by Angie Fisher

As women age, the importance of meaningful friendships becomes even more significant. Friendships are vital for emotional well-being, personal growth, and navigating life’s challenges gracefully. Here are five essential tips for cultivating meaningful connections for women over 45:

Support and Empathy: Cultivating friendships creates a valuable support system. Having friends who understand and offer empathy can make a huge difference in dealing with life’s challenges, such as menopause, career changes, or empty-nest syndrome.

Social Connection and Mental Health: Maintaining social connections is crucial for mental health. Engaging with friends regularly combats loneliness and provides a sense of belonging, leading to increased happiness and reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.

Personal Growth and Inspiration: Surrounding yourself with friends who inspire and motivate you can lead to personal growth. These friendships expose you to diverse perspectives and encourage self-discovery, empowering you to embrace new passions and interests.

Enhancing Physical Health:Cultivating friendships can positively impact physical health. Strong social connections have been linked to a boosted immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic illnesses. Engaging in group activities or exercise with friends can make fitness routines more enjoyable.

Celebrating Shared Experiences: Friendships bring joy and celebration to life’s milestones. Having friends to share these moments with amplifies happiness and creates lasting memories. Reminiscing about the past also strengthens bonds and reinforces the value of enduring connections.

Investing time and effort into nurturing friendships can enrich your life with support, love, and understanding. Embrace the power of friendship, make new connections, and cherish the ones you already have. Remember, it’s never too late to build meaningful friendships.

Angie is a former language arts teacher, a wife, mom, stepmom, and “Mimi”. In her free time (What’s that?) you will find her digging in the garden, walking her three hounds, spending time with friends, or immersing herself in several causes to help the community.

by Kay Lucas

C

olon cleansing might sound like a new trendy treatment, but using water to deep clean toxins from your body has been happening for thousands of years worldwide. However, it was mainly available only to royalty and aristocracy. It was said that one king had it done four times a day – talk about a royal flush! 

Many revolutions and technological advances later, procedures have changed drastically. What was once more of a harsh enema process is now a gentle (and much more sanitary) treatment. And there are loads of benefits.  

Who are the leading experts in taking out the garbage? That would be Betsy Exton and her team. Exton is a colon hydrotherapist and owner of Pure on Main and Pure Health and Wellness Spa. With many moons of experience, including working for Tony Robbins, Exton is proud to be “cleaning up the Upstate, one at a time.” 

There is nothing to be nervous or shy about when it comes to your health. Let the staff at either Pure location put you at ease. Exton boasts, “We are the area’s leading experts in the field.” Everyone who comes in, especially the timid client, leaves feeling like a million bucks.  

Here are a few tips to prepare you for an even more successful treatment.  

*If you are compacted, stop in and get a movement formula. This will get your intestines working to break up old debris. You might be surprised to know that your body holds years’ worth of waste if it doesn’t know how to digest it! In fact, the average person holds 20 pounds of backed-up material in their colon. 

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is best. You can add lemon, lime, or mint for flavor if you prefer. Veggie juice is also beneficial, especially in the mornings before you eat breakfast.  

*For optimal results, eat light the day of and refrain from consuming anything two hours prior to your appointment.  

At your appointment, you will have some paperwork that can also be done in advance. You will then meet your therapist and have a short consultation. In the treatment room, you dress down and get on the therapy table, where you are draped with a sheet and blanket for your modesty and warmth. The bulk of the time, you are propped up with pillows but lying on your back. However, you will need to roll on one side so the therapist can insert a speculum into your rectum. The speculum is attached to a hose that is linked to an irrigation system. Once the speculum is inserted, you just lay back and relax. The therapist directs the device to flush warm water in, and when the water is turned off, your colon releases the water and waste out of the hose through the machine and into the septic system. There is no smell or mess because everything is contained. As the therapist works, she often massages your abdomen, relaxing you and encouraging the colon to release what it has been holding onto in its nooks and crannies. This process repeats for about 45 minutes, and then you use the private bathroom to empty everything else on your own. Because your large intestine is about five feet long, all curled inside your abdomen, a series of colonics are recommended.  

Exton explains, “Using pure filtered water to help irrigate the intestines and allow the body to rid itself of unwanted waste and debris is one of the fastest & safest ways to help the body rejuvenate.”  

Both Pure locations offer colon hydrotherapy, and all staff are passionate about helping individuals achieve whole-body wellness with the products they sell and therapies they offer.  

“It is more important than ever for people to take their health and wellness into their own hands. There are alternatives and complements to traditional medicine, and cleaning/detoxing is at the top of the list,” Exton recommends.  

It’s no big surprise when you constantly eat junk food full of preservatives and apply products that are full of synthetic chemicals/ingredients that your body can’t function properly. This is why Exton preaches, “Good in; good on; bad out,” all day long.  

Gut health is a topic not talked about enough. Many don’t know the warning signs, such as digestive issues, poor skin conditions, dietary reactions, insomnia, immune deficiency, mental health problems, high-stress levels, and weight gain.  

What is the biggest difference between an enema and a colon hydrotherapy treatment? A colonic is equivalent to eight to ten at-home enemas! Who has time for that?  

“I’ve been working in natural health for over 25 years and truly believe in preventative (plant-based) medicine. It’s a shame to watch so many people wait until they actually get sick…, to then finally look for ways to feel better and start their healing journey,” says Exton.  

Uranus does not need to be a royal to have this treatment anymore. While there is a list of contradictions, colonics are available to the majority of the population.  

Pure on Main is located at 233 N Main Street in Greenville; phone: 864-991-2726. Pure Health & Wellness Spa is located at 108 Cannon Street in Greer; phone: 864-655-5079. For more info on either location, visit: PureOnMain.com.

By Leila Scogin, C.N.H.P.

The Joi Center

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, autumn brings a sense of change and reflection. However, amidst the beauty of this time of year, many of us may find it challenging to achieve restful sleep due to shifting schedules and increased stress. Thankfully, there are plenty of natural and holistic techniques that can help you navigate these changes and enjoy better sleep this autumn.

Meditation for Tranquility:

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine can work wonders for your sleep. Take a few minutes before bedtime to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and calm your mind. Let go of the day’s worries and allow your body and mind to relax, preparing you for a restful slumber.

Breath-work for Relaxation:

Deep and mindful breathing can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Try the 4-7-8 technique – inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8. This simple exercise can calm your nervous system, helping you unwind before bedtime.

Yoga and Stretching for Better Sleep:

Gentle stretches and yoga poses can help release tension in your muscles and promote better sleep. Consider practicing bedtime yoga sequences that focus on relaxation and stretching. Poses like Child’s Pose, Forward Fold, and Legs-Up-The-Wall can be particularly beneficial in calming your body and mind.

Natural Supplements:

Incorporating natural sleep supplements can support your path towards better sleep. CBD, chamomile, passionflower, and valerian are popular options to promote rest and relaxation. Always make sure to do your own research before trying any new supplements to ensure they’re safe and suitable for you.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed:

The allure of cozy autumn evenings might lead us to spend more time indoors, often glued to screens. However, the blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to limit screen time at least an hour before bedtime, and instead, opt for relaxing activities like reading a book, listening to music or taking a warm bath.

Exploring natural and holistic techniques can help you create a serene bedtime routine that fosters better and more restful sleep. Embrace the changing season with a well-rested body, mind, and spirit, ready to savor the magic of autumn to its fullest.

The Joi Center is now located inside 2084 Woodruff Rd, Ste A in Greenville. For more information, and our apothecary hours call: 864-887-2617 or visit: JoiCenter.com.

by Steve Cron

Winter beekeeping in the Upstate can be a challenge. Beekeepers need to be diligent during the colder months to make sure their honeybee colonies stay safe. Since it’s colder and there’s less food around, beekeepers have to focus on things like food, mite control, and keeping the hives warm.

Food: Bees need about 40-60 pounds of honey stored in their hives to survive the winter. Beekeepers can also give them extra food like fondant or sugar syrup. It’s best to give this food before the cold weather comes so the bees can store it properly.

Mite Control: Beekeepers need to check for Varroa mites regularly using methods like alcohol washes and powdered sugar dusting. If there’s too many, beekeepers have to act quickly to get rid of them. There are different ways like using organic acids, essential oils, or synthetic pesticides; it’s  important to follow the specific directions on the labels to keep the bees safe.

Hive Warmth: Bees stay warm by huddling together, but when it’s extremely cold, it’s tough for them. Making sure the hive is warm is crucial. Bees also need fresh air, so the hive shouldn’t be too stuffy. In the the Upstate, it’s usually enough to block the strong winds, which helps keep the hives cozy and at a safe temperature.

Working Together and Learning: People who know a lot about beekeeping in the local area can give great advice. Remember, “All beekeeping is local,” which means that what works for bees can be different in different places. Talking with local experts is a great way to find solutions.

If beekeepers focus on these things and learn from local experts, they can increase the chances that their honeybees will make it through the winter and do well when spring returns.

Steve and Teresa have a thriving honey and veggie business called Sow It Grows in Simpsonville, and when not tending to the bees and garden, they are tending to their grandkids, their dog Josie, and a small flock of chickens. Sow it Grows can be found at the Simpsonville Farmers Market every Saturday during the summer season. For more information, call 864-561-2336. 

by Kay Lucas

When you have a home improvement project, do you only use one or two trusty tools to get the job done? Or do you have many tools at your disposal for preventative maintenance before it becomes a problem?  

What is keeping you from having a versatile toolbox? Is it because you don’t want to try new things, don’t know about other tools, or don’t think you can afford them?  

The same can be said about your self-improvement and health. Sometimes we merely get stuck only relying on Western medicine and don’t always look outside the box. Often, we are scared to try new things, or we don’t know enough about them. Perhaps you think alternative modalities are out of your budget.   

This is why Joan Massey opened Affordable Acupuncture by Joan, located in Simpsonville. With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant and 18 years as a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, she wanted to provide a wide range of services for everyone’s budget.  

“In these tough economic times, our primary goal is to make acupuncture accessible and available to you as often as you need it,” says Massey. “The more frequently you can get acupuncture done, the faster the healing.”  

Affordable Acupuncture offers packages for further savings. Because most acupuncture is performed on the hands, feet, and ears, they provide community-style rooms making it more economical for you. But, if you prefer solitude, they also have three private rooms. 

Affordable Acupuncture by Joan offers much more than acupuncture. Other services include cupping, injectable therapy, heated mat with amethyst, Bemer mat, amp coil, ear candling, tapping, foot detox, sauna, far infrared light therapy, aroma therapy, and a wide range of high-quality supplements. Whoa, that’s a lot of tools to start adding to your toolbox! 

Most acupuncture treatments last between 40-60 minutes. The needles are about the thickness of human hair; therefore, you won’t feel more than the twinge of a bug bite when it is inserted. Acupuncture is great for the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and neurochemical systems, so it helps with pain, stress, infertility, headaches, digestive disorders, and health challenges. Most of their other services can be done in conjunction with acupuncture. 

Has your primary doctor ordered bloodwork, but the lab cost is too high? Affordable Acupuncture has a contract with LabCorp, which means less out-of-pocket for you. 

Walk-ins welcome! In fact, they do not take any reservations. Their private rooms are first come, first serve. But don’t worry; there is rarely more than a 10-15 minute wait time for an appointment. Affordable Acupuncture also has a multi-lingual staff between their licensed massage therapists and nationally board-certified acupuncturists.  

“Our heart and intention are to provide affordable and accessible care for everyone to optimize their healing,” says Massey. Some of their services, such as AmpCoil (beneficial for the brain, hormones, pain, detox, and immune system), are priced on a donation basis. And the infrared lights and Bemer mats are free to use at their office—both excellent for those battling cancer.  

Massey doesn’t look at other practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, or traditional medicine as competition, nor is one method superior to another. She views all of them as tools to build better health. Massey says, “Each person has been programmed for optimal healing potential if given the tools to help this happen.” 

Affordable Acupuncture by Joan is located at 3100 Grandview Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29680, in The Healing Center at the Leigh Building. Open Tuesday-Friday, 9:00-6:00, and Saturday, 9:00-3:00. For more information, call 864-406-3800 or visit:

by Kay Lucas

When you have a home improvement project, do you only use one or two trusty tools to get the job done? Or do you have many tools at your disposal for preventative maintenance before it becomes a problem?  

What is keeping you from having a versatile toolbox? Is it because you don’t want to try new things, don’t know about other tools, or don’t think you can afford them?  

The same can be said about your self-improvement and health. Sometimes we merely get stuck only relying on Western medicine and don’t always look outside the box. Often, we are scared to try new things, or we don’t know enough about them. Perhaps you think alternative modalities are out of your budget.   

This is why Joan Massey opened Affordable Acupuncture by Joan, located in Simpsonville. With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant and 18 years as a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, she wanted to provide a wide range of services for everyone’s budget.  

“In these tough economic times, our primary goal is to make acupuncture accessible and available to you as often as you need it,” says Massey. “The more frequently you can get acupuncture done, the faster the healing.”  

Affordable Acupuncture offers packages for further savings. Because most acupuncture is performed on the hands, feet, and ears, they provide community-style rooms making it more economical for you. But, if you prefer solitude, they also have three private rooms. 

Affordable Acupuncture by Joan offers much more than acupuncture. Other services include cupping, injectable therapy, heated mat with amethyst, Bemer mat, amp coil, ear candling, tapping, foot detox, sauna, far infrared light therapy, aroma therapy, and a wide range of high-quality supplements. Whoa, that’s a lot of tools to start adding to your toolbox! 

Most acupuncture treatments last between 40-60 minutes. The needles are about the thickness of human hair; therefore, you won’t feel more than the twinge of a bug bite when it is inserted. Acupuncture is great for the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and neurochemical systems, so it helps with pain, stress, infertility, headaches, digestive disorders, and health challenges. Most of their other services can be done in conjunction with acupuncture. 

Has your primary doctor ordered bloodwork, but the lab cost is too high? Affordable Acupuncture has a contract with LabCorp, which means less out-of-pocket for you. 

Walk-ins welcome! In fact, they do not take any reservations. Their private rooms are first come, first serve. But don’t worry; there is rarely more than a 10-15 minute wait time for an appointment. Affordable Acupuncture also has a multi-lingual staff between their licensed massage therapists and nationally board-certified acupuncturists.  

“Our heart and intention are to provide affordable and accessible care for everyone to optimize their healing,” says Massey. Some of their services, such as AmpCoil (beneficial for the brain, hormones, pain, detox, and immune system), are priced on a donation basis. And the infrared lights and Bemer mats are free to use at their office—both excellent for those battling cancer.  

Massey doesn’t look at other practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, or traditional medicine as competition, nor is one method superior to another. She views all of them as tools to build better health. Massey says, “Each person has been programmed for optimal healing potential if given the tools to help this happen.” 

Affordable Acupuncture by Joan is located at 3100 Grandview Drive, Simpsonville, SC 29680, in The Healing Center at the Leigh Building. Open Tuesday-Friday, 9:00-6:00, and Saturday, 9:00-3:00. For more information, call 864-406-3800 or visit: AffordableAcupunctureByJoan.com.

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By Liz Liokumovich

As more people are becoming aware and receptive to alternative health modalities than ever before, new demands for these are increasingly more popular and have become more accessible as supplemental forms of treatment. One such modality is the use of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT. For many years now, I have heard about the amazing benefits of using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy from various sources, as well as hearing about celebrity athletes having these chambers in their homes and major hospitals using them for wound healing.

I was thrilled when I received a call to try out HBOT. Dr. Green of Greenville Hyperbaric Center gave a thorough explanation of this type of therapy. I was amazed to learn that HBOT has an effect on stem cell activity. When inside the pressurized oxygen chamber, the body’s cells are able to absorb more oxygen, sending it into all the body’s fluids, blood, plasma, and cerebral fluids. This can help improve brain function, strengthen the respiratory system, and even build resiliency to viruses such as COVID. There are so many interesting benefits to HBOT, I just couldn’t wait to try it! As with many other therapies, it takes more than once to see complete long-term effects, but I also knew there were benefits on a molecular level even with one session.

To my surprise, I was told I can bring a friend, and both of us can enjoy the benefits of HBOT at the same time in the same pressurized chamber. Dr. Green had the deflated chamber set up really nice inside, with plenty of blankets and pillows to keep us comfortable and cozy, plus a few bottles of water. As she zipped us up, I was starting to get a little bit nervous not knowing what to really expect from my body. As the pressure started changing, the drinking water sure came in handy! You have to start drinking, swallowing, or chewing gum to help the pressure in your ears balance out since we are dealing with pressure change. That was the most physically uncomfortable part for me because I have sensitive ears, but it only lasted maybe three minutes. Once the desired pressure was reached, all of that ear pressure stabilized and felt normal. 

My friend and I lounged and hung out in the chamber for an hour. If you’re not as lucky as me and can’t bring a friend, you can still occupy yourself with any kind of reading material, including your cell phone (just make sure it’s charged). During the time spent inside the chamber, I did not feel any evident effects. When it was time to deflate the chamber, we needed to balance out ear pressure again by drinking, swallowing, or chewing gum. 

Following our departure and going back home, I definitely noticed a spike of energy, increased mental focus, and a feeling of positivity. This good mood effect alone was enough to really impress me. I’m so glad I finally tried this out, and I look forward to going back to Dr. Green again. Now remember this, friends–use the bathroom before you enter the chamber because you will be drinking and won’t be able to come out for an hour!  

A big ‘Thank You’ to Dr. Green and team, and my friend who kept me company. 

Greenville Hyperbaric is located at 1109 S Church St. in Greenville. For more information, call 828-375-0002 or visit: GreenvilleHyperbaric.com.

Liz is a wife and homeschooling mom of four by day, and a self-proclaimed “Research-Hawk” by night. She’s looking forward to discovering more natural therapies to keep her life in balance.