Natural Awakenings Ocala/Gainesville February 2020

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

SACRED VESSELS The Lifeblood

of Heart Health

Linda Carroll on

LOVE SKILLS A Feast for All Seasons

Healing Pain Without Surgery Breakthroughs in Regenerative Medicine

Embracing the Rainbow Year Round February 2020

|

Alachua/Citrus/Marion/Sumter Co & The Villages FL

|

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

CAVINOL® Booster

A unique blend of Terpenes & Cannabinoids that may increase Potency and Efficacy of Hemp CBD Extracts

PURE • STRONG • LEGAL YES! THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!

Get Healthy – Not HIGH!™

Proven Premium Hemp CBD Synergies

Try The “Real Deal!” Call 800-334-1236 for Free Complete Product Descriptions, Discounts & More Syringes Below Coming Soon.

Why is Sunshine Global “The Real Deal”?

5 Years of Satisfied Customers

World Wide Clinical Research

Cavinol® Gold & Silver Oral Syringes 10ml

Join Sunshine Club!

State-of-the-Art In-House Laboratory Virasyl®

Mineral Support #1 last 10 years

CBD Infused Salve Topical Application #1 last 2 years

Cavinol® Daily & Plus Tincture 15ml #1 last 4 years

Call Us For Free Information &

Protocol Combinations For Wellbeing

Charter Member United Alliance for Wellbeing

Seed Synergy

KEY DISTRIBUTION CENTERS NEAR YOU!

Sunflower Health Foods • 386-758-5511 & 352-372-7482 B-Healthy • 352-854-4577 Fresh Start • 386-364-1259 Happy Garden Health Food Market • 352-493-2711 Call 800-334-1236 or go to our Website!

FREE

Join at NO CHARGE for free 30-day trial, Samples, Product Discounts, Protocol Suggestions, Brochures & Dosage Suggestions, Store Locations & More Call 1-800-334-1236 for free samples & More information

Nootropic Colutam Brain Enhancement #1 last 2 years

Call for processing fees

Hemp Processing Machine

Global Health Laboratories

State-of-the-Art Research & Full Capacity Testing Call for testing prices Seeding

Processing

Oils Biomass Seeds

Available at over 100,000 Locations in All 50 States and 40 countries

ISO Certified Lab Tested • New Retrax™ Extraction Process • U.S. Government Patent #6,630,507

800-334-1236 • 833-334-1236 www.SunshineGlobalHealth.com 2

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

AUTOIMMUNE & THYROID Summit!

Date: February 22nd Time: 10am – 3 pm

Dr James Lemire,MD (Funct. Medicine)

Place: AXE HOLISTIC MEDICINE 15049 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Dr Jordan Axe (DC / Functional Med)

Tickets: AxeHolisticMedicine.com Phone: (813)563-7668

Dr David Jockers (DC / Funct. Med)

Plus many vendors!

Kristin Burton (Medical Thermography) Dr Craig Binner(Funct Med) Heather Paul (Beauty Prods Dr Marlene Siegel (Holistic Vet)

Maintaining your memory and independence are important to you, that’s why uMETHOD Health works with your doctor to provide a personalized approach for your memory. There are nearly 50 known causes of

cognitive decline. Active causes vary from one person to another. The

RestoreU METHOD analyzes your information to identify the unique combination of underlying causes that have resulted in your cognitive decline. It customizes a treatment plan that is your own.

Designed solely for you.

Board Certified Primary Care & Functional Medicine Physician Clinical Services • IV Infusion (Vitamin C, Myers Cocktail ) • Bio-Identical Hormones • Physician Assisted Heavy Metal Detox • Nutrition Counseling • Transformation: Detox / Weight Program • Chelation • Prolotherapy • Ozone (UBI) • Functional Genetic Testing • Heart Rate Variability •

Join us to find out … FREE Seminar Feb 17

th

Patient Education @ 6pm, Learn what we do & time to ask questions. **Limited space: Call To reserve your spot.

9401 SW Hwy 200 Suite 301 Ocala, Fl. 34481 www.LemireClinic.com 352-291-9459 Most Insurances Accepted February 2020

3

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Welcome everyone!

B

OCALA/GAINESVILLE FLORIDA

efore I dive into our February issue, I would like to give a special kudos to Sunny Andrei, event coordinator with PUBLISHER Sheila Mahan the city of Gainesville Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs,

STAFF WRITER Nancy DeVault for bringing to life a truly magical, medieval experience, with EDITOR Martin Miron DESIGN & PRODUCTION Martin Friedman the 34th annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. From jousting

Chelsea Rose knights and gypsy dancers to the many skilled artisans and SALES & MARKETING Angela Durrell craftsman, there was something for everyone. I attended the CONTACT US opening weekend on January 18th and can’t wait for next year’s Ph: 352-366-0088 faire. Be sure to check out the calendar for this month’s events.

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

In a couple of weeks, we will see florist’s delivery trucks scurrying around neighborSheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com Angela@GoNaturalAwakenings.com hoods dropping off bouquets and flower arrangements representing our heartfelt love for one another. But are we doing enough to care for our heart health and that of our children?

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $32

In this issue, we spotlight heart health; (for 12 issues) email the address above. specifically, the role of the vascular system Digital subscriptions are free visit our website to sign up. and how simple, natural lifestyle choices can prevent or remediate damage that NATIONAL TEAM results in a heart attack, stroke, vision loss CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman and cognitive decline. As adults, we know COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne what it means to live a healthy lifestyle, and

NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth it is up to us to be examples for our chil MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist dren. I encourage everyone to participate in NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett outdoor activities with your kids. Whether it is hiking, biking or running, any cardio activity

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert that gets kids moving for at least an hour a day will have lasting benefits, not to mention the FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs emotional benefits of bonding with our kids.

WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy

Our February issue also includes an eclectic stew of topics, including April NATIONAL ADVERTISING Lisa Doyle Thompson’s “A Feast for All Seasons: Embracing the Rainbow Year Round,” Yvette Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation Hammett’s take on “Disrupting Disposables: The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics” 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 and much more.

Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Have a fabulous February and I hope you enjoy all the articles. © 2020 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. 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.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Sheila

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings of North Central Florida is a faithful steward of global resources.

We are delighted to be a part of an environmentally conscious community and therefore manufacture this magazine utilizing the environmentally-friendly cold-set web printer process which emits virtually immeasurable VOC's into the environment. The product is 100% recycleable.

4

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

www.GoNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2015

15

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

20

Contents 15 DISRUPTING

18

DISPOSABLES The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

16 HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

18 A FEAST FOR ALL SEASONS

Embracing the Rainbow Year-Round

25

20 SACRED VESSELS The Lifeblood of Heart Health

25 LINDA CARROLL

on Skills That Make Love Last

26 CHASIN’ A CREAM

Book a Staycation at a Local Horse Farm

28 EDUCATION BLOOMS WITH SCHOOL GARDENS

30 PLAN SEASONAL ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 352-366-0088 or email Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

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

Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

VISITS TO LOCAL MANATEE HABITATS

31 CHOOSING LOVE

How to Cope With Fearful Times

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 10 global briefs 12 community

spotlight 13 eco tip 15 green living 16 healing ways 18 conscious eating

28 25 wise words 26 equine

spotlight 31 inspiration 33 calendar 37 resource guide 38 classifieds February 2020

5

news brief

Chris McNeil After Hours at the Appleton

ABBA Rides Again at Reilly Arts Center

T

he Reilly Arts Center will present a nostalgic recreation of the 70’s Swedish supergroup with Almost ABBA, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., February 7.

The troupe has performed a dynamic show at venues across the country featuring hits from the blockbuster musical Mamma Mia.

The Reilly Arts Center opened in October 2015 after an extensive renovation to the City Auditorium. Now it is home to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and other live entertainment, with excellent acoustics, production equipment and a 700-seat audience hall. The center produces local, regional and national acts, and is committed to remaining accessible to the surrounding community.

Admission is $5 for Appleton members/$15 for nonmembers. Location: 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For more information, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

T

Location: 500 NE 9th St., Ocala. For tickets and more information, visit ReillyArtsCenter.com.

UF Environmental Conference

T

he 26th annual Public Interest Environmental Conference will take place from February 6 through 8 at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, featuring three days of workshops and panel discussions. The topic is The Rights of Nature: Defending our Biosphere, with keynote speakers: Dr. Pam Soltis, distinguished professor and curator of the Florida Museum of Natural History; Dr. Doug Soltis, director of the University of Florida Biodiversity Institute; and Thomas Linzey.

Other speakers include Dr. Leslie Thiele, professor of political science and director of sustainability studies at the University of Florida; Erin Daly, professor of law at Delaware law school; and Steven Wise, founder of the Nonhuman Rights Project.

Location: 309 Village Dr., Gainesville. Register at ufpiec.org.

News to share?

Submit information to Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

6

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

he Appleton Museum of Art’s After Hours event series is back, kicking off the new year with musician Chris McNeil to entertain guests Chris McNeil February 6 with an evening of Southern-influenced music with his amazing vocals and guitar. Doors open at 5 p.m.

After Hours is a popular staple for Ocala residents, offering food, fun and music to further the Appleton’s mission to bring art and people together and inspire them through their diverse collections, exhibitions, programs and educational opportunities.

Majestic Oaks Equestrian Events

M

ajestic Oaks Ocala will be hosting three-phase schooling shows and equestrian competitions this spring that are open to the public. Divisions range from beginner through preliminary competitors, with ribbons awarded for first through sixth place. Visitors can watch events such as dressage, show jumping and cross-country competition and training.

Majestic Oaks has offered three-phase schooling and horse trials on 100 acres of property since January 2018. The facility provides a year-round equestrian training and multipurpose event venue. It is a favorite among world-class riders and the only schooling venue in the area open seven days a week, with a new show-jumping area and some of the best cross-country footing available for riders. The farm is available for fundraisers, private events, corporate functions and weddings, with stalls, paddocks, and RV hookups available for overnight visits.

Schooling Events: April 4; May 23; June 6; August 8; September 5; October 3; and December 12.

Competition Events: January 10 to 12; March 20 to 22; May 8 to 10; and November 7 to 8.

Arena Jumper Shows (no registration needed): January 16 and 28; February 11 and 25; and March 10 and 26.

Location: 17500 N. U.S. Hwy. 441, Reddick. Register and find tickets at MajesticOaksOcala.com. For more information, call 559-917-3046.

Learn Energy Healing for Health, Wealth and Relationships

S

andra Wilson is offering certification in Energy Balancing with Emotion Code, Body Code, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and hypnosis.

Sessions may be scheduled by appointment in person in Ocala and Belleview, by phone, email or video chat via FaceTime, WhatsApp or Skype.

Sandra Wilson

Wilson says, “Energy balancing is the easy, painless removal of blocks and imbalances that prevent people from feeling their best and achieving their goals.” It has been used to identify and remove negative emotions that prevent healing; eliminate negative feelings, such as anger, shame, guilt; remove imbalances that keep clients stuck; align subconscious with conscious goals; eliminate cravings; and identify the best and worst foods for clients’ goals.

Benefits include helping clients that have recovered physically from surgery, but are still hurting; helping clients relieve lingering grief; helping clients have better relationships; and helping clients break financial barriers.

For appointments, call 352-454-8959, email eftsandy@yahoo.com or visit SandraWilsonPositiveChange.com.

High Springs Emporium

North Central Florida's ONLY Rock Shop The most unusual store in town Rocks,

Crystals, Gifts, Jewelry

What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love Find the perfect gift to symbolize your love this Valentine's Day Let Love Rule Valentine's Day Celebration Saturday, February 8 11am-6pm

Reiki Sessions 352.693.4592 Classes & Meditation FairyDustCrystals.com Like us on Facebook Readers

Your Holistic and Spiritual Healing Center 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview, FL 34420 (at the Almeida Plaza)

Points

Lisa Rockz

Spheres ✦ Cylinders ✦ Wands Clusters ✦ Grids ✦ Runes Tumbled Stones ✦ Rough Specimens Books ✦ Smudges ✦ Classes ✦

California

Sage

Text 352-693-0390 Facebook.com/RockzLisa

Crystal & Rock Shop Two Locations!

• Wildwood Antique Mall 364 Shopping Center Drive, Wildwood FL • 5803 S E Robinson Road, Belleview FL

Practical teachings to help you lead a healthy, prosperous, and meaningful life.

101 Cedar Road Ocala, Florida 34472 www. unityocala.org Sunday Celebration & Youth Program 10 a.m.

A Positive Path for Spiritual Living

• All jewelry 30% off • Crystal hearts 10% off • Free BioMat sessions • Chocolate and champagne • Crystal gift for everyone 30% off all jewelry will also be honored all day on February 14!

Love Readings with Many Deer Saturday, February 15

Crystals Books Tarot decks Jewelry Candles Essential Oils Unique gifts Metaphysical and Spiritual Supplies

Rose quartz heart, Madagascar

Check out our Facebook page for news from the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show!

New material from Tucson will be here by the end of the month.

Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday noon-Spm 19765 NWUSHwy441 High Springs, FL 32643 OPEN

HighSpringsEmporium.net • 386-454-8657

(352) 559-3003 • 520 NE 1ST AVENUE, OCALA February 2020

7

Use Pumpkin Seed Oil to Dodge Hypertension Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop hypertension than men their age, but taking pumpkin seed oil daily may head off that condition, report researchers from Marymount University, in Arlington, Virginia. In a blind study of 23 participants, women taking three grams of pumpkin seed oil for six weeks had significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, as well as better blood flow in their arteries. The oil “might be effective in the prevention and treatment of hypertension in this population,” write the authors.

8

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Use Probiotics to Reduce Bone Loss and Newborn Infections Bone loss leading to increased fracture risk occurs in half of postmenopausal women, but new research from Sweden offers a deterrent: a combination of three Lactobacillus probiotic strains. A total of 249 healthy, early postmenopausal women over the age of 50 that took the probiotics for a year suffered no significant bone loss in the lumbar spine compared to a placebo group, report researchers at Gothenburg University. They had slight reductions in bone loss at the neck and no changes at the hip or upper femur.

In a British Medical Journal-published study on probiotics that spanned 10 years and involved nearly 1,000 at-risk babies, researchers from the UK’s Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital found that newborns with gut infections were twice as likely to recover when given probiotics as part of their treatment in intensive care units, with sepsis rates reduced from 22.6 percent to 11.5 percent. The strains used were L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and B. longum subspecies infantis. The babies were suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis, a rare infection and inflammation of the intestines which can affect low-birthweight babies.

LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

Qigong, a traditional Chinese massage technique and movement practice, may offer hope for the one in 68 American children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Researchers at Portugal’s Oporto University reviewed 10 high-quality studies, all of which involved massage for children as young as 2, including two which also employed slow qigong movements and breathwork for older children. Previous studies have found that the qigong type of gentle massage practiced for 15 minutes daily by parents on autistic children helps the children tolerate touch, feel reassured by it and bond more deeply with parents that also feel less stress.

The meta-study affirmed, “Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioral and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, as well as healthy physical behavior.”

Get Nutritional and Antifungal Benefits from Celery Researchers from Cameroon’s University of Buea studied the properties of nine local vegetables and found that celery, Apium graveolens, had some of the highest levels of antifungal properties, as well as high levels of nutritional lipids, protein, vitamin C, copper, zinc and phosphorous.

Also scoring high in nutritional and antifungal value were the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis, African or bush mango, sometimes used in the U.S. in weight-loss products.

baibaz/Shutterstock.com

Practice Qigong Massage to Improve Autism Symptoms in Children

Stacy Barnett/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Try Mind-Body Options to Reduce Opioid-Treated Pain People suffering from acute pain often turn to addictive opioid treatments, but research from the University of Utah School of Social Work published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine concluded that certain mind-body therapies significantly reduce pain and the use of opioids. Reviewing 60 randomized, controlled, published clinical trials with more than 6,400 participants, researchers found that meditation/mindfulness, therapeutic suggestion and cognitive behavioral therapy all significantly reduced pain severity along with opioid use and misuse. Hypnosis also helped lower pain.

Mind-body therapies proved effective at reducing short-term, acute pain from medical procedures, as well as chronic pain. Lead author and Associate Dean for Research Eric Garland pointed out that 82,000 Americans are projected to die from opioid overdoses in the next five years and noted, “If all of us—doctors, nurses, social workers, policymakers, insurance companies and patients—use this evidence as we make decisions, we can help stem the tide of the opioid epidemic.”

New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Consider Vitamins to Reduce Eczema Severity Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, affects one in five people over the course of a lifetime, causing itchy, red, swollen and cracked skin, especially on the arms, hands and feet. Genetics, immune system dysfunction and environmental exposure, including to chemicals, are some causes, and treatment usually involves moisturizers and corticosteroid creams. Research from China’s Chongqing Medical University reviewed clinical research on treating eczema with vitamins and found 10 studies totaling 456 patients. Their study concluded that supplementing with vitamin D3 significantly reduced symptoms for patients with moderate to severe eczema, and that a vitamin B12 cream was also effective in soothing symptoms, as was vitamin E supplementation. A combination of 600 IU of vitamin E and 1,600 IU of D3 scored highest in a study included by the researchers, lowering symptoms overall by 64 percent in 60 days.

The Many Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been described as concentrated thinking, but not just any kind of concentrated thinking. Concentrating on a pet rock is not meditation.

Ultimate meditation is the process of concentrating the mind on the divine source within us. This gradually leads us to deep communion and an awareness that our own consciousness is infinite.

There is no such thing as someone that cannot meditate. Any person that will truly commit to a six-week program of a one-hour class each week, and then give 10 to 30 minutes each day for the six-week period to practice will become a beginning meditation practitioner. Once they learn to achieve a state of meditation, continued practice will deepen and enhance the experience and the benefits.

With meditation, our physiology undergoes a change as every cell in the body is filled with healthful energy. On a physical level, regular practice of meditation has the potential to lower blood pressure; reduce anxiety and decrease tension-related pain; increase serotonin production, improving mood and behavior; improve the immune system and increase our energy level as we gain an inner source of energy.

Research has shown that with regular meditation, brainwave patterns become relaxed, a state which promotes healing. On a spiritual and emotional level, the regular practice of meditation can increase creativity and happiness; increase clarity and peace of mind; sharpen the mind by increasing focus; make you aware that your inner attitude will determine your level of happiness; and deepen a connection with our divine source.

Unity of Ocala is located at 101 Cedar Rd., in Ocala. Call 352687-2113 to register for a free six-week class beginning from 6 to 7 p.m., Feb. 5.

Colors are the smiles of nature. ~Leigh Hunt

February 2020

9

Seal Deal

global briefs UNESCO Adopts Resolution on Earth Charter

The 40th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held last November, adopted a resolution that reaffirms the importance of the Earth Charter (EarthCharter.org) as an ethical framework for sustainable development.

The Charter’s four pillars— respect and care for the community of life; ecology integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, non-violence and peace—have guided and underpinned UNESCO’s sustainable development work. Taking into account the current world situation and environmental crises, delegates felt it was time to act and that the Earth Charter provides the needed principles and values. Although it has no binding force, like previous UNESCO resolutions, its ethical foundation may surface in future battles in international courts.

Thump Thump

In 1969, there were only 100 South American fur seals and sea lions along the coastline of Lima, the capitol of Peru, but that has increased to more than 8,000 today, thanks to local fishermen that have realized over the intervening years that a balanced ecosystem benefits all. Once hunted almost to the point of no return for their pelts and because they ate so many fish, the sea mammals have slowly rebounded since Peru established its first marine protection area there in 1979, the Paracas Marine Reserve. Today, the Fishermen’s Union has defined these areas, in which each local fishing collective is dependent economically, and has assigned responsibility to that group for protecting those marine resources. Impetus for species protection is also being driven by the rise of tourism and artisanal fisheries.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, which maintains a “Red List” database of species and the degree to which they are threatened with extinction, has also been involved. It also compiles a “Green List” to recognize global best practices for areabased conservation, a program working with marine reserves along the Pacific coast.

robert_s/Shutterstock.com

Clear Thinking

Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB/Shutterstock.com

Fishermen Protect Endangered Sea Mammals

Trees Exhibit ‘Heartbeat’

10

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Soot Cities

Alaska Battles Air Pollution

Alaska, which has some of the most pristine environments in the U.S., also has some of the worst air quality in its cities. According to the American Lung Association 2019 State of the Air report (Tinyurl.com/StateOfTheAirPDF), Fairbanks ranked third and a section of Anchorage ranked 21st in cities with high levels of short-term particle pollution between 2015-2017, the latest years that figures are available. Although the numbers are poor, they still represent an improvement from the last air quality report. “Particle pollution is made of soot, or tiny particles that come from coal-fired power plants, diesel emissions, wildfires and woodburning devices. These particles are so small that they can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, and can even be lethal,” warns Marge Stoneking, executive director at the American Lung Association in Alaska.

MarcelClemens/Shutterstock.com

Scientists have discovered that some trees raise and lower their branches several times in the course of the night, indicating a cycle of water and sugar transportation, but they didn’t know why. Plants need water to photosynthesize glucose, the basic building block from which their more complex molecules are formed. For trees, this entails drawing water from the roots to the leaves. Dr. András Zlinszky, at Aarhus University, Denmark, used a laser scanning technique to measure the exact location of branches and leaves of 22 tree and shrub species, and published his observations of substantial unexpected movement cycles. He says, “We detected a previously unknown periodic movement of up to 0.4 inches in cycles of two to six hours. The movement has to be connected to variations in water pressure within the plants, and this effectively means that the tree is pumping. Water transport is not just a steady-state flow, as we previously assumed.” Some might call that pumping action a heartbeat.

Valentina Razumovar/Shutterstock.com

Alex Yuzhakov/Shutterstock.com

Climate Check

New Label Verifies Carbon Neutral Products

Green Horizons

A Billion Trees in Eight Years

Marrying forestry to technology, the startup Flash Forest, in Toronto, is using aerial drones to plant trees 10 times faster than human planters with a goal of 1 billion trees by 2028.

Since testing prototype devices last year, it has already planted several thousand trees across Ontario using pregerminated seed pods containing a mixture of species. The drones are capable of planting trees at just 50 cents per pod, or a quarter of the cost of typical planting methods.

Funded partly by a Kickstarter campaign, the group will start planting trees in April, with at least 150,000 in the ground by the end of this year. At full capacity, one drone operator will be able to plant 100,000 seed pods per day.

Flash Forest spokesperson Angelique Ahlstrom says, “Our goals are to have a significant and measurable impact on mitigating climate change in the next decade, while combatting deforestation and biodiversity loss on a global scale. We feel we are one of the only ways that the federal government will be able to fulfill its pledge to plant 2 billion trees in the next 10 years.”

Water Win

Riccardo Mayer/Shutterstock.com

Fresh H20 Comes to Kenya Town

A drought-plagued Kenyan region is using a new, solarpowered, desalination plant from the international nonprofit GivePower to obtain clean water.

Before the plant’s arrival in the town of Kiunga, villagers had completely run out of clean drinking water and had to use dirty well water and saltwater from the Indian Ocean. The new solar water farm produces enough drinking water that’s cleaner than typical desalination plants for more than 35,000 people every day.

GivePower has a mission of using renewable energy as a means of bringing water, food and energy to places that need it most. They plan on building similar facilities in other drought-prone countries such as Colombia and Haiti.

A new Climate Neutral product label is joining others like Fair Trade, 100% Organic and Made in America, and is closing in on a Kickstarter (Tinyurl.com/ CarbonNeutralKickstarter) funding goal to raise $100,000. The idea for the label was hatched by the founders of San Franciscobased backpack and camera equipment maker Peak Design and Brooklynbased Biolite, which sells sustainable energy products.

Participating companies start by establishing baseline emissions, evaluating such factors as raw materials, the energy costs at their facilities, the amount that employees travel, and how and where their products are shipped. They work to reduce and balance them through greener strategies, switching to renewable power and investing in carbon offsets before they can display the label on their products. According to Climate Neutral, it only costs 12 cents to offset the carbon emissions required to produce a $120 running shoe. More than 40 brands have already signed up.

THINK BEFORE YOU BUY:

1. Is it recycled

or made from sustainable materials?

2. Is it resource saving?

3. Is it vintage or pre-owned?

Asking these questions before you buy can help you make a green choice.

February 2020

11

community spotlight

REDEFINED GOODS

University of Florida Student Localizes Slow Fashion Movement ia Crisostomo started selling handmade accessories to classmates in the sixth grade. Back then, she crocheted beanie hats and tablet covers. Today, the 20-year-old college junior designs machine-washable tote bags, hair scrunchies and outfits by upcycling used clothing and household textiles. Her pupil patronage has considerably grown from a small middle school classroom to the vast campus at the University of Florida, in Gainesville, thanks to her Instagram shop @RedefinedGoods. Launched a year ago, this micro-company aligns with the slow fashion movement of inspiring consumers to shop with intention for environmentally friendly products.

“I have a history of making and selling things,” says Crisostomo, who grew up in Orlando. “My mom taught me how to sew, knit and crochet when I was about 9 years old, and ever since then I’ve been experimenting with making my own clothes and other things.” Crisostomo is currently dually majoring in marketing and sustainability studies, though she hopes her own history will lead to a successful future in slow fashion merchandising.

This conscious consumer finds a lot of her materials at local thrift stores, but recently began soliciting donations from family and friends with the intent to repurpose discarded hand-medowns into useful items that would otherwise clog landfills.

12

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

“I usually buy things without a set design in mind, and just know I will find something to pair with it eventually. If I think material would look good as a bag, I pick it up,” she explains about her impromptu creativity.

Crisostomo’s tote bags feature a doublelayered base made from durable material such as corduroy, khaki or denim. “This makes the bag much sturdier and suitable for carrying heavier items like books and laptops,” she explains, with her student clientele in mind.

Button-down shirts, bed sheets or curtains are used for the design’s top half. Scrap-made straps complete the one-of-a-kind creations that combine solid and patterned fabrics.

This young entrepreneur says she’s always loved thrifting to convert unique vintage pieces to current styles. Over time, her objective became less about fashion trends and more about purposeful fashion statements.

“As I started getting deeper into my sustainability studies, I realized that I would like to make a bigger impact. I thought I could transition to bags to be marketed as a replacement for plastic and help motivate people toward a sustainable lifestyle more so than just with clothes,” she professes.

Crisostomo describes herself as “conservative” about waste. In fact, the scrunchies came about as a way to utilize leftover material.

She hasn’t trashed a single scrap because she intends to introduce other upcycled projects such as pillows made with scrap stuffing.

Photos courtesy of Redefined Goods

M

by Nancy DeVault

eco tip

Clean and Green

Vichy Deal/Shutterstock.com

Eco-Laundry Tips

My mom taught me how to sew, knit and crochet when I was about 9 years old, and ever since then I’ve been experimenting with making my own clothes and other things. ~Mia Crisostomo

In addition to product posts, Crisostomo offers sustainable living tips on social media to educate and empower others that showcase her own lifestyle. She follows a vegan diet, shops at local farmers’ markets, prefers bikes over driving when possible and composts waste.

Using a sewing machine, Crisostomo devotes about 45 to 60 minutes to the construction of each bag. Then, every Friday at 5 p.m., Redefined Goods has a “bag drop” on Instagram. “I post all the bags I made that week, usually six to nine bags, and then it’s first-come, firstserve and comment to buy it; followed by a DM [direct message] for further purchasing instructions,” she explains. “I sell out every week!”

Crisostomo has sold roughly 150 tote bags, 80 scrunchies and 20 garments online, plus more at occasional pop-up sales like the Indie Flea and Earth Day Festival. Redefined Goods prices tote bags at $30, scrunchies at three for $10 and clothing at $20 to $30. While she will occasionally participate in vendor events, her designs are now exclusively available on Instagram. Crisostomo plans to eventually hire other crafters to increase production and also add a social action component to Redefined Goods.

For more information, visit Instagram.com/RedefinedGoods.

By laundering clothes using simple ingredients and wise eco-practices, consumers can both save money and lower their carbon footprint.

Natural cleaning ingredients cited by TheEcoGuide. org include white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, borax and castile soap, all of which “can be bought in bulk with minimal packaging and have known cleaning properties that make them safe, effective and carbon-friendly alternatives.” Coarse salt is also suggested due to its moldfighting power.

Look for biodegradable laundry detergents made with plant oils and other natural ingredients that are free of phosphates, bleach and surfactants such as petroleum-based nonylphenol ethoxylates.

Consider coldwater washing. About 90 percent of the energy a washing machine uses goes toward heating water. By washing four out of five loads in cold water, a household could cut its carbon emissions by 864 pounds a year, according to Energy Star data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because the cold setting may still heat the water to as much as 80° F, see if the washer has a preferable “tap cold” option. Also, the temperature recommendations on clothing labels represent “the highest spectrum clothes can handle,” Melissa Hockstad, president and chief executive of the American Cleaning Institute, recently told The New York Times, so the hottest water won’t necessarily clean clothes better.

During rinsing, natural disinfectants that can be added include a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil; two teaspoons of tea tree oil; white vinegar (one-half cup per load); or one teaspoon of grapefruit seed extract.

Always assemble a full load of laundry each time.

Line drying outdoors or on a drying rack indoors also conserves energy and is gentler on fabrics. Further, learn how to make homemade, felted wool dryer balls at DIYNatural. com; tossing four to six of them in each dryer load saves time, energy and money plus reduces static cling. And consider running the dryer early in the morning or overnight: this shifts energy consumption to off-peak hours, which lowers the demand on power plants and could help reduce national reliance on fossil fuels.

February 2020

13

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN HEALTH WITH AN AT-HOME TEST. Convenient, confidential and accurate health testing for women and men with online results in a matter of days. Catered with you in mind, our wellness tests include fertility & hormone, thyroid, cancer screening, general wellness, sexual health and more.

Order the right test for you.

We have a wide range of tests to cover your health needs. Order with next day delivery and avoid sitting in a doctor’s office or clinic.

Collect your sample.

Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided.

Confidence.

Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.

Visit LetsGetChecked.com today.

20% OFF EVERYTHING Use Code healthy4u at cart.

14

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

green living

sherlesi/Shutterstock.com

Disrupting Disposables The Drive to Banish Single-Use Plastics

U

by Yvette C. Hammett

niversities, sports arenas, restaurants and other businesses are taking up the call to “disrupt disposables” as part of a global effort to dramatically cut down on single-use plastics.

The environmental problems caused by those ubiquitous throwaways have become a mainstay of news reporting, and studies on how best to reduce them through public policy abound. A recent Canadian research paper in the Marine Pollution Bulletin explores strategies such as bans, tax levies and education. Experts agree that it is not just a litter problem, but a sobering matter of human and planetary health.

As these plastics wind up in the oceans and landfills worldwide, they can languish virtually intact for up to 1,000 years, entangling and choking marine mammals and terrestrial wildlife. Or, they break into toxic microplastics that enter drinking water supplies, eventually ingested by humans.

Because plastics are made from petroleum, their production also adds to greenhouse gases that contribute to the climate crisis.

Two-pronged efforts by businesses and individuals to divert plastics from the waste system and replacing them with Earth-friendly alternatives will eventually pay off, experts say, but

it will be a long and slow process. However, momentum is building, spurred by consumer demand and a growing number of enterprising businesses, organizations and academic institutions.

At Penn State University, agriculture and biological engineering professor Judd Michael is working with sports facilities to lower both plastics use and littering; the initiative is working so well that their approaches may be taken up by other schools across the nation. “One of my projects is with NASCAR’s Pocono Raceway [also in Pennsylvania], where the owners of the track wanted to continue to make the venue more green,” he says.

“There is zero waste in suites for that track, and they are initiating a comprehensive recycling program. They try to get tailgaters to participate, as well.”

On campus, Penn State provides bags of different colors for tailgaters with instructions for fans to separate recyclables in one bag and everything else in the other. That program was exported to Pocono. Michael is also working with PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, to develop alternative packaging.

The University of Florida’s efforts began in 2012, when the campus freed itself from plastic bags, getting buy-in from Chick-Fil-

A, Subway and other eateries that agreed to switch to alternatives. “We’ve been Styrofoamfree since 2012, as well,” says Allison Vitt, outreach and communications coordinator for the UF Office of Sustainability. “At the end of 2018, we officially switched over all to compostable straws.” They feel like plastic, but are certified compostable, she says.

UF has engaged with Cupanion, a company that developed an app that has a “fill it forward” program, distributing money to clean-water charities worldwide.

“Since 2016, we’ve been working with them to reduce single-use plastic, rewarding people for reusing their bottles,” says Vitt.

Interested students, staff and faculty are given a barcode sticker to scan on their phone each time a bottle is refilled at a campus retailer or water fountain. The app provides points that can be redeemed for monthly prizes. “It also shows you your personal footprint—your cumulative impact, like how many single-use bottles you have avoided,” she says.

On a smaller scale, Dana Honn and his wife Christina went completely plasticfree upon opening Café Carmo, in New Orleans. “We only had about a dozen seats, but determined to have as little waste as possible. Every year, we were able to build upon it,” he says.

“A lot of local folks have really changed their perspective. We see a lot more customers coming in and saying they appreciate that we are using compostable cups and compostable straws.”

It’s a slow, but steady effort, says Eric DesRoberts, senior manager of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program.

“We have worked with a number of restaurants talking about why it is important to be taking action to keep plastics out of the waste stream and out of the ocean.”

More people are volunteering to clean up and cut back on plastics, and more businesses are asking the nonprofit, Washington, D.C.-based, environmental advocacy organization how they can do their part. “There is momentum, but it is challenging,” says DesRoberts.

Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. Connect at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

February 2020

15

NATURAL AWAKENINGS IS

healing ways

EVERYWHERE

THANK YOU

MicroOne/Shutterstock.com

to the local businesses that display Natural Awakenings Magazines!

Pick up your next free copy:

In addition to medical offices and local businesses, Natural Awakenings magazine can be picked up at the following locations: Earth Orgins 1237 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville Sunflower Health Foods 3424 W. University Ave, Gainesville McCalisters 3236 SW 35th Blvd, Gainesville The Bagel Bakery 4113 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville Wards 515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville Fairy Dust Crystals & Such 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview Belleview Library 13145 SE CR 484, Belleview Too Your Health 995 HWY 441, Lady Lake Freedom Library 5870 SW 95th St, Ocala B-Healthy 8449 SW Hwy 200, #139, Ocala Marion County Tax Collector 503 SE 25th Ave, Ocala Marion County Public Library 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Earth Origins 1917 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Silver Springs Ace Hardware 2015 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Thoroughbred Hardware & Feed 250 SE County Hwy 484, Ocala

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE @

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

16

North Central FL Edition

HEALING JOINTS FROM WITHIN The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

by Marlaina Donato

S

omeday, medical science will allow us to infuse damaged or aging organs with new cells, or to manufacture made-to-order organs on a 3-D printer.

These emerging techniques to revitalize worn-out body parts are on the drawing board in the field of regenerative medicine.

However, for the injured college athlete or the grandmother with compromised joint function, healing and pain relief can already be found in the form of prolotherapy and other non-invasive approaches that stimulate the body to heal itself.

Injection therapies using dextrose or the patient’s own platelets or stem cells are being used to naturally stimulate the body to produce collagen and rejuvenated tissue, offering hope to those with soft tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease and even pain syndromes like fibromyalgia. A recent review in the British Medical Bulletin of 10

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

high-quality studies of dextrose prolotherapy in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee showed patients 352-368 experienced significantly less pain and improved range of motion in both the short term and long term without adverse effects. Eighty-two percent of patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Controlled Inflammation

A type of regenerative medicine innovated by osteopathic physician Earl Gedney in the 1930s, prolotherapy induces low-grade, temporary inflammation with the intention of triggering connective tissue cells called fibroblasts in and around the injection site. “If you cut your arm or twist your ankle, various immune cells rush to the area to begin the repair process. This is a very basic comparison of what prolotherapy does with injections directed to specific anatomical points,” says Ross A. Hauser,

M.D., founder of Caring Medical Regenerative Medicine Clinics, in Fort Myers, Florida, and Chicago.

“Prolotherapy is used to treat osteoarthritis because it helps correct the underlying reason why it has occurred, which is joint instability. The body overgrows bone as a long-term response in an effort to stabilize an unstable joint,” Hauser says.

Naturopathic physician Brent Cameron, of Aurora Natural Medicine, in Gilbert, Arizona, suggests individualized treatment plans for best results. “My recommendations are very patientspecific, which is an important piece in prolotherapy.” Cameron says his patients are likely to start seeing relief in the first week.

“In many instances, they experience complete relief and mobility after a series of treatments.”

While Cameron attests to the efficacy of dextrose prolotherapy, he is cautious with recommending it for people with systemic inflammatory conditions. “Someone with a history of joint-related autoimmune response tends to mount stronger inflammatory responses. Other forms of regenerative medicine can be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis [RA], but not in the inflammation-mediated way, like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.”

One option, according to the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, in Boca Raton, Florida, might be very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELS), an emerging form of regenerative stem cell therapy. These have shown promise in dealing with RA and other autoimmune diseases. Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine is ramping up its research into approaches that stimulate the body to repair itself, with numerous ongoing clinical trials utilizing different injection therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The Power of Platelets 8-0088 PRP injections are similar to prolotherapy, using platelets from

the patient’s body instead of dextrose. “As blood flows through an injury site, the inflammatory chemicals trigger the platelets to release growth factors, which causes the torn fibers of the damaged structures to heal,” says Fort Worth osteopath Gerald Harris, of Texas Prolotherapy and Neural Therapy. PRP is sometimes used in conjunction with stem cell therapy, which is typically applied in cases in which something needs to be replaced, to help fill in gaps in ligaments or tendons, Harris says.

PRP injections have proven to be effective in easing chronic low back pain from damaged vertebral discs. An overview of research published in the Journal of Spine Surgery in 2018 found it to be safe, effective and feasible, with promising potential for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Harris says that people that wish to avoid surgery or cortisone injections can benefit from PRP, which can also be applied topically to treat non-healing wounds like bedsores and diabetic ulcers.

Harris subscribes to the power of persistence. “Don’t give up.

With proper treatment there is a strong likelihood that you can live a happy, healthy life free from chronic pain.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY PLANET

2020 EDITORIAL CALENDAR HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

JAN FEB

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System Cardiovascular Health Plus: Regenerative Medicine

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR APR

Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies Plus: Healthy Home

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY JUN

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Plus: Protein & Collagen Connection Inspired Lifestyle Travel Plus: Brain Health

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JUL AUG

Beyond Factory Farming Plus: Gut Health Biological Dentistry Plus: Environmental Education

SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEP OCT

Emotional Well-Being Plus: Adaptive Yoga Stress Management Plus: Joint Health

THE DIABETES CHALLENGE ISSUE

NOV DEC

Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

IN EVERY ISSUE...

HEALTH BRIEFS | GLOBAL BRIEFS | ECO TIP | GREEN LIVING HEALING WAYS | FIT BODY | CONSCIOUS EATING HEALTHY KIDS | WISE WORDS | INSPIRATION | NATURAL PET

February 2020

17

Food always tastes better in the season it was intended to be eaten in. ~Brigit Binns

A Feast for All Seasons Embracing the Rainbow Year-Round

N

by April Thompson

o matter where we live, eating seasonally in winter doesn’t have to be boring or limiting; a culinary adventure awaits the home chef that’s willing to leave avocados and asparagus to their rightful seasons and embrace the winter rainbow of bitter greens, sweet potatoes, sunny citrus and fuchsia beets, among other timely delicacies.

“Sometimes people think of winter foods as brown and soft and boring, and it’s absolutely not the case. Winter brings bright things like pomegranates, beets and citrus, which offer color and acidity,” says Brigit Binns, the Paso Robles, California author of 30 cookbooks, including Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh.

Eating seasonally is especially important in winter, says Shannon Stonger of Texas, author of Simple Food for Winter: 30 Grain-Free Recipes to Get You Through the Dark Days. “Winter foods like fermented vegetables, root vegetables, squashes and hardy greens are especially helpful in the colder, darker months, when our bodies are in need of comfort foods as well as pre- and probiotic foods,” says Stonger, a homesteader and founder of the blog NourishingDays.com.

There are plenty of other reasons to stick to a seasonal diet in winter, adds Binns.

“Food always tastes better in the season

18

North Central FL Edition

it was intended to be eaten in. Seasonal foods are naturally ripened, rather than harvested early and trucked in. In addition to enhanced flavor, eating seasonally helps minimize use of fossil fuels to bring our food to us, and is likely to be less expensive.”

Winterizing the Kitchen

Much of the fall harvest, particularly root vegetables, stores well through the winter (hence the idea of a root cellar), extending produce across seasons, according to Steven Satterfield, chef and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. There are lots of root vegetables beyond just carrots and potatoes to be enjoyed in winter, including sunchokes, parsnips and turnips, which can be used creatively rather than “boiled to death,” says Satterfield. For example, the Atlanta restaurateur incorporates parsnips into an upside-down cake with winter spices like nutmeg, black pepper and ginger.

Binns like to add texture to winter dishes with nuts, color with herbs, and crunch with a winter vegetable like fennel.

Warming soups are always comforting during the coldest season, but she also likes warm salads, like a beet and escarole salad drizzled with a warm sherry vinaigrette.

Satterfield suggests that specialty citrus like blood oranges, Meyer lemons

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

and cross-hybridized varieties such as tangelos and pomelos are fun to intersperse with winter vegetables to maximize brightness and freshness. A lot of winter produce can be great in raw form as well, he adds, including Brussels sprouts, rutabaga or daikon radish, shaved thinly or julienned into a salad.

Winter squash is a favorite staple of the Stonger family in the cooler months.

“It is easy to grow, easy to store and so deliciously sweet and rich. We roast it as a side dish, mash it as a sort of breakfast porridge or make soups and curries from it,” says Stonger.

Satterfield suggests using all the parts of winter vegetables to maximize the harvest and minimize food waste.

For example, the seeds of winter squashes can be roasted with herbs and spices and eaten as is, churned into other dishes such as a squash seed granola or blended and strained into a homemade broth to add some texture, fat and flavor. After roasting carrots with Moroccan spices, Satterfield suggests taking the leafy carrot tops and chopping them with cilantro and garlic to make a green sauce to crown the carrots.

Swiss chard stems can also be chopped and cooked into Portuguese bread soup, with leftover stale bread made into olive oil croutons and egg whites stirred in at the end.

Winter Health Boosters

Beyond selecting seasonal produce, chefs recommend a few key dietary tweaks in winter, such as stepping up vitamin D consumption. “Since you’re not seeing a lot of sun this time of year, it’s more important to get it through colorful vegetables like carrots, cabbage or radicchio.

Watermelon radishes are another winter vegetable full of vitamins,” says Binns.

“You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option. Sprouts are incredibly high in enzymes, something often lacking in other winter dishes,” suggests Stonger. “Fermented vegetables and other fermented foods can make up the difference in winter.”

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

ffolas/Shutterstock.com

conscious eating

Winter Salad Wonders For the vinaigrette: Fresh orange juice or as needed 1 Tbsp champagne vinegar ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

photo by Ray Kachatorian

Cut the celery in half lengthwise. Using a serrated vegetable peeler or a mandoline, shave the celery into thin strips lengthwise down the ribs. Cut the strips in half crosswise and place in a bowl of water. Set aside.

Separate the mâche leaves and transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Working on a plate to capture all the juices, use a serrated knife to cut a thick slice off the top and bottom of each citrus fruit. Working with one fruit at a time, stand it upright and, following the contour of the fruit, carefully slice downward to remove the peel, pith and membrane. Set the fruit on its side and cut crosswise into slices about ⅜-inch thick, discarding any seeds. Transfer the slices to the bowl with the mâche, reserving the juices for the vinaigrette.

Mixed Citrus Salad With Mâche, Fennel and Celery Winter is the height of citrus season, with an appealing display of oranges, mandarins, tangerines, tangelos, pomelos and more in the best-stocked markets. Use a varied mixture of sweet-tart types for the prettiest, tastiest salad.

photo by Ray Kachatorian

Yields: 4 servings 2 ribs celery 2 bunches mâche 2 lb mixed citrus fruits, such as navel oranges, blood oranges, tangerines, mandarins and pomelos ½ fennel bulb, trimmed 8 kumquats ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Cut the fennel lengthwise in half. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the fennel crosswise into very thin slices and tuck among the citrus slices. Drain the celery and distribute evenly over the salad. Using the serrated knife, cut each kumquat crosswise into very thin slices, discarding any seeds. Scatter the kumquat slices evenly over the salad, then sprinkle the almonds over the top.

You can grow your own sprouts throughout the winter as a great microgreen option. ~Shannon Stonger

Chard and Squash Salad 1 small winter squash, such as sweet dumpling, acorn or golden 2 small beets, trimmed 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 bunch Swiss chard, tough ribs removed and leaves torn Red wine vinaigrette or vinaigrette of choice Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Cut the winter squash into wedges and remove the seeds, if desired. Transfer the wedges to a baking dish. Halve the beets and add to the dish. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat. Bake in a preheated 450° F oven, stirring once, until tender and lightly browned, 20 to 40 minutes. Let cool. Peel and slice the beets. Place the chard in a bowl, drizzle with some of the vinaigrette. Toss to coat. Add the squash and beets, drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

From Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh, by Brigit Binns

To make the vinaigrette, pour the reserved citrus juices into a measuring cup. Add enough additional orange juice to measure ½ cup then add the vinegar. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve.

From Cooking in Season: 100 Recipes for Eating Fresh, by Brigit Binns

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

February 2020

19

SACRED VESSELS

W

by Julie Peterson

hen people think about heart health, what generally comes to mind is the fist-sized muscle that pumps and oxygenates the body’s lifeblood. However, the heart of the matter is not the pump itself, but the vascular system— the network of veins, arteries and capillaries that distributes blood to every cell in the body, delivering nutrients and eliminating waste.

Each human adult harbors an astonishing 60,000 miles of blood vessels— enough to wrap around the planet twice.

Keeping these hard-working vessels supple and open is the key not only to avoiding disease, but also to ensuring a long and healthy life.

The alternative—arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries—can slowly and silently bring on cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can result in a heart attack, stroke, vision loss and cognitive decline. CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing one in four Americans,

When a disease is lifestyleinduced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle.

We’ve seen over and over again that it works. ~Brenda Davis 20

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2035, nearly half the population—45 percent—is predicted to have some form of the disease.

“A hundred years ago, we were farming the back 40 with a team of horses, eating what we grew. Kids don’t get out and ride bikes; they’re playing video games and eating crap. There’s very little doubt how we got to this problem,” says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, near Dallas.

Yet, the nation’s number one killer, which can fester for decades without symptoms, is largely preventable and reversible.

Only 15 percent of CVD is related to genetics; the rest is attributed to lifestyle, and the right choices can make all the difference. The key is to adopt heart-healthy habits before the body delivers a potentially fatal warning.

“The initial presentation of heart disease can be an acute catastrophic event that results in death in half the men and two-thirds of the women. That’s not treatable,” warns Osborne.

Know the Risk Factors

The first step toward cardiovascular health is awareness. Important indicators of CVD risk include: 4 High blood pressure (over 140/90) 4 High cholesterol (over 240 mg/dL) 4 High triglycerides (over 200 mg/dL) 4 High blood glucose (over 140 mg/dL) 4 Obesity (BMI over 30) 4 Inflammation (hsCRP test above 2 ml/dL) 4 Physical inactivity (less than 30 minutes a day) 4 Smoking or vaping (any at all) 4 Chronic stress 4 Loneliness

metamorworks/Shutterstock.com

The Lifeblood of Heart Health

Any of these factors can increase the risk of CVD, but possessing a cluster of the first five comprises a condition called metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the potential for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes—itself a significant risk factor that can damage blood vessels, as well as the organs they support.

“While diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, this figure belies the fact that most people with diabetes die of heart disease, kidney failure and other complications,” says Brenda Davis, RD, of Alberta, Canada, author of Kick Diabetes Essentials: The Diet and Lifestyle Guide.

Metabolic syndrome, like CVD, has few obvious symptoms and is on the rise: Nearly one-third of adults in the U.S. have it, according to the CDC. The one distinct marker for the condition is an accumulation of fat around the waistline, characterized by a measurement of over 35 inches for women and 40 for men.

Take Action to Cut Risks

“When a disease is lifestyle-induced, the only thing that can reverse it is a dramatic change in diet and lifestyle,” says Davis. “We’ve seen over and over again that it works.”

Shutterstock.com

n Know the Numbers

CVD flies under the radar even though it’s increasingly common at younger ages. The Journal of the American Medical Association released a study in December 2019 stating that about one in four young adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes, putting them at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and CVD.

Lisa McDowell, director of clinical nutrition and wellness at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and team dietitian for the Detroit Red Wings, works with elite athletes of all ages and notes that they more likely know their favorite player’s jersey number than their own health numbers. “Learn what your blood pressure is, know your body mass index, get your cholesterol levels and triglycerides and your [hemoglobin] A1C.

There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers. ~Lisa McDowell Know these numbers early on and, if there’s a problem, fix it,” she advises.

While simple blood tests help monitor indicators for CVD, more sophisticated tests can be even more revealing. In 2018, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (AHA) jointly issued new guidelines for patients over age 50 to get a computerized tomography (CT) scan to determine their calcium score. The procedure checks for hardening of the arteries and predicts the risk of a 10year future cardiovascular event.

“This identifies people who have preclinical atherosclerosis, regardless of risk factors,” says Osborne. “It also helps people modify behaviors, because they are faced with a diagnosis.”

Yale R. Smith, a Melbourne, Florida, M.D., who specializes in metabolic and functional medicine, utilizes the U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved protein unstable lesion signature (PULS) blood test. Recommended for patients in their 40s, it measures inflammatory biomarkers for the body’s immune system response to arterial injury and provides a chronological heart age and risk of a CVD event.

“If you can show someone the future, it’s a wake-up call to make lifestyle changes to increase longevity,” Smith says.

n Eat for Heart Health

Perhaps the single most important change that people can make is diet.

“But a lot of people don’t want lifestyle medicine—they’d rather take a statin with their Big Mac,” says McDowell.

Preventing or reversing CVD requires diligence, but it’s largely about eating real, whole food—and mostly plants.

This means avoiding processed foods and consuming less salt, trans fats, saturated fat and cholesterol; and more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

“There’s not an excess of blueberries in the American diet; there’s an excess of relatively inexpensive, highly processed junk foods in large containers,” says McDowell. Overcoming the urge to grab fast and easy foods requires education.

“Everyone needs to learn how to read a food label and avoid foods linked to vascular disease,” she adds.

Vegans have healthier cholesterol levels in their blood compared to vegetarians, which in turn have better levels than meateaters. Study-verified diets that lower CVD indicators also include the Mediterranean diet, as well as two developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, which also addresses exercise and weight control.

“I don’t believe that one diet fits everybody, but there’s a preponderance of evidence that the more plant compounds you get, the better off you are,” says McDowell.

Some cardiovascular boosters:

Leafy greens flush out excess sodium and magnesium, and reduce inflammation.

Berries improve circulation by boosting nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels.

Pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure and reduces plaque formation.

Walnuts, peanuts and almonds lower LDL, the “bad cholesterol”.

Oily fish, chia and flax seeds with omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides.

Soy with anti-inflammatory isoflavones helps dilate blood vessels. “We could eat tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy beans or even organic soy ‘veggie meats’ in place of red meat,” says Davis.

Yogurt, kefir and other fermented probiotic dairy products help improve glycemic control, blood lipids, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Supplements can be very helpful: Red yeast rice extract, much like a statin, significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL. February 2020

21

n Move It

Sitting all day and then briefly exercising doesn’t provide the same benefit as moving periodically throughout the day.

Take more frequent breaks from sitting, get up to move around for a couple of minutes every 30 minutes.

Exercise strengthens the endothelium, the innermost of an artery’s three layers, and produces nitric oxide, which helps

keep arteries open and healthy. Getting the blood moving lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and increases oxygen and nutrients to the body.

Exercising outdoors provides additional benefits. Research from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that exposure to green spaces helped prevent metabolic syndrome.

n Stress Less, Socialize More

Spending even 20 minutes outdoors in nature can do wonders for high blood pressure and cortisol levels, studies show.

Walking or talking with a friend deepens social engagement, a key factor in lowering CVD risk: “Having the right tribe is crucial,” says McDowell. “If you’re with people who support you and make you laugh, you feel less stress.”

Walking a dog outdoors gets three cardiovascular pluses—exercise, nature and

sociability, as dogs tend to be tail-wagging ice-breakers. Further, merely stroking a pet lowers blood pressure.

Apps like Headspace and Insight Timer make it easy to do meditation, which studies suggest may reduce overall CVD risk.

n Don’t Smoke

Not starting to smoke or vape at all is ideal for cardiovascular health, but quitting allows the body to begin to heal, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease after one year by 50 percent, reports the AHA; 14 years later, the risk is the same as a non-smoker’s.

“It’s not intuitively easy to make healthy decisions,” says McDowell. “We have to learn how to make good choices.”

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin.

Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation

Saturday March 28th, 2020 - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission: $1.00

Food Tickets: $2.00

Natural Foods & Sustainability Festival Featuring Sustainable ideas including:

(to include a ready to plant vegetable garden)

Cooking with Organic Food

Live Music



Native Plants

Cooking with Wood

 

Silent Auction and Raffle

Organic Gardening

 

Natural and Organic Foods to Sample

Composting with Worms 

And Much More!

Farm Store Featuring Local Artist and Gift Ideas

AREA CHEFS presenting beautiful, appetizing creations

Exciting Tips For Preparing Organic Foods & Recipe Ideas

Herb, Vegetable and Native Plants Bring this ad and receive ONE FREE admission

Phone: 352-595-3377 6411 NE 217 PL, Citra, FL 32113, 6.4 miles east of 301 on CR 318 Email: catcrone@aol.com No pets or smoking please www.cronescradleconserve.org Cash, check or cards accepted

22

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Shutterstock.com

Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, lowers blood pressure and combats the side effects of statins.

Omega-3s in fish oil supplements reduce heart risk in healthy people and those already diagnosed with CVD risk.

Nicotinamide riboside improves blood pressure and arterial health in those with mild hypertension.

Garlic, fresh or in capsules, can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Standard American Diet (SAD)

Lightspring/Shutterstock.com

Previous studies have linked processed foods to hypertension and high cholesterol, and a 2019 British Medical Journal study of 105,000 adults reported that a 10 percent increase in the consumption of processed foods corresponded to a 12 percent overall increase in cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation

Assess Personal Risk High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against the vessel walls is too high, making the heart and vessels work harder. The friction damages the endothelium— the inner lining of veins and arteries—plaque builds up, the vessels narrow and blood pressure increases even more. Contributing factors include being sedentary, overweight and consuming excessive alcohol or salt.

High Cholesterol

A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, cholesterol can pile up (mostly as a consequence of poor diet) and stick to arterial walls, creating plaque that stymies blood flow to the heart.

High Triglycerides

The end product of digesting fats in food, triglycerides become fat in the blood that gives the body energy. Numbers climb with consumption of refined carbohydrates, simple sugars and fatty foods, contributing to arteriosclerosis.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that affect up to a third of Americans, metabolic syndrome

is defined by high blood pressure; high levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides; and excess fat around the waist. It’s closely linked to Type 2 diabetes, another CVD risk factor.

Obesity

Obesity—which afflicts almost 40 percent of American adults—causes chronic inflammation, harms the endothelium and causes poor cholesterol numbers. A 12year study of 17,640 Europeans, published in the European Heart Journal, found that obese people with metabolic risk factors were two-and-a-half times as likely to have heart disease as those of normal weight.

Stress

When stressed by such factors as work overload, family strife or traumatic memories, the body releases adrenaline, which causes acceleration of breathing and heart rate, contraction of vessels and a rise in blood sugar. Chronic stress can cause constricted arteries that lead to arteriosclerosis and inflammation of the endothelium.

Further, stressed people often turn to vascular-destructive activities such as smoking, drinking and binge eating.

Chronic inflammation, caused by such factors as fried and processed foods, smoking, obesity, alcohol and stress, can trigger the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the endothelium, raising CVD risk. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, is measured by the hsCRP blood test. Men with higher CRP levels had three times the risk of heart attack and twice the risk of stroke, Harvard scientists have found.

Physical Inactivity

A lack of regular, ongoing physical activity has been shown to dramatically increase obesity, blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation. A 2019 British study found that artery functions declined and CVD risk factors worsened in just two weeks when active exercisers reduced their daily steps from 10,000 to 1,000.

Smoking and Vaping

Nicotine, carbon monoxide and chemicals in cigarettes increase blood pressure and heart rate, damage the endothelium and cause blood platelets to clot more, which is why smokers are two to four times more likely to get cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes and cigars may be worse due to higher doses of nicotine, the AHA warns.

Loneliness

People need people: Harvard researchers examined 23 studies that involved 181,000 adults and found that loneliness, social isolation or both were associated with increased risks of heart attacks (29 percent) and strokes (32 percent).

February 2020

23

be your own boss and earn a living doing something you are passionate about while making a difference in your community.

Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of 70 healthy living magazines, celebrating 26 years of publishing! This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model.

To learn more information and current franchise availability, visit or call:

NaturalAwakenings.com/Franchise • 239-530-1377 No previous publishing experience is required.

24

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

wise words

Linda Carroll on Skills That Make Love Last

by Kajsa Nickels

photo by Le Studio NYC

P

sychotherapist Linda Carroll was drawn into the dynamics of couples’ counseling three decades ago when she saw how in her own marriage, petty disagreements could turn into full-blown arguments with the potential for deep wounds. She and her husband Tim worked on their issues by attending workshops across the country, including Imago therapy and PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills), which were so effective that she developed a curriculum called Love Skills by combining those tools, her experience as a married person and counselor, personal training from consciousness pioneers and resources from ancient mythology and spiritual/religious traditions.

She has co-taught the course with her husband for more than 25 years. Her first book, Love Cycles: The Five Essential Stages of Everlasting Love, has been translated into several languages and details stages in romantic relationships. Her new book, Love Skills: The Key to Unlocking Lasting, Wholehearted Love, is a guide to developing a relationship toolkit.

What is the Love Cycles model?

It is based on the fact that feelings of love are seasonal. Like the seasons of the year, they are a natural progression of a relationship. If you understand the seasons, you

can pass through them.

All relationships are teachers. If we allow them to teach us, we become free to love deeper and better.

What is the most difficult Love Cycles stage, and why?

Each stage has its own unique challenges.

For example, the first stage, the Merge, has a magic to it due to the chemical cocktail that floods your body when in the presence of your significant other. But this stage can be treacherous in that you can mistake your feelings for evidence that this is the “right” person for you. In the Power Struggle stage, feelings will have worn off and power struggles will start to show up. The third stage is Disillusionment.

Differences between both of you really start to show up at this time. The fourth stage is the Decision stage. At this point, many couples find themselves wanting out. The key to making it through this stage is to remember that this, too, shall pass and to commit to working it out. It’s important to realize that life is not about getting an A+ at all times. Sometimes, we need to accept that a C- is okay; and if you do need to leave a relationship, it is possible to do it in a wholehearted way at best—at the least, to minimize damage.

The fifth stage I call Wholehearted Love, a stage reached only through mindfulness and unconditional love. Because love has changing seasons, a couple will not stop at

the fifth stage forever, but getting back to this state will become easier and easier as time goes on.

What was your impetus for writing Love Skills?

I have been teaching the program for 25 years and drew from my almost 40 years as a couples therapist, many trainings all over the country and own life experiences in my relationship with my husband to compile the program. Most couples lack the skills to manage the troubles of life. There is a skill to every aspect of a relationship, especially in communication: listening, speaking, knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

Who is most likely to benefit?

The relationship you have with yourself is a core part of the Love Cycles model. If you do not have a good relationship with yourself, you cannot have a solid and meaningful relationship with another person. This is a couples’ book, although it can also be gone through by a single person if the partner is not interested in it. What I tell people is that you can only work on your part. If the other person doesn’t want to buy in or isn’t wholeheartedly on board—or at least partially willing—there is nothing that you can do about it. You need to be able to be okay and confident in yourself. You cannot change another person, but you can always change yourself.

What is one of the most important pieces of advice you have for couples?

I hope that couples come to realize that feelings of love are like clouds, always changing. A good relationship requires a skill set, which we practice whatever the feelings are. We are not born knowing how to love skillfully, but this skill set can be learned by anyone and will make you able to listen better and appreciate each other more.

Kajsa Nickels is a freelance author who resides in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Connect at FidelEterna45@gmail.com.

February 2020

25

equine spotlight

CHASIN’ A DREAM

Book a Staycation at a Local Horse Farm

by Nancy DeVault

A

refreshing “staycation,” or vacation spent at home or nearby, can provide all the perks of travel without the hassle of traffic jams or airport lines. For locals seeking an extravagant escape, a nearby luxury resort may fit the bill. But for those longing for a more pastoral respite, a farm staycation might be the right accommodation alternative. Bountiful farms in the heart of Ocala horse country are opening up their doors, houses, barns and gates to overnight guests seeking tranquil lodging. A heyday vacay at one of these rustic abodes is just a click away thanks to rental websites such as AirBnB.com, the popular online marketplace featuring unique housings and experiences.

Couples dreaming of greener pastures can retreat to a onebed, one-bath studio-sized cottage for two at Chasin’ a Dream, a small working thoroughbred breeding facility just off oak treelined NW 110th Avenue. After retiring from a New York-based oil company in 2002, Christine Weiss and her business partner Robert Dalton realized their dreams of running a horse farm.

“A lot of people think a horse is… a horse; but thoroughbreds are a very different breed than the other horses,” says Weiss of the variety best known for racing. According to TheHorseCapital.com, a digital directory of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, Marion County is home to more than 1,500 horse farms, including 600 thoroughbred farms with about 75 breeds of horses and ponies.

Listed at $65 per night on AirBnB and separate from the farm’s main house, Chasin’ a Dream’s quaint rental cottage features

a kitchenette, private garden and French doors leading to a deck overlooking horse pastures. The grounds also encompass a covered barn equipped with a gas barbeque to inspire alfresco dining, rocking chairs to let worries sway away and a cozy fire pit sure to spark staycation memories under the stars.

Horses may rule the roost at Chasin’ the Dream, but there are also dogs, cats and free-range chickens. “We’re usually able to give fresh-laid eggs to our guests,” Weiss says. Visitors with plans focused on romance can go for a carriage ride by directly booking with Horse Country Carriage Tours. The charming chariot arrives right at the farm’s entry gate to take passionate passengers off the beaten path to relish the area’s finest farms and estates.

Cottage rental is not required to participate in Chasin’ a Dream’s guided farm tour. Priced at $25 per person, the twohour experience reins in inquisitive invitees with educationbased entertainment. “We go from the beginning of how the thoroughbred came about with King Henry VIII all the way through the first stallions that bred the pedigree lines, and you learn everything right down to when the foals hit the ground,” Weiss summarizes. Tour participants get to interact with horses, including the farm’s eldest, 25-year-old Grandma.

Weiss says tours and stays can be loosely arranged around the farm’s new arrivals. “To try to be here for the birth of a foal, people can contact me to see when a foal is due,” she suggests. Because deliveries tend to happen overnight, a staycation could increase the probability of miraculously witnessing a mother mare welcoming her baby.

Bountiful farms in the heart of Ocala horse country are opening up their doors, houses, barns and gates to overnight guests seeking tranquil lodging.

26

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

For roomier accommodations, locals can wander down the long, whimsical driveway off West Highway 326 to find Buena Vista Farm, an equine reproduction center and boarding facility. Available for $135 per night through AirBnB, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style home comfortably fits six people and, if applicable, their pets.

“We’re a 65-acre farm, and the guest house has beautiful views of the pastures and the horses,” says owner and veterinarian Carolin von Rosenberg, DVM. Staycationers can take in the serene sights from the front porch or head out back to dive into the invigorating screened-in pool. Other convenient amenities include a full kitchen and a fireplace.

“It’s quiet and peaceful,” as von Rosenberg describes. Behind the scenes of this working farm, she has been dedicated to providing veterinary care since 1997, in addition to breeding, boarding and other services. Depending on the season, guests may see anywhere from 25 to 75 horses roaming the grounds of Buena Vista Farm.

Nestled among mature pecan trees and magnolia trees on NW 100th Street, Diamond Oaks Farm is a diamond in the rough, uniquely pairing farm fun with fine frills. This professional equine facility provides horse training, lessons, boarding, transport services and diverse accommodation options.

“We have tiered lodging—a historic home, a luxury suite and campers,” says coowner and business manager Jami Walker, in addition to RV hook-ups. Thanks to varied room choices and spacious surroundings, Diamond Oaks Farm also satisfies event needs. “We’ve had weddings, graduation and birthday parties, family reunions and retreats here,” she says.

Renters can pony up $40 per night to book the 1,000-square-foot luxury suite, a one-bedroom, one-bath space furnished with a king-size bed, fireplace, spa shower

and tub, tile floors and an inviting front porch with an electric awning. Guests can allow their minds to ride off into the sunset simply by opening the French doors to overlook 25 acres of green pastures speckled with about 15 elegant horses. “The pasture suite is kind of like a hotel on steroids! Perfect for a romantic getaway,” Walker assures. Carriage rides can also be arranged at the farm.

The fully restored stone crafted historic house at Diamond Oaks is blue-ribbon worthy. For $60 per night, this decorated rental can accommodate seven people with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Boasting its original hard pine wood floors, refurbished upgrades includes a full kitchen to prepare

the provided farm-fresh eggs, plus dining room, living room and covered porch.

Guests can take this getaway up to a gratifying gallop with guided horseback rides on the farm’s picturesque trails or find their stride with riding lessons at a discounted renter’s rate. Diamonds Oaks’ head trainer, Jennifer Schuck, has 35 years of experience and can customize sessions to all skill levels.

equine events

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Inaugural Love of the Horse Ocala 5k - 6:30amNoon. Free. Gallop the roads of Ocala during this charity 5k run. The mission is to raise funds directly supporting the welfare of the horses around the world. The Equine Medical Center of Ocala, 7107 W Hwy 326, Ocala. 352-873-7830.

EMCOcala.com.

Gypsy Vanners at Tamarian Farms – Feb 1-2.

8am-5pm. Free for spectators. Triple judged GVHS pointed Gypsy Vanner Show. Tamarian Farms, 4615 NW 110th Ave, Ocala. 866-580-3276.

TamarianFarms.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 39th Annual HITS Ocala Winter Circuit – Thru Mar 22. 8am-4pm. Open to the public. Show jumping competition. Watch the world’s top equestrians.

HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US Hwy 27, Ocala.

352-620-2275. SpringhillEquine.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 4 Day Equine Massage Certification – 9am-4pm.

Feb 6-9. $1,000. Led by Therasage. Learn massage techniques, pre & post event massage, small business marketing and how to put together a complete program for each horse. Massage therapists in animal massage can gain 40 CE credits. Criadero De Milagro Paso Fino, 2745 SE 80th St, Ocala.

608-755-1105. Contact Info@TherasageEMC.com or TherasageEMC.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Grand Oaks Classic: CT & Derby – Feb 7-9. Free.

A family friendly 3-day competitive event. Grand Oaks Resort, 3000 Marion County Rd, Weirsdale.

352-750-5500. GrandOaksResort.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Horse Shows in the Park “Simply Schooling” Show – Feb 8-9. 8am-5pm. Free. Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry. 352-4726758. VisitGainesville.com.

For more information on these rentals, visit ChasinADream.com, DiamondOaksFarm. com and BuenaVistaFarmOcala.com.

Bookings for these and other area horse farms can be made at AirBnB.com.

PAC West Valentine Race – Feb 14-16. 1pm.

Free. Mega barrel races, giveaways and multiple vendors. Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Marion County, 2200 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala. 352671-8600. Contact PacWesTraces@yahoo.com or PacWestBarrelRacing.com.

Gala of the Royal Horses Valentine’s Show – 5:30-7:30pm. $75.Performance that celebrates the tradition, athleticism and grace of the Royal Horses of Europe. Grand Oaks Resort, 3000 Marion County Rd, Weirsdale. 352-750-5500. Tickets: GrandOaksTickets.com. GrandOaksResort.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Saltwater Horse Show Series – Feb 8-9. 8am-5pm.

Free. Learn and receive information that all new riders and horses need when trying to learn or practice new disciplines. Participation for veteran riders and horses keeps skills sharp. Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry. 352-472-6758. VisitGainesville.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Twice as nice Dressage 2 – Feb 22-23. 8am-5pm.

Free. Horses and riders compete at all levels of dressage. Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, 23100 W Newberry Rd, Newberry.

352-472-6758. VisitGainesville.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Open Gaited Horse Show – Feb 27-29. 8am-8pm.

Free. Open horse show featuring all gaited breeds including Paso Finos. Florida Horse Park, 14000 CR 475A, Ocala. 352-307-6699. Pfha.org.

plan ahead FRIDAY, MARCH 20 Special Olympics 2020: Florida State Equestrian Championships – Mar 20-21. Free. Come cheer on these athletes as they compete in the State Equestrian Championship games. Grand Oaks Resort, 3000 Marion County Rd, Weirsdale. 352-750-5500. Tickets: GrandOaksTickets.com. GrandOaksResort.com.

February 2020

27

To promote the Religion, Science and Philosophy of Spiritualism Psychic Medium Spiritual Development Classes New 1 Year Series of on-going monthly classes in The Villages/ Belleview and Gainesville

See Website for details.

Check our complete program on the website.

www.ifsk.org ~ 407-247-7823

Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love. ~Lao Tzu

28

North Central FL Edition

Education Blooms with School Gardens

H

by Nancy DeVault

ealthy Learning Academy (HLA), a free, public K-5 charter school in Newberry, opened its doors 14 years ago to purposely champion “excellence in education with a focus on lifelong health, nutrition and fitness for the creative mind and healthy body.” Much of that comprehensive mission is actually accomplished outside of those doors and, more specifically, within the school’s student-run gardens.

It’s simply a smart way for education to flourish, explains HLA’s Principal Suzanne Borganelli. “Eating well helps our brain develop and helps us concentrate more,” she says. “And students can only drink water here [using refillable canisters] because, as we know, water keeps our bodies hydrated and helps nourish our brain so we can think [clearly].”

A bountiful harvest isn’t the only reward stemming from HLA’s garden roots. Integrated into all core classes, the horticulture-based curriculum builds an abundance of skill sets.

“The kids are team building and working on communication skills. And being outside in the gardens improves their mood and decreases their anxiety and

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

stress,” says HLA Master Gardener Jennifer Sacket. Plus, the students take great pride in producing and sharing their own food, she says. “It gives them a good sense of self-esteem because they learn that when they plant something and it grows, it’s something that they created.”

Third-graders recently learned how to cultivate greens. “We harvested the lettuce, kale, collards and arugula that we’re growing right now,” Sacket notes. Students have also harvested herbs, peppers, Seminole pumpkins, strawberries, tomatoes and more. Sacket points out that the lessons she’s developed are suited for each grade level. For example, kindergarteners crafted pine cone bird feeders, fourth-graders experimented with mushroom logs and fifth-graders dug up potatoes.

It gives them a good sense of self-esteem because they learn that when they plant something and it grows, it’s something that they created. ~Jennifer Sacket

The students also get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. “I make big salads for the kids to taste test. I also make collard and kale chips, which they really love,” Sacket shares. Students get to whip up plant-based dishes with their yield, too.

“We have Parent Involvement Night once a month, and the kids prepare something healthy [like fresh potato salad] for their families,” says Borganelli.

Education blooms thanks to HLA’s six stair-step garden beds dedicated to produce, in addition to a butterfly garden, bromeliad garden, numerous birdfeeders and an array of native plants. Students, staff and engaged parents that have helped construct the grounds all reap the benefits, from robust teambuilding to mindful munching.

Time spent in nature is a priority.

Weather permitting, the students typically eat lunch al fresco at picnic tables. “I would say our students spend 30 to 40 percent of their time outdoors,” Sacket says. In fact, instruction beyond the scope of horticulture is frequently led outside the classroom walls—in stark contrast to many schools that have trimmed activities like recess to focus on testing. Borganelli attests that while HLA successfully adheres to state standards, students also partake in daily yoga and physical education, along with weekly art or music classes.

Unlike other schools, health-based education is undoubtedly engrained in HLA curriculum. However, the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading

nonprofit focused on heart and brain health, is actively working to grow garden-based education throughout school and community settings. Last summer, the organization created The Teaching Gardens Network, with an objective to connect youth with plant-based nutrition. The program’s enrollment and downloadable resources are free of charge. “It’s about learning where fruits and vegetables come from, and opportunities to try them in a very experimental, hands-on way,” says Jennifer Weber, AHA national kids executive portfolio leader.

HLA is one of 105 sites in Florida already designated by the AHA as an official teaching garden. The AHA recently awarded grants to 50 schools nationwide, including three in Florida, to foster garden programs. While additional scholarships have not been announced, Weber believes future opportunities may arise.

Fewer than 1 percent of children are eating ideal healthy diets, and fewer than 10 percent have reasonably healthy diets, according to the AHA. Thus, teaching gardens are one of the association’s many initiatives aimed at empowering families to adopt healthy lifestyles. “We are more successful when kids are engaged, hands-on and having fun; and so approaching food and nutrition in that way is the critical piece to this,” Weber explains. “The kids are a part of the learning, educating each other and also the adults [parents]. That positive experience with food, and maybe exposure to food that they don’t have other places, is really what we see as the impact.”

Sacket agrees that awareness and acquaintance with nutrient-rich food extends beyond the student to the whole family, and even the community at large. She values witnessing students comprehend where food comes from and their willingness to consume different fruits and vegetables, “although some students wouldn’t try our broccoli without ranch dressing,” Borganelli lightheartedly admits.

MARCH

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

Coming Next Month Thriving on a Plant-Based Diet Plus: CBD

To register for the Teaching Gardens Network, visit Heart.org/TeachingGardens.

Healthy Learning Academy is located at 13505 W. Newberry Rd., in Newberry. For more information, call 352-372-2279 or visit HealthyLearningAcademy.com.

February 2020

29

Plan Seasonal Visits to Local Manatee Habitats

by Nancy DeVault

T

housands of manatees migrate through Florida during cooler months in search of warmer water.

Though these bulbous beings can reach up to 13 feet in length and tip the scales at 3,000 pounds, they have relatively little body fat compared to other mammals, and thus tolerate withstand water temperature lower than 68 degrees, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Manatees, which can range from Virginia to Texas in summer months, instinctually find refuge in the Sunshine State, typically from November to March, affording Floridians seasonal opportunities to observe these aquatic snowbirds in their natural habitats.

Federal and state parks present the best sightseeing options.

“Manatees are more vulnerable in the winter months, and it’s important not to disturb them, especially at warm-water sites,” advises Ron Mezich, head of FWC’s imperiled species management section. “Getting too close to manatees can cause them to leave these critical areas at a time when it is important for them to stay in warm water habitats.”

Also known as sea cows, manatees have a gentle demeanor, despite their mammoth physique. They glide slowly, often in herds, usually where seagrass beds 30

North Central FL Edition

flourish, such as shallow rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals and coastal areas.

A 75-minute drive from both Gainesville and Ocala, Manatee Springs State Park, in Chiefland, is home to one of Florida’s first-magnitude springs, gushing out 100 million gallons of water daily. Manatee Springs is 25 feet deep and has more than 26,000 feet of cave passageways, making it one of the longest systems in North America. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are prohibited during manatee season for their protection. But visitors need not take the plunge, because viewing is best from this state park’s 800-foot-long elevated boardwalk spanning the cypress forest. True to its namesake, an abundance of manatees retreat to this spot annually. The eight-anda-half miles of trails are meander through other fauna and flora on the grounds.

Further south, off U.S. 19, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge preserves an unspoiled habitat in Kings Bay, which forms the headwaters of the Crystal River and encompasses more than 70 natural springs. While Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only haven created specifically for the protection of the manatee species, people can actually swim there alongside them. When the refuge

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

was established in 1983, about 30 educated guides were grandfathered in with special permits to operate these encounter tours.

“We have interactions with manatees much more than anywhere else in the state of Florida,” proclaims Miles Saunders, media manager at Discovery Crystal River. It’s a breathtaking experience, in spite of snorkel gear, to watch their wrinkly, whiskered faces nosh on aquatic plants, consuming 10 to 15 percent of their body weight daily.

Still, precautions are taken to ensure the safety of both manatees and swimmers. Participants must watch the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service produced Manatee Manner video. “It gives you a primer on passive observation, or not initiating contact, with manatees. It’s up to the manatees to decide whether they want to have contact with us,” Saunders says. In fact, it’s illegal to pursue or chase a manatee.

“Our guides tell people on tours that you’re really not here to ‘swim’ with manatees… you’re here to ‘float’ with manatees.

Because the best way to see a manatee is to be like a manatee; so if you float, they might think you are a manatee, and that’s when they approach you to see who or what you are,” Saunders describes. Plus, the use of wetsuits and flotation devices for buoyancy are encouraged by conservation-focused guides.

If the 72-degree spring is too chilly, wander the boardwalk at neighboring Three Sisters, the only spring in Crystal River accessible by land, rather than boat.

Visitors will see manatees popping their snouts to the surface to breathe about every three to five minutes.

Just south of Crystal River, in Homosassa, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to a few manatees year-round, in addition to the seasonal migrating manatees. That’s because this setting is a rescue and rehabilitation facility for injured animals that cannot be released back into the wild. It’s possible to appreciate manatees from a unique vantage point while sauntering through an underwater observatory and viewing them from a boardwalk. This park also has educational programs, a wildlife zoo and a picnic area.

A 75-minute drive due east of The Villages, Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. John’s River, the longest in Florida, emitting 104 million gallons of water every

Scarlett Lewis and pirtuss/Shutterstock.com

day. Blue Spring State Park, in Orange City, likewise transforms into a manatee sanctuary, so water activities are seasonally suspended there. Observe the mellow marine mammals from walking paths and designated viewing areas. Researchers have tracked migrating manatees at Blue Springs State Park since 1970, and in recent seasons, counted close to 500 at this location.

A road trip to Apollo Beach will lead to perhaps the most unique locale for visiting manatees at the Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center. For more than 30 years, manatees have flocked to the warm water outside of the station, which prompted the establishment of a 50foot viewing tower. Overhead, butterflies flutter in the onsite garden.

It is important to remember that manatees are a state and federally protected species. Thanks to conservation measures, the FWC estimates that Florida’s manatee population has risen to 7,520, and as a result, the Florida manatee was reclassified from an endangered to a threatened species in 2017.

“The manatee population is growing, but not yet recovered. Work is still being done to ensure that critical warm water and foraging habitats will be available in the future. Continued monitoring of potential threats to manatees such as red tide is necessary, and maintaining existing conservation strategies to prevent potential population declines will remain important,” says Carli Segelson, communications liaison for the FWC Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.

People can support the species by ensuring their safety: learn and adhere to boating and water activity rules, report injured animals to the FWC by calling 888404-3922, participate in coastal clean ups, purchase a Save-The-Manatee specialty license plate, contribute to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Marine Mammal Fund and “Adopt-A-Manatee” through Save the Manatee Club, a nonprofit focused on protecting manatees and their aquatic habitats for future generations.

For a comprehensive list of manatee viewing locations throughout Florida, visit MyFWC. com. To see manatees in action, check out underwater webcams at SaveTheManatee.org.

inspiration

CHOOSING LOVE How to Cope With Fearful Times

I

by Scarlett Lewis

t’s hard to make sense of some of the troubling things we see on TV and read about in the news. Our kids ask us, “Why are these things happening?” It’s an important question and it all comes down to two competing feelings: fear versus love.

When we see disturbing images such as school shootings or political opponents attacking one another, it cultivates anxiety, which is epidemic in our society.

When left untreated, it can lead to negative outcomes including substance abuse, depression, suicide and violence. Often, we look to those in perceived power to solve these issues. Perhaps what we haven’t considered is that these are not political issues; rather, they are issues of the heart and only we can solve them.

So we continue to see pain and suffering played out before us. We feel powerless and this feeds our unease. Our personal safety is a priority and external safety measures sometimes fail. If we don’t feel safe, nothing else matters. There is a solution.

The opposite of anxiety and fear is love.

When we examine the trajectory of most societal ills, there is often an arc of loneliness, depression, isolation and often abuse.

From a young age, we can learn to choose love as a thoughtful response to any situation. When we do this, we take back our personal power. We become part of the solution to the issues we see, and science tells us that others will do the same.

There is a formula for choosing love. It starts with courage. My son Jesse was a 6-year-old boy who stood up to the shooter that came into his first-grade classroom at Sandy Hook Elementary School and saved nine of his classmates’ lives before losing his own. We all have that courage within us: the courage to be kind, to speak our truth, to do the right thing.

We can only have one thought at a time, so we can shift our thinking by replacing a negative thought with a grateful one. Forgiving helps us to take back our personal power and is a gift we give ourselves. It is the foundation of healthy relationships that lead to greater happiness and connection in our lives. Compassion in action helps us step outside our own busyness, distraction and even pain to help others.

When we do this, we’re choosing love and helping to create a safer, more peaceful and loving world. When we model the practice of these character values as a thoughtful response for our children, they grow up to do the same.

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure every child has access to social and emotional education and support. Connect with her at Info@JesseLewisChooseLove.org.

February 2020

31

Share the love not the cold

had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 a way to kill viruses and in years.” years since. bacteria.

Copper can also stop flu if used early He asked relatives and friends to try Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. placed 25 million live flu viruses on a he patented CopperZap™ and put it on Colds start CopperZap. No viruses were found alive the market. when cold viruses soon after.

Soon hundreds get in your nose.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams of people had Viruses multiply confirming the discovery. He placed tried it and given fast. If you don’t millions of disease germs on copper. feedback. Nearly stop them early, “They started to die literally as soon as 100% said the they spread and they touched the surface,” he said. copper stops colds cause misery.

People have even used copper on if used within 3 In hundreds cold sores and say it can completely hours after the first of studies, EPA prevent outbreaks. sign. Even up to New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university The handle is 2 days, if they researchers have confirmed that viruses curved and finely still get the cold it is milder than usual and bacteria die almost instantly when textured to improve and they feel better. touched by copper. contact. It kills germs Users wrote things like, “It stopped That’s why ancient Greeks and picked up on fingers my cold right away,” and “Is it Egyptians used copper to purify water and hands to protect supposed to work that fast?” and heal wounds. They didn’t know you and your family.

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote about microbes, but now we do.

Copper even kills Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance have become resistant Pat McAllister, 70, received one in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental keep serious infection away. It may even works.”

Protection Agency) show germs die save a life.

Now thousands of users have simply fast on copper. So some hospitals tried The EPA says copper still works stopped getting colds. copper for touch surfaces like faucets even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of People often use CopperZap and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, serious or even fatal illness. used to get colds after crowded flights. and saved lives.

CopperZap is made in America of Though skeptical, she tried it several The strong scientific evidence gave pure copper. It has a 90-day full money times a day on travel days for 2 months. inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When back guarantee. It is $69.95.

“Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Get $10 off each CopperZap with exclaimed. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA17.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

New device stops cold and flu

S

32

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

calendar of events 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 HuraCan 300 X – 9-Noon. $50. Ultimate off road endurance experience with over 100 miles of single track, remote miles of double track forest roads.

Shangri La Trail Head and Campground, 12788 SW 69th Ct, Ocala. 352-347-1163. FloridaStateparks.org.

You Are What You Eat: A Nutrition Seminar –11am-3pm. Free. Learn from expert speakers the importance of nutrition and start your journey to a healthier and happier you. Comfort Suites Ocala North, 3825 NW Blitchton Rd, Ocala. 352-5057765. LMS-Plus.com.

Readings and Sound Healings – Noon-5:30pm. $35/half hour, $60/full hour. With Rev. Steve Henry.

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

HighSpringsEmporium.net.

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Day 1 Intensive – 12:30-6:30pm. $125. Dive deeper into understanding the Yin Yoga system. Learn physiological benefits of practicing yin and individual-specific alignment during this six hour immersion training.

Ocala Yoga Center, 3620 NE 8th Pl, Ste 7, Ocala.

352-789-9481. OcalaYogaCenter.Com. MTB 101 Clinic just for Girls – 1-3pm. $50. Build a strong foundation and confidence on and off the bike while having fun. Learn balance, position, breaking, shifting and terrain awareness. Santos Trailhead and Campground, 3080 Southeast 80th St, Ocala. 352-236-7143. AllAboutBalanceMTB.com.

Know HOW Expo – 2-5pm. $12-$18. Learn HOW they build, live, park, work school and everything else in the converted school buses, box trucks, vans and more. The Oaks Mall, 6419 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville. 352-234-6556. KnowHowExpo.com.

you to the world of Tarot. Classes will be offered every Sunday. The introductory series is a prerequisite for the advanced classes Many Deer will be teaching later this spring. Call to register. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657. HighSpringsEmporium.net.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Transformation Program – 5pm. Detox/Healing Group Series. Decrease weight, lower A1C, cholesterol, increase energy. Coaching, education, menus, meal plans, nutraceuticals. By appointment. Call to pre-register. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200 Suite 301, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinic.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Pasta Cooking Demo – 6-8pm. $25-$42. A fun filled evening of pasta with Chef Michel of Bleu Basil Pasta. Olive Obsession, 2370 SW College Rd, Ste 102, Ocala. 352-237-2566. OliveObsession.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Wednesday Bird Walks at the Wetlands – 8:3011:30am. $5. Family Friendly. Discover the rich diversity of birds at the newest birding hotspot. Tour is led by volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society and Park rangers. Walks are free with admission.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville. 352-393-8520. SweetwaterWetlands.org.

Protect Yourself and Home From Unwanted Entities – 2:30-4:30pm, 5:30-7:30pm. $30. With JoEllen Blue. Class cost includes cleansing and protection kit. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals and Such, 11781 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

come. ECK Wisdom on Conquering Fear gift book for attendees. Presented by Eckankar. Millhopper Branch Library, 3145 NW 43rd St, Gainesville. 352378-3504. Facebook.com/EckankarinGainesville.

TheSoundOfSoul.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 The Villages Balloon Festival: Winter Celebration – Feb 7-8. 6:30am-2pm. Family friendly. Hot air balloon festival featuring food trucks, vendors, a kid free zone, strolling entertainment and an antique car show. The Villages Polo Club, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages. 352-750-7656. TheVillagesBalloonFestival.com.

Friday Night Car Show – 5-8pm. Free. The Villages Atomic Karts Club, classic cars and more.

1000 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages. 352-7505411. TheVillagesEntertainment.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Thoroughbred Throwdown 6 – 7am-7pm. $85.

CrossFit Pinnacle’s annual individual competition.

Classic CrossFit style event. Limited spots. Thoroughbred Throwdown, 7175 S. Pine Ave, Ocala.

352-870-7867. BoxTribeTracker.com.

RVM’s 2nd Annual Early Spring Market – 9am3pm. Free. Shop unique items from over 50 vendors.

Rustic Vintage Market, 506 NE 1st Ave, Ocala.

352-304-5756. RusticVintageMarket.business.site.

Marion Rotary Duck Derby – 10am-2pm. Free.

Watch the launch of 5,000 rubber ducks into the waters for an epic race. Adopt a duck in the race for a chance to win cash prizes. Ocala Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. 352-401-3900.

MyDiscoveryCenter.org.

Ocala Cattle Drive & Cowboy Round Up –10am2pm. Free. Watch real cowboys drive Florida cracker cattle through Downtown Ocala to Tuscawilla Park. Live music, kid’s corral, farm animals and more. Ocala Recreation and Parks, 828 NE 8th Ave, Ocala. 352-368-5517. OcalaFl.org.

Angel Harp Meditation Experience – 6:30-8pm. $20.

Experience the powerful healing vibrations from the Angel Harp, Native American Flute, Shanti Bells and other magical sounds. Center for Spiritual Living Ocala, 1009 NE 28th Ave, Ocala. 352-629-3897. CSLOcala.org.

Sound Bath with Your Phoenix Is Rising – 7-8pm.

Free. Be bathed in the sound of Singing Bowls, Spirit Drum, Kirimba and Tibetan Bowls. Stay after to play the bowls yourself. Dress comfortably and bring a blanket and pillow. Center for Spiritual Living Ocala, 1009 NE 28th Ave Ocala. 352-629-3897.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Let Love Rule: Annual Valentine’s Day Celebration – 11am-6pm. Free. Crystal gifts for everyone, free BioMat sessions, champagne and chocolate, 10% off all crystal hearts and 30% off all jewelry. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-454-8657.

HighSpringsEmporium.net.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Special Event – 11-4pm. Aura Photography $25, Spirit Portraits $35, Numerology Readings $40.

Space is limited. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals

Introduction to Tarot with Many Deer – 2-4pm. $20. The first in a series of seven classes to introduce

Bring Natural Awakenings home!

Where Fear Comes From: Spiritual Exploration Discussion – 6pm. Call to sign up. Free. All wel-

Membership Form Join to get your print copy every month.

I am enclosing a $32 check or money order.

Please send my print copy to: Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City __________________State _______Zip ________ Mail to: Natural Awakenings 7797 SW 19th Avenue Rd, Ocala, FL 34476

February 2020

33

and Such, 11781 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Psychic/Medium Spiritual Developmental Class – 2-4:30pm. $35. Includes meditation, lesson, practice. Held at Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AumaKhua-Ki Energy Balancing 1 – 9am-4pm. $225. With Ojela Frank. Includes AK Energy Level 1 Attunement, class book and certificate. 6 CEs from #5014398. Located at Healthy Hands of Ocala, 1302 SE 25th Loop, Ocala. Pre-registration required at Aumakhua-Ki. org. 352-239-9272. Ojela4418@yahoo.com Making This Lifetime Count ECK Light and Sound Service – 11am. Free. All welcome. Conversation and light refreshments. Presented by Eckankar. La Quinta Inn & Suites, 3530 SW 36th Ave, Ocala. 352-867-4456. Facebook.com/EckankarinOcala. TheSoundOfSoul.org.

Spiritual Healing Mini Fair – 2-6pm. $25. With JoEllen Blue and Psychic Development Class. Crystal healing, sound healing, herbs and more. Space is limited. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals and Such, 11781 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-6934592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Full Moon Drumming Circle – 6pm. All welcome.

Connect with your own spirit at a deeper level and other likeminded people. Provides a means of empowerment, teamwork, feelings of belonging, healing, learning and the direct revelation of spiritual guidance. All musical instruments are welcome or just a tin can with a stick. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd. 352­687­2113. Mail@UnityOcala.org.

UnityOcala.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Transformation Program – 5pm. Detox/Healing Group Series. Decrease weight, lower A1C, cholesterol, increase energy. Coaching, education, menus, meal plans, nutraceuticals. By appointment. Call to pre-register. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200 Suite 301, Ocala. 352-291-9459. LemireClinic.org.

Artrageous: The Interactive Art and Music Experience – 7:30-10:30pm. $10-$30. Troupe of 12 artists, singers, dancers and musicians combine dancing and live music with fine art and humor during this interactive frenzy of movement.

Audience participation encouraged. Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St, Ocala. 352-351-1606.

ReillyArtsCenter.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 British Style Psychic/Medium Spiritual Developmental Class – 6-8:30pm. $35. Includes meditation, lesson, practice. Held at Holiday Inn Express, 1205 Avenida Central, Lady Lake. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 British Style Psychic/Medium Spiritual Developmental Class – 2-4:30pm. $35. Includes meditation, lesson, practice. Held at Holiday Inn Express, 1205 Avenida Central, Lady Lake. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

Experience HU: The Sound of Soul – 6pm. Free.

The Sound behind all sounds, brings insight, calm and greater awareness. Conversation and light refreshments. All welcome. Presented by Eckankar.

SFC DT Blount Cir, Board Room, 401 NW 6th St.352-378-3504. Facebook.com/EckankarinGainesville. TheSoundOfSoul.org.

Womb Wisdom Meditations – 7:30-8:30pm. $15.

Reclaim your innate wisdom, healing power and creativity. Ocala Yoga Center, 3620 NE 8th Pl, Ocala. 352-789-9481. OcalaYogaCenter.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Mindfulness for Health Ocala Office – 2-3:30pm.

Free, pre-registration required. 5-week course for those facing cancer, cancer survivors, and loved ones.

Learn how mindfulness plays a role on your overall health. Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, 2020 SE 17th St, Ocala. 352-732-0277. RBOI.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Heart-Healing Valentine Kirtan – 7pm. $35.

Join renowned vocalist Lee Mirabai Harrington for healing mantra music to open the heart and calm the mind. Proceeds benefit Karma Thegsum Choling Meditation Ctr. Cost includes vegan food. Venue: Thomas Ctr, 302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville. GainesvilleKTC@gmail.com.

Dance Alive National Ballet presents Love Land – 7:30pm. $20-40. How do I love Thee, Moonlight Sway, a creation about the pull of the moon and a love story in the form of a double duet. The finale, Someone to Love, is a new ballet by Artistic Director Kim Tuttle.

From Cinderella to rock and roll, the Dance Alive

• Bio Energetic Scans are quick, non-invasive, cutting edge and backed by over 30 years of scientific research!

• See beyond symptoms to find out what’s behind the pain, low energy, mood/behavioral issues, trauma, etc. Get a personalized protocol for healing!

• House calls and remote scans available.

• Call (352)282-4441 for appointments and more information.

Energy For Life

34

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Villages Golf Festival – 9am-4pm. Free. Family friendly. Check out the fill line of Wilson Staff products and sign up for a demo. Wilson Golf, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages. Wilson.com.

Women/Girls In Science Celebration – 10am3pm. Free. Celebrating International Women and Girls in Science Day with hands on activities. Live bees and turtles, pottery mending, animal training techniques and meet local scientists. Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville.

352-856-2000. FloridaMuseum.Ufl.Edu. Skincare and Essential Oils – 11-12:30pm. $20.

With Ina Anderson. Learn about the benefits of essential oils and skincare. Call to register. Fairy Dust Crystals and Such, 11781 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

Relationship Astrology Workshop – 1-3pm. $15 love offering. A workshop experience with Dr. Patricia Bell, that explores what 2020 has in store for you, relationship-wise. Get guidance through big events like Mercury in Retrograde and other astrological happenings. Perfect for couples or business partnerships. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW Hwy 200, Ocala. 352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.com.

Love Readings – Noon-5:30pm. $35/half hour, $60/ hour. With Many Deer. Get some Tarot wisdom on your love life. Call to sign up. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs.

386-454-8657. HighSpringsEmporium.net.

Chakra Basics – 2-4pm. $20. With Bobbie Roberts.

Call for more information and to register. Fairy Dust Crystals and Such, 11781 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352-693-4592. FairyDustCrystals.com.

savethedate

Harness the power of quantum physics to detect and correct energy distortions in your or your animal’s body field!

dancers embrace the world. Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Rd, Gainesville. 352-392-ARTS. DanceAlive.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Bless This Day: ECK Light and Sound Service – 1-2pm. Free. All welcome. Refreshments will be provided. Presented by Eckankar. Courtyard

by Marriott, 3700 SW 42nd St, Gainesville. 352378-3504. Facebook.com/EckankarinGainesville.

MiraclesInYourLife.org.

Pumping Sunshine – 1:30pm. Free. ​Led by Novelist Susie Baxter. Memories of a Suwannee River childhood which one reviewer calls “a treasure… touching and honest, leaving its mark indelibly on the heart.” Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Historic Park, S County Rd 325, Cross Creek. 352-466-3672.

MarjorieKinnanRawlings.org.

Remember, PLANS CHANGE! Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

registration. The Martial Arts Center, 3233 SE Maricamp Rd, Ocala. 352-239-9272. Ojela4418@ yahoo.com. AKheal.com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Transformation Program – 5pm. Detox/ Healing Group Series. Decrease weight, lower A1C, cholesterol, increase energy. Coaching, education, menus, meal plans, nutraceuticals.

By appointment. Call to pre-register. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200 Suite 301, Ocala.

352-291-9459. LemireClinic.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AK Energy Activations – 10am-7pm. $45-$75.

30 min/60 min sessions available at Healthy Hands of Ocala, 1302 SE 25th Loop, Ocala. Energy balancing and upper chakra activation with AumaKhua-Ki Grand Master Ojela Frank (LMT #MA60322). Call to make appointment. 352-2399272. Ojela4418@yahoo.com.

Kirtan with Kalidas – 8pm. Free. Musical Meditation with chanting and listening. A powerful form of sound healing. Guided by Kalidas, a trained yoga practitioner. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 E Fort King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000.

SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 GRIT Strength Challenge 2020 – 8am-4pm. $150. Team based strength and fitness challenge utilizing primitive objects that were available during the Florida Seminole War period. GRIT Strength Challenge, 3925 E Fort King St, Ocala.

GritStrengthChallenge.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 British Style Psychic/Medium Spiritual Developmental Class – 10:30am-1pm. $35. Includes meditation, lesson, practice. Held at Fairy Dust Crystals and Such, 11781 SE Hwy 441 Belleview.

International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge.

407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

Discover the Truth of All Truth, Spiritual Exploration Class – 1pm. Free. Class based on Spiritual Wisdom on Prayer, Meditation, and Contemplation. Gift book for attendees. Presented by Eckankar. Marion County Public Library, Room B, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-8674456. TheSoundOfSoul.org.

Experience, HU: The Sound of Soul – 2:30pm.

Free. HU, the Sound behind all sounds, brings insight, calm, and greater awareness. Presented by Eckankar.

Marion County Public Library, Room B, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. 352-867-4456. Facebook. com/EckankarinOcala. TheSoundOfSoul.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Five Spiritual Laws of This World – 6pm. Free.

Eckankar video and Discussion. All welcome.

Conversation and light refreshments. Presented by Eckankar. SFC DT Blount Cir, Board Room, 401 NW 6th St.352-378-3504. TheSoundOfSoul.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Soul Food Fest – 4-8pm. $30. Soul food menu, dancing, drawing and prizes. Live entertainment from ICTUS Soul Band and Live DJ KOLD. Rohan Rec Center The Villages, 8118 SR 44, The Villages.

352-748-0260. YoungPerformingArtists.org.

Aura Photography and Soul Purpose Readings – $55-$85. With Howard Minton. Come and get an aura photograph to celebrate the Leap Year. $55 for an aura photo plus a channeled message from your guides. $55 for a Soul Purpose Reading regarding your Path of Destiny. $88 for both. Call to sign up. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs.

386-454-8657. HighSpringsEmporium.net.

plan ahead SATURDAY, APRIL 11 NadiOm Raise Your Vibration Health Fair – 10am-2pm. Free. Holistic health discussions, nutrition tips, vendors, artwork, crafts, health-care professionals and more. Gifts to the first 25 attendees. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW Hwy 200, Ocala.

352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.com.

Rolling Greens Strawberry Festival – 10am-3pm.

Free. Enjoy a day of strawberries and fun. Rolling Greens Village, 1901 SE 58th Ave, Ocala. 352-6240140. CoveCommunities.com.

Finding Balance through Connection: Stones for the Sacral Chakra Workshop - 2-4pm. $20. Led

by Sharron Britton. Focusing on stones that work harmoniously with the sacral chakra. Second class in the series. Call to sign up. High Springs Emporium, 19765 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs. 386-4548657. HighSpringsEmporium.net.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 9th Annual Heartbreaker Cycling Invitational - 9am-3pm. Free. Traverse some of Gainesville’s most beautiful roads. Route is not marked. Cyclocross or Mountain bikes recommended as surfaces are not road bike friendly. Post ride, friends and families are invited to socialize at the cafe. 4989 Northwest 40th Pl, Gainesville.

Gnome and Fairy Festival - 1-4pm. Free. Family friendly. Enchanting evening with music, food and vendors. Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala.

352-873-0848. SholomPark.org.

The Beach Boys – Feb 23-24. 4-7pm. $75$125. Singing hit singles and sold out albums from their explosive debut over 50 years ago.

The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St, The Villages.com. 352-751-7799.

TheSharon.com.

AK Energy Sound Healing – 5-6:30pm. $10-$20.

Enjoy the relaxing sounds of Himalayan singing bowls, bells and a gong, guided meditations and energy balancing by Ojela Frank, LMT (MA60322).

Bring a yoga mat, snack and bottled water. At door

January 2020

35

ongoing events

10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-368-5517.

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.

Embodiment 101 – 6:30-8pm. Body awareness movement followed by meditation. Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352-214-1334.

Gainesville.Shambhala.org.

sunday

A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

Karaoke – 8-11pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

A Course in Miracles – 9:30am. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

tuesday

friday

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala.

352-401-3920.

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.

Spiritual Service – 9:30am. Let the spirit guide you with hands-on healing, meditations, messages and more. Conscious Awakening, 301 SR26, Melrose.

352-262-0078. BackToBasicsLiving@gmail.com.

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

Guided Meditation and Sunday Service – 10am (meditation); 10:30am (service). Rev. Cindy Grimes, Senior Minister. Awaken and live. Center for Spiritual Living Ocala, 1009 NE 28th Ave. 352629-3897. CSLocala.org.

Meditation and Book Discussion – 10:30am-noon.

Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org.

Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude – 1-2pm.

Bring your own mat for yoga in the warehouse.

All experience levels. Suggested $5 donation. First Magnitude Brewing Co, 1220 SE Veitch, Gainesville. 352-727-4677.

monday Amethyst Bio-Mat – By appointment. Seating is limited. Reduces stress, relieves pain, and improves the immune system. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200, Ste 301, Ocala. 352­-291-­9459. LemireClinic.com.

Astrology Readings – By appointment.With Dr. Patricia Bell, astrologer, author, gift clairvoyant.

Call for pricing and appointment availability. @Nadi Om Wellness, 352-525-0247.

Ionic Foot Detox – By appointment. Seating is limited. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200, Ste 301, Ocala. 352-­291-­9459. LemireClinic.com.

Latest in IV Therapies – By appointment. Seating is limited. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200, Ste 301, Ocala. 352­-291-­9459. LemireClinic.com.

Newberry Farmers Market – 4-7pm. A local producer only market focused on food with additional vendors. Located on the corner of Newberry Road and 254th St. 352-472-2112. nmsoinfo@gmail.com.

Newberrymainstreet.com Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517.

Meditation Instruction and Orientation – 7-9pm.

Meditation, book discussion, refreshments to follow.

Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org

wednesday Qigong – 10am. 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.

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free.

Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

Technology Help Center – 2-4pm. Free. Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Hwy 484. 352-438-2500.

Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-368-5517.

Game Night – 7:30pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

thursday

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala.

352-401-3920.

saturday Alachua County Farmers’ Market – 8:30amnoon. Open rain or shine. A grower’s only market.

5920 NW 13 th St, Gainesville. 352-371-8236.

441market.com Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am-noon. Open rain or shine, heat or cold. Haile Village Center in Haile Plantation, SW 91st Terr, Gainesville.

HaileFarmersMarket.com.

Ocala Farm Market – 9am-2pm. Locallygrown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, crafts and plants. Corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-629-8051.

OcalaDowntownMarket.com.

Farmstead Saturday – 9am-­3pm. Free. Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra.

352­-595-­3377. CronesCradleConserve.com.

Starlab Planetarium Shows – 11-11:30am, 1-1:30pm. Tour our solar system and learn about the stars and constellations. $3/person/session plus exhibit admission of $6/person or $22/family of four. Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. Ocala.org.

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free.

Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

Traditional Hatha Flow Yoga – 8:30am. An intermediate yoga class with Johanna Marsan. $12.

Nadi Om Wellness. 6118 SW Hwy 200, Ocala.

352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.com.

A Course in Miracles – 10am. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free.

Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

Gentle Flow Yoga – 10am. All levels yoga class that is prenatal friendly with Johanna Marsan. $12.

Nadi Om Wellness. 6118 SW Hwy 200, Ocala.

352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.com.

Psychic/Medium Spiritual Development Class – 2-4:30pm. With International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. One Saturday each month.

Includes meditation, lesson and practice. $30.

Call or check website to confirm date. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. 407-2477823. ifsk.org.

Hearing Screenings – Afternoons by appointment. Seating is limited. Free. Lemire Clinic, 9401 SW Hwy 200, Ste 301, Ocala. 352­-291-­9459.

LemireClinic.com.

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free.

Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

The Third Testament Foundation – 8pm. What is The Third Testament? Introduction to the Third Testament by Martinus. Live Stream with chat. Free.

941-462-3177. Infinite808@gmail.com.

Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-368-5517.

Alachua Farmers Market – 4-7pm. A local producer only market where most foods have been picked or made that day. Behind the Chamber of Commerce office. 14801 Main Street, Alachua.

386-462-3333. Alachuafarmersmarket.com.

Fire Flow – 9pm. Fire spinners and poi with music outside. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala.

352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

ACA Meeting – 6pm. Adult Children of Alcoholics. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd. 352-687-2113.

Mail@UnityOcala.org. UnityOcala.org.

36

North Central FL Edition

Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

community resource guide 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 Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

COLONICS

LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE

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 and/or far infrared sauna. 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.

ENERGY BALANCING SANDY WILSON

EFT, Emotion Code, Body Code, Hypnosis 352-454-8959 EFTSandy@yahoo.com SandraWilsonPositiveChange.com With balanced energy, you feel better, make better decisions, and have better relationships.

Sandy will help balance your energy so you can achieve your health, wealth, and relationship goals. See website or call to start achieving your goals.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE JAMES LEMIRE, MD

Lemire Clinic 9401 SW Hwy 200, Suite 301 352-291-9459 • LemireClinic.com Dr. Lemire is both Board Certified in Family Practice for 40 years and is an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioner. Some of the common protocols Dr. Lemire works with are: Thyroid conditions, Chronic Fatigue, MS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Leaky Gut, Cancer, Hormone Unbalances, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Inflammatory and Auto Immune Conditions, Lyme Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Weight Management. Dr. Lemire sees children and adults. See ad, page 3.

CRONES’ CRADLE CONSERVE FOUNDATION 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra 352-595-3377 CronesCradleConserve.org

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 22.

NATURAL MENTAL HEALTH DR. LORA COLEMAN, LCSW

810 E. University, Suite B, Gainesville 305-298-6561 DrLoraColeman@gmail.com DrLoraColeman.com As a Doctor of Natural Health and licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Coleman offers traditional mental health and spiritual counseling. Dr. Coleman’s full Apothecary carries herbs, teas, essential oils, nutritional supplements and education to support natural healing. Dr. Coleman offers Reiki, meditation, Past Life Regression, Chakra Clearing, Theta Healing, crystals, stones and jewelry for healing. Insurance is accepted.

REIKI

Thai Massage Certification 108 Hour Certification Join us for a half year immersion in the study of ancient medicine.

Training begins Feb 22, 2020 at the Florida School of Massage.

Thai 1: Feb. 22-23 Thai 2: March 21-22 Thai 3: April 25-26 Thai 4: May 30-31 Thai 5: June 27-28 Thai 6: July 18-19

$1350 or $250 a weekend.

You may begin at any phase and return free to any phase you have paid for.

DEBI GOLDBEN, RM/T, LMT MA78069/MM37419 13722 SW 40th Circle, Ocala 352-209-0303 DebiGoldben@gmail.com DebiGoldben.com

As a House Healer and Intuitive Spiritual Teacher/Coach, Debi uses a unique blend of techniques and spiritual guidance to clear t h e c l u t t e r. W h e t h e r i t ’s Geopathic Stress or nonbeneficial energies/spirts, Debi can help reduce or eliminate physical and emotional discomfort.

Transform your life work into a self healing dance.

To register for this training, go to BodhiSangha.com 813.417.6745

Health starts in the head and goes to the heart and other parts of the body. ~Sourav Ganguly February 2020

37

SCHOOL

classifieds

BODHI SANGHA THAI MASSAGE AND SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL THAI FOLK MEDICINE

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 Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

813-417-6745 BodhiSangha.com ArielaGrodner@yahoo.com

Students can advance in their studies of Thai Massage and Tr a d i t i o n a l T h a i F o l k 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 37.

VETERINARY CARE

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 Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

FOOD CODES DEVELOP A FOOD PLAN UNIQUE TO YOU USING FOOD CODES–Your subconscious knows which foods are best for you for energy, for weight loss, and to avoid. For more information visit SandraWilsonPositiveChange. com or email EFTSandy@yahoo.com

MEDICINE WHEEL VETERINARY SERVICES

OPPORTUNITIES

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

mission

statement

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 4.

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 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise.

STEM CELL AFFORDABLE STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY – Anti-aging phototherapy patch that activates your own stem cells! – Contact Dianne Purdie, LifeWave Independent Distributor at 352-598-7319, email DiannePurdielw@gmail. com or visit LifeWave.com/abundanthealth and LiveYounger.cc for more information.

To empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet.

To educate communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability.

MEET YOUR

To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

38

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

TRY FOR FREE!

‘TIS THE SEASON! Join now at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

The first combined Anti-Aging, Holistic, and Family Practice Clinic in Central Florida and The Villages

352-750-4333

SERVICES OFFERED:

✦ Peptides ✦ Exosomes: The Next Generation in Regeneration Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy ✦ Amniotic ✦ Adipose ✦ Bone marrow ✦ PRP-platelet Rich Plasma ✦ Prolo Therapy ✦ Prolozone ✦ Neural Therapy ✦ Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

✦ Chelation and IV Nutrient ✦ Urinary Incontinence ✦ Femlift Vaginal Tightening ✦ Soundwave for ED ✦ Laser Therapy for pain ✦ Spectravision (Full Body Analysis Test) ✦ Nutritional Counseling ✦ Weight Loss ✦ Pulse Magnetic Wave ✦ Antioxidant Evaluation ✦ Mineral Evaluation ✦ Heavy Metal Evaluation

Nelson Kraucak, MD, FAAFP “We are committed to aid and promote the body’s innate mechanisms to heal and achieve homeostasis for optimum health by introducing and using natural approaches with innovative and cutting-edge technology.”

Individual responses may vary

Jaclynn Sola, LMT

MA56771 Over 10 years experience Specializing In: • Raindrop Therapy – • Cupping for Aromatheraphy Pain Relief and utilizing essential oils Lymphatic Drainage • Myo Fascial Release • Sports Massage/ • Deep Tissue Golf Massage • Hot Stone Massage • Cranial Sacral • Body Scrubs/Wraps SpectraVision • Reflexology/Foot • Reiki Master Massage Tuning Forks • Cellulite Reduction • Colonics Massage

On-Site Financing Available

Call to Schedule Your Appointment:

352-750-4333

Karin Panyko

Licensed Aesthetician Over 13 years experience Specializing In: • Micro Derm Abrasion • Spa Facial/Galvanic (tightens and tones cheek muscles) • High Frequency Therapy • Light Therapy • Facial Massage – Deep Tissue My passion is to assist others in achieving their balance with inner and outer beauty.

Gretta Ellis, ARNP

Over 10 years experience Specializing In: • Chronic Disease • Gastro-Intestinal Disorders • Alternative Medicine • SIBO/Leaky Gut • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement - BHT • ER and Internal Medicine Experience

Healing Central Florida, One Stem Cell at a Time!

Healthcare Partners Family Medicine 1501 HWY 441, Suite 1704, The Villages, FL, 32159 www. HealthcarePartnersFL.com Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm February 2020

39

PLANT-BASED NUTRITION ISSUE

MARCH

Thriving on a PlantBased Diet plus: CBD

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Allergists • Cooking Schools/Classes • Dietitians & Nutritionists • Food Fairs • Garden Supplies Green/Vegan Restaurants • Health Food Stores • Herbalists • Natural/Organic Food Nutritionists • CBD Dispensaries & Stores ... and this is just a partial list!

WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

APRIL

MAY

Grassroots Climate Crisis Strategies

Autoimmune Breakthroughs

plus: Healthy Home

plus: The Collagen Connection

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS

THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

352-366-0088

40

North Central FL Edition

GoNaturalAwakenings.com