Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley PA & Far West NJ- July 2025
Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.
Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
One of the most important lessons Jim Rohn ever taught was to “stand guard at the door of your mind.”
Think about the world we live in today. Think about how much negative news floods the television. Think about the trivial and oftentimes, petty banter that we can get mixed up in on social media. What do you think that does to your mind?
If you don’t watch what you let into your mind, negative thoughts from yourself or from others, then you are allowing negative weeds to grow and to spread in you. Life just starts to happen to you. No matter how smart you are, how savvy you are, how inspired you are, if you don’t stand guard at the door of your mind, then you are giving the tacit approval of the disempowering, the disenchanting and the disillusioning.
So what’s the best way to feed your mind? To proactively feed it. And that is a lot easier than you may think. Tell yourself that every day you will do something that positively feeds your mind. Even if it’s as minuscule as reading for 10 minutes a day. Even if it’s meditating for 10 minutes every morning. Do you think that’s too much? Then what about listening to a podcast on your commute? How much extra time does that take out of your day? Absolutely none!
The more that you make this a habit, the more engrained it will become in the way you go about your day. Negative news on the television will begin to signal you to change the channel. Pedantic arguments on social media will inspire you to watch an inspiring YouTube clip. The stress of a morning commute may even turn into your favorite part of the day as you listen to an empowering and enlightening podcast.
Eventually, these small changes will add up in one very big way. You will become more in control of your thoughts. You will become more in command of your environment. And you will be more conscious of the ways that you can elevate your life and find new opportunities for improvement.
Stand guard at the door of your mind.
Dr. D Rodger ND, MBA
Spirit Release
In her book Remote Depossession, Dr. Irene Hickman refers to Spirit Releasement as “a new approach to human problems that has proved to be effective when other methods or treatments have failed”. For many it is a last resort in the search to restore health, change a habit or improve conduct. People may have fears or disbelief that hold them back from getting this work done. I’d like to share information in this article about the process to help you gain a better understanding.
This work can be done in person or remotely. For the in person experience you come to my office. You are helped into a relaxed state in a completely protected space. From a place of love any attachments are helped back to the Light. You are aware of everything that is done and said. You will be aware of the dialogue that takes place with the Spirits and it’s similar to discussions that take place when asking an uninvited guest to leave, just in this case the uninvited guest is the spirit or negative entity and the residence is your body and soul. Some leave promptly after being identified and others take some convincing.
With remote work the person does not need to be physically present. This kind of work is done on a spiritual plane through the grace of God and his angels. So, the person getting the clearing goes about their normal business. They will feel better when it is complete.
For more nformation, Vanessa Perez Weiss, BCH, FNP, NP-C. Stream Hypnosis, LLC, 535 E. Laurel St, Bethlehem, PA18018. 570617-5325, vperweiss@StreamHypnosis.com, StreamHypnosis.com. See ad on page 7.
The Benefits of a Pendulum
A pendulum is a simple, yet powerful tool used for divination, energy healing, and spiritual guidance. It typically consists of a weighted object, such as a crystal or metal bob, suspended from a chain or string. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. Choose Your Pendulum
Select a pendulum that feels right for you. It can be made of crystal, metal, wood, or stone. The key is to feel a connection with it and ensure it moves freely on its chain.
2. Cleanse the Pendulum
Before use, cleanse your pendulum to clear any unwanted energy. This can be done by holding it under running water, passing it through sage smoke, or leaving it in moonlight overnight.
3. Establish a Connection
Hold the pendulum by its chain between your thumb and forefinger. Let it hang still, then ask it to show you “yes” and “no” movements. For example, “Show me a yes,” and observe its motion—it might swing back and forth, side to side, or in circles. Repeat for “no.” Record your pendulum’s unique response patterns.
4. Ask Clear Questions
Pose yes-or-no questions with a calm, focused mind. Keep your questions simple and specific, like “Is this the right time to travel?” Avoid vague or emotionally charged queries, as these may influence the pendulum’s movement.
5. Practice Regularly
Accuracy improves with consistent use. The more you practice, the more you refine your connection with the pendulum. Some also use charts to enhance precision.
6. Trust, But Verify
Pendulum work is often intuitive. While it can offer insight, it should not replace sound judgment or professional advice, especially for important decisions.
Always treat the pendulum with respect, and use it in a calm, quiet space for best results.
Jacqueline LeClaire, CHT, CCP, RM. 6120 W. Main Blvd., Bath, PA 18014. JacquelineLeClaire.com. 484-264-3889. See ad on page 30.
Plant a Tree, Nourish a Generation
Fruit Trees from Bear Creek Organics
There is something timeless and sacred about planting a fruit tree. It is a gift to your future self, your children, the pollinators, and the land itself. At Bear Creek Organics, we offer a rich variety of fruit trees to help you create abundance in your own backyard—Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Tart Cherries, and *Paw Paw*.
Plant now – A single well-placed tree can provide hundreds of pounds of food over its lifetime, enriching the soil, feeding birds and bees, and creating a living legacy for generations to enjoy.
Why Plant Fruit Trees?
• Abundance: Fruit trees offer a perennial harvest. With a bit of care, they provide food year after year, increasing in yield with age.
• Ecology: Trees stabilize soil, support pollinators, and offer habitat for beneficial wildlife.
• Well-being: There’s joy in picking sunwarmed peaches, watching blossoms return in spring, and sharing homemade preserves with neighbors.
Easy to Grow, Easier to Love
Many people hesitate, thinking fruit trees are hard to grow — but with the right variety and guidance, they can thrive in home landscapes with minimal inputs. We select trees that are hardy for Northeastern PA, disease resistant, and we’re always here to guide you in choosing the right varieties.
Come Choose Your Tree!
*Nursery Visits are by Appointment* We invite you to visit our nursery and speak with our team about how to start (or expand) your home orchard. Whether you have a small yard or open acreage, there’s always room for a fruit tree — and always a reason to plant one.
Landscaping
Plant today for tomorrow’s harvest. Let your land feed your family — and your soul. Bear Creek Organics. Ecological Landscapes | Fruit Tree Nursery | Consultation, Design, Install, & Education. BearCreekOrganics.com, Facebook.com/bearcreekorganics, 570-582-0615.
Want cold hardy peaches? We’ve got you covered. Prefer a tart cherry for pies or a plum for fresh eating? We’ll help you pick the perfect pair. Looking for apples and pears? We have dozens of the best disease resistant and tasty varieties!
Don’t forget the Paw Paw, a native tree with custard-like fruit and tropical flavor—a rare treat that also supports local ecology.
Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Dementia Risk
A recent study published in the journal Nature suggests a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing dementia. To investigate this correlation, the researchers analyzed data from a population of Welsh individuals residing in the United Kingdom. Adults born after September 2, 1933, were eligible for a free vaccination, whereas those born before that date were not. Nearly half of the eligible individuals received the vaccine, compared to a negligible number that missed the cutoff date.
The researchers compared the dementia diagnosis rates of the two groups and found that the vaccinated subjects were 20 percent less likely to develop dementia in the subsequent seven years as compared to the unvaccinated group. Notably, the protective effect was more pronounced in women than in men. Hypothesizing why the shingles vaccine had this effect, the study’s senior author, Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, told The New York Times, “Inflammation is a bad thing for many chronic diseases, including dementia, [so] reducing these reactivations and the accompanying inflammation may have benefits for dementia.”
The shingles virus, which is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, can remain dormant in nerve cells for decades before reactivating in older adults as their immune systems weaken. Symptoms include burning and tingling sensations, painful blisters, numbness and chronic nerve pain. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in three Americans will develop the condition in their lifetime, but only about one-third of adults over the age of 50 have been vaccinated.
Novel Defense Against Infections
A study by Israeli researchers published in the journal Nature reported that cellular structures known as proteasomes not only facilitate the breakdown of damaged proteins, but also generate small protein fragments, collectively referred to as peptides, that attack bacterial infections. Using lab experiments and computer modeling, the scientists identified hundreds of thousands of potential antimicrobial peptides from normal proteasome activity.
The study demonstrated the enhanced ability of proteasomes to produce protective peptides when confronted with a bacterial infection. To test this, scientists inhibited proteasome production in one group of human cells and left another group unaltered. Both groups were then exposed to salmonella. The infection thrived within the cells lacking proteasomes but was eradicated in the control group. This discovery could lead to the development of improved antibiotics and other infection-fighting therapies.
Kittisak Kaewchalun from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Paternal Dietary Influences on Sperm Quality
Genetic inheritance plays a crucial role in transmitting health-related information from parents to offspring. While lifestyle and environmental factors are known to impact sperm quality and influence the biological information passed on, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Animal studies have suggested that small, non-coding ribonucleic acid (sncRNA) regulates the activation and deactivation of genes in the sperm genetic material.
A study published in the journal Nature investigated the effects of a short-term dietary change on sperm quality. Eight men were provided with olive oil, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids as part of their diet for six weeks, while a control group of nine men maintained their standard diets. The researchers observed that the dietary intervention altered multiple sncRNA signals carried by the sperm, particularly those related to fatty acid metabolism and gene expression. These findings contribute to the growing evidence suggesting that paternal health and nutrition during conception may play a role in the developing embryo and possibly the long-term health of the child.
Tick-Borne Disease Spreads to Mid-Atlantic States
According to a paper published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, scientists found ticks carrying babesiosis disease in several Mid-Atlantic states. The rare, parasitic infection lives in the blood of rodents such as shrews, chipmunks and mice, and can be contracted by humans through tick bites. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, babesiosis can attack red blood cells and cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, body aches, nausea and fatigue.
Historically, the disease has been reported in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States. In this study, researchers collected more than 1,300 black-legged ticks from Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and discovered that 2.7 percent of the ticks carried the babesiosis parasite. Although the incidence rate is relatively low, these findings underscore the importance of healthcare providers in these states to be vigilant for the disease and provide appropriate treatment to affected individuals.
U.S. Air Quality Is Declining
According to a report from the American Lung Association (ALA), approximately 156 million Americans, or 46 percent of the population, lived in areas with unhealthy air quality from 2021 to 2023, the period of analysis in the most recent report. This represents a higher number of individuals than at any time in the preceding decade. Bakersfield-Delano, California, was the region most affected by pollution.
The report suggests that the United States is experiencing a decline in clean air measures. Record-breaking heat, drought and wildfire smoke caused by climate change are damaging air quality throughout the country. The ALA’s analysis is based on official air quality monitoring sites maintained by federal, state and tribal governments.
An unrelated 2023 report from Stanford University, published in the journal Nature, estimated that wildfire smoke has undone about a quarter of the progress achieved under the Clean Air Act of 1963.
Solar-Powered Sea Slug
The waters off the coast of the Philippines harbor a tiny sea slug known as the leaf sheep. Measuring only seven to eight millimeters in length, this remarkable marine invertebrate has black eyes, insectlike antennae with black tips that resemble sheep’s ears and spiky green appendages distributed across its body known as the cerata.
The leaf sheep feeds on Avrainvillea, a species of algae. After ingesting the algae’s cells containing chlorophyll, the slug stores it in the tissues of its cerata for up to 10 days. This allows the slug to supplement its algae-based diet with photosynthesis, a process typically reserved for plants that converts sunlight into energy.
Seeing a New Color
It is estimated that the human eye can see almost 10 million different colors. In a paper published in Science Advances, scientists described a precise laser setup that stimulated the retinas of five participants, three of which were co-authors of the paper, to perceive colors beyond the normal human visual range.
The procedure, called “Oz”, involved delivering minute doses of light to the cone cells in the eye responsible for detecting the color green. Each participant observed a saturated bluish-green color resembling teal, which the researchers named “olo”. The participants confirmed that olo was beyond the standard visual range by comparing it with a teal-colored laser and adjusting the saturation by subtracting white light.
CareyHope from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro
Peter Olexa from Pexels/CanvaPro
Rescuing Old Items for Garden Décor
Upcycling—the process of giving discarded or worn items new life—offers a sustainable alternative to wasteful consumption. By transforming ordinary objects into artistic creations, we can express our individuality and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society. The garden presents an ideal platform for upcycling because it allows us to repurpose obsolete items at low cost.
Whether we turn a rusty wheelbarrow into a flowerbed, salvage a thrift store teapot to use as a planter or rescue a well-worn table to become an outdoor potting station, our creativity can transform any outdoor space. Reviving haggard chairs and benches with vibrant colors or intricate designs elevates garden seating to new heights. Filling a retired bathtub or sink with plants, repurposing an unused clothing rack for hanging plants or turning a secondhand bookcase into a vertical garden are fun and surprising projects.
Repurposing Ideas
• For a touch of functional whimsy, fill chipped teacups with birdseed and hang them on tree branches.
• Paint and decorate discarded tires, then fill them with plants.
• Use shutters and doors as garden dividers.
• Lean an old wooden or metal ladder against a tree and place potted plants on the rungs, or use it as a trellis against a garden wall.
• Position an old bike to support climbing clematis, roses, ivy or morning glories.
• Use scraps of wood, bricks or pallets to create a rustic walkway.
• Turn metal or enamel colanders into hanging planters with built-in drainage.
• Use a weatherproofed baby carriage or
doll stroller to showcase potted flowers on a porch, under a tree or at the edge of a garden.
• Turn old stainless-steel cutlery or wooden kitchen utensils into wind chimes or mobiles.
• Place tea lights in empty jam jars to light garden paths.
• Nestle a plant in a broken terracotta pot for a rustic, bohemian vibe.
• Use buckets as hanging planters for herbs, ferns or flowers.
• Fill old rubber boots with soil to make quirky planters and place them around the mailbox or front door.
Safety Tips
• Reinforce any loose parts to ensure that furniture, ladders and other objects can hold the weight of plants.
• Drill holes in items used as planters to provide proper drainage.
• Weatherproof wooden and wicker items with exterior latex paint, stain or sealants. Consider eco-friendly options such as versatile milk paint in earthy or vibrant hues. Remember to protect metal décor with an anti-rust coating or paint.
Solomiia Kratsylo from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Cindy Russell from Getty Images/CanvaPro
The Microadventure Mindset
Finding Natural Splendor Close to Home
by Carrie Jackson
While many of us dream of epic journeys to faraway places, humbler excursions can also provide unforgettable memories and experiences. British adventurer and bestselling author Alastair Humphreys coined the term “microadventure” to describe a brief and inexpensive outdoor jaunt close to home. From a weekend getaway on a nearby hiking trail to an afternoon visit at a local park, microadventures offer flexible scheduling, budget-friendly options, health benefits and a deeper connection to Mother Earth.
“I think that microadventures are popular right now because we are short on time, and money is tight for many people,” says Humphreys, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. “We are ridiculously busy in our daily lives, but we are also craving the physical and mental respite of time in nature—fresh air, exercise and time away from our cursed phones. It’s great to have the adventure of a lifetime, but until that lucky opportunity comes around, why not try to have a lifetime filled with tiny little experiences squeezed around the margins of busy daily life?”
Nearby Adventures
Humphreys has traveled the globe experiencing extraordinary adventures such as rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, walking the length of the holy Kaveri River in India and traversing Iceland by foot and packraft. More recently, he dedicated a year to
enjoying adventures in his own neighborhood, as recounted in his book Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes
“I focused on the single, small local map centered around my home, covering about five miles in each direction from my front door,” explains Humphreys. “At first, I worried that this would be too small, too boring or too claustrophobic. But I realized that once I slowed down, paid attention and had an adventurous mindset every day, I started to discover new places close to home I’d never seen before—new streets, new parks, new patches of woodland, new places to run. I found fragments of wild places where I could sit with a cup of coffee, all within sight of the skyscrapers of the biggest city in my country.”
Humphreys encourages others to embark on a similar year of localized exploration, reminding them to establish realistic goals and remain open to novel experiences. He also suggests aligning activities with the seasons to harmoniously celebrate the natural order. Visit the same spot during each equinox and solstice, for example, to appreciate the way the landscape changes over the course of a year. A mountain view or shoreline feels and looks different in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
“Declare your intention and outline your plans,” Humphreys recommends. “Sleep outside one night. See a sunrise blaze across the sky for a romantic Valentine’s Day. Celebrate blue moons and other celestial events.” Natural splendor is all around us.
Awe and Resourcefulness
Kameron Stanton is the chief operating officer and event manager for Black People Outside, a Chicago-based organization founded during the pandemic to encourage people of color to get outside and explore. A weekend trip with his partner, Chevon Linear, to the Grand Teton National Park during lockdown was a memorable experience. “Seeing the stars so clearly at night unlocked something in us,” Stanton recalls. “We regained a respect for Mother Nature and what the beauty of the outdoors could do for your psyche.”
A microadventure in nature presents Stanton with unique survival challenges. “In the city, everything is zooming past you so quickly. When you are outside in the wilderness, you are often alone with your thoughts and have to fend for yourself in a different way,” he explains. “If you don’t build a fire, you’re going to be cold. If you don’t have the right equipment, you could get in trouble. There are little things the outdoors can teach you in a controlled manner. You learn lessons in planning and structuring your day, while still having fun and discovering new things about yourself and the world you’re in.”
Nature’s Rewards
“Activities like hiking help build strength, endurance, respiratory health, weight loss and so many other physical elements,” Stanton asserts. “Most people you meet who regularly spend time outdoors tend not to be angry and upset. They’re looking at the brighter side of things because they are literally around brighter things. Nature feeds you and helps you feel grounded with your thoughts and feelings.”
Microadventures can also be opportunities for social engagement. Stanton suggests joining a local club related to an interest such as fishing, running or birdwatching. “Once you start having microadventures, you’ll connect with like-minded people, and you never know where that may lead you,” he says.
There are myriad ways to enjoy a microadventure in almost any environment,
including hiking, kayaking, biking, skiing, climbing, rollerblading and fishing. “Forest preserves and state and national parks offer incomparable views and trails year-round. They tend to have a low admission price, and most are accessible as long as you have a vehicle,” says Stanton, noting that a lazy afternoon fishing or tubing down a river may be just a short drive away.
Planning for a Hiking Trip
Day hiking has become a popular pastime, in part because it combines many of the advantages of microadventures. “It offers a perfect opportunity to break away from the routine, explore nature and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors,” says Jacqueline Kehoe, a journalist and expert advisor for Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), which provides a wide range of equipment, apparel, workshops and other resources for adventure seekers. Similar gear retailers include Backcountry and Sierra Trading Post.
“Whether you’re planning a short stroll through a local park or a longer trek up a nearby mountain, you always want to be prepared,” Kehoe advises. “Packing the right gear will help you make the most of your time on the trail, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out.” For most microadventures, a small hiking pack should suffice for carrying the necessary gear.
What to bring depends on multiple factors, including trail conditions, weather, the hike’s difficulty and the duration, which can range from a couple of hours to an entire day. Kehoe recommends bringing ample food and water to stay energized and hydrated, even on shorter hikes. A good starting point is one liter of water per person per hour, but this amount should be adjusted based on individual needs and the intensity of the hike. “Once your hike is longer than a few hours or goes into unfamiliar or backcountry terrain, the essential gear list grows,” Kehoe counsels.
Weather-appropriate clothing can make or break an adventure. “Dressing in moisture-wicking layers can help you stay comfortable. The weather may change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for various conditions. Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes that provide good support and traction. Proper footwear can prevent injuries and make your hike more enjoyable,” says Kehoe.
Safety should always be the top priority. “If you’re going somewhere that is unfamiliar, having the right tools can help you stay on course and find your way back if you get lost. Whether it is a smartphone app or map and compass, orient yourself with your tools and your surroundings before heading off on the trail,” Kehoe suggests. “A basic first-aid kit is useful for treating minor injuries. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes and any personal medications. A knife or multitool can be handy for various tasks, from cutting food to making repairs.”
Creating Memories
With a little creativity and planning, microadventures can become a joyful addition to an active lifestyle. Humphreys encourages people to step outside, even for short periods of time, asking, “What can you do in the evenings to relax rather than watching Netflix? Can you find a little patch of nature or even a tree to sit beneath when you eat your lunch? Maybe your kids would like to eat breakfast in the park this weekend rather than in front of the TV. Learn to identify a new bird. Forage for your own food. Sleep under a full moon. Share a microadventure with a child to create lifelong memories.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
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Edible Landscapes
Creating Regenerative Sustenance
by Maya Whitman
The world’s agriculture is largely reliant on the cultivation of single crops upon sizable tracts of land for staples like wheat, corn, soybeans and rice. Known as monoculture, this approach offers efficiency and low-cost produce, but it also carries significant ecological consequences, including the depletion of soil nutrients, ground pollution, increased carbon emissions, water scarcity, crop failures and the loss of pollinators due to degraded ecosystems.
One promising sustainable alternative is the development of decentralized food forests in small, local settings like rural backyards, urban parks, roadsides and vacant lots. Based on agroforestry—the practice of integrating trees and shrubs with diverse crops—food forests simulate the verticality of a forest
while creating highly diverse ecosystems comprised of tiers of edible plants.
According to Science Mill, a Texas-based nonprofit that promotes scientific exploration and education, the ideal food forest is comprised of multiple layers, including a canopy of large fruit and nut trees, an understory of dwarf fruit trees, shrubs such as blueberries or currants, perennials and herbaceous plants, ground cover plants like creeping thyme, root crops and climbing vines.
These regenerative, edible landscapes replenish themselves, eliminating the need for annual replanting. Harmonious crops work as a symphonic whole, naturally repelling pests and fortifying the soil. The resulting
benefits include water conservation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, thriving pollinator populations, bolstered local economies and a reduction of food transportation costs.
“By creating a regenerative edible garden in whatever space you have available, you are creating habitats and food for the preservation of nature that allows all life—wild and tamed, present and future—to thrive. No plot of land is too small to start a magic garden,” says Maria Rodale, a master gardener and board member of Rodale Institute, as well as the author of several books, including Organic Manifesto. “For me, it’s not regenerative unless it’s organic, and it’s especially regenerative if we are gardening with and for nature, rather than just for ourselves.”
Tips To Create a Local Food Forest
The first step in planning an edible paradise is consulting a resource such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov) to determine which plants thrive in the local climate zone. Choosing native, food-bearing plants and using organic mulch yearround will enhance the garden’s resilience against extreme weather conditions, and annual rotation of plant families will help prevent disease. In urban or small areas, vertical gardening, which is most easily achieved by adding trellises to raised beds, will maximize the available space for additional plants.
ChrisCafferkey from Getty Images/CanvaPro
“It’s absolutely not necessary to own a lot of land to create a food forest,” says Rodale, noting that edibles can be grown in pots on windowsills, in the front or back yard, and even on rooftops. She recommends planting an understory of edible berries, as well as herbs and vegetable crops at the ground level. Root vegetables such as purple sweet potatoes “make a beautiful ground cover, and the leaves are even more delicious than spinach. Other roots like horseradish make beautiful and productive landscape plants,” she explains.
According to New Jersey horticulturist and certified arborist Melinda Myers, “Containers are great options for everyone. You can increase growing space and keep the plants handy for easy planting, care and harvesting. I like to invite my guests to pick their own salad ingredients, herbs for seasoning or fresh tomatoes for snacking from containers on my patio.”
Myers, an instructor in The Great Courses series How to Grow Anything and the author of several gardening books, incorporates edible plants with flowers in her garden beds and containers. “‘Bright Lights’ Swiss chard has colorful stems and makes a nice vertical accent in containers. It combines nicely with pansies and colorful lettuce in the spring and fall,” she says. “I love to grow asparagus at the back of my perennial gardens. I harvest the spears in spring, and once the greenery appears to replenish the plant’s energy, I have a nice, ferny backdrop for the flowers.”
Community Consciousness
Sharing a garden surplus with neighbors, senior centers and other organizations that need nutritious produce can have a far-reaching positive impact. Collaborating with fellow gardeners to swap helpful hacks or share garden chores can also be a blessing. “People are so busy these days that working with others provides lots of benefits,” says Myers, praising the round-robin approach “where you help each other tend your gardens, share food and drink and have some time to socialize.”
Creating a food forest aims to foster a thriving ecosystem and a sense of community that extends to nature. “Let the weeds be part of your garden,” exclaims Rodale. “Many common weeds are habitats for the bugs that feed birds and are edible and medicinal. I noticed that groundhogs and rabbits preferred the weeds to my vegetables when I stopped weeding so heavily.”
Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
The Healing Power of the Microbiome
The microbiome is one of the most important foundations of our health. These microbes support digestion, nutrient absorption, create a barrier against invaders, neutralize toxins, regulate immune responses, control inflammation, and produce vital vitamins and neurotransmitters that influence our brain. Often called the ‘second brain,’ the gut contains its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system which connects to the brain through the Vagus nerve. This gut-brain axis allows microbes to influence mental health as chemical messengers that are either calming or inflammatory. An inflamed gut equals an inflamed brain.
When microbes digest fiber, they produce short fatty chain acids (SCFAs)which include butyrate. Butyrate helps ‘plug leaks’ in the gut lining. When the microbiome becomes imbalanced, known as gut dysbiosis, the gut lining can become permeable (leaky gut), allowing toxins and food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This triggers systemic inflammation and contributes to food sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, and mental health issues. Healthy gut bacteria produce essential brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and BDNF, Ninety percent of serotonin is made in the gut.
GABA calms the nervous system and normalizes brain waves. BDNF supports the growth and protection of brain cells, and glutamate is crucial for learning and memory.
Without a diverse microbial community, harmful bacteria can take over. Antibiotics, which are not selective, can wipe out the entire microbiome, taking years to replenish. It can allow antibiotic resistant strains
like Clostridium difficile to gain a foothold, which has been linked to Autism and chronic diarrhea. ADHD is a manifestation of a deficient microbiome leading to leaky gut and chronic inflammation from triggers like gluten, affecting the brain response. All health conditions begin in the gut and start with microbial imbalance.
Many factors begin at birth including C-sections, bottle feeding and antibiotics. Other contributors are poor diet, artificial sweeteners, gluten, NSAIDs and antibacterial products that absorb through the skin. Yet, we can rebuild our microbiome. We must consider we are not only eating for ourselves but our microbes.
Include fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, pickled vegetables, and yogurt with live cultures. Take quality probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Which are important for mental health and the more you have will crowd out pathogenic bacteria
like Candida. Consider probiotic enemas if you've had repeated antibiotics. Feed your microbes prebiotic foods high in inulin like onions, garlic, leeks, artichokes, chicory, and dandelion greens. Resistant starches reach the colon fully intact to feed good bacteria, found in legumes, grains, unripe bananas, green peas and rice that has been cooked and cooled. Other sources of fiber include oats, flaxseed, apples and psyllium husk. For severe conditions, FMT (fecal microbial transplants) have shown to make drastic improvements.
As the microbiome gains more popularity, there are companies you can send out your stool to have your microbiome analyzed. A healthy gut truly leads to a healthy mind and body.
For more info: Soul Natural Alchemy, Leah Mary Quirk Soul. NaturalAlchemy@ outlook.com. 610-438-0689. www. SoulNaturalAlchemy.com. Easton, PA. See ad, page 4.
Abandoning Routine and Courting Delight
by Marlaina Donato
Summer presents a timely invitation to sip from a full cup, set aside todo lists and sink our toes into all that shimmers. Somewhere between keeping the kids entertained and weeding the flower beds is an opportunity to tend to our abandoned joys. It can be as simple as noticing the tinkling of ice cubes in a glass or planning an enchanted picnic at sunset with colorful cloths draped beneath a tree.
Summer comes but once a year, and as our backyard blooms in vibrant hues, so should we. Buying new, sultry spices for the cupboard, scenting the bed sheets with stress-reducing ylang ylang essential oil, placing fresh flowers into a tea pot instead of
a traditional vase or walking barefoot after a storm tells the nervous system that there is more to life than the chores. Inspiration is an unpredictable muse; waiting for her to notice us in our busy lives is most often futile. Combating the monotony of routine in small, daily gestures is easy and lights up our senses.
Relinquishing the common tendency to feel self-conscious is key. “Be brave enough to live life creatively,” says actor Alan Alda. Such courage may require that we break our own rules. If you usually prefer venturing out with company, make a point of going out solo for a backroad drive with no destination and a good playlist. If you haven’t drawn since childhood, buy some colorful
pens and doodle in a sketchbook. Host a fancy herbal tea party and invite a neighbor you’ve never spent time with.
Wear a breezy scarf and flowers in your hair, even if you’re just running errands. Ask someone you’ve long admired to go out on a date and attend a local free concert under the stars. Everyone that is accustomed to seeing you living life a little more low-key will get over it. Having a wild love affair with summer is good for the soul and might even change your life.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Alleviating Arthritis in Dogs
Joint Health Begins in the Gut
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Arthritis and joint pain cause even the most energetic dogs to slow down. While medications and physical therapy are common treatments, addressing the dog’s digestive system may be the missing link to restoring mobility and comfort.
The Gut-Joint Connection
Inflammation in dogs is commonly associated with injuries or autoimmune diseases such as immune-mediated polyarthritis. However, chronic inflammation can also originate in the gut. The digestive tract hosts trillions of microorganisms that influence the immune response. When the gut lining is damaged or the microbiome
is disrupted, substances may leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation that can affect organs and joints.
“As a holistic pet health coach, I’ve seen time and again how joint pain and mobility issues improve when the gut is healed,” says Melissa Knievel Natanson, a holistic pet health coach and canine nutritionist in Pismo Beach, California. “Chronic gut inflammation, dysbiosis or leaky gut can trigger systemic inflammation, which often presents as joint pain. Many dogs with arthritis also have a history of gastrointestinal issues like loose stools, skin flareups or food sensitivities. These could be important clues of a gutjoint connection.”
A 2020 study published in Veterinary Sciences supports this link, revealing notable differences in the gut bacteria of arthritic and healthy dogs. Arthritic dogs had lower levels of microbial families that were more abundant in healthy dogs, including Paraprevotellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Mogibacteriaceae. These bacteria are often associated with a strong gut lining and balanced immune function. The arthritic dogs had higher levels of anti-inflammatory bacteria like Megamonas
Natanson notes that the gut and joints are closely connected through the immune system, and shifts in the microbiome may influence how the dog’s body manages inflammation and responds to joint stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may help support joint health and mobility in dogs. A 2010 multi-center clinical study of 127 dogs with osteoarthritis published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs that consumed higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of omega-6 fatty acids exhibited significantly elevated blood levels of EPA and DHA. They also demonstrated improvements in mobility compared to dogs receiving commercial food. Pet owners of the dogs on the test diet reported that their canine companions had an easier time standing up, walking and playing within weeks of starting the dietary regimen.
Natanson recommends incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into a balanced and speciesappropriate canine diet to mitigate inflammation. She emphasizes the consumption of fresh foods that are naturally anti-inflammatory such as fatty fish, bone broth, turmeric,
fermented vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries. She also advises against the consumption of ultra-processed kibble, grains and synthetic additives.
Additionally, Natanson recommends manganese-rich foods to support the health of joints and connective tissues because it plays a key role in the formation of collagen, cartilage and joint fluid. Many older dogs are deficient—especially those fed processed diets. Whole-food sources such as green-lipped mussels, pumpkin seeds and blueberries can help replenish this important mineral.
gut or active gastrointestinal inflammation. Similarly, sweet potatoes, often seen as anti-inflammatory, may not be suitable for dogs with gut dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth or metabolic imbalances due to their high starch and sugar content. Natanson says the same can be said for high-fat fish oils that provide excellent joint support but may aggravate pancreatitis or bile-related issues when introduced too aggressively.
Natanson highlights pumpkin as a gentle, gut-friendly food option. Not only does it provide prebiotic fiber to nourish healthy gut flora, but it also delivers a natural dose of manganese, making it a smart addition for dogs with digestive and joint concerns.
Because inflammation can originate in the gut, managing arthritis should involve a comprehensive approach that extends beyond joint-focused solutions. Avoiding processed foods, reducing synthetic additives and prioritizing nutrient-dense meals may help reduce overall inflammation and support long-term wellness.
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It is important to introduce these anti-inflammatory foods with caution, particularly for dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Natanson warns that while turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can cause loose stools in dogs with a leaky
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For pet parents grappling with chronic health concerns like arthritis, Natanson encourages taking one step at a time, advising, “Start with gut health. You don’t need 20 supplements—just focus on whole foods, trust the process and pay attention to your dog’s cues. Simple, consistent changes can have profound results.” A holistic veterinarian or pet health coach can assist pet parents by customizing a diet plan based on their dog’s individual condition and tolerance.
Learn more about Dr. Ruth Roberts’ approach to holistic pet care and wellness at DrRuthRoberts.com.
We feature a full line of veterinary preparation with size, dose and flavor appropriate medications for every animal ... including cats, dogs, ferrets, bunnies, reptiles, birds and exotics! We work with your vet!
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 85 percent of Americans aged 20 and older consume breakfast daily, with eggs being a common component. Eating protein during the first meal of the day can help us feel full longer, balance blood sugar levels and potentially alleviate chronic anxiety. In addition to complex carbohydrates, fiber and heathy fats, the Mayo Clinic recommends that a nutritious breakfast always include lean protein.
“Protein is the master synthesizer, essential in its role in muscle building, immune function and energy balance,” says Melissa Halas, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator in California. “Including protein early in the day helps prevent the common energy dip mid-morning and keeps satiety levels high, supporting healthy metabolism and preventing overeating later.” Protein requirements increase during periods of stress, recovery from injury or surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding,
and life stages such as childhood, adolescence and the golden years.
Thinking Outside the Cereal Box
Typical sweet cereals favored by kids often contain a high sugar content of 12 grams per cup, which is half of the daily recommended added sugar allowance for young children, as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Replacing low-nutrient, high-carbohydrate choices like white-flour pancakes and sugary cereal with delicious, plant-based scrambles, naturally sweet or savory breakfast bowls and delectable fruit parfaits can be both simple and satisfying.
Even if our breakfast choices are already healthier, a little extra fortification can do the body good. “Many common breakfasts like oatmeal and avocado toast don’t have enough protein, so it’s a good idea to be diligent about meeting your protein needs at breakfast. It’ll set you up for better energy, focus and satisfaction throughout
the morning, plus better metabolism. The key is combining protein with fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and fueled until lunchtime,” says New York City-based Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian nutritionist, author of Sugar Shock and founder of Sam’s Plate, an online nutrition and wellness source.
Whether we incorporate a tablespoon of unsweetened organic almond or peanut butter into oatmeal or layer smoked salmon and cream cheese on multigrain toast, an added source of protein can provide a boost of energy and vitality.
As a single mom, Cassetty understands the challenges of transitioning kids away from sugary foods and highly processed ingredients. She suggests making smart substitutions, such as serving whole-grain frozen waffles topped with berries and proteinrich Greek yogurt or breakfast nachos with whole-grain tortilla chips instead of breakfast tacos in highly processed taco shells. For a fun breakfast parfait, she heats frozen berries until they release their juices and then mixes the warmed fruit with plain Greek or plant-based yogurt. To enhance the texture and nutritional value, she adds a spoonful of chunky nut butter, a sprinkle of nutritious seeds or low-sugar granola.
Boosting the Protein Content
An extra-hearty breakfast can be as simple as adding a scoop of whey or plant-based protein powder into a whole-grain waffle mix or blending grass-fed gelatin powder into a smoothie. Protein-rich tofu, which is virtually tasteless when unseasoned, not only absorbs any flavors added to it, but also
transforms into a luscious pudding when blended with a dash of plant-based milk, cinnamon and dates.
For Halas, tofu scrambled in a pan as an egg substitute and served on a whole-grain tortilla with turmeric and vegetables offers a well-balanced combination of protein and carbohydrates. She also recommends multipurpose cottage cheese, a favorite of generations past, for breakfast bowls mixed with berries, flaxseeds and walnuts, or spread onto toast with avocado. Full- or reducedfat ricotta can provide a healthy alternative, as well.
Nutrient-dense pseudo-grains like quinoa and amaranth offer versatility. “Quinoa is traditionally eaten for breakfast in countries such as Peru as a warm porridge known as pesque,” explains Halas. “You can cook quinoa or amaranth in cow or plant milk and top it with fruit, seeds and cinnamon for a warm cereal bowl particularly well-suited for vegetarian, gluten-free and anti-inflammatory diets, making it an excellent alternative to conventional grains at breakfast.”
Cassetty offers a savory variation, saying, “You can use quinoa to make a breakfast grain bowl with sautéed spinach, eggs and a seasoning like pesto.” She also encourages using dinner leftovers for morning nourishment.
Most of all, breakfast should feel doable. “I recommend making breakfast nourishing, satisfying and practical—something you can prep ahead of time or whip up fast,” advises Halas.
Marlaina Donato is an author and artist. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 9am-4pm • Sun 11am-3pm
SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE TOFU BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE
1 Tbsp ghee, butter or vegan butter, unsalted
¼ tsp smoked paprika
1 dash turmeric powder
Smoked salt to taste
2 Tbsp fresh salsa
2 Tbsp fresh guacamole
Drain water from tofu and pat dry, then crumble it by hand or smash it with a fork or potato masher.
Warm the olive oil and ghee or butter in a pan over high heat until melted. Add the crumbled tofu to the pan, moving it quickly from side to side with a spatula for about 2 minutes until it resembles the consistency of scrambled eggs.
Reduce the heat to medium and add smoked paprika and turmeric. Stir until spices are well distributed and the color is even throughout the scramble.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of smoked salt. Add fresh salsa and guacamole, if desired, on the side or spooned over the scramble.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
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Join Us For Summertime
Yoga In The Park
Join us for All Levels Yoga in Beltzville State Park on LenapeHoking Land. Feel the breeze on your skin. Hear the nearby lapping of water. Practice grounding into earth below your feet. Let the sunshine on your shoulders. Or enjoy a shady spot provided by the trees. Find your breathing & let us practice together.
Dress appropriately for the weather. BYO blanket, mat, towel. Some mats available for borrowing.
Thursdays & Mondays we meet off of Pohopoco Drive near the main entrance. Park in Lot B & find us near Picnic Pavilion 2 at 6:30pm.
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays we meet off of Preachers Camp Road near Preachers Camp Boat Launch. Follow the path to the left of the ADA accessible boat launch at 8:30am on Fridays & Saturdays and 11:30am on Sundays. Or take your practice to the lake where water ebbs & flows resembling the movement of life. Sit, kneel or stand as we remember water is life.
Set up an appointment for PaddleYoga, Intro to PaddleBoard &/or Instructional Rentals Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays between the hours of 2-7pm.
For those who prefer yoga indoors find us in Downtown Easton at Book & Puppet Co. for Family Yoga Mondays at 11am and Gentler Yoga Thursdays at 11:30am. See ad on page 16.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, July 9
Anxiety & Stress Relief with Effortless Meditation™ - 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm. Physicians recommend this meditation technique as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, Stress Reduction Resources, Curtis Rd, Sinking Spring, PA, Pre-register 610-6706700.
Sunday, July 13
Workshop -Life Activation , Learn to Read Tarot and (Pendulum ) Dowsing. Level 1 with certification 10:00-4:00, $150. Must preregister Results Wellness Center, 6120 W. Main Blvd, Bath, PA 18014. Phone (484) 264-3889
Wednesday, July 16
Anxiety & Stress Relief with Effortless Meditation™ - 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm. Physicians recommend this meditation technique as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, Twin Ponds Holistic Health Center, West LV - Breinigsville, Pre-register 610.670.6700.
Tuesday, July 22
Anxiety Relief & Heart Health with Effortless Meditation™ - 12:30 – 1:45 pm. Physicians recommend this meditation technique as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE Video Conference, Pre-register 610-670-6700.
Wednesday, July 29
Stress Relief and Brain Health with Effortless Meditation™ - 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm. Physicians recommend this meditation technique as a key to self-care. Gain relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, OCD, and more. FREE Introduction, LIVE ONLINE Video Conference, Pre-register 610.670.6700.
On Going Events
PLANS CHANGE
Please call ahead to confirm date and times
Daily
Free Your Heart-Chakra Challenge (24/7) A FREE online course to get out of your head & into your heart with 3 simple tools. In 2 hours or less learn meditation, journaling & art play expressing left/right brain energies. Enroll now: MichelleLeeArtsStudio.com/p/ Free-Your-Heart- Chakra-Challenge.
Narcotics Anonymous – If you think you have a drug problem, and are tired of being sick and tired, there is a better way. Call 24hour helpline 610-439-1998. We are here to help. You are not alone.
Radiant HeART Rising (24/7) A soulistic experience to unblock your heart, embrace self-love & empower an inspired life, using yoga, meditation & heart-chakra art making. Take this online course at your pace for $33: MichelleLeeArtsStudio.com/p/RadiantHeart-Rising.
Sunday
Sunday Services – Metaphysical and nondenominational. Rev. Lloyd Moll, Pastor –Unique Sunday services 10:30am. All welcome! St. John’s Church of Faith, 607 Washington St Allentown. 610-776-7211.
CoDA i s a 12-Step Fellowship of people with a common purpose to recover from codependency. The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Meetings are Tuesday 7-8:30pm at Calvary Baptist Church 4601 W. Tilghman St. Allentown, PA 18104. Questions; call Jim at 610-264-7046 or visit coda.org.
Wednesday
LV Lyme Support Group – First Wednesday of every month (except July we are off) at 7pm at 4007 Greenpond Rd, Country Meadows Bethlehem 18020 . We meet in last building 2nd floor chapel. Lots of brochures and guidance! Heidi Healy, Moderator 973610-0531.
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Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email DrRodgerND@HealthyLehighValley.com to request our media kit.
Acupuncture
EASTMAN ACUPUNCTURE
LAURA EASTMAN, M.AC., L.AC. 1617 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18102
484-425-2865
Eastman-Acupuncture.com
Eastman Acupuncture provides high quality, individualized acupuncture treatments to the Lehigh Valley community. We see patients for a wide range of symptoms such as pain, headaches, neuropathy, digestive issues, incontinence, anxiety and much more. We use a variety of techniques including Dr. Tan’s Balance Method, Master Tung points and electroacupuncture.
LIVEWELL INTEGRATED HEALTH LLC
Dr. Robert W. Livingston III, DC, L.Ac.
Dr. Jennifer K. Bollinger, DC, L.Ac. 8026 Hamilton Blvd. Trexlertown, PA 18087 610-395-5509
LiveWellIntegratedHealth.com
LiveWell Integrated Health offers traditional Chinese acupuncture, chiropractic, body work, and nutritional and lifestyle coaching. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice...choose to LiveWell.
See ad, page 3.
Holistic Practitioner
SOUL NATURAL HEALTH
Leah Mary Quirk soulnaturalhealth@outlook.com 610-438-0689 SoulNaturalHealth.com Easton, Pennsylvania
I am a certified Ayurveda practitioner, herbalist and reiki healer. Did you know over 80% of Americans have intestinal parasitic infections? Parasites, gut dysbiosis and food sensitivities are a root cause of many auto-immune diseases, cancer, digestive and mental health disorders. I am very gifted at finding the root cause for client’s dealing with chronic health issues. I offer holistic health consultations with custom herbal formulas and reiki healing. See ad, page 4.
Bodywork
MARIE RUXTON
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Marie Ruxton CMT, CN 628 Chestnut St., Emmaus, PA 18049 610-965-2500
Marie is a certified massage therapist trained since 1997 in Advanced Myofascial Release Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki, Ear Candling, Homeopathy and Holistic Nutrition. Offers comprehensive custom bodywork for those wanting to overcome chronic pain and movement problems. Sessions range from a (2 hour) Head to Toe meltdown massage to “Just Neck and Head” massage for those needing stress relief. Gift certificates available. See ad, page 8.
Chiropractor
ASSOCIATED CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Joseph A. Perelli 656 5th St., Whitehall, PA 18052 610-266-6111
AssociatedChiropractic.com
Dr. Perelli has served the Lehigh Valley for 31 years delivering natural, hands-on chiropractic care for neck, mid-back, low back and extremity conditions. He specializes in sports, auto and work comp injuries with various holistic treatments to get you back to your pre-injury status quickly.
HEALING WAVE CHIROPRACTIC
Shaun M Gallagher, DC 425 Allentown Drive, Allentown, PA 18109 484-222-8855 HealingWaveChiro.com info@healingwavechiro.com
Experience gentle, transformative care with NetworkSpinal— low-force chiropractic without cracking—just natural, hands-on healing for stress, trauma, and a better future. Feel balanced, build resilience, and connect to your body’s innate wisdom. State-of-the-art testing guides personalized care plans for lasting results. Ready to reclaim your vitality? Start your journey today with a free consultation!
LIVEWELL INTEGRATED HEALTH LLC
Dr. Robert W. Livingston III, DC, L.Ac. Dr. Jennifer K. Bollinger, DC, L.Ac. 8026 Hamilton Blvd. Trexlertown, PA 18087
610-395-5509
LiveWellIntegratedHealth.com
LiveWell Integrated Health offers traditional Chinese acupuncture, chiropractic, body work, and nutritional and lifestyle coaching. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice...choose to LiveWell. See ad, page 3.
Clinical Nutritionist
BETHLEHEM NUTRITION & WELLNESS CENTER
Kathy Harrington, MS Functional Medical Nutritionist 3400 Bath Pike, Ste. 101 Bethlehem 610-419-3909
BethlehemNutrition.com
Bethlehem Nutrition & Wellness Center, we give you the tools to bring you and your family into a state of optimal health. Using the most advanced nutritional testing available, we look for the underlying cause of your health problems. Once the underlying cause is addressed not only do symptoms go away, but your overall health can also be greatly improved. See ad, page 11.
Counseling – Holistic
SMART SOLUTIONS AND CREATIVE HOLISTIC THERAPY
Rev. Lyn S. Felix, MSW, LCSW, CHT, RM 3037 S. Pike Ave. #105, Allentown PA 18103 610-282-0709
CreativeHolisticTherapy.com
A holistic, highly intuitive counselor, coach and vibrational chakra rebalancing practitioner who supports you in getting unstuck and moving forward. Using mindfulness, hypnotherapy, EFT, Reiki, tuning forks, breathwork, and more, Rev. Lyn guides you step by step from chaos to calm and confidence. Insurances & Private Pay. Free Phone Consultation.
TMS CENTER
Dr. Paul Gross
401 N. 17th St., Suite 304, Allentown, PA
610-820-0700
www.Tmslv.com
Thousands in the Lehigh Valley struggle with depression every day, but thanks to the TMS Center of the Lehigh Valley, they are not alone in their fight. We are the region’s first transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment facility and one of the most experienced centers on the east coast, having performed over ten thousand TMS treatments. See ads, pages 2.
The EE System generates bio-active energy fields called “Scalar Waves”. These promote wellness, cell regeneration, improved immune function, relieve pain, body detoxification, elevated mood, and balancing of the right and left-brain hemispheres for increased energy levels. Ultimately, it assists in facilitating an optimal healing environment that can assist the body to begin healing itself.
Events & Retreats Resort
MAGNOLIA STREAMSIDE RESORT
570 595-2489
2518 Route 390 Canadensis, PA 18325 MagnoliaStreamside.com inna@MagnoliaStreamside.com
Magnolia Streamside Resort offers streamside lodging and a one-of-a-kind event wedding venue. From the chapel in our enchanted forest to festivities in a 4,000 ft pavilion surrounded by a gorgeous mountain stream. Magnolia is a perfect destination wedding resort venue. We invite you to enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of this nature oasis for a wholesome wedding weekend experience or a perfect getaway with your friends and family. See ad, page 15.
Funeral Services
NICOS C. ELIAS FUNERAL HOME, INC
Nicos C. Elias, Supervisor Allentown, PA 610-433-2200
Nicos@EliasFuneralHome.com EliasFuneralHome.com
Mr. Elias offers several different green and eco-friendly funeral plans using biodegradable caskets, preservation without chemicals. A natural, back to the earth approach. Biodegradable urns for those choosing cremation.
Green Cemetery
GREEN MEADOWS AT FOUNTAIN HILL CEMETERY 1121 Graham Street, Fountain Hill, PA 18015 610-868-4840 GreenMeadowPA.org
The only green cemetery in the Lehigh Valley. A cemetery of wildflowers and grasses native to Pennsylvania. Return to the natural cycle of life to nourish the soil, green the meadow and live on. Nondenominational. Non-profit. Speakers available to visit organizations. See ad, page 25.
Hyperbaric Therapy
ELIXIR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Hypnosis & Hypnosis Training
STREAM HYPNOSIS, LLC
40 South 5th St Suite 203 Allentown 18101 570-617-5325 vperweiss@streamhypnosis.com www.StreamHypnosis.com
Achieve your personal best in sports, sales public speaking and more. Whether you need to eliminate chronic pain, achieve your ideal body weight, reduce stress, or kick the smoking habit hypnosis is a useful tool that can help you move forward. Individual and group sessions, remote and in person sessions. Board Certified Hypnotist with NGH. See ad, page 7.
RESULTS WELLNESS CENTER, LLC
Jacqueline LeClaire 6120 W. Main Blvd., Bath, PA 18014 JacquelineLeClaire.com 484-264-3889
Become a Certified Hypnotherapist / Become a Certified Reiki Practitioner, Usui Master. Jacqueline LeClaire is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master Trainer with the International Association of Counselors and Therapists and Reiki Master for over two decades. She is the owner of Results Wellness Center, LLC.
Kangen Water
1021 Main St., Bethlehem PA 18018 elixirbethlehem@gmail.com www.ElixirLV.com
Elixir Health & Wellness is an east meets west, holistic approach for longevity and anti-aging. We offer mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT), Red Light Therapy, Compression Therapy, and Metabolomic testing. These can be combined to optimize health or be used as stand alone therapies for specific goals. Protocols are tailored to each individual client.
Since 1974, Enagic® has been a leading innovator of pure water technology and has transformed the way we look at water and its role in a healthy and vibrant life. Enagic® specializes in producing ionized alkaline water systems that transform ordinary tap water into healthy, hydrating, alkaline Kangen Water® for cooking, cleaning, drinking and sanitizing. See ad, page 3.
Landscaping
BEAR CREEK ORGANICS
570-582-0615
BearCreekOrganics@gmail.com BearCreekOrganics.com
We create organic and ecological edible landscapes. With mother nature as our teacher, and extensive knowledge of edible plants,. We develop beautiful food production systems that support your needs and the needs of the natural wildlife. No matter the size of your budget we will help you create an edible landscape that is right for you. See ad, page 9.
Marketing
NATURAL AWAKENINGS
DR. DEKA RODGER ND, MBA Owner/Publisher 610-421-4443
Naturopath
NATURAL HEALTH PROMOTION LLC
Tina Stashko, PhD MIfHI Emmaus, PA 18049
610-965-8132
NaturalHealthPromotion.net
Specializing in preventative healthcare, digestion and nutrient absorption, and thyroid and adrenal health. Modalities such as iridology, sclerology and biochemical balancing enable the development of your unique program for optimum health. These programs are easy to follow and incorporate into your daily life. Reach your full health potential!
Due to his extensive background in business and marketing and built his own practice through the Natural Awakenings magazine he can take businesses to the next level. Also, with a strong background in keeping fit and understanding all aspects of exercising, he promotes B3 Science, an advanced method of achieving better fitness results in 1/2 the time. He also teaches a Nutrition Certification Course over a 6-month period, students completing this course and passing all exams can put the designation CNC after their name. See ads, pages 3 and 5.
Massage
KONNECTIONS MASSAGE
Kathy Hatcher, LMT 656 5th St., Whitehall, PA 18052 610-266-6111
KonnectionsMassage.com
Kathy has been administering deep tissue, therapeutic, medical, pregnancy and aromatherapy massage since 1996. Her NEWEST services are Ionic Foot Cleanse Detoxification as well as Red-light therapy for non-surgical weight loss and chronic pain management. Insurance billing for massage available.
11 Knob Road Mt Poconos, PA 18325 magnoliapoconos.com oksanna@magnloiapoconos.com
Magnolia Inn & Wellness Center is state of an art wellness hub that offers an extensive array of cutting-edge wellness modalities like Floating Therapy, Cryotherapy, IV Therapy, Colon Hydrotherapy and so much more. Our medical director, therapists, and staff are committed to helping our clients achieve TRUE health by accessing their optimal vitality and longevity. Membership programs are available and designed to make our services accessible to our local community. See ad, page 15.
Wellness Spapothecary
HERBS TO YOUR SUCCESS
Vanessa Sabatine 64 South Main St., Nazareth, PA 18064 610-365-8996 • HerbsToYourSuccess.com
Herbs to Your Success is a health & wellness spa located in Nazareth, offering multiple holistic spa experiences and herbal remedies. We also offer a wide selection of essential oils, teas, skincare, make-up and more! We provide high quality spa services to our customers and our friendly and courteous staff guarantees exceptional customer service. See ad, page 2.
Classifieds
Opportunities
Bear Creek Organics is hiring! We are looking for skilled landscapers who are passionate about Ecological Edible Landscaping. Permaculture Design Certificate preferred. Email resume and cover letter to: Richie@BearCreekOrganics.com
Calling Holistic Presenters – Facilitate your workshop or retreat at our Upper Bucks center, with peaceful country setting, meditation gardens, and woods. GreenShireArts.org. Email info@GreenShireArts.org or call 215-538-0976.
Holistic Chiropractor, Naturopath or Natural Functional Medicine Practitioner Needed – Join our comprehensive solution Wellness Center in Stroudsburg. Access to over 2000 clients in a professional, dedicated facility. Call Vicki at 570-977-1900 to discuss.
Products
Crystal Tones Singing Bowls – Classic & Alchemy for meditation & vibrational healing. Also offering personal vibration testing. Contact Anthony at Life Holistic Center, 570-706-6680 or LifeHolistic@hotmail.com. See more at LifeHolistiReiki.com.
Interactive Dementia and Alzheimer Game – An interactive and fun family game that will bring a twinkle to the eye and smile on the face. Call 484-8605894. HighRollDice.com.
Two Green Burial Plots for Sale – At Green Meadows Burial Ground in Fountain Hill, PA. $1,800 total.Call 610-6984921.
Services
Spiritually guided card readings offered in person, or via phone, parties also welcome. Channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029.
Readings with intuitive counselor, Reiki also available. Free 10-minute initial session. Evelyn peptel62@gmail.com. 551804-7571.
Free Phone Reading for Lightworkers. Your Higher-Self reveals the blocks that are slowing you from growing your practice/business. Email Enaid to learn more. enaid-rensporp@ProtonMail.com Kula Heart Yoga & Wellness, LLC contracts self motivated and ethical bodyworkers and yoga instructors to serve Bath and the Lehigh Valley. If you are interested in growing your business, making your own hours and being a part of a Wellness Center that is filled with compassion, professionalism, and FUN! Submit your interest to info@ KulaHeartYogaAndWellness.com.
