Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth MAY2025 Issue

WOMEN IN BLOOM

How to Thrive at Every Age

PILATES FOR ALL Movement That Meets You Where You Are

ELEMENTS OF A LIFE WELL LIVED

PILLARS OF WOMENS WELLNESS

Thermography Wellness Dallas Leads the Way

TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE COMPOSTING

Women’s Wellness

WE’RE MAKING FRESH PRODUCE MORE ACCESSIBLE

TO EVERYONE

Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are beneficial for your health, the environment and our community. That’s why we’re expanding our collaboration with urban farmers and local growers to promote fresh, nutritious produce at farmers markets, farm stands and neighborhood food stores across North Texas.

Through programs like Double Up Food Bucks, we’re improving access to fresh produce for Texas families, creating more business for farmers, and boosting local economies. These efforts have created a growing network of fresh produce and healthy food access points for the community.

USE DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS

AZLE FARMERS MARKET

BONTON FARMS

COWTOWN FARMERS MARKET

COPPELL FARMERS MARKET

DALLAS FARMERS MARKET

DENTON COMMUNITY MARKET

SAGINAW FARMERS MARKET

TOM THUMB

10455 N. Central Expy. | Dallas 75231

8698 Skillman St. | Dallas 75243

FOODLAND MARKETS

1524 NW 25th St. | Fort Worth 76164

1212 S. Ayers Ave. | Fort Worth 76105

3320 Mansfield Hwy. | Forest Hill 76119

8411 Lake June Rd. | Dallas 75217

1314 S. Buckner Blvd. | Dallas 75217

550 W. Randol Mill | Arlington 76011

1655 New York Ave. | Arlington 76010

610 Ferris Ave. | Waxahachie 75165

MWomen in Full Bloom

ay is a vibrant month dedicated to celebrating women in full bloom—a theme that naturally inspires us to pause and reflect on what this means in our own lives. What exactly does it mean for a woman to be “in full bloom”? At its heart, it is about thriving—living fully and authentically, achieving our potential and making a meaningful impact in our world. Yet it is also deeply personal and unique to each woman, shaped by her many roles, experiences and aspirations.

Women inherently juggle an extraordinary variety of responsibilities and roles—both voluntary and involuntary. At any given moment, a woman may serve as CEO of her household and/or her business, a soccer coach or dedicated soccer mom, a Sunday school teacher or supportive helper, a transportation executive coordinating complex logistics for multiple children or even a construction project manager overseeing essential home renovations. She might simultaneously be a nurse or caregiver tending to sick children, a husband, aging parents or neighbors in need. Perhaps she is also a community activist or a politician, striving to bring positive change to her community. Indeed, most women already embody the essence of blooming through the multifaceted nature of their daily lives.

Yet truly blooming—and becoming all we are meant to be—begins with self-care. The familiar advice from airline stewardesses perfectly illustrates this wisdom: “Put your own oxygen mask on first, then assist others.” Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Taking care of ourselves empowers us to care for and inspire those around us even more effectively. When we nurture ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually, we create the solid foundation from which we can grow, flourish and help others do the same.

The Bible, our timeless instruction manual, offers powerful insights on this subject. Proverbs 31 paints a vivid picture of a woman in full bloom—wise, strong, industrious, compassionate and nurturing. She manages multiple roles with grace and confidence, embodying the fullness of authentic living. She is praised not only for her accomplishments, but also for her character and the lasting impact she makes on those around her. Scripture consistently reminds us that caring for ourselves is not selfish, but wise—enabling us to fulfill our many responsibilities with joy and strength.

For women, blooming looks like confidently navigating life’s complexities while maintaining a deep sense of self-worth and inner peace. It is about recognizing our value beyond the roles we fulfill and giving ourselves room to grow, explore and dream. Blooming involves cultivating resilience, patience and compassion—not just toward others, but ourselves, as well. It means acknowledging when we need rest, help or support—and having the courage to seek it.

As we celebrate Mother's Day this month, let’s take time to honor all the women that have nurtured, inspired and supported us. Let’s also encourage one another to prioritize wellness and self-care, recognizing that we serve others best when we are whole, healthy and thriving ourselves.

Within this month’s issue, you’ll find valuable resources, inspiration and guidance to support you—or the women in your life—on the journey to wellness and self-discovery. From transforming your food cravings into healthy habits to balancing the essential hormones we rely upon and nurturing your inner being and self-talk, we encourage you to embrace these opportunities. Give yourself the gift of self-care and personal growth—you deserve it.

With deep appreciation for all you do, may you continue to bloom brightly and beautifully.

Blessings,

Contact me at: Publisher@NADallas.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofing Melanie Rankin

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New Cancer Exercise Program Directory

Those living with and beyond cancer can now find accessible, customized exercise programs to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Moving Through Cancer Program has released an expanded Exercise Program Directory for cancer survivors, caregivers, oncology clinicians and exercise professionals

Listing more than 2,300 programs, it features the EXCEEDS algorithm, an evidence-based triage tool, allowing survivors to be matched with the type of programming that is most appropriate for their current functional ability, symptoms and goals. The programs are divided into four levels from the most to least specialized.

They include outpatient cancer rehabilitation (provided by a licensed therapist), clinical exercise programs (provided in a clinical setting), exercise oncology programs (provided in a community setting), or general exercise (traditional gym or home-based).

View the directory at Tinyurl.com/ MovingThroughCancer.

Mothers Day at the Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum will celebrate Mother’s Day with a garden-to-table brunch on May 11. The lavish experience, curated by Wolfgang Puck Catering, is set amid the lush beauty of A Tasteful Place, a 3.5-acre garden dedicated to fresh, sustainable, locally grown food.

The brunch buffet features an array of a full charcuterie spread, Belgian-style waffles, smoked Ora King salmon, New York strip steak and a flatbread action station. Complement the meal with selections from the mimosa bar, which includes non-alcoholic options. Seatings are available at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

A Tasteful Place provides a holistic experience that celebrates healthy living. This garden is inspired by the movement toward growing and eating fresh, sustainable, locally-grown food. Visitors can explore the potager garden, participate in cooking classes and demonstrations, and enjoy complimentary tastings made with seasonal produce.

Location: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas. For or tickets and reservations, call 214-515-6615 or visit DallasArboretum.org.

Save Money and Boost Air Quality

Many people believe they must keep their engines running to maintain efficiency, but idling wastes fuel, damages vehicles and harms the environment. No one benefits from this costly habit. To address concerns associated with engine idling, Engine Off North Texas coordinates with governments across the 10-county nonattainment area to encourage the adoption and enforcement of idling restrictions for heavy-duty commercial vehicles (with a 30-minute limit for buses).

Idling means running a vehicle engine when it is not moving. While some idling is hard to avoid, most idling is wasteful and avoidable. An idling car wastes up to one-half gallon per hour; a medium-duty truck may waste even more. While individual episodes may be small, the cumulative impacts of idling are large.

Each gallon of fuel burned emits about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Tailpipe emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can damage lungs. Idling laws differ by location, vehicle type/weight, fuel type and outside temperature. Fines reach up to $500 per violation.

To be a part of the solution, turn off vehicles when not moving and use waiting rooms at depots and assembly areas instead of idling when available.

For information or to report an incident, call 877-689-4353 or visit EngineOffNorthTexas.org.

Kudos

Texoma FC Soccer Leagues Begins 2025 Season

Founded in 2023, Texoma FC, a new professional soccer club based in Sherman, plays home matches at Historic Bearcat Stadium. They are trying to grow the region’s profile in national sports while creating new opportunities for elite players, coaches, referees and sports professionals. The club is a member of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), part of the third tier of U.S. professional soccer.

Parker University and the Parker Performance Institute (PPI) are official Sports Performance partners and Back-of-Kit sponsors. This partnership brings top-tier recovery and performance optimization support to the team, with PPI playing a hands-on role in athlete health, fitness and injury prevention.

Texoma FC President Ben Watson explains that the collaboration with Parker University and PPI aligns closely with the club’s mission to build a strong foundation for high-performance soccer while engaging deeply with the community through education and health-focused initiatives.

For a schedule and more information, visit texomafc.com.

2025 Conservation Wranglers

Nonprofit Texan by Nature (TxN) has selected projects for the 2025 Conservation Wranglers accelerator program that are science-based and demonstrate positive Return on Conservation benefits for people, prosperity and natural resources.

The TxN team will work with and provide 12 to 18 months of tailored support in program management, strategic planning, marketing strategy, metrics capture and analysis, professional content creation and partnership development.

“Congratulations to our 2025 Conservation Wranglers!” says founder and former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush. “I am thrilled to see your conservation innovations taking place in Texas. Thank you for leading the way and taking care of our people, our prosperity and our natural resources. You are setting a fine example for our state.”

For more information, visit TexanbyNature.org.

Presbyterian Village North, a Forefront Living community, hosted an intergenerational Earth Day tree planting event on April 22. The 45 new trees, one for each year of PVN’s rich history, were donated by the Texas Trees Foundation and T-Mobile, The event connected working-age volunteers and senior residents through a shared mission of sustainability, community and growth.

Texas Trees Foundation Urban Forestry Manager Eric Wettengel says, “Investing that time back into our neighborhood, trees today represent a huge investment into the future . They are an investment into the next 100 years of this community.”

Location: 8600 Skyline Dr., Dallas. For more information, visit PresVillageNorth.org and ForeFrontLiving.org.

Beautiful Practitioner Rooms for Rent at EcoBlend Therapies Wellness Studio!

Lease Space within our vibrant holistic community offering an intimate event lounge.

Two stunning 10x12 rooms available for $600/month each, or $1000 for both, featuring:

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n Excellent cross-referral opportunity!

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Learn More: www.ecoblendtherapies.com

Amy@ecoblendtherapies.com for a tour!

Boot Trot Race in Fort Worth

The third annual PBR Ariat Boot Trot 5K/3K will begin at 8 a.m., May 10, galloping in the Fort Worth stockyards. It offers two different races; a traditional 5K and a 3K Boot Trot. While the 5K allows runners to wear their preferred footwear, the 3K adds a fun challenge because participants must don cowboy or military boots to be eligible for prizes. All finishers will receive a commemorative medal celebrating their achievement. The top male, female and junior finishers in both races will be awarded a pair of Ariat boots.

Beyond the race, participants can immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Fort Worth stockyards. With live music, rodeo events and unique shopping and dining experiences, the area offers a full day of entertainment for the whole family.

Fees are $40 for the 5K; $30 for the 3K Boot Trot. Location: 125 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. For more information and to register, visit Tinyurl.com/2005BootTrot.

Healthy Living Expo at Grand Prairie Farmers Market

A Healthy Living Expo at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 10, with a focus on health, sustainability and wellness.

Exhibitors include

Rise Solar Energy, Magnolia Family Professionals, NV Wellness, Baylor Scott and White Health, Crossroads Chiropractic and Wellness, Hotworx and more.

Attendees can explore a wide range of products and services including renewable energy solutions, family counseling, fitness innovations, chiropractic care and trusted medical providers, all aimed at helping individuals and families live healthier, more sustainable lives.

Since opening in 2008, the market has become a staple for residents that value farm-totable living, supporting local growers and making healthier food choices. It is a full-circle opportunity to learn, shop and connect while supporting local businesses that are committed to making North Texas a healthier place to live.

Admission is free. Location: 120 W. Main St., Grand Prairie. For more information, call 972992-8815.

Jasmine

Air Quality Awareness Week 2025

Air Quality Awareness Week, observed from May 5 to 9, and led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a call to action. This year’s theme, “Stay Air Aware,” is simple, but urgent—help people understand how air quality impacts health and what they can do about it. It also aligns with World Asthma Day on May 6 and kicks off Asthma Awareness Month, creating a key moment to focus on the real-life effects of air pollution, especially for the 25 million Americans living with asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways. For someone with asthma, even short-term exposure to polluted air can trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or even a trip to the emergency room. Pollutants including ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), dust and smoke can all worsen asthma symptoms. Kids are especially vulnerable. Nearly one in 13 school-aged children has asthma, and it is the top cause of school absenteeism from chronic illness. That makes air quality not just a health issue, but an education and equity issue, as well.

Wildfires and prescribed burns are becoming more frequent, and their smoke can travel hundreds of miles. This smoke contains fine particles that can get deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and triggering asthma or heart problems. Even those that do not live near a fire zone are not in the clear. Wildfire smoke can affect urban and rural areas alike. While healthy adults might feel irritation, people with asthma, heart conditions or limited access to clean indoor spaces are at a much higher risk. That is why Air Quality Awareness Week includes resources to help check daily air quality, prepare the home and reduce exposure.

Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, and many asthma triggers such as mold, dust mites, smoke and cleaning chemicals are common in homes and schools. The EPA IAQ Tools for Schools program provides low-cost steps schools can

take to reduce asthma triggers, including proper ventilation and regular maintenance. They have also developed a mobile app to help school staff track and improve air quality onsite. Here is how to stay air aware:

Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) daily, especially if someone in the home has asthma or heart disease.

Use portable air purifiers and make sure they are the right size for the space. Look for a smoke Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) that is at least two-thirds of the room size.

• Avoid burning wood or trash indoors, and follow EPA Burn Wise tips if heating a home with wood.

• Keep schools and homes clean and ventilated to limit indoor asthma triggers.

• Talk to a doctor about an asthma action plan if a child has asthma.

• Spread the word by using hashtags such as #AsthmaAwarenessMonth and #WorldAsthmaDay.

North Texas Garden Tours

From Dallas to Fort Worth, locals and visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant blooms, creative designs and sustainable gardening practices during May. Whether seeking bold designs, tranquil greenery or sustainable gardening practices, these North Texas garden tours offer something for everyone. May is the perfect time to explore and celebrate the region’s natural beauty and creativity in outdoor living.

The Denton County Master Gardener Association Spring Garden Tour is scheduled for May 10, offering an enchanting showcase in Denton and Oak Point. Four meticulously cultivated private gardens will highlight the best of suburban retreats, wooded wonderlands and pollinator havens. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening methods while enjoying the seasonal blooms that are a hallmark of this annual event. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Denton County Extension

Office (401 West Hickory Street, in Denton) or at the homes on the tour day.

The Dallas neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Little Forest Hills and Casa Linda Estates will host the White Rock East Garden Tour & Artisans on May 21. The event features nine gardens that transform outdoor spaces into creative masterpieces. With terraced landscaping, elegant water features and entertainment-ready venues, these gardens promise inspiration for all

visitors. The tour includes a plant sale and artisan showcase. Tickets are available at WhiteRockGardenRour.org/contact-us or through Eventbrite. Early-bird tickets are $25 until May 2 and increase to $30 afterward.

Fort Worth’s Hidden Gardens Tour also takes place on May 21, spotlighting seven private gardens nestled within the historic neighborhoods of Berkeley Place. This annual tradition offers a look into charming backyards and vintage landscaping that beautifully harmonize with the area’s architectural character. Visitors will leave with plenty of ideas for creating tranquil escapes in their own outdoor spaces.

Tickets can be purchased online at HistoricFortWorth.org or in person at Archie’s GardenLand and Calloway’s Nursery on South Hulen St.

Triple Bottom Line Composting

by Martin Miron

Julie Fineman is the President of Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery and co-creator of Constellation of Living Memorials, which reimagines forgotten cemeteries as places of renewal. Her organization revitalizes neglected sites into thriving native habitats, enhancing soil health and biodiversity. Through practices such as removing invasive species and reseeding native plants, they foster environmental restoration, honor historical legacies and strengthen community bonds. Fineman shares how this work embodies a “triple bottom line” approach, intertwining environmental renewal, historical preservation and community engagement.

How did your idea come about?

Seven years ago, my husband and I found ourselves drawn to a home in Dallas. Next door stood a forgotten cemetery, cloaked in evergreen—quiet, avoided and invisible. Who wants to live beside a cemetery? Two years later, during my training as a Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, I discovered that what lay next door wasn’t just neglected—it was a natural disaster. Invasive plants had strangled a landscape rich with forgotten history and potential.

Refusing to stand by, I gathered neighbors, and together we cleared it every weekend for three months. Then the earth responded: Englemann Daisies and Blackland Prairie grasses bloomed as if remembering themselves. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a patch of land. It was a sacred remnant—alive with cultural memory and natural wisdom.

The Constellation of Living Memorials was born from that awakening. It weaves together grief, remembrance and regeneration— honoring the land and those who walked

it before us, while inviting healing for both people and the planet.

How do you incorporate composting into the restoration work?

We treat what others discard—lawn clippings, fallen branches, leaves—as sacred offerings. These natural remnants become the bones of berms that shape the land and nurture it. Over months, they break down into dark, living soil—rich, fertile, and ready to cradle new life.

This process restores balance after storms, revives native plants and deepens our connection to the earth’s quiet alchemy: nothing is wasted.

How do you decide what native plants to introduce or restore?

I don’t impose. I listen. Once invasives are removed, I observe which native plants reemerge, as if the land is whispering its own memory. Light, soil and shade guide what should be reintroduced. Rewilding begins with reverence—not control. It’s not about planting—it’s about reawakening.

How does preserving the historical integrity of these sites enhance your environmental goals?

I feel an urgency to protect these sacred portals where history and habitat meet. These cemeteries hold ancestral memory—and under the surface, the earth still remembers, too. When we honor both, something profound happens: cultural stewards and environmentalists, once separate, find common ground. The pilot phase of Constellation has already shown us what’s possible when we let old roots speak to new ones.

How do you see community involvement playing a role?

We’re living in a time when the divide between people and planet has grown too wide. But I’ve seen it—how community members, given the chance, come alive when they’re offered a role in restoration. It’s not just work. It’s healing. From local volunteers to historical societies, these partnerships are the true lifeblood of the movement. Everyone has something to give.

How does your work influences how people think about life cycles?

The Constellation of Living Memorials invites us to reimagine death not as an end, but as part of a cycle. From grave to garden, from loss to bloom, we begin to see that grief and growth share the same soil.This way of thinking returns us to truth: we are not separate from nature. We are part of its rhythm, its mystery, and its miracle.

What is your vision for Constellation of Living Memorials?

Historic cemeteries—ignored, unclaimed— are the low-hanging fruit of forgotten spaces. Reimagining these spaces for community engagement to reconnect humanity to nature and ancestors can be applied beyond their gates. Imagine if cities embraced this indigenous wisdom: to heal land as we honor legacy. The result would be living network of memory and renewal. Better air. Richer soil. Stronger communities. It’s not just sustainable—it’s soul-sustaining.

For more information, call 213-700-7481 or visit FriendsOfTheWarrenFerrisCemetery. org/projects and ConstellationOfLiving Memorials.org.

Bowel Movement Frequency and Health

In a study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, researchers evaluated the frequency of weekly bowel movements and the overall health of 1,400 healthy adults. The participants were separated into four groups: constipated (one to two bowel movements per week), low-normal (three to six bowel movements per week), high-normal (one to three bowel movements per day) and diarrhea. The scientists also gathered information about the participants’ age, sex, genetics and gut microbiomes.

The study revealed that age, sex and body mass index (BMI) significantly influenced bowel movement frequency. Younger individuals, females and those with a low BMI tended to have less frequent bowel movements.

Individuals in the high-normal group—deemed by researchers to be optimal—had similar gut microbiomes that efficiently converted fiber into beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Those with less frequent bowel movements had gut microbes that consumed the available dietary fiber, leading to protein fermentation and the release of harmful toxins into the bloodstream. The researchers hypothesized that these toxins could be the link between bowel health, inflammation and an increased risk of chronic diseases.

Participants with constipation had higher levels of byproducts of protein fermentation in their blood, which is known to damage the kidneys. Those with diarrhea had blood plasma patterns associated with liver damage. The study underscores the importance of dietary and lifestyle choices, such as increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables, to normalize bowel movement frequency.

Post-Vaccination Syndrome

A small study led by Yale University is investigating people with COVID-19 post-vaccination syndrome (PVS). While COVID-19 vaccines likely prevented millions of deaths, a small number of those vaccinated have developed long-term health issues, including fatigue, exercise intolerance, brain fog, tinnitus and dizziness. The researchers compared blood samples from 42 people with PVS and 22 healthy individuals without it, as well as 134 people with and without long COVID, a chronic condition present for at least three months after a COVID-19 infection with a range of symptoms that may include fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain and muscle aches.

The researchers discovered that those with PVS have distinct proportions of immune cells, but these differences have yet to be directly linked to their symptoms. Both PVS and long COVID patients experienced a reawakening of the Epstein-Barr virus linked to mononucleosis and multiple sclerosis. The PVS patients had higher levels of a coronavirus protein in their blood compared to patients with long COVID. Although the study has not definitively determined what makes these people sick, the findings suggests that further research is warranted.

Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization

In February, the federal government announced plans to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reduce treatment costs. Approximately one in seven couples trying to have a baby are unable to conceive. Each IVF treatment costs between $12,000 and $25,000 per cycle, and multiple cycles may be needed to achieve a successful pregnancy. These costs are generally not covered by health insurance, making IVF financially inaccessible for many Americans.

Although the announcement did not introduce new legislation, it underscores the importance of family formation as a national public policy. The U.S. fertility rate is at a historic low, declining by 3 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, after a consistent 2 percent annual reduction from 2014 to 2020.

Teeth-Cleaning Microrobots

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed prototype teeth-cleaning devices that use microrobots made of iron oxide nanoparticles. With the push of a button, magnets guide the microrobot swarms to form bristles for brushing or an elongated thread for flossing. Notably, the nanoparticles are approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Two distinct devices are being tested: a mouthguard and a toothbrush. Upon activation, the device distributes a solution of microrobots and hydrogen peroxide into the mouth. The iron oxide nanoparticles kill bacteria and break down plaque more effectively than the disinfectant alone. In testing, researchers have removed 100 percent of plaque from a 3D printed model of human teeth and gums, and achieved an 80 percent success rate in animal testing. Work continues to increase the system’s effectiveness and shorten the cleaning time, which currently ranges from five to 10 minutes.

Dementia and Processed Red Meat

Dementia affects approximately 10 percent of Americans aged 65 and older. A study published in the journal Neurology suggests that processed red meats like hot dogs, sausage, salami, bologna and bacon may increase the risk of developing dementia. The eating habits of more than 133,000 participants without a dementia diagnosis at the start of the study were tracked for more than 40 years through surveys every two or four years.

According to the researchers, those consuming the greatest amount of processed red meat had a 13 percent higher chance of developing dementia compared to subjects in the low processed red meat group. (A serving was deemed to be three ounces, and high consumption was defined as one quarter of a serving or more daily, or roughly two servings per week.) The study also reported that those consuming the most processed red meat exhibited lower cognitive function and accelerated brain aging compared to people that consumed the least amount of processed red meat. Further research is needed to understand how diet may influence the onset of dementia.

Timapi from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Cinefootage Visuals from Getty Images/CanvaPro

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Wolves Help Sequester Carbon Dioxide

A recent study published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence proposes the reintroduction of gray wolves in Scotland to enhance carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. Wolves had been hunted in Scotland since 1238 and were eradicated from the country about 250 years ago. Without wolves, the Scottish red deer population surged to 400,000—about one deer for every 14 people in the country. Consequently, the deer and, in certain areas, sheep hinder the growth of native woodland by eating tree saplings across the region.

According to the study, controlling the deer population with wolves could lead to woodland expansion that would absorb up to 1 million metric tons of CO2 each year, which is approximately 5 percent of the carbon removal target for United Kingdom woodlands. The researchers estimated that each wolf would save almost $200,000 per year in carbon removal costs. This study demonstrates the interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity crises, underscoring the need for integrated approaches to management.

Zombie Worms Brought Back to Life

Russian scientists excavated a fragment of 24,000-year-old Siberian permafrost that had remained frozen since at least the end of the Pleistocene epoch. After gradually thawing the permafrost, they noticed microscopic wheel animals known as bdelloid rotifers, which resumed their lives and reproduction. The organisms had been in a long-term cryptobiotic state, where they suspended their metabolism and accumulated certain compounds that facilitated their recovery when conditions improved.

In other studies, frozen organisms, including moss, weeds and tiny worms called nematode, have been brought back to life after at least 1,000 years. The Russian researchers are part of a broader study exploring the existence of living organisms at extremely low temperatures. In the future, plants with cryptobiotic properties could revolutionize various aspects of human life such as farming and storage, or perhaps even assist humans on Mars.

Hummingbird Hives

Most hummingbirds are territorial, aggressively challenging competitors over flowers or mates. An ornithologist and birding guide in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador discovered a cave containing 23 adult hummingbirds and four chicks of the Chimborazo hillstar subspecies. After a search of the region, they found six additional colonies. This was the first time hummingbirds had been observed living together, a unique finding published in the journal Ornithology

These hummingbirds live more than 12,000 feet above sea level on a sparsely vegetated slope, where finding nectar-rich flowers, water and shelter in freezing temperatures and biting winds is challenging. The researchers believe that the harsh environment has led the birds to aggregate for survival. Further research is needed to determine whether the hummingbirds are merely tolerating each other or actively cooperating.

Bob Blaylock at English Wikipedia

Waitandshoot from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Joseph C Boone/Wikimedia Commons

Ecuadorian hillstar on Chuquiragua flower at Papallacta Pass, Cayambe Coca National Park, Ecuador

Ecological, Cost-Saving Chemical Discovered

University of Missouri researchers have developed an innovative, eco-friendly chemical tool that could reduce the cost of producing medicines and support the development of clean energy technologies, particularly those aimed at eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyls, commonly known as “forever-chemicals”, from water sources. Their discovery, published in Angewandte Chemie, a journal of the German Chemical Society, uses a novel electrochemistry approach to build new molecules by using tiny molecular structures derived from naturally occurring amino acids and coconut oil.

The innovative approach replaces hazardous solvents with a non-toxic alternative, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of conventional chemical processes and offering sustainable solutions for the production and storage of clean energy. This advancement could help improve the development of medicines and may be used to treat hyperproliferative, inflammatory and immunoregulatory diseases.

Whale Song Resembles Human Speech

A study published in Science suggests that the intricate songs of humpback whales share structural patterns with human language, potentially making them easier for whales to learn. An international team of scientists discovered that humpback whale songs can spread rapidly from one population to another, adhering to Zipf’s Law, which states that the frequency of any word is inversely proportional to its position in the frequency table. For example, in English, the most common word, “the”, is used approximately twice as frequently as the second most common word, “of”, and three times as frequently as the third most common word, “and”. Research suggests that this kind of skewed word distribution can simplify language learning.

Male humpback whales sing lengthy, elaborate songs composed of a variety of sounds strung together in repeated phrases and themes. Male whales in a specific group sing the same song. Scientists recorded eight years of humpback whale songs and categorized them into basic sound elements, including various types of squeaks, grunts, whistles, groans and moans. Subsequently, they identified subsequences of sounds that they believed resembled words. The frequency of these sequences adhered to Zipf’s Law.

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Women in Bloom

Balancing Hormones for Optimal Well-Being

by Carrie Jackson

Hormone fluctuations are a natural part of every woman’s life. When balanced, hormones help regulate body functions, transmit vital messages through the bloodstream and provide essential tools during childbearing stages. However, a disruption in this balance can lead to a range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms, causing women to feel overwhelmed and uncentered. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, professional guidance and emotional support can help women achieve hormonal balance, manage their symptoms and embrace each stage of life with confidence and self-assurance.

Understanding the Hormonal Stages

Lorraine Maita, a New Jersey-based functional and integrative doctor specializing

in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and founder of The Feel Good Again Institute, categorizes a woman’s hormonal stages as puberty, postpartum, perimenopause and postmenopause. “Each stage has its own unique characteristics and symptoms that women should be aware of,” she declares. “Because hormones affect mood, weight and energy, women must be prepared to balance their hormones as they ride these waves.”

Hormones surge during puberty and decline during perimenopause, and both phases have similar symptoms. “During these stages, it’s easy to make estrogen, but not easy to ovulate,” Maita says. “Your body is experiencing estrogen dominance, which can cause a number of symptoms including anxiety, irritability, impatience, insomnia, growth of the breasts, tender

breasts, growth of the uterine lining, mood swings, spotting, and heavy, skipped or irregular periods.”

She explains that progesterone is needed to balance the symptoms of estrogen dominance. “Estrogen is the hormone of energy and growth, and progesterone is the hormone of peace and calm. Whether estrogen is high, normal or low, if you don’t have enough progesterone to balance it, you may have some or all of these symptoms.”

In the postpartum stage, hormone levels that were high during pregnancy decrease significantly after giving birth. “A lot of women get postpartum depression after they have a baby,” Maita points out. “Prolactin levels increase while they’re breastfeeding and shift hormone balance, which can leave women feeling drained and anxious. Maternal demands, social isolation and general stress on the body can also contribute to depression.”

In menopause, both estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to a permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle and infertility. “Menopause can trigger a number of physical and emotional changes,” Maita remarks. “Women typically feel tired and irritable, gain weight, have trouble sleeping, struggle with poor memory and experience vaginal dryness. Some people can get neurological symptoms such as creepy crawly feelings. The microbiome changes, which can cause gas and bloating. A number of women experience depression and anxiety.”

Imágenes de Hector Pertuz/CanvaPro

Regaining Balance

Although hormonal changes can feel overwhelming, Maita believes that women can regain control by adopting a combination of lifestyle modifications and seeking medical guidance.

“Eating a fiber-rich diet keeps your bowels moving, flushes out toxins and helps to remove excess estrogen,” she explains. “If you’re not moving your bowels, you’re sitting on toxic waste that will get reabsorbed into the system. I recommend loading up on cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, radishes and Brussels sprouts.”

Maita advises against exposure to pesticides, plastics and other chemicals in personal care and cleaning products, noting that these toxic substances mimic estrogen and exacerbate hormone swings. Cleaner alternatives can be found by visiting the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database at EWG.org/ skindeep.

Supplements can also help to minimize symptoms of hormone imbalance. Maita emphasizes that while lifestyle modifications should be prioritized, she will incorporate herbs into a patient’s treatment plan. “Chaste berry aids with ovulation in younger people, and black cohosh can help with hot flashes and mood. Magnesium is beneficial at any stage. It’s relaxing, can relieve muscle tension and headaches, and calms the nervous system. Melatonin is a very good antioxidant that can help with sleep, which is extremely important. Setting a soothing bedtime routine with lower light, while avoiding food and vigorous exercise, will help the body’s natural circadian rhythm,” she says.

Addressing symptoms before they become troublesome can significantly enhance women’s overall well-being. As explained by Anna Cabeca, a Dallas-based, triple-board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, “Hormone imbalance can happen at any point, and we don’t want to wait for symptoms to cause unnecessary discomfort. Decreasing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity and supporting healthy detoxification on a regular basis can set us up to better manage changes when they do occur.”

Stress, environmental factors and ovarian decline can contribute to hormone imbalances. Cabeca advises that managing cortisol levels by increasing oxytocin is a crucial starting point. “If you’re just addressing the reproductive hormones and not looking higher up, you have a problem,” she says. “In the hierarchy of hormones, oxytocin is the most powerful. It’s a regenerative hormone that alkalizes the body, where cortisol is acidifying. Oxytocin is the hormone of longevity and has been shown to improve the immune system and increase muscle cell regeneration.”

Increasing oxytocin is more potent and effective than decreasing cortisol. Cabeca recommends a shift in perspective toward positivity rather than negativity, saying, “I encourage patients to do things that give them a spiritual lift and reflect on what playtime looks like for them. Getting out in nature, laughing, kissing, positive touch, playing with pets and spending time with good company and community can all boost oxytocin and produce those feel-good chemicals.”

Alleviating Emotional Effects

While physical fluctuations may be the most noticeable, hormonal changes can also impact a woman’s mental and emotional well-being. According to Amy Wasserman, a psychiatric advanced practice nurse at Flourish Counseling & Wellness, in Chicago, “Variability in hormones plays a role in the synthesis of neu-

rotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and GABA [gamma-aminobutyric acid]. So, when there are hormonal fluctuations, we are more likely to experience cognitive effects, which can manifest with various symptoms, including increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, irritability, sensitivity, depressed mood, low self-esteem, intrusive thinking and even suicidal ideation.”

Observing symptoms is a crucial first step to reducing their impact. Wasserman suggests journaling about patterns of physical and cognitive effects to enhance awareness of specific triggers. “Ask yourself, ‘What are the lifestyle or behavioral things I can modify to improve how I am feeling? What are techniques that have worked in the past?’” she proposes. “Physical movement, stretching and weight-bearing exercises are all essential for managing symptoms, particularly during the midlife transition when estrogen levels decline. Self-care is not just an option, but a necessity to ensure balanced mental health.”

Women can also find support and a sense of community by reaching out to others, which can often be free or low-cost. The Menopause Society recommends that employers provide support to perimenopausal women by providing more flexible work hours and forming affinity groups to foster more open communication among colleagues. “Support groups can provide

a sense of normalcy and validation,” says Wasserman. “Participants often feel more hopeful about the future as they hear stories of resilience, receive positive feedback and learn first-hand about various treatment options. The International Association for Premenstrual Disorders offers free support groups, and Postpartum Support International offers more than 50 free virtual support groups throughout the month.”

There is no shame in asking for professional help to manage disruptive mental health symptoms. “Therapy has been proven to be as effective as medication for treating many mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy can all help manage symptoms during reproductive changes. Depending on the individual’s history and the nature of their symptoms, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, dialectical behavioral therapy, and exposure and response prevention may also be beneficial,” Wasserman says.

Incorporating New Lifestyle Choices

Prioritizing sleep and embracing acceptance can also help ease hormonal transitions. “Restful sleep can significantly enhance mood and allow a woman to cope with changes she may feel she has little control over,” says Wasserman. “I encourage patients to practice mindfulness to

acknowledge and accept the physical and cognitive changes, surrender to things out of their control and try to welcome peace and self-kindness with messages such as, ‘I meet this moment with grace’ or ‘I choose peace over perfection.’”

Maita notes that mindfulness and gratitude can help shift our overall well-being. “Gratitude has very powerful effects on calming the nervous system, which can help your immune and hormone systems. I love a technique called HeartMath, which is deep belly breathing while focusing on your heart and on someone, a place or something that you are deeply grateful for. We want to be in a calm state to weather these storms,” she advises.

Cabeca proposes that these life transitions are natural and serve as catalysts for spiritual growth and renewed purpose. “Instead of menopause, the Japanese use the term konenki, which translates to ‘second spring’. It’s a rebirth, not a disease,” she says. “We are energetic bodies, and that energy is best celebrated with grace and humor.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Redefining Women’s Wellness at Cereset

Using a proprietary BrainEcho brain-mirroring process, Cereset is a revolutionary, cutting-edge advanced technology which helps individuals reset their brains naturally without drugs, outside stimulation or traditional talk therapy. Clients simply sit back and relax as the brain listens to its own real-time rhythms through sound, allowing it to self-correct and return to harmony. Sessions allow the brain to relax, rebalance and restore itself from the inside-out.

Plano franchise owner Sonya Howeth explains, “Cereset supports neuroplasticity by helping the brain relax and reset its own rhythms, allowing it to naturally reorganize and strengthen healthier, more balanced neuropathways. Treatments are often recommended by other wellness practitioners, including medical doctors, as a complementary therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of holistic and traditional modalities by helping the brain restore balance and support overall well-being.”

Struggling with stress and imbalance, Howeth traveled to Arizona where she experienced firsthand the profound shift that this non-invasive, brain-based technology could create. The results were so powerful and life-altering that she felt called to share the experience with others. This personal awakening inspired her to open her own Cereset facility in Plano seven years ago, where she now helps others find balance, clarity and joy through the same unique approach.

“I didn’t just feel better, I felt like myself again,” Howeth shares. “It turned my life completely around. And once I knew that kind of peace

was possible, I had to help others find it, too.” That is the genesis of Howeth’s journey that took a transformative turn the day she discovered Cereset—a groundbreaking therapy that changed not only her life, but the way she saw healing altogether.

She explains, “We officially track progress in five different areas: energy, mood stability, sleep quality, stress management and thinking skills (better focus, problem solving, learning new things). You can actually see the physical change in our clients’ faces before and after treatments. What I love most is seeing our female clients walk out of the facility standing taller, smiling softer and knowing— maybe for the first time in a while—that she’s going to be okay. That never gets old.”

In a world where women are often at the forefront of caring for others—family, careers

and communities—it is rare to see them prioritize their own wellness. But Howeth is changing that narrative. As a woman in the wellness business, she is not only empowering others to reclaim their health, but also setting a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart, healing and innovation.

Howeth’s leadership is more than business savvy, it is a testament to the power of women investing in their health and the health of their communities. Through Cereset Plano, she is not only changing lives—she is redefining what women’s wellness looks like in today’s world.

Cereset Plano is located at 1033 E. 15th St., in Plano. For more information, call 214892-2273 or visit Cereset.com/centers/cereset-plano. See ad, page 9.

Dawn Downey, Junilla Collard, Sonya Howeth

Lasting Wisdom for Women

Qualities of a Life Well Lived

by Sandra Yeyati

Over the years, we have had the good fortune of speaking with wise people from all walks of life. Here are excerpts of our most treasured insights.

Improving Our Life Stories

We all have stories in our minds that play over and over again. They define who we are. In recent years, neuroscience has led us to this powerful understanding that we are quite flexible as human beings. After we become conscious of our stories and how we’re using them in our lives, we can rework and reframe them, and choose to see them in a positive or better light. We can change and grow our stories to become better people with greater well-being.

~ Sandra Marinella, author of The Story You Need To Tell

Embodying Stillness and Motion

Many people think that you have to sit in a certain posture and have no thoughts to meditate, but that isn’t true. We have 60,000 thoughts a day, and we don’t pay attention to most of them. Meditation allows you to slow your thoughts so they’re not as overwhelming and don’t interfere as much. When thoughts slow down and there’s space between them, your body also begins to slow down. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins are released in the brain, and you feel their downstream effect, which we call relaxation.

Motion is synonymous with life. There’s always something moving, even when we’re asleep. Even gentle movement helps the body release endorphins, which elevate our mood, reduce pain and bring us pleasure. We want to bring that flow and fluidity into our lives so that we can tap into it on purpose. Have you ever noticed the less you move, the harder it is to move? Movement needs to be encouraged throughout the lifespan.

~ Dr. Carol Penn, author of Meditation in a Time of Madness

Embracing Our Sexuality at Every Age

Sexual health is important for optimal health. We want to be fully functioning and capable in what we call the second spring of our lives. It’s hard to feel romantic on your dinner date with your husband or boyfriend when you’re hot-flashing or your clothes don’t fit comfortably. Getting your sexy back is about feeling good in your own skin, being healthy, reaching a happy weight, feeling strong and having good energy, all of which come from healthy eating and healthy hormones.

~ Dr. Anna Cabeca, author of The Hormone Fix

Reigniting the Body’s Self-Healing Mechanisms

When the body has what it needs, it will do the healing and repair, which is amazing to think about. Our job is to figure out how do I give my body the safety, the energy, the time, the support that it needs for it to do the healing and repair.

~ Dr. Aimie Apigian, founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated

Championing Kindness Every Day

Physiologically speaking, kindness is the opposite of stress. Where feeling stressed can increase blood pressure, tense the nervous

system and suppress the immune system, feelings induced by kindness reduce blood pressure, calm the nervous system and ele vate the immune system.

~ David Hamilton, Ph.D., author of Your Mind Can Heal Your Body

Having a Grateful Heart

Gratitude is one of these micro-behaviors that creates macro-change. When we have gratitude, there are a lot of overall benefits to our health. Research has shown that gratitude can trigger the brain to release hormones and neurotransmitters that are associated with happiness, such as dopamine and serotonin. Having a gratitude practice as a family can even break negative patterns in the fami ly ecosystem, moving toward generational mental health.

~ Roseann Capanna-Hodge, founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health

Earning Wisdom

Wise elders are full of life, steeped in gratitude, eager and excited for new adventures, and able to respond to anything placed before them with wisdom and grace. They face aging and mortality with open eyes and a curious heart. They are self-reflective, committed to personal growth and anxious to invest time and energy into their inner lives. They are also happy to share what they’ve learned about life and aging with others. They make their greatest contribution to society by being a powerful example of what it means to embrace aging and the wisdom it provides.

~ Cheryl Richardson, author of Self-Care for the Wisdom Years

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To enjoy additional nuggets of wisdom, visit TinyURL.com/ WomensWisdomWW or scan the QR code.

r e s s u r e , m i t i g a t i n g r i s k s o f c a r d i a c a r r e s t , h e a r t a t t a c k , a n d s t r o k e I f a t a l l p o s s i b l e , t h e o b j e c t i v e o f o u r h e

Healthy Cravings

Snacking for Hormonal Harmony

by Maya Whitman

We have all experienced that irresistible craving for a crunchy, salty or sweet snack, propelling us to grab a bag of chips or dip into the cookie jar. While these treats might temporarily lift our mood and energy, they can wreak havoc on our hormones. Ultra-processed food (UPF) has gained significant attention for hormonal dis-

ruptions, especially in women. A study published last year in Frontiers in Nutrition noted that adolescent girls were also particularly susceptible to hormonal imbalances when their diet was high in UPF.

Snack favorites such as potato chips or cupcakes are not the only culprits. A 2021 French study published in the Journal of

Nutrition reported that UPF accounted for 37 percent or more of the energy intake for vegetarians and vegans, mainly due to meat and dairy substitutes. Individuals transitioning to a non-meat diet tended to consume more ultra-processed meat substitutes and packaged foods compared to those that had long been vegetarian or vegan. Interestingly, the study also determined that non-meat eaters tended to consume more unprocessed foods and fewer fatty and sweet foods.

It is never too early or too late to make small, daily changes that can positively impact our well-being. “The real magic happens when we choose nourishment over numbness, when we eat in a way that sustains us, not just in the moment, but in the long run,” says Laura Peischl, a menopause health coach and hormone specialist with certifications in functional medicine and integrative nutrition.

Decoding Cravings

Understanding the reasons behind our cravings can empower us to make healthier choices for our bodies. “Cravings for salty foods can signal cortisol imbalances, adrenal fatigue or mineral deficiencies,” explains Holly DeLong, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in functional medicine and founder of Food & Mood. “Cravings for sweets can stem from blood sugar imbalances, high cortisol levels and even low serotonin, our feel-good neurotransmitter. Cravings for crunchy foods can be associated with repressed anger, iron deficiency or insufficient fiber in the diet.”

Hormonal imbalances can have far-reaching effects beyond estrogen and progesterone. Mindy Pelz, a women’s

health specialist and the author of Eat Like a Girl, sheds light on the bigger picture. “If your adrenals become burned out from constantly making cortisol, your body will also have trouble regulating estrogen and progesterone. That affects your sleep cycle and messes with melatonin, which changes your hunger levels through ghrelin and leptin. Basically, a single hormone imbalance can start a chain reaction that ends up sabotaging your overall well-being.”

Peischl, the author of Feel Good Menopause: The Essential Guide to Nutrition and Wellness, as well as the facilitator of a menopause support group on Facebook, reminds us that eating carb-heavy snacks without protein or fat can cause blood sugar spikes leading to a surge in insulin and cortisol, followed by a crash that leaves us feeling tired, irritable and craving more sugar. In times of stress, the synergy of protein, fiber and healthy fat is important for maintaining systemic balance. Opt for an unsweetened yogurt parfait topped with cacao nibs and berries, or an easy-to-make almond butter energy ball as mindful and delicious choices.

For women challenged by infertility, irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome and post birth control syndrome, seed cycling is a growing trend that involves consuming flax and pumpkin seeds during the first half of the menstrual cycle and sunflower and sesame seeds during the second half to promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. These seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and dietary zinc. Additional research is needed to substantiate the efficacy of this practice.

Picking Proteins, Ditching Sugar

Healthy proteins found in lean meats, organic soy, whey, unsalted nuts, nut butters, quinoa and nutritional yeast support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in balanced hormones, insulin regula-

tion and satiety. “Having protein alongside carbs also slows your absorption of carbohydrates, preventing craving-inducing blood sugar spikes,” explains Pelz. She also notes that protein contains the raw materials to build essential hormones, including tryptophan and tyrosine, the latter being a direct precursor to thyroid hormones. Pelz recommends grass-fed beef, wild salmon, tofu and quinoa as her preferred protein sources.

The sugar habit can incite higher insulin levels, causing insulin resistance, which increases the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome, Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. To overcome a sweet tooth, Pelz suggests taking a two-week sugar sabbatical (including maple syrup and honey) and replacing it with monk fruit, stevia or erythritol. For sweet treats, she prefers fiber-rich apples, kiwis and oranges.

According to Peischl, nuts, seeds, Greek

yogurt and avocados can stabilize blood sugar and support neurotransmitter production. Sweet potatoes and lentils offer high-quality, complex carbohydrates and fiber. Noting that the liver plays a crucial role in processing and detoxifying excess hormones, she recommends a small smoothie with berries, flaxseeds and a teaspoon of spirulina for liver support.

DeLong proposes snacking on blood sugar-friendly chia seed pudding with berries, apples with yogurt and peanut butter dip, veggies and hummus, or whole grain crackers with guacamole. She also advises controlling portions. “Taking your time when eating anything and staying present and mindful can help prevent snacks from turning into meals,” she counsels.

Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

CHIA PROTEIN BARS

YIELD: 12 BARS

1½ cup pitted dates, packed

½ cup almond butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp kosher salt

1 cup raw walnut pieces

½ cup chia seeds

½ cup hemp seeds

½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

½ cup non-dairy dark chocolate, chopped

⅓ cup raw cacao powder

Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a food processor, pulse the dates until a thick paste forms. Add the almond butter, vanilla and salt and pulse again until thoroughly combined. Add the walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut, chocolate and cacao powder and pulse until thoroughly incorporated.

Using a spatula, press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and freeze overnight.

Remove the pan from the freezer and cut the mixture into 12 bars. Place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Recipe from Eat Like a Girl courtesy of Dr. Mindy Pelz.

PUMPKIN CHIA PUDDING

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

2 Tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup pumpkin puree

1 Tbsp chopped pecans

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chia seeds and vanilla extract. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

In a glass, layer the ingredients, starting with ½ cup of chia pudding, followed by ⅛ cup of pumpkin puree, ¼ cup chia pudding, ⅛ cup of pumpkin puree and ¼ cup of chia pudding. Top with chopped pecans.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

nata_vkusidey from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Stan Horia's Images/CanvaPro

CACAO BANANA YOGURT BOWL

YIELD: 1 SERVING

¾ cup whole-milk, plain Greek yogurt

3 tsp cacao nibs

¼ tsp cinnamon

½ medium-sized banana, sliced

1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

½ cup raspberries

Top yogurt with all other ingredients and enjoy.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

An Invitation From Mother Earth

by Marlaina Donato

Connections between women and the Earth’s natural rhythms ran deep in ancient civilizations and spiritual traditions worldwide. Women held important roles in agriculture, cultivating the soil and grinding grain. From the village herbalist that brewed roots for ailing townspeople to the Victorian ladies that used floriography (the language of flowers) to convey unspoken sentiments, women’s intimate connection with nature spans millennia. These cultural threads continue to influence our folklore and fairy tales, as well as our reverence for Mother Nature.

When environmental activist Julia “Butterfly” Hill climbed an ancient redwood tree in 1997 to protest the clear-cutting of oldgrowth forests, she had no intention of living in the forest canopy for two years. This harrowing act of activism not only forged a life-altering relationship with the elements and her inner wilderness, but also inspired a global mission to encourage others to care for the planet in small ways.

The rest of us don’t have to live in a tree to contribute to the environment, but we can begin by repairing our estrangement from Mother Earth. Despite efforts to live sustainably, that innate, energetic umbilical cord connecting us to the natural world has been severed for too many of us. We go days and weeks without sunlight on our skin or sand between our toes. Spending time outdoors has become a forgotten necessity, and we are paying the price for this alienation between Gaia and our physical bodies.

Taking time to walk the dog, plant a patio flower garden, play on the swings with the grandkids or enjoy a morning coffee on the deck are all simple ways to tap into Mother Nature’s restorative benefits. Planning a camping trip, attending a plant identification workshop or taking lunch breaks outside can have profound effects on our neurotransmitters, hormonal rhythms and morale. Reestablishing this connection enables us to remember our ancient roots, which, in turn, nourishes a brighter tomorrow.

Marlaina Donato, an author, painter and composer can be reached at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

EcoBlend Therapies Go Beyond Skin Care

Amy Halman, an award-winning licensed esthetician and owner of EcoBlend Therapies, has spent over a decade redefining beauty through natural, targeted treatments and holistic practices. Her journey into skincare began out of a personal struggle of suffering from severe cystic acne and adrenal fatigue in her early 20s. “I was frustrated by traditional treatments that only offered temporary relief,” she says. “That led me to a path of self-discovery, finding healing through consistent skin treatments, diet changes and a holistic approach to wellness.”

Successfully climbing the corporate ladder, Halman made a bold decision to step away from her fast-paced world of retail and procurement and answer the growing pull toward something more meaningful and aligned with personal growth, wellness and purpose.

In 2005, Halman earned esthetics certification from the Aveda Institute of Chicago.

Amy Halman

By 2009, she was named Best Esthetician in Chicago by Chicago magazine, and Allure magazine followed with the title of Best Facial Treatment in Chicago in 2010. Her career flourished, particularly through work at ACURE, where she held executive roles and helped the company develop high-performance, natural beauty products that earned prestigious awards.

Since returning to Texas, Halman has combined her expertise with her passion for holistic health to create EcoBlend Therapies, a unique wellness space that blends skincare rejuvenation with deep inner balance. There, she provides a wide array of customized treatments that not only address the skin, but also its connection to the body, mind and spirit.

Beyond skincare, EcoBlend Therapies serves as a collaborative, holistic, center for like-minded practitioners. Halman has cultivated a space where massage therapists, acupuncturists, nutritionists and energy healers can come to-

gether to share their expertise and support a deeper whole body healing. This shared space allows wellness professionals to thrive in an environment that nurtures both clients and providers.

“We are intentional about creating a unique energy in our space, where education, empowerment and self-discovery hold a high value,” says Halman. Clients learn to make informed choices about their skin, diet, lifestyle and stress management, helping them achieve a glowing complexion and a sense of vitality that radiates from within.

What makes EcoBlend Therapies unique is a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Halman believes that true beauty stems from reconnecting with the body and understanding its signals. Her treatments support the skin’s natural healing processes—promoting balance and regeneration without invasive procedures or harmful toxins. “Skin is an organ just as vital as the heart or liver,” she advises. “When the skin shows signs of change, it’s a signal that something deeper may be out of balance within the body.”

For both clients and practitioners, EcoBlend Therapies offers a transformative, holistic journey toward wellness. “We have a designated event space where we often host small, intimate workshops creating the perfect environment for real connection and learning,” Halman says. “I think when people feel safe and supported, true healing begins.”

For more information, call 469-836-3910 or visit EcoBlendTherapies.com. See ad on page 12.

The Pillars of Women’s Health

by Kathy Kelley

Foundational Support of Breast, Hormone & Reproductive Health

Talking about women’s wellness goes beyond simply the absence of disease. Wellness is the ongoing state of balance and vitality across physical, emotional and hormonal systems. It is the ability to thrive at every age and stage of life. The pillars of women’s wellness are the integrated, essential supports that build resilience, hormonal harmony and long-term breast and reproductive health.

Beyond screenings, diagnoses and treatments, wellness is proactive and personal, built on everyday choices that shape how we feel and function. The five foundational pillars—hydration, nutrition, relaxation, movement and stress regulation—do not work in isolation. They operate together, influencing mood and menstrual cycles, fertility and breast health.

Hydration: The First Line of Hormonal Balance

Proper hydration does far more than quench thirst. It is critical for liver, kidney and lymphatic function, three systems that help clear excess hormones, including estrogen, from the body. If the body cannot detox effectively, hormones build up and create imbalances that affect mood, metabolism and menstrual cycles. Hydration also impacts cortisol, the stress hormone. Even mild dehydration can elevate cortisol levels, leading to fatigue, headaches, brain fog and disrupted sleep, which can cascade into broader hormonal issues. For women, especially those navigating perimenopause or reproductive transitions, hydration is not optional, it is foundational.

Nutrition: Food as Functional Support

What we eat directly affects hormone production, regulation and detoxification. Whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients such as magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s, iodine, iron and folate are essential for reproductive and thyroid health. During menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, these needs shift, but the quality of our food should remain high. When whole foods fall short, targeted supplementation can help fill the gaps, especially for nutrients women are often deficient in. But there is no substitute for a clean, colorful, anti-inflammatory diet. Real food supports real healing.

Relaxation and Sleep: Restoring the System

True relaxation isn’t just a luxury, it is a health strategy. Deep breathing, mindfulness and winding down before bed help calm the nervous system, reduce cortisol and prepare the body for deep, restorative sleep, which is where the magic happens. That is when hormones recalibrate, the immune system resets and the brain clears mental clutter. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts adrenal function, drives up stress hormones and places extra strain on the heart and breasts. A rested body is a resilient body.

Movement: Lymph Flow, Flexibility and Hormonal Clearance

Regular movement is not just about fitness, it is functional, as well. Physical activity, especially low-impact options

including walking or rebounding, stimulates lymphatic flow. This is key for breast health because the lymph system helps the body clear out estrogen and other hormone byproducts. Movement also keeps joints mobile, muscles strong and mood stable. It improves insulin sensitivity, boosts metabolism and supports mental clarity. Importantly, it reduces inflammation, which plays a major role in hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts.

Stress Regulation: The Hidden Hormone Hijacker

Chronic stress throws the hormonal system out of balance. High cortisol levels interfere with ovulation, increase post-menstrual syndrome symptoms and contribute to irregular cycles, weight gain and low libido. Stress also increases oxidative damage which can affect egg quality and overall fertility. Over time, unmanaged stress depletes the body’s resilience, weakens immune function and increases the risk of hormone-related breast conditions. Mindful practices like breathwork, boundaries or support systems help buffer these effects and protect hormonal health long-term.

Wellness means integration, not isolation. The truth is that none of these pillars stand alone. Every choice a woman makes feeds into her overall wellness picture. Women’s wellness is not a destination, it’s a dynamic, holistic process of tuning in, making informed choices and honoring the body’s wisdom.

Kathy Kelley is a holistic health advocate at Dallas Wellness and Thermography Center, located at 5220 Spring Valley, in Dallas. For appointments and more information, call 214-352-0000 or visit ThermographyCenterDallas.com. See ads on pages 24 and 25.

The Evolving World of Pilates

An Exercise for Every Age and Ability

by Carrie Jackson

Pilates is a versatile and popular exercise that emphasizes core strength and flexibility. Originating in 1925 with Joseph and Clara Pilates’ first studio, its methods have evolved to adapt to modern lifestyles. Whether practiced in person with an instructor or virtually with the guidance of an online video or app, Pilates remains rooted in holistic wellness.

Angela Pawlicki, owner of Amplified Pilates Center, in Chicago, notes that Pilates benefits the mind, body and spirit. Connecting these attributes is one of its core principles. “An hour for self-care in a safe and friendly space while moving the body has a huge impact on

your total wellness,” she explains. “We teach clients how to breathe through uncomfortable moments and focus on precision and form instead of just the burn. Pilates builds strength, posture, range of motion and stability, which are key aspects of physical health. The mindfulness, intention and breathwork during Pilates can also help calm the nervous system.”

A Pilates workout combines stimulation and serenity, providing a deep emotional boost. “Mental wellness is found in both the uncomfortable and joyful aspects of Pilates,” says Pawlicki. “The music is in the background so clients are not just moving to the

beat, but rather focusing on their bodies and movements. They also find time to quiet the mind of outside thoughts and focus on being mindfully present to how their body moves.”

The variations in Pilates make it accessible to almost everyone. Pawlicki’s clients range from 13 to 93 years old at all fitness levels. “A number of our clients are just looking to be healthy, both physically and mentally. We also see athletes, women who are pregnant or in postpartum, and people healing from injuries such as knee or hip replacements and spinal surgeries,” she points out. “While the basic Pilates apparatuses have remained largely unchanged over the years, the teaching principles have evolved to address the wear and tear our bodies experience from cell phones, computers and seated jobs.”

In recent years, teaching methods have expanded to include group, private, online and hybrid classes that cater to different interests, abilities, goals and schedules. “Online and virtual classes are a great way to bring Pilates to people that do not have access to it in person, or whose personal commitments do not allow them to attend a class,” Pawlicki says. “This also lets them pause and replay a specific section, which they wouldn’t be able to do in a class.”

Pilates apps offer convenient options for busy individuals. Better Me (BetterMe.world) serves as a comprehensive tracker, allowing users to also record their steps and food intake. Pilatesology (Pilatesology.com) is designed for beginners, offering progressive exercises to help them learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed. B the Method (BTheMethod.com) caters to those seeking home workouts with minimal equipment, offering options for light dumbbells.

Jesse Masche, co-owner of East Side Pilates, in Milwaukee, uses Pilates to create a community where strength, empowerment and holistic wellness converge. Noting that it is a reliable and versatile exercise for long-term well-being, she states, “Pilates focuses on building

core strength, which supports a healthier spine. This leads to increased flexibility and mobility as you age, which can improve your balance and reduce the risk of falls.”

While trends like wall Pilates and aqua Pilates gain traction on social media, Masche believes that exercises on traditional equipment, such as the reformer, offer the most efficient way to reap the benefits. “Aqua Pilates can provide a soothing atmosphere, but I don’t necessarily think the rewards are the same,” she says. “The reformer is a support system— like a third muscle—to help you utilize the correct muscles for each exercise. The springs hold you up, allowing you to get in the correct position. It also gives you valuable feedback on which muscles you’re engaging.”

The springs on the reformer, chair or tower apparatus can be adjusted based on individual goals. “A beginner may use more spring for support, allowing them to fully engage their entire body and lengthen into the exercise,”

Masche suggests. “As they advance, they may decrease the spring to support their own body weight more. Or, they can make it stronger, challenging themselves to resist and engage the spring, stimulating muscle activation. It all depends on their focus and what they want to accomplish.”

Carrie Jackson, a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings, can be reached at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Doctors Rowell and Kozlow

Alena Shekhovtsova

Dallas-Tarrant-Rockwall counties

Thursday, May 1

Bugs LIVE – 9am-4pm. Explore larger-than-life animatronic insects and arachnids along scenic trails. Included with general admission. Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. $11–$15. 972-5625566. HeardMuseum.org. Runs daily through JUNE 29.

Thrift Studio Pop-Up – 10am-5pm. Shop luxury designer furniture and décor at discounted prices to support Dwell with Dignity. Dwell With Dignity, 1833 E Levee St, Dallas. Free admission. 214-599-7974. DwellWithDignity.org. Runs through Saturday, May 3.

Adult Craft Night: Marbled Coasters – 6-7pm. Create colorful marbled coasters using nail polish. Supplies provided. White Rock Hills Branch Library, 9150 Ferguson Rd, Dallas. Free. 214-670-8443. WhiteRockHills@dallas.gov.

Dinosaurs and Dragons at the Lake – 7-9pm. Enjoy a magical evening of orchestral music performed by the Rockwall Philharmonic Orchestra. The Harbor, 2047 Summer Lee, Rockwall. Free. RockwallPhilharmonic.com. info@rockwallphilharmonic.co.

Friday, May 2

M.A.D.E. Market – 6-10pm. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with local vendors, tacos, handmade goods, live music, and family fun. Dallas Farmers Market, 920 S Harwood St, Dallas. Free. DallasFarmersMarket.org.

Saturday, May 3

DIY Rainwater Harvesting Workshop – 10am-12pm. Learn rainwater harvesting basics and build a 50-gallon barrel to take home. University Christian Church, 2720 S University Dr, Fort Worth. $25. Registration required. SaveTarrantWater.com.

Native Plants and Prairies Day – 10am3pm. Family event with tours, speakers, exhibits, and kids’ activities celebrating North Texas prairies. Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E Lawther Dr, Dallas. Free. NPSOT.org/Dallas.

Sunday, May 4

Revealing Pollution Through the Life Cycle of Natural Gas – 4-6pm. Presentation with optical gas imaging showing invisible oil and gas pollution at every stage by Sharon Wil-

son. George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S Center St, Arlington. Free. LiveableArlington.org.

Wednesday, May 7

Upcycled Jewelry Workshop – 11ampm. Learn to craft unique jewelry from reclaimed leather and metals with artist Carolyn Marco. Registration required. Forest Green Branch Library, 9619 Greenville Ave, Dallas. Free. 214-670-1335.

Thursday, May 8

Tough Texas Plants Webinar –6-7:30pm. Learn how to create a low-maintenance, resource-conscious yard with native Texas plants. Online. Free. Hosted by Dallas Water Utilities. Link available day of event at https://savedallaswater.com/ event/tough-texas-plants-virtual/

Saturday, May 10

Community Gardening: Potted Planting – 10am-12pm. Join seniors and adults to grow vegetables, flowers, and ornamentals in a shared outdoor space. Forest Green Branch Library, 9619 Greenville Ave, Dallas. Free. 214-670-1335. ForestGreen@ dallaslibrary.org.

Backpacking 101 Class – 10:30am4pm. Learn essential backpacking skills, gear tips, and outdoor safety from Dallas Sierra Club leaders. Includes lunch. REI Dallas, 5929 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas. $30. Registration required. DallasSierraClub. org. Liz@DallasSierraClub.org.

Monday, May 12

Meditation Course – 6:30-7:30pm. In-person beginner meditation series continuing May 14 and 16. Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, 1420 N Cooper St, Ste 106, Arlington. Free. BrahmaKumaris.org.

Wednesday, May 14

Regional EV Infrastructure Working Group Meeting – 1-2pm. Virtual meeting discussing fee structures and revenue collection for public EV stations. Open to members and non-members. Hosted via Microsoft Teams. Free. Register at NCTCOG. org. cleancities@nctcog.org.

Thursday, May 15

Own, Reflect, Rise Journaling Event – 6-7pm. Guided online journaling masterclass to overcome imposter feelings and reconnect with confidence. Hosted by Pen & Purpose Journal Company. $15. Registration required. PenAndPurpose.com.

Saturday, May 17

Brunch & Yoga – 10am-12pm. Outdoor all-levels yoga, complimentary mimosa, and 10% off brunch at Restaurant506. BYO mat and water. The Sanford House Inn & Spa, 506 N Center St, Arlington. Registration required. ArlingtonYogaCenter.com.

Saturday, May 24

Archery 101 – 10am-12pm. Learn the fundamentals of archery with instructor-led coaching and provided equipment. Ages 12+. Penn Farm at Cedar Hill State Park, 1570 W FM 1382, Cedar Hill. Free with $7 park entry. Registration required. 214-738-2397. thomas.mcdaniel@tpwd.texas.gov.

Sunday, May 25

Dallas Pickle Festival – 12-6pm. Celebrate all things pickle with food, treats, drinks, live music, games, and family fun. Lofty Spaces, 816 Montgomery St, Dallas. $3 children, $7 adults. 832-461-6729. EliteExperienceEvents.com.

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day 5K Run/Walk – 7:45am Kids 1K, 8am 5K. Honor fallen servicemen and women with a run/ walk, awards, and refreshments. Trinity Park Pavilion # 1, 2300 West 7th Street Fort Worth. Fwrunners. org.

Thursday, May 1

The Brahma Kumari Tapasya Dham Retreat Place, Managing Stress (Online) – 7:30-8:30pm. Virtual session focused on stress management techniques and emotional wellness. Hosted via Zoom. Free. Pilot-Point. Build Your Own Butter Board –7-8:30pm. Create a custom butter board paired with premium Landon wines; includes tasting and takehome wooden board. Landon Winery, 101 N Kentucky St, McKinney. $45. Registration required. LandonWinery.com.

Friday, May 2

Frost Shred-It – 9am-12pm. Free secure document shredding and sweet treats; limit 10 boxes/bags per visitor. Frost Bank Plano Central Financial Center, 3100 Independence Pkwy, Plano. Free. FrostBank.com. syoung@cegroupinc.net.

Salute to Veterans Dinner – 5:30-9pm. USO-style dinner with 1940s music, ROTC color presentation, and speaker David Huntley. Brisket potato bar and cobbler dessert. Chestnut Square, 315 S Chestnut St, McKinney. $20; veterans $5 with code “VET”. ChestnutSquare.org.

Sunday, May 4

Legacy West Run Club – 7:30-8:30am. Free community 3-mile/5K run or walk for all fitness levels, hosted by Nike. Water and refreshments provided. Nike by Legacy West, 7400 Windrose Ave, Ste B105, Plano. Free. LegacyWest.com.

Friday, May 9

Family Campout at Heard – 6pm11:59am. Evening of wildlife experiences, team-building activities, and s’mores for families with kids ages 5-12. Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Registration required. HeardMuseum.org. 972-562-5566.

Saturday, May 10

Pilates & Patrón – 10-11am. Outdoor mat Pilates class followed by a mar-

garita bike experience and dining discount. Bring your own mat. HALL Park Hotel, 3220 Internet Blvd, Frisco. $35. Registration required. HallParkHotel.com.

NASA: The Apollo Project “Rockin Rockets” – 10am-3pm. Explore the Space Race through NASA STEM and art activities, rocket launches, blacksmith demos, and an astronaut talk. Presented with the Dallas Rocket Society. Frisco Heritage Museum, 6455 Page St, Frisco. Free. (972) 292-5665. HeritageTours@ friscotexas.gov

Wednesday, May 14

Regional EV Infrastructure Working Group Meeting – 1-2pm. Virtual meeting discussing fee structures and revenue collection for public EV stations. Open to members and non-members. Hosted via Microsoft Teams. Free. Register at NCTCOG. org. cleancities@nctcog.org.

Thursday, May 15

3rd Thursday Bird Walk – 8am. Guided bird walk for beginner and intermediate birders focused on spotting and ID techniques. Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Free with admission. Registration recommended. HeardMuseum. org.

Own, Reflect, Rise Journaling Event – 6-7pm. Guided online journaling masterclass to overcome imposter feelings and reconnect with confidence. Hosted by Pen & Purpose Journal Company. $15. Registration required. PenAndPurpose.com.

Friday, May 16

Art & Soul Festival – 6-9pm., through Sunday,, May 18. Private Meet the Artist Preview Night launches a weekend fine arts showcase featuring diverse original works. Kaleidoscope Park, Frisco. Free. KaleidoscopePark.org.

Sunday, May 18

Wetland Canoe Trails – 9am-12pm. Guided paddle exploring wetland

ecology, wildlife, and vegetation at the Heard wetlands. No experience needed. Heard Natural Science Museum, 1 Nature Pl, McKinney. Registration required. HeardMuseum.org. ropes@heardmuseum.org.

Saturday, May 24

The Big Run 5K – 8am. Celebrate Global Running Day early with Fleet Feet DFW; finishers’ shirts, medals, Brooks demos, DJ, and Shiner beer. Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano. Registration required. RunSignUp.com. FleetFeetDFW. com

Sunday, May 25

Palato’s Pasta Masterclass – 11am2pm. Hands-on pasta-making class featuring Toscana’s Pappardelle with Wild Boar & Porcini, with wine pairing and take-home gifts. Ages 21+. Palato Italian Kitchen, 3220 Internet Blvd, Frisco. $99. Registration required. PalatoItalian.com.

Tuesday, May 27

Plano Public Library Introduction to Genealogy – 7-8pm. Virtual class covering basic genealogy research tools and techniques. Registration required. Free. Hosted online.

Wednesday, May 28

Project WILD Combo Workshop –9am-3pm, through Thursday, May 29. Two-day professional development covering wildlife education with hands-on activities. Elm Fork Education Center, 1704 W Mulberry St, Denton. $85. Registration required by May 12. 940-369-8936. marti.lathrop@unt.edu.

Saturday, May 31

Tater-Tot Trot – 7:45am. Family-friendly 5K race and Kids’ Dash featuring tater-tot themed medals, awards, and fun activities. North Lakes Park (Tentative), 2001 W Windsor Rd, Denton. $18.98–$42.31. Registration required. FindARace.com.

Denton-Collin-Grayson-Cooke counties

community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email NAadvertising@NaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

SACRED HEALING ACUPUNCTURE

Kelly Urtiaga, Lac, Dipl. OM 5310 Harvest Hill Rd Ste 135, Dallas SacredHealingAcu.com 214-471-5577

Experience holistic healing at Sacred Healing Acupuncture. Specializing in reproductive health, mental wellness, chronic pain, and micro-needling, we offer acupuncture, cupping, and herbal consultations. Our integrative approach promotes natural balance, well-being, and rejuvenation, providing a sanctuary for your health journey.

ALTERNATIVE WELLNESS VENUES

THE KAVA BARS

14856 Preston Rd #212, Dallas 469-608-5050

109 Industrial St, Denton 940-320-6015

LoveTheKavaBar.com

nights, and special events that make every visit unique. Exerience a different kind of Happy Hour.

BRAIN HEALTH

CERESET PLANO

1033 E 15th St, Plano, 75074 214-892-2273

Plano.Cereset.com

abling it to manage stress more effectively. Cereset sessions jump start the process of re-balancing your brain, and can help issues leading to trouble sleeping, restlessness and anxiety, inability to fo cus or lack of joy. Periodic “tune-ups” provide ongoing support, ensuring long-term brain bal ance. See ad on page 9.

CHIROPRACTIC

NEW STAR CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Zhangping Lu, DC, LAc, MD (China) 425 Maplelawn Dr, Ste 101, Plano 75075 972-519-8488

DFWAcupunctureChiropractic.com

Whole-body wellness center providing chiropractic care, spinal decompression, allergy testing, NAET, IMAET, detoxification, weight loss, hormone balancing, wellness programs and more. All-natural healing, no medication, no surgery.

ECO TOURISM

FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER

2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose 254-897-2960

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, near Glen Rose, an hour and a half from DFW, is a non-profit conservation center. It’s a haven for endangered species, housing over 1,000 animals from 50 species. Visitors embark on guided or self-guided tours across its 1,800 acres, encountering wildlife up close. Lodging, dining, and educational facilities enhance the experience.

—Miguel Ruiz

EDUCATION

DALLAS COLLEGE 1601 South Lamar, Dallas 214-378-1824

DCCCD.edu

Dallas College has seven campuses, including El Centro, Brookhaven, Mountain View, Eastfield, Richland, Cedar Valley and Northlake. Dallas College serves the region with accredited one and two year certificates, degrees and core credit courses guaranteed to transfer to Texas colleges and universities.

THE HOCKADAY SCHOOL

11600 Welch Road, Dallas 214- 363-6311

Hockaday.org

Established almost 100 years ago, The Hockaday School provides a college preparatory educa-tion for girls; from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, including Boarding school for grades 8-12. With an approximate enrollment of 1,000 students and a 10:1 student teacher ratio, Hockaday students enjoy a 100% acceptance rate to college.

JESUIT COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

OF DALLAS

12345 Inwood Rd, Dallas 972-387-8700

JesuitCP.org

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas is a private Catholic institution for young men under the direction of the Society of Jesus. Located in North Dallas, it provides a student-centered education to approximately 1,000 students, grades 9-12. Our students’ average SAT scores exceed the national average by over 200 points.

PARKER UNIVERSITY

2540 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas 75229 800-637-8337/214-902-2429

AskAdmissions@parker.edu Parker.edu

More patients want alternative methods of treatment that are healthy, holistic and non-invasive. Earning your degree from Parker University in Functional Nutrition, Strength and Human Performance, Integrative Health can put you in position to help them. Offering top level experience and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Council on Chiropractic Education, and the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation.

ENERGY MEDICINE

POLARAID HEALTH

PolaraidHealth.com 450-486-7888

Polaraid Health offers the revolutionary PolarAid® body tool, inspired by Nikola Tesla and Dr. Georges Lakhovsky. This device supports overall wellness, including sexual health, weight management, joint flexibility, digestive health, and mental calm. Enhance your well-being with PolarAid®. Visit us to discover more about this innovative health solution.

HEALTH CARE

BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1-800-4BAYLOR

BaylorHealth.com/CancerCare

We have a network of comprehensive cancer treatment centers throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, offering full range cancer-related and integrative medical services. Whether you want to learn about types of cancer, screenings, prevention, healthy living or support, Baylor is here for you. We offer the experience, expertise and technology you can trust.

PRIMACARE

13 Locations in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex 888-286-4603

PrimaCare.com

With 13 Urgent Care Centers, PrimaCare serves the medical needs of area families with courtesy, convenience and compassion. Open 7 days a week with extended hours. No appointment necessary. Most insurance accepted. Use our Call Ahead Service and wait where your want. Open: Monday–Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday–Sunday 8am–5pm.

HERBAL MEDICINE

ACN HERBS AND GREEN TEA LESLIE DUONG

9788 Walnut Street, Suite 108 214-887-8325

LeslieDuong.com

Trained Herbalist, Leslie Duong specializes in traditional herbal remedies and green tea. With over 25 years of experience, she offers personalized herbal consultations, organic herbal medicines, and a wide selection of premium green teas. Committed to natural healing and wellness through high-quality, safe, and effective herbal products. See ad, page 6.

EARTH AND SEA WELLNESS

Khadijah Karriem Earth and Sea Wellness EarthAndSeaWellness.com 469-684-9591

With over 30 yrs. experience in herbs and nutrition, Khadijah Karriem is the founder and CEO of Earth Sea Wellness, which specializes in 100% pure raw organic products from the earth and sea. Whether it's wild crafted sea moss gels, medicinal teas and tonics, skincare or body care. Earth and sea wellness is your one stop for all your wellness needs.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

FLOURISH DENTAL BOUTIQUE

Dr. Toni Engram

415 State St #800, Richardson 75082 469-676-2777

Flourish.dental

At Flourish Dental Boutique, we believe the best dentistry is often the least dentistry. We help your body thrive on its own with therapies that enrich and empower its natural healing processes. As a holistic and biological dental practice, we choose safe materials and treatment protocols with special attention to your nutrition and overall wellness.

KOZLOW & ROWELL

Dr. Philip Kozlow

Dr. Josh Rowell 5050 Quorum Dr, Suite 300, Dallas 972-458-2464

DallasDentist.net

We strive to provide healthy, green alternatives for our dental patients by providing digital X-rays, mercury safe restorative options and chemical free dental hygiene products. Committed to total body wellness while avoiding the use of toxic materials, and continuing education to ensure treatments are up to date and effective in a kind and caring environment. See ad, page 35.

LYNN DENTAL CARE

Dr. D. Brock Lynn 6190 LBJ Freeway #900, Dallas 972-934-1400

LynnDentalCare.com

Practicing dentistry for over 38 years, specializing in periodontics, Dr. Lynn is board-certified and a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontics and Dental implants. He practices dentistry with a holistic approach and is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine &Toxicology as well as the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. See ad, page 2.

HOMEOPATHY

HEALTHY HEALING ARTS/HPWWC

Cathy May Lemmon, Ph.D. Hom, LCPH, BA 469-383-8442

Cathy@HPWWC.org

HealthyHealingArts.com

Homeoprophylaxis (HP), a part of Homeopathy, is a major part of Cathy Lemmon’s practice at Healthy Healing Arts. HP has been used worldwide for hundreds of years with a success rate of over 90% to help fight off disease. Lemmon uses an energetic, nontoxic means of promoting immunity in a safe and natural way.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL

DR. CARLOS CHAPA, ND, OMD, L.AC, PH.D

1320 W. Walnut Hill Ln, Irving 18601 LBJ #501, Mesquite 972-444-0660

DrChapa.com

Trained in Asia, graduated from a Korean University, Dr. Chapa holds a Naturopathic Doctorate Degree and a PhD in Eastern Medicine specializing in Neurological issues. A former medic/nurse since 1995, this unique training has given confidence from many Physicians to refer their patients. Dr. Chapa is founder and medical director of AIMC established in 2009.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CENTER DALLAS

Dr. Elizabeth Seymour, MD 399 Melrose Dr., Suite A, Richardson 214-368-4132

EHCD.COM

A nationally recognized medical facility specializing in the relationship of health and disease to environmental factors. Thorough investigation is made to determine the cause and correlation of the patent’s disease process to environmental factors. A leader in the field treating mold exposure/sensitivity; oil spill, pesticides and chemical exposure; chemical sensitivities, immune dysregulation and much more.

JOHNSON MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

Dr. Alfred R. Johnson, D.O. 997 Hampshire Lane, Richardson 972-479-0400

JohnsonMedicalAssociates.com

Johnson Medical Associates is a state-of-the-art medical clinic offering comprehensive medical services aimed at finding the cause not just treating the symptoms. Dr. Johnson is a doctor of internal medicine with 35+ years of experience in areas of chronic illness, toxic exposures, allergies and the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to address a multitude of conditions. See ad, page 5.

TENNANT INSTITUTE FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Dr. Jerry Tennant MD, Medical Director 35 Veranda Lane, Ste 100, Colleyville 972-580-1156

TennantInstitute.us

Providing traditional “standard-ofcare” medicine using prescription as well as complementary medicine. Recognizing that the human body is not simply a collection of independent parts but rather an integrative whole -we treat it that way. Conditions treated include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, macular degeneration and glaucoma, as well as thyroid support, adrenal support, hormone replacement. essential oil therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

TRULY HEALTHY MD

Dr. Monica Jauregui, M.D. IFMCP 945-286-5711

TrulyHealthyMD.com

Info@trulyhealthymd.com

Known as “America's Medical Detective,” our functional medicine practice specializes in uncovering root causes of health issues. With advanced diagnostics, personalized plans, and a Health Restoration Membership, we treat conditions like hormone imbalances, Lyme, long COVID, leaky gut, irritable bowel syndrome, Lyme and co-infections, long COVID, mold and other environmental illnesses, autoimmunity. Financing options available.

WILLOWBEND HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dr. Phyllis Gee, MD 4601 Old Shepard Pl, Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Plano 469-361-4000

WillowbendHealthAndWellness.com

With 30 years of practice, empowerment and whole health are centerpieces of our care. Our goal is finding and treating the root cause of your symptoms to restore your health utilizing regenerative medical practices. We address functional wellness, sexual wellness, weight management. We do functional health testing. Call for appointment. See ad on page 9.

LONGEVITY MEDICINE

DR. JEFFREY GLADDEN, MD 16633 Dallas Pkwy #100, Addison 972-310-8916

GladdenLongevity.COM

Board certified in Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Gladden specializes in age management, regenerative medicine, and personalized health optimization. With over 30 years of experience, he offers advanced therapies including stem cell treatments, hormone optimization, and functional medicine. Dedicated to maximizing longevity and healthspan for his patients. Author of 100 is the New 30

PAIN MANAGEMENT

SENERGY MEDICAL GROUP

9901 Valley Ranch Pkwy East, Ste 1009 Irving 972-580-0545

Biomodulator@senergy.us Senergy.us

We are the exclusive distributor of the patented Tennant Biomodulator® PLUS & PRO. These FDA accepted non-invasive devices are designed to offer an affordable, drug free, user-friendly option for the indicated use of symptomatic relief for chronic, severe or intractable pain; and adjunctive treatment in managing post-surgical and post-traumatic pain.

PASTUERED MEATS

BOIS D'ARC MEAT COMPANY

13849 E. FM 1396, Windom, TX BoisDdarcMeatCo.com 617-314-1349

Bois D'arc Meat Company provides high-quality, locally-sourced meats. All our cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys are raised entirely on pasture, are 100% non-GMO and no herbicides, pesticides or chemicals are applied to the land. We offer a variety of cuts and custom butchering services to meet all your needs. Visit us for the finest meats.

PHARMACY

ABRAMS ROYAL COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

8220 Abrams Rd, Dallas 214-349-8000 4904 W. Park Blvd, Plano 972-599-7700 ARP-RX.com

Family owned and operated since 1980, with more than 135 years of combined experience. Our pharmacists work to provide proactive solutions to restore health and wellness. We work as trusted partners with physicians and patients to develop targeted treatment plans and customized wellness programs for your unique needs. Pharmacy Compounding. Accreditation Board (PACB) certified. PSY CHTHE

RESTAURANTS

CELEBRATION RESTAURANT 4503 West Lovers Lane, Dallas 214-351-5681 CelebrationRestaurant.com Food You Can Feel

See ad, page 27.

SPIRITUAL

CONCORD DALLAS CHURCH

6808 Pastor Bailey Dr, Dallas 214-331-8522

ConcordDallas.tv

Concord Dallas is the church that grows people. Their core values are passion for Christ, passion for people and catalyst for change. Services are Sundays at 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm and online at Streamingfaith.com. Mid-week service is Wednesdays at 7:00pm. Reverend Bryan L. Carter, Senior Pastor.

UNITY CHURCH OF SACHSE

5502 Ben Davis, Sachse 972-984-8946

UnityOfSachse@gmail.com

UnityOfSachse.com

We teach positive psychology based on Spiritual teachings of Jesus. Services are held Sundays at 11:30am. Join us as we share truths and principles to help along your spiritual journey. Each week’s message and all events are posted on our website for your convenience. Spiritual counseling and positive prayer available.

SUPPLEMENTS AND NUTRITION

TOTAL NUTRITION & CBD

5706 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206 469-334-0006

TotalNutritionMockingbird.com

Discover the power of natural wellness through our wide selec-

tion of premium vitamins, supplements, bodybuilding products and CBD products including chocolates, pain cream, flowers+ cryotherapy. Family owned and operated, our expert staff provides personalized guidance to support pain relief, stress management, and overall health. Elevate your well-being with high-quality, lab-tested solutions tailored to your individual needs.

THERMOGRAPHY THERMOGRAPHY

DALLAS WELLNESS AND THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

5220 Spring Valley Rd #LL-40, Dallas ThermographyCenter.com 214-352-8758

All symptoms have an origin story and we get to the root of yours. Using radiation-free technology we can identify your symptom’s origin story and exactly what needs to change internally and how it will remedy your symptoms. We then recommend medical grade natural products to help you heal the root cause easily and organically. See ads, page 24 and 25.

WELLNESS CENTERS

ROCKWALL COMPLETE HEALING & WELLNESS

2455 Ridge Road, Suite 151, Rockwall 972-771-8900

RockwallColonics.com

“Our goal is to offer our community high-quality wellness services in an exceptionally comfortable and healing environment. We know that time-honored healing traditions-Massage, Young Living Raindrop Therapy, Chiropractic, iV therapy, Juicing and Colonics work. RCW offers all of these things, come visit us and begin your journey to optimum wellness. See ad, page 27.

YOGA

CRESCENT

YOGA STUDIO & ECO-BOUTIQUE

Dawn Harris, RYT500 306 W Ave F, Midlothian 214-817-8597

CrescentYogaStudio.com

Ellis county’s premier yoga studio and eco-boutique offers a variety of weekly classes, specialty workshops, private yoga and reiki sessions as well as natural health and wellness events. Come feel your stress and tensions away. New student intro offer: 2 weeks unlimited Yoga for $20. Empowering a healthy lifestyle.

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