Behold the Power of Spring

What makes us long so much for Spring? Is it biology or chemistry? I think it's a bit of both and a little more.

Here in the Midwest it seems everyone starts getting a bit stir crazy when February rolls around. And that made me wonder what are we experiencing. Here are my ideas of why Spring is so powerful.

Oxygen
Obviously an essential to life on earth, oxygen is an element we can't live without. As Spring nears, plants emerge, leaves grow and more oxygen is produced. It's really just fresh air and whether or not you've been cooped up indoors all winter, there has been less oxygen produced in your immediate vicinity. Spring gives us that first breath of fresh air and it's stimulating.

Sun
During Winter there is a decline in sunlight from the tilt of the earth and in some cases more overcast skies. Once Spring arrives we have more daylight hours, more direct sunlight and are able to get an increase of that essential Vitamin D that boosts our immune system, strengthens our bones, and lightens our mood.

Movement
With all the fresh air and Vitamin D, we are inspired to move; whether walking, running, biking, hiking, most people tend to get out and get more physical exercise when Spring comes. It elevates our mood, decreases our waist size, and improves our health in numerous ways.

Connections
Now that you are happy, healthy, and running around, you are more likely to see your neighbors, your friends, and make new friends. As the most social animal on the planet, connecting to other human beings is essential to our overall health and wellness. Spring promotes our connections to each other.

Nature
As you make your way outdoors in the Spring it is only natural that you will hear birds chirping and see flowers blooming. If you are fortunate enough you may be able to enjoy lakes, oceans, parks or forests, depending on where you live. Nature provides us with a spiritual experience, connecting to the earth and creation. Getting out into nature is a very satisfying experience.

With all the good things in store, it's no wonder so many people are longing for Spring. If you want to enjoy the rest of the winter, read my previous post on The Winter Blues and experiencing a happier Winter. Until then, I'm enjoying Winter but looking forward to Spring.

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environment Expert, Green Business Owner, and Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth."

Dynamic Duo Wellness

Traveling through the holidays and entering the New Year, we often feel excitement, anxiety, and a little bloated and run down. Treat yourself, or someone you love to some wellness this holiday season with the ladies at Dynamic Duo Wellness and make the most of life!

Alee Hoffman HHC, AADP and Erin Dunscomb HHC, AADP founded Dynamic Duo Wellness (DDW) in Chicago, 2009. They both are passionate about helping people lead more vibrant and joyful lives. The duo met at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition/Columbia University in New York when they were pursuing their own paths to a higher quality of health and nutrition and developed their professional relationship teaming up for some workshops on the east coast.

Dynamic Duo Wellness is not just about the collaborative partnership between Alee and Erin, it's about the relationship between a person and their food. Or as the gals at DDW like to say, "It's time to join forces with your food!"

What can DDW do for you? Quite a lot! DDW offers in person workshops, private sessions, corporate events, phone and internet sessions and Skype workshops from recipes, cooking classes and general nutrition counseling to personal health evaluations, individual plans and family and children food education.

PROGRAMS

Private Coaching (Single Session $97.00/Package $177/mo). For lasting results DDW recommends 3 months minimum commitment. In both you will receive a detailed health assessment. The package also includes two 60-75 minute session/mo, recipes, hand outs, customized tips and information, access to the DDW natural pharmacy and email support.

Group Program Package ($77.00/mo). Group health and wellness programs in a supportive community of people.

Public Workshop (normally $35.00). Include all foods/materials and discounts.

Private Workshop (up to $55.00/person). You pick a topic and invite up to 20 people to join! (price decrease after 6 people).

The best way to find out what's going on at DDW is to sign up for their newsletter at dynamicduowellness@gmail.com. It includes monthly newsletter detailing current and upcoming programs, what's new, as well as tips, recipes, and special discounts.

COMING UP IN 2011

Happy New Year! DDW will be doing the cooking demos and providing the appetizers/drinks for the ChicagoVeg Meet Up Group Pre New Year's Eve Party.

2011 Jump Start Package Special (January/$200.11). This package includes a 60 minute health assessment with a detailed health history, blood pressure, adrenal glands, and toxicity/pH check; health food store tour; 1 admission to either the New Years Workshop OR Winter Blues/seasonal depression Workshop; additional session at months end; + 10% off on first month of group program or individual counseling if you choose to continue.

LOOK FOR: DDW is currently working on a grant proposal to offer food and wellness education with CSAs in Chicago neighborhoods that don't have quality grocery stores to teach people how to eat and live well on a limited budget.

DDW teaches at Infuse Yoga Spa at 713 West Wrightwood Avenue in Chicago. They also teach in homes, by phone, online, and Skype. You can find them at www.dynamicduowellness.com.

Originally posted in the Mindful Business Matters Blog by Alexandra Gnoske. Alexandra has a degree in Wildlife Biology, J.D. in Environmental Law, is the President and Founding member of RECYCLE ME, the Author and Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth," and writes for Mindful Metropolis Magazine.

What NOT to buy: Chemicals in your child's life.

I am always looking for products that are safe for the environment and my children (one in the same really). So when I came across this report on children's bath and body products by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, I thought I should share it.

Brand name household products for children and infants can contain carcinogenic chemicals as ingredients or byproducts. It is hard to know what's safe because most of these chemicals are not listed and the products are often "recommended by doctors."

Fortunately The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics has done the research and reported their findings so you can keep the chemicals out of your baby's life!

1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde are found in many children's health care products including Baby Magic "Soft Baby Scent" Lotion and Johnson's Baby Shampoo. Hospitals put this on your newborn baby, right after they are born!

Why should you keep 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde off your child's body? The EPA considers 1,4-dioxane a probable carcinogen and the Consumer Product Safety Commission believes even a trace amount is cause for concern. Formaldehyde is also considered a probably carcinogen by the EPA and can trigger adverse skin reactions. Click HERE for the details of this eye opening report.

Another great resource for product research and testing is The Environmental Working Group. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics was founded in part by the EWG, Breast Cancer Fund, and Clean Water Fund.

Please read the report. Make sure to avoid these products at the store when you shop for your kids, AND also when you shop for gifts for other people's children. If it's pink and smelly it's probably not good for anyone's body.