We Treat:
• Chronic Pain
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If the first two bones in your neck are misaligned, communication between the brain and body is interrupted and can cause numerous health problems.
Dr. Drew Hall has practiced the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic technique for the last 20 years in Los Angeles and Carson California before opening his third clinic right here in Sarasota, Florida
Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a unique chiropractic technique that focuses all its attention on the upper neck and how it impacts the brainstem and central nerve system. The Blair technique is precise, gentle, and does not use any pulling, popping, or twisting of the neck.
We have helped people with the following conditions:
•Auto Accidents
•Fibromyalgia
•Lower Back Pain
•Meniere’s Disease
•Neck Pain
•Sciatica
•Post-Concussion Syndrome
•TMJ
•Trigeminal Neuralgia
•Vertigo & Whiplash
“I have over 20 years of practice experience and taking care of 10,000 patients f rom Los Angeles to Sarasota Florida. I recovered f rom severe chronic health problems 30 years ago after being introduced to blair upper cervical technique. It’s my lasting purpose to help as many people as possible live a life of health and happiness”.
- Dr. Drew Hall
3920 Bee Ridge Rd, Bldg D, Sarasota, Fl 34233
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“I suffered with numbness in both my right and left leg, from my hip to my feet, mostly in the morning when I got up out of bed and started to walk. The numbness first thing in the morning stopped me from riding a bike and walking around. It also affected my golf game as you need your legs to swing a club and walk around. My major concern was what if I was unable to walk? Since receiving the care and treatment at Dr. Korman’s office, the numbness has definitely decreased. I can walk, ride a bike, play golf, and don’t get up in the morning with total numbness.” - Bruce B.
/MANATEE EDITION
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© 2025 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
June marks the official start of summertime—as the days stretch longer and the sun rises higher, this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings invites you to embrace holistic practices that align with nature’s seasonal rhythms. From making conscious nutritional choices and reconnecting to the wisdom of our planet, to cultivating joyful summer memories and increasing your healthspan overall, this issue is chock-full of inspiration to rejuvenate you all season long!
Let’s jump right in with this month’s feature article, “Expanding Our Healthspan,” which explores holistic, science-backed strategies to help us flourish, to live not just longer but better and fuller in each stage of life. A unique, tailored approach to nourishment, movement, mindfulness practices, and healthcare modalities can help you cultivate lasting resilience, vitality, and strength from the inside out—proof that age can truly be just a number.
Next on the docket, our “Healing Ways” article offers natural and holistic strategies to restore adrenal function and bolster your stress response. You’ll learn how adrenal fatigue can impair the body’s innate emotional regulation and stress management abilities, which can lead to chronic exhaustion or mood imbalances. This article also explores the benefits of mind-body therapies and lifestyle changes to soothe the nervous system and create a sense of balance.
In honor of Father’s Day, this month’s “Healthy Kids” article delves into how movement can nurture a special bond between fathers and their children. From hiking adventures to backyard games, shared physical activities encourage wholesome habits, establish common interests, and act as a fun outlet to create lifelong memories. These playful moments of connection prove that fitness is a dynamic tool to promote health and strengthen family ties.
That’s a wrap on our June issue, folks! As usual, I hope you uncover an abundance of inspiration and enjoyment within these pages to bolster your wellness as the new season unfolds. Make time for what invigorates you this summer, and I’ll see you right back here in July!
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
Shari James, a Sarasota-based holistic practitioner, offers men a radically different solution to erectile dysfunction that does not involve pills or quick fixes. Through her unique, integrative method, James helps men both identify and resolve the root causes of ED, helping them reclaim natural function, clarity, and confidence.
Her approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Combining nervous system work, breath practices, stress and lifestyle coaching, and tantric energetic awareness, James will create a tailored roadmap for each client. This is not a one-size-fits-all program, but a custom, holistic process that will serve men right where they are.
What sets James apart is the proof of transformation. Over 40 men have shared video testimonials on how her guidance helped them restore vitality and get off ED medications entirely. These stories speak to physical healing, emotional reconnection, and renewed self-trust. Many couples also report rekindled intimacy and deeper, more satisfying connections.
James also offers a Root Cause Assessment to help men uncover what is lurking behind their symptoms, so they can take an empowering first step toward healing. She helps men avoid ED medications or, in some cases, finally get them to work. Contact her for a free virtual consultation and start the healing process.
For more information and a free consultation, visit Shari-James.com/consult.
Therapeutic ozone bonds with viruses, bacteria, mold, pesticides, parasites, metals, or anything that is toxic to the body and dissipates it on contact without any side-effects. Xavier Menard has been administering Ozone Therapy in a relaxing sauna cabinet, on a moderate temperature for 24 years.
Therapeutic ozone bonds with viruses, bacteria, mold, pesticides, parasites, metals, or anything that is toxic to the body and dissipates it on contact without any side-effects. Xavier Menard has been administering Ozone Therapy in a relaxing sauna cabinet, on a moderate temperature for 24 years.
Xavier Menard • 941-321-3061
Xavier Menard • 941-321-3061
442 South Tamiami Trail • Osprey
442 South Tamiami Trail • Osprey
• Licensed 52 Years
• Licensed 52 Years
• Developed Gentle Technique
• Developed Gentle Technique
• Cleansing For Digestive Disorders
• Cleansing For Digestive Disorders
• Ear Candling
• Ear Candling
• Double Foot Bath
• Double Foot Bath
The Advantages of Eyeglasses Convenience, Long-Term Value, Style
Express yourself with a wide variety of eyeglasses and sunglasses styles, frame shapes and designers.
We fit the best PROGRESSIVES in the market - Varilux, Shamir also TRANSITION LENSES in a new generation of colors.
• Digital Eye Strain: Find specialized computer glasses to reduce eye strain, headaches, blurred vision and reduce blue light for better sleep.
• Sun Protection: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with prescription sunglasses, polarized lenses, or transition lenses. Stop by and you will be pleasantly surprised.
This Father’s Day, give the special father figure in your life the gift of deep relaxation and rejuvenating skincare. The Ritual Room Spa is currently offering a limited-time discount on their Men’s Customized Ritual Facial throughout the month of June.
Tailored just for men— with or without facial hair—this Gentleman’s Ritual will restore, renew, and refresh. Each facial is personalized to suit individual skin types and concerns to facilitate a calm, restorative experience in a private, welcoming space. This Father’s Day Special is available for just $100 (normally $170) only for the month of June. Printable gift certificates are also available, so honor the men in your life with a ritual curated just for them.
Location: 2088 Hawthorne St., Sarasota. To book an appointment or purchase a gift certificate call 941-203-6543 or visit RitualRoomSpa.com.
“Bee
The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) is hosting its annual Convention and Trade Show, June 27-30, at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Hotel in Altamonte Springs. The event featuring a bustling exhibit hall filled with the latest health and wellness products. Attendees can take advantage of special deals on products and tools for their practice, as well as, establishing valuable business relationships. FSMTA Convention registration options include full registration, single day, exhibit hall, AHA CPR/AED certification training, and tickets for the Ian McIntosh Legislative Dinner. Classes and exhibit hall access are included with full and single day registration, unless otherwise noted. FSMTA members receive discounted rates on registration and are encouraged to attend the FSMTA Annual Meeting Luncheon. This event helps further promote FSMTA’s commitment to education, advocacy and networking within the massage therapy profession.
To Join FSMTA, register for Convention, or learn more, visit FSMTA.org.
Come visit Sarasota’s first non-alcoholic bar, focused 100 percent on kombucha. Flobucha is a brewery and taproom located in the beautiful Gulfgate Village which produces and serves premium raw kombucha, fermented to perfection.
Flobucha comes in a variety of unique flavors, all of which are meticulously crafted and balanced. In addition to the six flagship flavors, you can also taste the new limited-quantity seasonal options: Cherry Lemon Ginger, Strawberry Orange, Dragonfruit Mango Rosehip, Pineapple Cranberry Tumeric and Blue Spirit – a blend of coconut water, ginger and blue spirulina. They also now have kombucha based sparkling non-alcoholic wine alternatives called Winesque and a non-alcoholic IPA beer alternative. Wine alternative flavors include Rose, CAB and their new white wine addition based on Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Try a six-flight kombucha sampler for $12.95, which can be mixed or matched with kombucha, wine or beer.
All flavors are brewed with all-natural, organic ingredients, raw, unfiltered and never pasteurized. Not only does this kombucha taste delicious, but it’s also rich in natural probiotics, healthy organic nutrients and antioxidants.
The Flobucha taproom is a fun place to hang out as well. Join us Thursdays for a free Kombucha tasting from 5-6 p.m. Also, join us June 13 and 27 from 5-8 p.m. for another fun night of the Ethiopian food pop-up. A fabulous array of Ethiopian dishes starting at $6. Enjoy our seasonal Flobucha flavors and live music.
Location: 2725 Mall Dr., Sarasota. Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, email Info@Flobucha.com, visit Winesque.com or follow via social media at @flobucha on Instagram and @Flobucha on Facebook.
Quantum Entrainment (QE) offers profound physical and spiritual benefits. In terms of physical wellness, QE activates the autonomic nervous system to induce a deep state of rest. Achievable in seconds, this QE rest has been shown to cultivate mindfulness, decrease pain, overcome loneliness and anxiety, and even help break harmful patterns.
Clearing the mind can be difficult because most mindfulness practices require the effort to concentrate, contemplate, or manufacture a positive mood. Effort means that you are putting in work, when you should be at rest. However, QE helps your mind enter this state without trying to manufacture it, which enables anyone to experience the extraordinary healing benefits of QE effortlessly. Dr. Frank Kinslow can guide you into this state through a free audio download of his QE technique, called Eufeeling. Visit his website to access this resource, then sit back, close your eyes, and immerse yourself in the bliss.
To download Eufeeling, visit KinslowSystem.com, then click on the “Free Downloads” tab. For more information, email Info@KinslowSystem.com.
Organic Salon
Color + Highlights
Cuts + Smoothing Treatments
Hair & Earth Organic Salon
Salons by JC • 200 Central Avenue
Suite 18, Sarasota • 941-284-9563
HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com
Dr. Anna Baker, DOM, invites you to join her interactive anti-aging seminars via Zoom on June 11 and 20, both at 1:30 p.m. She will showcase her Faces by Dr. Anna acupuncture facelift and her muscle retightening Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. Contact the Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna store to access the meeting ID number. If you cannot attend the seminar live, Dr. Anna will send you a link to watch at your own convenience.
Dr. Anna performs a unique type of acupuncture facelift that she invented. The muscles of the face and neck are progressively retightened to retrace the steps that aging took. An initial package of 10 treatments is required, and the results last for 18 months before you will need a one-treatment touchup to maintain the lift.
In these seminars, Dr. Anna will show photographed results on people of all ages. In addition, she will discuss her proprietary Pearl Cream by Dr Anna, which offers the same muscle retightening as her acupuncture facelift in a slower, more gradual process. Her Pearl Cream is an anti-aging serum made from real pearls and Chinese herbs without any preservatives. Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is also available as a muscle tightening body lotion, a men’s anti-aging line, and a sports performance line.
Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is available for pick-up by appointment only at Dr. Anna’s office. Call 941-924-2723 for directions. Free consultations and facial analyses are offered for acupuncture facelift and Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. For more information, visit FacesByDrAnna.com and PearlCreamByDrAnna.com (we are no longer at the location on this website).
Scalp Analysis + Exfoliations
Hair Growth Treatments
Red Light Therapy
Holistic Healing Guidance
Next month, the Sarasota Center of Light looks forward
“Psychic Emanations” workshop in Davis Hall (cost to attend: $30), followed by “The Intuitive Art of Mediumship” workshop on July 19, from 11 a.m to 5 p.m., in the Sanctuary (cost to attend: $75). If you want to attend both of these workshops, the combined cost is $120.
On July 21, from 6:30–9:30 p.m., they will offer an “Inspirational Color Reading” in the Chapel (cost to attend: $30). They will also lead “The Altered States and Trance” workshop in the Chapel on July 23, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. (cost to attend: $30).
On July 22 and 24, Revs. Dykes and McLeod will each offer 30-minute personal readings in the church office for $70 per reading. On July 25, from 7–9 p.m., they will lead a “Demonstration of Mediumship workshop in the Sanctuary as well (cost to attend: $20). On July 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., they will also facilitate the “Intuitive Mediumship and Altered States of Consciousness: worship in Davis Hall (cost to attend: $75). If you want to attend both of these workshops, the combined cost is $120.
Finally, on July 20 and 27, at 11 a.m., Revs. Dykes and McLeod will both lead the Sunday talk and messages in the Sanctuary. You are invited to join.
For more information and to register for these workshops, call 941-953-6620, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday–Friday, or visit SarasotaCenterofLight.com.
Father’s Day is a time to honor the strength, wisdom, and love that fathers have to offer. Whether the father figure in your life is a spiritual seeker, a nature lover, or someone who cherishes a meaningful keepsake, Elysian Fields has unique gifts that speak to the heart.
This Father’s Day, celebrate all the ways that father figures show up for their loved ones with guidance, humor, protection, and unconditional support. From healing stones and symbolic men’s jewelry to inspiring books and t-shirts, Elysian Fields’ curated collection offers something special for every kind of father. For those drawn to metaphysical tools, you’ll also find malas, journals, and calming essential oils that nurture inner balance.
Each item is chosen with care, echoing the spirit of a father’s love—steady, present, and full of intention. You’ll also find heartfelt cards or other small tokens that speak volumes with simplicity. In a world that moves quickly, a thoughtful, hand-selected gift is a powerful reminder to pause and honor those who shape our lives with quiet grace.
Location: 1273 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-3613006 or visit ElysianFieldsGifts.com.
Sunday Services at the Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light features a variety of worship forms to the Divine Creator. Drawn from the higher teachings of ancient knowledge and wisdom, each minister offers their own style and areas of expertise to the service.
Each of our ministers have unique gifts to provide. Pastor Rev. Sharon-Elizabeth James (Baba Sharone) facilitates the Healing Service with Lambdona, a rare instrument that imparts 528 hertz of healing energy. Rev. Robin Richardson teaches wisdom from various cultures and sacred texts. Rev. Annie Eng (Ani Ra) facilitates the Mystical Path to Enlightenment. Rev. Nancy Robinson offers Channeled Insights and a message service on the third Wednesday of each month. Rev. Ildigo Varga invokes the spiritual energy of Divine protection.
Each minister uses these gifts as a contribution to the collective enhancement of one’s spiritual path. Services are offered both in-person and online.
Location: 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota. For more information, call 941371-9333, email CosmicCenterOSL@gmail.com, or visit the calendar of events at CCOSL.com.
Bradenton’s Premier
Manatee Spirit, home of the theta-inducing and chakra-balancing “Ultimate 60-Minute Sound Bath,” is a sanctuary-style sound healing studio, located on a picturesque Florida canal about 10 minutes from Anna Maria Island.
This experience can help you overcome energetic blocks, elevate your consciousness to higher states of clarity and freedom, and reset your soul frequency. Private groups, from one to six guests, are invited to bathe in the healing vibrations of electric and acoustic cellos and guitars, crystal bowls, Nepali singing bowls, vocals, Buddhist bells, chimes, gongs, rattles, and the slow beat of drums. Each sound will nourish the cells of your physical body and balance the vibrational pattern of your energy body.
Manatee Spirit’s holistic courses also include “Sound Healing,” a class to unlock the mysteries of singing bowls, therapy instruments, improvisation, rhythm, harmony, binaural beats, and solfeggio frequencies. Participants will also gain the valuable experience of leading a sound bath. The “Ancient Wisdom and Meditation” course will explore ethereal bridges with Aart Jurriaanse and soul-ego communication to advance your soul journey through physical, astral, and spiritual realms. Coaching, motivation, and nutrition come together for the “Whole Food Plant-based, Oil-Free” course, which provides hands-on experience for revitalizing life-force energy, shrinking brown fat cells, and savoring the Florida tropical fruit scene.
Manatee Spirit will also enhance your special events with simple, ceremonial, or symphonic sound baths. These meditative, ambient experiences will leave your guest with a sense of well-being—no matter the occasion.
For more information and to schedule a sound bath experience, call 941-201-0069, email Info@ManateeSpirit.com, or visit ManateeSpirit.com.
Clients experience immediate, visible results— ALL WITHOUT INVASIVE PROCEDURES!
Cindy will create a tailored plan for you with OPTIMAL VISIBLE RESULTS. Services
Shari James, RN will guide you through the root causes. You RISE again on your terms — naturally. No pills, just power.
Over 40 men have shared video testimonials about how her guidance helped them restore their vitality and get off ED medications entirely.
Stress can affect our mental well-being, as well as our physical body, possibly being an ingredient regarding aches and pains, acute or chronic physical conditions, and inability to get what we want in life. There are big and small traumas in life that can be re-triggered, unknowingly causing distress.
Stress responses such as fear, anger, grief, and other emotions can sometimes negatively affect us, long after the original event that caused them. We might find ourselves with unexplained anxiety, depression, self-sabotaging behaviors, destructive beliefs, phobias, low self-esteem, in addition to physical problems. When people “get on our nerves”, they literally do.
NET offers relief without medication, for mind and body stress. Our body and mind are one big unit. Peer reviewed, published, evidence-based studies show NETs positive effects on the brain, heart and body. Clients report a life changing, improved quality of life. It is helpful for people of all ages, adults and children.
Christine Hannafin, PhD has over 30 years’ experience as a psychotherapist, with Masters and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology. Along with being a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, she is certified in NET, Neuro Emotional Technique. Dr. Hannafin does not accept insurance.
Location: 5049 Ringwood Meadow, Bldg. H, Meadows Shopping Village, Sarasota. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit ChristineHannafin.com, email ChristineHannafin@gmail.com, or call or text 610-608-1991. To learn more about NET, visit NETMindBody.com and OneFoundation.org.
Cindy DeMay has four decades of experience in the spa and beauty industry. She is recognized worldwide as a leading expert in innovative beauty and wellness devices, cutting-edge anti-aging products, and unique solutions for her valued clients.
DeMay devotes her limitless energy and expertise to working with her clients to create personalized plans for optimal results. With 40 years of expertise in aesthetics and advanced device technology, this trusted specialist offers a truly transformative approach to beauty and wellness.
Combining patented, innovative devices with clinically developed, science-based products for skin, hair and nutrition, clients experience immediate, visible results—all without invasive procedures. Services include non-surgical facelift, enhancement of the lymphatic system, full-body invigoration, and targeted cellulite treatment. These services are tailored for anyone seeking healthy aging, radiant skin, and total-body vitality. They are grounded in decades of hands-on knowledge and a deep commitment to holistic self-care. Try one of these services in the month of June, and get 50% off your first treatment.
For more information and to schedule a personalized consultation, call 561-441-4850, or visit 4333 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite B, Sarasota. By Appointment Only.
Over the last 20 years, men’s daily use of personal care products has nearly doubled, according to the Environmental Working Group. Men apply shaving cream to their face, splash on cologne, shower with body wash, style their hair with wax and use strong antiperspirants without realizing that they might be exposing themselves to a host of toxins.
The most prevalent health culprits are hormone-disrupting phthalates and fragrance extenders that have been shown to inhibit testosterone levels and reduce sperm count. Preservatives such as formaldehyde, known to cause cancer, are also commonly used.
The effects of grooming routines extend beyond the individual because fossil fuels are expended to transport these products and discarded plastic containers accumulate in landfills, eventually degrading into microplastics that pollute waterways and contaminate the human food supply.
To mitigate these adverse effects on human and planetary health, consider using the following eco-friendly, organic and cruelty-free products.
• Reusable safety razors crafted from bamboo or metal and fitted with recyclable metal blades provide a close shave without contributing to the 2 billion disposable razors that end up in landfills every year and take more than a century to biodegrade.
• Electric shavers are reusable, reduce water use and have a lower carbon footprint than disposable razors.
• Sustainably sourced beard-softening oils such as jojoba, argon or meadowfoam are infused with organic and vegan botanics by companies such as Copper Johns.
• Aluminum-free deodorants maintain freshness throughout the day using bacteria-fighting activated charcoal, natural clays and botanical additions like coriander. Antiperspirants that inhibit perspiration by blocking pores with aluminum-based ingredients should be avoided.
• Natural body washes and soaps with in-
gredients such as Jimmy Red corn, coconut oil and kaolin clay gently clean pores and smooth the skin without employing drying agents. Choose products packaged in natural materials.
• Chemical-free colognes with natural fragrances derived from essential oils, herbs and spices can be alluring without being overpowering. Some use organic sugarcane alcohol. Noteworthy brands are Dr. Squatch, Henry Rose and unisex fragrances by Heretic.
• Natural shaving creams formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients such as coconut-derived surfactants, vegetable glycerin, aloe, vitamin E and botanicals provide a close shave, even for sensitive skin.
• Chemical-free shampoos employ sulfate-free cleaning agents and natural botanicals to nourish the hair. Additionally, zinc and botanical additions like sage and tea tree oil are incorporated to address scalp and dandruff concerns.
• Hair waxes and pomades should not contain petroleum. Look for ingredients like strong-hold beeswax, or simply choose a water-based product.
Specializing in Skincare and Body Treatments
Our team is dedicated to Promoting Natural Beauty
Experience pure relaxation and renewal in our Relaxation Sanctuary. Each treatment is customized based on your skincare needs!
Offering the Most Innovative Products and Proven Technologies Available:
• Environ Signature facials • Glo2 facials
• Free Balinese Facial Massage with Facial
• Cool lifting • Advanced Skincare
• Body Treatments.
Experience a Relaxing Massage Service or Acupuncture Session with Steph Schmitz, (LMT: MA 80163, AP 4538) with 10 yrs. experience.
A study published in the Natural Medicine Journal compared three different treatment modalities for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a low-FODMAP diet (restricting the consumption of specific carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestines) combined with traditional dietary guidance for IBS (LFTD group); a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat and fiber-optimized diet (low-carb group); and pharmacological intervention targeting IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea (drug group).
The study enrolled 294 adults with moderate-to-severe IBS that were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment options for a four-week period. Those in the diet groups received nutritional counseling and support to adhere to their assigned diet. The participants’ IBS symptoms were assessed before, during and after the four-week intervention period.
At the end of the intervention period, all three groups reported improvements; however, the LFTD and low-carb groups exhibited more significant reductions in IBS symptom severity from the baseline compared to the drug group. These findings suggest that dietary modifications should be a primary treatment approach for IBS patients, with the low-carb diet being preferable for patients experiencing constipation and for patients that find the low-FODMAP diet difficult to follow.
Allergy seasons have been getting longer and more problematic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately one in four adults and one in five children in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America anticipates that 2025 will be a severe year for seasonal allergies across the country, with the worst-afflicted cities located in the southern region. Notably, at the end of March, Atlanta and Houston set pollen count records.
Pollen is dispersed by trees in the spring, grasses in the summer and ragweed during autumn, but these patterns have shifted due to climate change. Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels induce many plants to produce more pollen, increase their size and growth rate, and yield more flowers. Warmer temperatures result in warmer, shorter winters and earlier springs, leading to longer growing seasons and overlapping pollen seasons.
A 2021 study in Scientific Reports also noted that climate change is augmenting the number and duration of allergenic mold spores in some areas.
In recent years, more women have become aware of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy in their second half of life. In contrast, men often don’t realize that their hormones also decline with age (albeit more gradually—not as dramatic of a change as women experience). These hormonal shifts in men can cause low energy and sex drive, abnormal weight gain, and other noticeable symptoms.
If you suspect that your hormones are declining, ask your doctor to test your free testosterone levels. Free testosterone is the working hormone. It is not attached to a carrier protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and performs all the functions that testosterone is known for. This includes muscle growth, increased body hair, protective instincts, sexual performance, indiscriminate libido, brain function, and sleep.
It is not clear whether testosterone levels influence the risk of prostate cancer, but the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in older men causes cellular growth in the prostate. Increased estrogen levels can also impact weight gain later in life, so estrogen blockers (combined with testosterone replacement) can also be beneficial for older men.
Even young men can have low testosterone, due to environmental chemicals. So, schedule a test—it could optimize your well-being and improve your life. Contact Best Medicine to make an appointment and further discuss the available options.
Location: 2106 Bispham Rd., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-404-8030 or visit BestMedicine.us.
Source:
“Testosterone, testosterone therapy and prostate cancer,” A Yassin, et al. Aging Male, Dec. 2019.
CUT THAT CURLS and with NO chemicals.
Please call Jutta for an appointment 941-629-0074
Helix cut “I do with Scissors, what others do with Chemicals”
Everybody will benefit from this carefree haircutting Technique, especially baby-fine hair. Any Length from short to long. I use “All Nutrient”, an organic derived haircolor and Highlights/ Balayage made with Blueberrys. NO MORE BRASSY HAIRCOLOR The “Vines” Shopping Center, 701 JC Center Court, Unit 10, Port Charlotte, FL • www.EuropeanHairDesigner.com
Neckor Avoidlowbackpain? surgeryandgetyourlifeback!
Approximately 3 million Americans receive dental implant procedures annually. Unlike natural teeth, implants do not form a seamless seal with the surrounding gum tissue, posing a potential risk of infection. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are working to develop a new implant that mitigates this concern via a twofold defense.
The first defense involves creating the crown to include antimicrobial compounds, currently barium titanate, to effectively combat bacterial growth. The second line of defense entails embedding light-emitting diodes (LEDs) onto the base of the crown to deliver immune-boosting, red-light therapy to the surrounding gum area. To eliminate the need for a battery, the implant generates its own electricity via the crown’s specialized material, such as the barium titanate, which converts motion—such as chewing—to electrical energy. Although barium titanate is not as strong as the materials currently used for implants, the research team is working on enhancing its properties. The product will be tested in pigs in 2025, paving the way for human trials.
Suddenly feeling old may not be our imagination. A recent study published in Nature Aging examined the molecular changes of 108 adults between the ages of 25 and 75. The participants were tracked for a median of 1.7 years, with a maximum of 6.8 years, during which biological samples were collected and evaluated every three to six months from a range of sources, including the blood, stool, skin, mouth and nasal passages.
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The researchers compared the samples obtained from participants at different ages and observed that people seemed to age more rapidly at age 44 and again at age 60. The changes at age 44 were mostly related to fat and alcohol metabolism, as well as an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The changes at age 60 related mostly to immune dysfunction and carbohydrate metabolism. According to Stanford Medicine Professor Michael Snyder, these findings might explain why people seem to have more trouble processing alcohol starting in their 40s and become more prone to illness in their 60s.
To diagnose obesity, medical professionals primarily rely on body mass index (BMI), a calculation that estimates the percentage of body fat based on a ratio comparing height to weight. Seeking a more nuanced and precise approach, The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology assembled a commission comprised of 56 leading experts from various disciplines, including nutrition, endocrinology, internal medicine and public health, to reevaluate the definition and measurement of obesity.
The commission found that BMI tends to both underestimate and overestimate obesity. For instance, individuals that are stocky and muscular may be erroneously classified as obese due to the weight of muscle tissue, while those with low muscle mass but excess abdominal fat around their organs may not be considered obese.
The commission recommends a revised definition of obesity that emphasizes excess body fat accumulation around the waist, measuring waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio or waist-to-height ratio, in conjunction with BMI. Alternatively, a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan can be employed to directly measure body fat using low-radiation X-ray capabilities at a higher cost.
In an interview with NPR News, Dr. Robert Kushner, a member of the commission, explained the significance of abdominal fat, stating, “Fat in the belly causes systemic inflammation, which then goes on and causes other metabolic problems like elevated blood sugar, elevated blood pressure and increased fats in the blood.”
The commission also recommended making a distinction between preclinical and clinical obesity. Individuals with clinical obesity would exhibit diminished organ or tissue function due to obesity or substantial mobility limitations. Consequently, they would receive appropriate treatments for their condition. Individuals with preclinical obesity would undergo health counseling and monitoring to reduce the risk of developing clinical obesity.
A recent study published in the journal Science provides the most comprehensive analysis of the current state of the U.S. butterfly population. The research team combined data from 35 citizen-scientist programs across the continental U.S. that counted butterflies. Their analysis was based on 12.6 million individual butterfly sightings. The findings reveal a concerning decline of 22 percent of our 554 butterfly species over the past two decades, affecting almost every region of the country. For every species found to have increased in population, there were 13 species that declined in population, and some of those declines were significant. While tackling climate change and regulating pesticides are crucial policy interventions, people can actively contribute to reversing these declines by creating habitat refuges for butterflies and other insects. This can be achieved by planting native flowers, shrubs and trees.
by Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM, Dipl. Ac. , L. Ac.
When it comes to men’s health, testosterone often takes center stage. This hormone fuels libido, muscle mass, mental sharpness, motivation, and overall energy. Nevertheless, focusing solely on testosterone misses the larger scope—a hormonal symphony, which includes the adrenal glands, DHEA, cortisol, and the body’s response to stress.
Many men who experience chronic symptoms like fatigue, low sex drive, poor sleep, mood shifts, or weight fluctuations might have a deeper issue than low testosterone. In fact, chronic stress or adrenal dysfunction are frequently at the root of these symptoms, quietly disrupting natural hormone production and affecting overall health. Fortunately, a holistic intervention,
which includes acupuncture, can help reset the system.
Adrenal Glands, DHEA, and Testosterone: A Delicate Balance
The adrenal glands are small but powerful hormone producers above the kidneys. They manufacture important hormones like cortisol, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), and adrenaline, which help the body respond to stress and maintain balance.
DHEA is a precursor hormone—it helps build testosterone and other sex hormones. However, when the body is under chronic stress, it prioritizes survival. This means more cortisol production, often coupled with less DHEA and testosterone. This stress-driven shift in hormone production can cause low testosterone levels, low ener-
gy or libido, mood instability or brain fog, poor recovery outcomes, and an increase in excess fat.
Over time, this creates a feedback loop of dysfunction, in which chronic stress leads to hormone imbalance, making it harder for the body to cope with further stress. Stress is more than just mental strain. It sets off a powerful hormonal cascade via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis— the body’s central stress-response system.
Here’s a basic rundown of how the body reacts to chronic stress. Cortisol production ramps up. The body allocates resources (like pregnenolone) toward cortisol and away from DHEA/testosterone—a phenomenon often called the “pregnenolone steal.
Over time, this causes low DHEA, low testosterone, and adrenal fatigue (more accurately, HPA axis dysfunction). Symptoms of stress-driven hormonal imbalance in men can include the following: low libido or erectile dysfunction, abnormal weight gain (especially abdominal), muscle loss or fatigue, anxiety or depression, frequent irritability, insomnia or poor quality sleep, and lack of focus or motivation.
Overlooking stress—or only treating testosterone levels—often leads to incomplete or temporary improvement. To fully restore health, you must treat the cause, not just the symptoms. Acupuncture, a core practice of Traditional Eastern Medicine, offers a unique and powerful solution for men dealing with hormone imbalances, stress, or adrenal dysfunction. Rather than focusing on just one hormone, acupuncture works to restore systemic balance.
Acupuncture can optimize men’s hormonal health by regulating the stress response, balancing the HPA axis, improving sleep, hastening recovery, increasing libido, balancing mood states, and lowering inflammation. Acupuncture has been shown to lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system, helping the body shift from “fightor-flight” to “rest-and-digest.” By improving the communication between the brain and adrenal glands, acupuncture can bolster healthy DHEA and testosterone production.
Poor sleep can also sabotage hormone
health. Acupuncture enhances sleep quality and parasympathetic nervous system tone, both of which are critical for hormone regeneration. Hormonal imbalances often affect mental health and intimacy, too. Acupuncture increases dopamine and serotonin levels to enhance mood regulation, sex drive, and connection. Finally, chronic inflammation can suppress testosterone, but acupuncture helps lower pro-inflammatory markers, creating a better internal environment for hormone function.
To restore optimal hormone health, men should take an integrative and comprehensive lifestyle approach. Here’s a useful roadmap to follow:
• Opt for the Right Tests: Check total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, cortisol (preferably via a 4-point saliva or urine test), SHBG, and estradiol.
• Manage Stress Daily: Use practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, physical exercise, and optimal rest to lower your baseline stress levels.
• Improve Sleep Quality: Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted, restorative sleep.
• Prioritize Balanced Nutrition: Consume whole, nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s.
• Use Targeted Supplements: Consider adaptogens (such as ashwagandha or rhodiola), DHEA (with medical supervision), and B-complex vitamins.
• Incorporate Acupuncture: Weekly acupuncture sessions can regulate your hormones and improve quality of life in a safe and natural manner.
For many men, low testosterone is not the root cause of their symptoms. Rather, it’s the downstream effect of deeper hormonal or adrenal imbalances driven by chronic stress. DHEA, adrenal health, and the body’s stress response are all interconnected in ways that can affect mood, energy, libido, and strength.
(door closes 6pm)
Wednesday Wisdom Share (door closes 6pm)
4pm
Monday Meditation Night 6pm Weekly. All are welcome to come and tation practices as we allow spirit to guide us. Come gather connect bilities. Arrive early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space, Love Speaks 411 W. Dearborn St. Englewood
Acupuncture, lab testing, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management can offer a powerful, integrative path to recovery. Instead of replacing hormones, these methods work with the body to heal, rebalance, regenerate, and restore vitality from the inside out.
Wednesday Wisdom Share 6pm Weekly. A gathering of “Light-minded meets to honor and support each other weekly. We are all awakening Whether you are just becoming aware or have been on your path. We to share. Bring your stories and experiences and questions or just listen early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space. Spirit Speaks 734-464-6828 Love donations welcomed.
Dr. Captain is a highly skilled expert in the field of Acupuncture. She has performed over 200,000 patient treatments in her career which spans over two decades. In addition to lecturing and teaching across the country and globe, her practice in Sarasota serves as a training facility for healthcare practitioners all over the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Captain’s knowledge and enthusiasm for wellness has earned her a nationwide reputation as a qualified lecturer, keynote speaker, and expert teacher. For more information, visit ScanSRQ.com or call 941-951-1119.
by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer
As the prolific author and holistic medicine advocate Deepak Chopra has been known to point out, longevity is more than just extending your lifespan—it’s about living well for as long as you can. According to
new research from the American Medical Association, folks in the United States tend to live much longer now than ever before—but the majority of them spend about 12 of those years suffering from pain or illness.
Nearly a quarter of Americans report living with at least one chronic pain issue, and men are especially vulnerable. On average, men experience 2.6 less years of vibrant health than most women do, the American Medical Association continues.
As our nation turns its attention to Mental Health Month, we cannot overlook the connection between staying mobile and relieving pain to embrace true longevity. So, for this month’s Community Spotlight, I want to hand off the microphone to someone who sees the importance of that connection on a daily basis: Dr. Eric Winder, longtime lead practitioner of Gentle Bay Chiropractic and a longtime contributor of Natural Awakenings.
Natural Awakenings: Here in the U.S., June is known as Men’s Health Month. As a chiropractor, what advice can you offer men to help maintain their longevity, mobility, and quality of life?
Dr. Eric Winder: Men are funny—we often take better care of our cars than we do our own bodies. Even if men pay attention to fitness and nutrition, we can still neglect aches or pains that start to limit us. Men often learn early in life to ignore pain. But we don’t tell our cars to just “suck it up” when they aren’t running correctly.
Just as you need to change oil filters, rotate tires, and repair dents or scratches, it’s important to take care of your own body’s glitches before they turn into serious problems. I find the majority of muscle or joint pain issues have their roots in connective tissue restrictions, or muscular imbalance, or both—and these problems in a human body are fixable.
NA: Can you elaborate on those sources of chronic pain, stiffness, or movement restrictions that you often come across—and how fascia relief therapy can resolve these issues?
Dr. Winder: As I said above, muscular imbalance is one common source of these problems, but it is best treated by an expert who has the skills to assess your posture, golf or tennis swing, and so on. This is certainly something we do at our office.
A much larger problem is stiffness in the fibrous connective tis-
sues—known as fascia—which cover the muscles, bones, organs, joints, and other bodily tissues. Fascia can become stiff from trauma such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or surgeries. Because fascia has millions of nerve endings that help guide our coordination, alignment, posture, and stability, fascia restrictions can cause major problems.
Fascia restrictions confuse our “internal picture,” which can lead to misalignment, instability, and muscular imbalance which, in turn, cause pain, stiffness, weakness, and inflammation. Fortunately there are simple, effective ways to release restrictions in fascia, restoring motion and alignment.
We mainly use gentle, hands-on compression and stretching of the fascia to treat these problem areas. The effects are often rapid, with immediate noticeable improvements in muscle tone, strength, and joint motion. Lasting pain relief usually starts within a few visits.
NA: Why is it important to seek care and treatment for pain relief as soon as possible. What are the potential risks of dismissing an issue and allowing it to fester?
Dr. Winder: The risk of not treating pain and stiffness is that it can develop into a larger problem. It’s like when a car gets knocked out of alignment by a pothole. At first, you notice a minor pull in the steering, but if you don’t fix it, the tires start to wear unevenly, then the front end starts to shake. If you still do nothing, eventually it could wreck the ball joints.
In a human body, the muscles can become imbalanced trying to compensate for misalignment and instability, which can make them susceptible to strains or injuries. Restricted joints can cause inflammation, often leading to arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. This can continue to snowball until there’s so much dysfunction that treatment becomes difficult. Relieving fascia restrictions early relieves pain more quickly and prevents further issues down the road.
NA: Are there any specific wellness routines or lifestyle habits that you practice on a regular basis to optimize your own health and quality of life?
Dr. Winder: The health of our bodies is a “use it or lose it” proposition. I bike regularly in the cooler months and swim in my pool or the Gulf as the seasons warm up. I perform body-weight calisthenics exercises consistently, too. While I do eat occasional comfort foods like pizza or steak, I mainly consume a low-inflammatory diet with lots of fish and vegetables. In recent years, I’ve been realizing the importance of stress management, so I meditate and slow life down enough to make sure I don’t burn out or start sleeping poorly. Lots of water and restorative sleep are crucial, too—oh, and I get my fascia tuned up on a regular basis.
Eric Winder D.C. is the lead practitioner at Gentlebay Chiropractor who uses gentle manual therapy and rehab techniques to help patients with a wide range of pain and injury problems. Dr. Winder’s offices are located in Sarasota and Osprey. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 941-957-8390 or visit Gentlebay.com.
by Dr. Fred Harvey
When I read current men’s health literature, I often feel disheartened by society’s fixation on trying to live forever. The marketplace is saturated with advertisements promoting expensive, high-tech gimmicks that promise eternal youth from cryotherapy chambers to superfood smoothies and Bluetooth fitness devices.
Inevitably, these products are often marketed by vibrant, 20-something athletes who do not actually need serums or devices to help them look youthful. Longevity has become the new escapist trend. In fact, many healthcare professionals seem focused on warring a desperate battle against the natural process of becoming older, as if this were a disease to be cured.
Aging is not a disease—it’s simply the progression of life. We all have a choice: We can either embrace lifestyle behaviors that sus-
tain optimal aging, or we can participate in activities that accelerate the aging process and contribute to serious degenerative illnesses like dementia, heart disease, and cancer, among many others.
Functional Medicine recognizes the innate healing capability of our remarkable bodies. Human physiology strives toward a healthy equilibrium, known as homeostasis. In a continual state of homeostasis, our bodies function optimally. However, poor lifestyle choices will throw off this delicate balance, leading to dysfunction, then eventually, disease.
Through this homeostatic lens, health is more than just the absence of disease. It is an energetic and vibrant state of well-being, which I refer to as “thrival.” When we nurture “thrival,” a healthy aging process will naturally occur.
As with life, death is a natural part of existence—not something we should fight or fear. Making death an adversary sets us up for a futile and emotionally draining battle that we can never win. Rather than trying to avoid the reality of death, we can invest our efforts in nurturing a joyful and meaningful relationship with life.
Research clearly backs this mindset. The Harvard Study of Adult Development tracked the lives of 268 Harvard sophomores over the course of 80 years, starting in 1938. This study identified seven key factors to predict healthy aging:
• Being a non-smoker or quitting by age 45
• Absence of alcohol and substance abuse
• Adaptive coping styles to handle stress
• Healthy weight maintenance
• Prioritizing a stable marriage
• Regular exercise and physical activities
• Years of continuous education
Dr. George Vaillant, who oversaw the study, offered this insightful observation: “Whether we live to vigorous old age lies not so much in our stars or our genes, as in ourselves.” If you want to age well, focus on cultivating joy, meaningful relationships, and healthy habits rather than chasing the illusion of immortality. Functional Medicine offers the guidance and tools necessary to cultivate both a happy and healthy life—after all, these simple but profound core tenets are the secret to real, sustainable longevity.
Dr. Fred Harvey, Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida, is quadruple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Functional Medicine, and Holistic-Integrative Medicine. He specializes in chronic illness recovery and prevention as well as defiant aging. Dr. Harvey also hosts Tampa Bay’s number-one health show, The Healthy Steps Radio Show. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit FunctionalMedicineFlorida.com.
by Carrie Jackson
While many people seek to prolong life, those extra years will not be fulfilling without good health. “The United States has one of the worst healthspans in the world. We have the highest rate of chronic disease and spend too much time suffering and deteriorating,” declares Dr. Eric Plasker, a chiropractor and creator of The 100 Year Lifestyle, an instructional manual and wellness system for making the most of an extended lifespan.
According to Plasker, “How you take care of yourself every day has a direct effect on your long-term quality of life. Unfortunately, the current healthcare system has focused mostly on symptoms and disease treatment. We need to have more of a lifestyle-care approach to help you function at
your highest level for a lifetime, instead of constantly trying to get your health back.”
Dr. Peter Diamandis is a physician, engineer, entrepreneur and co-founder of the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund, which invests in biotechnologies that address the root causes of disease and extend healthspan. He is also the co-founder and chairman of Fountain Life, a company that focuses on advanced diagnostics and preventative health to help people live longer and healthier lives.
Diamandis asserts that people possess greater control over their healthspan than they may think. “We’re at a turning point in health care—shifting from a reactive,
one-size-fits-all model to a proactive, personalized and data-driven approach,” he remarks. “While many people assume their longevity is mostly genetic, the data tells a different story. Studies involving tens of millions of people show that your genes account for only 7 to 30 percent of how long you live. That means the rest is up to you— your lifestyle, your environment and what you eat.”
The impact of food on our well-being cannot be underestimated, and Diamandis points out that food can be either the slowest form of poison or the most powerful medicine. In a nutshell, our daily meal choices put us in control of how we age. He recommends anti-inflammatory foods such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, walnuts, chia seeds and avocado.
“I eat the rainbow every day, because flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols act as molecular defenders, protecting your DNA, supporting your mitochondria and reducing your risk of conditions like heart disease, cancer and neurodegeneration,” he states. “I also use extra-virgin olive oil and turmeric liberally, which have both been shown to reduce inflammation at the cellular level. And I keep snacks like frozen blueberries and raw walnuts within arm’s reach, because what you actually eat is what you have close by.”
Avoiding harmful foods is just as important. “Sugar is incredibly inflammatory. It shrinks the hippocampus, disrupts metabolism and fuels conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Most people don’t realize how addictive it is or how much damage it causes until they cut it out and feel the difference,” says Diamandis.
Integrating modalities such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga and meditation into a wellness plan can help our bodies function at an optimum level. Plasker notes that the number, intensity and duration of chiropractic treatments vary based on a pa-
tient’s baseline health. “If you are meditating five times a day and have no underlying decay, you will need a lot less lifestyle care than if you are a weekend warrior or a marathoner who might have more decay," he explains.
While chiropractic care is well known for success with back and nerve pain, its hidden specialty is in functional and performance-based care. “Physical therapy, functional medicine and nutrition therapy work better with the addition of chiropractic care,” asserts Plasker. “It helps to align the spine so the nervous system can communicate between the brain and body the way it is supposed to.”
As we age, we may encounter ongoing consequences from the wear and tear that occurred in our younger days. “The pounding and collisions from youth sports can have a lasting effect on the body and can accelerate osteoarthritis,” Plasker points out. “Regular chiropractic adjustments help to restore alignment, balance, motion and function, so the body doesn’t continue to deteriorate. Anti-inflammatory supplements such as turmeric, glucosamine and chondroitin can help with acute inflammation, but if the alignment of the spine isn’t right, they’ll be facing a constant battle.”
Reframing fitness routines to prioritize long-term sustainability can help the body repair previous damage. “If you were an athlete, you can still be an athlete, but you might have to change your approach,” suggests Plasker. “Align the care you receive with the lifestyle you are choosing to live. If you’re going to train for triathlons, you need to eat healthy and stretch more. You need to increase your supplementation and the frequency of your chiropractic adjustments. But if you’re just going for hikes and power walks, you’ll need less lifestyle care. It depends on you and what you want.”
Holistic stress management is essential for longevity and overall wellness. “A nervous system that is always in fight-or-flight mode can lead to inflammation, burnout and elevated blood pressure, putting undue stress on the heart,” explains Plasker. “Chiropractic intervention, coupled with tools such as aromatherapy and meditation, can create peace for the nervous system so you can use your energy for other things.”
and Neuromuscular Massage.
Dr. Deb is now treating patients for Allergies using NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique). A non-invasive drug free alternative using a kinesiology acupuncture technique. This treats food, pollen, chemicals, pet mold, fabric and environmental allergies.
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Lisa Faremouth Weber, the owner of Heaven Meets Earth Family Yoga Studio, in Evanston, Illinois, notes that practices such as crystal bowl sound healing, yoga and mindfulness can help calm the body and contribute to overall wellness and longevity. She also points out that there is considerable scientific evidence that supports the health benefits of practicing yoga, meditation, tai chi and qigong.
“Yoga and other complementary mind/ body approaches integrate an individual’s physical, mental and spiritual components to improve cardiorespiratory health, physical and mental health and stress-related illnesses,” she explains. “Dr. Dean Ornish introduced millions to yoga’s health benefits through his published studies, which
demonstrated that heart disease can be reversed through diet, meditation, group support and yoga. Additionally, ancient texts such as the Upanishads or Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras teach that the body follows the mind, and the mind follows the breath. Breath awareness and breathwork cultivate a balanced, harmonious and equanimous mind, enabling clarity and focus.”
Being mindful of daily habits and wellness routines in the present moment can lead to an extended healthspan down the road. “The goal isn’t just to live longer; it’s to stay healthy long enough to ride the wave of breakthroughs coming over the next decade and reach what we call ‘longevity es-
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cape velocity’. That’s the moment when, for every year you live, science can extend your life by more than a year,” explains Diamandis. “We’re not far off. And the choices you make today—using data-driven diagnostics, embracing functional medicine and sticking to lifestyle habits that work—are what will get you there.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
by Carrie Jackson
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We have a finite number of hours in the day, and worrying about things that are out of our control can take up time that could be used for more productive and fulfilling things. “There are some activities that universally charge us up or deplete us. For example, most people are energized by quality time with family and friends or by reading a good book. On the other hand, universal energy drainers include overworking, overeating, drinking too much alcohol and taking drugs,” says Dr. Eric Plasker, founder of The 100 Year Lifestyle, an instructional manual and wellness system for making the most of an extended lifespan.
He recommends taking a personal energy inventory. Make a list of the foods, hobbies, habits and people in daily life. Then make note of the things that either drain or inspire energy throughout the day. Do not think of energy drainers as problems that need to be eliminated. Rather, the list is a way to raise awareness about where energy is going and how to get it flowing positively by turning drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic elicits anger, adjust the travel schedule or put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift into a more positive state.
by Zak Logan
Creatine has been a popular supplement for athletes looking to enhance performance and increase muscle mass, but more recently other proactive groups have taken notice. Biohackers, for example, see it as an aid in their quest to optimize well-being and extend their healthspan, while geroscientists that study the mechanisms of aging have identified creatine as a possible intervention to delay, treat or prevent age-related diseases.
A naturally occurring compound, creatine helps provide a steady energy supply to skeletal muscles, enabling them to contract and flex. It is also a vital contributor to numerous processes in the body. According to Jon Nakasone, owner of Aloha Personal Training, in Honolulu, three amino acids—arginine, glycine and methionine—collaborate to facilitate the body’s production of creatine, which in turn plays a pivotal role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy-carrying molecule in cells. Most of the body’s biological processes rely on ATP for the conversion of glucose within cells. Nakasone also notes that creatine’s arginine is a precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule that can improve blood flow, which is especially important
for men’s sexual function, as well as nutrient delivery to muscles.
Approximately 95 percent of the body’s creatine is found in skeletal muscle as phosphocreatine, where it serves as a rapid energy source during high-intensity activities. While naturally produced by the body, creatine is also consumed as a dietary supplement to enhance athletic performance. Since the 1990s, some individuals have reported positive fitness gains when using creatine supplements.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients indicates that creatine supplementation combined with resistance training can significantly improve upper and lower-body muscle strength in healthy, middle-aged adults, compared with resistance training alone. Nakasone and his team propose a holistic approach to fitness, emphasizing exercise, a healthy diet and quality sleep. However, they assert that creatine can provide additional benefits, especially for men seeking to enhance muscle size, power output and recovery.
According to an article by Dr. Howard E. LeWine, chief medical editor at Harvard Health, there is evidence that creatine supplementation, when combined with a proper diet that includes adequate protein intake, can accelerate muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.
Creatine is one of the most widely researched supplements, and findings suggest that it may help to protect against oxidative stress and balance cellular energy in other parts of the body, including the heart and brain. Research published last year in the
journal Nutrients underscores the benefits of creatine monohydrate in mitigating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, as well as sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting condition prevalent in older individuals. Creatine also shows promise in addressing chronic fatigue syndrome, mild traumatic brain injury, cardiovascular disease and long COVID.
A systematic study published last year in Frontiers in Nutrition shows that creatine monohydrate supplementation can enhance memory, information processing speed and attention span in adults. Cases of osteoporosis and frailty have also shown improvement, especially when creatine intake is combined with resistance training.
For optimal fitness outcomes, creatine powder is preferred due to its notable stability compared with other forms such as liquid and ethyl ester, which tend to be less effective and prone to breakdown before adequate utilization. Regarding dosage, Nakasone recommends starting with three grams a day, and, if it is tolerated well, gradually increasing it to five grams for a greater effect, if desired. However, he cautions against exceeding this dosage limit.
The Mayo Clinic endorses the safety of creatine when used as prescribed and suggests its use for up to five years by healthy individuals, noting that it does not appear to cause kidney damage in individuals with healthy kidney function. Potential interactions include a reduction in creatine’s efficacy when combined with caffeine. Creatine supplementation with 300 milligrams of caffeine or greater may hasten the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The Cleveland Clinic advises anyone with chronic kidney disease and other kidney-related problems to avoid taking creatine.
Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2021 dispels common misconceptions regarding the side effects of creatine, including testosterone increase and hair loss. Nevertheless, some people report mild water retention for the first week when the supplement is first introduced into their regimen.
Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living and getting back to basics.
by Sandra Yeyati
Carl Greer is a retired clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst and shamanic practitioner. For decades, he has combined all three disciplines to help people resolve mental, behavioral and emotional disorders; integrate their conscious and unconscious minds; and receive spiritual healing. He has taught at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being.
Through his philanthropic foundation, Greer has contributed to more than 60 charities and awarded more than 2,000 scholarships to aspiring students of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. He holds a doctorate in finance and management from Columbia University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from National Louis University’s Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Building upon his previous titles, including Change Your Story, Change Your Life and The Necktie and The Jaguar, Greer’s latest book is Go Within to Change Your Life: A Hidden Wisdom Workbook for Personal Transformation.
What problem does your latest book seek to address?
Most people ask themselves, “Why did I just say that?” or “Why did I do that?” Similarly, people are often unable to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, which they presumably really wanted to achieve when they set those goals. My belief is that there are hid-
den parts of ourselves that are influencing our behavior, and if we want to make changes in our lives, we need to go within to discover those parts of ourselves and get insights that heretofore have been hidden from us.
Why do you say that we are stuck in a story written by someone else?
We have influences from our past—including our genetics, upbringing and life experiences—that have both consciously and unconsciously influenced where we are right now and will influence our future. If we want to break free from those influences, we have to do some things differently.
We have to recognize what’s holding us back, and it’s often a story about how to achieve happiness and success that isn’t working for us and that we adopted without realizing it. These stories are often written by our families, communities and cultures.
How do you define “hidden wisdom”?
It’s a Jungian idea. Part of our psyche is what we’re aware of—our ego consciousness. Another part of the psyche that’s influencing us is our unconscious—both the personal unconscious (things we’ve chosen to keep hidden from our consciousness) and the collective unconscious (what Carl Jung described as containing archetypal energies that influence how we think, act and feel). By
uncovering our hidden wisdom, we can make different conscious decisions.
The book has journaling prompts that encourage readers to answer some introspective questions about themselves, but it also has exercises like guided visualizations and shamanic journeys for tapping into their unconscious. This way, readers can gain a deeper understanding of themselves—what’s working or not working for them, and what they most want.
Do we have to be in a meditative state to access hidden wisdom?
It certainly helps. Most of us are immersed in the busyness of everyday life, where our sympathetic nervous system is guiding us, causing us to respond to events rather than relax and imagine what we might create for ourselves. Consequently, we’re not accessing insights that are below the surface of our awareness.
When we get into a meditative state, which is more relaxed, we’re not thinking about specific things. It’s kind of a diffuse awareness instead of a more focused one, so we’re more open to ideas and insights that we wouldn’t have been open to had we not been in that state. People get into that state through different means, such as psychotropic plants, shamanic rattling, sleep deprivation, extreme heat and cold, meditative breathing practices or being in nature.
I’m 84 now, and for me it’s being in nature, learning to be still and becoming aware of the synchronicities—the meaningful coincidences we’re often too quick to dismiss. The idea is to keep a life issue in your consciousness while sitting under a tree, looking at flowers, lying on the grass or looking at a lake, and then paying attention to whatever comes up into your mind, which may be relevant to that life issue in ways that you could have never imagined.
Can you share a moment in nature that deeply affected you?
There are power places in nature that give you a different kind of energy. I’ve been fortunate to have been to some of those places, both in this country and abroad, causing me to ponder and get a better sense of metaphysical questions, such as, “What is our purpose here?” or “Where will I be when I am no longer in this physical body? Am I going to go back to the place from which we all came? Am I going to have my consciousness?”
I’ve spent time meditating on those questions, not having the answers to them. Simply sitting beside lakes, on mountains or in the jungle has made me more aware
of how I’m part of a bigger picture, and it has comforted me just to know that, without having any of the answers. I can’t answer why there’s evil in the world, but I feel I’m part of an unfolding that has wonderful aspects to it, a kind of agape love. That keeps me appreciating the mystery of our connection with what is hidden.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/GreerWW or scan the QR code.
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by Carrie Jackson
Located on top of the kidneys, the adrenal glands are responsible for regulating the body’s response to stress. When working properly, they release hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, enabling us to respond appropriately to physical and emotional triggers. However, prolonged stress can trigger an overactive response and symptoms known as adrenal fatigue. By regulating the nervous system and adopting mindful lifestyle choices, people can effectively manage their symptoms and learn to respond to stress in a healthier way.
Stress can come from many sources.
“While we often think of stress in psychological terms, it may also come from factors like sleep deprivation, overtraining, skipping meals or being overworked. For many men, the pressure to do everything
leads to complete burnout,” says Alexandra MacKillop, DC, a Chicago-based functional medicine doctor.
The body normally releases stress hormones for a brief period before returning to baseline levels. However, with adrenal fatigue, we lose the ability to manage stress this way. MacKillop explains, “In stage one, the hormones are produced in excess. In stage two, the body loses the ability to differentiate periods of stress and rest, and cortisol and DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone] levels run inappropriately high or low. In stage three, the body altogether fails to produce a sufficient adrenal response, resulting in the symptoms we refer to as adrenal fatigue.”
Symptoms vary in severity and condition. “In addition to causing fatigue, brain fog, sleep disruptions, lightheadedness, irritability and other neurocognitive symptoms, adrenal fatigue manifests with decreased
libido, difficulty building muscle or burning body fat, hair loss, body aches, low blood pressure, salt and sugar cravings, and patches of hyperpigmented skin,” MacKillop points out.
According to MacKillop, the initial step in addressing a condition is to accurately diagnose and identify its underlying cause, rather than solely focusing on symptoms. “Treatment is patient-specific according to the root cause and may involve nutritional strategies for managing blood sugar such as supplementing with electrolytes and other salts to regulate blood pressure. Other nutraceutical strategies include adaptogenic herbs, protomorphogen extracts and addressing hormonal imbalances in the body,” she says.
Dr. Tricia Pingel, a licensed naturopathic physician based in Arizona, asserts that shifting the nervous system from the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) mode to the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) mode can alleviate adrenal fatigue. “Our adrenal glands are responsible for deciding what’s a stress trigger, but they don’t know if it’s a small or big stressor. While you’re probably not being chased by a bear, it could be that email from your boss that ticks you off or an emotional reaction to something you saw on social media. When we react with fear of any sort, our adrenal glands trigger to protect us,” she explains.
By acknowledging the source of stress and actively deciding how to respond, individuals can effectively regulate their nervous system’s response. Pingel recommends pausing to contemplate appropriate actions in stressful situations, consciously deciding to either directly address the issue if it is within their control, delegate the responsibility to someone else or allow the stress to dissipate when it is not worth the struggle.
“When you are under stress, the body depletes nutrients quickly. This is especially true of vitamins C, B5, B6 and B12, folate and minerals such as magnesium, selenium and zinc. Eating whole, nutrient-dense
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by Chloe Karydes Krecun
Portable and packed with beneficial nutrients, protein bars are a popular snack for busy lifestyles, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to curb cravings and meet nutrition goals. While store-bought options are widely available, do-it-yourself (DIY) protein bars are easy to customize for individual dietary needs.
“A lot of people snack based on convenience,” says Melody Schoenfeld, a certified personal trainer in Pasadena, California. Protein bars offer a tasty, filling and nutritional goodie that can be consumed in just a few bites.
Yasi Ansari, a dietitian nutritionist, specialist in sports dietetics and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains that homemade protein bars offer a fully customizable
approach to nutrition. “Since the bars are DIY, you have full control over ingredients and flavor profiles,” she says. This means avoiding artificial additives, excessive sugars or allergens that may be present in commercial options.
Protein is a complex molecule made of amino acids that provides energy and functions as the building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. “It is the one macronutrient that is never abjured by fad diets,” says Janet Chrzan, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania. “We have a cultural preference for protein; we Americans often consider it to be the most important element of food.”
As a health and nutrition coach, Schoenfeld advocates for convenient and easy ways to get protein into a diet. For many, protein bars fill that void. “For most people age 18 and beyond, we’re looking at consuming somewhere between 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight for a healthy adult daily,” Schoenfeld recommends.
Before diving into a recipe, Ansari says it is important to determine how the bar will address a dietary need and ask, “Am I looking for a bar that helps with post-workout recovery, a snack to keep me full between meals or a fiber-rich option to support digestion?”
Knowing the purpose can guide ingredient selection. “For example, if it’s for the purpose of recovery, we’re going to want to make sure we’re getting close to 20 grams of protein per bar for muscle repair and building, while also getting enough carbohydrates to restore energy,” says Ansari. Ingredients like dried fruits, oats or whole grains help boost carbohydrate content, making the bars more effective for post-workout replenishment.
For those aiming to create a gut-friendly bar, Ansari suggests being mindful of sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive discomfort. “Consider smooth nut or seed butters if sensitive to crunchy varieties, and aim for fiber from nuts, dried fruits, flax and chia seeds,” she adds.
Both Schoenfeld and Ansari note that the greatest advantage of making protein bars at home is being able to select high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients. Whether addressing dietary restrictions, avoiding allergens or satisfying a preference for organic, whole foods, DIY protein bars allow for total ingredient transparency.
A little investment of time helps ensure that healthy, smart and convenient snacks will always be within reach. Ansari offers these suggestions when crafting a protein bar at home:
• Choose a protein: Plant protein powders such as pea protein blend easily and well. Alternatives to powders include almond or seed butters, or whole nuts and seeds that can be chopped in a food processor.
• Choose a fruit: Fruits add fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants. Aim for two to three grams of fiber per bar. Tasty sources include dried apricots, dried cherries, dried apples, raisins and dates.
• Add spices: To amplify the flavor profile, include spices such as cinnamon, pumpkin spice or nutmeg.
• Experiment with texture: Add rice cereal for crunch or oats for a chewy consistency.
• Include healthy fats: Options include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and coconut oil.
• Incorporate carbohydrates: Oats, rice cereal or dried fruits are great choices for energy.
• Choose natural sweeteners: Dried fruits provide sweetness to any bar, as well as fiber and nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C. A bit of fruit juice can also help blend the ingredients together. Other healthy alternatives are honey and maple syrup.
Chloe Karydes Krecun is a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Connect with her at LinkedIn.com/in/chloe-karydes-krecun.
For a boost of vitamins A and C, fiber and healthy fats, try these easy-to-make treats. Drinking extra fluids is recommended when consuming no-bake oat bites.
¾ cup smooth almond butter or sunflower seed butter
½ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup ground flax seeds
¼ cup honey
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1½ cup old-fashioned oats
Combine all the ingredients except for the oats in a large bowl. Form one to two tablespoons of the mix by hand into round bites. Roll the bites in the oats and place them in a bowl.
Place the bowl of bites in the freezer for 45 minutes to two hours based on desired firmness. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to six days, or keep them in the freezer for up to three months.
Recipe courtesy of Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
These bars are a smart pre- or post-workout snack, with a combination of natural carbs from the dates for quick energy, protein for muscle support and a pinch of sea salt to help replenish electrolytes lost in sweat.
4 Medjool dates, pitted
¼ cup hot water
1 cup almonds
½ cup protein powder of choice
¼ cup no-sugar-added dark chocolate chips
¼ tsp sea salt
Place dates in a small bowl. Cover the dates with hot water and set aside. In a food processor, pulse almonds until roughly chopped. Add protein powder and pulse a few times to mix. Add the soaked dates and the soaking water and pulse until mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed.
Press mixture into a small square or rectangular container of about 3-cup capacity. Place the chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, stirring midway through. Pour melted chocolate on top of the mixture. Sprinkle with sea salt.
Freeze the container for 15 minutes until the chocolate is set. Cut the chocolate-covered mixture into six bars. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to six months.
Recipe and image courtesy of Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, CSSD, author of The Superfood Swap.
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Birds are captivating, intelligent and long-lived companions, but their care demands commitment and expertise.
According to a paper presented by certified veterinary technician Liz H. Wilson at an American Veterinary Medical Association forum, when selecting a bird species, consider the following factors.
• Space: Large birds such as macaws require spacious cages, while smaller birds like budgies can thrive in more compact enclosures.
• Noise: Consider noise tolerance before
choosing a bird as a pet, especially in shared households with multiple occupants. Cockatoos and conures can be very loud, while canaries and finches are generally quieter.
• Lifespan: Some bird species have a relatively short lifespan, while African greys and cockatoos can live more than 50 years. As a result, owners must plan for long-term care when choosing certain birds as pets.
• Social Needs: Parrots and other social birds need regular interaction to maintain their mental well-being. Lack of social contact can lead to stress, aggression and feather plucking.
• Allergies: Powder-down species, such as cockatiels and cockatoos, produce dander that can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma.
Choosing the appropriate home environment is crucial when keeping a bird as a pet. The Association of Avian Veterinarians Basic Care for Companion Birds guide notes that birds are usually comfortable in the same room temperatures that people enjoy. However, sudden temperature fluctuations can make a sick bird’s condition worse. Pet birds can thrive in both dry and humid air, although tropical birds may benefit from extra moisture. Fresh air and natural sunlight also support good health, provided a shady spot is available to prevent overheating.
Many pet birds have limited exposure to fresh foods. Nicole Sztabkowski, a holistic pet health coach in British Columbia, Canada, shares that she acquired her two green-cheeked conures, Cheche and Atlas, when they were 2 and 3 years old. Their diet had consisted mainly of seeds, and like so many parrots, they had never been introduced to the wide variety of fresh foods they require for optimal health.
Over time, Sztabkowski transitioned them to a nutrient-rich diet. “Birds thrive on diversity, and a well-rounded diet includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains and even fresh teas like chamomile,” she explains. A nutritious diet should include:
• Fruits in moderation due to natural sugars, including berries, apples (without seeds), bananas, mango, pomegranate, kiwi and dragon fruit
• Vegetables should make up a large portion of the bird’s diet, featuring bell peppers, carrots, leafy greens, broccoli, squash and zucchini
• Grains and seeds such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, flaxseeds and millet
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• Legumes cooked and rinsed, including lentils, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans
• Herbs and teas such as chamomile, dandelion, hibiscus, basil and cilantro
While some commercial pellets can be included, they should not replace fresh food. “Much like the dog food industry has pushed kibble, the bird world has shifted toward ultra-processed pellets as the ‘ideal’ diet. We’ve lost sight of what these still-wild, exotic animals actually need,” admonishes Sztabkowski.
Certain foods are toxic to birds. “Chocolate, onions, avocados, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, high-salt and high-sugar foods, fruit pits and apple seeds (which contain cyanide) are all dangerous,” warns Sztabkowski.
Birds need clean, fresh water. Pet owners should change the pet’s water at least twice a day and wash their water bowls daily to prevent bacteria caused by the bird dipping food into the bowl. “Bird-safe water fountains can also encourage them to drink,” says Sztabkowski.
A common avian health issue is fatty liver disease, which results from eating too many high-fat seeds. “The first signs are feather color changes, fatigue and weight gain,” says Sztabkowski. A balanced diet of fresh veggies, whole grains and lean proteins from legumes can help prevent this.
Breathing problems are another issue. “Airborne toxins can make it hard for birds to breathe,” Sztabkowski explains. Good airflow and avoiding strong artificial smells can lower the risk. Common culprits include air fresheners, plug-ins, bleach, scented candles, paint fumes, plastic roasting bags and personal products like perfume or nail polish if used regularly nearby.
Most birds don’t have a strong odor. “Dustier species like cockatiels might have a faint scent, but it’s rarely offensive,” says Sztabkowski. Odors typically come from cage liners or stale food, not the birds themselves.
Some birds develop avian gastric yeast, a fungal stomach infection. “It’s tricky because symptoms come and go,” says Sztabkowski. Eating bird-safe probiotics and living in a calm, low-stress home can help their digestion. While bird-specific probiotic supplements like Avi-Culture and Bene-Bac are effective during stress and after antibiotics, Sztabkowski prefers natural choices such as unsweetened applesauce, sprouted grains, dandelion greens and herbal teas like chamomile and hibiscus to promote healthy digestion and microbial balance.
Birds need mental and physical engagement to prevent boredom, stress and behavioral issues like feather plucking or excessive screaming. Ways to keep birds stimulated are:
• Toys: Rotate foraging, shreddable and puzzle toys.
• Exercise: Provide supervised flight time or climbing structures.
• Socialization: Interact, train and talk to them daily.
• Food variety: Use foraging toys or skewers to make meals engaging.
• Sensory enrichment: Play calming music or provide safe window views.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
by Megy Karydes
Movement serves as a universal language, and one of the most powerful ways fathers can connect with their children. According to a study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, when parents model active lifestyles, they not only boost their own fitness but also lay the foundation for their children’s lifelong physical, social and cognitive development.
Regular physical engagement builds habits that can lead to healthier, happier lives. When a family engages in such activities together, what may have started out as exercise becomes a memory-making, relationshipenhancing and mood-boosting occasion. Whether tossing a ball, hiking a trail or simply dancing in the living room, physical activity provides dads and kids a shared experience that strengthens their bond. There are many easy ways to spend quality time together, away from the distractions of screens and daily routines.
“The goal, at least from my parenting perspective, is to raise healthy, happy and resilient kids. A lot of people take for granted how powerful play can be,” says Brian Comly, an occupational therapist and father of two who founded Mind
BodyDad.com to help families enjoy movement, play and togetherness. “It’s important for adults to model curiosity, creativity and connection, and instill these skills early. Oftentimes, the substitute is a phone, tablet or TV, which actually inhibits or atrophies these skills.”
W. Zach Smith, a Seattle-based physical therapist and founder of HIDEF Physical Therapy, believes that modeling healthy behavior and starting early is paramount, and it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. “Starting from a young age, I would bring my kids to the garage when I worked out. Now, both of them will copy me and grab small, one-to-three-pound dumbbells and do a lot of the exercises that I do,” Smith shares, adding that when the kids were younger, they would help him with the yard work, pulling the garden cart and picking up after him.
Rucking, a practice where a child is strapped to the back of a parent or caregiver for a walk, has been a favorite activity for both Comly and Smith. Smith notes that rucking not only enhances the physical challenge for the parent but also provides immense enjoyment for their children. As his daughter has matured, she has developed the ability to jump out of her stroller and run alongside it for extended periods, alternating between running and resting.
Physical activities foster a deeper connection between individuals, extending beyond simple muscle development. Andres Ochoa, a project manager in Chicago and a father of two daughters aged 10 and 12, has observed that engaging in shared physical activities strengthens their family bond. After meeting their respective sports commitments during the week, Ochoa makes sure to dedicate the weekends to family time.
Ochoa finds that shared physical activities enable him to remain fully present and focused, while minimizing distractions. “Being together and active creates moments of true connection, where kids feel seen and valued,” he says, noting that such moments can lead to meaningful conversations, stronger emotional ties and improved communication. Depending on the season, Ochoa may take his daughters to their local YMCA to practice basketball or ride bikes on a nearby trail. Occasionally, they will set a family goal such as completing a 5K run. Ochoa’s primary objective is not to introduce additional stress into their lives. They participate in the Turkey Trot every year, and in the absence of scheduled races, engage in runs as a family, challenging each other. He often allows his daughters to take the lead in selecting their activities.
Even with today’s digital distractions, dads that prioritize physical activity find creative ways to incorporate movement into their daily routines. For instance, Ochoa walks his daughters to school every Friday whenever possible. If the weather is bad or they are headed somewhere after school, he strategically parks several blocks away, allowing them to walk for a portion of the journey.
While structured sports offer numerous benefits, Comly reminds parents not to forget about unstructured play. “Kids, for hundreds of thousands of years, evolved to explore the environment, not plastic toys,” he quips. “That’s literally how they learn and how they grow. They are meant to engage with each other, and in a natural environment, and the parent’s role is to help facilitate that, not interfere with it.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
by Marlaina Donato
June is nature’s reminder that life is meant to be savored, something that we often forget in our daily routines. It is the month of invitations to abandon our more serious sides, urging us to sink our teeth into local strawberry festivals, making a sticky mess with sweet harvests dripping down our chins. June is also the month of bridal satin, languid dinners on the patio and celebrating Dad with a hearty barbecue.
On the flip side, June can carry the weight of a father’s absence, but such reminders can offer more reasons to dance to a new rhythm with a willingness to reinvent personal summer traditions. Many of us can’t forget the euphoria we felt long ago on the last day of school before summer break. Although life has taken us far from our carefree childhood summers, we can still tap into the season’s potential for levity.
Living summer to the fullest doesn’t require a lengthy European vacation or a zip lining excursion through exotic jungles. All we need are a few inspiring plans that gently encourage our full presence and attention. Letting in some joy can be as simple as planting a patio garden of less common delights like pineapple
sage, chocolate mint or cinnamon basil; making homemade lavender lemonade; bringing home fresh flowers every week; or reading a feel-good novel. Even making a small change, like buying a new pair of glittery sandals or stylish sunglasses to wear during ordinary trips to the market, can infuse a new sense of excitement into the season.
Here are some suggestions for creating new summer memories:
• Go to a favorite café with a best buddy on National Best Friends Day (June 8).
• Participate in a drum circle during the Strawberry Moon (June 11) or Summer Solstice (June 20).
• Have a picnic under the stars using a reliable constellation application. Visit Space.com/best-stargazing-apps for recommendations.
• Eat breakfast in the garden or enjoy iced coffee under a tree in the park.
• Invite a companion for a drive with the windows down, good music on and no set destination.
Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Poetry Reading & Storytelling Night7-9pm. Join us for a special evening of poems and stories every Thursday at Flobucha. Also, try sampling one of our Winesque flavors, the perfect non-alcoholic wine alternative for any occasion. Bring a poem, a story, or just your heart to listen. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Drive, Sarasota, Info@Flobucha.com, follow us on social media: Instagram.com/Flobucha and on Facebook: Flobucha.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
ECK Light and Sound Service - “Animals - Our Spiritual Teachers” - 11am-12:30pm. All are invited to an ECK Light and Sound Service. Raise your spiritual IQ. Join other like-hearted, everyday people who have discovered keys to having extraordinary experiences with the Divine. Explore your spirituality from a new perspective. Comfort Suites Sarasota-Siesta Key, 5690 Honore Ave, Sarasota, 941-358-0325, Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Free Event! Selby Library - 2-3:15pm. “Remarkable Perceptions of the Afterlife” (non-religious). Credible interviews shown on a large screen. Int. Assoc. for Near-Death Studies. (IANDS) since 1978. Over 100 branches worldwide. Q&A with Bob Waxman, Ph.D. Only 40 seats available, no reservations, 2 hr. free parking, 941-724-5151, Iands.org.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18
Cacao Exploration Workshop at Flobucha - 6-7:30pm. Carrie Eckert says cacao healed her autoimmune conditions and anxiety. She wants to help others reap its benefits. Come join the fun and have a healthy drink at this educational workshop. Learn more here: AvocadoToZen.com. Registration required, space is limited. To sign up, visit Flobucha.com/ events. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Dr., Gulf Gate, Sarasota, Flobucha.com.
Sarasota Center of Light Healing Service - 7pm. In person in the Sanctuary. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-9536620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
“SHE LET GO” Workshop for Women - 1-4pm. This 3-Hour workshop for women is centered around letting go and releasing what no longer serves us. Everyone has something they want to release. What would you like to “Let Go” of? Please join this sacred smudging ceremony to help release what no longer serves us. Includes restful and restorative Guided Meditation/Yoga Nidra, time for reflection and more. No yoga or meditation experience needed, just dress comfortably. Come as you are - this is a judgement-free, nurturing space. $55. Only 12 spaces available (including all materials needed). Women only. Held at Prana Yoga and Healing Center, Sarasota. For more info call or text 941-830-3040, or sign up at HealingHerWorkshops.com.
FREE - Friday Morning Restorative Guided Meditation - 9:30am. A Soft Place to Land with ZenJen Brown. This special 90-minute women-only restorative guided meditation offers a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Designed to calm the nervous system, release the ‘fight-or-flight and bring you back to center. This session is perfect for anyone seeking a quiet, supportive space to rest and restore. No prior meditation experience is needed. Offered with love, free of charge - via Zoom from the comfort and safety of your own home. Join from your favorite chair, or a cozy nook from bed. Bring lots of pillows and blankets and wear something soft and comfortable pajamas are welcome. Come as you are—this is a judgment-free, nurturing space. For more info call or text 941-830-3040, or sign up at HealingHerWorkshops.com
Cosmic Center Sunday Sabbath Services - 10:30am. In person and on Zoom. Join our rotation of reverends every Sunday as we connect with our Family of Light. First Sunday - Open Heart Divine Healing Service with Rev. Sharon-Elizabeth (Baba Sharone) and experience sound healing through the rare and unique 4 Quadrant Pythagorean Lambdona Harmonic Keyboard at 528 Hertz. Through the Divine Names of God and conscious intention we create the Sacred Space to connect to the Healing Power of the Divine. Expect Miracles! Second Sunday - A Channeling of Dimensions of Love with Rev. Nancy Robinson. She will Uplift, Guide, Inspire, Heal and help promote Peace and Harmony in the Heart. Third Sunday - Ecstatic Kabbalah with Rev. Annie Eng anchored in Kabbalah Tree of Life Ceremony and Wisdom. Fourth Sunday – Rev. Robin brings you wisdom teachings from around the world and ages, accompanied with her crystal harp. Fifth Sunday – Rev. Ildigo Varga, experience the spiritual energy of Divine Protection. This service helps you align with the Higher Wisdom and blessing that is available to all of us. Love Donation. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida DropIn Meditation Classes - Anchored in a Wise Heart - 11am-12:15pm. In this Sunday series we will learn how to develop and maintain compassion and wisdom in our daily lives, improve our relationships with others, solve all our daily problems and accomplish the real meaning of our human life. Complimentary lunch included. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Kadampa Meditation Center of Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, 941- 373-1600, MeditationInSarasota.org.
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida DropIn for Kids Meditation Classes - 11am12:15pm. Our kids’ program includes guided meditation and a short teaching session to help cultivate positive qualities such as patience, kindness, and compassion. Kids will learn about caring and sharing through
stories, playful activities and crafts. Complimentary lunch included. To register: Parent completes onsite registration form on day of attendance and must remain on premises for the duration of the class session. $5 suggested donation. Kadampa Meditation Center of Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, 941- 373-1600, MeditationInSarasota.org.
Sunday Morning Celebration Service, In-Person and Zoom - 11am, in person healing at 10:30 in the Sanctuary before service. Join us as we come together as a spiritual family and community, sharing our love and light for ourselves, for each other, and the world. Be a part of sharing the energy and illumination of our hearts and souls together through conversation, music, meditation, a talk and affirmation and messages. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-9536620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.
Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse - 1-4pm, 2nd Sun. In-person. Join Kim Converse, our Keys of Enoch® facilitator, as we embark on the study of the Pistis Sophia, an ancient Coptic Gnostic text (gnosis means ‘knowledge’) with commentary by Drs. J.J. Hurtak and Desiree Hurtak. The Pistis Sophia “the Faith of Wisdom” is a teaching given to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection as the Christed Jesus for a period of 11 years not only to his male disciples, but also to his female disciples. $20. per month. “Pistis Sophia” book $50 plus shipping at: KeysofEnoch.org. KimConverse@gmail.com with questions. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
The OM Shamanic Sound Journey - 3-4pm, 4th Sun. of each month. Performed by Resonance. One-of-a-kind blend of hypnotic induction & immersive amplified musical composition with 4 sound musicians and over 150 sound healing instruments. Always sells out- reserve now. $85. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941-706-3257, TheOMShoppe.com or TheOMShoppeandSpa.com.
“Health & Nutrition”- 10-11am. With Fred Harvey, MD of The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine. Health & nutrition is a live call-in or email Ask the Doc health show from 10-11 on WMNF 88.5FM public radio Tampa. Email questions to DJ@WMNF.org
Resident Medium, Pranic Healer and Spiritual Counselor at The Cosmic Center - 1-5pm. Rev Nancy Lee Robinson is available by appt only at The Cosmic Center for Spiritual Counseling, through medium/intuitive readings, pranic healing, aura & chakra clearing, inner child healing, past life regression and restorative release (emotional release). These sessions guide you on your spiritual path, releases energetic, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks that keep you from moving forward and raising your vibration to higher levels. Other times available by appt only – call/text 941-313-0418 or at RevNancyLee52@gmail.com. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
HOUSECLEANING. Enjoy your free time and let us do what we do best: Housecleaning to your healthy satisfaction. Call Paula for a free estimate 941-320-4052.
STUDIO SHARE OPPORTUNITY. Need space 3.5 days weekly? Call Dance Alliance Bradenton. SR64 @ I-75. Plentiful safe parking. Bonnie - 727-709-0199, GrayBJ5722@aol.com.
Transformational Body-Mind-Spirit Services. Unlock your potential with QHHT®, Akashic Records, Emotion Code®, PSYCH-K®, and Soul Realignment®. Release blocks, reclaim your authenticity, and embrace love’s presence. Bianca Hellenga, LiberateToEmpower. com, LiberateToEmpower@gmail.com, 786-380-3037.
PSYCHIC MERCHANDISE AND URLS. Visit MysticalKinetics.com for cool psychic design merchandise. Also offering domain names for sale (undeveloped websites): PsychicClearinghouse.com, SarasotaPsychics.com, WhiteSandSRQ.com, call 941-724-9201.
The Om Shoppe Crystal Singing Bowls for Personal Wellness - 3-5pm, check website for dates. With Zooey Seraphine, musical director. Start with Introduction Course and advance to OM Community Singing Bowl Circles to master the art of crystalline sound medicine for your personal wellness. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941706-3257, TheOMShoppe.com or TheOMShoppeandSpa.com.
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 5:45pm. Online! Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes - movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/
Monday Night Meditation - 6pm. All are welcome to come and explore with us a variety of meditation practices as we allow spirit to guide us. Come gather, connect and breath as we open to the possibilities. Arrive early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space, Love donations welcomed. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 734-464-6828.
Cosmic Center Anchoring Light Transmission Meditation - 6:45pm. With Baba Sharone. A call to all Lightworkers. The Anchoring Light Transmission Channeled Meditation has been a gathering point for Lightworkers and Planetary World Servers to come together and assist in the ascension of our planet and all her life in cooperation with our ex-
panded family of light. As Anchors of Light, we take our important role in the spiritual hierarchy to manifest the divine plan of love, light, peace and oneness to our planet. Participants who serve in anchoring this Celestial Radiant Light Energy from the ascended realms benefit from the wisdom, guidance and grace that flows from it which brings forth healing, peace and accelerated spiritual growth. In person and online. Love offering. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Tuesday
Free Optimizing Health through Functional Medicine Talk with Dr. Hutch at Turning Tides - A Whole-Body Healing Sanctuary6-7:30pm. Dr. Hutch will cover various health problems using a functional medicine approach, review optimal lab ranges, and discuss how nutrition is more than just a substance. Come learn about our premier 100% plantbased GLP-1 activator for weight loss – no shots. A natural alternative. She is also now offering IV and stem cell treatments. RSVP, space is limited, dinner provided. Call, email, or visit today to save your spot at 941-280-4673, Info@ TurningTides.us, 6672 Cortez Rd., W, Bradenton. You can find us on social too! FB: @TurningTidesWithDrHutch IG: TurningTides_DrHutch.
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida Dropin Meditation Classes: 11 Happiness Habits - 7-8:15pm. In this series we will explore eleven mental habits that give us positive energy, harmony in our relationships and protection from fear throughout our life. $15/class session. Register online: MeditationInSarasota. org. Kadampa Meditation Center of Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, 941- 3731600, MeditationInSarasota.org.
“6-Week Lifestyle Evolution Course” - 1-3pm. Join us for a 6-week course with Dr. Carol Roberts of Best Medicine Inc. as we learn to look within ourselves and begin new habits and ways of thinking. This course will teach individuals healthy habits that will promote a healthier lifestyle and a happier you! Registration is required- $300 for the full 6-week course. Also, starting June 2025 through the end of September 2025, Best Medicine Inc., the office of Dr. Carol Roberts, is offering reduced summer pricing. We are offering new and established patients a discount of $50 off for hour long in-office appointments and $100 off for hour long house call appointments. (Discounts apply to all appointment types.) Please call 941-404-8030 for more information. Website: BestMedicine.us.
Cosmic Center Study Group the Pistis Sophia - The Faith of Wisdom with Kim Converse - 1-4pm, 3rd Wed. only on Zoom. Join Kim Converse, our Keys of Enoch® facilitator, as we embark on the study of the Pistis Sophia, an ancient Coptic Gnostic text (gnosis means ‘knowledge’) with commentary by Drs. J.J. Hurtak and Desiree Hurtak. The Pistis Sophia “the Faith of Wisdom” is a teaching given to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection as the Christed Jesus for a period of 11 years not only to his male disciples, but also to his female disciples. $20. per month. “Pistis Sophia” book $50 plus shipping at: KeysofEnoch.
org. KimConverse@gmail.com with questions. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-3719333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Free Reiki Healing Clinic - 4-6pm. Come visit our new location. Reiki is an ancient healing technique that is thousands of years old. Reiki is the Chi or life force energy that runs through each of us and is directed and transferred during a Reiki session. Free session every Wednesday. Angel Ministries, 1890 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, 941-492-4995, AngelMinistriesFl.org.
Wednesday Wisdom Share - 6pm. A gathering of “light-minded” souls is a sacred circle that meets to honor and support each other weekly. We are all awakening and expanding in new ways. Whether you are just becoming aware or have been on your path. We offer a safe and supportive space to share. Bring your stories and experiences and questions or just listen as others share theirs. Arrive early, doors close at 6pm to honor our sacred space. Love donations welcomed. Spirit Speaks, 411 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 734-464-6828.
Cosmic Center Special Spirit Messages and Channeling - 7-8:30pm, third Wed. of each month. This service is channeled through Reverend Nancy Lee and for all who attend can receive messages from loved ones, guides, masters and teachers in spirit. Also, at the last part of the service Rev. Nancy Lee will channel Divine Wisdom, guidance, and teachings from the Divine Nine Counsel, which are part of her spirit team working with her and through her. Come and enjoy this beautiful service to uplift and inspire you. Love donation $20. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
The Om Shoppe Singing Bowl Sound Baths - 7-8pm, 2nd Wed. of each month. Discover the power of sound to help you access inner peace, stillness, and deep relaxation. An acoustic crystalline experience of transcendence while relaxing in anti-gravity lounge chairs with professionally trained sound therapists and musicians. Always sells out- reserve now. $45. The Om Shoppe, 4801 S. Tamiami Tr #5, Sarasota, 941-706-3257, TheOMShoppe. com or TheOMShoppeandSpa.com.
Thursday
Cosmic Center Lightworker Circle Gathering of Friends - 4-6pm. Come and meet other like-minded people to share, exchange, and converse on various spiritual topics. An eclectic and ever evolving group that embraces the energy of the circle in the present time and what unfolds for both newbies and seasoned participants. Facilitated by Clark Mumaw, this circle of Lightworker Friends will enhance and broaden each participant’s experience in real time. All are welcome. Love offering. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Cosmic Center Chanting The 72 Names of God with Baba Sharone - 7pm, every 2nd Thurs. of the month. A powerful spiritual tool to assist in the healing of ourselves, communities and the world. To help create the Gold-
en age of Peace on Earth. For those who are dedicated to their Path of Light. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL. com, Facebook and Instagram.
Sarasota Center of Light “Mediumship Practice Circle” - 7-8:30. Held in the Learning Center. This circle is open to all who are seeking development or practice in mediumship, connection to spirit and meditation. Love offering. Sarasota, center of Light, 2770 Browning St. 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.
Cosmic Center Rev. Ildigo Varga, Resident Spiritual Guardian - Rev. Varga removes all nefarious energies. She has extensive knowledge of metaphysical and of spiritual self-defense against nefarious energies. She has been training ongoing with the Devine Angelic realms of light of the highest order to the present day. Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Meadows, Bldg G-2, Sarasota, 941-371-9333, CCOSL.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Kadampa Meditation Center Florida Dropin Class: The Power to Change - 11-Noon. Learning a step-by-step approach how we can personally use 21 special meditations to create our own meditation practice and purposefully nourish the qualities in our mind that lead us to our happiness and reduce our painful thoughts and feelings. There is special emphasis on the art of meditation and how to really make our meditation effective. Participants are also invited to join us afterwards for lunch in our World Peace Café and enjoy interacting with the teacher and other class members. Lunch is available for purchase at check-in and will be served after the class. $15/class session. Register online: MeditationInSarasota.org. Kadampa Meditation Center of Florida, 730 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, 941- 373-1600.
Ethiopian Food Pop-Up at Flobucha - 5-8pm, 13 & 27. Join us for another fun night of Ethiopian food, seasonal flavors and live music. A fabulous array of Ethiopian dishes that start at $6. You can enjoy all 6 of the menu items for $37 and it’s great to share while enjoying our refreshing Kombucha in a variety of flavors. We have six standard flavors, two seasonal flavors as well as our non-alcoholic wine alternatives Cab, Rose and Blanc. We now offer a 6 flight Kombucha sampler for $12.95 if you want to try them all. Then you can order your favorite by the glass and take a bottle or growler home with you. For those who are musically inclined and would like to contribute to the live music, you are welcome to use our stage at the Flobucha taproom that includes a microphone, guitar and piano. Flobucha, 2725 Mall Drive, Sarasota, Info@Flobucha.com, follow us on social media: Instagram.com/Flobucha and on Facebook: Flobucha.
Saturday
Psychic Saturday - 11:30am-1:30pm, 1st Sat only. In Davis Hall of Sarasota Center of Light. There is a 15-minute reading for $20 and in Flexer Healing Chapel there is healing with a $5 love donation. All are welcome! Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com.
CARYN L. YOUNG, DOM, AP, OTR
Board Certified Acupuncture Physician
The Integrated Path, P.A.
2801 Fruitville Rd.Suite 135, Sarasota 941-924-8833 • IntegratedPath.com
The Integrated Path to Health and Wellness for the whole family utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine,Acupuncture, Energetic Medicine, Bloodwork Analysis,Clinical Nutrition Assessments and ZYTO Elite to restore balance. Over 30 years of clinical experience!
DR DEBORAH SCANDIN AP RRT
Acupuncture Physician
Respiratory Therapist
Located at Dr. Luo’s Oriental Medicine 3292 Fruitville Rd., STE 104, Sarasota 941-955-8882
DrLuoAcupuncture.com
Dr Scandin has over 25 years combined experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Respiratory Therapy and Neuromuscular Massage. She treats : flu & colds, sore throat, asthma, headaches, sinusitis, sport injuries, trauma and total wellness .
SARASOTA CENTER FOR ACUPUNCTURE AND NUTRITION
Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM
Nationally Board Certified Dipl.Ac
Complimentary Meet & Greet
The Medical Complex 2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 101, Sarasota, 941-951-1119 • ScanSRQ.com
Sarasota Center For Acupuncture and Nutrition is an integrated wellness practice addressing all health issues.We will find the key to unlock your highest level of health and wellness. Complimentary meet & greet.
FACES BY DR ANNA
Anna L. Baker, D.O.M.
Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Physician
941-924-2723 • FacesByDrAnna.com
Unique muscle-tightening acupuncture facelift and necklift done with 12 hair-thin needles, none of which are on the face. Results documented photographically. Only one maintenance treatment needed every 18 months. Free consultation includes facial analysis. Monthly seminars, call for schedule.
SANDHILL HEALING CENTER LLC
Dr. Karen Helmick, D.O.M.
Yevette Sutter, R.N.
2 locations:
2484 Caring Way, Suite D Port Charlotte 941-235-8929
SandHillHealing.com
Healthy Body
Acupuncture, LLC 1511 Tamiami Trail S., Suite 202 Venice 941-228-4688
AcupunctureVenice.com
Sandhill Healing Center LLC focuses on the wellbeing of your entire body by offering: Acupuncture, Oriental Medicine, Massage Therapy, Nutritional Supplements, and Medical Thermography. Medical Thermography is a non-invasive, radiation free diagnostic technique using infrared technology.
NATURAL APOTHECARY SHOPPE
Internal/External Beauty
6608 Gateway Ave., (Gulf Gate), Sarasota 941-554-8623
NaturalApothecaryShoppe.com
Instagram:The Natural Apothecary Shoppe
FB: Natural Apothecary Shoppe
Organic skincare, (made on the premises), natural cosmetic kits by 2 time Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Laurie Lombardi. Professional supplements, enzymes, vitamins, CBD, homeopathy, herbal consultant by our Holistic Pharmacist.
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 VISIT NASRQ.COM/BUSINESSES.
Jewelry/Workshops/Readings/Spiritual Items 2 locations: 1273 S. Tamiami Trail
Midtown Plaza, Sarasota 941-361-3006
8207 Cooper Creek Blvd
The Shoppes at UTC University Park, Sarasota 941-893-5787
ElysianFieldsGifts.com
Info@ElysianFieldsOnline.com
Elysian Fields, a Sarasota shopping destination for over 32 years, offers hand-selected books, gifts, greeting cards, jewelry, spiritual items and more! Coming to Elysian Fields is an opportunity to explore your senses, embrace the serene and delve into self-discovery. They offer daily intuitive readings, workshops, house clearings, private events, parties, and more.
GENTLEBAY SARASOTA CHIROPRACTIC
Residual Strain Therapy
Eric Winder DC
Offices in Sarasota and Venice, FL 941-957-8390 • Eric.Winder.dc@gmail.com Professional care with a personal focus. Feel better through proper alignment, and get back to work and play! See our website for more information.
COLON THERAPY CLINC OZONE THERAPY
Alain and Marsha Menard
Xavier Menard
442 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey (South Sarasota) 941-922-7744 - Colon 941-321-3061 - Ozone
ColonTherapyClinic.com
OzoneSRQ.com
Licensed 52 Years. Gentle Technique, Open and Closed Systems, Ozone Therapy, Cleansing for Digestive Disorders, Ear Candling and Double Foot Bath..
S.M.I.L.E. -- Spiritual Miracles Intentional Living Education Spiritual Books, Intuitive Readings, Podcasts, Classes
Michelle Marie Angel Smile4love.com
MichelleMarieAngel.com VisionarySolutions4Smile.org
ZOOM or in person: Spiritual one on one guidance, readings, & spiritual development. Group classes also available at Wild Ginger Apothecary: “Spiritual Guidance & Development” on Thursdays, 1:45-3pm.See MichelleMarieAngel.com for details. Books that will help you master your energy and vibration on Amazon. Live Love, Forever Free, & It IS A New World After All will help you attain higher consciousness, replace old programming, and give you tools for empowerment and self-development. These are amazing times and you are being changed and activated. Michelle offers support and assistance through 3 life-changing books, events, decrees, messages, and much more at Smile4Love. com. Podcasts: Rumble “smilesoulpower” or YouTube SMILE Soul Power. Classes: VisionarySolutions4Smile.org Text Michelle at 541-261-4483 or email Michelle@Smile4Love.com.
THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®
Lessons for Children (ABM), Adults, Classes, Prof Seminars
Bonnie Kissam, M.A., Feldenkrais® Practitioner, LMT, CE Provider 941-360-2248
Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com FeldenkraisInSarasota.com
The Feldenkrais® Approach , ‘Movement with Attention’, helps one ‘sense easier, improved posture and ways of moving. Clients optimize their musical, athletic or everyday activities through heightened ‘awareness’. They find unique ways to recover from injury, surgeries or illness. Call for appointments, classes or for weekend TOUCH TO INFORM seminars 941360-2248, Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com.
Laura Korman, DC, DACBN Chiropractor, Diplomate in Nutrition 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd, Port Charlotte 941-629-6700
• DrLauraKorman.com
Dr. Korman specializes in helping peri-menopausal women eliminate pain, fatigue and unwanted belly fat through functional medicine, lifestyle strategies and regenerative therapies so they can reclaim their vitality and stay engaged in the life they love. We offer PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), Class IV Deep Tissue Laser, Near & Far Infrared Sauna, Decompression Therapies, Whole Body Vibration and carry a professional line of supplementation.
Dr. Debbie Hutchinson
DCN, CNS, LDN, IFMCP-c, CHHC 6672 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton 941-280-4673 • Info@TurningTides.us TurningTidesWithDrHutch.com
Turning Tides with Dr. Hutch is a Whole-Body Healing Sanctuary here to help you identify underlying causes of chronic health problems through the view of a Functional Medicine lens. When you’ve tried all the conventional methods and aren’t getting answers, we dig deeper to identify the root-cause. Our goal is to lead you on a journey to a healthier you with compassion and proficiency. We offer personalized, targeted services and a host of inhouse modalities to aid you on your way. Functional Medicine health programs, Salt Therapy, BioCharger, IonCleanse Foot Detox, BrainTap, Bemer, Meal Plans, and many special events in the Salt Room, Thermography, Complimentary talks with dinner. Call or visit us today to set up your session! You can find us on social too! FB: @TurningTidesWithDrHutch IG: TurningTides_DrHutch.
DONALD STEFANELLI
Tarot, Numerology, Astrology 732-642-9820
StefanelliDonald@gmail.com
Donald has been a Medium in the New York, New Jersey area for over the past five decades. His spirit guides have led him to the Venice area of Florida, because of its Strong Vortex and to lead the way to your spiritual path. He will help you through his guidance and knowledge of Tarot, Numerology, and Astrology. He is now accepting appointments in person or by phone for people seeking answers to all questions on their Spiritual Quest of Enlightenment.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIUM, INTUITIVE, MASTER HEALER & SPIRITUAL COACH
Caroline Crawford Receive Messages from the spirit world with clarity and compassion. 941-402- 9595 • Carolinecrawford.org
CarolineCrawfordorg@gmail.com
Highly gifted British Medium and Master Healer, with four decades experience, Caroline channels messages of healing to comfort, inspire and empower you from your loved ones and her team of Angelic Beings. Receive guidance & insight into your life now and your future career, relationships, health and spiritual path. Spiritual coaching and guidance sessions are also available to transform and empower you. Caroline is currently based in Sarasota. By appointment only, in person, by phone or zoom.
CAFE EVERGREEN
801 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 941-412-4334 • CafeEvergreen.net
Cafe Evergreen is a natural, organic restaurant. Our menu consists of many organic recipes designed to not only taste delicious, but also enhance your health. Open Monday-Saturday, closed on Sundays.
HAIR & EARTH ORGANIC SALON
200 Central Ave, Suite 18, Sarasota 941-284-9563
HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com Erinn offers Sarasota excellence in conscious haircare. Cuts, color, highlights, smoothing treatments and more. Metaphysical gifts too! Kevin Murphy color line as well as retail products available. Comfortable, private space for calm, creative collaboration. Call or text Erinn Earth for an appointment or consultation. Or schedule online at: HairandEarth.GlossGenius.com.
DISC CENTERS OF AMERICA/SARASOTA
Dr. David Cifra, DC
Non-Surgical Spinal • Decompression Specialist Office: 941-358-2224 • Cell: 315-345-7390 DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com SarasotaDiscCenter.com
Medical Breakthrough Technology! Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Specialist, Dr.David Cifra,DC. Advanced procedure for patients who have back and neck pain and want to avoid narcotics, epidural injections, and unnecessary surgeries. Over 90% effective. No pain, No drugs, No surgery, NO Injections. Call today 941-3582224. FREE CONSULTATION.
PET SUPPLY CENTER
Natural & Holistic Premium Pet Foods 3558 Webber Street, Sarasota 941-925-4376 • PetSupplyCenter@gmail.com PetSupplyCenterSarasota.com
Offering full lines of veterinary diets, raw and frozen diets, dog, cat and bird supplies. Huge selection of toys, treats, flea and tick products, collars and more. Certified veterinary nutritional consultant on staff. We ship and pets always welcome!
CHANNEL FOR THE MASTERS
Aurora Light
SARASOTA
852 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota 941-953-6620 • SarasotaCenterOfLight.com
6601 S. Tamiami Trail #336, Sarasota 941-387-6014 • VortexNetworkNews.com Gain life changing insight from the Spiritual Hierarchy, as they touch on your past lives, present mission and purpose, and future opportunities. Learn how to increase your Chakras and Auric field. Checkout the Star People Characteristics on website.Appointments In-person or phone.
SHAMANIC
Rev. Zan Benham, BSL, BD, CHT 941-922-7839
Spiritual counselor, shamanic practitioner, Reiki healing, breath, and energy work, hypnosis, soul retrieval, past life regression all to empower and help you move into the Divine flow of the joy and power within you.
COSMIC CENTER OF SPIRITUAL LIGHT
Embracing the New Paradigms of our Awak-ening Consciousness 5041 Ringwood Meadows - Bldg G-2 • Sarasota CCOSL.com • Facebook/Instgram/Twitter
A place of Light and Uncondition-al Love bringing together awak-ened and awakening minds and hearts for healing, enlightenment, support and joy!
Coming in July
Experience the peaceful energy, love and light of our metaphysical spiritual community. Join us for the inspiration, healing and connection to Spirit in our services, classes and social gatherings.
FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY
June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@TampaBayThermography.com 727-729-2711
FloridaMedicalThermography.com
JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Prevention is better than early detection. Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.
DIVINE CHAPEL OF LOVE
In the Picturesque Natural Beauty of The Meadows 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota DivineChapelofLove.com • 941-295-9333 The Divine Chapel of Love offers a place for weddings, renewal of vows and ceremonies for couples who wish to commemorate their special occasion in a beautiful surrounding to form lasting memories where Love is All That Matters.
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Add Your Community to Where Natural Awakenings Is Now Publishing:
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