and retrained on how to see as many clients as possible on a given day (hurray for more profits and more uneducated people!). Again, we see the negative results of a market/profit-driven healthcare—or sick care—system.

Perhaps there is a need for a licensing procedure for Ayurvedic practitioners, homeopaths and other holistic practitioners who will be harmed if this bill passes, but certainly this extreme Dietetics bill is not the answer. Ayurveda survived British colonization in India and

I predict it will survive the economic and political colonization currently being carried out by American big business lobbies. In India, Ayurvedic Practitioners went “underground” until India gained independence and now Ayurveda is again enjoying the above board respect that it deserves. One would think that the “free world” could come up with an intelligent solution that would not restrict a person’s right to seek advice from whomever she or he wishes. The history of Ayurveda in India shows that whether under or above ground, Ayurvedic principles are enduring and true enough to survive any daft legislation that comes its way.

If you agree with the ideas presented in this article, please make your voice known by writing to your state representatives. Bills are being passed right under our noses that will have a direct bearing on our freedoms to life, liberty, free speech, the pursuit of happiness, and healthcare (not sick care). Call or write Senator Kathleen Vinehout and Representative Sandy Pasch to express your opposition to the WDA licensing bill. If these are not your representatives or you are not sure who your representatives are, please visit: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx or call the Legislative Hotline: 1-800-362-9472. Feel free to send me an email and I will give you a prepared letter that you can sign and send to your representatives: [email protected]. Like the smallest Who in Whoville that saves the town at the end of Dr. Suess’s Horton Hears a Who, it is time for us as individuals to shout out a hearty YOP!!! and make our democracy work for us and not for big business lobbies.

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Second Opinion | 26

natural Beauty

Sporty Summer This summer when you are basking in the glory of the outdoors, remember what sun, water, sweat and salt can do to your hair and skin. Pamper yoruself after an outing with these simple steps.

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Keep these tips in mind while sleep-ing under the stars.No products. Hair products can at-tract bugs as well as make your hair greasy. Don’t use products while out and about. Also brushing your hair stimulates the scalp to make oil, so keep the brush away too.Eliminate Grease. Use a dry sham-poo to absorb oil and make your hair less slick.Wipe Out. Use portable wipes instead of soap. They are portable, convenient and don’t require water. If you do have a water source and want to use soap, use an environmen-tally sound one. Brush without Water. Use a travel toothbrush and toothpaste that doens’t require water. Its less messy and easier. Products:

Bumble and Bumble Hair Pow-• der can be sprayed on the roots to absorb excess oil. $34, www.bumbleandbumble.comSupersmile Professional Whiten-• ing Toothpaste requires no water. $11, www.supersmile2.comKiss My Face SunSwat Sun • Screen and Natural Insect Repel-lent. $10, www.kissmyface.comEO Sanitizing Hand Wipes have • lavendar oil that helps fight germs and bacteria naturally. $19, www.eoproducts.com

Water can wreak havoc on your locks. Condition your hair daily. Con-ditioner fills the poures of your hair with moisture so that it becomes less likely to soak up so much chlorine and salt. Cover your head. This will keep the salt and/or chlorine out of your hair. When not wearing a cap, if you can, braid your hair or wrap it in a bun.Use Waterproof Screen. Apply waterproof sunscreen 30 minutes be-fore venturing out and reapply after drying off.Rinse. If you are staying outside af-ter a swim, rinse off. Pool and ocean water can be more damaging when combined with sun exposure.Slather. Use a rich moistrurizer after swimming to rehydrate your skin.Products:

Lather Sea Kelp and Ginseng All • Over Mask for overnight hydra-tion for your hair. $18, www.lather.comNeutrogena Active breathable • Sunblock is sweatproof and UVA/UVB protection. $10, at drugstoresJason Swimmers & Sport Reju-• venating Shampoo is made with sea kelp and aloe to help soften hair. $8.50, www.jason-natural.com

Enjoy the outdoors with these tips to prevent blistering and burning.Cover up. Wear sunscreen, EV-ERYWHERE. Many people forget their ears, neck, and lips. Even if it’s overcast, if you’ll be out longer than two hours, make sure to reapply. Not big on goopy sunscreen on your face? Choose a hat with a wide brim to cover your face and neck. Prevent Acne. To prevent sweat from being caught by clothes and creating body acne, wear breatheable cotton clothing when walking. Stop Chafing. Sprinkle your inner thighs, chest, and arms with body powder to absorb wetness and cre-ate a barrier between your skin and clothes. Massage sore limbs. Use a moistur-izer with menthol or arnica to help cool tight, sore muscles. Products:

Ahava Placid Bath Salts soften • and pamper your skin and tired muscles. $17, www.ahava.co.ilECo Lips SPF 15 Mint Lip Balm • has organic spearmint and pep-permint oils to cool and refresh lips while protecting them from the sun’s harsh rays.Weleda Arnica Massage Oil • eases muscles and moistruizes with sunflower seed oil. $17, www.usa.weleda.com

Second Opinion | 27

Tai Chi for Your HealthIf you have ever driven by the park on a summer morning

and seen a class of seemingly still participants you know that Tai Chi’s basic principles are slow, grounded, bal-anced movements. But what you can’t see unless you join in is the vigorous activity and sweating that comes when concentration reaches a point where it’s a serious effort to keep your energy moving at a slow and deliberate pace. It takes discipline and practice to take our “faster, faster” liv-ing mentality and apply the ancient philosophy of tai chi: slower, flowing and balanced.

Tai Chi is a component of traditional Chinese medicine and it integrates mind, body, and spirit by focusing on breathing and enhancing your life force or Qi through movements in the body.

By combining meditation, deep breathing and slow flow-ing movement, you can strengthen muscles, improve bal-ance, and increase your flexibility as well as improve your quality of sleep and control your eating.

Did you know that practicing meditation and Tai Chi can not only make you more relaxed and peaceful, but can also affect your health?

DiabetesA study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2008

found that after 12 weeks of regularly practicing tai chi, 30

diabetic patients found a drop in their interleuikin-4 lev-els, which is a protein that suppresses the immune system. Not only that but the levels of interleukin-12, which is an immune stimulating protein, seemed to double. Dr. Peter Wayne, the director of Tai Chi studies at Harvard Medical School says that tai chi’s positive impact on heart health, stress reduction, and possible weight management may aid in diabetes prevention. He recommends practicing 45 minutes of tai chi three days a week.

Sleep and OsteoarthritisAnother study of elderly patients stated that after three

months of twice weekly practices of tai chi, most patients slept better, longer, and had fewer disturbances in their sleep compared to those who engaged in low impact exer-cises for the same period of time.

It was also shown that elderly patients who suffered from osteoarthritis had less joint pain and stiffness.

ShinglesAccording to a study from the University of California at

Los Angeles (UCLA), a version of tai chi may help people ward off shingles. After 25 weeks of Tai Chi classes, 50% of the adults showed improvement in their immunity to the shingles virus. This virus which also causes chicken pox in kids lies dormant in your system waiting for your immunity to drop before it can break out. This may be the 1st evidence that physical activity may be able to help ward off many viruses that don’t have vaccines, perhaps even the common cold.

To help you make your stressful days a little more enjoy-able, try these easy Tai Chi movements every morning.

The goal in Tai Chi is to quiet your mind and allow your energy to settle into your lower energy field (your tantien) which is 2 inches below your belly button, deep within your core.

Imagine a string tied to the top of your head, and that your tailbone is dropping toward the floor. This lengthens the spine. Be careful not to lean back on your heel or to one side. Keep the spine straight up and down.

1. WU CHI - GROUNDING YOUR FEET

This is the cornerstone of Tai Chi. Focusing on being completely still, stand motionless for 5 minutes. Listen to your body and your internal ener-gies. Stand with feet shoulder width apart with your weight being evenly distributed. Drop your shoulders and tuck your tailbone in. Let go of ten-sion by starting with the top of your

head and working your way down your body. Breathe natu-rally and deeply. You have the option to stand either with eyes open, half open, or closed, depending on your balance. As you relax in the posture focus on your breath and let thoughts drift by “like a leaf on the river”.

Body Boost

Second Opinion | 28

Body Boost

2. COMMENCING TAI CHIStand with shoulders and torso

relaxed, feet parallel. Drop your weight down into your lower torso and upper legs, and distrib-ute it evenly through the soles of the feet, as you did in the prior exercise.

Breathe through your nose, tongue gently touching the roof of your mouth. Keeping your arms straight, slowly raise them in front of you to shoulder height. Imagine that your wrists are tied to strings and are being lifted by them; let the hands dangle.

Once your arms reach shoulder height, straighten out the hands and fingers to form a straight line from elbow to finger-tip. Slowly draw the hands back toward your shoulders as if they’re moving along the top of a table in front of you; let your elbows drop naturally to the sides.

When you feel the beginnings of tension in your biceps, let your fingertips float up and let the palms glide down. Slowly lower your hands until they’re beside your thighs then begin again. Repeat this movement 10 to 15 times.

3. WEIGHT SHIFTINGStand with your legs shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly and

shift your weight to the left leg. The right leg now should have no weight on it. You should be able to lift it off the ground. Now to shift, bend the left leg a bit more as you shift your weight to the center and finally over to the right leg which now should be bent. Your left leg should have no weight on it. Repeat this shifting of balance several times.

4. WEIGHT ON ONE LEGStand with feet spread slightly wider than shoulder width. Put your weight on your right foot, bend your right knee a bit,

keep your energy and body movement over your right foot. Your left foot pivots out so that it’s perpendicular and flexed with the left heel resting lightly on the ground with no weight on it. You should be able to lift your left foot off the ground slightly.

Now with the weight still on your right leg, pivot your left foot so that it is perpendicular to the right foot. Now shift your weight like in WEIGHT SHIFTING MOVEMENT so that now all your weight is on your left leg and your right leg pivots out so that your foot is flexed and is resting slightly on the ground. Repeat this sequence back and forth for several minutes. Your hands follow your body. Start with your hands like the picture, as you shift your weight let your energy guide your hands with you.

Pictures are of Carol Rudd of Healing Choices Massage and Tai Chi Cen-ter in Eau Claire. For more information, call Carol at 852-0303. Weekly classes are available.

Tai Chi in the Park Every Wednesday

Date Where TimeMay 3, 13, 20, 27 Owen Park Bandshell 6 pm

June 3, 10, 17, 24 Riverview Park Island 12:30 pm

July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Rod & Gun Park 6 pm

August 5, 12, 19, 25 Big Falls North Entrance 7:30 am

Sept 9, 16, 23, 20 Phoenix Park 12:30 pm

Second Opinion | 29

H a p p e n i n g s i n t h e Va l l e y May&June 2009

MAY 1

The Facts About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean 6:30pm First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire. Call to RSVP 715-514-0335. Free. Stacey Bounk, mother of three and natural birth advocate, will be speaking about her vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C) and sharing the information she and her husband used to make the educated decision to choose a natural birth.

NEW! Crex Meadow’s Field Trip. Depart Wise Nature Center, Friday, May 1 at 3:30pm, return to Wise Nature Center, Saturday, May 2 at 2:30pm Full payment required at registration until April 24. Friends $40; Non-members $50. Join us for an overnight trip to Crex Meadows Wildlife area, one of Wisconsin’s premier, wildlife viewing sites. Space is limited so reserve your space now.

MAY 2

Stream Monitoring Training. 8am-4pm Beaver Creek Reserve. Registration required by May 1. No fee. A Water Action Volunteer (WAV) agrees to visit at least one stream of their choosing once a month from May through September to collect information about the water quality of that stream. TNo experience required! (Bring a bag lunch.)

Butterfly Gardening. 10:30-12:30pm Wise Nature Center. Full payment required at registration until May 1. Friends $5 Adult; Non-members $7 Adult. Join Sherry Sprague, BCR Butterfly House volunteer and Master Gardener, for a program on attracting butterflies to your garden spots.

Spring Wildflower Walk 9am–12pm Full payment required at registration until April 29. Friends $5 Adult/$2 Child; Non-members $7 Adult/$3 Child. Join naturalists Mike Harden and Pam Rasmussen on a guided tour of the Schmidt Maple Forest near Stanley. Meet at the Nature Center, we’ll carpool to the site. Be sure to bring your field guides and binoculars; warblers should be present.

Grand Re-opening of the Helios Center. 10am-2pm 815 Main St. Menomonie. 715-235-7333.

The Helios Center welcomes new businesses and honors continuing businesses in a Grand Re-opening. Join us for the day of welcoming, treats, talk and community. Introducing: Radiant Life Services, The Network Pulse (formerly The Helios Wellness Center), Infinity Natural Health Services and Data Hut.

MAY 3

My Ever-Expanding Center. www.Christinecenter.org Create a peaceful world from the inside out. Grief, loneliness, illness, failure: experiences that mark times in our lives when we see clearly that we are not in control.

MAY 4

Tele-class: Slim Trim You! Noon-12:30pm. Register at www.HeavenSentHypnotherapy.com Hosted by Julie Geigle.

MAY 5

Aquatic Plant ID and Clean Boats Clean Waters Training. 6-9pm Lafayette Town Hall. Free. Learn how to identify invasive plant species when compared to common native aquatic plants. In the second half of the program learn how to become a part of the Clean Boats Clean Waters program to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species. With the Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association.

MAY 6

Reiki III May 6 and 7 (Two-part evening class) 6:30pm-10pm $300.00 The Meta Institute, Edina, MN 952-831-6382 [email protected]; www.metainstitute.com

MAY 9

Aquatic Plant ID and Clean Boats Clean Waters Training. Saturday 9am-12pm Lafayette Town Hall. Free. Learn how to identify invasive plant species when compared to common native aquatic plants. In the second half of the program learn how to become a part of the Clean Boats Clean Waters program to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species. With the Lake Wissota Improvement and Protection Association.

Native Plant Sale 9am–2pm Wise Nature Center. No registration necessary. Pick up unique native prairie plants started in the BCR greenhouse this spring as well as plants that have made it through their first Wisconsin winter. These plants are not normally found in area nurseries. Sale proceeds help support BCR greenhouse activities.

NEW! Our Changing Universe. 10am Hobbs Observatory. Full payment required at registration until May 6 for the first program. Friends $5 Adult; Non-members $7 Adult. Join Beaver Creek Reserve Observatory Coordinator Jim Fitzl as he presents a series of three programs/workshops on the development of the science of astronomy from ancient times through today. The programs will cover 1) Ancient times to Copernicus, 2) Copernicus to Edwin Hubble, 3) Edwin Hubble to the present. Register for one or all three programs.

MAY 10

Sing for Joy! 6-7:30pm Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 421 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire. Facilitator: Ruthie Rosauer. ww.singingmeditation.com Free. Join us for informal singing and chanting of songs drawn from a variety of spiritual paths including Sufi, Christian, Jewish, earth-based and others. No sermon. No lecture. You need not be an experienced singer or able to read music to fully participate.

MAY 12

La Leche League of Eau Claire. 6:30pm. 227 W. Lexington Blvd. Kristin. 514-1026. Topic: Nutrition and Weaning.

Tele-class: Let Go & Fly FREE. 8:30-9pm Hosted by Julie Geigle. 1-712-432-6100 Access Code:43545#.

MAY 13

Transformations Support Group EC. 6:30 pm. 833-1096. Are you ready for a change? You’re invited to join us!

Psychic Development Series: Talking With Your Angels and Guides 6:30pm Judy Meinen. 715-832-7250. www.

angelcarehealingtouch.com $25. Advance registration. Learn techniques, such as guided imagery, to sense and connect with your angels for healing and guidance.

MAY 14

Citizen Lake Monitoring Training 6-9pm Citizen Science Center. Registration required by May 12. No fee. Learn about the basics of aquatic invasive species and the citizen lake-monitoring program.

MAY 16

Anderson Farm Open House and Customer Appreciation Day 9am-3pm Anderson Farm, N6501 Manore Lane, Arkansaw, WI. 715-285-5226 Cell Phone 715-495-3876.

Ancient Healing Traditions and Integrative Medicine 1:00-4:30 Beaver Creek Reserve’s Wise Nature CenterEarly Registration $25, Late Registration $30. Lee Hilfiker 834-8337 for more information. Amy Greeson a pharmacist, educator, lecturer, writer and world traveler from N. Carolina talks abut finding more effective ways for healing ourselves.

MAY 17

With Heart Wide Open May 17-21, 2009 www.Christinecenter.org Embrace the world and life itself opening up to healing energy in and surrounding you.

MAY 18

La Leche League of Eau Claire. 10am Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd. Group Leaders: Kristin: 514-1026 and Christa: 852-0572. This month’s topic: The Advantages of Breastfeeding.

Carolina Beach Basket 5:30-9:30pm Wise Nature Center. Registration and full payment required by May 4. $42 Friends; $47 Non-members. This sturdy very large wooden bottom tote basket with leather handles is the perfect basket for so many things. I use mine to carry supplies to card making classes as well as supplies for quilting. It would work great for a teacher to carry papers or someone who knits or

Events are subject to change; call ahead for details. Calendar event listings are free. Send your listing by going to our website www.asecondopinionmag.com

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spirituAlity discussion group Every Wednesday. 7-10pm. FREE. Borders Bookstore, Eau Claire. 715-832-7250. An informal gathering to discuss Angels, healing, paranormal and psychic phenomena, and other fun topics.

heAling choices clAsses2711 Pleasant Street, Eau Claire.852-0303. All classes 1 hour.Tuesday6 & 7 pm Tai ChiWednesday10 & 11 am Tai ChiThursday5:30 & 6:30 pm Tai ChiFriday5:30 & 6:30 pm Mixed Martial Arts pilAtes yogA And beyond4913 River Glen Court, Eau Claire. 832-7335. Drop-in rate $15.00.Newcomers: call 715.832.7335 or [email protected] 5:30 pm YogaWednesday 4:30 pm Yoga; 5:45 pm Pilates/yoga comboThursday 12 noon Pilates/yoga comboSaturday 8 am PilatesSaturday 9:15 am Yoga

niA clAssesStacey Beck, 533-0464. • Highland Fitness, East Ridge Center, Eau Claire.Tuesday 6:15-7:15 pm Thursday 5:45-6:45 pm.Open to members and non-members

northern thunder Third Monday @ 7:30 pm, 405 S. Farwell St. Suite 23 Eau Claire. Join this grassroots organization to discuss issues relat-ing to environmental and social justice in WI. 833-1140 or www.northerthunder.org.

the yogA center412 1/2 Water Street, Eau Claire. 830-0321.Monday 9:15-10:45 am Multi-level, Patricia12-12:45 pm Beginners, Sarah1:00-2:00 pm Chair Yoga, Sr Center5:30-7:00 pm Continuing, Sandra7:15-8:30 pm -Beginners, SandraTuesday2:00-3:00 pm Pilates, Anna5:15-6:45 pm Multi-level, Nancy 7-8:30 pm Buddhist MeditationWednesday 9-10:30 am Multi-level, Sarah5-6:15 pm Beginners, Donna 6:30-8 pm -Multi-level, DonnaThursday7-8:30 am Multi-level, Sandra5:30-6:30 pm Happy Hour Yoga, AnnaFriday9:15-10:45 am Yoga & Ayurveda, Patricia12-12:45 pm Multi-level, SarahSaturday9-10:30 am Multi-level Vinyasa, RobinCheck website for changes: www.infinitejoy.com/yoga

hypnosis todAy with Richard Marano B.S., C.H. from Hypnosis Center of Eau ClaireEvery Wednesday 8 pm and Every Friday at 11 am CTV (Chan-nel 11)

wellness club - lunch bunchThe Goat Coffee HouseLast Wednesday 12-1 pmJoin us for great food and fun as we explore wellness—what it is and how to achieve it in all areas of your body, mind & spirit. Check our website for featured speakers. www.USwellnessdirectory.com. Please register in advance: Julie at 715-833-1096.

holy yogAMonday 6-7 pm, St Felix School, Wabasha, MNTuesday 5:15-6:15 pm, United Methodist Church in Durand, WIThursday 7-8 am, St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Wabasha, MN; 4:30-5:30 pm, Pepin Art & Design Center in Pepin, WI

tAsting menu At the creAmeryEvery night E4620 County Rd C, Downsville, WI. 715-664-8353. Five course meal $65, add wine $85.

KirtAn is bAcKSundays 6-8 pm. Josh Polich leads at the Yoga Center Everyone can participate, regardless of age or cultural background. The purpose of this music is to get us out of our heads and into our hearts.

bird wAlKs Every Saturday Beaver Creek Reserve Bird Club will host bird walks this spring around the Chippewa Valley. The walks are open to bird watchers of all abilities. The Saturday morning hikes begin at 6:30 a.m. Hikers meet at the site and wear comfortable clothing. Don’t forget your binoculars. *County Park Sticker required. Free.Saturday, May 2, Rod & Gun Park, Eau Claire Saturday, May 9, Beaver Creek ReserveSaturday, May 16, Chippewa River Preserve on Seymour Cray BlvdSaturday, May 23, Lowes Creek County Park*Saturday, May 30, Beaver Creek Reserve

the helios center 815 Main St. Menomonie. 715-235-7333. Pre-registration required for all classes.

Now That’s What We’re Talking About: Explore the connection between science, philosophy and individuality that support the Network Spinal Analysis and Somatic Respiratory Integration Care offered at The Network Pulse. Free.May 12, 6:23 pm May 13, 3:23 pmJune 9, 6:23 pm June 10, 3:23 pm Discovery Workshop: Experience a hands-on workshop, using a combination of breath, touch, movement, and focus to create and allow inner awareness. The results are often a sense of relaxation, inner peace and confidence. These exercises are unique in that they cue the nervous system in a genuine, gentle way to create sustainable changes in perception of life, reaction to stress, and relationship to others. $35.May 19, 6:23 pm May 20, 3:23 pmJune 16, 6:23 pm June 17, 3:23 pm

Working With Mirrors: We open the doors to the intricacies of Network Care. Come learn the jargon and the connections between spinal tension, phases, gateway, entrainment, levels, rhythms, and care. We explore the decisions each level offers us and why we often choose to run or ignore our deepest longings. Free.May 26, 6:23pm May 27, 3:23 pmJune 23, 6:23 pm June 24, 3:23 pm

RecuRRing events

crochets as well as many other uses. This is a beginner level basket.

MAY 21

Medium Class 7-8pm 715-833-1096 or [email protected]. $5 Learn more about the other side.

Cancer B’Gone 1-2pm Free. Julie Geigle, Heaven Sent Hypnotherapy. 715-833-1096. Hypnotherapy session for people who have been diagnosed in the past five years with cancer.

MAY 22

Tele-class: Money Magic 11-1:30am Hosted by Julie Geigle. www.HeavenSentHypnotherapy.com $5.

MAY 23

Reiki Level I or II Class Judy Meinen. 715-832-7250 $150. Advance registration required.

www.angelcarehealingtouch.com Join Judy to discuss history, effects and uses of Reiki, followed by attunement and practice.

MAY 27

Wellness Club: “Rolling out your Back” Noon. The Goat Coffee House. www.USwellnessdirectory.com

Tele-class: Guided Meditation 10-10:30am Hosted by Julie Geigle. 715-833-1096 or [email protected] $5.

MAY 29

A Weekend with Thomas Merton May 29-31 www.christinecenter.org Praying is about becoming your authentic self in the world. Begin or deepen your meditation practice.

SING! SING! SING! into Summer: Singing Meditation

Retreat May 29-31 www.christinecenter.org Facilitators: Ruthie Rosauer and Helen Gierke.

NEW! Citizen Science Field Experiment May 30-31, Times TBA UW-Madison Arboretum, Madison, WI Contact CSC Director Sara Braun for details at [email protected] or 715-877-2212. Assist Citizen Science researchers in a field experiment to help them discover more effective ways to communicate science to citizens!

MAY 31

Demystifying the Tarot May 30, 31 and Aug. 2 (Three-Day Class) 10am-6pm $250.00 The Meta Institute, Edina, MN 952-831-6382 [email protected]; www.metainstitute.com

JUNE 1

Tele-class: Reducing Hunger 12-12:30pm Hosted by Julie

Geigle. Register at www.HeavenSentHypnotherapy.com

JUNE 4

Wild Foods Workshop 6-8:30pm Wise Nature Center. Full payment required at registration until June 1. Friends: $15 Adult; Non-members: $25 Adult. Back by popular demand. Jon Samuel Thayer, director of the Wild Food Institute, on a spring evening identification walk/tour that will give you confidence about gathering “wild foods.” Returning to the Center, Sam will discuss conservation and food safety. After that everyone will join in preparing and sampling some of the delicacies from Mother Nature’s larder.

JUNE 6

What’s that Tree? 9:30am-11:30am Wise Nature Center. Full payment required at registration until June 2. Friends: $5 Adult/$2

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Child; Non-members: $7 Adult/$3 Child. A Beaver Creek Reserve naturalist will answer tree identification questions as you hike the Reserve’s trails to look at the unique leaf, twig, and bark characteristics of tree species found on the Reserve and learn some easy ways to remember how to identify them. A simple key to tree identification and ID tips will be provided for participants to take home!

Tripping over Wonder June 7-11 www.Christinecenter.org Let go and fly with the exuberance of the Spirit, entrusting our worries and cares to the One Who Cares.

JUNE 8

Easy Oval Twill Basket 5:30-9:30pm Wise Nature Center. Registration and full payment required by May 22. Friends $34; Non-members $39. This wooden bottom 8” by 12” oval basket with a decorative wrought iron handle is woven with a continuous twill weave. Advanced beginner project.

JUNE 9

La Leche League of Eau Claire. 6:30pm 227 W. Lexington Blvd. Kristin 514-1026. This month’s topic: The Advantages of Breastfeeding.

Tele-class: Self-esteem 8:30-9pm 1-712-432-6100 Access Code:43535# Hosted by Julie Geigle. Free.

JUNE 11

Sing for Joy! 7-8pm Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 421 S. Farwell St. Eau Claire. Facilitator: Ruthie Rosauer. www.singingmeditation.com Free. Join us for informal singing and chanting of songs drawn from a variety of spiritual paths including Sufi, Christian, Jewish, earth-based and others. No sermon.

No lecture. You need not be an experienced singer or able to read music to fully participate.

JUNE 13

Reiki Level I or II Class Judy Meinen. $150. 715-832-7250. Advanceregistration required. www.angelcarehealingtouch.com. Join Judy to discuss history, effects and uses of Reiki, followed by attunement and practice.

JUNE 15

La Leche League of Eau Claire. 10am Hope United Methodist Church, 2233 Golf Rd. Group Leaders: Kristin: 514-1026 and Christa: 852-0572. This month’s topic: The Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby.

Nature Nuts/Sprouts/Earth Detectives 9:30am-noon Beaver Creek Reserve. Register today! www.beavercreekreserve.org. Full payment required at registration until May 18. Friends $40; Non-members $45. Children ages 5-11 love to “go wild naturally” Beaver Creek Reserve camps. Encourage kids to discover nature through sensory activities. Whether they are panning for gold or hunting for frogs, Earth Detectives will enjoy getting their feet muddy as they investigate the forest, prairie, stream and pond habitats of the Reserve.

JUNE 18

Medium Class 7-8 pm 715-833-1096 or [email protected] $5 Ever wonder what happens when you die? Come and find out more about the spirit world and connecting with loved ones who have died.

JUNE 19

Midwest Renewable Energy Fair June 19-21 ReNew the Earth Institute, Custer, WI. 715-592-

6595. www.the-mrea.org/energy_fair.php

Tele-class: Achieving Your Money Goals 11-11:30 am www.HeavenSentHypnotherapy.com Hosted by Julie Geigle $5.

JUNE 20

Build Your Own Leopold Bench 9-12:20pm Beaver Creek Reserve. Full payment required at registration until June 12. Friends $40 Full Size/$25 Lil’ Leopold; Non-members $45 Full Size/$30 Lil’ Leopold. These comfortable, wooden four-foot benches were designed and made popular by noted Wisconsin conservationist Aldo Leopold. Build a bench (or the smaller version “Lil’ Leopold” for your favorite young person) during this workshop with Terry Valen and Larry Bennett. Both are available in untreated or treated (arsenic-free) lumber. Bench will be made of treated lumber unless specified otherwise. Class size is limited so call early to register.

All About Butterflies 10:30am-12:30pm Beaver Creek Reserve. Friends: $5 Adult/$2 Child; Non-members: $7 Adult/$3 Child. Full payment required at registration until June 17. Sherry Sprague, BCR Butterfly House volunteer, will cover topics that include the life cycle of a butterfly, how to protect them from predators and what happens to butterflies in the winter months. Participants will also tour the Reserve’s caterpillar lab and Butterfly House. Another great family event!

JUNE 21

Intuition Class 10am-6pm $95.00 The Meta Institute, Edina, MN 952-831-6382 [email protected]; www.metainstitute.com

I Hear Laughter, June 21-25, www.Christinecenter.org Find yourself laughing at life and

looking for options when life is beset with difficulties.

JUNE 24

Wellness Club - “Ionic Foot Cleanse - Does it really work?” noon-1pm The Goat Coffee www.USwellnessdirectory.com

Tele-class: Psychic Vision 10-10:30am Hosted by Julie Geigle. 715-833-1096 or [email protected]. $5.

JUNE 25

Cancer B’Gone 1-2pm Julie Geigle, Heaven Sent Hypnotherapy, 715-833-1096. Free. Hypnotherapy session for people who have been diagnosed in the past five years with cancer.

JUNE 27

Reiki I 10am-6pm $75.00. The Meta Institute, Edina, MN 952-831-6382 [email protected]; www.metainstitute.com

JUNE 28

Reiki II 10am-6pm $150.00. The Meta Institute, Edina, MN 952-831-6382 [email protected]; www.metainstitute.com

Affordable Alternative Living Modular home community offers efficient living

plus proximity to theatre/arts, gyms, hunting, fish-ing, parks and trails. Lots as low as $160/mo.

Barron Mobile Home ParkSandy Eiden 715.357.3953

Second Opinion | 32

• First months rent Free

• Flexible rent options

• Located behind Sacred Heart Hospital • Optional noon meal on site • Heat, water, sewer & garbage included with rent • Social and educational opportunities available • Beauty salon, Library & Recreation Room • Individual garages • Guest suite available • Card/Game room and Convenience store • Close to busline • Discount meals at Sacred Heart Hospital • Storage in apartment and basement

851 University Dr.Eau Claire, WI

Providing quality independent living for Seniors 62 and over since 1986

Feels like home...

Call 834-1338 for a brochure and/or tour.

OPEN HOUSE EVERY TUESDAY 2 - 4 P.M.

Infinity Natural Health Services and Paul Gerst L.Ac.,C.Ht.,

Owner and Lead Presenter for Dragonfly Seminars

Rice Lake1 S. Main St.715-736-1014

Menomonie815 E Main St

(Heloils Center)715-790-1298

Two Styles: Private Sessions and Community (open or shared-room setting)

Sessions

Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Neurolink, Detoxification, Dietary Therapy,

Sound Treatmentswww.infinitynaturalhealthservices.com

for clinic information www.dragonflyseminars.net for seminar information, podcasts

* * S l i d i n g F e e S c a l e Av a i l a b l e