April 2022 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

WHY WE NEED WILD PLACES Ways to Bring Nature Back Into Our Lives and Landscapes

POWER WALKING to Better Fitness

Creating a Healthy Sleep Environment BEST APPS for Nature Exploration Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes FREE

Celebrate EARTH DAY 2022

APRIL 2022 | CHICAGO | NACHICAGO.COM

Wipe Away the Brain Fog “I have been seeing Dr. Meena for a little over a year and it’s been nothing short of a miracle. When I first walked in I was in really bad shape, between my thyroid and gut and mental state. There were times I couldn’t even remember what I was talking to someone about-mid sentence. She has helped to restore my gut and thyroid which has helped in more ways than one. I am still on this journey and will be doing hormone therapy that has been needed for some time, and I believe this will take my health and well-being to the next level. Thank you Dr.Meena and staff!” ~Meachy F.

Just like your house, your body needs to be cleaned up, too.

If you haven’t cleaned up in awhile, you have some work to do.

Hello, I’m Dr. Meena, MD, Medical Director of the Heal n Cure Wellness Center in Glenview.

Our integrated approach has helped thousands of patients successfully lose the weight and keep it off by using following tools:

Detoxification is an essential metabolic function of our body.

• An overloaded detoxification pathway may lead to symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, emotional & sleep disturbances, weight gain etc.

• Detoxification is a highly personalized process that needs to be adjusted to meet your needs depending on your current health and lifestyle. It is not about starvation or liquid diets.

• At Heal n Cure, we take an evidence-based, scientifically proven approach to creating a personalized detox program for your individual health and lifestyle needs.

• Thorough history & exam, advanced diagnostics and lifestyle assessment.

READ MORE at Dr. Meena’s Blog: healncure.com/detox

♦ Restoration of Gut ♦ Detoxification ♦ Optimization of Hormones

Contact Dr. Meena today:

847-686-4444 HealnCure.com

Our Next Seminar:

Stress, Hormones & Belly Fat

April 28th at 6:30 pm

Call to see if you qualify and RSVP as seating is limited!

♦ Cutting-Edge Technology to Build Muscle 2

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2420 RAVINE WAY, STE 400 • GLENVIEW

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 22 DIVORCE WITH DIGNITY is Possible

24

28

24 WHY WE NEED WILD PLACES

How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes

28 NURTURING A HEALTHY SLEEP ENVIRONMENT

30 EATING FOR THE PLANET Diet for a Climate Crisis

33 SPRING ROASTED ASPARAGUS

38

34 BUZZ-FREE DRINKING The Healthy Rise of NonAlcoholic Beverages

36 MINERALS

Inorganic Cofactors for Healthy Cells

38 SPIRITED STRIDES

Power Walk to Better Fitness

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 847-858-3697 or email info@NAChicago.com. Deadline for complete and finalized ads: the 14th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Amy@NAChicago.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit online at: NAChicago.com/events/new or email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAChicago.com. Deadline for calendar: the 8th 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.

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40 NATURE SPEAKS

Storytelling Connects Kids to the Natural World

40

42 BRIAN SAUDER

on Faith-Based Grassroots Change

44 TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE

Apps Bring Us Closer to Flora and Fauna

46 CREATE A COLORFUL

YEAR-ROUND LANDSCAPE

48 GUIDED NATURE HIKES Offer a Sneak-Peek at Spring

50 PEST CONTROL

Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas

44

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from the publisher…

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Happy Spring!

EARTH DAY APRIL 22

2022

#InvestInOurPlanet

EarthDay.org

CHICAGO EDITION Publisher Peggy Malecki Sales & Marketing Peggy Malecki

Carrie Jackson Heidi Hetzel Dee Bayro Operations Amy Hass Editors Marty Miron Theresa Archer

Randy Kambic Writers Carrie Jackson Megy Karydes Sheryl DeVore Design & Production Suzzanne Siegel

Martin Friedman

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Chicago P.O. Box 72, Highland Park, IL 60035 Ph: 847-858-3697 • Fax: 888-858-3107 Info@NAChicago.com • NAChicago.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $29 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Production Designer Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Assistant

Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Kristy Mayer

© 2022 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.

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

Natural Awakenings is printed on non-glossy paper to protect the environment

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Photo credit Dan Marsh for Adobe Stock

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he season we’ve waited so long for is here! Vernal equinox has arrived and the sun now energizes the Northern Hemisphere into a new growing season. As I write my notes to you, my office window is open to an unseasonably warm day, and I’m enjoying the serenade of early spring birdsong from robins, cardinals, red wings, blue jays, goldfinches and more.

Simply stated, our health and the health of the environment are inseparable. Our slogan, “Healthy Living Heathy Planet” is our purpose and mission here at Natural Awakenings, and in each issue, we recognize the importance and influence each have upon the other. As we navigate all that’s happening in the world, it’s critical for us to keep this in mind in our daily choices and decisions. The more we stay connected and focus mindfully on Peggy Malecki making positive changes, the more we’re able to support and affirm each other, and the better the outcomes will be for ourselves and the world. As we work to improve our lives and the lives of those around us, let’s also please keep in mind how our actions will affect future generations of all living creatures, too.

I invite you to explore this special Earth Day edition of Natural Awakenings Chicago and hope you’re inspired to get outside this spring, revel in the season and find ways to support and understand our natural world and educate others. We’ve devoted this issue to discovering ways in which we can learn about nature, live more harmoniously with the natural world around us and easily incorporate additional healthy, environmental practices into our daily lives. Purposefully connecting and learning new things about our environment helps us to focus on the positive things in our world and sustains us as we work to make positive change. Fresh air, sunshine, rain and maybe even an occasional April snowflake can reconnect and inspire us daily.

As always, I encourage you to step outside every day to spend time in nature, feel the warming sunshine, listen to birdsong and peeper frogs, look for early blooming flowers and enjoy as the new spring season unfolds this month.

Improve your tummy health

by way of telehealth.

Is your body telling you it needs help?

Do new symptoms creep up on you too fast?

Have dietary modifications failed to provide relief ?

Help is a phone call away.

into the bloodstream through a condition called “leaky gut syndrome,” which often leads to more serious conditions like Crohn’s Disease, colitis, and other autoimmune disorders.

Environmental irritants also affect digestion.

Reneé Barasch, Certified Digestive Health and Detoxification Specialist, has been helping clients achieve nutritional balance and enhance quality of life for more than 17 years. Reneé’s individualized plans help clients re-boot their digestive tracts and increase absorption of needed nutrients—creating the environment for detoxification of all organs and the pathways between them.

The environment can also produce irritation and inflammation. Everyday, airborne toxins — perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, automotive exhaust, indoor dust, and springtime pollen— find their way into our bloodstream (in less than 20 seconds!) and cause digestive organs to work overtime. A runny nose, itchy eyes, and red and blotchy skin often result in a trip to the allergist, when a digestive imbalance may be contributing.

Working with Reneé, you will:

Stay strong and healthy with a gut ‘reset.’

• Identify digestive triggers. (Some may surprise you!)

• Understand which foods agree with you—

• Effectively and efficiently digest food.

• Reduce inflammation.

• Nourish your gut—and ensure your

and those that don’t.

• Create a detoxification and digestive plan.

Digestion is one of the main ways the body detoxifies and cleanses.

If the food you consume isn’t thoroughly broken down, your body cannot work as efficiently as it should. Poor digestion causes stress for the entire digestive system and leads to gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea—and even insomnia, psoriasis, eczema, chronic pain, and anxiety. Undigested food can seep

Let’s get you feeling better.

Reneé S . Barasch , LDH S

whole body is balanced.

• Regulate the processing and digestion of

food and the elimination of waste by incorporating foods that lead to better absorption and detoxification.

Digeestive H Dig Heealth Solutions Call 8 4 7 - 20 7 - 2 0 3 4 thetummywhisperer. com

Certified Digestive Health Specialist

April 2022

7

Release the Past to Allow Healing Now

E

very stress or trauma, whether physiological, cognitive, emotional or interpersonal, affects the body. To help, Partners In Wellness will conduct an in-person Stress & Trauma Workshop on April 9 in St. Charles, April 10 in Chicago and online on April 14.

Whether they occurred yesterday or decades ago, traumas are often embedded deeply in our psyche and body. Partners In Wellness helps individuals and groups triumph over stress by mastering a simple set of seven tension/trauma release (TRE) exercises. Alyce Sorokie, a certified TRE provider, has seen dramatic results.

She says, “TRE assists the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma, activating a natural reflex mechanism that safely releases muscular tension, calming the nervous system, releasing deep chronic tension from the sacrum to the cranium, often without recalling the ‘stories’ or the past ‘issues in the tissues’.”

TRE can release emotions ranging from mild upset to severe anxiety caused by work stress, excessive worry, conflict in relationships, physical stresses or traumas from accidents.

Forest Preserve Hosts Earth Day Cleanups

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Cost: $55. For more information including times and locations, call 773-868-4062. Also, view TRE videos at trealyce.com and TraumaPrevention.com.

Rejuvenate with Virtual Guided Detox from Purple Sprout urple Sprout Conscious Organics is offering Rejuvenation, a threeweek, online, guided detox program starting April 18, to help reset the body after winter, open up elimination pathways and pave the way toward greater health and happiness.

Purple Sprout co-founder Irina Ra says, “Our gentle and safe, yet effective course will help you uncover your body and mind’s hidden potential. Detox requires knowledge about the systemic nature of toxins and how to masterfully dislodge and remove them from each tissue one by one, timely and effectively, organically and naturally, without causing harm.”

The course includes preparation for the detox; detox with optional shanka prakshalana (saltwater cleanse); and juicing, followed by restoration and “clean fuel” nourishment.

Participants also receive recipes, support chat, live meetings, cooking demos, videos, exercises, food maps and more. Sessions are recorded for future access.

For more information including registration, call 224-223-7133 or visit PurpleSprout.com.

See ad on page 37 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

“I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want.” ~Andy Warhol 8

Chicago

NAChicago.com

Photo credit Irina Ra

P

he Forest Preserve District of Will County will host two cleanup days this month to celebrate Earth Day. An Earth Day Cleanup and Campfire is set for 4 to 7 p.m., April 22, at Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Avenue, in Monee. After participants collect litter around Monee Reservoir, there will be a green-minded social with refreshments around the campfire. Staff will share information about the site’s plastic-free initiatives, bike upcycling partnership and fishing line recycling program. The event is for ages 10 or older.

Registration is not required.

A Shoreline Cleanup will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, April 23, at Rock Run Rookery, on Youngs Road south of Route 6, in Joliet. Participants will learn about plastic pollution and make an environmental difference by cleaning up the site’s shoreline. Wear waterproof shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Cleanup equipment will be provided. The program is for ages 13 or older.

Register at Tinyurl.com/Shoreline-Cleanup

by Apr. 12 or call 815-722-9470. For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

CLICK ON nachicago.com for the latest updates in health & wellness

Photo courtesy of Forest Preserve District of Will County

news briefs

From the Earth, For the Body Supplements featuring essential minerals A healthy body demands a broad spectrum of minerals for optimal wellness, but many diets fall short in delivering these important nutrients. Standard Process and MediHerb® offer a range of products that provide essential minerals — a number of which come from plants grown on the Standard Process certified organic farm in Wisconsin — that can help bridge dietary gaps.

E-Z MG™

A plant-based, multiform organic magnesium (Mg) supplement developed to support patients with inadequate dietary magnesium intake.*

ORGANICALLY BOUND MINERALS

Contains iodine from alfalfa and kelp, encourages healthy enzyme functioning, and promotes healthy connective tissue.*

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Fe-Max Iron Tonic Phytosynergist® contains many herbs and nutrients to provide iron and support healthy blood production.*

Find a health care professional who offers Standard Process products at standardprocess.com/Find standardprocess.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. ©2022 Standard Process Inc. All rights reserved. LN02225 02/22

April 2022

9

Friends of the Parks Coordinates Chicago Earth Day Cleanups

O

n April 23, Friends of the Parks will again be coordinating cleanups across Chicago as part of their annual Earth Day Parks and Preserves Celebration and Clean-Up. For more than 30 years, the Chicago-based nonprofit has supported Park Advisory Councils (PACs), park partner organizations and other volunteer groups by providing them with gloves and garbage bags, as well as an online event sign-up tool for park-based Earth Day activities.

The city-wide celebration and clean-up—themed this year as Invest in Our Parks, Preserves, Planet—is organized in partnership with the Chicago Park District and Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Earth Energies Can Influence Daily Living

E

iffany Hinton will host an in-person Green Witch Garden workshop outdoors from 10 a.m. to noon, April 30, to teach how to create a suburban homestead. Attendees will learn to build a raised garden bed, plan the garden and plant it for the summer harvest season. Hinton will also discuss gut health and the benefits of homegrown produce.

This workshop will give participants skills and a community to reach Tiffany Hinton out to all growing season to help have a bountiful harvest and enjoyable experience in their own backyard garden. Each attendee will receive The Ultimate Green Witch Gardening Planner with ticket purchase.

nergetic Geometry is offering a Heal Your Home Weekend Workshop, May 7 and 8 in Sacramento, California, to help people learn how to make their home a sanctuary of peace and happiness. Many people are noticing that the energy of their homes is not supportive to their health.

Waking up with back pains, not feeling well-rested and having nightmares can be symptoms of a sick house. Earth energies such as underground water veins and geological faults cause increased stress, arguments, sleeplessness and more. Attendees will learn how to restore health and vitality back into their home and life.

Studies in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s discovered that many diseases were caused by earth energies. Their research revealed that more than 70 percent of degenerative diseases were a problem of location; specifically, where we live and sleep.

Sacred geometry and geomancy experts Karen Crowley-Susani, a former Air Force pilot and art historian, and Dominique Susani, a professor of literature and philosophy, founded Energetic Geometry to share the knowledge and tools of ancient European master builders.

They found that many diseases come from earth energies and modern building practices, and love bringing health and harmony back into homes.

Cost: $60. Limited to 20 people. Tickets at Tinyurl.com/GreenWitchWorkshop. For Prospect Heights location, email Tiffany@MomCertified.net. See ad in this month’s Natural Awakenings Chicago e-newsletters and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

For more information, visit EnergeticGeometry.com/workshops.

See ad on page 20.

Those interested in participating in a clean-up or involving their organization in the event can register and find schedules, mulch requests and additional information at EarthDayChicago.org.

Green Witch Garden Workshop with Tiffany Hinton

Photo credit Megan Holly

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“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.” ~John Lubbock

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Chicago

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Photo courtesy of Energetic Geometry, Stanley8833 for Pixabay

news briefs

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Enter to Win a Clay Multi-functional Cooker

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he team at VitaClay will randomly select one lucky Natural Awakenings reader from qualified online entries to receive a free, multi-functional clay cooker that they will give away. Enter by May 31 at VitaClayChef.com/pages/win-vitaclay. The award-winning VitaClay combines a rice cooker, steamer, bean pot cooker, sauce cooker, pasta cooker, casserole maker, soup cooker, roaster and bone broth cooker, all in one device.

Ancient traditions of clay cooking meet modern technology and versatility; convenient and sustainable, the cooker saves dishes and clean up—cook, serve and store all in one pot.

Uniquely crafted with Zisha clay, their cookers use the traditional nourishing properties of clay to create healthy and nourishing one-pot meals quickly. Synergistic ClayHeat technology circulates heat and moisture to evenly cook the food; no oil is necessary. The lead-free, unglazed clay of the cook pot activates enzymes and minerals to extract extra flavors and nutrients while increasing food digestibility. Clay is also alkalizing.

Also available from VitaClay are a stock pot and multi-crock, a quick cook stockpot and multi-crock, a rice and slow cooker, and a three-in-one, low-temperature slow cooker and yogurt maker.

Natural Awakenings readers can also save 15 percent before May 31 if they order any cooker using discount NA-Chicago at VitaClayChef.com. See ads on page 13, in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com and in this month’s Natural Awakenings Chicago e-newsletters.

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One entry per person through May 1.

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Chicago Chicago

NAChicago.com NAChicago.com

news briefs

Faun Can Help Find Hidden Inner Resources

H

eather Faun, a healer who provides sessions via phone, internet or in-person consultations, is celebrating 20 years of intuitive work using techniques and skills to deeply connect, heal and transform all areas of life. New services include angel social, Zoom classes and retreats, plus Healing Your Sexuality and Twin Flame therapy for couples.

She says, “I have text readings now for quick insight on a question, packages for Heather Faun intuitive work and vibe young service to slow down the aging process through energy and products from a well-known esthetician in Palm Desert, California. DNA activation is a week-long package to upgrade your energy and abilities.”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 312-502-1539 or visit HeatherFaunBasl.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Dr. McIrvin Joins Staff of Dr. Kozlowski

F

unctional medicine physician Dr. Carolyn McIrvin is now practicing with Dr. Peter Kozlowski in his Elk Grove Village office.

McIrvin has a double medical specialty in functional medicine and emergency medi- Dr. Carolyn McIrvin cine. She has 10 years of experience at a large Chicago area medical center, treating patients of all ages with a wide variety of conditions. McIrvin completed her training and is certified through the Institute for Functional Medicine, and focuses on modifying client lifestyle and nutritional factors to optimize health. Her specialties include hormonal imbalances, mold and metal toxicities, gastrointestinal dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, weight loss and insulin resistance.

McIrvin is passionate about deeply connecting with patients and understanding their history, and has garnered a reputation for skillfully identifying root causes of medical issues and compassionately guiding her patients to lasting health. She’s worked extensively in Latin America and speaks excellent Spanish. Consultations are available remotely or in the Elk Grove Village clinic.

Additional support is provided by life and health coach Yasmine Amato.

Location: 90 Turner Ave., Elk Grove Village. For more information and appointments, call 847-626-5758 or visit Doc-Koz.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Ancient meets modern…

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hickpea Curry C d se ba tn la P Easy or Quite simply, the VitaClay® multifunctional clay cooker is amazing because nature’s organic, unglazed clay is amazing. It’s greener than green with no toxins or dangerous coatings, plus clay amplifies flavors, stabilizes textures and increases nutrient bio-availability from produce, lean proteins and healthy grains. Add VitaClay’s time and energy-saving modern synergistic heating technology to the mix, and you’ve got the best of both worlds at your fingertips.

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use dried ed. trition, try to For best nu eas, instead of cann kp cooked chic s Ingredient n 1 yellow onio clove c rli ga e rg 1 la ated ginger gr on po 1 teas or olive oil coconut oil on 1 tablespo inach leaves sp nces) baby 6 cups (5 ou d spinach) ps (or choppe oes or 4 cu asted tomat 28 oz fire ro d tomatoes fresh dice r curry powde 1 tablespoon in m cu on po 1 teas coriander ½ teaspoon kosher salt s ¾ teaspoon eas aked chickp 30 oz fully so chickpeas) (or cooked t milk 1 cup coconu h ot br e ps 3-4 cu i rice to serv own basmat White or br

: bowl and Directions s in a large to soak e ied chickpea Put 9 oz dr cups cold water. Leav s and 4 cover with rain and rinse chickpea overnight. D taClay pot.

Vi ium add to your oil over med r n, heat the fo In a sauce pa d the onion and sauté d high heat. Ad d the garlic, ginger, an the til 5 minutes. Adsauté for 2 minutes un spinach and wilted. Transfer to lly spinach is fu pot. min, VitaClay clay y powder, cu lt. matoes, curr d sa Add in the to ps water or broth an ned. cu coriander, 4 t milk until fully combi Stir in coconu 40 ok for or Fast to co are Set on Stew hour, or until beans an to es ut min h. ug cooked thro e and enjoy! basmati ric Serve with

April 2022

13

health briefs

Avoid Formaldehyde to Sidestep Cognitive Problems

A new type of immunotherapy that enables T-cells to fight cancer cells is proving hopeful for people with the deadly skin cancer melanoma, and a new study has found that a high-fiber diet improves the effectiveness of the therapy. Researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported in Science that, by analyzing the gut microbiome in hundreds of patients, they found that higher dietary fiber intake was linked with disease non-progression among patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade therapy compared to patients eating little fiber. The results were strongest in patients that ate the most dietary fiber, but did not take probiotics, a finding that was replicated with lab animals.

Consider Berberine and Probiotics to Improve Cholesterol

knartz/AdobeStock.com``

When used together, the plant alkaloid berberine and the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve work synergistically to significantly improve total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reports a new study in Gut Microbes from Shanghai Jiao Tung University, in China. Researchers tested 365 diabetes patients at 20 centers throughout the country, giving them either a placebo, one of the two substances or both. Comparing post-meal blood samples after 12 weeks, patients that had taken both the berberine and the probiotic had significantly better cholesterol readings and experienced positive changes in the gut microbiome, as well as better fatty acid metabolism.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

Workers exposed over years to formaldehyde may experience thinking and memory problems later in life, researchers at the University of Montpellier, in France, have concluded. Their study published in the journal Neurology surveyed and tested more than 75,000 people with an average age of 58. Of those, 8 percent were exposed to formaldehyde through their occupations as nurses; caregivers; medical technicians; workers in the textile, chemistry and metal industries; carpenters and cleaners. The risk of developing thinking and memory problems was an average of 17 percent higher in people that were exposed to formaldehyde on the job than those with no such exposure.

People exposed to formaldehyde for 22 years or longer had a 21 percent higher risk of cognitive impairment.

Try Fenugreek to Boost Male Fertility and Health Fenugreek, an herb used in Indian curries and Middle Eastern cuisine, has been shown in studies to increase breast milk production in women, and a 12-week study of 100 men has found that it also boosts male testosterone and fertility. A research team at King George’s Medical University, in Lucknow, India, gave 500 milligrams a day of an extract made from fenugreek seeds to men that ranged in ages from 35 to 60. Sperm motility, or movement, significantly increased at eight and 12 weeks of treatment, while abnormal sperm morphology significantly decreased at 12 weeks. Testosterone levels, cholesterol markers and libido also improved. Higher levels of alertness were documented, along with lower blood pressure.

swapan/AdobeStock.com

olga/AdobeStock.com

Eat Lots of Fiber to Improve Melanoma Outcomes

On Becoming a Blue Zone Blue Zones are regions of the world thought to have a higher than usual number of people live much longer than average, with a majority of the population reaching the age of 100 without health problems like heart disease, obesity, cancer, dementia or diabetes. The five recognized blue zones are Okinawa, in Japan; Ikaria, in Greece; Sardinia, in Italy; Nicoya, in Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, in California.

The common thread that ties these diverse regions together is a diet rich in vegetables and healthy fats with smaller amounts of dairy and meat products. There are practically no processed foods in their diets.

Meena Malhotra, M.D. Restorative sleep and short naps fuel them with positive energy.

Moderate consumption of alcohol as wine also helps lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress.

Physical activity is practiced as activities of pleasure in their daily life such as planting a garden, using hand tools for housekeeping and walking in their communities.

When this lifestyle is paired with long-lasting social networks and purpose, the result is longevity with a greater

quality of life. As the awareness of Blue Zones increases, our health not only improves at an individual level, but at the level of family, community and the ecosystem.

Interpersonal relationships are another key factor to progress our community toward becoming a Blue Zone.

In today’s heavily stressful lifestyles, we can modify our emotions of happiness and compassion to improve our levels of resilience. The brain is plastic, and thus can be modified through training. Mindfulness is a powerful modulator of brain plasticity, which when practiced regularly, can enhance attention control, and regulate emotion and self-awareness, as well as improve cognitive control.

Environmental risk factors play a key role in accelerating disease onset and progression, in addition to lifestyle and genetics. A healthy, balanced ecosystem is a state of stability where species coexist within their environment.

Ecological balance is the key to turn our community into a Blue Zone. That means taking care of our prairies and lakes, and living in harmony with the environment.

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Plastic On its Way Out at National Parks A poll by Ipsos conducted for the ocean conservation group Oceana last November found that 82 percent of registered U.S. voters responding would like the National Park Service to stop selling and distributing single-use plastic items.

The survey revealed broad appreciation for national parks, with around four in five respondents saying they had been to a park and 83 percent of previous park visitors looking forward to a return visit. Oceana Plastics Campaign Director Christy Leavitt says, “These polling results indicate that Americans, whether Republican or Democrat, want our parks to be unmarred by the pollution caused by single-use plastic.”

The results show broad support for a campaign led by Oceana and more than 300 other environmental organizations which sent a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland asking the parks to end the sale and distribution of plastic beverage bottles, bags, foodware and cutlery, and plastic foam products. The proposed Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would see such a policy enacted if passed. “The National Park Service was created to preserve these natural and historic spaces, and in order to truly uphold that purpose, it needs to ban the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items, many of which will end up polluting our environment for centuries to come, despite being used for only a moment,” says Leavitt.

Large Study Addresses Indigenous Biodiversity Decline

Simon Fraser University (SFU), in British Columbia, is engaging with more than 150 Indigenous organizations, universities and other partners to highlight the complex problems of biodiversity loss and its implications for health and well-being in the Tackling Biodiversity Decline Across the Globe research initiative. The project is inclusive of intersectional, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary worldviews and methods for research, with activities in 70 different kinds of ecosystems that are spiritually, culturally and economically important to Indigenous peoples. One of the project’s six principal investigators, SFU assistant professor Maya Gislason, of the Faculty of Health Sciences, says, “Our work in health will focus on healing from the stresses and losses caused by colonial practices and on building healthier relationships to nature. By 2027, when the project Airless Tires Increase Safety, Limit Waste completes, healing and Michelin’s new airless tires don’t puncture, so they should last longer, which means well-being will have been fewer tires will need to be produced, thus limiting waste. Their Unique Puncture Proof important considerations Tire System (UPTIS) is an important step on the road to sustainability. The company within the development notes that millions of tires end up in landfills early because of puncture damage, along of holistic and actionable with all the tires that are old and worn out. Disposed tires can become fire hazards, solutions intended to releasing gases, heavy metals and oil into the environment. The U.S. alone produced improve stewardship and more than 260 million scrapped tires in 2019. The new tires can also be made from recare for people and the cycled plastic waste, according to industry publication Interesting Engineering. planet.”

UPTIS, in development for more than a decade, combines an aluminum wheel with a SFU professor John special “tire” around it comprised of a plastic matrix laced with and reinforced by glass O’Neil, former dean of the fibers. This outer tire is designed to be flexible, yet strong faculty of health sciencenough to support the car. Michelin Technical and Scientific es, says of the enterprise, Communications Director Cyrille Roget says, “It was an “It is unique from many exceptional experience for us, and our greatest satisother large projects in its faction came at the end of the demonstration when our embrace of governance passengers ... said they felt no difference compared models like ethical space, with conventional tires.” Goodyear has announced that the Jacksonville, Florida, Transportation Authority Indigenous research methwill be piloting the company’s own version of an airless odologies and Indigenous knowledges.” tire on its fleet of autonomous vehicles.

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Inconvenient Convenience

Broken Promises

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global briefs

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photo courtesy of Goodyear

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Industrial Farming is Bad for Birds Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that increased farm sizes resulted in a 15 percent decline in bird diversity.

Frederik Noack, assistant professor in the Food and Resource Economics Group,

part of their faculty of land and food systems, says, “Wildlife is a good indicator of a healthy agroecosystem, and one thing we wanted to understand was the link between farm size and biodiversity in surrounding areas.” A diverse bird population provides natural pest control and maintenance of an overall healthy ecosystem.

They studied how various farming indicators impacted the diversity of local birds in the farmland bordering the former “Iron Curtain” in Germany.

On the Western side of the former political border, farms are five times larger than on the Eastern side, a legacy of Communist farm collectivization. Although farms in East Germany have been privatized for 30 years, sharp differences in farm size remain along the former border, providing an opportunity to study the impact on biodiversity in an ecologically similar environment. Noack says, “Our results show that the negative impact of increased farm size can be mitigated by conserving land cover diversity within the agricultural landscape. In practice, this could mean incentivizing riparian buffer strips, forest patches, hedgerows or agroforestry.”

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New Park Coming to Bull Valley Thanks to Public-Private Conservation Partnership The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has acquired a 323-acre farm near Bull Valley, fulfilling a community vision to protect the site’s natural and ecological features and resulting in the creation of a new public nature park. The move is a product of a multi-year partnership between TLC, the Village of Bull Valley and the Thompson Road Farm Project, a grassroots coalition of local residents representing a diversity of perspectives from the community.

Patrick Skvoretz, president of the local equestrian Bull Valley Riding Club, states, “The property has been farmed for generations, and horses have historically been part of the fabric of the land, and it’s where our riding club was founded. Today, we can say with certainty that this legacy will endure while protecting the natural beauty.” The future park will preserve the site’s existing equestrian trails while creating new access for recreation, such as hiking, walking, trail running, wildlife viewing and photography.

During the initial ecological restoration, TLC will open the site to the public on a limited basis later this year for passive, low-impact recreation before the property becomes part of the Bull Valley Park System. The Land Conservancy will hold the conservation easement, ensuring the property remains protected open space for future generations.

Community members may participate in shaping the future of the new park—TLC will collect input while site

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Thompson Road Farm management and restoration plans are developed. Public meetings, tours and specific opportunities to provide feedback will be announced later this year. Additionally, residents are encouraged to donate to the fundraising campaign to support further ecological restoration and stewardship on the property. Naming and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance supports more than 950 member land trusts across the country through policy, education and training, helping to ensure the highest standards in private land conservation.

Andrew Bowman, president and CEO of the Land Trust Alliance, says, “Facilitating land protection to fulfill a community’s vision is the exemplary work of a local land trust like TLC. Public-private partnerships like this energize our collective work to conserve land, and the Land Trust Alliance congratulates all partners on this conservation success story.”

For more information, call 815-337-9502 or donate at ConserveMC.org.

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eco brief

eco brief

Chokeberry seeds plucked from the Forest Preserve District of Will County Kankakee Sands Preserve, in Custer Township, last year are now being stored in two national seed vaults. Seeds and leaf tissue, known as germplasm, also were taken from chokeberry plants at Starved Rock State Park, in La Salle County; the Iroquois County Conservation Area, in Iroquois County; and Rutland Township Bog, in Kane County. Seed collecting is part of national and international efforts to preserve genetic materials should there be natural or human-caused disasters that reduce the planet’s biodiversity.

The germplasm will be used for research projects and stored for safekeeping in the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, in Ames, Iowa, and the National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Seeds grown from some of the Illinois samples may go to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, in Norway, which offers safe, free and long-term storage of seed duplicates from all gene banks and nations participating in the global community’s joint effort to ensure the world’s future food supply.

Chokeberry, or aronia, seeds were chosen because the Ames facility needs more varieties of this plant, which has become a common alternative crop in agriculture, according to Jeffrey Carstens, a horticulturist from the Ames facility that led the seed collection foray to Illinois.

Also, chokeberry fruit has a level of antioxidants higher than that of blueberries, and is a beneficial plant for home landscaping. “It provides early spring flowers for pollinators, along with nice foliage, followed by fruits providing food for birds, and then you get nice fall color,” says Carstens.

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inspiration

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“Spring, in all her punctual glory, teaches us the vital necessity to court our passions, and there is no better time than now.”

Spring is a State of Mind

by Marlaina Donato

E

very year, spring lifts us from lethargy, her blossomed enthusiasm nudging us to take down the curtains for an annual wash, clean out the closets, and plot this year’s garden. If we pause and listen carefully, we can also hear an invitation to shake off the winters of our lives—the failures, aborted plans and could-have-beens.

All of life depends upon nature’s green ambition, yet we tend to take it for granted, not unlike the faint whisper of discontent that hints at the need for change. In the darkness of our fear-based comfort zones, there is a thwarted impulse to take that class at the community center, plant new ideas or try our hand at something new.

“I’m too old,” we proclaim. “I can’t do that,” we assume. “They’ll think I’m crazy,” we say. But spring begs to differ. The most delicious possibilities are those that give us stage-

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fright butterflies in the belly and wake us up at night with the nagging question, “What if?” Perhaps, if the caterpillar could foresee its winged destiny, it would be too overcome with self-doubt to even begin.

Author Marianne Williamson says, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

As April puts on a new playlist of birdsong and our gardens remind us how to grow one inch at a time, we can make a point to wear that colorful shirt, begin the first chapter of a long overdue memoir or decide that we are deserving to fall madly, happily in love. For today, make an appointment with delight and put fresh flowers on the desk, walk barefoot after the rain or simply try on a new perspective. If we tune out the naysayer in our brains, we might even hear loved ones cheering us on. Spring, in all her punctual glory, teaches us the vital necessity to court our passions, and there is no better time than now.

Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and visionary painter. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

eco tipbrief event

Volunteer for Chicago River Day May 14 will mark the 30th annual Chicago River Day, a spring litter cleanup and restoration event hosted

by Friends of the Chicago River, taking place from 9 a.m. to noon. The celebration draws thousands of volunteers every year to work in and along the river system at nearly 70 greater Chicagoland locations throughout the watershed. Cleanups are scheduled at locations along the Chicago River system, from Lake County to the Calumet region and southwest to Summit, Palos and beyond. Advanced registration is required.

This volunteer-driven event began in 1992 as Chicago River Rescue Day, reflecting the dire environmental state of the river 30 years ago and has grown into becoming the largest and most popular Friends of the Chicago River volunteer event each year. Since 1992, volunteers have removed 1.9 million pounds of litter and invasive plant material from the river and its banks as well as tributaries and forest preserves.

The Chicago River system has made a strong comeback due to action and advocacy on its behalf, resulting in smarter policy decisions for the implementation of water quality standards, disinfection to protect recreational users, more open public space and wildlife restoration.

Friends Executive Director Margaret Frisbie states, “When Chicago River Day began 30 years ago, fishing, paddling and accessible open space on the Chicago River

system were novel ideas, and swimming was unthinkable.” Now the Chicago River system is healthier than it has been in 150 years and it is alive with people and wildlife. There is more work to do to address the continued impacts of sewage, stormwater pollution and the climate crisis, but people are awakening to an understating of the river as a valuable natural resource and springing into action to improve and protect it. Litter remains a problem. Over the last 30 years, volunteers have removed garbage, thus restoring riverbanks and open spaces for a litter-free Chicago-Calumet river system.

Each year, Friends features a river animal as part of Chicago River Day to help connect us to the many different animals that rely on people to care for and protect the river system. This year’s featured animal is the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii).

For more information and to volunteer, visit ChicagoRiver.org.

April 2022

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A

Divorce with Dignity

divorce with dignity may sound counterintuitive because it often comes with controversy, cultural stigma and religious implications. For those considering a divorce as their next best step, it just might be the most stressful event they have ever experienced. Local attorney Victoria “Vicki” Kelly, a partner at Grunyk Family Law, in Naperville, wants her clients to know that divorce and co-parenting can be dignified, and that families can support children through the whole experience with success. “Regardless of the approach, whether litigation or settlement, I believe in a dignified approach to your case. As a family law attorney, your family’s happiness is important to me. My goal is to work with my clients to set goals while applying a mindful approach to your case,” Kelly says.

Kelly is a practicing guardian ad litem for adoption and divorce, and has recently achieved Illinois State Bar Association continuing legal education mediator certification. “I think it is important to build a personal relationship with my clients.

We are caring, compassionate, and we pride ourselves on staying family-focused.”

Kelly shares how being a parent to her two young daughters impacts how she practices law. “The gravity of understanding, even though I cannot always see the children behind the case—they are there. My goal is to make sure my choices as a practitioner 22

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is Possible

by Anna Marie Imbordino help lessen the impact and stress those children feel from the experience.”

Parenting choices are complex for any family, she notes. For divorcing parents that struggle to agree, healthy parenting means coming up with a plan, or parenting agreement, that best works for their family and the communication styles of both co-parents.

Kelly wants to make sure families understand the differences between these approaches, reminding them that a mediator does not act as an attorney for either party, but proactively acts to identify issues and work with the couple to develop reasonable, viable solutions. Mediation sessions are structured so that the participants can successfully negotiate their own settlement.

Depending on the complexity of the issues, the mediator will often recommend that

the parties each have their own attorney to provide additional legal support in-between mediation sessions, and also to draft final agreements that may be entered into the record by the court.

For those considering mediation as a technique, Kelly encourages families to seek counsel from an experienced mediator in their community. Easy online research with reputable organizations like local bar associations can offer resources for families that can help them find an attorney and approach that will best serve the needs of their case.

For more information, call 630-428-3300 or visit www.GrunykLaw.com. See ads in this month’s Natural Awakenings Chicago newsletter and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Anna Marie Imbordino is an award-winning publicist, writer and environmentalist based in Chicago and Charleston, SC. Connect on social media by following @teawiththebee.

“My goal is to work with my clients to set goals while applying a mindful approach to your case.”

– Victoria Kelly

Photo credit Deonna Caruso

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Why We Need

WILD PLACES How to Invite Nature Back into Our Lives and Landscapes

by Sheryl DeVore

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once caused two teens to stop taking selfies and photograph the natural scene above them instead, as Hoffman witnessed in Great Britain.

Such regions that offer vast tracts of natural beauty and biodiversity are even found in and around major cities like Chicago, says Chicagoland nature blogger Andrew Morkes. “A wild place is also where you don’t see too many people, or any people, and you can explore,” he says. “You can walk up a hill and wonder what’s around the next bend.”

“A wild place could be a 15-minute drive from home where we can walk among plants in a meadow, or a tree-lined street, or front and back yard, if landscaped with wild creatures in mind,” says Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard.

Sustaining Our Species

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n a blustery day, Julian Hoffman stood outdoors and watched wild bison grazing in the restored grassland of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, fewer than 50 miles from downtown Chicago. For him, it was a wild place, affording a glimpse of what North America looked like hundreds of years ago when bison roamed the continent by the millions.

“We’re witnessing, in a way that’s both terrible and tragic, just what the profound cost is of continuing to destroy the natural world,” he writes.

Saving wild places is critical for human health and well-being, say both scientists and environmentalists. But defining what a wild place is or what the word wilderness means can be difficult, says Hoffman, author of Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places. “If wilderness means a place untouched by humans, then none is left,” he says. Even the set-aside wildernesses where no one may have ever stepped have been altered through climate change, acid rain and other human interventions.

Humans are also losing the wilderness that is defined as land set aside solely for plants and creatures other than humans.

Prominent naturalist David Attenborough, whose most recent documentary is A Life on Our Planet, says that in 1937, when he was a boy, about 66 percent of the world’s wilderness areas remained. By 2020, it was down to 35 percent.

A wild place can be as spectacular as Yellowstone, a 3,500-square-mile national park in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, filled with hot springs, canyons, wolves, and elk. It can also be as simple as a sky filled with a murmuration, or gathering, of thousands of swooping starlings, which

“We need these places to save ourselves,” says Tallamy, who heads the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. “Humans are totally dependent on the production of oxygen and clean water, and that happens with the continued existance of flowering plants, which are dependent on the continued existence of all the pollinators. When you lose the pollinators, you lose 90 percent of the flowering plants on the Earth. That is not an option if we want to stay alive and healthy.”

Our mental and emotional health is also at stake. According to a recent overview in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, studies have shown that natural settings can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and anxiety, and help the immune system function better.

People have saved wild places over time, of course. “The world’s ancient redwoods are still with us today because people in the early 1900s fought to protect and preserve what they could already see was rapidly diminishing,” Hoffman says. “In April 2022

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CREATING A WILD SPACE AT HOME In their book The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, University of Delaware ecology professor Douglas Tallamy and landscape designer Rick Darke show how to create wild spaces in yards, including what and where to plant and how to manage the land. They advise homeowners to: Stop using pesticides and herbicides.

Replace non-native plants with those native to the region.

Reduce lawn space, converting it to native plants.

Leave leaf litter, withering plants and dying trees alone to provide shelter and food for wildlife. n Create a small pond or another water feature. n n n n

“Mourning cloak butterflies overwinter as mature adults. If you say, ‘Hey, let’s just clean up all of that so-called leaf litter,’ you could be cleaning up the habitat of mourning cloaks and killing them,” says Darke, who has served as a horticultural consultant for botanic gardens and other public landscapes in Texas, Maryland, New York, Illinois and Delaware. “That’s not litter. It’s meaningful habitat.

“A dead tree in your home landscape, called a snag, often contributes as much to the local ecology as a living tree,” he adds. “For example, woodpeckers build nests in holes or cavities in a snag, and countless insects find shelter and nourishment in the organic material of the snag.” the year 2022, we are the beneficiaries of those past actions. Yet less than 5 percent of those old-growth redwood groves are left, and we live in an age where we’re losing an extraordinary range of wild species; for example, 3 billion birds have disappeared from the skies of North America in just the past 50 years. That’s why people need to continue to fight for wild spaces.”

Community Crusaders In researching his book, Hoffman went looking for wild-space struggles. In Glasgow, Scotland, he met people that fought to save an urban meadow from being turned into a luxury home development. “I’d never experienced as much joy in any one place as when I spent time with the community fighting to preserve this tiny meadow,” he recalls.

“They campaigned and lobbied politicians, and eventually, the government backed down. And now the whole community is able to enjoy this site where a lot of urban wildlife thrives.”

Once-wild places may also need human help to again become wild refuges. The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, where Hoffman saw the buffalo, “was once an arsenal for the production of extraordinary quantities of ordnance for a number of wars,” he says. After hundreds of die-hard volunteers dug out invasive plants, scattered seed and documented wildlife on the 18,000-acre prairie, visitors can now walk among big bluestem and golden alexander, and listen for the sweet song of meadowlarks in the grasslands and chorus frogs in the wetlands.

Conservation volunteers working to save wild places hail from every state. In fact, nearly 300,000 volunteers contribute more than 6.5 million hours of volunteer service a year to the U.S. National Park Service, from leading tours to studying wildlife and hosting campgrounds.

One doesn’t have to be an environmental crusader to save wild places, Hoffman stresses. Exploring local wild places and sharing them with others can help save them, as well. “We can only protect those places that we love,” he says. “And we can only love those places that we know.”

Sadly, roughly 100 million people, including 28 million children, do not have access to 26

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a quality park within 10 minutes of home, according to The Trust for Public Land.

Projects, such as the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, which enables urban communities to create outdoor spaces, can help. The U.S. Department of the Interior committed $150 million to the program in 2021. “Every child in America deserves to have a safe and nearby place to experience the great outdoors,” says Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

A Homegrown National Park Tallamy says one of the most important ways to get people to appreciate and save wild places is to begin in their own yards.

“We have wilderness designations. We have national forests. We have national parks.

We have 12 percent of the U.S. protected from development,” he says. “Yet, we are in the sixth great extinction. Our parks and our preserves are not enough. My point is that we have got to focus on the areas outside of parks and preserves.” He urges what he calls a “homegrown national park,” in which homeowners, land managers and farmers create a habitat by replacing invasive plants with native species.

Tallamy speaks from experience. He lives on a 10-acre former farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania. “It had been mowed for hay and when we moved in, very little life was here,” he says. “We have been rebuilding the eastern deciduous forest here, getting invasive plants under control and replanting with species that ought to be here.” He’s now counted more than 1,400 different species of moths on his property and documented 60 species of birds nesting within the landscape. “We have foxes who raise their kits in the front yard,” he says.

Lots of acreage is not required, he says. In Kirkwood, Missouri, homeowners created a wild place on six-tenths of an acre on which they’ve documented 149 species of birds. “If one person does it, it’s not going to work,” he stresses. “The point is to get those acres connected. When everybody adopts this as a general landscape culture, it’s going to help tremendously. By rewilding your yard, you are filling in spaces between the true wild places and natural areas. The reason our wild spaces are not working in terms of conservation is because they are too small

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and too isolated. Even the biggest national parks are too small or too isolated.”

Tallamy says people can create wild spaces in their yards by reducing the amount of lawn they have or even getting rid of it. They can grow native plants and discontinue the use of pesticides and herbicides, which are disrupting ecological function of wild places the world over, as research shows. Hoffman agrees, “We’ve cultivated a culture of tidiness. It’s actually very easy to welcome wildlife into your home places, often by doing fewer things, by not bringing the leaf blower out and by leaving some dead wood where it fell, which creates important shelters for insects, for example.

“Such wild yard spaces encourage wonder. Suddenly, the kids are out there and they can be absolutely fascinated by a small glittering beetle. For me, to experience the wild is to go to the shore of a lake, to be present in the mystery, to be among the lake’s reed beds, to see a marsh harrier sleek out of those reeds and to know you’re part of something much larger,” he says. “There’s so much joy and beauty and complexity in being in the presence of other lives besides human.” That in itself is reason enough to save wild places.

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as health and environmental stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

LEARN MORE The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier and More Creative, by Florence Williams Irreplaceable: The Fight to Save Our Wild Places, by Julian Hoffman

murray/AdobeStock.com

A Life on Our Planet, Netfliax documentary by David Attenborough Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts with Your Yard,

by Douglas Tallamy The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, by Rick Darke and Douglas Tallamy April 2022

27

F Nurturing a Healthy

Sleep Environment

Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

by Carrie Jackson

28

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ew factors are more vital to overall health and wellness than sleep. It is during sleep that the body is able to reset and restore on a cellular level. A good night’s sleep helps to manage pain, decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system and regulate body weight. While many people have a relaxing sleep routine, creating a healthy and comfortable sleep environment is equally important for a restful evening.

Quality of sleep is more important than quantity, according to Dr. Phyllis Zee, chief of sleep medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg.Northwestern. edu). “Deep, restorative sleep allows the brain to remove waste that is produced during wake. Deficiency of sleep can decrease the ability of this waste removal process, which is thought to increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” says Zee. Maintaining a proper temperature in the room is one important factor that can help improve sleep quality. “Our body temperature naturally drops at night, and keeping a slightly cooler room will promote sleep. People have different preferences about what is comfortable, but high-tech beds can help customize a setting that’s right for each individual. Wearing loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics helps the body regulate its own temperature without feeling constricted,” Zee explains. “Taking a warm bath or shower and wearing socks before bed may help cool the body and help to get better sleep.”

Lighting and hues have a big impact on our ability to rest.

“Our brain is used to taking cues from the light throughout the day, and our circadian rhythms respond as the colors shift from more blue in the morning to reds and orange color light at dusk.

In the evening and night, it is important to avoid bright light, especially blue lights, which can be stimulating,” advises Zee. Mary Pat Wallace is the founder of The Luxury Bed Collection (TheLuxuryBedCollection.com), which offers bespoke, handcrafted mattresses made from natural materials that allow for personalized sleep. She says that quality mattresses and bedding are required to achieve the optimal sleep we all deserve.

“Your mattress and pillows physically support every inch of your body, so it’s crucial that the hours spent in bed are spent with your unique body’s proper level of support and firmness in mind.

Every person’s body and routines are different, so a mattress and bedding should be unique to their needs, as well,” she explains.

Wallace cautions against traditional mattresses that are treated with harmful, flame-repellent chemicals such as formaldehyde and are constructed with synthetic materials that bring unwanted chemicals into the environment. “Organic wool, which is used in mattresses sourced by The Luxury Bed Collection is naturally flame-resistant. An all-natural mattress, allows for a more breathable, clean sleep environment. I’m partial to linen and cotton sheets. The best options are both breathable in the summer and comfortably warm in the winter, and they’re built to last for years at a time,” she says.

Lynn Broderick, co-founder of Inspire Medical Products (InspireMedicalProducts.com), points to research that shows good air ventilation and circulation can improve sleep quality. “Both sleep quality and next-day performance could be improved by

increasing the clean outdoor air supply rate in bedrooms. Here in Chicagoland, we’re probably not opening windows at night unless it’s summer. This closed environment has a negative impact on air quality due to the buildup of CO2 and particulate matter.

In fact, indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. If there are molds or other allergens present, congestion and other allergic reactions can disturb our sleep even further,” she explains.

Bedrooms can be especially prone to poor air quality, with the presence of mold, dust mites, pet dander and other irritants prevalent. “VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are hazardous compounds that are released by common household and personal care products from things like paraffin candles, perfumes, furniture polish, air fresheners, nail polish removers and cleaning agents. Exposure to these substances can lead to headaches, nose and throat irritation and respiratory disturbances that can greatly interrupt sleep. I recommend searching the EWG [Environmental Working Group, EWG. org] website for safe, toxin-free products for the bedroom to make it as clean as possible. A quality purifier can also help reduce VOCs, allergens, particulate matter and more,” says Broderick.

Color can have a big impact on our moods and energies. Nichole Lovett, founder of Harmony Haus Painting (HarmonyHaus.com), says that while color is subjective, whatever calms the mind is best for relaxation and rest. “I don’t put much stock in the ‘rules’ of color, but in general, muted colors are soothing and relaxing. It’s difficult to fall asleep when one is anxious or energized, so avoiding strong primary or neon colors is a good idea.”

Lovett recommends using non-toxic paints everywhere, but especially in the bedroom. “There are so many chemicals, toxins and additives in everything all around us every day. You don’t want to go to sleep in a room that is off-gassing all kinds of junk, clogging up your sinuses and giving you a headache. This is especially important for babies, elderly and others with compromised immune systems,” she explains.

Essential oils can help set the tone for

a calming environment. Karen Duewel, a brand partner with Young Living (myyl.com/karenduewel), says that essential oils can be both physically and emotionally calming. “Therapeutic-grade essential oils made from concentrated plant and flower extracts are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier. They are able to directly reach the amygdala, which is responsible for regulating mood and stimulating relaxation. Having the calming mix helps signal the brain that it’s time for sleep. Start the diffuser 30 minutes before bed, and when you walk into the room, it will be welcoming and soothing. You can also put a few drops on the bedding to create a spalike environment,” Duewel explains.

With hundreds of oils to choose from, experimenting to find the right mix is important. “People will respond differently to the oils depending on their unique body chemistry. What one person may find soothing, another may see as stimulating. Finding an aroma you like will make you want to breathe more deeply, which also improves sleep. Lavender, valerian and cedarwood are popular aromas that tend to be calming for most people, and Young Living offers a number of other calming essential oil options, as well as blends designed especially for sleep. My favorite is Sleepyize, which was originally developed for children,” says Duewel.

Finally, the room setup itself is vital to creating a harmonious atmosphere. Laurie Pawli, director of the Feng Shui School of Chicago (TheFengShuiOfChicago.com), says

that intentional placement of furniture and other items can affect the overall energy in the room. “It’s especially important in a bedroom to create an energetic vibration that is balanced and calming. Having a headboard attached to the bedframe is grounding and provides stability. Nightstands on both sides of the bed bring balance. The bed should be placed so that the door is visible while sleeping, leading to a sense of safety,” she explains.

Energy needs to be able to flow throughout the bedroom. “Many people mistakenly store children’s dolls or toys under the bed, but these items radiate the energy they absorb all day and it’s hard to relax. Ideally, I recommend people keep the space under the bed clear, so energy can circulate freely around while you’re sleeping. If it must be utilized for storage, soft items like linens, blankets and pillows are preferred.”

While Pawli acknowledges that bedrooms are often used for storage or other purposes out of necessity, she said there are still ways to make the room feel peaceful. “If you do have a Peloton or treadmill in the bedroom, put a screen around it to block the energy from reaching the bed.

Boxes or other storage can be covered with a quilt or blanket, making the space feel grounding and comfortable,” she says.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Good Sleep

I S N O T H I N G T O YAW N AT

Sweet, slumber-inducing essential oils that help you drift off to enchanting dreams!

• Add a drop of roman Chamomile to your foot cream.

• Place a drop of Ylang Ylang in your kid’s palm; rub their hands together so they can cup their nose and breathe in.

• Put a few drops of Bergamot onto a tissue and tuck it inside your pillow.

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myyl.com/karenduewel April 2022

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conscious eating

Eating for the Planet DIET FOR A CLIMATE CRISIS

vector mine/AdobeStock.com

by Sheila Julson

W

hat we choose to put on our plates influences not only our physical health, but also the health of the environment. While much of the climate conversation focuses on the burning of fossil fuels, commercial food production—particularly livestock—uses large amounts of land, water and energy.

Wasted food contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Leigh Prezkop, food loss and waste specialist for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), says agriculture accounts for 30

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about 70 percent of the world’s fresh water use, while pasture and crop land accounts for about 50 percent of the Earth’s habitable land.

“The environmental impacts begin with the soil,” Prezkop explains. “Soil that’s depleted of nutrients loses its ability to capture carbon and produce nutrient-rich foods. The long chain continues with the processing and packaging of that food, and then transporting it to grocery store shelves and, eventually, to the consumer’s home.”

Eat Less Meat

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, argues author, screenwriter and playwright Glen Merzer in his latest book, Food Is Climate: A Response to Al Gore, Bill Gates, Paul Hawken & the Conventional Narrative on Climate Change.

“When we have 93 million cattle farmed in the U.S. and 31 billion animals farmed globally each year, they create mountains of waste,” says Merzer, a dedicated vegan of 30 years. “That waste infiltrates water supplies and causes contamination, such

“When food is wasted, we’re not just throwing away food, but everything it took to produce that food is also wasted— the water, the fertilizer and the land.”

–Leigh Prezkop as E. coli outbreaks, in foods like lettuce and tomatoes that are grown downstream.”

He adds that cows belch methane, a far more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and that grass-fed cows belch even more of it than grain-fed, feedlot cows. In addition, nitrogen fertilizers used to grow animal feed run into waterways.

Overfishing and ocean warming threaten populations of phytoplankton, which sequester carbon dioxide and seed clouds.

Deforestation to create grazing land may be the single greatest future threat to our climate because forests also sequester carbon and provide a home for diverse flora and fauna.

Инесса Шустикова/AdobeStock.com

Make Simple Swaps Prezkop emphasizes that despite these problems with the industrial food chain, changing the way we produce food is also the solution. The WWF works with suppliers to educate and promote regenerative production practices. On the consumer side, changing the way food is produced can be achieved by changing people’s dietary demands.

“We don’t prescribe people to eat a certain way. We do believe different people and cultures have different dietary needs,” she says. “The global north eats a lot of meat, so we do recommend a plant-forward diet while still incorporating animal proteins, depending on individual dietary needs.”

Merzer argues that we have little control over fossil fuel burning, but we can control our diets. He promotes plant-based eating as a primary solution to climate change. Changing mindsets about “normal” traditions, such as having hamburgers on the Fourth of July or turkey on Thanksgiving, can be difficult, but achievable with the planet at stake, he says.

Sophie Egan, founder of FullTableSolutions.com and author of How to Be a Conscious Eater: Making Food Choices That Are Good For You, Others, and the Planet, advises to start small by looking at the foods eaten most frequently and identifying ways to make simple swaps. “If you have toast with butter every morning, that could be changed to a nut butter. A sandwich with cold cuts every day for lunch, that can be replaced with a roasted vegetables and hummus sandwich or an avocado sandwich. You can still eat something in a familiar form, but replace ingredients with lower-emissions options,” she says.

If someone is intimidated by switching to an all plant-based diet, a flexitarian option emphasizing foods from the plant kingdom while enjoying meat only occasionally may be more sustainable throughout a person’s lifetime. Her book contains a “protein scorecard” from the World Resources Institute that lists

SCRAP VEGETABLE STOCK Those potatoes that start to sprout, the straggler stalks of celery wilting in the back of the crisper drawer or that pompon of green carrot tops can all be used to make vegetable stock. This is a very general recipe with plenty of creative license to get more mileage from leftover vegetables that normally would have been discarded.

Start by collecting vegetable scraps that typically aren’t used— thick asparagus ends, carrot tops and broccoli stems. Even wilted kale or limp carrots that are no longer good to eat fresh, but are still free from mold or mush, can be added. Coarsely chop scrap veggies and put them into a freezer bag. Store them in the freezer until four to five pounds of vegetable scrap have been accumulated. yield: about 3 quarts 4 to 5 lb vegetable scraps (can include the freezer bag of vegetable scraps, green tops from a fresh bunch of carrots, slightly wilted kale, turnips that are starting to turn soft or any combination) 2 bay leaves 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 2 medium onions, cut into quarters 6 quarts water Salt to taste Coarsely chop all vegetables and add to a large stockpot. (If the vegetables are still frozen, dump them into the stockpot; they’ll begin to thaw during the cooking process.) Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently.

Cook for about two hours or until the liquid is reduced by about half and the color begins to fade from the vegetables.

Let the mixture cool. Strain the stock into a large bowl.

Compost the vegetables, as they are now flavorless; all of the flavors have been cooked into the broth.

Strain broth a second time through a cheesecloth or sieve for an even clearer broth. Salt to taste and portion into Mason jars.

Store in the refrigerator for one to two weeks, or freeze if saving for later use.

Courtesy of Sheila Julson.

April 2022

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kravtzov/AdobeStock.com

MUNG BEAN CURRY

3 cups water 1 cup dried mung beans 2 dry bay leaves ½ medium onion, chopped 3 cloves raw garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced ½ tsp turmeric powder ½ tsp yellow curry 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro or sweet basil 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice Black pepper to taste

Scoop away the white foam that forms on the surface of the water and discard.

Simmer covered for about 40 minutes.

Add the onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry, and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro or basil, lemon juice and black pepper.

Serve over rice or another grain.

almaje/AdobeStock.com

Courtesy of Joanna Samorow-Merzer, reprinted with permission from Own Your Health, by Glen Merzer.

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Prezkop says approximately 40 percent of the food produced globally is lost while still on the farm or further up the supply chain. “When food is wasted, we’re not just throwing away food, but everything it took to produce that food is also wasted—the water, the fertilizer and the land.”

A recent WWF report entitled Driven To Waste cites new data indicating that food waste contributes to approximately 10 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions—nearly twice the emissions produced annually by all the cars in the U.S. and Europe.

Egan suggests using a shopping list; impulse buys can be forgotten and are prone to spoiling. Keeping food visible by putting fruits and vegetables front and center ensures they won’t be forgotten. Leftovers can be kept from languishing by designating a section of the refrigerator for food to eat first or a day of the week to eat leftovers for dinner.

“You can freeze just about anything,” Egan says, from leftover bread to cheese, which can be shredded before frozen. Even scrambled eggs can be poured into a freezer container to use later. (For more ideas, check out SaveTheFood.com and Dana Gunders’ Waste-Free Kitchen Handbook.)

Nonprofits throughout the country are creating solutions to divert food waste from the landfills. Keep Austin Fed, a nonprofit comprised of mostly volunteers, helps neighbors experiencing food insecurity by redistributing wholesome, nutritious, surplus food from any food-permitted business. Volunteers pick up leftover food from urban gardens, rural farms, grocery stores and caterers serving area tech firms. All prepared food accepted and redistributed is handled by licensed food handlers. Executive Director Lisa Barden says that Keep Austin Fed redistributed 982,428 pounds of food, or the equivalent of 818,695 meals, in 2021, thus keeping it out of the waste stream.

Similarly missioned organizations exist nationwide. FoodRescue.us, with 40 locations in 20 states, provides assistance and even a dropoff/pickup app for people starting local groups. Since its founding in 2011, it has provided 85 million meals and kept 109 million pounds of excess food out of landfills. Its website offers a potent plea: “Fight Hunger.

Help the Planet. Be the Rescue.”

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

elenabsl/AdobeStock.com

Cut Food Waste

Rinse the mung beans, then soak overnight in water. The next day, discard the water, rinse the beans again and add 3 cups of water and bay leaves. Bring the beans to near boil and reduce heat to simmer.

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animal and plant sources in terms of greenhouse gas emissions per gram of protein from the worst offenders to the least, with beef (along with goat and lamb) being at the top.

Prezkop recommends eating a wide variety of foods. “Currently, 75 percent of food produced is from 12 plant species and five animal species, despite that there are thousands of varieties. This means there’s less diversity happening in the field. Diversity helps with regeneration and healthy soils. Producing the same crops over and over means there’s no crop rotation and no diversity happening, leading to degraded soils and deforestation to produce more of the same crop.”

Egan adds that diets that are over-reliant on just a few food sources like corn, wheat, rice and soy threaten the Earth and can lead to food insecurity. “Think of it as risk management with a financial portfolio: We have a diversified portfolio of foods available to feed a growing population, but as the climate warms, extreme weather events threaten yields because lack of fresh water and unhealthy soil threaten the planet and, ultimately, food production.”

Eating food that is as close as to its original state as possible is better for the planet. “The more food is processed, the more resources it took to get it to market,” Prezkop notes.

recipe from a gluten-free kitchen

LIVO

Spring Roasted Asparagus

Specially Curated Olive Oil

for Top Level Health Benefits

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Ultra High Polyphenol - 624 mg/kg* International Olive Council Method >550 mg/kg : Very High

This extra virgin olive oil is supercharged with a much higher level of polyphenols than conventional olive oil.

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Health benefits of Olive Oil are 99% related to the presence of the phenolic compounds, not the oil itself.

— Nasir Malik USDA Plant Research Physiologist

by Tiffany Hinton

elcome to the garden. This spring recipe is made from a “love it or hate it” vegetable that comes back year after year, once it is started in the garden. Asparagus is a perennial that grows easily in zones 3 through 10, making it a very easy to grow vegetable for the Chicagoland area. The only tricky part is properly planting the crowns the first year. Asparagus plants prefer full sun and organically rich soil. Asparagus can not be harvested the first two years. That is probably the hardest part for the asparagus lover—letting the plant grow and put down deep roots as we patiently wait until the spring of year three to enjoy the freshly grown asparagus. But at the local farmers market, we can get fresh, local asparagus to enjoy this season.

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yield: 4 servings of 3 to 5 spears 15-20 spears asparagus, rinsed and trimmed 1 Tbsp avocado oil ½ tsp minced garlic ½ tsp Himalayan salt ½ tsp cracked pepper Heat oven to 400° F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix avocado oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Place asparagus spears on a baking sheet. Brush each spear with the oil-seasoned mixture. Drizzle remaining oil mixture over the asparagus.

Roast in oven for 10 to 12 minutes until asparagus begins to brown on the outside. Be careful not to overcook, or it will get mushy.

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Hinton, GF Mom Certified. Connect online at @gfmomcertified and listen to Tiffany’s podcast, Cultivating Guts, on Spotify or iTunes.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

Chop off the bottom ½ to 1 inch of each asparagus spear; discard with compost.

April 2022

33

healing ways

Buzz-Free Drinking THE HEALTHY RISE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

by Ronica O’Hara

photo courtesy of Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi

A

SOUR MOCK-A-RITA 1 cup and 2 Tbsp lime juice ¼ cup and 2 Tbsp orange juice 3 Tbsp agave nectar, plus more to taste 2½ cups and 2 Tbsp coconut water Few dashes of salt Lime wheels for garnish Lime wedges and sea salt to rim the glasses To salt the rims of four to six lowball or margarita glasses, pour a thin layer of salt onto a plate or a shallow bowl.

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Slide a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to wet it, or use a finger to apply the juice to the rim, then dip and twist the glass in the salt. Combine all of the drink ingredients in a pitcher. Stir.

Fill the rimmed glasses with ice. Divide the margarita mix among the glasses.

Garnish with lime wheels.

From Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion, by Kerry Benson and Diana Licalzi.

s a former bartender, Katie Cheney enjoys mixing drinks for friends, and one night recently, in her San Francisco apartment, she tried out something new: an alcohol-free “Noquila Sunrise” made with a distilled, plant-based spirit. “I was actually pleasantly surprised.

Even though we were drinking non-alcoholic drinks, we still had just as much fun as usual!” recalls Cheney, who blogs at DrinksSaloon.com.

In New York City, Marcos Martinez has begun drinking virgin piña coladas when out on the town with friends. “The feeling is surprisingly great since I don’t wake up with hangovers. More importantly, I’ve realized that I don’t have to use alcohol as a crutch for my social anxiety,” says Martinez, who owns the black gay lifestyle blog TheMenWhoBrunch.com.

At Chicago’s Kumiko Japanese cocktail bar, owner Julia Momosé offers a menu of what she calls “Spiritfrees,” crafted without alcohol and with ingredients like yarrow, ume—a Japanese fruit—and cardamom.

“Folks comment on how they appreciate that it is ‘more than just juice,’ or how surprised they are at their depth, texture and complexity,” she says.

The “sober-curious”—people experimenting with alcohol-free beverages as a way of prioritizing their health and fitness over a short-lived buzz—are changing America’s drinking culture. For the first time in 20 years, fewer Americans are regularly drinking, reports Gallup, and tipplers are drinking measurably less than they did 10 years ago.

No longer stuck with a seltzer while dodging questions from inquisitive imbibers, today the sober-inclined can sip from a vast array of sophisticated choices—from

photo courtesy of Vanessa Young/ ThirstyRadish.com

“You have your wits about you, you can drive if necessary, you are less likely to say or do something you might regret and you won’t have a hangover the next morning.”

–Kerry Benson faux vodka in exotic, crafted drinks to prize-winning sparkling wines to low- and no-alcohol craft beer. No-booze options can be easily ordered at restaurants, picked up at supermarkets or delivered at home with a few online clicks.

“The best part about having a fun, non-alcoholic beverage in hand is that you get the taste and experience of a cocktail or beer, just without the alcohol and potential negative side effects,” says dietitian Kerry Benson, co-author of Mocktail Party: 75 PlantBased, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion. “You have your wits about you, you can drive if necessary, you are less likely to say or do something you might regret and you won’t have a hangover the next morning. And alcohol-free drinks are usually less expensive than their alcoholic counterparts.”

Sober-curious strategies range widely. Some people start tentatively, but increasingly turn to non-alcoholic drinks because they prefer the taste, price and lower calorie count, as well as the diminished risk of heart and liver disease. Others may go cold turkey for a month or two to break a pandemic-induced habit, alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a game or bar to avoid getting tipsy, or drink a Bloody Mary for a weekend brunch and virgin versions during the week to enhance work productivity.

The sales of non-alcoholic beverages shot up 33 percent to $331 million in 2021, reports Nielsen, and online sales of non- and low-alcoholic beverages skyrocketed 315 percent. To compete for the Millennials-heavy market, distillers like Seedlip, Suntory and Lyre’s have created beverages evoking tequila, Campari and vodka; breweries like Guinness, Budweiser and Carlsberg and small crafters are offering robust-tasting near- and no-alcohol beers; and wineries are using distillation and reverse osmosis to produce fine, low-alcohol Cabernets, Chardonnays and other varieties. Niche products are growing: for example, Los Angeles-based Optimist Botanicals bills its gin-, vodka- and tequila-like botanical blends as being vegan, gluten-free and paleo- and keto-friendly.

On the home front, people are making their own concoctions, often with natural and herbal ingredients, such as pears, tomatoes, cilantro and spices. “Garden-grown produce, windowsill herbs and farmers market finds are the ideal foundation for recipes, from tea sangrias to shaken mocktails,” says New Jersey cooking instructor and recipe developer Vanessa Young, creator of ThirstyRadish.com. As an example, she says, “A slice of brûléed fruit gives a non-alcoholic drink a touch of smoky sweetness, plus it is so appealing in the glass.”

Substance abuse counselors caution that beverages that mimic alcohol may not be a good route for recovery from serious alcohol abuse because they can reawaken destructive patterns. And

consumers are advised to look carefully at labels. “Alcohol-free” beer contains 0.0 percent alcohol. “Non-alcoholic” beer can contain up to 0.5 percent alcohol, but some have been found to contain up to 2 percent—not desirable if pregnant or in recovery.

Still, says Karolina Rzadkowolska, author of Euphoric: Ditch Alcohol and Gain a Happier, More Confident You, “The popularity of alcohol-free drinks is changing a culture. We are going from a culture that glamorizes drinking at every social situation, with little valid excuse to decline, to a culture that gives people healthier options.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

MAPLE PEAR SPARKLER ½ cup pure maple syrup ¼ cup filtered water 1 rounded tsp fresh pomegranate arils (about 12 arils, or seeds) 1 tsp fresh lemon juice ½ oz maple simple syrup 2¼ oz pear juice 2 oz sparkling mineral water Bartlett pear slices for garnish For the syrup, whisk to combine ½ cup maple syrup with ¼ cup filtered water in a small saucepan, and heat until small bubbles begin to form around the edge. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

In the meantime, to prepare the jewel-like pomegranate arils, score a fresh pomegranate cross-wise. Twist to separate into halves. Loosen the membrane around the edges and tap firmly with a wooden spoon over a bowl to collect the pomegranate arils. Continue to loosen the membrane and tap to release all the arils.

For each drink, gently mash the pomegranate arils with lemon juice in a muddler, then add the mixture into a cocktail shaker, along with the syrup, pear juice and ice. Shake to chill, and strain into a glass to serve. Top with sparkling mineral water. Add a slice of ripe Bartlett or brûléed pear.

Courtesy of Vanessa Young of ThirstyRadish.com.

April 2022

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Minerals for antioxidant defense

Minerals:

Inorganic Cofactors for Healthy Cells

by Keri Barron, Ph.D.

M

inerals are vital to the health of cells, working as cofactors for reactions happening constantly in the body. Consuming adequate levels of minerals ensures healthy metabolism through proper functioning of thousands of cellular processes.

healing, and cellular signaling. Phosphorus plays an important role in energy metabolism and intracellular signaling and is an integral component of membrane phospholipids, and DNA and RNA.

Magnesium

Potassium, sodium and chloride work together to maintain fluid balance within the body. High consumption of sodium may induce water retention and will eventually cause changes in arteries. High intake of potassium can counteract these effects at the cellular and tissue level. These minerals also transmit cellular signals through sodium-potassium pumps which control the physiological excitability of cells. This mechanism coordinates many cellular processes, drives the transmission of nerve impulses and aids in muscle contraction. Chloride is also important in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Magnesium is one of the most essential cofactors and is utilized in over 300 metabolic reactions including protein synthesis, cellular signaling, blood pressure regulation and muscle contraction. Magnesium is also important in blood glucose regulation and is required for DNA and RNA synthesis and energy production.

Minerals for bone health Calcium and phosphorus are vital to bone health. Calcium is also involved in transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, blood clotting and wound 36

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Minerals for fluid balance

Photo credit bit4 for Adobe Stock

Zinc, copper and manganese are components of superoxide dismutase enzymes, which neutralize free radicals. Zinc is also required by more than 300 enzymes and binds to over 2,500 proteins—approximately 10 percent of all human proteins.

Functions of zinc include regulation of bone homeostasis and blood pressure, DNA repair and support of multiple facets of reproduction.

Other minerals While required in very small amounts, trace minerals serve important functions.

Iron is required for hemoglobin and myoglobin (the oxygen carriers) and for functions in cellular respiration, synthesis of neurotransmitters and nutritional immunity. Iodine supports the thyroid gland and chronically low intake can lead to the development of goiters. Selenium enhances the immune response and contributes to oxidative balance and the regulation of thyroid hormones. Finally, chromium may play a role in regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Minerals are essential cofactors for many reactions and have diverse functions throughout cells in the body. Ensuring intake of all minerals at the recommended levels can help keep the body healthy.

Keri Barron, Ph.D., is the scientific nutrition writer for Standard Process. For more information, visit WholisticMatter.com.

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Sunday, April 3, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (Onsite)

Us

!

Biofield Tuning

with Randa Clark, Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner, $35

Saturday, April 9, 10:00 am - 12 noon (via Zoom)

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.

HolisticCenter Holistic Holistic Health • Spiritual Growth Meditation • Psychic Development

“Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Chicago” “Spiritual Growth and Personal Development”

Spiritual Meaning of Current Crisis in America with David Birr, Astrologer, $45

Saturday, April 9, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Onsite)

Amazing Gong Journey

with Sound Healer Andre Peraza, $30

Saturday, April 23, 2:00 - 4:00 pm (Onsite)

Earth Day Energy Healing Workshop with Richard Popp, Energy Healer, $40

Sunday, April 24, 2:00 - 4:00 pm (Onsite)

Connect with Mother Earth: Work with Crystals of Nature with Janel, Crystal Consultant, $40

Visit our website for details/registration:

holisticcenterchicago.com April 2022

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fit body

Spirited Strides POWER WALK TO BETTER FITNESS

by Marlaina Donato

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e all know that the more steps we take in a day the better.

The Mayo Clinic advocates walking regularly to keep bad cholesterol in check, maintain a heart-healthy weight and keep blood pressure within a normal range. Power walking—going a mile in under 15 minutes—amps up cardiovascular benefits and takes metabolic conditioning to a new level.

Power walking involves taking longer strides, moving at 4.5 to 5.5 miles per hour and using the arms to propel motion, with or without light weights. “With this more intensive exercise, in comparison to everyday walking, one should note that their breathing is harder and their heart rate is faster with power walking.

Compared to someone who walks at a casual pace, a power walker can expect lower blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar and cholesterol numbers,” says Jason C. Robin, M.D., director of cardio oncology at North Shore University Health System, in Glenview, Illinois.

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Walking as a Workout

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In cases of severe coronary artery disease, certain heart muscle disorders, known as cardiomyopathy or valvular diseases, Robin recommends seeing a doctor before taking up fitness walking, but emphasizes, “Obvious injuries or illnesses aside, power walking is great for all ages, genders, sizes and fitness levels and is, in general, very safe with very few contraindications.” He suggests aiming for 15 minutes or less on a first endeavor, and after one week increasing the time to 20 to 25 minutes, eventually working up to 30 minutes. To complement power walking, he recom-

mends resistance training to increase muscle strength and tone, protect joints from injury, and improve flexibility and balance.

Dave McGovern, walking coach and author of The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking: Racewalking, Power Walking, Nordic Walking and More!, points out, “The impact forces of walking, even high-level racewalking, can be one-third of what runners experience, so it’s a lot easier on the joints. Power walking doesn’t have many rules.” A 30-year veteran of the U.S. National Racewalk Team, McGovern underscores the importance of starting out with a regular, easy walk before progressing to a more vigorous pace.

To avoid and reduce injury, he advocates mindfulness of correct posture and taking shorter, faster steps rather than long, stomping strides. He trains on a variety of surfaces, including everyday roads, tartan (rubber) running tracks, treadmills, dirt trails, grass, and even the occasional concrete sidewalk. “Changing up surfaces uses your muscles in different ways, which can help prevent overuse injuries that crop up from too much training on the same surfaces day in, day out,” he says.

Practical Essentials For optimal results on any surface, proper footwear is vital.

“We would typically recommend a running shoe for any fitness-based walking,” says Josh Saint Cyr, store manager at New Balance, in Highland Park, Illinois. He notes that the right shoes are designed to help align gait and avoid pronation or supination that prompts the ankle to roll inward or outward with movement. “For a more customized experience, someone with medium or lower arches would want a shoe from the stability running section, and someone with higher arches would want a shoe from the cushioned running section.”

In cases of tight calf muscles, Saint Cyr recommends stretching as a daily practice, even on non-exercise days. “Rollers or massage guns can be useful for immediate relief, but ultimately, stretching will help by reducing or eliminating tightness.”

Taking it Up a Notch Racewalking, the competitive and highly technical variety of power walking, takes place at track meets. “After you’ve built a base of miles, you can start sprinkling in some longer and faster workouts, and maybe even think about competition,” says McGovern. “There is a bit more technique involved in competitive racewalking, but once you get the hang of it, it will allow you to go much faster.”

In the end, having a goal can be the best motivator. “For the athletes I coach, many of them in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond, racewalking and power walking gives a purpose to their workouts,” says McGovern. “One of my athletes has said that she hates to work out, but loves to train. Having the goal of a race over the horizon gives a lot of athletes a reason to get out the door every day.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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39

healthy kids

Nature Speaks STORYTELLING CONNECTS KIDS TO THE NATURAL WORLD

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hildren are natural storytellers with imaginations that shape their play and learning. In outdoor settings, everything from puddles to pine cones can engage children and draw them closer to the natural world, opening up a lifelong appreciation of natural environments. Connecting with nature also improves creativity, academic performance and attentiveness, while reducing stress and aggressive behavior, a body of research shows.

Organizations, like the Wilderness Awareness School, a Duvall, Washington-based nonprofit, work to help children and adults cultivate healthy relationships with nature, 40

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community and self. “We find that children who feel at home in the outdoors are often more resourceful, creative and allow for curiosity to naturally unfold,” says Leah Carlson, director of marketing and communications at Wilderness Awareness School. “Allowing them to play freely and explore in nature is a wonderful way to build resilience and resourcefulness.

When children can be intrigued through a story, it also allows them to understand their own outdoor experiences. They be-

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natalia/AdobeStock.com

by Carrie Jackson

“We find that children who feel at home in the outdoors are often more resourceful, creative and allow for curiosity to naturally unfold.”

–Leah Carlson

Connect with writer Carrie Jackson at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

LEARN MORE Rootstock Puppet Co.: RootStockPuppet.com Wilderness Awareness School: WildernessAwareness.org Megan Zeni: MeganZeni.com

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come more adept at finding new solutions to problems using the tools they have access to and creative thinking.”

Weaving storytelling into their programs helps children understand their outdoor experiences. “Regular time spent with experienced nature mentors, playing games, exploring unique plants and animals and getting excited about the possibilities of nature is how a connection begins. When children are outside, the characters of these stories are the plants, animals, rocks and landforms around them. The suburban tree that was always an obstacle on the sidewalk can be seen through new eyes as a dragon, monkey bars or a red alder,” Carlson explains.

Megan Zeni, a public school teacher in Steveston, British Columbia, says there is a global body of research that shows every measure of wellness is improved through time spent outside.

She teaches solely outdoors, ensuring that her students have exposure to nature regardless of which neighborhood they live in. “In our modern world, higher-income families generally have better access to green spaces. Incorporating outdoor activities into the school day gives children equitable exposure to nature and outdoor learning,” she explains.

Zeni uses both non-fiction and fiction storytelling approaches to teaching. “To learn about water cycles, I’ll have kids jump in puddles, observe where the water goes and track where it is in the community. They’ll then relay a fact-based story based on their observations and experiences. For a lesson on squirrels, I’ll ask the students to imagine where their habitat is, who their family is and what they eat. We use loose parts, which are open-ended items, such as pine cones and sticks, to creatively illustrate the story.

“By using storytelling as a measure of knowledge, it is more equitable for students who don’t perform as well using traditional test and essay methods,” she says. Listening to a child’s story can also reveal misconceptions that can be clarified through further exploration and instruction.

Storytelling can take on many forms and be enhanced with the use of props. As the artistic director of Rootstock Puppet Co., based in Chicago, Mark Blashford performs puppet theater rooted in stories that promote mutual kindness and ecological awareness.

“Puppets are remarkable storytelling agents because, not only can they play characters and support narrative through movement, they can also tell a story from the very material they inhabit,” he says.

“Puppets invite kids to exercise empathy by compelling them to accept and invest in the thoughts, feelings and life of another entity.”

By making puppets out of wood and using them to weave environmental awareness into his shows, Blashford helps to put the natural world in perspective. “My show TIMBER! is about an entire forest and a single tree which is home to a family of spotted owls. I want children to see the role of both the forest and the tree in the lives of an owl family. When they fall in love with little wooden puppet owls, they are able to convert the giant concept of deforestation into a manageable scale,” he says.

He encourages parents to regularly engage their children with their natural habitat. “Go to your local forest or park, find a tree, name it and check on it as often as you can. Prompt children to ask questions about who they think lives in that tree, why the branches stretch out how they do and what happens at night. As children learn to see the outdoor world as part of their own characters and setting, the stories will develop naturally,” he advises.

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wise words

“One way to describe justice is love in action.”

Faith-Based Grassroots Change

by Sandra Yeyati

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ith degrees in natural resource management, environmental science, religion and business administration, Mennonite Reverend Brian Sauder is an adjunct professor at two Illinois seminary schools, as well as president and executive director of Faith in Place, a Midwest nonprofit headquartered in Chicago that helps diverse faith-based groups become community leaders in a shared quest for environmental, social and racial justice.

How are places of faith uniquely positioned to address environmental and racial justice?

If you look at the history of the U.S. environmental justice movement, from Warren County, North Carolina, where black church women laid their bodies on the road to stop toxic waste dump trucks in their community, to Dr. Benjamin Chavis’ coining of the phrase “environmental racism” through the United Church of Christ, there’s a legacy of people of faith and diverse spiritualities calling out environmental racism and organizing the community to take action. We view ourselves in that historical lineage, with a mission to provide the tools, resources and programming for our faith partners to continue to advance these valuable pursuits.

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It’s very grassroots. We believe in a Green Team model, which is a core group of people within a faith community, anywhere from three to 30 individuals, depending on the size of the community. Through coaching, we help teams evaluate the community’s needs and assets, set goals for the year, and create a strategic plan to address needs through programming, advocacy and a network of nonprofit partners.

Why are Green Teams effective in bringing about change?

The messenger matters. When you work with a community, it’s the people in that community that are going to understand the culture, the theology, the context, the history, the politics of the local body; so they understand how to meet people where they’re at and how to talk about these issues in a way that’s effective and attainable.

Can you describe a noteworthy Faith in Place project?

We partnered with a Green Team that wanted to address the need of hunger in their community by turning four acres of land that they had into a congregation-supported agriculture project (CSA), where people paid upfront to get a weekly bushel of produce grown on the land, while the church tithed 10 percent of it to local food pantries. Over several years, we helped them write a business plan, approach the committee structure of the church, hire a farmer, set up a legal structure and launch Sola Gratia Farm, which today is employing a bunch of people and stocking local food pantries with fresh tomatoes, kale, fruits and vegetables grown right there in the community. Once Faith in Place shared this story, other faith partners wanted to replicate it. We now support five different CSAs across Illinois.

Does Faith in Place welcome all denominations?

Absolutely. Whether it’s an institution of

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Brian Sauder on

How does Faith in Place work?

religion or a spiritual tradition, people are bringing the wisdom of the ages to bear on understanding the moment we’re in.

Everything is connected, and the ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis. The healing of me and the healing of you and the healing of Earth are bound together, and this mutuality is core to all our different spiritualities and traditions. At our annual Green Team summit, people from different regions, backgrounds and religions come together, all united by the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land where our food is grown and a deep sense of calling and purpose. It’s hope-inspiring in a world that is so divided.

What areas of environmental justice do you focus on?

A Green Team might say, “We have an issue with lead pipes in our communities,” or, “We have an issue with high schoolage youth needing employment.” Our programs, which are shaped by the needs of our Green Teams and are constantly being reevaluated and reshaped, cover sustainable food and land use, climate change and energy, environmental advocacy, youth empowerment, and water and flooding prevention. We also advocate to policymakers. Last year in Illinois, Green Teams helped pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act by convincing legislators to not only reduce carbon emissions, but also prioritize employment opportunities in the new green economy for highunemployment neighborhoods.

What is your philosophy concerning the intersection between faith and environmental and social justice?

We’ve got to be committed to the transformation that we seek. Our spirituality calls us to remember how connected we are. One way to describe justice is love in action—a love that begins with ourselves—and as we love ourselves more deeply, it spurs outward action that seeks to dismantle injustice.

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Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

April 2022

43

TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE APPS BRING US CLOSER TO FLORA AND FAUNA

by Sheryl DeVore

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hile exploring Seattle, Jackie Lentz Bowman noticed some bushes filled with pink and orange berries. She discovered she could safely eat them by using the smartphone nature app called iNaturalist (iNaturalist.org). “I learned they were salmonberries and edible,” says the Chicago area photographer and birder. “I just had to try them. They were very similar to raspberries.”

Bowman is among a growing number of people using their smartphones to enhance their nature experiences. Phone apps are available for free or a modest price to identify

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mushrooms, bugs, birds, dragonflies, reptiles, beetles, wildflowers and other flora and fauna. “Whether it is to help identify a plant I’ve taken a photo of or to familiarize myself with what a bird looks like and sounds like, these are tools I’m always glad to have in my back pocket,” she explains.

At least 6,300 nature apps were available in 2015, according to Paul Jepson and Richard Ladle, Oxford environmental scholars and co-authors of “Nature Apps: Waiting for the Revolution,” a research paper published in the Swedish environmental journal Ambio. Such programs are only beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. They write, “As most people own a mobile phone today, the app—though a small device—is a major way conservationists could be reaching a huge audience with transformative possibilities.”

Right now, some apps allow the user to point a smartphone to a plant or animal to get instant feedback on its common or scientific name. Others ask the user questions about what they are seeing and suggest an identity based on the answers. Some allow the user to interact with scientists, share their knowledge, record their observations and contribute to science.

Perhaps the most popular nature app is iNaturalist, which has all those features and more. “Our mission has been to connect people to nature through technology,” says Scott Loarie, co-director of iNaturalist, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society. “By 2030, we want to connect 100 million people to nature to facilitate science and conservation.”

The app began as a master’s degree proj-

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green living

photo by Jackie Lentz Bowman

ect at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2008, and today 2 million people have recorded about 100 million observations, covering one in six species on the planet. “iNaturalist has grown to the point where it’s helping take the pulse of biodiversity,” he adds.

Newcomers are often mentored and helped with identifications by volunteers that are experts in different fields. One example is a worldwide competition called the City Nature Challenge in which beginning and advanced naturalists document urban flora and fauna for several days.

During the event, people share their photos of plants and animals on iNaturalist.

During Chicago’s Challenge, Eric Gyllenhaal, who blogs about nature on the city’s west side, found an uncommon species. “A Canadian expert helped confirm the identification as a bronze ground beetle native to Europe,” says Cassi Saari, project manager of natural areas for the Chicago Park District. “It’s an introduced species in Illinois and could have implications for wildlife in the region down the line.”

Two other nature apps that Loarie likes are eBird (eBird.org) and Merlin (Merlin.

AllAboutBirds.org), both administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York. With eBird, users can report on their phones a list of birds they’re seeing in the wild, including when and where, and the sightings are added to a database for scientific research.

Merlin is a field guide app to help folks identify the birds they are seeing. “Merlin has taken on authoring content with great descriptions of birds, something iNaturalist doesn’t do,” Loarie points out. “Merlin also just released sound recognition in the app, so people can identify birds by sound. It’s huge for birders.”

Award-winning nature photographer Adriana Greisman, of Phoenix, says she uses both Merlin and iBird (iBird.com), another field guide app, to identify birds in the wild and when processing photos. “These are great resources to identify unknown species and to learn about their behavior.”

The favorite app of Joyce Gibbons, a volunteer at the Natural Land Institute, in Rockford, Illinois, is Odonata Central (OdonataCentral.org), which focuses on

her passion—dragonflies and damselflies, collectively called odonates.

“I’ve loved solitary walks in the woods, prairies and other natural areas since I was a child,” she says. “I’ve always taken photos and tried to ID the many species I’ve observed. Now, with these apps on my phone, I feel like I am actually contributing to the scientific body of knowledge and connecting with other enthusiasts and not just keeping all this joy of discovery to myself.”

coming in the may issue

Women's Wellness

Sheryl DeVore is an award-winning author of six books on science, health and nature.

Connect at SherylDevoreWriter@gmail.com.

NATURE APPS TO LEARN BY AUDUBON GUIDE: Search a field guide to 800 species of birds found in North America with tips on places to find them (Audubon.org/ app).

PICTURE INSECT: Identify thousands of different insects and learn about them using this entomologist in a pocket (PictureInsect.com).

PICTURE MUSHROOM: Identify thousands of different mushrooms using a smartphone (PictureMushroom.com).

PLANTNET: Identify wild plants by posting photos. Images are compared to thousands of images from throughout the world in a database (PlantNet.org).

SEEK BY iNATURALIST: Seek uses data submitted to iNaturalist to show suggestions for species nearby, but unlike iNaturalist, findings made with Seek will not be shared publicly, making it safe for children to use.

Users can earn badges as they discover wildlife (iNaturalist.org/pages/ seek_app).

TRAILLINK: Search a database of more than 40,000 miles of trails in the U.S. and download trail maps on a smartphone (TrailLink.com).

April 2022

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Photo credits Pasquesi Home and Gardens

Create a Colorful Year-Round Landscape

by Melinda Myers

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o fill a landscape with color, texture and interest year-round, select plants that provide multiple seasons of beauty or use a combination of shrubs with different seasons of bloom and leaf color.

Kick off the growing season with color and look for ways to continue color throughout the growing season and into fall and winter.

Start the season with vernal witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), which blooms in late winter or early spring. This large shrub grows well in full sun or light shade and moist soil with yellow, orange or red flowers and yellow to orange fall color.

Include the adaptable chokeberry (Aronia) in shrub plantings, mixed borders or rain gardens and enjoy the four seasons of beauty this shrub provides. The season will start with white flowers that eventually give way to red or black fruit that persists through much of winter. The glossy green leaves turn a brilliant red in fall, setting the landscape ablaze with color.

Boost the landscape’s fragrance with Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii). The red buds open to fragrant white, snowball flowers. The birds will enjoy the black fruits that form, and we can all enjoy the colorful fall foliage display.

Add winter interest with the horizontal branching of doublefile viburnum (Viburnum plicatum). This growth habit, combined with white spring flowers, summer foliage and fall color, make it a year-round asset.

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Continue the parade of bloom with dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilal gardenia). The fragrant white flowers are a favorite of early season pollinators and hummingbirds. The blue-green leaves turn a combination of yellow, orange and purple in the fall.

Don’t overlook a traditional favorite, the native red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea).

Its spring flowers support pollinators, and the birds love the fruit. Enjoy this plant year-round with its flowers, fruit, fall color and brilliant red stems that brighten the winter garden.

Use the larger native pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) for moist, shady locations. The showy white flowers are followed by bluish-black fruit in summer that attract songbirds. Once the reddish-purple fall leaves drop, the horizontal branching takes center stage.

Brighten sunny, dry locations with ninebark (Physocarpus). Colorful cultivars of this adaptable native plant provide season-long color. Spring flowers, colorful summer and fall foliage, and attractive peeling bark make this a great choice for most landscapes.

Don’t forget about early blooming azaleas, forsythias and fragrant lilacs. Their colorful flowers are a welcome sight in the spring landscape. Include them in plantings where their colorful flowers can be enjoyed, then extend the flower season with summer and fall blooming hydrangeas.

Whether looking for a sun or shade lover,

we are sure to find one or more hydrangeas that fit our garden design.

Add a few evergreens to provide greenery year-round. Hardy green velvet boxwood ((Buxus x ‘Green Velvet’) is a favorite for full sun and partly shaded locations. Just provide a bit of shelter from drying winter wind and sun. Plant junipers in hot, dry locations; there are a variety of sizes and shapes. Last, but not least, is arborvitae. It’s a great choice for full sun to light shade and moist soil locations. Plan now to plant this spring and enjoy yearround landscape beauty.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit MelindaMyers.com.

LEARN MORE… …about creating a colorful landscape on May 10 at 6:30 p.m. by joining garden expert and columnist Melinda Myers for a free webinar, followed by Q&A. Register at Tinyurl.comSpringFloweringShrubs or visit Pasquesi.com for more information.

Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts

S

By Doug Cornell

cientists have discovered a with a tip to fit in the bottom of the natural way to kill germs fast. nostril, where viruses collect.

Now thousands of people When he felt a tickle in his nose are using it against viruses and bacteria like a cold about to start, he rubbed the that cause illness. copper gently in Colds and his nose for 60 many other seconds. illnesses start “It worked!” when viruses get he exclaimed. in your nose and “The cold never start multiplying. got going. That If you don’t stop was 2012. I have them early, they had zero colds spread and take since then.” over.

“We don’t Copper kills viruses almost In hundreds of make product instantly studies, EPA and health claims,” university researchers confirm copper he said, “so I can’t say cause and effect. kills microbes almost instantly just by But we know copper is antimicrobial.” touch.

He asked relatives and friends to try That’s why ancient Greeks and it. They reported the same thing, so he Egyptians used copper to purify patented CopperZap® and put it on the water and heal wounds. They didn’t market. know about microbes like viruses and Soon hundreds of people had tried it. bacteria, but now we do.

Feedback was 99% positive if they used “The antimicrobial activity of copper copper within 1-3 hours of the first sign is well established.” National Institutes of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or of Health. a scratchy throat.

Scientists say the high conductance Users say: of copper disrupts the electrical balance “It works! I love it!” in a microbe cell by touch and destroys “I can’t believe how good my nose it in seconds. feels.”

Some hospitals tried copper “Is it supposed to work that fast?” for touch surfaces like faucets and “One of the best presents ever.” doorknobs. This cut the spread of “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

MRSA and other illnesses by over half, “Cold sores gone!” which saved lives.

“It saved me last holidays. The kids The strong scientific evidence had crud going round and round, gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. but not me.”

He made a smooth copper probe “I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no ADVERTORIAL

more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

Customers report using copper against: Colds Flu Covid Sinus trouble Cold sores Fever blisters Canker sores Strep Night stuffiness Morning congestion Skin infections Infected sores Infection in cuts or wounds Thrush Warts Styes Ringworm Threats to compromised immunity CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA28.

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Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

April 2022

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natural chicago

Guided Nature Hikes Offer a Sneak-Peek at Spring

Photo credit Steven D. Bailey

by Sheryl DeVore

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iking on our own in the many natural areas across the Chicago region can be rewarding and provide outdoor exercise. In the spring, naturalist-led hikes offer an extra dose of knowledge and discovery. As the natural world re-awakens in April, local forest preserves offer guided hikes for the public to witness the signs of a new season and get some exercise.

“It’s the budding wildflower, the call of a nuthatch or a little hole in a tree where an insect burrowed to lay its eggs,” says Nan Buckardt about naturalist-led experiences at the Lake County Forest Preserve District (lcfpd.org), where she serves as director of education. “The advantage to these hikes is that you get great physical rewards, as well as mental exercise and knowledge from experts,” she explains. “Your body responds so positively to being in nature that without you knowing it, you produce hormones that make you calmer and enhance awareness.”

Forest preserve districts in recent years have added fitness hikes to program rosters. For example, the Forest Preserve District of Will County (ReconnectWithNature.org) offers a five-mile fitness hike in April and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (DuPageForest.org) hosts three-to-five-mile hikes in their preserves. The Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.org) offer fitness hikes, as well. “Some of them are designed to get your heart beating, but then also to learn or appreciate something in nature,” says Brian Winters, a Forest Preserves of Cook County naturalist at River Trail Nature Center, in Northbrook.

Even on the active fitness walk where a specific pace is set, Winters stops to point out something interesting. At River Trail Nature Center, that something interesting is a 300-year-old bur oak tree, one of the oldest in the preserve. “I like to use that real, living, thing to reflect on the history of people being in the region, right by the river, which has its own history,” Winters says.

“This kind of hike has a fitness component, and it still has the interpretive component.”

More leisurely walks with naturalists to search for signs of spring abound in April. “One of the things we like to do on naturalist-led hikes is to have people slow down,” Buckardt says. They may search for buds on trees or listen to birds singing or notice the fresh green leaves of spring leeks on the forest floor.

“Slowly walking with a naturalist provides that understanding of the habitat and that ecosystem, what plants are there, how do you look at this little trodden path and know it’s a deer trail?” she says. “It is a little bit of serendipity, in that you don’t know what you’re going to find until you look. When they discover something, they experience wonderment,” and that will often prompt a nature story from an adult or child.

Winters agrees. “Everybody has a story about nature that they’re dying to share,” he says, recalling the time when visitors were looking at fox scat and began talking about the fox that comes to their yard.

People come to the same spring hikes ever year at some of the preserves. “Our wildflower walks, people attend again and again and again. Sometimes flowers are in bloom for such a short LEFT: Guided nature hikes are led through spring woods in April.

Photo courtesey Forest Preserves of Cook County

time; until you see them three or four years in a row, it doesn’t stick in your brain,” Buckardt says. “As we go along we talk about the folklore of plants, why this is found here, that this plant likes it better in the sun,” she explains.

Guided April walks in the woodlands give the hiker a chance to notice, for example, that the spring flower hepatica can have purple, pink and white flowers. Buckardt has pointed out that insects see the dark pink stripes in the spring beauties. They follow them like a landing strip to the center of the flower.

Winters says spring flowers are tiny and assuming, and all of them have wonderful stories of their own. Pointing out an early blooming wildflower, Dutchman’s breeches, in April, he’ll discuss how the plant got its name. Or he’ll say, “Here’s a prairie trillium, and guess where it doesn’t grow—in prairies.”

April hikes also include guided bird walks. Buckardt says she enjoys taking new birders on walks in spring. “You can say, ‘There’s an oriole up there in that tree to the right of the trunk on a heavy branch, and it’s sitting on that branch.’ They’ll look, and all of a sudden you hear the gasp, and you know they saw the bird. You know they can see the texture of the feathers and the brilliant orange and hear that singing. That is just so cool.”

Buckardt adds guided hikes are great for those that don’t want to walk through forest preserves alone. They find safety

Naturalist Brian Winters takes a group on an April guided hike in Cook County.

Lake County Forest Preserves (lcfpd.org/calendar) 847-367-6640.

when going with a naturalist and other people. “We talk about restoration along the way with guided hikes,” she continues. “We love it when people ask questions. When I go on a hike with people, even if I have set things I want to talk about, I want people to engage me in a conversation. I don’t want to be the lecturer. These guided walks let you discover places you’ve never been before.”

Winters says talking to other people about nature is probably the oldest human activity. “I like to think that the first conversations people had were about plants or bugs,” he says, adding, “Going for walks in nature with a knowledgeable guide transcends the things that A blue-gray gnatcatcher might be seen on a guided bird walk in April. sometimes divide human society, such as age, gender and politics.”

April 2, 10:30-noon, Wildflowers Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, Park Forest.

Free.

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

April 10, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Spring Stroll River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook.

Free. Call 847-824-8360 to register.

BELOW: Dutchman’s breeches are among the wildflowers to be found at preserves on guided walks in April.

April 22, 7-9 a.m., Spring Bird Walk Fort Sheridan.

All ages, child supervision required.

April 27, 3-4:30 p.m. Spring Wildflower Walk Coral Woods conservation Area, Marengo.

Free for residents, $5 for others.

Photo Courtesy Forest Preserves of Cook County

Forest preserves in the Chicago region offer guided hikes in April to welcome spring. Most are free, some have a nominal fee. Some are for adults, others for children with adults. Here are a few selected guided hikes. Registration is required. Visit the preserve websites, noted below, to register and to discover many other guided hikes in April.

Additional hikes are also listed in the online version of this article at NAChicago.com.

Photo by Bob Schifo

Guide to April Naturalist-Led Hikes

April 2022

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natural pet

Pest Control KEEPING DOGS SAFE FROM TICKS AND FLEAS

alexei_tm/AdobeStock.com

by Karen Shaw Becker

F

leas and ticks are different types of pests; so, when considering how best to protect a dog, it is important to make a distinction—fleas are an annoyance, but ticks can be life-threatening. Many veterinarians recommend specific chemicals as a preventive solution, but this is often just a knee-jerk approach that uses chemicals to control nature.

Instead, consider more natural alternatives that are both effective and non-toxic.

Fleas 101 Fleas are related to ants and beetles, feed on blood, and their bites can lead to irritation and skin allergies. They aren’t typically attracted to healthy pets; so, one of the best defenses against flea infestations is to feed a dog a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate, fresh-food diet that will help keep their immune system functioning optimally.

It is also important to remove the environmental factors that can negatively impact immunity, including: n Poor water quality. Make sure to provide fluoride- and chlorine-free drinking water. n Too many vaccines. Insist that the veterinarian runs titer tests instead of giving un-

necessary shots.

n Toxic household chemicals, including cleaning products and dog beds treated with

flame retardants.

n Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers used in the yard. n Toxic levels of electromagnetic fields from electrical devices in the home.

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The Trouble with Ticks Ticks are a type of arachnid related to mites, spiders and scorpions. Because ticks feed on many different animals (including humans, dogs, cats, squirrels, mice, opossums and deer), they are quite good at acquiring and transmitting diseases, some of which can be life-threatening.

Unfortunately, a single tick bite can expose a dog to multiple pathogens, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Luckily, most dogs mount an effective immune response.

Up to 90 percent of dogs may have been exposed to tick-borne pathogens, but most are able to fight off infection on their own.

The only way to know if a dog has effectively eliminated harmful bacteria is to follow up the typical blood test with a second test called a quantitative C6 that differentiates exposure from infection. Large num-

bers of dogs each year are unnecessarily treated with extensive antibiotic therapy because their veterinarians panic after seeing a positive exposure and fail to check for infection.

To catch tick-borne infections before they take hold, ask the veterinarian to replace the standard annual heartworm test with the SNAP 4Dx Plus (from Idexx Labs) or the Accuplex4 tests (Antech Diagnostics), which screen for heartworm, Lyme disease and four other vector-borne diseases. Completing one of these simple blood tests every six to 12 months is the best way to protect a dog. In tick-infested areas, if a dog tests positive on either of those two tests, it should also be screened for babesia exposure with a polymerase chain reaction test.

Safe Options to Chemicals There are safe, non-toxic alternatives for flea and tick control for dogs, and they do not have side effects, unlike virtually all forms of chemical pesticides. These include: n Cedar oil, specifically manufactured

for pet health

Before Reaching for a Chemical

n Natural, food-grade diatomaceous

Pet parents should not automatically apply potentially toxic chemical agents to their dogs or around their home to repel or kill pests. The use of spot-on products may cause skin irritation, paralysis, seizures and even death, if used improperly, and there are effective, natural alternatives that are far safer. If these chemicals are used, follow these precautions:

n A fresh-food diet that is nutritionally

n Be very careful to follow dosing directions on the label. If a pet is at the low end of

a dosage range, use the next lowest dosage. Monitor the pet carefully afterwards for adverse reactions. Do not under any circumstances apply dog product to a cat.

n Every other month, rotate chemicals with natural preventives, including diatoma-

ceous earth, pet-friendly, essential oil products and natural deterrent collars. In many parts of the country, people can successfully control ticks with one chemical dose in the spring and one in late summer.

n To detox a dog’s liver afterwards, give them a supplement such as milk thistle, a detox

agent that helps to regenerate liver cells, or chlorella, a super green food. Work with an integrative veterinarian to determine the dosage; one dose daily for seven days following any chemical flea-, tick- or heartworm-preventive application is recommended.

Homemade Pest Deterrent for Dogs

optimal and species-appropriate

It is important to bathe and brush a dog regularly and perform frequent full-body inspections using a flea and tick comb to check for parasite activity. If they spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to check pets and people for ticks every night during tick season.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. Visit DrKarenBecker.com.

coming in the may issue

Women's Wellness

adogslifephoto/AdobeStock.com

An all-natural pest deterrent will help a dog avoid a good percentage of the pests they encounter, though not all of them.

To make it, mix eight ounces of pure water with four ounces of organic, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar, and add 10 drops of neem oil.

Neem oil is not an essential oil; it is an expelled or pressed oil. It is effective because fleas and ticks are repelled by it, and it doesn’t bother pets sensitive to odors.

Catnip oil can also be used since it has been proven to be as effective as diethyltoluamide (DEET), the mosquito and tick spray humans use that has a number of toxic side effects. To add extra punch to the mixture, add five drops of lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus or geranium essential oil.

Store the homemade pest deterrent in the fridge, and before a dog goes outside, mist them with it, being careful to avoid the eyes. The active ingredients, especially the essential oils, dissipate in about four hours, so the solution may have to be reapplied several times throughout the day.

earth, applied topically

April 2022

51

calendar of events

FRIDAY, APRIL 8

CALENDAR DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

Tarot Reading – 11am-3:30pm, by appt. With Andre. $35/30-min session. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com.

Call First: Events or services may be cancelled,

Hiking With Your Hound: Signs of Spring – 6-7pm. Hike with a naturalist and your pup as we enjoy the signs of spring. Meet new friends and other dog owners as we explore the landscape.

One dog per person. 1-2 miles over uneven, natural terrain. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Apr 7: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

Hanamatsuri (Zen Buddhism)

postponed or are now offered online.

Call and check websites for up-to-date information.

Arab American Heritage Month Earth Month Nat’l Sexual Assault Awareness Month

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 New Moon

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Ramadan begins at sunset (Islam) Going the Distance: 5-Mile Walk – 10am12pm. This active program will help you get a jump on the “Spring Ninety-Fiver Challenge,” a 95-mile recreational challenge program to celebrate the Forest Preserve District’s 95th anniversary. Join this fun walk whether or not you plan to do the 95-mile challenge. Free.

Centennial Trail’s Schneider’s Passage, 135th St, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org.

SAVE THE DATE Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm. Explore holistic health and metaphysical wonders.

Amazing vendors, speakers and energy workers with a wide range of offerings: crystals, sound healing, psychics, mediums and intuitive readers, jewelry, skincare, reiki, ayurvedic health, animal communication, herbs, candles and more. $5/person, free/ kids 16 & under. DoubleTree by Hilton, 11800 108th St, Pleasant Prairie, WI. Tickets & info: 262-515-1472, Info@HolisticHealthFair.org, HolisticHealthFair.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Meet a Beekeeper – 12:30-2:30pm. Local beekeeper Mike Rusnak will discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of beekeeping. Free.

Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Biofield Tuning – 2-5pm. Certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner, Randa Clark, conducts a 30-min chair session to identify discorded waves imprinted in the Biofeld, while a therapeutic tuning fork vibration brings resolution and neutralizes dissonance. $35. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines.

847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

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NAChicago.com

MONDAY, APRIL 4

ONLINE: Native Understory Trees & Shrubs for Your Home Landscape – 6:30-8:30pm. Darien Garden Club’s Apr meeting. Join U of IL Extension Educator, Ryan Pankau, for a discussion focused on native trees and shrubs that will flourish in your home landscape. All welcome. Free. Registration required: Tinyurl.com/2p85pyuy.

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

Birding is for Everyone – 10-11am. A guided bird hike for all levels. Be introduced to basic birding techniques including how to use binoculars, common Chicago birds, different points of interest around Northerly Island and meet other birders. Binoculars available to borrow.

Free. Northerly Island Park, 1521 S Linn White Dr, Chicago. ChicagoParkDistrict.com.

ONLINE: Go Green Highland Park Monthly Meeting – 7pm. 1st Tues. Join GGHP for our monthly meeting and share your ideas. Find out how you can get involved in event planning or help with other group activities. More info: GoGreenHP.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

ONLINE: Wednesday Creative Power Hour – 6:45-7:45pm. 1st Wed. Learn simple practices for getting unstuck, connecting with your aliveness and creativity, shifting old/unhelpful habits. $10 suggested donation. Pre-registration required, Sarah Karnes: 262-745-8362 or Meetup. com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

ONLINE: Busy Beavers – 6-6:30pm. Celebrate National Beaver Day with the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Learn all about North America’s largest rodent and the very important connection this species has to Illinois Country, past and present. Free. Via Zoom.

ReconnectWithNature.org.

ONLINE: Birding the Preserves – 7-8pm. A virtual hike through a select preserve focused on birds. Each month, a different preserve is highlighted, showing how to get there and what trail to take to find birds. Free. Via Zoom.

ReconnectWithNature.org.

Intro to Boxing – 7:15-8:15pm. $20. Get Fit EGV, CrossFit Elk Grove Village, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206, Elk Grove Village. 847-285-1691.

GetFitEGV.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

Stress & Trauma Workshops – Apr 9, St. Charles; Apr 10, Chicago; Apr 14, online. Partners In Wellness helps individuals and groups triumph over stress by mastering a simple set of 7 tension/trauma release (TRE) exercises. With Alyce Sorokie. $55. For locations & more info: 773-868-4062. View TRE videos: trealyce.com and TraumaPrevention.com.

Recycle Your Bicycle – Apr 9-24. 7am-6pm.

Clean the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than by practicing environmental stewardship while helping others? No bike is too old. Free. Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. ReconnectWithNature.org.

WorkingBikes.org.

Busy Beavers Hike – 9-10am. Learn about North America’s largest rodent and the very important connection this species has to Illinois Country past and present. The hike will be 0.5 mile.

Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Apr 7: 815-886-1467.

ReconnectWithNature.org.

Spring Bird Migration Hike – 9-11am. Learn from a naturalist and other birders as you take a hike through the woods down to the banks of the Des Plaines River. Begins with a brief outdoor presentation about one specific bird or bird topic. Up to 2 miles over unpaved, natural terrain. Free. McKinley Woods, Frederick’s Grove, 27110 S McKinley Woods Rd, Channahon. Register by Apr 8: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

ONLINE: EFT: Setting an Outrageous Goal, Clearing Inner Blocks to Success – 9am12pm. In this workshop, we will be using the clinically proven stress release technique EFT tapping to clear the path from where you are now to where you want to be. 3 CEs. $75. Via Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130 or ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Essentials of Craniosacral Therapy – Apr 9-10.

9am-4pm. A practical introduction to the theory and practice of the biodynamics of craniosacral balancing. Craniosacral Balancing is a form of gentle bodywork which grew out of cranial osteopathy and osteopathic medicine. 12 CEs $300. $ Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston.

847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

nachicago.com for the latest updates in health & wellness

The Spiritual Meaning of the Current Crisis in America – 10am-12pm. The spiritual crisis in American culture is clearly visible from outer planet astrology timing cycles to the chart of the U.S. We have entered a time when we will have to heal our national karma. Learn about the specific astrological cycles and spiritual opportunities of the year 2022. With David Birr. $45. Via Zoom. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center: 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, out-ofbody and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: PMH Atwater, LHD, International authority on near-death states, will share with us her experiences on 9/11, as someone who participated in the recovery of souls leaving their bodies that day. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info & to register: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org.

2 Misconceptions

about Bladder Pain and

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI s) If you suffer from bladder pain or reoccurring UTIs, you’re probably doing all the things to avoid the next painful onset: drinking enough water, and consuming cranberry juice or cranberry extract. Bladder discomfort can happen when bacteria enters the urinary system by way of the urethra.

Most commonly, this bacteria comes from the bowel. But could something else be causing the issue?

Lymphormation Class – 2pm. 2nd Sat. Join CLT Lymphatic Practitioner Sharon Vogel and staff for complimentary community service monthly lecture about the lymphatic system, lymphedema, post-surgical swelling, new surgeries available, natural remedies, selfcare, bandaging, plus receive complimentary measurements for garments and pneumatic pumps. Learn how to perform The Vogel Method of self-manual lymphatic drainage. National Lymphatic Centers, 3100 Theodore St, Ste 202, Joliet & 5002a Main St, Downers Grove. RSVP: 630-241-4100. Lymphatics.net.

Misconception 1 : Bladder irritation is always a UTI .

Mantras & Malas: A Practical Workshop – 2-5pm. Learn what mantra is, and practice a powerful mantra meditation that anyone can do to help develop a calm, balanced and inspired mind. Then learn how to make our own mala, or Buddhist rosary, which we can use while reciting mantras. $40-$70, includes materials. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. MeditateInChicago.org.

what we know: Cultivating a healthy gut balance through proper nutrition can get to the source of what is causing the irritation, and may be a helpful therapy for reoccurring or chronic issues.

Amazing Gong Journey – 6-7:30pm. With Sound Healer Andre Peraza. The gong is a powerful instrument that works on many levels to heal the listener. It can help release deep emotional energy and feelings to better ground yourself. Bring yoga mat, pillow, blanket and an open mind. $30. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines.

847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

If you experience bladder irritation, you can identify what’s really going on and establish an effective therapy plan. I take a science-based approach to understanding your unique digestive needs. Developing a healthy gut balance by identifying food irritants and optimizing digestion—can have a big impact on reducing chronic symptoms and boosting overall health and vitality.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Palm Sunday (Christianity) Intro to Boxing – 10:15-11:15am. $20. Get Fit EGV, CrossFit Elk Grove Village, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206, Elk Grove Village. 847-285-1691.

GetFitEGV.com.

People experiencing bladder urgency or pain may think that they have a UTI. However, bladder irritation often occurs when the body is taking in food that cannot be digested properly.

Misconception 2 : Taking antibiotics will rid the pain or discomfort. Looking at the issue scientifically, this is

Get Expert Help.

The Tummy Whisperer is here for you.

Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

Let’s get you feeling better.

ONLINE: Lunch and Learn: Steel and Stone – 12-12:45pm. Hear the stories of steel and stone: the backbreaking work to build the I&M Canal, the blistering heat of the Joliet Iron Works and the genius of the Riverview Farmstead masonry.

This virtual program will be followed up with 2 hikes in preserves with industrial pasts (see Apr 24 & May 8). Free. Via Zoom. Free. Register by Apr 10: ReconnectWithNature.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 11

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Digestive 847-207-2 Call 84 7-207-20 034 Telehealth and in- offi officce t he tu m mywh i sp e re r. c o m April 2022

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TUESDAY, APRIL 12

ONLINE: Medicinal & Magical Benefits of an Herbal Garden – 7-9pm. Your herbal garden can be more than a food source. Explore the infinite power of nature and your own creativity.

Discover the benefits of herbalism for medicinal and magical benefits of common culinary herbs like basil, rosemary, sage, thyme and oregano. $35, $30/10 days advance. Via Zoom.

847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

ONLINE: Choosing Your Kayak – 6-7pm. An informational presentation that will cover size, shape, uses, wants, needs, and materials to help you choose a kayak that suits your specific needs. Free. Via Zoom. Register by Apr 13: ReconnectWithNature.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 18

ONLINE: Beginning Astrology Level 2 – Apr 18May 23. 7:30-9:30pm. Learn transits in depth, progressions, synastry, composite charts, solar arcs and solar returns. Requires basic astrological knowledge and a knowledge of interpretation. $180, $150 registration by Apr 11. Via Zoom. Life Force Arts Center: 773-327-7224.

LifeForceArts.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

ONLINE: Environmental Issues Book Discussion – 1:30-3pm. Join the Library and Go Green HP to discuss Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future by Elizabeth Kolbert. Register: HPLibrary.org/event/6206790.

Good Friday (Christianity)

Batavia Plain Dirt Gardeners Meeting – 6:458:30pm. Native plants are vital to the health of the environment. We need them if we want birds, butterflies, and bees in our yards and in our lives. Learn more about incorporating native plants into your landscape. Free. The Lodge at Laurelwood, 800 N River St, Batavia.

BataviaPlainDirtGardeners@gmail.com.

Stretching the Emotions – 9am-4pm. A handson training demonstrating easy to learn stretches for both the physical and energetic bodies. Be introduced to the concept of how the emotions are recognized and expressed in the view of Chinese Medicine and the Meridian System. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

ONLINE: Understanding Paranormal Phenomena – Apr 19 & 26. 7-9pm. Find out about different types of entities such as ghosts and spirits.

Understand why people and places are haunted.

Gain a broad knowledge of how spirits are understood globally and the social roles they play.

CEUs available. $55, $45/10 days advance. Via Zoom. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 Passover begins at sunset

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

Full moon Gana-hdo go-nah – Moon of Many Leaves Riverview Farmstead Tour – 10-11:30am.

Discover 3 generations of the Clow family and their successful efforts to grow “Riverview” from its first house into a 200-acre commercial farm. A naturalist will share stories of life back then and welcome you inside the 19th-century buildings. Free. Riverview Farmstead, Book Rd, Naperville. Register by Apr 14: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

Crystals for Grounding, Centering and the Connection with Nature – 2-4pm. Prepare for spring by working with crystals which are part of Mother Earth. Learn which crystals help strengthen your energy field and help you feel more empowered. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 Easter (Christianity)

SAVE THE DATE Free, Long Distance Healing Session – 9am, 3 & 7pm. From the privacy of your home.

Whether you want to heal, let go of old patterns, or take the next step on your spiritual path, I am here to help. Join me (Raphael), and the Archangels and Masters of White Light, on this very powerful day, for a free healing.

More info: 928-282-3993 or Raphael@ HealingsWithRaphael.com. Register: HealingsWithRaphael.com/freehealings.html.

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Rdvan begins at sunset (Bahai’i) ONLINE: Climate Conversations: Looking Back to Find a Way Forward for Trees – 6:30-8pm.

Scientists studying the connections between trees and climate will look at how historical data provide clues to how trees respond to climate change. To register: MortonArb.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Fish Migration Day

ONLINE: Women Working for the Earth Summit – Apr 21-24. 10am-9pm. Brings together voices of 35 women and non-binary leaders ushering in a new paradigm: Winona LaDuke, Terry Tempest Williams, Leah Penniman, Rosemary Gladstar, Linda Black Elk, and many more. Topics include water rights, healing gardens, aloha ‘āina, the magic of hummingbirds, apprenticing with trees, the wisdom of fungi, food sovereignty, and so much more. Free. Registration required: NatureEvolutionaries.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day

How to Heal your Home Retreat Workshop – Apr 22-24. Our homes are supposed to restore our energy, sadly most contribute to stress and disease. Learn how to effectively harmonize the energy of your home, creating a life-enhancing sanctuary. Heal your home and yourself during this weekend workshop. $299.

Energetic Geometry, 49 N Policy St, Salem, NH. EnergeticGeometry.com.

Earth Day Cleanup and Campfire – 4-7pm.

Get out and do the Earth good with a cleanup followed by a campfire. Staff will share information about Monee Reservoir’s plastic-free initiative, bike upcycling partnership and fishing

line recycling program, and everyone can share ideas on how to keep the green alive beyond Apr 22. Free. Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. ReconnectWithNature.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Earth Day Parks and Preserves Celebration and Clean-Up – Friends of the Parks will coordinate cleanups across Chicago. More info: EarthDayChicago.org.

The Champion of Trees 10K – 8-11am. Find your inner tree champion as you run on a springtime morning surrounded by trees from around the world. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org.

Okuden Reiki Level 2 – 9am-5pm. The prerequisite course, Shoden Reiki Level 1, taught you the foundations of reiki and how to incorporate them into your everyday life and acupuncture practice. In Okuden Reiki Level 2, we deepen our understanding. $375, $300/early bird. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 112, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965.

CalandraAcupuncture.com.

Shoreline Cleanup – 10am-12pm. Learn about plastic pollution and spend some time making a difference by cleaning up our shoreline.

Free. Rock Run Rookery, 23065 S Youngs Rd, Joliet. Register by Apr 21: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

ONLINE: Life Mission Exploration – 1-2:30pm.

Uncover clues & insights so you can move forward with more purpose and meaning.

Why am I here? What am I here to do? Who am I here to become? Each session is custom created for, and with, those in attendance. Donation. More info & registration, Sarah Karnes: 262-745-8362 or Meetup.com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland.

Earth Day Energy Healing Workshop – 2-4pm.

With Richard Popp. Learn how to receive the different energy vibrations from Earth to heal the different parts of you. Explore and apply ancient healing techniques and new healing techniques. Learn to communicate with Earth and how you can energetically help heal the planet. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535.

HolisticCenterChicago.com.

Sound Healing – 6:30-8pm. With Andre. Gong baths are a type of meditation, where you “bathe” in the healing vibrations of sound. $35.

Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights.

847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

Easter (Russian Orthodox) Steel and Stone Hike: Keepataw Preserve – 9-11am. Get a brief introduction to Keepataw Preserve’s industrial past and then hike the preserve’s trails. Free. Keepataw Preserve, Hejka Ln, Lemont. Register by Apr 22: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

Connect with Mother Earth: Work with Crystals Of Nature – 2-4pm. Workshop, presented by Janel, Crystal Consultant, will provide practical knowledge to work with different crystals for insights to help you in your daily life. Enhance your connection to Mother Earth and Nature with devic temple quartz, linghams and more. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535.

HolisticCenterChicago.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 25

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

TUESDAY, APRIL 26

Arbor Day Plant Sale – Apr 29-May 1. 9am4pm. Offering thousands of carefully chosen plants. Expert “Plant Geniuses” will be available during the sale to answer questions and offer suggestions. $16. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Tickets: MortonArb.org.

ONLINE: Practical Self-Care – 7:30-8:15pm.

Personally guided by Sarah Karnes you will develop a more compassionate and loving relationship with your body, mind and spirit.

Donation. 262-745-8362. Meetup.com// Spiritual-Nourishment-Chicagoland.

Arbor Day Yom Hashnoah begins at sunset (Judaism)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28

Workers Memorial Day Take Our Sons/Daughters to Work Day

Int’l Dance Day

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Get Your Garden Growin’ Green Market – 9am-1pm. Kick off your gardening season at SCARCE. Visit our market for eco-friendly garden supplies and advice to help you grow green. Free. SCARCE, 800 S Rohlwing Rd, (IL Rte 53), Addison. 630-545-9710.

Scarce.org/growin-green.

The Arbor Day Plant Sale – Apr 28-May 1.

9am-4pm. Offers thousands of carefully chosen plants, and expert Plant Geniuses are available throughout the sale to answer questions and suggest plants. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. MortonArb.org.

ONLINE: Tapping Turnaround Facilitator Training – Apr 30 & May 1. 9am-4pm. Nora Jeanne Welsh, certified life mastery consultant, will present a training course about utilizing the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). CEUs available. $260, $250/10 days advance. Via Zoom. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.

Stress, Hormones & Health Seminar – 6:30pm.

Learn how hormone imbalances can affect your sleep cycles, carbohydrate cravings and fat burning. Why “counting calories” doesn’t work for belly fat. Learn the biggest mistake that people make with exercise that prevents weight loss. With Meena T. Malhotra, MD. Free. Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center, 2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview. RSVP: 847-686-4444 or HealNCure.com/seminar.

Green Witch Garden Workshop – 10am-12pm.

With Tiffany Hinton. Learn how to create your own suburban homestead. Learn to build a raised garden bed, plan your garden, and plant it for the summer harvest season. Also learn about gut health and the benefits of homegrown produce. $60. Prospect Heights. To register, Tiffany@MomCertified.net or Tinyurl.com/ GreenWitchWorkshop.

ONLINE: Soul Healing and Past Life Regression – 1:45-4:45pm. With Susan Wisehart and Dave Birr. Many people are feeling disconnected from Spirit and have forgotten their purpose during these challenging times. Learn simple tools to release fear and reconnect with your Higher Self.

Experience a group past life regression to gain insight into a spiritual lesson you are learning in this incarnation. Learn Soul-level definitions of spiritual qualities to heal fear. $45. Register: Theosophical.org/programs/webinars.

plan ahead FRIDAY, MAY 6

Rejuvenating Qigong Retreat – May 6-7. With Lorrie Formella. When we choose to think, believe, and act from a position of power, refusing to be a victim of stress, anxiety, and other negative energy, the healer within is automatically strengthened. $295. Golden Light Healing, 7102 Sundew Rd, Sobieski, WI. 920-609-8277.

GoldenLightHealing.net.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

SAVE THE DATE How to Heal your Home – May 7-8. Our homes are supposed to restore our energy, sadly most contribute to stress and disease.

Learn how to effectively harmonize the energy of your home, creating a life-enhancing sanctuary. Heal your home and yourself during this weekend workshop. Sacramento, CA. More info: EnergeticGeometry.com.

Feel the JOY of LOVE again!

Join the Largest Online Community of Holistic-Conscious Singles who value Authentic & Loving Relationships Natural Health & Sustainable Living Living a Conscious Life Honoring Diversity

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AKASHIC CONSULTATION AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate.

Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034.

AstrologicalDetails.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

Heal Your Life with Love – 9:30am-1pm.

Through the practice of love, each day will have a clear direction and purpose, and we will gradually access our potential to experience a powerful, pure, and all-embracing love that brings tremendous happiness to our family, friends, and finally to everyone. $35/advance, $40/at door. Cheney Mansion, 220 N Euclid Ave, Oak Park. MeditateInChicago.org.

11th Anniversary Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend: Honors Flora, Fauna and Funga – May 27-29. Keynote speakers are Dr. Cornelia Cho, Misty Cook and Suzanne Simard, author of Finding the Mother Tree.

Enjoy more than 60 workshops and plant walks, herbal education, personal growth workshops, singing, dancing, nourishing meals, swimming, campfires and a Red Tent communal space. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.

ASTROLOGY

BOOKS ME. ME. ME. THE SPIDER IN THE WEB – Thoughts and words are shells that convey something different than their content; like motivation, feelings, true intentions.

These are what determine our fate. PO Box 2221, Deering, NH 03244. 844-576-0937.

Gabriele-Publishing-House.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

SAVE THE DATE

Think Local,

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds.

HELP WANTED YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds.

LECTURE LYMPHORMATION LECTURE – Apr 9, 2pm.

2nd Sat. Join CLT Lymphatic Practitioner Sharon Vogel and staff for a complimentary community service monthly lecture about the lymphatic system, lymphedema, post-surgical swelling, new surgeries available, natural remedies, selfcare, bandaging, plus receive complimentary measurements for garments and pneumatic pumps. Learn how to perform The Vogel Method of self-manual lymphatic drainage. National Lymphatic Centers, 3100 Theodore St, Ste 202, Joliet & 5002a Main St, Downers Grove. RSVP: 630-241-4100. Lymphatics.net.

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for the latest updates in health & wellness 56

Chicago

NAChicago.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

30th Annual Chicago River Day – 9am-12pm.

The spring litter cleanup and restoration event draws thousands of volunteers every year to work in and along the river system at nearly 70 locations throughout the watershed: from Lake County to the Calumet region and southwest to Summit, Palos and beyond.

Registration required: Tinyurl.com/37jaaekx.

BUY Local.

SAVE THE DATE

Photo by Tim Douglas from Pexels

ASTROLOGY – Understand yourself, your motivations, your feelings. Recognize your talents, strengths, successes. Overcome difficulties and confusion. Astrology can help pull it all together. Relationships.

Career. Plan the future. Serious astrology for serious seekers. Private, personal consultations. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034.

AstrologicalDetails.com.

Body Mind Spirit Expo Weekend – June 4-5. 10am-7pm, Sat; 10am-6pm, Sun. Live performances featuring entertaining music, dance and spoken word. Explore an incredible selection of the nation’s finest psychics and mediums, the best in alternative health, wellness tools, products and resources. $15/ weekend. Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park. bmse.net.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

SAVE THE DATE Integrative NLP Practitioner Certification Training – Sept 8-11. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) teaches proven techniques to communicate effectively, build rapport easily, release limiting beliefs, overcome procrastination, lack of motivation and phobias. $144 with Promo Code NATURAL. Intercontinental Chicago, 505 Michigan Ave, Chicago. 800-800-6463. NLP.com/ nlp-training-chicago-illinois.

It’s Spring!

Blooms are blooming and

Farm Stands

are plentiful!

Support Your Local Farmer ❤

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

CLASSIFIEDS

ongoing events To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be resubmitted each month. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

DAILY Akashic Record Readings – Weeknight & weekend appts. Book a private reading and receive a free journey to the energy healing room in your own personal Akashic Record Energetic Healing Space. Bring your questions. $35/30 mins, $60/hr. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com.

Astrology Readings – By appt. Lin Boffeli is gifted at reading astrological charts and helping to connect the pieces of your life and give you understanding and meaning. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com.

Crystal Layout – Weeknight & weekend appts.

Performing a crystal layout involves placing stones on and around your physical body to create a shift in your energy field. Crystal layouts can follow geometric patterns or may be done intuitively. Receive a free touchstone gemstone. $35/30 mins, $60/hr. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com.

The Way We Worked: A Traveling Exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution – Thru May 8. Explores how work became such a central element in American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce and work environments over the past 150 yrs. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. 815-886-1467.

ReconnectWithNature.org.

ONLINE: The Mike Nowak Show Radio Program – 9-11am. Live weekly online local talk show focused on gardening and the environment, with lots of humor to wake us up. Author and master gardener Mike Nowak and cohost Peggy Malecki feature a variety of guests and weather/climate scientist Rick DiMaio in a live show on Facebook and YouTube @The Mike Nowak Show and streaming live at MikeNowak.net.

Also available in podcast on MikeNowak.net, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and podcast apps. Free. MikeNowak.net.

Time to Dance: Ballet – 10:30am. Also 1:30pm, Tues & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Spring 95-Mile Challenge – Thru Jun 30.

Walk, run or bike 95 miles in the district’s 127 miles of paved, crushed limestone and natural surface trails. Receive a commemorative prize. Free. For more info: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

MONDAY

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Ruck the Work Week – 8am. Rucking effectively allows you to combine aerobic training and strength training while slicing your workout to a fraction of the time. With Get Fit EGV. Free. Busse Forest South Grove 17, Elk Grove Village. Must register by 7pm the night before: GetFitEGV.com.

Shamanic Healing Session – 11am-2pm, by appt. With Melissa. By appt. Melissa’s Shamanic healing is based from Peruvian descent. The goal of a healing is to create balance within and create harmony. $35/30 mins, $60/hr. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights.

847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

fIND yoUr

We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members.

Try for frEE!

Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com April 2022

57

Check Online:

Check the NA Online Calendar and Directory for many updates and new online events and workshops.

Time to Dance: Ballet – 1:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Reiki with Rose – 4-6pm, by appt. Reiki, a form of therapy relating to energy healing, works with the energy fields around the body and involves the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner’s palms to the client. $60. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights.

847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6:30pm. 2nd Tues. Check our Facebook page for updates.

Facebook.com/greendrinkslibertyville.

ONLINE: Guided Meditation for Inner Balance & Quieting the Mind – 6:50-8:10pm.

3rd Tue. With Ellen Radha Katz. Donation. Via Zoom. Register: Meetup.com/Inner-BalanceMeditation.

Shiatsu Student Clinic – Apr 5-June 14. 7 & 8pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston.

Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130.

ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

WEDNESDAY ONLINE: Body & Brain Tai Chi Class – 10-11am.

Additional classes held daily; see website for times. After a short set of warm up exercises, get into meridian stretching (to improve circulation, strength and flexibility, and relax the mind) and then go into Body & Brain-style tai chi called DahnMuDo. We stream all classes live on Zoom.

Info & to register: 847-362-2724, Libertyville@ BodyNBrain.com, BodyNBrain.com/libertyville.

Private Numerology Readings – 11am-2pm.

With Philip Clark. Numerology helps us understand our vibration, universal energy and personal experiences. It helps us understand our uniqueness. You can ask all types of questions and Philip will help guide you using the numbers that are specific to you. Walk-ins welcome. $35/30 mins, $60/hr; $125/Birth Angel. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights.

847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. Check website for updates. GreenDrinks. org/IL/Crystal Lake.

THURSDAY Time to Dance: Fitness – 9:30am. Emphasizes low-impact, high-intensity, cardio dance and fitness routines accompanied by music. Alternate dance with resistance routines to build and maintain muscle and bone density. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Time to Dance: Modern – 1:30pm. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Time to Dance: Ballet – 5:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 1:30pm, Tues. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER may

women’s wellness

july food connection 58

Chicago

NAChicago.com

june

men’s health

847-858-3697 NAChicago.com

Shiatsu Student Clinic – Apr 7-June 16. 7 & 8pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston.

Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130.

ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Beginner Meditation with Phillip – 7-8pm. By appt.

Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights.

847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

FRIDAY See NAChicago.com for latest events.

SATURDAY Green City Market: Lincoln Park – 7am-1pm (Apr); 7am-1pm (May-Oct). 1817 N Clark, South end of Lincoln Park, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org.

Spring Early Birds at North Park – Apr-May. 8-10am. The Nature Center is open early for morning hikes and bird watching during the spring bird migration. Binoculars and field guides available for free use upon request. Join a group of birders or enjoy a self-guided walk.

Beginners welcome. Free. North Park Village Nature Center Park, 5801 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago.

ChicagoParkDistrict.com.

Advanced Allergy Therapeutic Treatment – 8am-12pm. Offering holistic, non-invasive, drug-free treatments to calm the sympathetic nervous system. Taking all precautions to protect from COVID-19. For an appt: 847-392-7901, MWAllergyRelief@gmail.com or MidwestAllergyRelief.com.

61st Street Indoor Farmers Market – Thru Apr 9. 9am-12pm. 2nd Sat. 61st & Dorchester, Chicago. ExperimentalStation.org/market.

ONLINE: Body & Brain Basic Yoga Class – 9-10am. After a short set of warm up exercises, get into meridian stretching, followed by core strengthening and breathing postures to accumulate energy. Then be guided in the practice of energy meditation. $20/class. Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/ libertyville.

Palatine Winter Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 10am-12pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. Palatine Train Station, 137 W Wood St, Palatine. PalatineSisterCities.org/winter-farmers-market.

Breathe Easy Yoga Workshop – 11am-12:15pm.

1st Sat. Learn not only learn several pranayama techniques, but also use movement to strengthen and stretch the body in ways that support functional posture to enhance your natural capacity to breathe well and with ease. In-person and online. $25/class, $125/6 sessions. Room to Breathe & Center Psychotherapy, 25 E Washington St, Ste 1025A, Chicago. 414-436-7244.

RoomToBreatheChicago.com.

community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community.

Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT South Loop: 312-796-3965 Schaumburg: 312-515-9492 Facebook @CalandraAcuChi CalandraAcupuncture.com We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless.

Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.

LANA MOSHKOVICH, LAC, ND, MSOM

Nirvana Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 100, Deerfield 60015 847-715-9044 NirvanaNaturopathics.com

We use acupuncture to help you get immediate relief from acute or chronic pain. Combining Western and Chinese Medicine, we can treat and resolve insomnia, anxiety, fertility and women’s health issues, plus chronic conditions. Certified NAET. Preferred MeiZen Provider. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Major insurances accepted. Schedule your initial appointment on NirvanaNaturopathics.com. Get a healthier and alternative approach to your chronic health conditions. See ad on page 17.

Allergies MIDWEST ALLERGY RELIEF CENTER

3365 N Arlington Hts Rd, Ste D, Arlington Hts 60004 847-392-7901 MidwestAllergyRelief.com

Dr. Amanda Thiry, DC, BSN, uses Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT), a non-invasive alternative technology that’s effective and safe for all ages, to identify and treat specific allergen elements that affect your quality of life.

Discover how you can eat foods, be near pets and use products again that you now avoid, and experience a new lease on life.

See ad on page 19.

Bodywork NATIONAL LYMPHATIC CENTERS

Sharon M Vogel, LMT, CLT, BCTMB, MFR 5002a Main St, Downers Grove 3100 Theodore St, Ste 202, Joliet 630-241-4100 • Lymphatics.net Sharon Vogel is referred to by Mayo Clinic practitioners, national surgeons and physicians. She offers 46 years hands-on experience, 29 years as a licensed practitioner, and is Nationally Board Certified, specializing in oncology massage, lymph drainage MLD and myofascial release JFB MFR, all to help assist clients in regaining health. Free consult with RSVP.

ROTH STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

Diane Roth, BCSI Highland Park, 60035 847-533-3213 • RothSI.com Structural Integration (SI) realigns, rebalances and re-educates the body through manual therapy and movement education. Chronic pain, bad posture, tired and achy bodies are signs that the body is out of balance.

SI benefits include decreased pain, injury rehabilitation, improved posture, ease in movement, and increased flexibility and stamina.

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130 ZenShiatsuChicago.org

You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available.

See ad on back cover.

CLICK ON

CBD/Hemp Oil NATURAL REMEDEE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Dee Bayro, CHHC NaturalRemedee.com HempHealthTalks.com

Your hemp health coach. Too many people are living with daily pain and chronic conditions, without much support. Many have not heard or know how cannabis works in the body, and that it is essential to maintain homeostasis (balance of all the body systems) or that it is involved in a number of physiological processes, including pain sensation, mood, memory and appetite, and more. As your health advisor, I will help guide you and find answers. We get to the root cause and see if cannabinoid therapy is right for you. Over thousands of studies support the therapeutic benefits for over 250 health conditions. Visit our website or attend an online free informational Zoom (register on website) to learn more.

Coaching & Counseling BELIEF REDESIGN: REDECORATE YOUR MIND!

Rebecca J. Robbins, PhD 862-254-3637 Info@BeliefRedesign.com BeliefRedesign.com

Dr. Robbins is a trained neuroplastician and is helping people around the world heal from anxiety and other negative emotions using the mind’s natural ability to rewire and heal. This is done through Eutaptics™, in her practice called Belief Redesign. She has helped hundreds of people rewire their brains with good stuff. Hence the tagline “redecorate your mind.”

SUSAN CURRY

InteriorWerx 312-479-7893 Info@InteriorWerx.us InteriorWerx.us Feeling anxious or scared? Are you seeking solutions to regain emotional balance and clarity? Susan Curry of InteriorWerx can assist, using her intuitive energy coaching skills. 15-min complimentary phone consult available using promo MYFIRSTSESSION. See ad on page 23.

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for the latest updates in health & wellness

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59

LYNDA HOPE

847-209-1366 Lynda@LyndaHope.com Value-U.com

Energy Gemstones & Jewelry JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST

Value yourself and become your greatest validator. The Value-U platform provides a 21-day meditation and sacred chanting that will gently guide you into your truth, that you are already love and peace.

Be the consciousness and free yourself from your egoic mind that keeps you trapped in habitual patterning, lifetime after lifetime. Hope has self-actualized through the non-dualistic ancient teachings and provides counseling both on a 3-D level and on an awakened higher mind level. Individual and group counseling available.

Gemstones have energy properties that you can benefit from when wearing them or displaying them.

Using the energy properties, you can attract love, abundance or increase your intuition and Spiritual Consciousness or strengthen your energy. View my collection with purpose or let me intuitively find the perfect gemstone for you.

KARYN PETTIGREW

Energy Healing

Beyond Blind Spots 608-618-0655 Free Gift: BeyondBlindSpots.com/free-gift Beyond Blind Spots offers soulbased business design. Guiding entrepreneurs to their ideal brand positioning, audience and resulting profitability.

Dance for Health TIME TO DANCE WITH CBG INSTITUTE FOR DANCE & HEALTH

North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035 DanceForJoy16@gmail.com CBG-Institute.org

Discover the healing art of dance through ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+. Dance is proven to have both physical and psychological benefits.

Taught by dancer teachers Lisa Gold, Lynne Chervony Belsky, MD, and Lorraine Chase. See ad on page 19.

Digestive Health Specialist RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

Telehealth and In-Office 847-207-2034 DigestiveHealthSolutions.com Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/ GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis? Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7 and 53.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

Joann Lysiak Gems 847-596-0274 Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com JoannLysiakGems.com

HEALINGS WITH RAPHAEL

Free Monthly Healings from the comfort of your home 928-282-3993 Raphael@HealingsWithRaphael.com HealingsWithRaphael.com/freehealings.html Whether you want to heal, let go of old patterns, or take the next step on your spiritual path, I am here to help. These healing energies are received by you, directly from Source (God/Spirit/Creator). Join me (Raphael), the Archangels and Masters of White Light, and 100s of others all around the world, all with the same intent to heal, for a free, long distance healing session every month from the comfort of your home.

THE SACRED PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT

Stacey Valle 1240 Iroquois Ave, Ste 500, Naperville 60563 331-274-2042 RadiantLifeHolisticWellness.com Stacey is an intuitive energy healer who holds many certifications and offers integrative healing sessions in the following areas: chakra balancing, color therapy, crystal therapy, reiki, shamanic healing, sound healing, spiritual life coaching and tuning fork therapy. Join her on The Sacred Path to Enlightenment to heal and transform your life.

Feng Shui THE FENG SHUI SCHOOL OF CHICAGO & FLORIDA

LauriePawli@gmail.com CreateTheFeeling.com TheFengShuiSchoolOfChicago.com The Feng Shui School of Chicago is recognized as a Gold-Level School, the highest standard established by the International Feng Shui Guild. Basic classes through Professional Certified Consultant Training Programs are taught. Classes are based on the front door of the space with a combination of virtual and in-person classes. Laurie was Certified as a Feng Shui Consultant in 2001 and is a student of Grand Master Professor Thomas Lin Yun.

Float Therapy FLOTSTONE

57 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff 60044 847-482-1700 • Flotstone.com Floatation therapy is quickly being recognized as a very safe and effective way to shift into the parasympathetic state of total relaxation. Floating cradles you in its graceful healing waters optimizing your body’s ability to do what it does best, heal! Float effortlessly in over 1,250 lbs of Epsom salt.

Functional Medicine FORUM HEALTH

Jessica Montalvo, MD, IFMCP 2150 Manchester Rd, Ste 210, Wheaton 60187 630-933-9722 Wheaton@forumhealth.com ForumHealthWheaton.com Forum Health Wheaton is an integrative medicine practice led by Jessica Montalvo, MD. She utilizes a personalized and functional approach to restore patients’ health.

Dr. Montalvo is passionate about reversing cognitive decline, treating chronic infections, managing mold-related illness and balancing patient hormones. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. See ad on page 23.

HEAL N CURE MEDICAL WELLNESS

Meena Malhotra, MD, ABIM, ABOM 2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025 847-686-4444 • HealNCure.com

Specializing in medical wellness, weight loss, hormone balancing, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and anti-aging using integrative and functional medicine. We find and resolve the root cause of medical conditions and achieve outstanding, lasting results for our patients, many of which had almost given up on wellness goals. Free educational seminars. PPO insurance and Medicare accepted for covered services. See ad on page 2.

DR. CAROLYN MCIRVIN

92 Turner Ave, Elk Grove Village 60007 847-626-5758 Doc-Koz.com Fluent in Spanish, and a functional and emergency medicine physician, Dr. McIrvin has knowledge in both medical approaches. She specializes in mold/metal toxicities, hormone imbalances and autoimmune disorders. Services available remotely and in office. If you want a warm, approachable, holistic approach to wellness and health, please call to make an appointment.

Gyms, Fitness & Online Workouts GET FIT EGV

Rowena Dziubla, Owner 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 206 Elk Grove Village, IL 773-819-7459 • CoachRo@GetFitEGV.com Facebook | Instagram

more info.

RX your workout at GET FIT EGV. Semi-private classes available 7 days a week: barbell/Olympic training, HIIT, bootcamp and more. We also offer ONLINE virtual coaching options for home workouts; see website for

Herbal Detox and Medicine JANE HURST, MASTER HERBALIST

Organic or Wildcrafted Herbs Woodridge, IL 630-710-4404 Sales@JanesHerbs.com • JanesHerbs.com Jane Hurst is a Master Herbalist with an International Honors Degree specializing in herbal detoxification programs, nutritional counseling, juice fasting and herbal in-person classes. Her herbal capsule formulas are available online or for local pickup.

Holistic Dentistry DR. ALLA AVER, DDS

2400 Ravine Way, Suite 400, Glenview 60025 847-998-5100 GlenviewSmiles.com Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards, partials.

K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES

1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069 847-884-1220 1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 KBoehmDDS.com

Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.

Holistic Skincare HOLISTIC SKIN EXPERT: PAULINA IANNOTTA

24W788 75th St, Naperville 60565 (within Estuary Center for Living and Healing Arts) 708-769-5351 • HolisticSkinExpert.com Paulina has been a holistic-licensed esthetician since 2010. She believes in balance and treats the body as a whole, and that the skin should be nourished and nurtured with love and not abused with harsh chemicals and treatments. Every treatment is about 2 hours and it’s customized to meet the needs of every individual.

Integrative Medicine WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC 3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657 773-975-6666 WrigleyvilleDental.com In addition to state-of-the-art technology and methods offered by most holistic dentists (microscopes, ozone therapy, etc.), we treat you as a partner. We thoroughly explain your unique situation, provide treatment options and keep you comfortable with Netflix, music and paraffin wax treatments. Now offering reiki treatments.

Located off the Brown line. Free garage parking.

Holistic Health Practitioner BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods BioEnergy Center 815-933-6236 KankakeeNaturalFoods.com Our BioEnergy Center brings together stateof-the-art machines in one location for an integrative wellness experience. Our approach to healing meets each client’s unique needs through personalized testing and therapies. Come as you are, no appointment needed. Kankakee Natural Foods Wellness under One Roof.

thriveMD – OPTIMAL HEALTH

Dr. Greg Seaman 1355 Remington Rd, Ste I, Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070 Info@thriveMD.org

Using IV therapies, PRP, weight management and other natural programs, we help conditions like fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalance, pain, injury, weight gain, decreased performance, tickborne disease and more. After an initial consultation, we design your custom program to obtain true optimal health, which includes living a healthy lifestyle and being committed to yourself. See ad on page 5.

Integrative Nutrition and Hormone Coach CRISTINA MADINE

Hormone | Fertility Specialist 312-574-0046 Info@TheBalancedBella.com TheBalancedBella.com Using my Balanced Bella Method, a simplified, integrative nutrition approach that focuses on root cause solutions to support women who want to ditch birth control, get pregnant, recover postpartum and feel amazing in their skin.

Stop suffering from hormone imbalance and live your best life. My programs get results on any budget. Begin your journey by getting your individualized protocol.

WHOLE LIFE SPINE & SOFT TISSUE

Christopher Codina, DC 33 W Higgins Rd, Ste 735 South Barrington 60010 WholeLifeChiroHE.com

Constantly foam rolling or taking meds to get through the day, just for it to come back? Learn how something that is easily treated and commonly found in the body may be the reason for your pain. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more. Conveniently located and insurance accepted.

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can do you good Join the Natural Awakenings Franchise Family

April 2022

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Integrative Psychotherapy ELLEN KATZ, MS, LMFT

Clinical Director, Inner Balance Northbrook, Chicago, Palm Springs 847-224-0244 EllenKatz.net Ellen’s 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist integrates a conscious approach to healing old patterns through a mix of trauma and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, HMR, Lifeline, The Work (Byron Katie), energy medicine and somatic awareness. Join Meetup.com “Inner Balance Meditation” for updates on her events, and visit her at EllenKatz.net.

Intuitive Consultation HEATHER FAUN

Intuitive, Medium & Healer 312-502-1539 Heather@HeatherFaunBasl.com HeatherFaunBasl.com Heather does readings, healings and guided meditation to help you find clarity, direction and peace. She brings a higher perspective and insight that will help you on a soul level. With 18 years of experience as an intuitive and medium she uses her gift to bring awareness to the area you need, from healing the body to connecting with a loved one or simply just assisting you in getting your own answers.

INFINITY FOUNDATION

1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-831-8828 • InfinityFoundation.org Many courses now live (masks required) and on Zoom; some are recorded to watch later. CEUs available.

Medicinal & Magical Benefits of an Herbal Garden, Zoom, April 12. Understanding Paranormal Phenomena, Zoom, April 19. Call for free course guide.

847-509-8289 MicheleHeather1@yahoo.com Get clarity, direction and empowerment as we release old patterns and blockages that keep you feeling stuck in life. Using Soul Memory Discovery, Michele helps you work with your angels and guides to practice new inner processes and expand into your highest good and true self. Michele is also intuitive and a Reiki Master Teacher.

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE

At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535 AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com

Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 37.

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Chicago

NAChicago.com

thriveMD

1355 Remington Rd, Ste I Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070 • thriveMD.com Thrive MD offers a way to deliver vital fluids, vitamins, electrolytes and nutrients directly into the bloodstream which can restore hydration, support the immune system and aid in faster recovery. Offerings include nutritional immune support, weight loss, vitality and stress relief. See ad on page 5.

Meditation Center KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER CHICAGO

13 Harrison St, Oak Park 60304 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago 60622 708-763-0132 • MeditateInChicago.org Meditation and modern Buddhism. Everyone welcome. We offer an array of drop-in classes, weekend events, and retreats open to everyone and suitable for all levels of experience. A nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we’re dedicated to sharing the practical wisdom of Buddha’s teachings with Chicagoland through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Naturopathic Consultation MICHELE HEATHER

Nutritional IV Therapy

DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND

Associate Professor, Rush University Med. School Antalee Wellness 1836 Glenview Rd, 2nd Fl, Glenview 60025 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your wholebody health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.

Nutraceuticals & Supplements STANDARD PROCESS

Thermography and Ultrasound NORTHWEST MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

Locations across Chicago area 224-600-3216 Facebook: @northwesthealingcenter NorthwestMedicalScreening.com Now offering Thermography and Ultrasound… Erica Cody is a certified thermographer and works with a team of ultrasound technicians and doctors together focusing on women and men’s health. Our scans help to indicate issues throughout the body, including head, breast, abdominal and pelvis. Women’s Health Check half-body scans can also detect dysfunction and provide indications for further investigation.

Multiple locations: see website for schedule and to make an appointment. See ad on page 11.

Vegan Market and Restaurant BE MARKET

Cafe and Bar serving Plant-based (v) • FRESH • ORGANIC Market 24 E Scranton, Lake Bluff 60044 224-436-8330 BeMarketLB.com BeMarket offers gourmet comfort foods that promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle, including vegetable juice and detox programs along with wild raw superfoods and herbs. In addition to the packaged foods and groceries, there is a dine-in menu from the basement kitchen. Enjoy Craft beer and wine.

Kathy Kiss Sr Account Manager KKiss@StandardProcess.com Standard Process is a Wisconsin-based, family-owned, wholefood-based nutritional supplement company that partners with healthcare practitioners to address issues related to health conditions. See ad on page 9.

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Choose between part-time and fulltime training tracks.

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Rooted in universal principles of change and balance, the study of Zen Shiatsu enriches your life while you learn to help others.

Learn to relieve aches and pains through acupressure and assisted stretching while also listening to the deeper messages our bodies have to tell us. Try an entry-level class and decide if our program is the one you’ve been looking for.

Beginning Zen Shiatsu 10 Week Classes June 22 - August 24, Wed 7-10pm September 13 - November 15, Tues 10am-1pm 2 Weekend Intensive July 15-17 & 22-24, Fri 7-10pm, Sat/Sun 9:30-4:30 or try one of our

Free Introductory Workshops April 12, Tuesday, 10am-12:30pm May 18, Wednesday, 7:00-9:30pm https://zenshiatsuchicago.org/free_massage_workshop/

E-mail info@zenshiatsuchicago.org or call 847-864-1130 to sign up today!

www.zenshiatsuchicago.org CEs Available

Approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education

818 Lake Street, Evanston, IL