By now most of us have heard of Botox and facelifts, and some of us may even be familiar with the various laser treatments available today. But with so many medical spas touting the latest and greatest in anti-aging treatments, it can be tough to know what’s what.

Read on as we round up this season’s best non-invasive procedures and get the latest information from the experts at some of the city’s top medical spas.

Oculus Plastic Surgery

Known as the “Botox Expert,” Dr. Harvey “Chip” Cole is one of the nation’s leading instructors of this popular non-surgical procedure. In addition Botox, he offers a variety of non-invasive anti-aging treatments at Oculus Plastic Surgery (oculuscosmetic.com), where he serves as medical director.

“I like to refer to Botox and dermal fillers as bridge procedures,” he explains. “They will help improve the appearance of fine lines and restore volume loss until you are ready for the surgical step.”

Oculus Plastic Surgery also offers IPL photofacials, a procedure that uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to target things like blemishes, broken capillaries, neck redness, and age spots. In other words, it jumpstarts the skin’s natural cellular activity, leaving you with a younger, healthier look.

“The advantage of these procedures is people are able to still look like themselves for a longer period of time,” Dr. Cole says. “With more traditional procedures people tend to look better, but different.  They don’t quite look like themselves, which can oftentimes be unsettling at first. By doing lower maintenance procedures over a steady period of time you can put off invasive procedures and still look like you.”

Natural Body Spa

This February, Natural Body Spa (naturalbody.com) is unveiling a new procedure called Contour Ultra. “We call is muscle reeducation,” says founder and CEO Cici Coffee. “It’s a piece of equipment you might see at a chiropractor’s office. The microcurrent works to tighten the skin, so it is like a non-invasive facelift.”

Contour Ultra helps with lymphatic drainage, preventing the body from processing toxins like pollution and smoke that show signs of aging on the skin. It also improves blood flow and tightens the pores, giving you a more youthful glow. And the best part? “It can prolong a surgical procedure for years,” Coffee says. “I equate it more to working out in the gym. If you do the same thing all the time, you won’t get new results. This teaches muscles to contract the same way they did when you were younger.”

The treatment comes without the pain or discomfort of a surgical procedure, so all you’ll feel is a tingly sensation. A series of 10 will give you a six-month youthful appearance, reversing what Coffee calls “inflamm-aging.” “If you can take puffiness away, you remove the sagging and tighten up face,” she says. “This can take five or 10 years off of your appearance.”

Spa Sydell

Ask aesthetician Josephine Walsh at Spa Sydell (spasydell.com) about the benefits of non-invasive treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, and she’ll tell you it’s the immediate results. “These treatments assist in cell renewal and the shedding of the skin, which promotes the growth of new skin cells,” she explains. “Microdermabrasion exfoliates and resurfaces the skin by removing dead skin cells and stimulating tissue to produce collagen and elasticity. Facial peels also serve as a recommended alternative to invasive skin treatments.”

Spa Sydell’s SLC peel is a favorite among aestheticians and clients alike. This anti-aging pigment peel helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate acne inflammation and help with collagen production. The vitamin C peel and the triad peel are good alternatives to this treatment as well.

In the winter months, Walsh also recommends body resurfacing, as it helps remove dead, flaky skin. “It is essentially a body polish that uses an exfoliant of vitamin C-coated crystals activated with lactic acid to remove dead skin,” she says. “After the exfoliant is rinsed off, a moisturizing lotion is applied revealing soft, glowing skin.”

Kai – The Medical Spa

While Kai – The Medical Spa (kaimedspa.com) boasts a variety of anti-aging treatments including Fraxel and photofacials, it is their new VI peel that has owner Grace Choung Davidson really excited this season. “It’s a new generation peel unlike any other you might have experienced,” she says. “This reverses the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time, to enhance your skin’s natural beauty.”

The VI peel is also highly effective in clearing acne and impurities for patients as young as 12 years old.  A series of treatments may reduce acne scars, too. “This peel improves the tone and texture of the skin,” Davidson explains. “It also reduces or eliminates hyperpigmentation and melasma, as well as pore size. It softens lines and wrinkles and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for firmer skin.”

There is little to no down time with this type of peel, and it is less painful than some of the deeper peels. And while many peels are not safe on darker skin types, this is safe and effective for all skin types. It also works well in conjunction with lasers and injectables.

By Valorie Ness

For many of us scheduling time to attend to our personal needs is low on the list of priorities. With everyone living such hectic lives, finding time each day – even just a few minutes – is difficult.

The time is there if you look. I find time everyday to exercise, meditate/process thoughts, and just be.  Some days it seems like I only have nano-seconds for this but knowing I put myself on my priority list makes me feel good and feeling good helps me become a better educator, mother homemaker, spouse and friend.

Here are some of my tried and true ways to find the minutes and nano-seconds in your day.

Wake up 5-7 minutes early each day. If this is the only time you get to yourself all day please extend it to 15-20 minutes. This may seem like the last thing you would consider doing to yourself after a 14 or 16 hour day, but try it. First change your thought process. You are not doing this to yourself you are doing this for yourself. Utilizing these precious few minutes to gather yourself and  to work on you will really make a positive impact on your day.

Choose silence when driving. Think of this as time to meditate and be with your thoughts. In Atlanta traffic a 5-mile drive easily turn into 50 minutes with just the wrong conditions or a few raindrops. There is nothing we can do to control traffic, so just embrace the time as time for yourself.

Walk to do errands. This is the perfect time to get in exercise minutes – 5 here and 12 there really add up over the course of a week. Take walking breaks much like co-workers take smoke breaks. Have you ever added up the total time your fellow employee takes to go on smoke breaks? It’s roughly 30-50 minutes. Walk outside or use your building’s stairs or hallways.

While you wait at your child’s extracurricular event take time for yourself. Since most programs do not want parents/guardians around while the kids do their thing anyway, this is the perfect opportunity to do yours. Whether it’s walking, jogging, participating in your own class, or quietly sitting for a meditation session, take advantage of this precious time.

Use standing in line time and on the phone time wisely. Have you ever seen someone standing in line balancing on one foot or doing single leg squats, calf raises or static stretching? Well, it was probably me. I am always doing one of these spontaneous exercises while otherwise “wasting” time. Sure I get a few strange looks, but I embrace it and hope that the image of me doing these things sticks with the people staring and will encourage them to try it for their selves.

Make your office work for you. Remove you’re your uncomfortable, ill-fitting office chair and replace it with a kneeling chair or an exercise ball. These exercise chairs will allow you to maintain good posture while at your desk. The ball will work your balance, core muscles, posture, and many other fun exercises as well.

Join an activity-based program with someone. The benefit to joining with a friend is the accountability that it promotes between you and your activity friend. It’s human nature that people are more likely to participate in things when they know others are counting on them. Play activity based games with your children, spouse or friend There is a big push now to get our kids eating healthy and moving. What better opportunity to get yourself going than to get out with your kids.

Meet your friends for something other than dinner and drinks. Why is our culture is so focused on food? It fascinates me that so many of our group functions with family and friends are driven by food and drink. Why not a bikeride, trail walk, or family day in the park?

Turn off the TV, cell phone, iPad at night and be with yourself or your loved one(s). Take the last few minutes before you drift off to lie quietly and just be with your happy thoughts from the day. Focus on your positive accomplishments. Consider how many opportunities you had to better yourself physically and emotionally. Notice the change in the loved ones around you and how all of your daily duties seemed less dreadful and just maybe a bit more delightful.

Valorie Ness is the owner of Catalyst Fitness in Midtown. catalystfitness.com

By Gigi Stewart

A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start. For some, that means considering a gluten-free lifestyle. You may have even asked yourself if you need to go gluten-free. To help answer that question, here’s a little Gluten Free 101 for the uninitiated.

Let’s begin by understanding what gluten is. This is the protein portion of certain grains like wheat, barley and rye. In baking, gluten provides elasticity needed to lend structure and texture to foods like breads and cakes. Without it, baked goods fall flat and lack tenderness. Pastries and pastas are obvious sources of gluten, but gluten can show up in unsuspecting places from canned soups to medicines to soy sauce. Because gluten shows up in countless processed foods, following a gluten-free diet can be a challenge. So, why would anyone want to go gluten-free?

Truth is, most do not, but for some a gluten-free lifestyle is necessary. Individuals diagnosed with Celiac disease (CD) must adhere to a gluten-free diet for life. It is their only treatment option. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder of the immune system affecting the small intestine lining. When individuals with CD consume gluten, their body responds by attacking the small finger-like projections inside the small intestine. This causes poor nutrient absorption and a variety of other health issues. More than 300 symptoms are associated with CD, making it difficult to diagnose. In fact, some individuals endure years of misdiagnosis before discovering the reason for their poor health is gluten.

More than twp million people in the US have CD and even more suffer from Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Others in need of avoiding gluten are those with a wheat allergy. These individuals, along with the gluten sensitive, do not experience damage to their small intestine; however, they must also adhere to a strict gluten free diet.

For most (like me!), removing gluten from the diet is a medical necessity; however that’s not always the case. Some choose to omit gluten from their diet for other reasons. Some reasons may be…

• A spouse or child who must live gluten-free. Family support is important when someone is diagnosed with CD or Gluten Sensitivity.
• Other food allergies or intolerance. Wheat is one of the top eight food allergens in the US, 1 in 133 individuals have CD, and over half of the US population is suspected of being gluten sensitive.
• Digestive issues like stomach upset, gas and bloating. Gluten is difficult to digest.
• Diabetes. Ggluten elevates blood sugar levels.
• Health issues that cause an inflammatory response. Gluten causes inflammation.
• A desire to lose weight. Gluten-filled wheat flour that is refined has virtually no nutritional value and adds “empty” calories to the diet.

Whatever the reason, if you’re considering going gluten-free in 2012, here’s a brief overview of my “7 Steps to Success” to get you off to a great start!

1. Rock a positive attitude: A gluten-free diet does not mean restriction; it means liberation! Liberate your health to feel better, have more energy, and be the best you can be.

2. Purge your pantry: It’s a great time to do this anyway, right after the holidays. Out with the old (gluten) and in with the new, healthier (gluten-free) foods.

3. Learn how to read labels: Hidden gluten lurks in places you’d never suspect, sometimes using an alias.

4. Grocery shop gluten-free: Don’t fall into the trap of buying pre-packaged, over-priced gluten-free foods that aren’t very tasty. Discover the best products for your new gluten-free life.

5. Expand your palate: Try some foods you haven’t tried before like quinoa, teff, or amaranth. You’ll find new, exciting, gluten-free foods at every turn!

6. Get that apron on: If you don’t know how to cook, now is the time to learn. This is your most valuable tool when it comes to living gluten-free successfully.

7. Treat yourself to dinner out: Learn to dine out gluten-free. It can be tricky at first, but by asking the right questions, you’ll soon order like a pro.

See how tasty gluten-free can be! Try my…

Low-Fat Gluten-Free Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white rice flour*

1/4 cup sorghum flour*

1/4 cup potato starch*

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 Tablespoon oil

1/4 cup plain low fat yogurt (substitute coconut milk yogurt for dairy-free)

2 eggs, lightly beaten (substitute equal amount of prepared egg replacer for egg-free)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk (for dairy-free substitute 1/2 Tablespoon white vinegar and enough rice milk to equal 1/2 cup liquid)

*available in special diets section of most grocery stores under brand name “Bob’s Red Mill”

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F and line a 12-section cupcake pan with paper liners.

2. Combine flours and starch, cocoa, soda, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl; whisk to blend.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients; stir to blend.

4. Add the liquid mixture to dry ingredients, stirring just until combined and dry ingredients are moist.

5. Divide batter evenly between sections of prepared pan. Bake 15-17 minutes until tops spring back lightly when touched or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Watch the cupcakes so they do not over bake. Cool completely before frosting/

Creamy Butter Cream Frosting

Ingredients:

4 Tablespoons butter, softened (for dairy-free use Earth Balance buttery spread)

2 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 Tablespoons milk (if dairy-free, use rice milk)

For chocolate frosting, add 2 – 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder (2 for lighter chocolate, 4 for very chocolate!) when you add the powdered sugar.

Directions:

1. Place butter in a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (and cocoa, if using); stir (or mix with electric mixer) until smooth.

2. Add remaining sugar and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

3. Add milk, a little at a time, while mixing, until frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Frost cupcakes and store leftovers in refrigerator.

To learn more about Gluten Free Gigi, visit GlutenFreeGigi.com and sign up for her free newsletter at this link. Stewart holds a master’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience with a focus in chronic pain. She has been completely gluten free for more than four years.

By Tim Sullivan

“39 is the new 40.” I heard these words come out of my mouth a couple of weeks ago as I tried to explain how my body feels these days. My New Year’s realization is that 2012 will be the year I turn 40 and I can only blame so much on having two young children. My friend Tony mentioned the other night that, of all of our friends, I have taken the longest to turn 40 and this will be the year that I will put his confusing sentiment to rest.

Don’t let the fresh faced photo next to my byline fool you. Like most columnists I had that taken back in the 1980’s when I was singing backup for Dexy’s Midnight Runners…  No, the 2011 me was hobbled by chronic calf injuries which was a bitter pill to swallow whilst chronicling the accomplishments of the incredible amateur athletes I’ve featured in this space.  I’m not saying my days of buying green bananas are over, but I can bid a fond farewell to any road race PR’s and my basketball techniques will involve less athleticism and decidedly more cheating.

So back to the calf injuries. As they consistently resurfaced throughout the year I felt like not only was Father Time showing up but he was ticked off and looking for an overdue rent payment. Being that the injury was in both legs foretold a particular doom.  It wasn’t just the calves.

My physical therapist Carl is a bald, goateed, giant of a man who probably should be availing the Atlanta Falcons of his pain-inflicting services but for now he seems to be content with me. According to Carl (who I tend to agree with because I’m afraid not to) the muscle tears in my calves are just a manifestation of a general body malaise, kind of like the “brain cloud” suffered by Tom Hank’s character in the movie Joe versus the Volcano. Like Joe, I prepared myself to be shipped off to a remote island where indigenous people led by a painted up Abe Vigoda would sacrifice me to an active volcano in return for a lifetime supply of orange soda.

Where was I?  Oh yeah, Carl has deep-tissue massaged (or “Rolfed” for the initiated) every muscle in my lower body. I’ve even undergone a couple of sessions of “Dry Needling,” which is a last resort effort to get a tight or aggravated muscle to release and it involves a huge man sticking a needle deep into the offending muscle. It hurts.  Sadly, the Rolfing hurts even more.

According to Carl, it was the tightness and underperforming leg muscles that have led to the calf injuries. The calves were being asked to do too much when I was running or performing the various boot camp-like exercises I subjected myself to and they’ve staged a revolt I’ve termed “Occupy Tim.” I don’t know exactly what their point is but I’m pretty sure they are right.

My Gluteus muscles have been designated by Carl as the most guilty in the grand landscape of my failing, soon-to-be-40 year old body. They just aren’t holding up their end of the bargain so he has me doing a series of exercises stolen from a Golden Girls episode to wake those butt muscles up. I do them at work. Some people stare.

Unable to run off calories I’ve taken a hard look at my diet. After a particularly gluttonous Thanksgiving weekend I decided to give this gluten-free diet a try.

It must make sense, right! In a nutshell (because nuts are ok) this diet called for eschewing bread, pasta, cereal, beer and crackers. These are perhaps my five favorite items on the menu. I thought if I could really avoid these things for a month, I’d be so wafer thin that Christian Bale would be shadowing my every move to play the guy that got wafer thin on the gluten-free diet in a blockbuster movie coming soon to a theater near you.

I lost about four pounds. Turns out they make all sorts of gluten-free products for folks who actually have a gluten intolerance that pretty much fills up the space you left behind by not eating Cheez-its. My wife Kristen has offered that perhaps I should avoid “Nut Thins” and the like and to stop eating deli ham by the fistful.  At least I get wiser as I get older.  And that’s what I’m looking forward to–enlightenment (and tweed jackets with elbow patches)! At least until dementia sets in.

Happy New Year, folks!  More amazing amateur athlete stories to come.

By Tim Sullivan

Last month, Virginia Highland resident Allie Schellhammer took top honors in the women’s division at the annual Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp 5K.  Days later she gave birth to her third child, a daughter named Charlotte.  Here she does her best to convince me that this is not amazing stuff.  I am not fully convinced.

When I told my wife Kristen (and mother of our two) that the woman who won the race was nine months pregnant her response was something along the lines of “Wha’?  How?  With that belly?  How?”   So in practical terms, umm, how do you do it?

Spanx. No just kidding. I’m going to claim genetics – my mom only gained 17 pounds while pregnant with me and my twin. I’m lucky to carry my babies in a manner that is very conducive to running and for the most part, I don’t notice the belly at all.

What does your doctor advise with regards to competitive running during pregnancy?  Because let’s face it – pregnancy is about the best reason in the history of mankind to waddle around, eat ice cream and demand back rubs.

That’s what my husband Joel always tells me. And then, in the next breath, he tells me I should definitely try to defend my title and win a race.  As I’m sure a lot of people read when the Chicago runner completed the Chicago Marathon and then gave birth seven hours later, it’s completely fine to maintain the workout regimen you had prior to pregnancy. But please don’t take my answer as a medical license to do something crazy – talk to your doctor first!

There were 600 women registered for this race and maybe a few others were pregnant. Maybe.  But none of them, young, old or knocked up ran it in 20 minutes flat like you did!  Have you been able to perform at this level through all three pregnancies?

We actually had three miscarriages before we had our oldest daughter so I was pretty cautious while pregnant with her and only did a few races. Nine months later I was pregnant with our second daughter and had just joined the Atlanta Track Club’s competitive team. I raced at least once a month and actually had one of my fastest ever half-marathon times (1:24) while 27-weeks pregnant. With this pregnancy, though, I’ve trained a lot with my double jogging stroller. This baby has raced with me the most and I’ve probably been the fastest with her – the debate is always if she crossed the line first or if I did.

Joel keeps a great pace as well and is a consistent winner in our “Stroller Division” which means your daughters Catherine and Caroline have played a part in claiming victory too. How does the Schellhammer family find time to get exercise in?

Joel travels a lot so the girls are my best training partners. We try to combine longer training runs with naptime so they’re not bored. Add in a few fun landmark destination runs (Centennial Olympic Fountains, the Aquarium, Zoo and Children’s Museum) and it keeps them happy. I love that they get fresh air while we take our adventures through the city. My revised goal on hills is to run just fast enough so my oldest doesn’t ask, “Why are we walking?”

And just how long (or short) after giving birth do you expect to be back out getting your miles in?

Mentally, I’d be ready as soon as I leave the hospital, but physically I think it will be at least three weeks before I’m doing anything (and we’re talking slow three to four mile jaunts at a time). Doctors recommend you wait six weeks and I might take them up on it this time around. I hear the transition to three kids is crazy!

In mid-October, my friend Mike Benzie posted on his Facebook page “Took 3rd overall in the Monster Dash 5k in Grant Park.  2nd in the non-pregnant division.” Does your performance improve when you aren’t pregnant?

Ha! The crazy thing is my times aren’t that much faster when I’m not pregnant. I really think that my body reacts to pregnancy like “blood doping” – all the extra blood from the baby coursing through my veins actually helps. I hope that training with a triple jogger (yes, they make them and yes, we own one!) will help me reach some new PRs.

By Tim Sullivan

A gymnast all her life, Megan Hill extended her athletic career by transitioning to track and field while at Auburn University. The next logical step for this master’s degree holder in health promotion was to take up bobsledding, test fate going 80 miles per hour in a 350 pound sled, make the U.S. National Team and prepare for a run at Olympic gold.

Huh?

If not for the American flag in the background of her picture I’d think I was getting the runaround.

Last I checked there wasn’t a Bobsled Little League and if they had a bobsled team at my high school then I definitely missed the tryouts. How does a girl from Woodstock get into bobsledding?
I heard about it from one of my track coaches at Auburn. The U.S. Bobsled Team had recruiting events every summer all over the country.  I went to one last summer in Orlando and that is how it all started.

What kind of training regimen do you keep?
I have to train like a sprinter and an Olympic weightlifter.  I am working with Steve Putman at B.L.A.S.T. Training Institute in Suwanee for my running and sprint mechanics and I’m working with John Coffee at Coffee’s Gym in Marietta for weightlifting.  I work out six days a week, with Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays being two-a-days.

I get a little fatigued just thinking about that commute. Tell me about the sled itself.  My minivan has automatic sliding doors, a DVD player and about 17 cup holders.  Does your sled have any features like that?
The sled itself is just like your minivan… just take away the sliding doors, the DVD player, the 17 cup holders, the seat belts, the air bags, the windshield, the radio, the heating and air conditioning, the engine, the roof, and swap the tires for steel blades. There is no luxury to a bobsled, however, it is very aerodynamic and can break any speed limit in Georgia!

How about a nice, cushy seat?
The seats are not cushy at all, but we will duct tape padding on the inside of the sled, especially for practice. Also, I wear lots of padding on my body when I slide. Special thanks to McDavid USA’s HexPad technology (mcdavidusa.com).

Do you talk to your teammate when you are tucked down in there?  Is it more strategizing about the race or recapping last night’s episode of True Blood?
No we don’t talk, although, there is a lot of praying that goes on when we are in the sled.

In just one year you went from brakeman to pilot and from the little I understand, that means you are the one driving that bus.  Can you explain a little about the different positions?
In women’s bobsled there is only the two-man bobsled, unlike the men who have both the four-man and two-man, so there are only two positions – the brakeman and the pilot. The brakeman pushes the sled from behind and then hops in, goes for the ride, and then pulls the brakes at the bottom. The pilot pushes from the side and then hops in and steers the sled down the track.  I competed my first season as a brakeman.  When the season was over I went to “driving school” up in Lake Placid.  I enjoyed driving so much that I have decided to switch positions and compete as a pilot for the 2011-2012 season.

That’s got to be the biggest endorsement for driving school of all time.  Does it get embarrassing that every time you walk into a supermarket everyone starts chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!”?
I have yet to experience that, but will be honored when that becomes true. The ultimate goal is to represent America in Sochi in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

To check out more of Meg’s training adventures, visit megbobsled.tumblr.com.

By Dr. Stephanie Walsh

With approximately 180 days in a school year, coming up with enticing lunches can be hard, especially as the year goes on. If you have a picky eater, your job is even harder. From adding a love note to their lunchbox to grocery shopping tips, below are some ways to keep your sandwich-swapping children happier (and healthier) than ever.

Take your child to the grocery store
Involve children in the selection and preparation of foods.  Teach them to make healthy choices by providing opportunities to select foods based on colors and variety. Fill up your cart by going around the outside of the store. The inside aisles are typically home to less healthy items.

Make a rainbow
Have a color contest to see if your child can eat every color in the rainbow in his or her lunches that week. Again, take your child shopping to pick out the colors.

There’s more to life than a sandwich
Replace the standard sandwich with something similar but more exciting like a wrap or pita-pocket bread. Wrap lunch meat around a veggie or cheese. You can even make a “sandwich on a stick” where you layer cubes of cheese, turkey, ham, or chicken breast, and veggies such as cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

Love your lunchbox
Your child will look forward to packing his or her lunch if they love their lunchbox. For example, children love the compartments that a bento lunch box offers. This also helps with portion control and illustrates the different colors and that make up a healthy lunch. Another great way to bring a smile to their face at lunch is to put love notes in your child’s lunch box. Tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them.

Don’t forget dessert
Make sure your child gets to choose a dessert to enjoy as part of lunch, such as a pudding cup or a slice of homemade quick bread such as banana, zucchini, or carrot.

Stephanie Walsh, M.D., is medical director for wellness at Chidlren’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

By Elizabeth Patrick

EarthShare of Georgia may be the most important environmental non-profit that no one talks about! EarthShare of Georgia is working for the day when our air, land and water are clean, abundant and healthy. With many companies looking for ways to make their businesses more sustainable and engage their employees, starting an ESGA employee giving campaign provides an easy way for employees to support more than 60 environmental and conservation charities dedicated to conserving and protecting our air, land and water.

EarthShare of Georgia member groups work hard every day to address environmental health risks, restore natural habitats, protect wildlife, reduce global warming, and much more. ESGA annually certifies that member groups operate within the highest ethical and professional standards. This insures that companies and their employees can donate with confidence to our many incredible environmental member organizations.

“EarthShare of Georgia is much more than a fiscal agent for our member groups,” said Madeline Reamy, Executive Director of EarthShare of Georgia, “Our workplace campaign partnerships in both the public and private sector provide opportunities for employees to learn more about the environment, volunteer and have a choice in giving to the nonprofits they care about.”

EarthShare of Georgia was founded in 1993 by its member groups as the Environmental Fund for Georgia to represent them in employee giving campaigns, and to provide an efficient and secure way to manage their donations. In 2001, the Environmental Fund for Georgia officially affiliated with EarthShare, the national employee giving program, to become part of a network representing more than 400 leading environmental groups working locally, nationally and internationally.  It brought with it the fundraising power of the EarthShare network, which has raised more than $150 million for the environment.

ESGA partners with more than 70 employers including federal, state and local governments, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and colleges and universities. EarthShare of Georgia has raised more than $4 million for our environmental member groups through employee giving campaigns.

Employees can also connect with EarthShare of Georgia’s member groups by volunteering for river clean-ups, establishing parks and community gardens and planting trees. This fosters team-building and enables employees to work together for a common purpose. It also demonstrates a commitment to improving their health and the health of the planet.

“Park Pride thrives on the symbiotic relationship it has with EarthShare of Georgia.  As a member group we are benefiting financially from workplace giving campaigns, provided corporate connections at Earth Day events and offered outreach through neighborhood networking from Corporate Green Day Challenge volunteer projects,” said member group representative & Park Pride Director of Development & Communications Abigail Paine.

EarthShare of Georgia organizes three major annual Earth Day events that help connect business and environmental partners and increases environmental awareness. “At Cox Enterprises, partnering with EarthShare of Georgia on their Earth Day events gives us the largest reach for our sponsorship dollars,” said Jami Buck-Vance, ESGA Board Chair and Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility, Cox Enterprises, Inc. “In addition to giving through our workplace campaign, the EarthShare of Georgia Leadership Breakfast, the Earth Day Party and Corporate Green Day Challenge offer our employees several ways to demonstrate their support of local environmental groups.”

Find out more about how you can offer the green choice in employee giving and make everyday Earth Day by contacting EarthShare of Georgia today by calling (404) 873-3173 or visit earthsharega.org.