Natural Awakenings North Central Florida March 2017

H E A L T H Y

FREE

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Eat For Wellness

How to Move Past Food Sensitivies

Thumbs-Up

ON FATS Good Fats Boost Brain Health and Metabolism

Holistic

Eye Care

Taking the Whole Body into Account

March 2017 | North Central FL Edition | GoNaturalAwakenings.com natural awakenings

March 2017

1

It’s easy to

eat well A FREE Gift for Natural Awakenings Readers Prime Your Mind to

Feel Good, Live Simply, Laugh More…

Get your MindPT video session entitled “NATURAL AWAKENINGS” as our FREE GIFT. BECOME: MORE Energetic, Creative & Productive, LESS Stressed, Healthier ACHIEVE: Greater Performance, Higher Sales, Improved Relationships

MindPT is a Simple & Easy-To-Use app available to use on your phone or PC.

Your FREE Gift Natural Awakenings’ tagline is ‘feel good, live simply, laugh more’. Each month we bring you news and information to help you achieve those goals.

NOW, we have a MindPT video session entitled “NATURAL AWAKENINGS” to help reinforce the mindset of our motto and we are pleased to OFFER IT TO YOU FOR FREE as part of our ongoing commitment to inspire, educate and help make a positive difference in your life.

Download your MindPT Session Now! And…It’s YOURS TO KEEP. Along with a SPECIAL BONUS!

Simply RELAX & WATCH a series of scientifically selected images and positive statements with sound or music.

On your phone: 1. Download the MindPT APP 2. Register 3. Enter this referral code: NASCF 4. View your FREE Session & BONUS, over & over

Watch for as little as 3 minutes a day & produce sustained effects for 6-8 hours.

On your computer: 1. Enter this URL into your browser

MindPT is based on current scientific research in positive psychology and neuroscience.

Quickly shift your brain from a ‘negative’, ‘neutral’, North Central GoNaturalAwakenings.com 2 ‘stressed’ or state FL to a POSITIVE state.

2. Go To Page 3. Register 4. View your FREE Session & BONUS, over & over

MindPT.com/NATURALAWAKENINGSFreeGift?source= 4787

natural awakenings

March 2017

3

4

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

contents 7 7 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 13 businessspotlight 14 inspiration 15 wisewords 19 healingways 8 20 consciouseating 23 naturalpet 24 healthykid 26 calendar 29 classifieds 10 30 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 352-629-4000 or email GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

13 VIDA CHIROPRACTIC

Is Like a Happy Family

by Martin Miron

14 REFRAMING YOUR

LIFE STORY

Create Your Own Hero’s Journey

by Kim Schneiderman

16

15 DR. JOSEPH MERCOLA On Simple Steps To Well-Being

by Judith Fertig

16 FEARLESS EATING

How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

19

19 HOLISTIC EYE CARE Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

23

20 THUMBS-UP ON FATS Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Fertig

23 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies

by Sandra Murphy

24 SILENCING

CYBERBULLIES

How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

natural awakenings

24 March 2017

5

letterfrompublisher It is with great sadness that I share with you,

contact us Publishers Cathy Culp Shannon Knight National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Editor Martin Miron Design & Production Stephen Blancett Steven Hagewood Chelsea Rose Martin Friedman Marketing & Sales Manager Del Culp Distribution Del Culp Jules Gollner Vicki Gard Natural Awakenings North Central Florida P.O. Box 831038, Ocala, FL 34472 Phone: 352-629-4000 GoNaturalAwakenings.com GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com Follow us on: Facebook.com by searching: Natural Awakenings North Central Florida

©2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

dear readers, that Co-Publisher Cathy Culp’s husband, Del, passed away unexpectedly at the end of January from a brain aneurism at the age of 56. Many of you know Del by his visits with you as our sales and marketing Shannon Knight, manager and distribution manager. I’m sure he Cathy Culp, co-publisher co-publisher told you some joke s or funny stories along the way—he was our biggest cheerleader.

But Del was more than an integral part of our team; he was a very loving husband. They were perfect for each other, and their years together were the happiest of their lives. Del was a dedicated father to Courtney, Abby, Dylan, Brett and Hunter, plus the proud grandfather of 2-year-old Ayden. He would do anything for them.

Del demonstrated his caring for others and was a hero until the end of his life by being an organ donor. At least four people received organs that will save their lives because of Del and because of the team at Shands Hospital, in Gainesville, and Donate Life America.

There was a celebration of Del’s Life at Cathy and Del Culp their home, where friends and family from far and wide attended. Just as Del wanted, it was an occasion where everyone wore Pittsburg Steelers or Disney shirts to honor his favorite team and his favorite vacation spot. The love for Del was emanating from everyone in attendance.

Please keep Cathy and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they adjust to their new future, and cherish every moment you have with those you love.

Be well in love and peace,

Shannon Knight, co-publisher

There is nothing on this

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription (12 issues) - $24.

Email: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com Digital subscription - free.

Visit GoNaturalAwakenings.com Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint.

6

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Earth more to be prized than true friendship. ~Thomas Aquinas

newsbriefs

VegFest Debuts in Gainesville

See What It is Like to Be Blind

T

he Florida Center for the Blind (FCB) will present Making the Blind Visible, celebrating the blind and visually impaired community, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 25, at Citizens’ Circle, in downtown Ocala. Food trucks, kids’ zone, hands-on activities, vendors, live music and more will be on hand.

Guests will wear blindfolds or simulation goggles while participating in interactive and simulation activities to gain insight and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals that are blind or visually impaired, including a beeping Easter egg hunt, inflatable obstacle course and carnival games. There will be a blindfolded walk at noon.

Admission is free. Location: 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala. For more information, call 352-873-4700 or visit flblind.org.

A

t last there is a festival to celebrate and raise awareness about healthy, compassionate, plant-based living. Following in the footsteps of Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tallahassee, the inaugural Gainesville VegFest will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 8, at A.R. Massey Westside Park, with informative exhibitors, vegan foods, animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries, a kid zone, speakers, music and more.

Unlike some of the Veg Festivals around the country that feature national speakers, food demonstrations and products the organizers wanted to keep Gainesville’s first VegFest more of a local event, showcasing the vegan-friendly restaurants, Earth-friendly businesses and animal-friendly organizations of North Central Florida.

Admission is free. Volunteers are needed. Location: 1001 NW 34th Street, Gainesville. For more information, visit Gainesville VegFest.com. See ad, page 27.

News to share?

The Reconnection

D

r. Eric Pearl, author of The Reconnection: Heal Others, Heal Yourself, demystifies the healing process. He teaches others (90,000 and counting) how to activate and use what he refers to as an all-inclusive spectrum of healing frequencies.

“Reconnection teaches people how to transcend the ego and its judgment, and reach a state of non-judgment observation,” explains Pearl. “Many of the individuals I have taught describe their experience simply as an internal activation of an advanced level of consciousness, in which awareness allows the perception of a multidimensional universe.”

Pearl posits that as part of our growth as human beings, stating, “We not only discover that we have become more, we understand that we can’t stand in fear, lack and limitation, and we can only offer ourselves as a vessel for healing for ourselves and others when we reside in oneness and love.”

Pearl believes that it is part of everyone’s life journey to discover that they are an empty vessel, born to be filled with spirit. He advises, “By letting go of beliefs that block our ability to deeply understand this, we can harmonically converge with the lives of others at the level where we are all energy, as physics indicates.”

Submit information to GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

For more information on the Online Level I Course and Integrated Combinations with Live & In-Person Level II schedules, visit ReconnectiveHealing.com. Mention the promotional code word AWAKE and receive a 20 percent discount. See ad, page 4. natural awakenings

March 2017

7

healthbriefs

A

study from Dijon, France, found that a specific nutrient combination supplement can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tiredness. Researchers studied 242 subjects between the ages of 18 and 70 that complained of stress and fatigue. Each was given a supplement containing magnesium, probiotics, vitamins and minerals to take for one month.

Researchers measured the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels before commencing the test period and again one month later. They found a 22 percent reduction in psychological stress and a 45 percent reduction in fatigue. Thirty days after the supplementation was discontinued, the subjects’ stress and fatigue levels remained reduced.

ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

Stress and Fatigue Abate with Combo Supplement

R

esearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, used data from previous studies to discern the association between dairy and animal fats and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in American adults.

The study reviewed dairy fat and other fat consumption data using validated food-frequency questionnaires from more than 43,000 men and 175,000 women during three different studies, each spanning at least 20 consecutive years. Of the subjects studied, 14,815 developed some form of CVD, close to 7 percent of the total.

The researchers found that replacing dairy foods with foods containing polyunsaturated fats—primarily found in vegetables, nuts and fish—in just 5 percent of a subject’s diet reduced the risk of CVD by an average of 24 percent. But replacing the same percentage of dairy fats with other animal fats increased the incidence of CVD by 6 percent.

DHA Boosts Elder Brain Function

R

esearchers from Tianjin Medical University, in China, have discovered that regularly taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 219 adults over the age of 65 participated in the randomized, double-blind, 12-month trial. Half of the subjects were given two grams of this omega-3 fatty acid daily, while the others received a placebo.

The researchers measured cognitive function, including a full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) test and two IQ subtests which serve as indicators of both short and longterm memory. The tests were administered after six months and again after 12 months.

The DHA group showed a 10 percent higher IQ than the placebo group. There were also significant increases in both IQ subtests and brain hippocampus volume in the DHA group. Decreased hippocampus volume is a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.

8

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Naeblys/Shutterstock.com

thrive

colnihko/Shutterstock.com

Veggie, Fish and Nut Fats Preserve Heart Health

HTU/Shutterstock.com

Kids Going Online at Bedtime Sleep Poorly

A

new study from King’s College London has found that children’s use of electronic devices close to bedtime can reduce their chances of a good night’s sleep. Researchers examined 20 existing studies encompassing 125,000 children between the ages of 6 and 19. They found that youngsters using a device within 90 minutes of falling asleep had an increased likelihood of poor and inadequate sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Study author Ben Carter, Ph.D., says, “Sleep is an often undervalued, but important part of children’s development, with a regular lack of sleep causing a variety of health problems.”

These can include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, reduced immune function and poor diet. Poor food choices and excessive eating can start young, as illustrated in a study from Colorado University, in Boulder, which found a link between sleep deprivation and poor diet choices in preschool children.

The Colorado study followed five girls and five boys, ages 3 and 4, that were regular afternoon nappers. They were deprived of their naps for one day, during which their food and beverage consumption was monitored and compared with their choices on a day when their sleep routine remained intact. During the sleep-deprived day, the children ate 20 percent more calories than usual and their diet consisted of 25 percent more sugar and 26 percent more carbohydrates.

mwvetservice@gmail.com

natural awakenings

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

March 2017

November 2015

9

15

globalbriefs

Raw Hide

News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Researchers from Iowa State University have developed a new form of synthetic leather using cellulose fibers taken from kombucha tea, along with vinegar and sugar, made in shallow plastic tanks. When a colony of bacteria and yeast is added, the material grows on the top of the liquid’s surface, where it can be harvested and dried.

The researchers have successfully used the material to make prototype garments, including shoes and a vest. It’s 100 percent biodegradable, so when the fabric gets wet, it softens and becomes less durable; in very low temperatures, it can become brittle.

Young-A Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of apparel, merchandising and design at Iowa State University, in Ames, says, “Fashion, to most people, is an ephemeral expression of culture, art and technology, manifesting itself in pracical form. Fashion companies keep producing new materials and clothing, from season to season, year to year, to fulfill consumers’ desires and needs. Think about where these items eventually go. They will take up tremendous underground spaces of the Earth, like other trash.”

Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa has created Piñatex, another faux-leather product made from pineapple leaf fibers as a more sustainable and cruelty-free alternative. She acted after seeing how leather tanneries operate.

California’s ongoing ban on singleuse plastic carryout bags, approved by 52 percent of voters, is setting a notable precedent for other states. A coalition of environmental groups, grocers and others are collaborating, and Mark Murray, of Californians Against Waste, welcomes elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that pollute California every day, threatening wildlife.

In 2007, San Francisco first banned plastic shopping bags, setting off a movement that led nearly half the state, including its biggest cities, to do the same. Although the legislature passed a statewide ban on plastic bags two years ago, paper bags are still for sale at grocery stores and other outlets for a nominal fee.

Igor Gorelchenkov/Shutterstock.com

California Outlaws Single-Use Plastic Bags

Source: News.iastate.edu

High Springs Emporium North Central Florida's ONLY Rock Shop The most unusual store in town Rocks, Crystals, Gifts, Jewelry

Spring has Sprung!

Let's get back into Balance.

Chakra Balancing with Crystals - Easy and Delightful • • • • • • •

·

Crystalline Arfvesdonite Peruvian Lemurian Quartz Prophecy Stones New Opal Jewelry Fabulous New Fluorite Ethiopian Emeralds Angel Aura Spirit Quartz and so much more

Stone of the month - Malachite

Botroidal malachite, Congo

Wire Wrapping with Pat Zachry Levels 1 & 2 March 18-19. Call for info.

10% off any green stone on St. Patrick's Day Be sure to wear your green.

Come see the new stones from the Tuscon Gem Show!

OPEN Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday noon-5pm 19765 NW US Hwy 441 • High Springs, FL 32643

HighSpringsEmporium.net • 386-454-8657

10

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Richard Thornton/Shutterstock.com

Pavel Kubarkov/Shutterstock.com

Bag Ban

H

E a Stone r moft the Mont h h i Ds A mp ri l 2 2

A Veggie Leather Alternative

Toxic Crops

Rocks, Crystals, Gifts,Jewelry Oil

Wastewater Irrigating California Fields

In the nation’s produce basket, some California water districts are knowingly selling oilfield wastewater to farmers, putting a huge portion of our fruits and Aquamarine vegetables at risk of contamination.

Watchdog group Water Defense uncovered one district buyCelestine geode, Madagascar ing oilfield wastewater to include in the water it sells to farmBeauti ers to irrigate crops in California’s Central Valley. This year, ful Food & Water Watch uncovered another district buying this April new potentially toxic wastewater and selling it to farmers. jewelr 16

A threat to California’s agriculture is a threat to the eny• • Aura Fairies tire- country’s food supply.

Some staples of which California Photography and Call for your is the primary U.S.Namibia•Col producer include 99 percent of olives, appointment Merm umbian 99 percent of almonds, 98 percent of garlic, 96 percent of aids • broccoli, 95 percentLemurian ofTucso celery, 91 percent of strawberries, 91 Quartz• n83 percent of fresh carrots. percent of lemons and Naica Treasu

The government is allowing oil companies to sell their wasteres Selenite water for use on crops. Citizens must call on their elected repreIf you can sentatives to fix this broken system and protect our food supply. imagine it, we probably

Source: FoodAndWaterWatch.org. have it. Come live your crystal dreams.

Jessie Eldora Robertson/Shutterstock.com

Clean Jeans

Laundry Machines Boost School Attendance Kids in middle schools with attendance problems may simply lack clean clothes to wear. An experiment by the Whirlpool company has taken on the issue with significant results.

The Whirlpool Care Counts Program donated 17 pairs of washers and dryers to school districts in St. Louis and Fairfield, California.

Kids with attendance problems were asked to bring their laundry to be cleaned while they were in class. Each student had approximately 50 loads of laundry done at school during the year, and more than 90 percent increased their attendance, with at-risk students attending almost two more weeks in class. Whirlpool is now expanding the program.

Compared to factors such as economic opportunity, unemployment and institutional racism, laundry might seem inconsequential, but for a 10-year-old facing stacked odds, having nothing clean to wear could be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to face their classmates that day.

Seventh-grade teacher Alison Guernsey, in Fairfield, says, “One of my students had more or less withdrawn from school completely. After we started the program, he was more excited about coming and started to actively engage in class. He didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.” natural awakenings

March 2017

11

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine Transform your Life!

EARN A Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine

• Study Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs • ACAOM Accredited 10-semester Program • The leading college for Chinese Diagnosis TRY OUR AFFORDABLE ACUPUNCTURE

CLINIC

1000 NE 16th Ave., Bldg F, Gainesville, FL 32601 Licensed No. 2425, the Florida Commission for Independent Education

www.dragonrises.edu

12

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

352-371-2833

businessspotlight

Vida Chiropractic Is Like a Happy Family

by Martin Miron

A

ndres Leon, a chiropractic physician and owner Vida Chiropractic, in Ocala, believes in, “Relieving pain and promoting health, naturally.” He holds a doctorate in chiropractic and other degrees after attending the University of Florida and Atlanta’s Life University. Fluent in Spanish, he is licensed by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and also in CPR. The clinic opened in 2015. Services include non-surgical spinal decompression, low-level laser/light therapy, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises and whole body vibration.

Brin Allen, who manages the day-to-day operation of the office, is a registered chiropractic assistant expected to complete licensing and certification this year. Missy Colletti handles the billing and related inquiries with more than 15 years of experience. Allen says, “Our office differs from our competitors because of the passionate and caring attitude of Dr. Leon and his staff. We genuinely care about the health and well-being of our patients more than our bottom line.”

Leon says he enjoys helping people to understand that

chiropractic is so much more than just back pain, neck pain and headache, noting, “Chiropractors can help with fibromyalgia, anxiety, stress, allergies, ear infections and much more! Not only that, but regular adjustments can help promote health and wellness even when you are not experiencing symptoms.”

Great word-of-mouth advertising has spread the word and accounts for much of their growth. “The greatest acclaim we can receive is the recommendation of our patients to their family and friends and they have helped us grow tremendously over the last year, says Leon.

Vida Chiropractic will stage an Easter Egg Hunt April 3 through 14 with a raffle. Also, live health events on Facebook on topics such as arthritis, juicing and nutrition give back to the community.

Vida Chiropractic is located at 8960 SW Hwy. 200, Ste. 2, in Ocala. For appointments, call 352-861-8432. For more information, visit VidaChiro.net. See ad, page 8.

natural awakenings

March 2017

13

for all Health Challenges

* Classical Homeopathy * Heavy Metal Detox * Nutrition * Preventive Health Care * Allergies

Reframing Your Life Story Create Your Own Hero’s Journey

* Chronic Fatigue * Environmental Toxicity * Stress Management * Biosyntonie * Holistic Pediatrics

Learn how to enhance your own unlimited self healing potential.

Hanoch Talmor, MD

4140 NW 27th Ln, Suite C, Gainesville

352-377-0015

Free Monthly Webinars www.drtalmor.com

14

inspiration

North Central FL

by Kim Schneiderman

E

very life unfolds as a uniquely dynamic, purposeful and potentially heroic story that is open to interpretation, especially our own. We are the star and spin doctor of this work-in-progress, with the power to tell our stories as triumphs, tragedies or something in-between. Our life story is filled with suspense: Big and little decisions affect our storyline, including the relationships we choose, our goals, how we live and the ways we nourish ourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

How we tell our story matters. We are constantly sifting through competing narratives to make sense of our world for ourself and others. Whether we consider ourself a heroic figure overcoming obstacles or a tragic victim of destiny often depends on how we choose to read the text of our life and tell our story.

Creating a personal myth is a fundamental way we find meaning. We are always the protagonist, with supporting characters providing love and assistance and antagonists posing challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones.

Rather than narcissism or navel-gazing, the more intimate we become with our own story, the more we realize that everyone has an equally valid and vital narrative in which they are the central character. Understanding that everyone is on their own story journey can help us establish connection and empathy.

In every myth, the protagonist has a character arc; a particular way they mature and develop due to shifting tides in their life story. Similarly, each of us is on an ever-evolving journey of self-discovery with choices about how

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Lucky Team Studio/Shutterstock.com

H

olistic Medicine

to respond to situations, conflicts and happenstance. By reframing our lives as personal growth adventures, we can adapt to plot twists and view unexpected difficulties as opportunities for self-transformation. With gusto, we can reclaim and shape our personal narrative through choice and voice.

Thinking of ourself as the main character in our story can help us shift to novel perspectives on situations we repeatedly face. Instead of staying stuck in the same old storyline, try asking: If I were a character in a novel or movie‌ n What would I hope the hero would do when faced with these circumstances? n What actions or outcomes would I prefer as the observer of this story? n What might this situation be teaching the star? n How might the protagonist maximize this situation, perhaps becoming a more compassionate, caring, creative or stronger person? n Why would a benevolent author place this character in a particular situation?

With imagination and well-directed self-inquiry, we can step out of our story, check out the landscape and determine whether to stay on our current path or go in a different direction.

We can then transform obstacles into opportunities to break bad habits and improve character to become the real hero of our own living, evolving story.

Kim Schneiderman is a New York City psychotherapist and author of Step Out of Your Story: Writing Exercises to Reframe and Transform Your Life. Visit StepOutOfYourStory.com.

wisewords

Dr. Joseph Mercola on

SIMPLE STEPS TO WELL-BEING

by Judith Fertig

D

octor of Osteopathic Medicine Joseph Mercola has practiced as a boardcertified family physician for more than 30 years.

His educational website, Mercola.com, has been the most visited natural health site for the past 12 years, with 12 million unique visitors each month. His three New York Times bestsellers include Effortless Healing.

With today’s overload of conflicting health information—and the temptation to self-diagnose—how can we accurately assess our status in terms of optimal wellness?

One of the major principles I strongly embrace is to listen to your body and adjust your lifestyle based on the feedback it’s providing you. The seven clinically proven gauges I advise you to assess now and continue to monitor every six months or so are fasting insulin level (normal is less than five micro-international units per milliliter of blood; ideal is less than three); vitamin D level (normal is 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter); waist-to-hip ratio (ideal for men, 0.8; for women, 0.7); body fat percentage (fitness level for women is 21 to 24 percent; for men, 14 to 17 percent); HDL to total cholesterol ratio (ideally 24 to 30 percent or higher); blood pressure (ideal numbers are 120 over 80 systolic/diastolic without medication); and uric acid level (ideal is three to five milligrams per deciliter).

It is important to get these levels checked, because it is impossible to know without testing.

In your opinion, what is the greatest health risk Americans face today and what can we do about it right now?

I’m convinced that for the typical American, the most important health step to take is to stop drinking soda, sports drinks, fruit juices or artificially flavored and sweetened waters and replace them with pure water.

Most people are now aware that sodas are laced with processed sugars like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, but many don’t know that their favorite sport and vitamin drinks contain these sweeteners plus a host of frightening extras, including toxic chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, phthalates, BPA [bisphenol A] and disinfection byproducts.

What role do carbohydrates play?

Carbs are a far dirtier fuel than fat and generate far more reactive oxygen species than fat. Some 70 years of following low-fat diet recommendations has resulted in the vast majority of dieters losing the ability to burn fat as their primary fuel.

One of the most powerful strategies to regain this ability is to start a practice of regular intermittent fasting, restricting your eating window to six to 14 hours a day and fast the rest of the day.

Of course, you will want to replace a high net carb intake, or total carbs minus fiber, with healthy fats such as those in avocados, coconut oil, seeds and nuts.

Avoid industrially processed omega-6 vegetable oils like corn, soy and canola.

Because an indoor, climatecontrolled, sedentary lifestyle may lead to slowly developing chronic disease, what changes do you suggest we make?

Spending time outside with bare feet in contact with the ground even for short periods can yield significant benefits.

It’s even better to do it with the sun shining on your bare skin.

The Earth is an abundant source of free electrons, and when the sun shines on your skin a vital biological circuit forms that helps transfer energy to water throughout the body, which serves as a cellular battery. Albert Einstein won a Nobel Prize for describing this process, called the photoelectric effect.

Reducing the length of time sitting each day and regularly moving is even more important for most of us than getting regular exercise. A good rule of thumb is to stand up every 15 minutes or so.

What can we do better to maintain optimal health?

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight. The problems with carrying excess weight are more than aesthetic.

At the root of obesity is mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic disorders go hand-in-hand with many of the chronic diseases plaguing Americans in record numbers—including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer—according to numerous studies such as research by the Centers for Disease Control and the Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, at George Mason University.

The most potent strategy to address such metabolic dysfunction is to make a strong commitment to reaching and maintaining a personally healthy level of body fat.

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com). natural awakenings

March 2017

15

Fortunately, food allergies that trigger such a dramatic, fast, immune response are fairly rare, particularly in adults.

“Most of what we’re seeing today is an uptick in food sensitivities and intolerances, terms that are often used interchangeably to describe foods that are not digested well and can challenge the immune system,” says Solana Beach, California, nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, author of The Virgin Diet.

Newark, Delaware, medical doctor and allergist Junfang Jiao, Ph.D., attests to increased levels of testing for food allergies and sensitivities in recent years. “I can’t say there are more allergies or sensitivities, but more doctors are aware of the wide-ranging symptoms and more people are getting referred for testing,” he reports.

Many experts agree on at least one underlying cause behind the trend—a widely studied condition called leaky

FEARLESS EATING How to Move Past Food Sensitivities

by Kathleen Barnes

C

omplaints of digestive upsets, brain fog, headaches, relentless food cravings and unrelieved stress appear to be at epidemic levels these days.

“These symptoms may be part of newfound awareness of the wideranging and seemingly unrelated health problems caused by food sensitivities and intolerances, which are different from food allergies,” explains microbiologist Kiran Krishnan, from Chicago.

Food Allergies

Food allergies seem to be plaguing America’s children now more than in the past. We know that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, once standard lunchbox fare, have become a no-no.

They’re often outlawed by schools to protect the students that experience extreme peanut allergies.

16

North Central FL

The symptoms of food allergies in adults and children, often including hives, rashes and itching, can range from being annoying to life threatening.

For extremely sensitive people, the tiniest fragment of a peanut or a bee sting, exposure to latex gloves or certain medications like penicillin can cause such a sudden strong allergic reaction that it results in anaphylaxis, which makes breathing passages swell shut. If untreated, such extreme allergies can even prove fatal, which is why people with severe allergies carry the antidote epinephrine (adrenaline) with them.

Food allergies are diagnosed by blood and/or skin testing under the supervision of a medical professional, usually a doctor of medicine, osteopathy or naturopathy. Effective treatment, which must be customized to the individual, typically entails avoidance of allergy triggers.

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

gut, characterized by intestinal permeability. Microscopic pinholes in an unhealthy small intestine can allow undigested nutrients to pass through intestinal walls, triggering mild immune responses, inflammation and, potentially, the onset of some diseases.

Theories of what causes leaky gut are diverse and sometimes contradictory but experts recommend consulting a medical professional if one suffers from food sensitivities. Each individual is unique, so there is no “blanket solution” for everyone.

Dysbiosis: Leaky gut is often caused by an imbalance in “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria, sometimes called dysbiosis, says Krishnan. It can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, antibiotic residues in meats and dairy products or a diet high in sugar and processed foods.

Most interesting, he believes, is the discovery that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s weed killer

Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com

Some More Common Issues

Roundup used on genetically modified (GMO) corn and soy crops, contributes to dysbiosis, as verified by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists in a study published in Interdisciplinary Toxicology. They concluded with a plea to world governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods.

GMOs: While this issue has been less widely analyzed, a 1996 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin added to Monsanto’s GMO corn crops to kill pests is not destroyed during human digestion. Danish researchers at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University suggested it may damage cells of the intestinal lining.

Gluten: “Gluten causes leaky gut,” says Port Jefferson, New York, naturopathic doctor Doni Wilson, author of The Stress Remedy, voicing one side of the controversy based on her review of scientific literature. She’s concluded, “Whether you are sensitive to it or not, gluten increases the production of zonulin, which can result in damage to intestinal walls and cause the cells on the outside of the intestines to set off an immune response to anything that passes through. In this condition, what we’re eating—cheese, milk, eggs, corn, soy—is leaking through the gut lining, triggering an immune response and potentially creating multiple food sensitivities.”

Wilson also notes that in her clinical experience, only about half of her patients with gluten sensitivities complain of digestive issues. “I’ve found that gluten causes the immune cells on the outside of the small intestine to affect the nervous system, causing headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia,” she says. Her findings are backed by research from the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Celiac Research and Italy’s University of Catania. The same researchers confirm that non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also foster depression; a University of Cincinnati study published in the journal Headache links gluten and headaches.

Other proteins in wheat can be problematic, advises Fiona McCulloch, a Toronto doctor of naturopathy, citing a study presented at the annual European Gastroenterology Conference, in Vienna,

As a gluten tolerance test, substitute an amount of non-gluten carbohydrates for the same amount of gluten-containing products.

For example, instead of two pieces of bread, substitute three-quarters of a cup of brown rice—a rough equivalent in carbohydrate content. A positive difference in hunger, cravings and energy levels when gluten is eliminated indicates a condition of gluten intolerance. ~Fiona McCulloch last October. The report showed that a family of proteins called amylase trypsin inhibitors can lead to the development of inflammation in tissues beyond the gut, including the lymph nodes, kidneys, spleen and brain.

Glyphosate residues can be a factor in gluten intolerance. Although wheat crops produced in the U.S. are not yet genetically modified, many non-organic wheat crops are sprayed with glyphosate to promote rapid drying, according to the Environmental Working Group.

Inadequate digestive enzymes: Lactose intolerance is the most common result of missing digestive enzymes like lactase, according to the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Avoiding milk products may relieve digestive distress for some.

Eliminate Items, Then Challenge

Most experts believe the easiest way to deal with food sensitivities is to stop eating the food in question. The so-called “elimination and challenge” diet, which has been in use for decades, is effective, free and addresses the foods responsible for common food intolerances, says Virgin.

Simply avoid the food of concern completely for at least three weeks, then eat a small amount of it and catalog the results. For some people, it may only take a couple of hours for symptoms to return after eating a piece of bread, cup of milk, an egg or bit of tofu.

Virgin’s seven-food challenge is a bit more rigorous, but improves feelings of general well-being so readily that many people don’t even want to bring back the eliminated foods because they feel so much better, she says. Her threeweek diet completely eliminates the most common food sensitivity triggers: gluten-containing foods (largely wheat), dairy, eggs, soy, corn, peanuts, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

“When I say eliminate these foods 100 percent, I mean it,” cautions Virgin.

“You need to give your immune system at least that much time to cool off.” She adds, “You can do anything such as this for just three weeks.”

Virgin also recommends the elimination diet for weight loss because it helps overcome food cravings triggered by the immune system response and leptin resistance, leveraging the hormone that turns off the body’s hunger signals, a finding confirmed by independent studies performed by Sweden’s Lund University and Italy’s University of Palermo. She’s also documented other positive effects through her own research and experience with participants in her programs, including improvements in energy, focus, joint pain, skin clarity and bloating, all in the designated short time frames.

Other Approaches

People with food sensitivities may be able to tolerate occasional indulgences in their trigger foods once they’ve healed their digestive systems, notes Krishnan. Probiotics can help, especially those encapsulated in spores so they can pass through the barrage of stomach acid and reach the small intestine where they are most needed.

Krishnan’s research, to be published this spring, showed that half of otherwise healthy young people suffering from leaky gut had a dramatic reduction of symptoms by taking a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus indicus product for 30 days. After the healing period, sensitive people may be able natural awakenings

March 2017

17

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

to eat small amounts of certain foods with the assistance of dietary aids and supplements, adds McCulloch.

Get dirty: Johns Hopkins University research has shown that kids raised in an excessively hygienic environment experience much higher rates of allergies and sensitivities. University of Wisconsin researchers found that youths growing up in households that are less than obsessively sanitary among four or five other people and dogs will strengthen and challenge their immune systems as they mature. Adults need to challenge their immune systems, too, says Krishnan.

Eat organic and fermented foods: A widely varied diet helps spread out the immune system challenges of trigger foods. Organic foods don’t contain glyphosate and other potentially harmful chemicals; fermented foods contain digestive enzymes.

Eat prebiotics: Raw onions, garlic, leeks and asparagus are prebiotics.

They help feed probiotic bacteria and improve gut health.

Block sensitivity triggers: Many people with lactose intolerance are able to consume dairy products if they use lactase, the enzyme that helps digest lactose. Similarly, some people with gluten intolerance find they can eat moderate amounts of wheat products with protein supplements like lectin, carb blockers and digestive enzymes that help break down the gluten molecules, according to Virgin.

Supplements that might help: Glucomannan (konjac or elephant yam fiber) contributes to a feeling of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar, says McCulloch. She also recommends the amino acid L-glutamine and digestive enzymes to assist in gut healing.

Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

18

North Central FL

Food Intolerances Self-Questionnaire

by JJ Virgin Answer each question with never (0), seldom (1), sometimes (2) or often (3).

1. I need a cup of coffee or another caffeinated pick-me-up to jumpstart the middle of my morning or afternoon. _____ 2. I crave baked goods, pasta and other high-sugar impact foods. _____ 3. I have difficulty falling asleep or I awake during the night feeling anxious and struggle to get back to sleep. _____ 4. My bowel movements occur infrequently (less than one a day), which can sometimes be painful and involve straining. _____ 5. My mood can change swiftly and I take out my crankiness and irritation on coworkers and family members. _____ 6. I want to lay my head down on my desk mid-morning or afternoon because I have little motivation to remain productive. _____ 7. During meetings or conversations I zone out and struggle to concentrate for long periods of time on my work. _____ 8. After eating a big meal, I’m hungry and craving more of what I ate several hours later. _____ 9. Doing routine and important tasks takes all the energy and initiative I have. _____ 10. Even as an adult, I struggle with acne, rashes or blotchy skin, even though I use expensive skin cream. _____ 11. I head to the bathroom or step outside after a meal because of gassiness, bloating or other uncomfortable gut issues. _____ 12. The smell of a scented candle, perfume and detergent bothers me. _____ 13. Walking or moving around can create cramping, achiness or joint pain. _____ 14. I develop headaches that prevent me from enjoying the moment and leave me scrambling for a pain reliever. _____ 15. Even though I don’t have other cold/flu symptoms, I suffer from a scratchy throat or sinus trouble. _____ 6. I eat all the right foods in moderation, exercise religiously, and yet struggle 1 intensely to lose every pound. _____ Total Score: ______

What Scores Mean

18 or above – You most likely struggle with food intolerances that create many unpleasant symptoms and stall fat loss. By removing the seven target foods for just three weeks, you’ll see these symptoms disappear and the scales will start moving again.

10 to 17 – You display some of the symptoms that food intolerances can trigger.

You would greatly benefit from eliminating target foods to lose symptoms and those last few pounds.

Below 10 – While you suffer few of the symptoms brought about by food intolerances, you could still benefit from the same regimen. Even the healthiest person can take their game up a notch and ditch those last few stubborn pounds.

Source: The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Holistic Eye Care Taking the Whole Body into Account

by Linda Sechrist

T

he “old wives’ tale” about eating carrots for healthy vision wasn’t wrong, but fell far short of a holistic approach to eye health. Today’s holistically trained healthcare providers and ophthalmologists believe that properly maintaining the marvelous phenomenon of eyesight requires taking into consideration genetics, diet, toxin exposures, life environments and our belief systems.

“The body does not work as a series of parts in isolation, but as a dynamically integrated living system,” says Marc Grossman, a doctor of optometry, licensed acupuncture physician and co-founder of Natural Eye Health, in New Paltz, New York. “The reductionist method of referring each symptom to the domain of a particular specialist, isolated from the whole person, is slowly being replaced with a complementary view of health care that may include acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We are beginning to look at each person as an integrated being.”

Progressive health providers now consider dietary preferences, general exercise regimens, environmental factors and physical, emotional and mental issues, as well as an individual’s particular symptoms, in determining treatment strategies. “To improve vision, the condition of the whole person needs to be addressed,” says Grossman, whose books include Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision.

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Homeopathic Doctor Edward Kondrot’s practice at Healing The Eye &

Wellness Center, which he founded in Zephyrhills, Florida, embraces traditional and alternative therapies. He uses microcurrent, ozone therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved stem cells from a newborn’s umbilical cord in treating serious eye disease.

Kondrot, the author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, systemically understands the eyes as windows to overall health. For instance, his perspective is founded on the fact that a balanced diet is one of the best preventive measures for maintaining eye health. Systemic disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies are easily determined under the scrutiny of his holistic biomicroscope.

According to science published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic spinal manipulation may also contribute to normal vision; in one case study, 20 treatment sessions helped an individual recover the function of optic nerves and normal vision. It’s generally accepted that chiropractic adjustment realigning the spinal column allows the nervous system to function properly, reduces tension and frees up the body to better transport blood to locations such as the eyes. Additionally, the second vertebra below the skull contains nerves that affect the eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves and sinuses.

Common eye conditions generally develop so slowly that they may not present noticeable symptoms until deterioration has become severe. “Many factors can affect our eyesight, including

Tuzemka/Shutterstock.com

healingways

other health problems. Having a family member with eye disease may mean you’re genetically prone to having that condition as well, but living a healthy lifestyle may prevent the gene from being activated,” advises Kondrot.

Viewing the condition of the eyes as a reflection of whole body health means that lifestyle and diet choices play major roles. The Vision Diet and supplement program recommended in Grossman’s Natural Eye Care has been shown to reduce the intraocular pressure in the eyes of study participants by five to seven millimeters, which generally equates to 10 to 15 percent.

In general, a diet high in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids can be helpful. Foods containing such nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes.

Other dietary and lifestyle options recommended by Grossman are daily drinking one pint of juice made from mostly green vegetables and drinking eight to 10 glasses of purified water to keep eyes hydrated. Managing stress and doing palming and other eye exercises, such as those found at Tinyurl.com/ ComputerEyeStrainExercises, as well as daily aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes, are also beneficial. Additionally, Kondrot’s use of multimodal protocols such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, homeopathy, and detoxification can be applied to reverse visual loss.

Kondrot advises that avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions is important.

“A study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed an immediate increase in pressure in the fluid inside the eye when they were exposed to foods to which they were allergic. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi or any other practice that helps you manage stress and relax,” he advises. “Some consider glaucoma a stress-related condition.”

The best strategy for healthy eyes is to have regular eye examinations. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent significant vision loss.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

natural awakenings

March 2017

19

Craevschii Family/Shutterstock.com

consciouseating

In 2000, further research introduced the concepts of good and bad fats. More recent analysis confirmed this finding with the refinement that saturated fats increase both types of cholesterol. However, the latest research from the journal BMJ shows that saturated fat does not increase the number of LDL, or “bad”, particles, a predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Instead, it makes existing LDL particles larger, a fairly benign situation in regard to such disease.

Weight Loss Benefit

Thumbs-Up on Fats Good Fat Doesn’t Make Us Fat

by Judith Fertig

I

n an era of too much information, the role of fats in our diet has been a victim of not enough information. Today’s turnaround in nutritional thinking acknowledges natural fats as being vital to heart health and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefit

A recent metastudy in the Annals of Internal Medicine, a journal of the American College of Physicians, concluded that saturated fat does not appear to increase heart disease risk, overturning almost 60 years of accepted medical

thought. The researchers analyzed data from 76 studies involving more than 600,000 people and found that those that ate the most saturated, or “bad”, fat did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those that ate the least. Note that processed trans fats remain a villain, still deemed a risk to heart health per the metastudy.

The misleading information began in the 1950s, when Physiologist Ancel Keys, Ph.D., discovered a correlation between diets high in saturated fats and higher cholesterol levels. Soon, the lowfat diet was born.

FREE Eco-ToTE To FiRST 500 ATTENDEES! Proudly Produced By:

SUNDAY

March 26, 2017 10:30am-5pm FIT Clemente Center Melbourne

HealthyLivingExpos.com 20

North Central FL

FREE Admission

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

321-777-6433

Fat doesn’t even make you fat, claims Mark Hyman, a well-known medical doctor in Lenox, Massachusetts, and author of Eat Fat, Get Thin: Why the Fat We Eat Is the Key to Sustained Weight Loss and Vibrant Health. “The theory that all calories have the same impact on your weight and metabolism remains one of the most persistent nutrition myths,” says this practitioner of functional medicine who points out that we’ve been sidetracked by wrong thinking.

“Eating fat can make you lean.

Healthy cell walls made from highquality fats are better able to metabolize insulin, which keeps blood sugar better regulated. Without proper blood sugar control, the body socks away fat for a rainy day. The right fats also increase fat burning, diminish hunger and reduce fat storage,” he notes.

Whole30, a 30-day diet revolving around clean eating, also emphasizes healthy fats. Devised in 2009 by Dallas Hartwig, a functional medicine practitioner and certified sports nutritionist, and Melissa Hartwig, a certified sports

nutritionist, the program aims to reduce inflammation, detoxify the body and reset metabolism. The Salt Lake City, Utah, authors of the New York Times bestselling The Whole30 recommend healthy fats to keep us full and rev up metabolism. Recommended healthy fats include coconut milk and oil, avocados, olive oil, organic ghee (clarified butter) and raw nuts.

Josh Axe, a natural medicine practitioner and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends the healthy fats contained in avocados, organic butter and ghee from grass-fed cows and goats, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds.

“Butter’s experiencing a comeback as a healthy fat as its benefits become more widely known,” says Axe. “The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in butter help the brain function properly and improve skin health.” Ghee, an ancient Indian version of butter, is lactose- and casein-free, while being loaded with fatsoluble vitamins A, D and E, says Axe. These vitamins are best absorbed by the body when they’re in a fat substance and then stored in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping metabolism and digestion on track, he notes. Ghee’s high level of vitamin K2, best known as a natural blood coagulator, “also helps strengthen bones, while the fatty acids found in it improve digestion and reduce inflammation.”

Prime Sources of Healthy Fats Functional medicine physician Mark Hyman suggests that we include four to five servings of fat in our diets every day.

“In the last five years, the scientific evidence has been mounting that high-fat diets outperform low-fat diets for weight loss and for revising every single indication of heart disease risk, including abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and inflammation,” he says.

Each amount listed indicates a serving size.

Nuts (a handful of walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts or cashews) Seeds (a handful of pumpkin, sunflower of flaxseed) Most plant-based liquid oils (one

tablespoon of olive, safflower, sesame, avocado, macadamia, grape seed or walnut oil) Fatty fish (4 ounces of salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna or trout) Avocado (one-half to one avocado) Extra virgin coconut oil (one tablespoon) Organic coconut milk (one-quarter cup) Olives (one-quarter cup) Grass-fed animal butter, clarified butter or ghee (one tablespoon) Aim to eat fats that remain liquid (not solid) at room temperature; it’s a sure sign of heart-healthy, unsaturated fats.

Source: Adapted from Eat Fat, Get Thin, by Mark Hyman, M.D.

L ive as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Healthy Levels of Fat

“If you’re active, about 40 percent of your calories should come from carbohydrates, another 30 percent from protein and the other 30 percent from fat in general,” says Axe, adding that this has the added benefit of helping prevent arteriosclerosis. “Some people may consume a greater percentage of healthy fats if the goal is to become a fat burner.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and health,” Hyman reminds us. “Low-carb, higher-fat diets work for most people, but for some, they may not be optimal in the long term.”

Judith Fertig writes food health articles and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

386-454-4055 DrJacksChiropractic.com natural awakenings

March 2017

21

Tur� Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!*

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 85 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED*.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder/Ft. Collins, CO Denver, CO Fairfield County/ HousatonicValley, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & the Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL Treasure Coast, FL Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs, IL Indianapolis, IN Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Worcester, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI* Western MI Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN* Charlotte, NC

• Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC • Bergen/Passaic, NJ* • Central, NJ • Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ • Santa Fe/Abq., NM* • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY* • Long Island, NY • Hudson Valley W., NY • Manhattan, NY* • Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH* • Toledo, OH* • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR • Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA • Chester/Delaware Counties, PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster/Berks, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA* • Northeast, PA • Philadelphia, PA • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Greenville, SC* • Chattanooga, TN* • Austin, TX* • Dallas, TX • Houston, TX • North Texas • San Antonio, TX* • South Houston/ Galveston, TX • Richmond, VA • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI* • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico • Dominican Republic

* Existing magazines for sale Start a magazine in an OPEN TERRITORY • • • • •

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com Central FL GoNaturalAwakenings.com 22call North or 239-530-1377

*Natural Awakenings recently received the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

• • • • •

Los Angeles, CA Riverside, CA Sacramento, CA San Bernadino, CA Santa Barbara/ Ventura, CA Santa Clara Co., CA Southern, MA Annapolis, MD Baltimore, MD Kansas City, MO

• Saint Louis, MO • Bronyx, NY • Brooklyn/ Staten Island, NY • Cleveland, OH • Pittsburgh, PA • Nashville, TN • Ft. Worth, TX • Salt Lake City, UT Inquire about other open areas

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY PETS

Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies even just nibbles the eliminated food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment.

Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea.

Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital.

She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its

pterwort/Shutterstock.com

R

ather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks.

With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients.

Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies.

“If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessarily work for another.”

While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet

Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com

by Sandra Murphy

odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea.

“Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.”

Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance.

“Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm.

Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.”

Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouis FreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

natural awakenings

Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com

naturalpet

March 2017

23

SpeedKingz/Shutterstock.com

healthykids

Silencing Cyberbullies How to Defuse Bad Actors

by April Thompson

W

hether it’s a damaging rumor posted on Facebook, a humiliating photo shared on Instagram or a threatening text, cyberbullying is increasing among today’s youth. A 2015 Cyberbullying Research Center study of middle school students found that 43 percent had been targeted, while 15 percent admitted to being online bullies. Meanwhile, students, parents and teachers are combating cyber-aggression with initiatives to make the phenomenon socially unacceptable in schools.

Grassroots Action

Tyler Gregory, 23, attended a small, insular high school in rural Ohio where bullying was problematic. As a senior with younger siblings approaching their high school years, he aimed to change the local culture to make bullying uncool.

Gregory decided to make a movie to submit to the NO BULL Challenge, a national organization that provides students a platform to develop and dis24

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

seminate materials that spark dialogue about such troubling issues. Challenges ranged from teaching himself filmmaking and persuading students to participate to mustering the courage to present the project to his school. He achieved the transformation he sought, beginning with 70 students participating in his production.

“I appealed to classmates by asking, ‘How do you want to be remembered?

Why not choose to be viewed positively, as leaders?’” says Gregory, who later became a spokesperson for NO BULL Challenge. To date, the challenge has received 600 submissions, garnering 23 million impressions through digital and social media, the vehicles of cyberbullies. A recent graduate of Dayton, Ohio’s Wright State University, Gregory has spoken to about 45,000 students in 27 states in school assemblies.

Nancy Willard, director of Embrace Civility in the Digital Age, headquartered in Creswell, Oregon, believes that such initiatives, which shift schools from punitive approaches

to making bullying incompatible with accepted social norms, are the only way to bring lasting change. “We need to cultivate a climate where being hurtful is contrary to a school’s expressed values. Most young people don’t like to see their peers being hurtful and admire those that stand up to peers and have them make amends,” says Willard. The educator’s website, EmbraceCivility.org, offers free materials with concrete steps for students and teachers to foster positive school environments.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to attacks on unpopular kids that lack satisfying peer relationships. It’s seven times more likely to occur between current or former friends and romantic partners than between strangers, according to a study led by Diane Felmlee, professor of sociology at Pennsylvania State University. Felmlee’s research further found that non-heterosexual youth are four times as likely as their heterosexual peers to be cyberbullied, while popular kids are also frequently targeted.

Two social dynamics seem to be at work: “One involves individuals that violate social norms, such as LGBTQ youth, and the other revolves around status struggles,” reports Felmlee. “In the latter case, bullies are vying for popularity, recognition and self-esteem. Those with higher social status may be attacked because they’re viewed as competition.”

Cyberbullying’s impact can exceed face-to-face aggression, as offensive remarks can spread far and fast, and live online in perpetuity instead of fading away, observes Felmlee. Gregory adds that it can also affect students’ ability to learn when some skip school to avoid tormentors.

Helpful Responses

Most youths don’t report cyberbullying, feeling embarrassed, afraid the situation will get worse or doubtful of remedial action. “Schools need to step up their response to bullying, make it known that it won’t be tolerated, set clear policies and enforce them,” counsels Gregory. Because most bullied youths don’t speak up, parents need to communicate openly with kids and be aware of their

online activities, advises Felmlee.

Willard notes that it’s also important to address the bullies themselves through understanding their motivation, and then persuading them to accept responsibility and take steps to rectify harm. “This should be about reparation, not punishment.” Gregory’s high school film assures bullies that it’s never too late to make amends.

While it can be hard to stand up to bullies, caring peers can easily express support. “Bystanders have the power to change the atmosphere,” agrees Gregory. “Kindly approaching a student being picked on who may feel alone and ashamed goes further than most students realize.”

Those affected by cyberbullying also can cut off their aggressors, suggests Gregory. “The ‘block’ button is powerful. Cyberbullies want to see a reaction. Blocking them from social media exchanges or texting takes away their power.”

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

REFRESH • REJUVENATE • REVIVE • REL AX • RENEW • REPLENISH

We treat the pain others said you would have to live with!

Back & Neck Pain • Migraine • TMJ Post-surgical Pain • Fibromyalgia • CERTIFIED NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE • CRANIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE • ETPS ACUPUNCTURE • TMJ THERAPY • REFERRALS FROM PHYSICIANS AND CHIROPRACTORS ACCEPTED

Gift Certificates Available

Call for an appointment today:

352-694-4503

Patricia Sutton LMT, NMT, CRT MA22645

Neuromuscular Massage by Design Ocala’s Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist • Est 1996 1920 SW 20th Place, Suite 202, Ocala • Most Insurance Accepted natural awakenings

March 2017

25

calendarofevents

MONDAY, MARCH 6

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Mini-Reading Party – 1-4pm. Receive both a British Style Psychic/Mediumship Reading and a Crystal Reading. $30, limited to 10 people. Held at a private home in The Villages. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. ifsk.org.

Conference – 8:20am-5pm. Annie Appleseed Project’s 11 th Annual Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference. $249 includes three organic meals, giveaways and events. Daily rates available. Location: Embassy Suites, 1601 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach.

AnnieAppleseedProject.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1 Workshop and Pot Luck Dinner – 6pm. Explore your writing talents. Any level of writing skills welcome. Activities include reading discussions, editing and new ideas. Free with pot luck dish.

Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation, 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra. Call or email to reserve at 352-595-3377 or CatCrone@aol.com. CronesCradleConserve.org.

Soul-to-Soul – 7-9pm. Hosted by Rev. Cindy Grimes.

Bringing people together who want to change the world.

Guest speakers, refreshments and live music. Love offering. Oakbrook Center for Spiritual Living, 1009 NE 28th Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897. OakbrookCSL.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2 Conference – 2-9pm. Annie Appleseed Project’s 11th Annual Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference. $249 includes three organic meals, giveaways and events. Daily rates available.

Location: Embassy Suites, 1601 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach. AnnieAppleseedProject.org.

Seminar – 6-7pm. Ignite the Energy Within. With Elaine Spivak, board member of Divine Heart Metaphysical Institute. How many light bulbs would it take to change your life? Join Elaine as she shares her life experiences and the light bulbs she changed once she realized energy within her. Free. Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St, Ocala. Info: Fred@ DivineHeartMetaphysical.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 Free Consultation – 8am-8pm, by appointment.

With Mary Miller, LMT #MA68465. Learn the benefits of massage and how massage can be customized to each individual. Free. A Pure Massage.

352-299-8283. MassageAPureMassage.com.

Conference – 7am-5:30pm. Annie Appleseed Project’s 11th Annual Complementary & Alternative Cancer Therapies Conference. $249 includes three organic meals, giveaways and events. Daily rates available. Location: Embassy Suites, 1601 Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach. AnnieAppleseedProject.org.

Class – 11am. Psychic Dreaming. Your dreams are trying to tell you something, and you are the best interpreter. Learn dream types, tips for remembering and understanding. Bring two typed-out copies of one powerful dream to class. $25. Call for reservations. Karma Cottage, 652 #A North Citrus Ave, Crystal River. 352-5660300. KarmaCottage.com.

Class – 11am-5pm.Reiki Level 1. With Howard Minton. Introductory rate of $100. Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657. HighSpringEmporium.net.

Class – 2-4:30pm. Psychic / Medium Spiritual Development. Includes meditation, lesson and practice. $30. Held at Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. ifsk.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 Women’s Sunday Brunch – 11am. An amazing assortment of women, locally grown food, an entertaining program in an atmosphere of quiet, respect and contemplation. Sliding scale from $10 to whatever you can contribute. Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation, 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra.

Reserve by noon the Friday before at 352-595-3377 or CatCrone@aol.com. CronesCradleConserve.org.

Class – 11:45am. Can You Hear Me Now? With Claudia Virga. Learn a new, quick and simple science-based program that will help you improve and empower you in your relationships. Love offering. Complimentary personality report when register by calling 352-504-2893 or emailing Claudia@ ClaudiaVirga.com. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd 468, Fruitland Park. 352-454-3120.

UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

Aura Photography and Soul Contract Readings – noon-4pm. With Howard Minton. $50 for photo or reading, $88 for both. Call to sign up. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs.386-454-8657. HighSpringsEmporium.net.

Class – 4pm. Diabetes Education. Seating is limited, need to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459.

LemireClinic.com.

Natural Health Meet-n-Greet – 5:30-7:30pm. With Dr. Sue Vogan. Discover traditional therapies and clinicians that are available in our area. Free, open to the public. Sponsored by: The House of Asclepius.

Location: Belleview Library, 13145 SE Cty Hwy 484, Belleview. For info: 352-687-2399.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7 Save Your Mind Intensive Program – March 7-9.

Seating is limited, need to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinic.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 Iridology – 8am-5pm, by appointment. Learn about your health’s needs through your eyes. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinc.com.

Chinese Medicine Health Seminar – 1pm. Treating the cause of memory loss, numbness, pain, paralysis, tingling and tremors. Free. Seating is limited, reservations required. Ni’s Chinese Medical Center, 1501 N US Hwy 441, Ste 1106, The Villages. 352391-9266. DrBoNi.com.

Parent Support Group – 6:30-8pm. The ongoing support group for families that deal with behavioral and emotional issues related to attention deficit disorders. The focus is on students kindergarten through eighth grade. Celebration United Methodist Church, 9501 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville. For more info or to RSVP, call 352-367-8005.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 Free Consultation – 8am-8pm, by appointment.

With Mary Miller, LMT #MA68465. Learn the benefits of massage and how massage can be customized to each individual. Free. A Pure Massage.

352-299-8283. MassageAPureMassage.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Nurturing the Divine Feminine – 10-11:30am. With Billie Weiss. In meditation, the Goddess will help clear, heal and activate the Divine feminine in you. $33. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Class – 11am. Full Moon Candle Magic. Utilize the energy of the full moon and candles to manifest

352.693.4592 www.FairyDustCrystals.com Like us on Facebook

✧ Crystals ✧ Books ✧ Tarot decks ✧ Himalayan Salt Lamps ✧ Candles ✧ Unique gifts and more…

Your Holistic and Spiritual Healing Center

11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview, FL 34420 (at the Almeida Plaza)

26

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

your intentions. A step-by-step instruction, material included. $25. Call for reservations. Karma Cottage, 652 #A North Citrus Ave, Crystal River. 352-5660300. KarmaCottage.com.

Introduction to Shamanism – noon-2pm.With MaChandra, $25. Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs.

386-454-8657. HighSpringEmporium.net.

Benefit Run/Walk – 4:30pm. 8th Annual Run For Haven to benefit Haven Hospice in Gainesville.

5K and 10K run/walk, costume contest, prizes, live music, food, drinks, expo booths and more. Registration fees vary. Register online through March 8.

After that date, register the day of event starting at 2:30pm. Location: Tioga Town Center, 105 SW 128th St, Newberry. 352-271-4665. RunForHaven.org.

among the topics. $25. Call for reservations. Karma Cottage, 652 #A North Citrus Ave, Crystal River.

352-566-0300. KarmaCottage.com.

Prayer Service – 7pm. Prayer Service for Peace.

Clergy from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Baha’i communities will lead a service of prayer and healing in our troubled world. All are welcome. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd 468, Fruitland Park.

352-454-3120. UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 Free Consultation – 8am-8pm, by appointment.

With Mary Miller, LMT #MA68465. Learn the benefits of massage and how massage can be customized to each individual. Free. A Pure Massage.

352-299-8283. MassageAPureMassage.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Class – 4pm. Diabetes Education. Seating is limited, need to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459.

LemireClinic.com.

Class – 11am. Intuitive Development. Understanding and expanding our sixth sense. A class full of research, practical advice and practice. $25. Call for reservations. Karma Cottage, 652 #A North Citrus Ave, Crystal River. 352-566-0300. KarmaCottage.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 7pm. With Marcia McAllister. A guided meditation using crystal bowls to get to that quiet still place. Love offering. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd 468, Fruitland Park.

352-454-3120. UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 Workshop and Pot Luck Dinner – 6pm. Explore your writing talents. Any level of writing skills welcome. Activities include reading discussions, editing and new ideas. Free with pot luck dish.

Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation, 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra. Call or email to reserve at 352-595-3377 or CatCrone@aol.com. CronesCradleConserve.org.

Soul-to-Soul – 7-9pm. Hosted by Rev. Cindy Grimes. Bringing people together who want to change the world. Guest speakers, refreshments and live music. Love offering. Oakbrook Center for Spiritual Living, 1009 NE 28th Ave, Ocala.

352-629-3897. OakbrookCSL.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 Class – 2:30-5pm. With Marie Church. Address the importance of turning into the core of your being, providing you with answers you seek. $20. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Class – 5:30pm. Four-Part Series: Natural Spiritualism. Explore what it means to be wiccan or pagan.

The wheel of the year, sacred space, elements, reincarnation and the divine masculine and feminine are

Fair – 11am-6pm. A Day of Holistic and Spiritual Healing. One Year Anniversary Celebration. Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Class – 1-3pm.Wire Wrapping Level 1. With Pat Zachry. Learn how to turn your rocks into beautiful jewelry. This class is a prerequisite for Level 2. $35.

Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

HighSpringEmporium.net.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Class – 1-3pm.Wire Wrapping Level 2. With Pat Zachry. Level 1 is a prerequisite. $35. Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657. HighSpringEmporium.net.

MONDAY, MARCH 20 Thermography Screenings – 8am-5pm; by appointment. Thermography is a healthy alternative to mammograms. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinic.com.

Patient Education – 6pm. Learn about the clinic followed by Q&A. Free. Seating is limited, call to reserve your seat. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-2919459. LemireClinic.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Natural Eye Program – March 21-23. Learn what

you can do about wet/dry macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts without injections. Seating is limited, call to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala.

352-291-9459. LemireClinic.com.

Transformation, Detox/Healing Group series – 4pm. Decrease weight, lower A1C and cholesterol, increase energy. Seating is limited, must pre-register.

Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinc.com.

Presentation – 6-7:30pm. Crystal Bowl Healing.

With Marcia McAllister. Includes history of sound healing and meditation. $20. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 Natural Eye Program – March 21-23. Learn what you can do about wet/dry macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts without injections. Seating is limited, call to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala.

352-291-9459. LemireClinic.com.

Class – 2:30-4:30pm and 5:30-7:30pm Working with Crystals. With JoEllen Blue. Learn about crystals, how to program them and use them. $20. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592.

FairyDustCrystals.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Natural Eye Program – March 21-23. Learn what you can do about wet/dry macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts without injections. Seating is limited, call to pre-register. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala.

352-291-9459. LemireClinic.com.

Workshop – 6pm. Crystal Clear – Healing with Stones. $20 includes handout and gift crystal set.

Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinc.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 Free Consultation – 8am-8pm, by appointment.

With Mary Miller, LMT #MA68465. Learn the benefits of massage and how massage can be customized to each individual. Free. A Pure Massage.

352-299-8283. MassageAPureMassage.com.

Three-Part Class – 6-7:30pm. Loving Communication.

With Fred Keyser. Learn powerful and simple tools to be heard and understood. $10 per class. Call to register.

Fairy Dust Crystals & Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

featuring informaave exhibitors, vegan food vendors, animal rescue organizaaons and sanctuaries, speakers, a kid zone, music, friendly folks and more y A.R. Masse rk Westside34Pa th St, 1001 NWsville, FL Gaine

Saturday, April 8th 11:00am-5:00pm

Free and o to the pubpen lic

GainesvilleVegFest.com natural awakenings

March 2017

27

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Event – 10am-3pm. Making the Blind Visible Awareness Event. Guests will enjoy interactive and simulation activities to gain insight and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Beeping Easter egg hunt, inflatable obstacle course, food trucks, kids zone, hands-on activities, vendors, live music. Free.

Location: Citizens’ Circle in Downtown Ocala, 110 SE Watula Ave. Hosted by: Florida Center for the Blind, 352-873-4700. FLBlind.org.

Workshop – 2-4pm. A New Alignment – Chakra Balancing with Crystals. With Sharron Britton. $20 includes a set of chakra crystals. Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657. HighSpringEmporium.net.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

increase energy. Seating is limited, must pre-register.

Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinc.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 7pm. With Marcia McAllister. A guided meditation using crystal bowls to get to that quiet still place. Love offering. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd 468, Fruitland Park.

352-454-3120. UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Free Consultation – 8am-8pm, by appointment.

With Mary Miller, LMT #MA68465. Learn the benefits of massage and how massage can be customized to each individual. Free. A Pure Massage.

352-299-8283. MassageAPureMassage.com.

plan ahead

13th Annual Healthy Living Expo – 10:30am-5pm.

Caring for your health and the environment. Over 80 exhibitors, workshops. and door prizes. Produced

by Natural Awakenings Melbourne/Vero Beach.

Free admission. Location: Florida Tech Clemente Center, 3011 Panther Pl, Melbourne. 321-777-6433.

HealthyLivingExpos.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Discussion – noon-3pm. Healing the T(error) ist Within. With Jon Mundy, author of Living a Course in Miracles and Eternal Life and A Course in Miracles. Mundy will be discussing Manifesting Miracle Mindedness. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd 468, Fruitland Park. 352-454-3120.

UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

MONDAY, MARCH 27 Monthly Meeting – 6pm. Big Scrub Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the Belleview Public Library’s native wildflower garden. Free and open to the public.

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Hwy 484, Belleview. MarionBigScrub.fnpschapters.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 28 Transformation, Detox/Healing Group series – 4pm. Decrease weight, lower A1C and cholesterol,

28

North Central FL

Transformation, Detox/Healing Group series – 4pm. Decrease weight, lower A1C and cholesterol, increase energy. Seating is limited, must pre-register.

Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinc.com.

Fair – 10am-5pm. Spiritual Wisdom Fair. Readings, workshops, sample treatments by practitioners, healthy organic food, eclectic collections of stones, crystals, jewelry, books and more for sale. $5 donation requested; food, readings and treatments additional.

Proceeds to Three Aunties, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing healthy relationships between people and our natural environment. Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St, Gainesville. Info: Maria at 352-219-4946 or Maria.

Minno@gmail.com. ThreeAunties.blogspot.com.

Class – 11am. Practical Use of Runes for Divination or Protection. Runes have a language all their own and can enhance everyday life when properly applied. Lecture and handouts. $25.

Call for reservations. Karma Cottage, 652 #A North Citrus Ave, Crystal River. 352-566-0300.

KarmaCottage.com.

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Festival – 11am-5pm. Gainesville’s First Annual VegFest. A celebration of a healthy, sustainable and compassionate way of life. Have fun and learn about the many ways to improve health, lessen our impact on the environment and reduce animal suffering. Westside Park, 1001 NW 34th St, Gainesville. GainesvilleVegFest.com.

Benefit – 5:30-8:30pm. ViVA! Hollywood to benefit Haven Hospice in Gainesville. Music and entertainment, award show-themed dinner by Blue Water Bay Gaming, live and silent auctions, after party. $150. Call for tickets, auction or sponsorship opportunities. Location: Rembert Farms, 13014 NW 174th Ave, Alachua. 352-271-4665.

VivaMeansLife.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Festival and Fundraiser – 1-7pm. Our Santa Fe River Fest. Music, songwriting contest, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, food, soda, beer and homemade desserts. $5 online, $7 at door. Location: Rum 138, 2070 SW County Road 138, Fort White. OurSantaFeRiver.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day 2017 – EarthDay.org.

Gala and Festival – 10am-3pm. Natural Foods Gala & Sustainability Festival. Natural and organic food samples, vendors, silent auction and raffle, live music, garden tours. $2/admission, $2 each/food sample ticket. Crones’ Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra. 352-595-3777. CronesCradleConserve.org.

Gala – 6:30-11pm. Florida Museum’s 100th Anniversary Gala. Dinner, live entertainment and dancing. $250. Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville. flmnh.ufl.edu.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29SUNDAY, APRIL 30 Class – 9am. Introduction to Thai Massage. With Ariela Grodner of Bodhi Sangha School of Thai Massage.

Level 1 provides the necessary foundation for future techniques to be based upon, but also can serve as a stand-alone practice as students will learn complete form. $300. Location: Florida School of Massage, 6421 SW 13th St, Gainesville. BodhiSangha.com.

ongoingevents

saturday Leesburg Saturday Morning Market – 8am1pm. Local farmers, craftsmen, bakers, artists and more. Location: Towne Square, 501 W Main St, Leesburg. 352-365-0053.

NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted via our website by the 10th of the month and must adhere to our guidelines. Visit GoNaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday The Sunday Village Market – 9am-2pm. Superb quality local produce, eclectic food, handmade crafts with ample parking. Location: Evans Park, 100 N Donnelly St, Mount Dora. MountDoraMarket.com.

Sunday Spiritual Service – 10am. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352­-687-­2113. mail@ UnityOcala.org. UnityOcala.org.

Unity Spiritual Center Sunday Service – 10am.

Transformational message focuses on oneness, sustainability, the use of prayer, the power of your imagination and remembering who you are and why you are here.

Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd, Fruitland Park.

352­-454-­3120. UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

Oakbrook Sunday Service – 10:30am; Guided Meditation – 9:45am. Awaken and LIVE. Oakbrook Center for Spiritual Living, 1009 NE 28th Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897. OakbrookCSL.org.

Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude – 1-2pm Bring your own mat for yoga in the warehouse. All experience levels. Suggested donation $5. First Magnitude Brewing Co., 1220 SE Veitch, Gainesville.

352-727-4677.

monday Laser Therapy Awareness Days – By appointment. Mondays in March. Laser therapy can treat pain related to many conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, sprains/strains, chronic pain, injuries, muscle pain and stiffness. Free consultation.

Call for appointment. Dr. Jack’s Chiropractic, 105 NW 1st Ave, High Springs. 386-454-4055.

DrJacksChiropractic.com.

Course in Miracles – 9am. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd, Fruitland Park. 352-­454-­3120.

UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

tuesday Acupuncture – By appointment. With physician Susan Snelling. Chinese Pulse, Herbs, Twina, Cuppping and more. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ocala. 352­-291-­9459. LemireClinic.com Course in Miracles – 9:30am. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd, Fruitland Park. 352­-454-­3120.

UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org. .

Technology Help Center - 2-4pm. Free. Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Hwy 484, Belleview.

352-438-2500.

Weight Loss Tapping – 6-8pm. Remove the blocks keeping you from sticking to your plan. Sessions

Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am-12pm. Open rain or shine, heat or cold. Haile Village Center in Haile Plantation, SW 91st Terr, Gainesville.

HaileFarmersMarket.com.

focus on stress/overwhelm, guild/shame, the past, trigger foods. $20 per session or $60 in advance for all sessions. Group limited to 10. 352-454-8959. eftsandy@yahoo.com.

Organic Pickup Hub – 9am-1pm. The Ocala hub to pick up Strawberry Passion Organics. Market Under the Oaks, 2250 NE Hwy 326, Ocala.

ShariWin777@gmail.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 7pm. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Love offering. Unity Spiritual Center, 509 County Rd, Fruitland Park. 352-­454-­3120.

UnitySpiritualCenterFL.org.

wednesday

Farmstead Saturdays – 9am-­3pm. Free. Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352-­595-­ 3377. CronesCradleConserve.com.

Hearing Screenings – 8am-5pm. With Dr. David Ditchfield. By appointment. Free. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct. Rd, Ocala. 352-­291-­ 9459. LemireClinic.com.

Ocala Farm Market – 9am-2pm. Locally grown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, crafts and plants. Location: Corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-426-8244.

OcalaDowntownMarket.com.

Qigong – 9-9:30am. With Dr. Neil Crenshaw and Dr. Don Mederios. Donations go to Connected Warriors. Van Ness Park Civic Center, G Ave and 7th St, McIntosh. 352-425-2975.

Yoga Class – 9:30am. Call for details. Wallace Fitness, 252 N Donelly St, Mount Dora. 352-735-4881.

WallaceFitness.com.

Wellness Wednesday – 11am-2pm. Enjoy delicious and healthy treats from Living Green Café. Learn how to bridge the gap between what we do eat and what we should eat. Sponsored by Juice Plus+. Living Green Café, 353 Plaza Dr, Ste A, Eustis. 352-602-4956.

Ocala Farm Market – 3-7pm. Locally grown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, crafts and plants. Location: Corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-426-8244.

OcalaDowntownMarket.com.

Union Street Farmers Market – 4-7pm. Rain or shine, 52 weeks of the year. Local produce, musicians and artisans. Location: corner of SW 1st Ave and SW 1st St, Downtown Gainesville. UnionStreetFarmersmkt.com.

thursday Acupuncture – By appointment. With physician Susan Snelling. Chinese Pulse, Herbs, Twina, Cupping and more. Natural Medicine Physicians, 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ocala. 352­-291-­9459. LemireClinic.com.

A Course in Miracles – 4pm. Discussion Group.

Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2113.

Mail@UnityOfOcala.org. UnityOcala.org.

friday Health Happens Farmers Market – 9am-2:30pm.

Shop for fresh produce, seafood, honey, baked goods, gluten-free snacks and prepared meals for lunch. McPherson Governmental Complex field, 601 SE 25th Ave. Ocala. 352-438-2360.

I f music be the food of love, play on. ~William Shakespeare

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

ADVERTISING ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers?

Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ads section. To place an ad, email GoNaturalAwakenings@ gmail.com.

HELP WANTED DISTRIBUTION/DRIVERS–Wanted to distribute Natural Awakenings in multiple areas in Marion, Alachua and Lake Counties. Two to three days at the end of each month. Per stop pay. Reliable transportation required. Inquiries: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

PART-TIME SALES/MARKETING– Natural Awakenings Magazine has part-time Sales/Marketing positions available in Marion, Alachua, Lake, Sumter and Bradford counties. Must be eco-friendly and have a passion for natural health. Commission based. Send your resume to: GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com.

OPPORTUNITIES START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business complete with comprehensive training and support system.

New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/ MyMagazine.

natural awakenings

March 2017

29

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email GoNaturalAwakenings@gmail.com to request our media kit.

To promote the Religion, Science and Philosophy of Spiritualism

Ongoing British Style Psychic/Mediumship Classes Gainesville Sat. March 4th 2-4:30pm See Website for details.

Check our complete program on the website.

www.ifsk.org ~ 407-247-7823

breathe

ACUPUNCTURE

BODY WORK

SUSAN SNELLING, ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN

Natural Medicine Physicians 11115 SW 93rd Ct Rd, Ste 600, Ocala 352-291-9459 • LemireClinic.com

NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE

BY DESIGN

Patricia Sutton LMT, NMT, CRT MA22645 1920 SW 20th Pl, Ste 202, Ocala 352-694-4503

Susan Snelling, Acupuncture Physician, has been practicing for many years and combines the traditional needles with cupping, t w i n a t e c h n o l o g y, p u l s e diagnosing and Chinese herbs, along with emotional release to bring back into balance mind, body and spirit. See ad, back page.

Offering Certified Neuromuscular Masssage, cranial release technique, ETPS acupuncture to treat the pain you were told you would have to live with. Specializing in back, neck and post-surgical pain, fibromyalgia, migraines and TMJ therapies. See ad, page 25.

CHINESE MEDICINE

AUDIOLOGY DAVID DITCHFIELD ACA BCHIS Audioprosthologist 352-291-9459

David has served the hearing needs of people in this area since the 1980s. He is the president of TriCounty Hearing Aid Inc. and has joined the audiology department of the Natural Medicine Physicians, formally Lemire Clinic. His practice has fit thousands with hearing instru-mentation and has been appointed exclusive area dispenser for Nuear products with the renowned Starkey engineering.

By appointment. See ad, back page.

NI’S CHINESE MEDICAL CENTER

Bo-Shih Ni, LAc, DOM Lisa Forsythe, LAc, Dipl OM 1501 N US Hwy 441, Ste 1106, Bldg 1100, The Villages • 352-391-9266 DrBoNi.com Bo-Shih Ni is an Internal Health Practitioner using the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to maintain and restore health and wellness.

Acupuncture Practitioner Lisa Forsythe joins Ni using a variety of methods and treatments including Chinese Pulse Diagnosis, Chinese herbs, acupuncture, cupping and moxa as well as an onsite herbal pharmacy. See ad, page 28.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY CORNELIUS A. LINK, DDS

2415 SW 27th Ave, Ocala 352-237-6196 • OcalaDentalCare.com Dr. Link stresses an oral biologic balance as part of total body health. He concentrates on the relationship of the teeth to the jaws and each other, infections in the teeth and gums, saliva ph and metal toxicity. As a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Dr. Link follows a recommended safety protocol for removal of amalgam fillings, if necessary. Dental materials compatibility testing available.

CHIROPRACTOR DR. JACK’S CHIROPRACTIC CARE Dr. Jack Agliata, DC Serving North Central Florida 386-454-4055 DrJacksChiropractic.com

With almost 30 years of experience, Dr. Jack uses a safe, effective and natural approach to manage pain and other health issues. His practice also offers K-Laser therapy for advanced pain relief and to help improve function to afflicted areas without harmful drugs or injections.

Dr. Jack is joined by his staff of 2 LMTs, 2 Certified Chiropractic Physician's Assistants and 2 Certified Laser Therapists. See ad, page 21.

T here are two ways of spreading light:

to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton 30

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

COACHING/ORGANIZING NATURAL ORDER COACHING & ORGANIZING Helen Kornblum, MA 352-871-4499 • 352-505-0541 Helen@CoachOrganizer.com CoachOrganizer.com

Helen helps teens and young adults deal with the challenges of ADHD by working on strategies for positive change, building selfesteem and confidence. Students can develop better social skills and improve their organizing skills. See ad, page 13.

LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE CRONE’S CRADLE CONSERVE FOUNDATION

MEDICINE WHEEL VETERINARY SERVICES

The conserve is an ecological preserve, retreat center and organic farm. Local fresh produce can be bought at The Farm Store on property, through Farm to Fare weekly Baskets or delivered to your restaurant. The Farm Store is open 7 days a week. Certified kitchen honey house and event space available. See ad, page 11.

Holistic veterinary medicine for small animals and horses.

Arthritis, neurologic and hormonal dysfunction, skin, allergies, cancer, pain, immune and chronic disease. Certified veterinary acu-puncture, certified-AVCA animal chiropractic, herbal therapy, tui na medical massage, functional neurology, postural rehabilitation, ozone therapy, homotoxicology and nutrition. Available for workshops. See ad, page 9.

6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra 352-595-3377 CronesCradleConserve.org

COLONICS GENTLE WATERS HEALING CENTER 352-374-0600 Gainesville Info@GentleWatersHealing.com

The therapists at Gentle Waters Healing Center assist each individual with detoxing using colon hydrotherapy, far infrared sauna, and/or aqua chi lymphatic drainage. Call Dawn Brower for more information or visit G e n t l e Wa t e r s H e a l i n g . c o m .

MA41024, MM15426.

HEALING ARTS SANDY WILSON, EFT-ADV, MCHT

VETERINARY CARE Shauna Cantwell, DVM Ocala 352-538-3021 • ShaunaCantwell.com

SCHOOL BODHI SANGHA THAI MASSAGE AND SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL THAI FOLK MEDICINE 813-417-6745 ArielaGrodner@yahoo.com BodhiSangha.com

Students can advance in their studies of Thai Massage and Traditional Thai Folk Medicine.

Courses offered are; Thai Foot Reflexology, Double Practitioner Thai Massage, and Thai Herbal Bundle Therapeutics. The Bodhi Sangha Shala is a place to grow and learn, to build community, to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, and to deepen one’s studies of the ancient healing art of Thai Massage. See ad, page 24.

WATER SYSTEMS ECOWATER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Serving Marion, Alachua, Sumter Counties 352-401-1818 EcoWaterFlorida.com EcoWater has been the producer of American made water filtration equipment since 1925. With a State Certified Water Testing Lab on site, EcoWater brings customers the finest in diagnosis and solution of all types of water problems. See ad, page 7.

EFT Practitioner/Hypnotist 352-454-8959 EFTSandy@yahoo.com

With the amazing power of painless “Emotional Freedom Technique” (EFT), Sandy will help clients achieve their goals, eliminate blocks, and remove negative emotions. Phone and office sessions available. Call or email to schedule a phone consultation.

HOLISTIC MEDICINE HANOCH TALMOR, M.D. Gainesville Holistic Center 352-377-0015 DrTalmor.com

We support all health challenges and the unlimited healing potential of God’s miracle: your body. Chelation, nutrition, cleansing, homeopathy, natural energy healing, detoxification, wellness education and more. See ad, page 14.

A P R

Eco Yards Plus: Medical Massage

Our Readers are Seeking Providers & Services for Earth-Friendly Landscaping & Therapeutic Massage

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

352-629-4000

natural awakenings

March 2017

31

32

North Central FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com