Natural Health

Aches? Pains? Injuries?

Making acupuncture part of your comprehensive treatment planmay help speed your recovery time and improve overall results.

The National Institute of Health Consensus Conference onAcupuncture notes the effectiveness of adding acupuncture tophysician-prescribed treatment plans. Its effectiveness has beennoted in chemotherapy-related nausea, arthritis, headache, pain,asthma and many other conditions.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call firstspaat 715-1811

About the practitioner:

Kelsey Dixon, L.Ac., graduatedfrom the University of Southern

California with honors in neuroscience

and philosophy and attended

The New York College of Traditional

Chinese Medicine.

952-101-9

Page 2 natural health & beauty

BY MARTHA J. HENDERSONDesign Editor

Have you ever stubbed your toe so hardthat your mind blanked out for a second?Or, smashed your thumb and had the samemind-numbing feeling?This is not a surprising reaction if youconsider the science of reflexology, whichsays the brain is mirrored in certain spotson the feet and hands, specifically on thebig toe and the thumb.So the connection between stubbing yourtoe or smashing your thumb and havingyour brain blank out makes perfect senseto practitioners of reflexology, saysMarianna Hopson, a licensed estheticianwho includes reflexology as one of the spaservices offered at her Southern Pinessalon.According to Hopson and other reflexol-ogists, reflexology is a natural healing artbased on the principle that there arereflex areas and zones in the feet, handsand ears which correspond to all of theglands, organs and parts of the body.

Manipulating and stimulating (applyingpressure) these reflexes properly withspecific thumb, finger and hand tech-niques can promote health in the corre-sponding organs through energy path-ways, thus encouraging a physical changeto the body and helping improve one’shealth in a natural way.

Natural Health PracticeReflexology has been used as a naturalhealth practice by many civilizationsacross the world for thousands of years.The earliest form of reflexology originat-ed in China as early as 5,000 years ago.Modern-day reflexology was developed inthe 1930s and ’40s by Eunice D. Ingham, anurse and physiotherapist, who mappedthe entire body into reflexes on the feet.Ingham’s method is still followed today,along with other more recent methods.Ingham’s “maps” and other charts detailhow the body is reflected on the feet and

see REFLEXOLOGY, page 4

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hands, serving as a map for techniqueapplication to target health goals. WhileHopson knows the maps by heart, shekeeps several close at hand, in case shecomes across something she needs todouble check.According to reflexology, the left footand hand reflect the left side of the bodyand the right foot and hand, the rightside. The spine reflex runs down theinsides of the foot and hands, while thetoes and fingers mirror the head andneck. The ball of the foot mirrors thechest and upper back in addition to theheart and lungs.Halfway down the foot is the waistlineof the body. The parts of the body andinternal organs above the waistline aremirrored above this line, and those beloware represented below it.

‘It’s Just Wonderful’Reflexology can be a deeply relaxingtreatment with benefits that can be feltthroughout the body, Hopson says. A pop-ular alternative therapy, it promotesrelaxation, improves circulation, reducespain, soothes tired feet and encouragesoverall healing.“Reflexology is like having a full bodymassage with just the ears, hands andfeet. It’s like massaging all the organs ofyour body through these points,” Hopsonsays. “It is great for relieving stress. Itreleases energy and tension, and leavesyour body feeling balanced. It’s just won-derful.”As an esthetician, Hopson is trainedand specializes in skin care, includingfacials, waxing for hair removal andother treatments. Studying and addingreflexology to her spa services was a nat-ural fit, she says.“l had always been interested in skincare and different types of therapy,”Hopson says. “It all just came togetherwith reflexology. I was taking continuingeducation courses as an esthetician, andmy instructor taught us about reflexology. It was just so right. It’s niceto broaden your horizons.”A graduate of Central CarolinaCommunity College, Hopson has takenfive classes in reflexology, including amedical and diabetes class.

Benefits of ReflexologyMany health problems can be linked tostress. Primarily a relaxation technique,reflexology gently nudges the bodytoward better functioning, making itmore capable of dealing with the stresses of daily living and those associated with illness.Other benefits of reflexology include:� Relaxation� Pain reduction� Rejuvenation of tired feet� Improvement in blood flow� Improved lymphatic drainageReflexology is not a substitute for stan-dard medical care, but can be used as acomplement to medical therapy.

Hopson says that a skilled practitionershould be able to look at someone’s feetand know their health issues. These visu-al signs of a person’s health can includedryness, wear, calluses, knob-by toes or bunions.“I can tell what’s going on inother parts of the body by aperson’s feet,” Hopson says.Hopson recalls a client whosaid she had just recoveredfrom a bout with bronchitis.While performing reflexologyon the client, Hopson says shefelt a “pebble” in the area thatcorresponds with the lungs.“I asked her if she had beinghaving trouble with her lungs,and she said she had ‘justrecovered from bronchitis,’”Hopson says. “I told her thatshe had almost recovered andthat we needed to finish off therecovery.”Hopson had the clientbreathe deeply while sheapplied pressure to the “peb-ble” until she felt it disappear.By targeting the area, Hopsonsays reflexology was able tohelp her client recover fully.The assessment of the visualsigns or the touch signs thereflexologist can feel as thepressure technique is applied,as well as sensitivity to tech-nique application, allows thepractitioner to target areas ofstress to provide relaxationspecific to the individual.When asked how often a per-son should have reflexology done,Hopson says, “Have it done once a week,once a month or every day. It’s healthy.It’s not going to hurt you.”

Not MassageReflexology shouldn’t be confused withmassage. While massage targets specificmuscles and connective tissues to changethe soft tissue directly stimulated, reflex-ology promotes a response from an areafar removed from the tissue stimulated.Pressure, stretch and movement techniques are used methodically, working through the whole foot.Reflexology shouldn’t be painful,Hopson says.“One of the first things you learn, andthat is stressed in medical/diabeticreflexology classes, is that you don’t rubtoo hard,” Hopson says. “This is not deep tissue massage. Reflexology uses firmpressure and should never hurt. Someareas might be tender or sensitive, andthat means it is an area that needs to beaddressed, but it shouldn’t hurt.” During a reflexology session, only thefootwear comes off, making reflexologya good therapy choice for people whowant to keep their clothes on during amassage. It also is a good choice forsomeone in a hurry who doesn’t want oilor lotion on their skin or in their hair.

Spa ServicesWhile some reflexology practitionersdon’t use oil or lotion during their

sessions, Hopson does. She incorporatesanother spa service, aromatherapy,choosing essential oils that are beneficialto a client’s specific needs.

“Aromatherapy is very therapeutic.Using essential oils during reflexologyadds to the overall results,” Hopson says.“For instance, one blend I use includes

cypress, which is detoxifying;geranium, a mood balancer;rose, a tonic to the nervoussystem and an antidepressant;pinescotch, a pain reliever,good for circulation; tea treeoil, an antiseptic; and raven-sare, an antiviral that booststhe immune system.”In addition to reflexologyand aromatherapy, Hopsonoffers a variety of spa servicesat her Southern Pines salon,inside Natural Nails by Melodyin Icehouse Square, 575-5 SEBroad St. These servicesinclude Egyptian ear candling,eyebrow and lash tinting, full-service waxing, hot stone ther-apy, therapeutic facials/peelsand lymphatic drainage.Available by appointmentonly Tuesday through Friday,Hopson can be reached at (910)494-3885.Group rates are available forbusinesses who want to offertheir employees the gift ofrelaxation. Special packagesand gift certificates also areavailable.

Contact Martha J. Hendersonat (910) 693-2476 or by e-mailat [email protected].


ReflexologyFrom Page 2


Marianna Hopson describes reflexology as “wonderful.”


Tips for Relieving

By the time you finish reading this story,you could have stared at the shapes of theclouds in the sky, enjoyed an indulgentsnack or sent a long overdue e-mail to aclose friend.More importantly, that 60-second breakcould keep your mental health and well-ness in check.With 92 percent of Americans looking to“take a break” from their daily routine,according to a recent study, people needan escape, even if it’s brief.Many individuals don’t realize howempowering a short break can feel — orhow to go about setting aside the time.“Finding time to treat the ‘you’ in yourself is important to maintaining a balanced life, especially during these hectic times,” says Stephanie Marston,lifestyle expert, speaker and accom-plished author on topics surrounding lifebalance techniques. “Some people justneed a little help getting started.”Marston recently partnered withKellogg Company to develop a list of thesequick, stress-relieving tips as part of itslaunch for Kellogg’s Cinnabon Snack Bars.Enjoying a sensible but indulgent snackis one of many simple ways to hit the resetbutton on the day. These short breaks cantake place between meetings, waiting topick up the kids or on the way to the nextappointment.

Other relaxing “Cinnaminutes” include:� Sing out loud to your favorite songwhile driving home from work.

� Smell something refreshing likelavender.

� Indulge by serving yourself yourmorning tea or coffee in a pretty cup.

� Check out your favorite blog or Website before diving back into your task.

� Spend some time today rereading abook you loved as a child.

� Post an inspiring quote on your computer or mirror, where you’ll see itevery day.

� Say or do something nice for someoneyou don’t know.

� Skip down the aisle at the grocerystore.

� At least once a week, waste time with-out feeling guilty.

� Play with children’s toys and crafts:clay, finger-paint, crayons.

� Make a joy list.“There are plenty of ways to combatstress,” Marston continues, “but no one isgoing to force a minute on you to relax.Keep your mental health top of mind bywriting yourself a note, scheduling timefor breaks or even taping up this story atyour desk as a reminder.”The full list of Kellogg’s “Cinnaminutes”can be found at www.KelloggCinnaminutes.com.

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Mind-BodyConnectionLecture SetThe second fall lecture in theHealthy Living Series throughthe Sandhills CommunityCollege Center for CreativeRetirement will be “Mind BodyConnection: Is It All in MyHead?”This lecture will present aholistic approach to healthy living by focusing on themind-body connection thatinfluences health and disease.Participants will learn effective ways to develop aself-care plan by Professor BillCroft.The class will be heldThursday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 6p.m. in 208 Van Dusen Hall.The registration fee is $25(waived for those over 65).Preregistration is required.To register, call (910) 695-3980 or come to the ContinuingEducation office in Van DusenHall on the campus at 3395Airport Road in Pinehurst.

Go Clean and Green in the LaundryIf there is one culprit in the householdthat sucks up an enormous amount ofenergy and has the potential to be a blighton the environment, it’s the laundry room.Apart from an electrical furnace, aclothes dryer is one of the biggest electri-cal draws in the home, using an average of4,500 watts of electricity. Washingmachine energy use differs dependingupon whether it’s a front-loading or top-loading unit, but this appliance still uses aconsiderable amount of energy.According to estimates, an average person does one load of laundry per week,weighing in at roughly 15 pounds.Considering the average family containsfour to five people, that’s around five loadsof laundry a week, depending on the season of the year and how many sets ofclothes are worn per day (active familiesmay change clothes more frequently).Therefore, it’s easy to see how doing laundry can impact the environment —and how making some simple greenchanges can do much to help the planet,especially when multiplied by all of thehouseholds out there.

�� SSwwiittcchh ttoo ccoolldd wwaatteerr llooaaddss:: It is estimated that 95 percent of the energyused by washing machines goes towardheating the water if you choose “hot” washcycles. Washing your clothes in hot waterinstead of cold water for a year uses moreelectricity than leaving the refrigeratordoor open 24 hours a day for a year.

There is no evidence that hot watercleans any better than cold water, especially when there are many detergents available today designedspecifically for coldwater use. So skip hotwater, which can shrink or discolor clothesanyway. Be green and save some green,too.

�� AAvvooiidd hhaarrsshh cchheemmiiccaallss:: Laundrydetergents are full of ingredients designedto scour clothing. While many break downreadily in the environment, they may havelasting effects on aquatic life. Some ingredients in laundry detergents, such ascolorants, may actually cause cancer orother ill effects in humans.Today, there are a number of laundrydetergents that contain safer ingredientsfor people and the environment. For verylightly soiled clothing, or items that justneed refreshing, you may be able to gowithout detergent for the load.

�� TToossss oouutt ddrryyeerr sshheeeettss aanndd lliiqquuiidd ffaabbrriicc ssoofftteenneerrss:: These products, meant tosoften clothes, are typically full of chemicals that are not great for the environment or people. For example,ingredients include alpha-terpineol, benzylacetate, camphor, benzyl alcohol,limonene, ethyl acetate, pentane and chloroform. Some of these componentshave been known to impair respiratoryfunction, cause headaches, cause skin disorders and contribute to cancer.A better idea is to use baking soda orvinegar in the wash to naturally softenclothes (just don’t use vinegar at the sametime as bleach because mixing these maycause toxic fumes). Some synthetics arenaturally soft, negating the need for softeners anyway.Other ideas include:- Rumor has it tossing a ball of aluminumfoil into the dryer with clothes cuts downon static cling.- Don’t dry clothes all the way; leavethem a little damp to reduce static.- Don’t mix synthetics with cottonclothes to reduce static.

�� DDoo llaarrggeerr llooaaddss:: It is economical andbetter to wash a large load of laundry thanto do several small loads where themachine is underfilled. However, whendrying clothes, the reverse may be true.Attempting to dry too many clothes at thesame time may result in more energy usefrom re-running the dryer over and over.

BY DEBORAH SALOMONFeature Writer

Beware: No matter how green the label,neither the FDA nor USDA has a firm regulatory definition or monitoringprocess for “natural.”The FDA “policy” is that nothing synthetic or artificial — like colors — hasbeen added to the product. The USDAstatement is similar, requiring that theproduct should not be more than minimally processed and include anexplanatory statement on the label. Bylaw, organic certification requires strictverification and inspection.Scientific semantics get sticky on controversial products like high fructosecorn syrup, which is derived from “natural” corn but with chemical bondsbroken and rearranged. People seekinghealthier diets should realize that animalfat, salt and sugar — even tobacco andsome toxins — start out as “natural.”This paints a gray area on the greenestlabel.Natural foods chefKathy O’Donnell ispassionate in promot-ing whole foods, truenatural foods andorganic foods. Shedefines whole foods asprovided by naturewith all edible parts:grains with bran andgerm, apples withskin, if unwaxed.Working together,whole foods supplymost nutrients.“Our society is sick because of the foodwe eat,” says the slim, fit, energetic physician’s wife and mother of a toddler.“The Sandhills area has a lot of older people with health issues that can beaddressed by eating the right foods. Wehave Stone Age bodies, but are eatinghigh-tech foods, which disrupts internalbalance.”O’Donnell, who lives in Southern Pinesand Chapel Hill, studied culinary arts atJohnson & Wales University in Rhode

Island and the Natural Gourmet Institutein New York City, and interned at theDuke University Center for Diet andFitness. The former restaurant chef developed Real Food in Fast Times, acourse she teaches in Charlotte and otherlocations.O’Donnell’s rigorous personal regimenincludes nutrient-dense seaweed (“calcium and magnesium, little flavor —one piece is enough for a pot of soup”),almond and chickpea flours, chia (a seed)and quinoa (Peruvian super-grain), brownrice syrup (a sweetener) and, wheneverpossible, organic meat and vegetables.She is concerned when shoppers becomeconfused by labels and claims.“After all, a chicken is ‘natural’ no matter what you feed it,” O’Donnell says.As for the subjective term “healthy,” thechef notes that some certified organicfoods aren’t.The problem, of course, is separating thewhole wheat from the chaff in a super-

market loaded with10,000 choices.O’Donnell finds mostrequirements atNature’s Own inSouthern Pines, in thenatural foods sectionof local supermarkets,at farmers marketsand online. Yes, theyare more expensive.However, the unitprice of highlyprocessed preparedfoods can be far

greater than simple, whole-foods substi-tutes.“Whole” is O’Donnell’s password. Thismeans dried beans, brown rice, barley,oats, whole-grain flours like buckwheatand amaranth, and, of course, fruits andvegetables as they come from the earth,not sauced and breaded from a thrice-wrapped microwaveable tray.That’s a mouthful for a person accus-tomed to commercial baked goods, extruded cereal, canned soups and frozen side dishes. Realizing this, O’Donnell

suggests gradual implementation:Begin with something you enjoy and eatfrequently — like pasta. Switch to wholegrain, now available in popular brands,which is especially good with stir-friedvegetables and an Asian sauce. If grapesare your favorite fruit, buy fewer but onlyorganic.Give small children whole-grain fingerfoods like chickpeas, well-cooked beans,macaroni, sweet potato cubes. Start themon natural-style (no added salt or sugar)peanut butter before they develop a tastefor hydrogenated.Once a week, substitute a grain entreefor meat, something like chickpeas, olives,roasted red peppers and quinoa. Throw ahandful of barley into the stew and stuffthe Thanksgiving turkey with brown rice,shredded vegetables, crumbled sageleaves and cubed oatmeal bread.If you cannot afford organic protein full-time, at least buy free-range chicken andhormone-free milk and cheese.Read labels for ingredients, not justcalories. Whole foods have fewer additives, which means that all caloriesprovide nourishment.Give yourself a year to change a habit.O’Donnell suggests starting with

breakfast, since breakfast starts the day.Switch from refined sugar to stevia, agavesyrup or another less-processed sweeten-er. Plain oatmeal cooks quickly, can bereheated and holds off hunger for hours.Whole-grain and sprouted grain toast,English muffins or bagels have more flavor than white.Take a field trip. Next time you’re inDurham, Raleigh, Charlotte or Chapel Hill,visit Whole Foods or a comparable super-market to see the possibilities. Investigatethe natural/organic foods in local markets.Some are intermingled with conventional;others are displayed separately.Following this diet trend is no longerassociated with a counterculture lifestyle.“Natural” foods are a $50 billion industryin the United States. Organic grosses $25billion.Education makes the difference,O’Donnell believes.“Most of the food we eat is made by scientists,” she says. And although it mayprovide quick gratification, the bodyknows better. “When the human body getswhat it needs, it will feel satisfied.”

Contact Deborah Salomon at [email protected].

Farmers MarketThe Moore County FarmersMarket at Armory Field onMorganton Road in SouthernPines remains open Thursdaymornings until early winter.Collards and other greens,squash, brussels sprouts,apples, pumpkins and otherfall crops are available.



Natural foods chef Kathy O’Donnell visits the Southern Pines farmers market.

Natural,Whole, Organic?

Define, UnderstandAnd Conquer


BellyDanceShimmy Your Way

To FitnessBY MARTHA J. HENDERSON

Design EditorWe all know how it goes — youmake the decision to get off thecouch and get in shape. Inspired,you join a gym, lace up your athletic shoes and jump on a stationary bicycle, treadmill orstair climber.And, you ride, walk or climb.Then you ride, walkor climb some more… until your atten-tion starts to wanderand your inspirationbegins to wane.While spendinghours walking on amachine or climbingstairs that don’t goanywhere does getresults, it also can getvery monotonous.Why not shake your fitnessroutine up a bit? Literally.Belly dance lets you shimmyand shake your way into shape.And, it’s fun.

Art Form and ExerciseMore and more Americans arelearning what people around theworld have known for thousandsof years — belly dance is notonly a beautiful art form, it alsois great exercise for women (andmen) of all ages.Mention belly dance and mostpeople probably imagine an exotic young woman with long,flowing hair dancing in a sexy,revealing costume. This image of

belly dance is a stereotype.At least 5,000 years old, bellydance, which is the Western termfor a traditional Arab danceknown as raqs sharqi (Orientaldance), is the world’s oldest continuously performed folkdance. It is both a social dancefor fun and celebration and aperformance art.

Oriental dancemade its most-noticed Americandebut in 1893, at theChicago World’sExposition, saysSharifa Asmar, a professional historianand educator, as wellas an accomplisheddancer, instructorand choreographer.“Belly dance is

loaded with negative connota-tions,” says Asmar. “Its realname is Oriental dance, or raqssharqi in its native Arabic.Oriental dance is a social danceand it’s not just for women. Allages do it. It’s a party dance.“At the World Expo, it was mislabeled ‘belly dance’ as a promotional gimmick anddeclared ‘scandalous’ byVictorian society matrons,” saysAsmar. “Much of what Americaassociates with ‘belly dance’ areinventions of Hollywood andother fantasy industries. Little ofthis image has anything to dowith the region or cultures from

see DANCE, page 9

“You dancefor yourself,not for anaudience,”Sharifa Asmar


where the dance comes.“Most people are used to seeing a solofemale performer, but raqs sharqi is atradition of family celebrations and gatherings — a social dance, celebratoryand fun for all. It is a traditional elementof family parties and celebrations wherethe finest dancers are often aunts, grandmothers and the family men.”Oriental dance includes Middle Easternand many other regional dances.

Benefits of Belly DanceAsmar describes Oriental or bellydance as “the most welcoming dance forall women,” regardless of age, shape, sizeor physical abilities.“Belly dance is about your ability andwhere you’re at,” Asmar says. “As longas your doctor says it’s OK, relax, have agood time and get comfortable with whoyou are.”Belly dance is beneficial for the body,both mentally and physically. The dancestyle builds self-esteem. Dancers becomemore comfortable with themselves aswell.“Belly dance is a holistic approach to ‘Iwant to feel better,’” Asmar says. “Itallows you to get control. It strengthensyour body. I tell students you won’t seenumbers change in your weight, but your

clothes will fit better.“I use every part of my body when Idance,” says Asmar, who has been danc-ing almost 28 years. “I tell my students to‘stop worrying about my hips.’ I’m goingto get more latitude from my hipsbecause of how long I’ve been dancing.”Because a dancer is on her feetthroughout the dance, belly dance is con-sidered a weight-bearing exercise; how-ever, it is also a no- to low-impact aerobicworkout. Belly dance uses abdominalmuscles versus legs.“When you move your hips and torso,you’ll discover muscles you forgot youhad,” Asmar says. “Belly dance will buildthe muscles around your joints, notattack your joints. You’ll also becomemore flexible, wake up with more energy,move more gracefully and breath better.”Other benefits of belly dance, Asmarsays, include improved posture and coor-dination.Because of belly dance’s no- to low-impact nature, people with back and kneeproblems can do it. Asmar’s advice is to“never push your body to its limit.“Have a good time. You’ll feel better,more relaxed, when you leave,” Asmarsays. “It also helps drain tension.”

Belly Dance ClassAsmar teaches belly dance classes inAberdeen, as part of the town’s Parks andRecreation Department, and inRockingham and Fayetteville. The hour-long Aberdeen class meets at 5:30 p.m.Thursdays.

For more information about the bellydance class offered by the AberdeenParks and Recreation Department, call((910) 944-5902.Known for classic Egyptian-styledance, Asmar teaches classic Americanand Middle Eastern dance, which shedescribes as “traditional” belly dance.“I provide a solid foundation for anystyle of belly dance,” Asmar says. “Thereare no surprises. It’s what you wouldexpect, complete with traditional Arabicmusic.”Classes are offered to students 15 yearsand up. Asmar knows one belly dancerwho is 91 years old.Because belly dance is about havingfun while getting fit, Asmar says per-formances are not a requirement of herclasses.“You dance for yourself, not for anaudience,” Asmar says. “There is no pressure. We just have a good time.”Don’t worry that you don’t have something to wear. Students of bellydance wear yoga clothes, T-shirts, tanks— basically, comfortable, non-bindingclothes. Hip scarves are optional.However, Asmar says, it is good to wearsomething around the hips because itgives her a visual reference so she canbetter see the movement of students’hips.“You don’t need sequins to belly dance,but it adds to the interest,” Asmar sayswith a smile.Dancing barefoot also is optional.Students can choose to go sans footwear,

or they can wear dance slippers or othersoft, flexible shoes. In Lebanon andTurkey, Asmar says, the custom is towear high heels.For more information about bellydance, check out Asmar’s Web site atwww.sharifaasmar.com.Asmar also directs Qarisma DanceArts, a resource for Middle Eastern andNorth African dance, including perform-ance, instruction, cultural and education-al programs, and original productions.Qarisma Dance Arts will be performingat the World Holiday Festival the weekend of Dec. 12 at the Crown Centerin Fayetteville.

Discover New ThingsWhile Asmar recommends taking abelly dance class to learn the genre, shepoints out that DVDs are a great way forstudents to practice. FitTV’s “Shimmy,” aseries that teaches belly dance, is anothergreat way to practice.“If you feel good between your ears,you’re going to feel good physically,”Asmar says. “And, when you feel good,you spend more time dancing, exercisingand making better choices. I’ve knownwomen who took up belly dance for exer-cise and then became serious addicts.“Belly dance — you’ll discover newthings about yourself.”And, get in shape.

Martha J. Henderson can be reached at(910) 693-2476 or by e-mail at [email protected].

DanceFrom Page 8

BY MARTHA J. HENDERSONDesign Editor

Whether it’s belly dance or ballroom,shagging or square-dancing, dance is agreat way for people of all ages and physical abilities to get and stay in shape.Not only is it great fun, but letting looseand kicking up your heels also providessome terrific benefits for your health.Research shows that dancing helpsreduce stress, increase energy, improvestrength and increase muscle tone and coordination.A good cardio activity, dancing is a funway to burn off calories. Because it is soeasy to vary the level of physical exertion,dancing is a great activity for people of allages.

Just Have FunThe most important thing for people whoare beginning dancers is to just have fun,says Debby Hasson.Owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studioin Pinehurst, Hasson has been dancing sinceshe was 5 years old. Classically trained atthe Washington School of Ballet, she got intoballroom dancing when she was 19.“Ballroom dancing is a lot of fun and it isgood for the heart,” Hasson says. “It’s a funactivity to do together. I tell people that if

they are patient with themselves, I’ll bepatient with them all day long.”She says people get involved with dancingfor many different reasons, including theirhealth and for social activity. Her adult students include empty nesters, singlesgroups, couples preparing for weddings andthose who just want to dance.“We have had people lose weight and people with arthritis have their joints getbetter,” Hasson says. “The idea is to startslowly and keep moving.”With both private lessons and group classes available, the Fred Astaire DanceStudio teaches ballroom dance to studentsof all ages, from 7 to 74 and older.Taught by professionally trained and certified instructors, classes at thePinehurst studio include foxtrot, waltz,tango, rumba, East Coast swing, West Coastswing, cha cha, mambo, Viennese waltz,meringue and samba.

Different Types of DanceNot sure what style of dance you mightlike? Experiment. Try different types ofdance classes to see what will get your hipsshaking and your feet moving.If you take a class, give it some timebefore deciding you don’t like it.Fortunately, there are a number of dance

options available for those in the Sandhillswho want to cut a rug.In addition to Hasson’s studio, there areseveral other ballroom studios, as well asballroom dance groups with locations acrossthe county.For those who like beach music, then theCarolina shag is for you. The shag is a slotted swing dance that shares many figures with “jitterbug,” East Coast swingand West Coast swing. It’s danced from thewaist down, but it doesn’t use much hipaction.Feel like doing a do-si-do or allemande?Square dancing is the answer for manyMoore Countians. Definitely not a spectatorsport, square dancing is a low-impact activity requiring constant movement andquick directional changes that help keep thebody in shape.Not only does it provide a good aerobicworkout, but square dancing also bringspeople together for fun and fellowship —even when learning how.Whatever your dance preference, thepoint is to get up, get going and get moving.

For more information on dance in theSandhills, check out the Arts andEntertainment calendar at thepilot.com orin Friday’s edition.

Just Kick Up Your Heels and Dance


Natural BeautyHair Cottage Offers Clients Simple Approach

BY HANNAH SHARPENewsroom Intern

Looking for a great cut and color without the burdenof harmful chemicals and hair damage?Tucked away off Bennett Street in Southern Pineslies a local secret for enhancing natural beauty — naturally.For the past five years, Hair Cottage has offered avariety of organic and natural styling products, including the Dikson Italian Hair Color line that allowsclients the confidence of great color without excessivedamage to their hair.Dikson Italian Hair Color, provided by pioneers innatural haircare, Muster and Dikson, differs fromother hair colors because the color enters the hair as amolecule, not as a pigment, providing better color penetration for longer-lasting color. Muster and Dikson has offered its color line since1975, but its spread to the United States has been aslow process.

Natural AlternativesNow, with the growing trend of using natural beautyproducts, more people are beginning to consider natural alternatives to their previously chemical haircolor maintenance.

Every color in the Dikson line offers total gray coverage without color fading or damage to hair — acolorist’s dream come true.All of the dyes are noncarcinogenic and contain twopercent or less ammonia.Hair Cottage owner and hairstylist Gina Anderson haspersonally used the color linefor five years, along with providing it to her clients.“Once I tried it, I washooked,” she says. “I could justsee the shine.”Now all of the hairstylists ather salon use the color line ontheir own hair, giving clientsthe personal assurance of theproduct’s natural quality.Wanda Pierce has been atHair Cottage since May, buthas spent 36 years working inthe hairstyling industry. Sheused to be a color line educatorfor Muster and Dikson’s NorthAmerica Education Center.

“Your clients can knowwhat they’re getting,”Pierce says. “I thinkeveryone’s hair feels better [after the colortreatment]. It fills the hair with color.”Anderson says most of her clients walk in thedoor looking for a color update.“My whole day is mostly color,” Andersonsays.Anderson also says that the popularity of particular hair colors changes with the season.Clients prefer pale blondes in the summer, butswitch to warmer tones for fall and winter. Thisseason, she has seen many auburns and goldencolors.One trait clients always seek when asking forcolor is dimension in the form of highlights orlowlights.

Future of Hair CareThe ladies at Hair Cottage agree that natural products are the future of hair care.The availability of more products that maintain healthy hair unleashes the ability topush the envelope on new styles.“We can do it and still keep the hairhealthy,” Pierce says. “I can’t imagine notusing it at this point. I wouldn’t want to havedo without it.”Pierce adds that people are becomingmore conscious of the ingredients found inthe products they use.“There are more organic- and natural-savvy people, especially around this area,”Pierce says.The use of natural hair color puts a newspin on the concept of natural beauty.Products are formulated to enhance aclient’s natural beauty, rather than paintover it.Diana DiStefano, of Pinehurst, has been

using the Dikson line on her hair with hairstylist DawnHardy at Hair Cottage for five years.“I like the fact that it highlights. The gray in my hairgets golden, so it doesn’t look unnatural,” DiStefanosays. “When the light hits it, you can see different

shades. That’s normal hair!”Hairstylist Lauren PresleyMcKenzie enjoys the benefit ofnot having to smell ammonia allthe time when she is coloringclients’ hair. The dye has noodor at all. Some clients aresensitive to the smell of dyesand hair products.

Natural IngredientsBesides the natural color line,Hair Cottage also offers a variety of hair products thathave natural ingredients.Anderson highly recommendsthe JLife line of hair products,available at the salon.JLife products contain fewadditives and have SPF protec-tion. They are popular becausesea moss is an essential ingredi-ent that helps restore moisture.Though Hair Cottage favorsnatural and organic hair prod-

ucts, Pierce says there is difficulty in buying productsthat are entirely natural because those products have ashort shelf-life. Even products claiming to be entirelynatural contain additives that preserve the product.“You can’t always get totally natural,” Pierce says.

Different PerspectivesThe four women behind Hair Cottage vary in ageand fields of expertise, giving customers the ability tochoose a hairstylist they are comfortable with.Pierce enjoys the collaboration among the differentperspectives.“We all stay pretty fresh with new ideas,” Piercesays.Anderson opened Hair Cottage five years ago afterrenovating a building in Bradford Village.“The building was pretty much dilapidated,”Anderson says.She remodeled her salon to look chic with the feel ofhome so customers could feel comfortable andrelaxed.“It’s a cottage with a front porch and rooms that looklike home. I like to keep it cozy and small and quaint,”Anderson says.The salon has three rooms with four hair stations,giving each client more privacy with a hairstylist.“The client likes that because they’re not sitting inone room hearing everyone’s conversations,” Andersonsays.Over the years, Hair Cottage has seen significantgrowth in clientele, thanks to its natural products anddedication to quality results.However, Anderson isn’t looking to expand her all-natural business anytime soon. She and her hairstylistsare more than happy to keep things simple and natural.

Hannah Sharpe can be reached at (910) 693-2485.

PHOTOS BY HANNAH SHARPE/The Pilot

Above: Salon owner Gina Anderson works with a client in

one of three styling rooms at the Hair Cottage in Southern

Pines. Top and middle: Hairstylist Dawn Hardy puts the

finishing touches on a client’s hair.

Do you spend a lot of time dwelling onthe past or thinking about the future? Thatdoesn’t leave much time for enjoying thepresent, does it?Often, when people feel overwhelmedby stress, it is at least partlybecause they can’t stop relivingwhat has already happened or fretting about what is to come.The Mindfulness-based StressManagement Program offered byFirstHealth of the Carolinasteaches people how to relievestress and anxiety by focusing onthe here and now.The next eight-week mindfulness program will beginMarch 1, 2010. Sessions will beheld Mondays from 6:30 to 9p.m., and there will be a one-dayworkshop on a Saturday from9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Medicare and most majorinsurance cover group ses-sions. Admissions personnel verify healthinsurance coverage and discuss rates andpayment options with you.Elizabeth Manley, MSN, R.N., CS, a clinical nurse specialist with FirstHealthOutpatient Behavioral Services, teachesthe mindfulness program.“Anyone who considers himself or herself negatively impacted by stress iseligible,” she says. “Mindfulness trainingalso can help people with a variety of psychological and medical conditions thatare made worse by stress.”Clinical studies have found that mindful-ness-based stress management can be aneffective component of treatment for conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue,high blood pressure, recurrent depression,sleep disorders, compulsive overeatingand even heart disease and cancer.“People often realize that their busyminds and physical tension — the manifes-tations of stress — are exacerbating theirhealth problems,” Manley says.Mindfulness involves various forms ofmeditation that enable a person to block

out distractions and fully experience thepresent moment.“The concentration and focus that thisrequires can give us our life back,”Manley says. “If we are preoccupied withother things and just going through the

motions at any

givenmoment, then we’re not reallyexperiencing the moment. Mindfulness isa way to have a quality of life that doesn’tinclude so much stress.”Mindfulness is different from relaxationtherapy in that the goal isn’t simply to

relax your body and let your mind goblank.“The objective of mindfulness is toobserve your thought processes and howyou are being affected by your thoughtsand then, over time, to be able to chooseyour thoughts,” Manley says. “This is not a

quick fix. It requires daily practiceand discipline.”Manley has taught mindful-

ness-based stress manage-ment at FirstHealth since1998. She took training forhealth-care providers with JonKabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelliof the Center for Mindfulness inMedicine, Health Care andSociety at the University ofMassachusetts Medical School,the largest academic medicalcenter-based stress reductionprogram in the country.

To learn more about theFirstHealth Mindfulness-basedStress Management Program or to

apply to participate in the program thatbegins in March, 2010, contact ElizabethManley at (910) 715-5217. Preregistrationis required, and registration for this program closes February 15, 2010.

If You Suffer From...

Call To Make An Appointment

• Allergies• Back & Neck Pain• Cold & Flu• Digestive Disorders• Headaches & Migraines

• Diabetes• Fibromyalgia• Menopause• Fertility• Stress & Anxiety

• Acupuncture• Cupping

• Acupressure• Chinese Herbs692-8049

Gift Certificates Available

Acupuncture Center of the Sandhills


FirstHealth Mindfulness Program HelpsParticipants Address Stress, Anxiety

Classes OfferedFirstHealth Center for Health &Fitness-Southern Pines offers a variety of classes, including:

AromatherapyMMoonntthhllyyJoin Gayla Comer as she shareshow to use essential oils to boostyour immune system and loweryour stress level. Class will includeuseful handouts and samples of various oils. Free.

Improving Life with MSThrough Exercise1100 aa..mm..,, SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovv.. 2211Learn about the benefits of exercise for individuals sufferingfrom multiple sclerosis (MS). Theworkshop will help individuals finda variety of ways to improve theirindependent functioning, eliminatefatigue and decrease their risk ofother problems associated with MS.Individuals will be able to participate as well as observe exercises that are known to helpthose suffering from MS.Registration required by Nov. 19.Free.

Therapeutic Tai ChiWith Lee Holbrook11 pp..mm.. WWeeddnneessddaayyss aanndd 1100::1155 aa..mm..FFrriiddaayyssThis ongoing gentle mind-bodyprogram is suitable for just abouteveryone. It includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing. Otherbenefits include reduced stress,increased flexibility and improvedmuscle, strength and balance.First class is free before purchasing your Tai Chi programcard. Just mention this story beforeattending a class.

The FirstHealth Center for Health& Fitness-Southern Pines is locatedat 205 Davis Drive. For membershipor program information, or to regis-ter for one of the classes, call (910)692-6129.


We’ve all have it drummed into ourheads that we shouldn’t sit on public toiletsbecause of germs, or that we shouldreplace our toothbrushes every fewmonths because bacteria grow on them.But what about sur-prising places wheregerms congregateand multiply fasterthan fruit flies?Here are some ofthe biggest bacteriahot spots:•• RReeffiillllaabbllee lliiqquuiiddssooaapp ddiissppeennsseerrss..These range frombasic plastic to ultra-fancy models thatmatch other bathroomaccessories. Andthey’re much classierthan a grimy bar of soap.Unfortunately, they’realso a magnet for fecalbacteria.“[The bacteria] love togrow in the soap,” saysDr. Charles P. Gerba, amicrobiologist and profes-sor at the University ofArizona. “In one study ofsoap dispensers, 25 percent hadfecal bacteria growing in them,and one-quarter of the sampleshad E. coli growing in them.”Your best defense? Use onlynonrefillable containers if youlike liquid soap.•• TTVV rreemmootteess.. This makessense — everyone in the house-hold touches them, possibly mul-tiple times a day. According toDr. Gerba, one study showedthat in homes with children suffering fromthe flu, 60 percent of the remotes harboredthe influenza virus. Clean and disinfectremotes regularly.•• CCuuttttiinngg bbooaarrddss.. Get ready for this one:

The average kitchen cutting board has 200times more fecal bacteria on it than theaverage toilet seat. Surprised? The mainculprit here is meat, which is often con-taminated with fecal bacteria from ani-mals (and unhygienic people who han-dle it). Home cooks often cut meat oncutting boards and then fail to do any-thing more than wipe them down.They need to be disinfected regular-ly, ideally once a week. Try dilutingone tablespoon of bleach with a quartof water, soaking the board for fiveminutes and rinsing it. Or mix onepart vinegar with five parts water,and do the same.

•• SSppoonnggeess aanndd ddiisshh--ccllootthhss.. Wipe down yourkitchen table with apreviously used spongeor cloth and you couldbe spreading germsaround. Try throwingsponges in the dish-washer and/ormicrowaving them.Cloths can be launderedin a bleach solution.It’s probably best tosimply replace yoursponges and dishcloths

regularly.•• YYoouurr ppuurrssee.. Yes, that

purse you carry aroundfrom store to store is a sur-prising magnet for nasty lit-tle germs such as fecal bac-teria. The worst offendersare women who place theirpurses on the floors of publicrestrooms — up to one-thirdof bags become contaminatedthis way.

But even if you don’t drop your bag, itstill picks up bacteria wherever it’s placed.Clean it with an antibacterial spray or dis-posable wipes, or wash it down with asoapy washcloth.

Beware of TheseBacteria Hot Spots

SandhillsAlternative Healthcare

Dr. Thomas P. McKay, Jr., D.C.780 NW Broad Street Suite 400 • Southern Pines, NC 28387Telephone: (910) 693-3700 • (910) 693-3709

We provide an alternative to conven-tional healthcare treatments for a variety of conditions. Examples ofthese conditions include: high bloodpressure, ADD/ADHD, high choles-terol, hormone imbalances, acid reflux, and general well being. Weoffer chiropractic assessments andtreatment and the following diagnos-tic testing: hormone testing, hairanalysis, food allergy testing, bloodchemistry and in house x-ray. Wealso provide whole food and herbal supplements to meet specific nutritional needs.

Full Service PharmacyCompounding Lab

Nutritional CounselingHerbal Supplements

Pharmaceutical GradeVitamins & Minerals

Drive ThruFree Delivery

Military Discount Everyday

We offer private consultations for men andwomen on natural hormone replacement.

Call for an appointment today!Saliva Test Available

Monday-Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-1910-246-5155866-246-5155

295 Pinehurst Ave. • Southern Pines

1100%% OOFFFF HormonalConsultation

with this coupon


Understanding the ImportanceOf Hydration For SeniorsWater is vital to keep our bodies functioning properly. For seniors,getting enough water can be diffi-cult since the ability to sense thirstlessens with age and the kidneysbecome less efficient.Seniors need to be focused on getting enough water to keep thebody running properly. Becauseseniors have thinner skin and canbe affected by medications, thepossibility of

dehydration is greater for them.Signs of dehydration may include:dry skin, dry mouth, flushed skin,fatigue, headache, thirst, dizziness,weakness, increased body tempera-ture, breathing and pulse rate, anddifficulty breathing.Consider these ways to help seniors get enough water through-out the day:

� Encourage eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid aday, unless otherwisespecified by a physician.It is especially importantfor congestive heart failure and kidney disease patients to ask adoctor for appropriate levels of fluid intake.

� Watch urine colorand output. If urine isdark or output is low,seniors likely needmore fluids.

� Remind seniorsnot to wait until they

are thirsty to drink. Dehydrationstarts before people feel thirsty.

� Liquid nutritional supplementsprovide both water and nutrientsand may help meet multiple nutritional goals.

� Drink a wide variety of fluidsto stay hydrated. Juice, decaffeinat-ed teas and coffee, broth-basedsoups, fruits like apples andoranges and vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes all offerfluids.

� Add juice, a flavored drink mixor flavored ice cubes to a bottle ofwater.

� Popsicles, water- or juice-basedsmoothies, frozen juice pops, Italianices or sorbets are an unexpectedtreat that will help meet seniors’water consumption goals.

For more information about senior nutrition or ComfortKeepers services, call (910) 246-8000 or visit www.comfortkeepers.com.


Tips for a Very Merry,Earth-Friendly HolidayFor environmentalists or even regularJoes looking to do their part, the holidayseason represents a great time to giveback to the environment. While it’s easyto get overwhelmed by the hectic natureof the holidays, it’s also easy to be environmentally conscious during thismost busy of seasons.What many people realize when theyadopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle is therelative ease of making such a change. Allit really takes is a few tweaks here andthere, and not a complete lifestyle overhaul, to get on the path to living eco-friendly.The same can be said with behaviorduring the holidays, when a few minoradjustments to the standard holiday routine won’t make too noticeable animpact on holiday traditions, but willmake a big and positive impact on theenvironment.

Tree EtiquetteChristmas trees are a big and oftenbeautiful part of the holiday season. Anannual debate among tree lovers is whichare better for the environment, real orartificial trees. Both have their ups anddowns.Initially, real trees would seem to be themore environmentally friendly option.However, once the season is over, discarded trees become a large part oflandfill material. In addition, some peoplefail to remove all of the plastic ornamentsor lights from trees, and this can be environmentally hazardous. But live treescan be a boon to the environment if theyare composted after the season and usedfor landscaping purposes.Artificial trees, on the surface, appearless environmentally friendly. Such treesare made from plastic, and are thereforea product of oil, meaning they will

produce carbon emissions and other environmental contaminants. However,artificial decor can be reused every year.

Wrapping Paper PointersPerhaps no part of the holiday season ismore wasteful than the one-time usage ofwrapping paper, ribbon, cards and bows.According to Green Star, if every familyreused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie abow around the entire planet. And approximately 2.65 billion Christmascards are sold each year in the U.S., providing enough waste to fill a footballfield 10 stories high.But holiday aficionados need notremove the grandeur of holiday wrappingpaper, bows and ribbons to ensure anenvironmentally friendly holiday. Instead,simply reuse wrapping paper, ribbons andbows from year to year. Cards can also beculled from last year and used as a decorative label for this year’s gifts.

Entertaining With an Environmental TiltHoliday get-togethers with family andfriends are an integral part of the season.For party hosts, entertaining with an environmental tilt is easier than onemight think. Work with vendors and sitesthat use linens and china to avoid disposable serviceware waste.Plan food and beverages wisely so thatthere isn’t much left over. Reports indicate that more than 100 pounds ofextra food per person is disposed of eachyear. Encourage people to take home left-overs if there are any, or donate it toplaces that feed the needy.Provide busing to larger office partiesor reunions, or simply encourage gueststo carpool. When disposing of waste, besure to recycle.None of these suggestions will put a

host out, but each will make a positiveimpact on the environment and possiblyencourage guests to go green as well.

Go Green With GiftsGifting is another area in which to go

green. Instead of trinkets that might justend up in a clutter closet, give gifts thatrecipients will be sure to use, such as giftcertificates to the movies or electronicsstores. Make a donation to an environ-mental organization in a friend or familymember’s name.

CONTRIBUTED

Reusing wrapping paper from year to year is one easy and effective way to make apositive impact on the environment each holiday season.

Come Live the Life You Want!

NationallyAccredited

Nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of our residentsfor more than 50 years.

How do you define wellness?

A refreshing dip in the pool? Visiting with friends? Time in the chapel? Tai chi? Golfing? A leisurely stroll? Reading a good book?

We have all that and more!

(910) 246-1008www.sjp.org

St. Joseph of the Pines is the leading provider of senior living and health services serving the Sandhills region since 1948.

Participating in activities that enhance your mental, physical, and spiritual well-beingis what makes you whole.

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