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Professional hair stylists Sally Loew and Amy Worst, independent hair stylists at the Aesthetica Image Group Salon in Grand Rapids, proudly announce their exclusive use of the Organic Salon Systems color line for organic, chemical-free hair treatments. Loew and Worst are the first and only in West Michigan to offer the organic hair treatments and one of three other professional hair stylists in Michigan.

The two stylists’ green initiative came about as Loew began experiencing allergic reactions to ammonia and other chemicals in the hair coloring treatments and products she was using on clients. "I was having respiratory issues and in researching the effects of ammonia and other sulfates contained in hair dyes, I discovered the cause of my health problems and, ultimately, the solution - the Organic Salon Systems color line," notes Loew.

Now allergen free, Loew attributes her relief to the line of natural hair care products she and Worst have committed to use and marvels at the products’ quality. "The color lasts longer and leaves more shine, without damaging the hair," observes Loew. "The secret of true organically grown, chemical-free hair dye is the color molecules are suspended in oil, which nourishes hair, instead of ammonia."

Registered Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach Barbara Badolati joyfully presents a candle-light Yoga Class Fundraiser to benefit Every Woman’s Place (EWP) of Muskegon. The class will be held on Wednesday, December 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts - Johnson Hall in downtown Muskegon. All ages and abilities are welcome. Class donations are appreciated and will be used to further the services of EWP. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga or exercise mat.

Every Woman’s Place is a free crisis center for abused women, children, and youth and helps individuals through counseling, advocacy, safe shelter and general support. "Every Woman’s Place is a wonderful organization which helps so many women and children when they are experiencing difficult times," says Badolati. "I personally have been blessed in this way, and want to extend my gratitude with this fundraiser through the joy of yoga".

West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) invites the public to join in their 40th Anniversary and Triple Top Line Awards celebration on Thursday, December 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will be held at the LEED Certified Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and features a performance, "A Sense of Wonder", focused on the life of Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring". Attendees will learn about the region’s rich history in environmental education and advocacy while enjoying refreshments and conversation with fellow eco-conscious citizens. WMEAC will also recognize the region’s leaders with the Triple Top Line awards, for their efforts to balance the environment, economy, and social equity.

As 2008 culminates, the year marks Clothing Matters’ (CM), Grand Rapids’ premier eco-fashion clothier, 10 Year milestone, as West Michigan’s retail destination for planet friendly apparel and education. A national leader in eco-fashion and sustainably manufactured promotional products since 1996, CM’s decade serving West Michigan represents a labor of love for founder Marta Swain. "Thousands of diverse, discerning customers have walked through our doors and left with comfortable and stylish clothing that reduces the use of pesticides, petroleum, and waste of precious resources," remarks Swain. CM’s world class retail eco-fashion collection includes the best blends of bamboo, organic cotton, hemp, soy, wool and other materials made for men and women. "We have every reason to believe that West Michigan is the most sustainably dressed region in the nation," enthuses Swain.

The Longevity Center Welcomes New Care Providers

The Longevity Center of West Michigan (TLC) is pleased to announce the addition of two new care providers to their center. Dr. Robert Beckman, DO, P.C, board certified in Pediatrics, specializes in providing well researched insights to the myriad vaccines currently available and specializes in treating Autism and ADHD with non-stimulating therapies. Dr. Beckman also provides a natural approach to Asthma, Food Allergies and Detoxification.

Additionally, Dr. Keri Topouzian, DO, FACOEP, a Diplomat on the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, joins TLC’s staff. Dr. Topouzian specializes in Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine. His approach to medicine seeks out the underlying cause of patients’ complaints, proffering individualized treatments which include bio-identical hormones, nutrition and pharmaceutical grade nutrients. Some conditions Dr. Topouzian treats include Hormone Imbalance in Men and Women, Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Conditions and Acute and Chronic Infections.

Core Pilates (CP) and The Practice Yoga Studio (TPYS), two mind-body fitness studios in one location in Grand Rapids, offers its Second Annual Pilates and Yoga combination class on January 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The class is suitable for all levels. "This combo class was a resounding success last year," notes TPYS owner and Registered Yoga Teacher Kim Brown. "So it’s back by popular demand."

Cynthia Jones, owner and operator of CJ's Studio Salon (CJ’s) in Grand Rapids, will host a client appreciation and community open house on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to stop in for free services and products, product demonstrations, food and drawings. Local Natural Health Consultant, Sherri Hughes, of "Personal Health 'N' Home", will be featured throughout the day and offering demonstrations of essential oils and her proprietary energy sprays.

The Open House will also allow Jones to introduce, to her clients and other attendees, three new holistic practitioners, who are offering appointment-based services through her salon. The three practitioners include: Nancy Buikema, an inspiring channeler and energy healer; Reiki Master, Fran Falan and Reflexologist, Sharon Vermeulen.

Congratulations to Rick Powell, co-owner of From the Heart Yoga Center (FHYC) in Grand Rapids, who was recently certified as an Anusara Yoga™ Instructor. Powell joins FHYC co-owner and teacher Bhenji Masson as West Michigan’s only certified Anusara Yoga™ teachers. Powell’s achievement also holds special significance, as he and Masson’s yoga studio, which opened in November of 2000, was the first dedicated Anusara Yoga™ Center in Michigan.

Masson is a certified Anusara Yoga™ teacher and a member of the National Certification Committee for Anusara Yoga™. She is a continuing student of Anusara Yoga™ founder John Friend since 1997.