Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay April 2021 issue

E R F

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HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

THE BENEFITS OF PLANTING TREES

Spring Clean YOUR BODY

natural REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIES

HONORING

EARTH DAY

April 2021 | Tampa Bay-Edition | NATampa.com

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Tampa bay Edition

PUBLISHER Debbey Wilson

Editor Cheryl Hynes Design & Production Patrick Floresca contributing writer Eleanor Bailey sales & marketing Debbey Wilson CIRCULATION MANAGER Dean Wille accounting Susan Hoffman website Kyle Hass

OPERATIONS Amy Hass

contact us Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay Ph: 727-865-9339 • Fax: 1-727-279-4717 dwilson@natampa.com NATampa.com Follow us on Facebook!

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national team

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Art Director Josh Pope

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan

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

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Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 24 CLIMATE CHANGE

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AND OUR HEALTH

The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

28 Breathe Easy

Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

30 Healthy Home

How to Detoxify a Living Space

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32 Eco-Athletes

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

34 Nature to the Rescue Kids Come Alive Outdoors

36 Spring Cleaning the Body

Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

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38 Sheryl DeVore advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 727-865-9339 or email dwilson@natampa.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

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on Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

40 Feathered Friends

The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

DEPARTMENTS 12 news briefs 14 health briefs 18 global briefs 27 eco tip 28 healing ways 30 green living 32 fit body

34 healthy kids 36 conscious eating 38 wise words 40 natural pet 43 calendar 44 resource guide

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letter from publisher

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REASON #18: Now offering abdominal ultrasound!

ere we are, April 2021, Tampa Bay, and good things are happening on the West Coast of Florida. This month’s issue of Natural Awakenings healthy living magazine is here again with another eye-opening array of news and views from the forefront of the natural health movement.

While going about daily life routines these days may require a bit of tweaking of longstanding habits, we are strong and evolving in our community and as a planetary population. The arrival of Earth Day in April brings environmental protection to special public focus. It is so empowering to learn of the remarkable progress being made by local, national, and international environmental protection networks, inspiring widespread public attention to the movement. (See special focus on EarthDay.org actions, page 12).

Writer Sandra Yeyati looks at the human costs of a warming planet vividly in her article entitled “Climate Change and Our Health” (page 24). The more we understand about this all-encompassing issue, the better to articulate it and help realize change.

Looking for ways to get involved right away, at home? Check out Yvette Hammett’s “Healthy Home” (page 30) for insight on detoxifying a living space. Learn entirely doable ways to make indoor air healthier and how to reduce and even end reliance on plastics, harmful cleaning products, and more.

As always, with an open mind and an open heart, enjoy reading on,

The Earth is what we all have in common. ~Wendell Berry

7901 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 info@greenpointthermography.com 727-576-0100

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news briefs

Celebrate Earth Day 2021 Virtually

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he Covid-19 pandemic may be with us for some time, but there are still many ways to participate in the 51st anniversahihan Lynn Montana Freemãn teaches ry of the global environmental movement. The Biden administraand applies Shihando Reiki, which is tion will host world leaders at an Earth Day 2021 global climate dimensional, white light reiki, as opposed summit on April 22. Many important environmental events have to the traditional violet flame energy. occurred on Earth Day since 1970, including the 2016 signing of Freemãn studied the traditional Usui the Paris Agreement, as Earth Day continues to be a momentous System of Natural Healing, as taught by and unifying day each year. Be a part of this historic climate sumthe American Reiki Master Association, earning her masters in 1991. She studied mit by taking action to restore the Earth.

Earth Day special cyberspace events uncovering developJuai Kung Karbo Kung Fu and Tai-Chi ments and communication possibilities at both local and worldwith Master Bert Rodriguez of Dania, wide locales in the movement include three days of multi-hour Florida, where she earned her certificalive events, free to all. tion in the higher order of the systems he taught her.

April 20, a four-hour digital Global Youth Climate Sum In the 1990’s, discovery of the reiki symbols in the martial mit with panels, speeches, discussion and special appearances arts forms changed the foundation of the study and practice of by youth climate activists such as Greta Thunberg; followed by a both martial arts and reiki. Shihando Reiki takes energy work and four-hour Hip Hop Caucus, a youth-led virtual summit entitled personal energy acceleration to the next level by breaking down all “We Shall Breathe”. martial arts symbols to their original form and adding them in spe April 21, a multi-lingual global education virtual summit cific sequential order to the traditional Usui attunements, enhancentitled “Teach for the Planet”, spanning several time zones and ing both healing work and the attunements themselves.

Freemãn also offers a beautiful selection of crystals, sculptures, featuring activists from around the world. books, CDs, incense, candles, and other metaphysical tools and

April 22, beginning at noon (EST), multi-hour, multi-changifts. All healing sessions, training and shopping are by appointnel livestream including workshops, panel discussions and spement only in Lithia. Bed and breakfast accommodations are availcial performances focused on Earth Day’s 2021 theme, “Restore able for out-of-area clients/students.

Our Earth”.

For more information, call 267-474-4717 or email

To learn more, go to EarthDay.org/earth-day-2021.

LynnMontanaf@aol.com. See ad page 45.

Shihando Reiki Offered in Lithia

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15th Annual National Herb Day Celebration in St. Pete

Home-State Doctor Opens Functional/ Aesthetic Practice

rom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on May 1, herbalists and lovers of herbal medicines will celebrate the importance of plants in health with Herb Day 2021. This free national celebration will be held locally in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, hosted by Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and Traditions School of Herbal Studies, 2520 Central Avenue.

Open to the public, attendees enjoy lectures presented by local experts, herb and food tastings and botanical teas.

Locally grown medicinal plants will be for sale and numerous vendors related to herbs will be in attendance.

Herb Day was created by the Herb Day Coalition, a national group of nonprofit herbal organizations dedicated to herbal education, research, quality control, plant preservation and the responsible use of herbs in human health. The St. Petersburg event is a collaboration with the Florida Herb Society, the West Coast Chapter of the American Herbalists Guild and the Traditions School of Herbal Studies.

This year’s event includes socially distancing with tables spread out and masks required of all vendors and attendees, both indoors and outdoors. All vendors will be local to St. Pete and herb-related.

For more information, visit TraditionsHerbSchool.com, HerbDay.org or call 727-318-2505. See ad page 16.

r. Heather L. Christie, founding physician of Christie MD Functional and Aesthetic Medicine, has returned to her childhood home-state of Florida, and is happy to announce her new clinic located at 2837 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

Dr. Christie’s holistic approach to health integrates traditional testing and medications with advanced testing and natural treatments. Natural approaches to healing include nutritional supplements, food plans, hormonal support, physical activity, and stress reduction techniques. She may recommend prescription medications if indicated, although prefers to reduce patients’ reliance on them in order to become healthy enough to discontinue when medically appropriate.

Additional services include intravenous (IV) nutritional therapy which can be used for multiple conditions. Dr. Christie is also trained in anti-aging and aesthetics with neuromuscular blockers, e.g. Botox and dermal/lip fillers, e.g. Juvederm. She carries multiple product lines to suit patients’ varying preferences.

Graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine and Duke Family Medicine Residency with additional training in functional medicine and aesthetics, Dr. Christie is Family Medicine Board Certified. She has a career-long history of recognition from outside organizations for achieving measurable results with her patients.

Prospective patients interested in learning more about how Dr. Christie’s approach to healing and aesthetics can help them, receive a gratis 15-minute phone or Zoom discovery consultation. Call 727-220-9080 and/or visit Christiemdfam.com. See ad page 14.

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Hypertension is a global disease that particularly affects people in low-income communities, but a new study by the UK University of Nottingham suggests that beetroot juice may be a practical solution for people with high blood pressure that have little access to diagnostic help or money for medication. Researchers divided 47 people between 50 and 70 years of age in Tanzania into three groups. For 60 days, one group drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice and folic acid; another was given nitraterich beetroot juice and a placebo; and the third drank nitrate-depleted beetroot juice. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 10.8 millimeters (mm) Hg (mercury) in the nitrate-rich plus folic acid group and 6.1 mm Hg in the nitraterich and placebo group. Studies have shown that the high level of nitrates in beets is converted by the digestive system into nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.

Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nano-curcumin, and the third a placebo. After eight weeks, both types of curcumin significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels. They also boosted antioxidant levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced C-reactive protein levels, indicating less inflammation.

The nano-curcumin, however, produced even better results in five of those indexes, leading the authors to conclude that the effects of curcumin on the nano formula may be more conducive for cardiac patients due to its high bioavailability. Nano-curcumin is made through a process that encapsulates the herb, allowing it to be metabolized better.

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Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health

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health briefs

EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY

Happy Earth Day Classes Start April 5th

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* Concentrations are Available

April 2021

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Make Lifestyle Changes to Ease Reflux The heartburn symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) affect about one-third of Americans, many turning to medications. Based on evidence from 116,000 women in a long-running Nurses’ Health Study, Harvard University researchers have found that GERD symptoms can be reduced by up to 37 percent by adopting five lifestyle strategies: 30 minutes of moderate to heavy exercise per day; not smoking; maintaining a normal weight; limiting acidic beverages like coffee and tea to two cups per day; and following a “prudent diet” with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy, fish and poultry. The more faithfully the guidelines were followed, the lower the risk of symptoms. Benefits were also realized for women using treatments like proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists.

According to senior author Andrew T. Chan, M.D., MPH, this study was among the first to link physical activity to the control of GERD. He notes, “Being physically active may help with the clearance of stomach acid which causes heartburn symptoms.”

In updated 2020-2025 dietary guidelines, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have endorsed the specific use of certain supplements, noting that under-consumption of some nutrients among Americans is linked to health concerns. The guidelines advise that infants being fed breast milk exclusively or partially should be given a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day beginning soon after birth and perhaps continuing for more than a year. Women that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a daily prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. Pregnant or lactating women that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are advised to talk to their healthcare provider about supplementation to ensure that they get adequate amounts of iron, vitamin B12, choline, zinc, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The guidelines also state that some older adults may require vitamin B12 supplements, noting concerns over the amount of the vitamin absorbed from food.

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B12 and Prenatal Supplements Gain Official Nod

community spotlight

Bodhi Massage Therapy & Wellness

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Boutique Massage Therapy

small boutique massage therapy practice, in St. Pete, Bodhi Massage Therapy & Wellness features two treatment rooms and a reception and art retail area showcasing local artists and craftspeople. In business for more than four years, Bodhi’s team of practitioners includes four talented massage therapists, each with their own unique specialties.

In growing Bodhi Massage Therapy and Wellness, owner Amanda Kovach was motivated to bring on a team of therapists embodying diverse training and expertise in order to suit the varying

needs of the people in a city as diverse as St. Pete. Visitors have loved that the boutique offers modalities such as ashiatsu, reflexology, Himalayan salt stone massage and reiki to complement more traditional styles of massage.

The Bodhi team is passionate about providing only the best in massage therapy and custom tailoring each session to the unique needs-of-the-moment for the client.

Along with Massage Therapist Kovach, therapists Jasmine, Krystle, DeeAnne and Sierra are committed to providing natural and effective solutions for people dealing

with chronic pain, stress and tension.

Massage Therapist Krystle is also a very talented aesthetician and is looking to bring her skills obtained from high-end luxury resorts and spas as well as a botanically-based product line to the clients at the studio. Bodhi intends to add facials and skincare services to the menu.

On a monthly basis, for even more diversity and pleasure, the team is offering a special geared to the season, featuring an organically-inspired massage blend, warm Himalayan salt stone massage and massage cupping. Aah.

Since Covid’s inception, the facility and the team have upgraded and integrated new practices to operate safely, staying on top of the latest recommended protocols for same. According to Kovach, clients—both long-time regulars and newcomers—appreciate the extra lengths to which the team goes in maintaining a safe, clean, comfortable and healthy environment in which to receive the magic of touch—massage therapy.

Bodhi Massage Therapy & Wellness is located at 5O6 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg.

For more information and appointments, call 727-344-9857 or visit Bodhi-MassageTherapy.com. See ad page 27.

April 2021

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global briefs

Group Hug

World Watchers

While human activity has transformed 75 percent of the Earth’s surface and 66 percent of ocean ecosystems, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services determined in a 2019 assessment that approximately 1 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction, some in mere decades. In response to the crisis, more than 50 countries representing 30 percent of the world’s land-based biodiversity, 25 percent of its land-based carbon sinks, 28 percent of important areas of marine biodiversity and more than 30 percent of ocean carbon sinks have united as the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC 30x30), avowing to preserve 30 percent of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.

The group announced its goal at the One Planet Summit for Biodiversity in January, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, along with the World Bank and the United Nations. “We call on all nations to join us,” Macron said in the video launching of the plan. Biologist E.O. Wilson has called for the “conservation moonshot” of protecting half of the land and the sea. Goals include preventing biodiversity loss, solving the climate crisis and preventing pandemics.

Deforestation, which contributes to warming the planet, is a key factor behind the 40 percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the beginning of the industrial age. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in 2018 was 407.4 parts per million, higher than it’s been in almost 1 million years. Avoiding deforestation is much better than conducting reforestation efforts after the fact, and should be a key global climate change mitigation strategy, says Jennifer Alix-Garcia, a researcher at Oregon State University.

The Global Land Analysis and Discovery System (GLAD), founded in 2016 by the University of Maryland’s Department of Geographical Sciences, is based on high-resolution satellite imaging from the NASA Landsat Science program. Subscribers can access data via a free interactive web application, Global Forest Watch. So far, forest loss has declined 18 percent in African nations where GLAD provided alerts when detecting deforestation activities.

Previously, government agencies and other groups had to use reports from volunteers or forest rangers.

sarah brown/Unsplash.com

Deforestation Alert System Mitigates Climate Change

saac benhesed/Unsplash.com

Nations Band Together to Preserve One-Third of the Planet

Freedom of Information

A two-year, open-access project organized by more than 20 organizations, including Wellcome, in London, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Seattle, and Dutch NOW—some of the world’s largest research funders—began requiring in January that scholarly papers published from the work they fund be made immediately available for public reading at no charge. The initiative, Plan S, may usher in the end of journal subscriptions and allow anyone to read scientific literature. Plan S has already prompted several titles, including Nature, to offer open-access publishing for the first time.

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image courtesy of PlanS.org

Access Expanded for Scientific Papers

Honest Ingredients Wilderness Woes

Global sales of organic products totaled $90 billion in 2017 according to the 2018 edition of the study The World of Organic Agriculture, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and Organics International. In the U.S., the figure is $50 billion, or 5 percent of all grocery store sales. Demand for organic products is increasing, more farmers cultivate organically, more land is certified organic and 178 countries report organic farming activities.

The challenge is to safeguard organic standards from large corporations that buy up organic brands and try to weaken U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements. This has led to an erosion of both organic standards and consumer trust in the organic labeling of products such as eggs, milk and grains.

To restore public trust, the Organic Consumers Association is committed to exposing the fraudulent players in the organic industry while fighting for stronger organic protections. At one time, states could develop their own rules for organic food production and processing. But in 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which created the National Organic Program and the National Organic Standards Board. Foods labeled USDA Organic are the gold standard for health and sustainability.

National Wildlife Refuges are Overwhelmed and Understaffed President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida’s Pelican Island as the first unit of what would become the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903 to shield brown pelicans from hunters. Now, the world’s largest set of 568 refuges, encompassing 95 million acres dedicated to preserving wildlife, is under pressure from increasing numbers of visitors, maintenance needs and chronic underfunding.

The system has lost more than 700 staff positions since 2011, despite growing by 15 refuges.

Managers of the system under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report that staff morale is low.

Local conservation nonprofits have stepped in with fundraising and volunteers, but the lack of resources throughout the refuge system is limiting its capacity to provide healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Essential infrastructure is crumbling and staff can’t provide the community outreach and visitor services they want to offer. The FWS oversees 25,000 structures and 14,000 roads, bridges and dams. Many of them have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funding. Advocates claim that a remedy will require $900 million per year, while the system’s 2020 budget was only $502.4 million.

April 2021

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Protecting the Organic Marketplace

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Is Your Heart Sending You Signals?

Natural Treatments for Heart Disease

by Les Cole, MD

lower it to normal and get off all BP medication using the correct combination of the above-mentioned natural therapies.

This is profound because BP medications have significant side effects. In fact, the most commonly used BP medication today, which is considered “first line” by the American Heart Association, increases the risk of long term mortality even while lowering your blood pressure. That is not to say all BP medications are bad, but why be on one if you don’t need to be.

Do you have coronary heart disease (CHD, CAD)?

Many doctors would have you believe that cholesterol is the main cause of CAD, but did you know that the majority of people who die of heart attack (MI) have normal cholesterol levels? Cholesterol is not the risk factor they would have you believe it is. Statins do decrease the risk of CAD and MI, but it is more a result of decreasing inflammation than cholesterol, and there are much healthier ways of decreasing inflammation without the side effects of statins. Calcium in your coronary arteries is a much greater risk factor for MI than cholesterol and this can be measured by a simple test called the Coronary Calcium Score. Bottom line is coronary calcium can be reduced and risk for CAD can be reversed with the appropriate natural therapies as mentioned above.

Have you been told you have heart failure?

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e have all heard that heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country, but did you know there are many things you can do to prevent and even decrease your risk? Even more amazing, you can actually improve your heart health using natural therapies. If you have high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or heart failure, your condition can be improved with diet, exercise, the right supplements, hormone balance, detoxification and chelation, and more. Not all interventions are necessary and every individual is different. Even if you have a family history of heart disease, you can improve your heart health.

Do you have high blood pressure (BP)?

Did you know you have a 62 percent chance of maintaining a normal BP without medication? A study recently showed that 62 percent of patients with high BP were able to 20

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First, let’s mention the “epic FAIL” at naming this condition. While your heart may not be beating as strongly as it should, “failure” means final. It is really contractile dysfunction and this, too, can be improved with the use of many natural therapies, in many cases improving the strength of your heart’s ability to contract, and in some cases eliminating the need for medications and undesirable side effects.

Providing the ways and means for optimal health, naturally, Dr. Les Cole is available for consultation at St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, located at 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete. Call 727-202-6807 and/or visit StPeteHW.com. See ad right.

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business spotlight

Parker University Embraces Collaborative Approaches to Healthcare

by Sheila Julson

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s society continues to embrace integrative health care models, students pursuing careers in wellness disciplines and health professionals that want to enhance skills they can offer to patients are seeking formal training to meet current needs. Because of today’s growing demand for collaborative care, Parker University has developed curricula that employ more interdisciplinary approaches.

“Eastern and conventional medicine

Several online master’s degrees are also offered in functional nutrition, strength and human performance, neuroscience and clinical neuroscience, and public health. The university continues to offer the doctor of chiropractic degree.

Due to their diverse offerings, Parker is fortunate to have a faculty from different health-related fields that contributes to its interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness.

both work well, but when you combine the disciplines, they work even better,” advises Dr. Tammy Fogarty, dean of health and human performance. “We like to use a collaborative approach, not just in academics, but also in our on-campus clinics.”

In addition to being ambitious, compassionate and energetic, students are prepared for careers as industry leaders with techniques and knowledge gained from realworld experience. Founder Dr. James Parker established a set of principles that continues to guide students on a campus that honors tradition, but encourages innovation.

Parker University offers a wide variety of degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in integrative health, psychology, strength and human performance, as well as associate degrees in massage therapy, occupational therapy assistant and radiologic technology.

“In our programs, the curriculum encourages students to identify the root cause of an ailment or disease, and in some instances, they need to seek treatment options outside of one field,” Fogarty says. “Our chiropractic students, while going through the chiropractic program, are eligible to enroll in any of our master’s degree programs. When they graduate, not only are they chiropractors, but they also have a master’s in a complementary field.

This gives them an opportunity to provide an interdisciplinary approach to health and wellness.”

Fogarty cites Parker’s neuroscience program as another example of the university’s interdisciplinary approach. The new Synapse: Human Performance Center exemplifies this approach by offering the latest in neuroscience and evidence-based therapies for patients and brings together diverse

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healthcare professionals to one location.

This prototype clinic showcases professionals from such diverse fields as chiropractic, neurology, physiology, occupational therapy, massage therapy and nutrition, working together to provide a patient-centered, collaborative approach to care.

Fogarty says that when chiropractors attend continuing education seminars, they take an hour-long class in nutrition or exercise training to earn continuing education credits, but there’s no formal education. “So, what we can offer our students is to not only graduate with a chiropractic degree, but also a master’s degree in a related field they want to specialize in.”

The master’s degree in functional nutrition is an interprofessional graduate program for chiropractors, doctors of osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioners, exercise physiologists and dietitians seeking to enhance their skills and promote nutrition education in a variety of settings at the mastery level. The program’s mission is to provide graduates with the ability to communicate the link between functional nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention with more extensive credentials.

“We have chiropractors, nurses and nurse practitioners that are enrolling into the program,” Fogarty explains. “They are licensed professionals. Within their license, nutrition is included in their scope of practice, but they don’t have formal training. We’re starting to see more healthcare practitioners that want to be able to offer nutrition to their clients, but want more than just a certification.”

Parker University is also developing bridge programs that more easily allow students to gain knowledge across disciplines to better serve patients. “We offer our students a variety of degrees, so they can earn an associate’s, bachelor’s and a master’s degree in another field that supports a collaborative health approach,” Fogarty concludes.

Parker University is located at 2540 Walnut Hill Ln., in Dallas; Synapse is located at 2618 Electronic Ln., Ste. 100, Dallas. For more information, call 1-800-637-8337 or 214-9022429, or visit Parker.edu. See ad right.

Sheila Julson is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

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Climate Change and Our Health cottonbro/Pexels.com

The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

by Sandra Yeyati

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lobal warming is not just threatening polar bears far away in the Arctic, and its effects are not somewhere in the distant future. With every new wildfire, hurricane and flash flood, people are understanding that the warming of the planet poses dire consequences for human health right here, right now. It’s personal, and while some sectors of the population are unfairly and disproportionately impacted, we are all in harm’s way.

This is no time to panic, say climate and public health advocates, but rather a moment for preparation, adaptation and mobilization. Prospects are hopeful as we tackle new realities together and evolve our conversations about climate change so we can build resilient, thriving communities.

The good news is that many of the individual and policy changes we need to make are exciting opportunities for positive transformation and justice.

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Health Threats in Our Midst

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The warming of the planet is becoming more noticeable. “That historic two weeks anywhere in the United States where it’s the heat wave of high summer is now six weeks to two months,” says Jay Lemery, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado and co-author of Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health. “There are parts of the Middle East now where you can’t be outside and meaningfully cool your body during certain parts of the day.”

“With warming, we’re seeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, extreme precipitation, flooding and sea level rise, all of which have health consequences,” says Surili Patel, director of the Center for Climate, Health and Equity at the American Public Health Association. “With rising temperature and heat waves, we’re seeing heat stroke, dehydration, diarrheal disease, cardiovascular distress and respiratory illnesses. Extreme weather like wildfires, hurricanes and flooding cause direct injuries, as well as vector-borne illnesses (Lyme

disease carried by ticks or dengue fever and malaria by mosquitoes), mold and harmful algal blooms that happen when it’s really hot, but also show up in places that otherwise wouldn’t have because of the combination of heat and flooding.”

Lemery notes that incidences of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases are moving higher in altitude and latitude, affecting historically naive populations that have not had levels of disease immunity, the infrastructure or cultural habits to protect them. “These are huge killers worldwide, and we’re seeing more and more of that,” he says.

“When you have a warmer winter, spring starts earlier, trees bloom early and pollen season starts early too, and longer exposure to pollen increases your risk of having an asthma attack,” says Professor Amir Sapkota at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, adding that the Northeast is heavily impacted by this phenomenon.

“Here in Colorado, in the summer heat, we have these huge swaths of wildfire smoke hanging over Denver, and people come in to the emergency department.

Their inhalers aren’t working anymore, and they’re having chest pain and shortness of breath when they’re on oxygen at baseline,” says Lemery. “These are people normally able to walk across a parking lot with their walker and their oxygen, but now they can’t. We see this all summer long, and we admit them for asthma exacerbation, shortness of breath and COPD (i.e., emphysema), but what we don’t write down is that the air quality is the worst it’s been all year, or that it’s the hottest day of the year.”

“Air pollution contributes to climate change, but it also gets into your lungs and irritates them, exacerbating chronic respiratory illnesses, and can even lead to a heart attack,” says Jennifer Roberts, director of the Path of Positive Communities program at EcoAmerica, noting that the biggest culprits are carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants, diesel fuels and ground-level ozone, which is created when pollution reacts to heat and sunlight.

“With sea level rise, things are flooding more often and we get septic tanks overflowing, sending fecal matter into our drinking water supplies and exposing us to April 2021

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diarrheal diseases. We also see offices and industrial sites getting flooded and, whether it’s paint, fertilizers or other toxins, those get into our water and it’s very unhealthy,” Roberts says.

The Most Vulnerable Among Us Certain segments of the population are more at risk. “Lower socioeconomic groups are suffering more from extreme heat events. The urban heat island effect, which unfortunately correlates very well with poorer neighborhoods, means that they’ll have heat waves seven to 10 degrees hotter in their neighborhoods than surrounding places with more green space,” Lemery says.

“You see the public health infrastructure less robust to be able to attend to communities of color—like you saw with COVID. There are also physiologic vulnerabilities. Climate change affects the very young, the very old and the very sick much more because of their preexisting vulnerabilities, and then we have geographic vulnerabilities—people who live on the coast without sea walls or in flood plains. As sea level rise proliferates, and that data is really straightforward, they’re going to be going under increased storm surge stress and flat-out flooding.”

hazards with “credible messaging repeated over and over again with clarity and no hedging: Wear a mask. Stay indoors during high-heat events. Don’t let children play outdoors when the air quality index is at a dangerous level.”

There are many ways to mitigate threats.

As experts point out, we know what to do, and it’s just a matter of putting our attention and resources on their implementation. “One of the biggest ways is let’s remove the sources of harmful spewing pollution—move away from coal, oil and gas—and invest in clean sources of energy, which will also create jobs in these new industries,” says Patel.

Another big step would be to promote mass transit and active transportation— walking and biking—over individual, gasguzzling vehicles. Patel advocates for local investments in bike lanes and sidewalks that encourage the switch. Both Lemery and Roberts express excitement about clean-running electric cars as potential game-changers in transportation.

Planting trees and vegetable gardens are easy, community-building solutions. “Trees are very beneficial to everything from shade to water filtration to producing oxy-

The experts agree that it’s important to frame climate change as a public health issue because it brings a sense of urgency to act. “If it isn’t a crisis, if it isn’t something we’re seeing every day on the front page, then you forget about it. And when you forget about it, the funding doesn’t come,” says Patel, whose work focuses on underprivileged communities that need special attention and funding.

Sapkota advocates for the development of early warning systems so that local health departments can anticipate and adapt to impending extreme weather events, directing resources to the most impacted and vulnerable communities. In some cases, moving people out of flood plains and vulnerable coastal areas through eminent domain might be needed.

Lemery believes that doctors are in a prime position to counsel their patients on preventive measures against climate 26

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Achievable Public Health Solutions

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gen and taking up carbon,” says Roberts, who adds that much can be done to restore and protect streams, ponds and lakes from the ill effects of pollution and development.

“You get volunteers to clean up the gunk and increase regulations for developers to keep stuff out of the waterways.”

Eco-Anxiety and Making Positive Change Jessica Schiff, a second-year master of science student at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, struggles with eco-anxiety—the depression, anxiety or dread associated with climate change. She says, “It impacts the decisions I make for my life and the future, just trying to think about overall impacts. Where is my food coming from? Do I want to have kids or adopt? Should I live in the suburbs or the city because of transportation and fossil fuel consumption? This all adds a layer of unease or uncertainty about the future. Sometimes I look at Greta [Thunberg] and how far she’s taken things, and feel guilty about not taking things to such an extreme. Is it hypocritical for me to care about climate change but still eat meat occasionally or take a plane to explore the world?”

Schiff deals with eco-anxiety by taking action. “We’re not going to reverse climate change at this point, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take steps to slow it down or reduce emissions. There are many small things we can each do, like biking or walking instead of taking a car or bus and reducing our use of plastic. It’s a process. You can’t do it overnight, but if you make a lot of small changes, and if everybody makes small changes, that has a bigger effect.”

Roberts acknowledges the power of small, individual actions, but stresses that we should not let the big polluters off the hook. “We need to continue to press for policy changes, holding polluters accountable, passing regulations based on protecting human health and climate, requiring cleaner cars and buildings, and more.

That’s the only way we will get to the scale of change needed to truly bring global warming to a halt.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

eco tip

The Benefits of Planting Trees More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

Planting more trees can slow down climate change. Science magazine reports, “The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation.” The Arbor Day celebrations this month make it an apt time for taking actions that benefit both urban areas and open spaces.

More than 166,000 square miles of forest habitat—approximately the size of California—in the tropics and subtropics have been decimated in the last 13 years, and about 2.7 million square miles of forest worldwide remain threatened, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Some major ways to take action include: Avoid buying products linked to deforestation.

Pressure lawmakers to make supply chains sustainable while balancing the need for regulation with the concerns of farmers and businesses. Urge policymakers to enact zero-deforestation policies and bolster the rights and control of forests for local communities and indigenous people, says the WWF. Donate spare change. By joining Plant Your Change for All (PlantYourChange. com), all debit or credit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the balance applied toward planting trees. Working together with the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) (ArborDay.org) and Eden Reforestation Projects, the initiative has already planted more than 3 million trees, offsetting 5 million miles of vehicle carbon emissions.

Become a member of the ADF and receive 10 free trees, along with tree nursery discounts; help to qualify a community to receive the Tree City USA designation; or get involved with National Arbor Day, generally celebrated on the last Friday in April, but observed on different days in some states. The organization’s website includes ideas for conducting virtual celebrations if local chapters are not holding public events due to the pandemic. Also, consider participating in other ADF programs such as the Alliance for Community Trees and NeighborWoods Month. moc.kcotsebodAtamanaht

Support the planting of city trees. According to a recent study from the U.S. Forest Service reported in Treehugger. com, the nation’s urban canopies, currently home to approximately 5.5 billion trees, provide roughly $18 billion in annual benefits via the removal of pollution from the air, carbon sequestration, reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency in buildings.

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healing ways

Breathe Easy Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s the one in five Americans suffering from allergic rhinitis can miserably testify, the fragrant breezes of spring aren’t much fun when they bring on sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose. The fifth-most common chronic disease in the country, allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—is aggravated in spring by rising pollen levels, but can occur year-round from exposure to mold, household dust mites, pet dander and vehicular air pollution.

Common remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants bring their own share of afflictions, including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness. “By undertaking natural therapy for allergies, however, one can avoid and mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of allergies with no need for medication,” says Carrie Lam, M.D., an integrative and functional medicine doctor in Tustin, California. “Instead of loading up on drugs, you can take care of yourself in a more natural way and avoid nasty side effects.” Here are some non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Probiotics: In a 173-person, double-blind study, a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterum bifidum G9-1 and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2 lowered hay fever symptoms and improved participants’ quality of life during allergy season, report University of Florida researchers in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Read labels to locate these strains in yogurts, kefirs and supplements.)

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Sublingual Immunotherapy: To desensitize the body, small amounts of specific allergens in the form of tablets or liquid drops are placed under the tongue, making it a gentler and safer process than allergy shots. Numerous studies have shown it to be safe and efficient in the treatment of respiratory tract allergies, reports JoAnn Yanez, ND, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). After getting a diagnosis and a first dose from a health practitioner, the tablets or drops can be taken at home.

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Quercetin: Found naturally in apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, red wine and black tea, this antioxidant inhibits the release of histamine and hampers the IgE antibodies formed during allergic reactions. As a 400-milligram (mg) supplement, it takes about a month to kick in.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): When freeze-dried as an extract or used as a tea, this prickly roadside weed is a nontoxic

natural antihistamine. In one study, 58 percent of participants found that 300 mg per day relieved their symptoms.

Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in such foods as tuna, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oil can help reduce symptoms, research suggests. In a Japanese study, eating fish lowered respiratory symptoms for women, while fast food and sugary drinks worsened respiratory stress.

Nasal Rinse: Using a neti pot with saline solution to rinse allergens out of nasal passages provides quick relief for stuffy, runny, irritated noses. In one study, people using them reported a 64 percent improvement in chronic sinus symptoms and a better quality of life. An ancient Ayurveda technique popularized by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, the pots cost about $20 in pharmacies. Nasal sprays, although easier to use initially, aren’t as effective, studies show.

Unpasteurized Honey: “Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby flowers, which can make you less sensitive when you’re exposed to them outdoors,” says chiropractor and nutritionist Josh Axe, Nashville-based author of Ancient Remedies. A Malaysian study of 40 hay fever sufferers found that high doses of local honey, taken along with an antihistamine, reduced sneezing and nasal decongestion more effectively than the antihistamine alone.

Acupuncture: Based on established research, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recommends acupuncture for hay fever patients that want to avoid pharmaceuticals.

Homeopathy: To stimulate the body’s natural healing process, homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of herbs and other substances. Although it’s best to work with a homeopath, two helpful remedies commonly found in health food stores are Allium cepa 30C, for watery eyes, sneezing and a runny or irritated nose; and Kali bichromicum 30C, for persistent sinus congestion with thick nasal discharge.

Anti-Allergen Cleaning: Simple steps recommended by AANMC to lower airborne allergens include using a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the vacuum cleaner; replacing AC filters frequently; changing out of clothes and showering when coming in from the outdoors to rinse off pollen; leaving shoes outside; changing the air filter in the car; and avoiding toxic inhalants with synthetic ingredients like perfumes, body sprays, scented candles, room sprays, air fresheners and dryer sheets.

Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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green living

Healthy Home

How to Detoxify a Living Space

by Yvette Hammett

A

s the world moves into its second year of a viral pandemic, many of us are still spending most of our time at home—working, exercising, hanging out with family and as with any other year, cooking and cleaning. There’s no better time to take stock of these surroundings and purge them of any toxins—gases, inhalants or fumes—that may be contributing to a harmful environment.

Start with the air. Research shows that indoor air is two to five times more toxic than the air outside, due to inadequate ventilation. This condition, coupled with fumes from synthetic fibers, makeup, paints, cleansers or even a baby’s plastic toys, can contribute to health issues and a less environmentally beneficial abode. A straightforward solution—in addition to getting rid of the pollution-causing objects—is to open the windows and use fans to recirculate the air. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can safely remove many contaminants, but don’t spritz a commercial air freshener: A University of Washington study found that eight widely used air fresheners released an average of 18 chemicals into the air, some of them hazardous, including the likely human carcinogen acetaldehyde.

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Purge plastics. Perfluorinated compounds PFAS and PFOS, known as “forever chemicals”, are found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, and products that resist grease, water and oil. They have been found to cause a wide range of health problems from kidney and testicular cancers to endocrine disruptions. Consider doing a clean sweep of the house to determine which of these can be replaced, paying special attention to plastics. “If you really limit plastics to a few things, you are fine,” says Heather Patisaul, Ph.D., a neuroscience and toxicology expert at North Carolina State University.

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Reconsider kitchenware. Eliminate all nonstick cookware, Patisaul advises. “Use ceramic and other materials that do not have perfluorinated chemicals.”

Debbie Steinbock, a nutrition counselor at Mindful Family Medical, in Boulder, Colorado, suggests replacing plastic storage containers, which can leach chemicals when heated. “Use a cast iron skillet and use glass jars and mason jars for food storage.”

Chuck out toxic cleaners. Many commercial kitchen, bathroom and other cleaning products are loaded with chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption

and neurotoxicity. They can be particularly toxic for children: A recent Canadian study found that repeated use of a disinfectant reduced beneficial gut bacteria in toddlers, probably contributing to obesity.

A good place to start in cleaning out the cleaners is at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website ewg.org; its Healthy Living Home Guide evaluates the health risks of 2,500 cleaning products. It also advises a simple strategy of using vinegar and water or baking soda.

Get the lead out. Andrew Rooney, deputy director at the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, sees lead, which causes brain damage and other serious defects, as a major risk present in water supplies and the paint of older homes.

“The thing I want to emphasize is there is no safe level of lead exposure, so eliminating exposure sources is the best protection for your health,” he says.

Drinking water contamination comes from the distribution lines and plumbing fixtures, with lead leaching out from repairs or adjustments. “Having your household water tested by a certified lab is the best option to determine if you have water issues,” he says. Consult state and local health agencies for guidance on lead paint or lead in the water lines and how to remove it. Also consider a water filter: ConsumerReports.com has a comprehensive rating of models from pitchers to under-sink setups.

Take it a step further. The new EWG downloadable Healthy Living app makes it easy to use a smartphone to check out 120,000 products for toxic ingredients, including cosmetics and foods. “It has a barcode scanner to scan your favorite lipstick or shampoo, and it will pop up an ingredient list and give it a score,” says Patisaul. The database includes ingredients not found on packaging and scores products on a zero to 10 scale. “It pretty much has to be water to get a zero,” she says.

Yvette Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com.

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fit body

Eco-Athletes

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

by Marlaina Donato

F

rom human-powered gyms that generate electricity to Earth-friendly activewear, professional and recreational athletes alike are increasingly working out with the planet in mind. Taking a recycled yoga mat to class, nixing the plastic water bottle and going “plogging”—picking up litter while out for a run—are just a few examples of eco-fitness in motion.

“We believe that movement and nature go hand-in-hand, yet the world of sports isn’t as green as it should be, with plastic bottles at events, junk food in canteens and monotonous movement in the gym,” says Saraï Pannekoek, co-founder of the Sustainable Athlete Foundation, which strives to create a sustainable sports environment through coaching, workshops and campaigns.

sonally gratifying, it also makes you keenly aware of just how far the world is from taking action sufficient to keep climate change in check. We all need to do more,” says Bruce Rayner, founder and chief green officer at Athletes for a Fit Planet, in Portland, Maine, who was enlightened to the problems firsthand at a half-ironman distance race. “When I got to the finish line, I was given my obligatory plastic water bottle. I looked around for a recycling bin, and all I saw was an overflowing trash bin.” Founded in 2008, Rayner’s organization partners with pro-environment races like the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, recently named the most sustainable 10-miles-or-less race in the country.

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Fueling Up, Protecting Natural Resources

Working Out Green Links between personal fitness and environmental toxicity are critical. Sixty percent of clothing is manufactured with fossil fuel-derived plastics, and activewear rates highest for eco-toxic fibers. Choosing workout clothes made from sustainable bamboo and cotton can soften the impact. With name brands like Adidas offering sustainable footwear, staying fit doesn’t need to increase the toll on the environment. Pannekoek, who hosts the Sustainable Athlete Podcast with co-founder Paul Venner in Amsterdam, emphasizes personal responsibility. “We believe that there isn’t a quick fix. It’s all about habits and conscious behavior, while still being able to peak perform.”

Supplementing the usual gym routine with self-powered workouts and outdoor activities like gardening, sustainable charity races and hiking are sound choices that can help to buffer climate change. “Being eco-centric enriches life and enhances health, but while it’s per32

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A pillar of the eco-fitness movement is eating clean and going plant-based for the health of people and planet. “Diet is a big part of being eco-fit. The best action you can take is to support local farms, specifically organic farms,” emphasizes Rayner.

To minimize global greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, eating more nutrition-packed produce, whole grains, legumes and nuts instead of animal products supports sustainability. For Adam Layzell, sports therapist, nutritionist and author of How to Train Your Vegan: The Comprehensive Guide to Plant-Based Fitness, going vegan is a win-win situation.

“A vegan diet encourages fat loss, improves endurance and recovery and has plenty of all the necessary components such as protein to build strength and muscle.” Layzell underscores that the vegan diet preserves animals and their ecosystems, prevents deforestation and destruction of wild land and lowers the impact on climate change and global warming.

Athlete Engagement For Lewis Blaustein, managing editor of GreenSportsBlog.com, climate change action and sports are an ideal marriage. He recently launched EcoAthletes.org to encourage sports figures to speak up about global warming. “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ EcoAthletes aims to show that athletes are the agents of that change and that they, by mobilizing millions if not billions of fans, can do so on climate.” Blaustein sees a surge of climate-concerned athletes leading radical changes. “There will be many different looks—from athletes endorsing green products à la solar power, electric vehicles, etc., to athletes speaking out for environmental/climate justice in a similar fashion to WNBA and NBA players on Black Lives Matter.”

Pannekoek concurs, “All small steps taken still go a great distance. Elite athletes are role models. If they would support more conscious brands to influence the youth, we believe that they can make such a difference.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

What We Can Do Bruce Rayner: n After pandemic restrictions lift, when signing up for a race, pick one that’s local and carpool with friends.

n Washing polyester clothing means microplastics are in the wastewater, which means they make their way into the environment. Consider getting a filter for your washing machine that catches microplastics. n Tell race directors that you appreciate their efforts to be more sustainable.

Adam Layzell: n Reuse clothes to lower the carbon footprint and plastic production. Go to the charity shop, borrow, repair and buy second-hand.

n Choose reusable water bottles. n Exercise in nature, a great way to appreciate what we need to be protecting. n Litter pick when exercising in nature. Have a

small backpack and clean up as you run.

n Change your movements instead of doing simple repetition over and over again. n Replace sugary snacks with quick, energizing exercises throughout the day. (We call this “movement snacks”.)

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Saraï Pannekoek: n Consume intentionally and more mindfully.

Think and act long-term instead of going for quick fixes.

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healthy kids

Nature to the Rescue Kids Come Alive Outdoors

image courtesy of Meraiko

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s Angela Hanscom of Barrington, New Hampshire, watched her preschool daughters at play, she realized that a surprising number of their friends had problems with balance, coordination and muscle weakness, conditions she was attuned to as a pediatric occupational therapist. Teachers told her that compared to past years, young children were falling out of chairs and bumping into each other and walls more often—all evidence of poor proprioceptive skills, the “sixth sense” ability to feel and position the body in space.

Hanscom also realized that almost none of the children played outdoors, which “fascinated and scared” her. Nationwide, even before the lockdowns and online schooling 34

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brought on by the pandemic, the average child spent seven hours per day looking at screens and only seven minutes per day playing freely outdoors. Recent studies show that today’s children have poorer hand grip strength, slower running speeds and lower cardiovascular fitness levels than previous generations. Meanwhile, a growing body of research finds that spending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier and more functional.

Hanscom’s solution was to establish TimberNook, camps in which children from 18 months to 14 years of age are encouraged to explore natural settings in imaginative, largely unstructured, minimally supervised play. Now in its eighth year, 38 TimberNook-affiliated camps are located in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia. Hanscom’s book, Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, has garnered more than 300 fivestar reviews on Amazon.com.

“Children thrive physically, mentally and emotionally when they are given frequent outdoor play experiences, especially with other children. When children do not get enough of these opportunities, it comes at a great cost to their development,” she says.

Journalist Richard Louv, author of the seminal Last Child in the Woods, agrees.

“The scientists who study the human senses no longer talk about five senses, they list conservatively nine or 10, and some believe that humans have as many as 30 senses,” he says. “Yet today, children and adults who work and learn in a dominating digital environment expend enormous energy blocking out many of the human senses—including ones we don’t even know we have—to focus narrowly on the screen in front of the eyes. That’s the very definition of being less alive. What parent wants his or her child to be less alive? Who among us wants to be less alive?”

That dawning realization is motivating parents and teachers to find ways to get their children actively involved with nature in ways that open their senses while also moving their bodies. This often means hitting the local trails and nature preserves, sometimes with binoculars, bug jars, bird and plant guides and a

scavenger list in hand. “‘Hiking’ can be a bit of a drag to young children, but ‘exploring’ (while still hiking) helps open their minds to the beauty and wonder of the outdoors,” says Tanya Gray of Woodstock, Georgia, a homeschooling blogger at TwoPineAdventure.com.

To improve kids’ hearing, Lilach Saperstein, an Israeli audiologist who hosts the podcast All About Audiology, asks children to close their eyes and describe only what they hear. “The wind, the rustle of leaves, a running water stream, crickets, birds, their own breathing, the swish of their sleeve or pant—this is a great way to introduce mindfulness, as well.”

To awaken sight, sound and smell, Boston plein air artist Diana Stelin hands kids paper and art supplies out in nature. “Allowing kids to sit with sounds around them and with smells of various seasons makes them truly feel part of our grand universe.

It also allows their minds to quiet down and reset, making them pay more attention to detail, to their inner landscapes and to people around them.”

To engage the sense of taste, Malorie Thompson, editor of TheVeganInsider.com, takes her children foraging for edible plants on treasure hunts on a trail or around their Northern California neighborhood. She says, “Bonus activity: use the foraged food to make a meal afterward!”

Most of all, nature should be both physical and fun. “Point excitedly at the full moon, shout at it and say hello. Pick up leaves and chestnuts and rocks and create beautiful art together. Stop to smell the twigs and flowers and roll on the grass—who can make it faster down the hill? Make sandcastles and animals. Tie colorful ribbons on tree branches. Look for the shapes of animals in the clouds,” says Milana Perepyolkina, of Salt Lake City, who wrote about forest bathing in Gypsy Energy Secrets.

“The only way to get your children to be excited about nature is for you to be excited about nature first,” she notes.

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

Family Time in the Woods Richard Louv, a prominent nature writer and a co-founder of The Children & Nature Network (C&NN), offers 500 ways for families and communities to connect to the natural world in his book Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life. Here are more wise words.

Be a hummingbird parent. One parent says, “In the range from helicopter to neglect—I probably fall a bit more toward helicopter. In fact, I call myself a hummingbird parent. I tend to stay physically distant to let them explore and problem-solve, but zoom in at moments when safety is an issue (which isn’t very often).” Notice that she isn’t hovering over her kids with nature flash cards. She stands back and makes space for independent nature play—albeit not as free as she experienced as a child; this play is important, nonetheless.

Create or join a family nature club. Nature clubs for families are beginning to catch on across the country; some have membership lists of 400-plus families. The idea is that multiple families meet to go for a hike, garden together or even do stream reclamation. We hear from family nature club leaders that when families get together, the kids tend to play more creatively—with other kids or independently—than during singlefamily outings. C&NN’s Nature Clubs for Families offers a free downloadable guide on how to start your own.

Get the safety information you need. Become familiar with good resources for safety tips in the outdoors, including those with information on how to guard against ticks.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cdc.gov. AudubonPortland.org offers tips on living with a variety of urban wildlife.

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conscious eating

Spring Cleaning the Body Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

by April Thompson

A

s we shake off the sluggishness of winter, many of us feel an urge to “spring clean” our bodies with a detox or cleanse. Yet health experts say such programs should help jumpstart new healthy habits and not necessarily be seen as a short-term fix.

“The air we breathe, the water we drink, the cosmetics we use, the materials we build with and most notably, the food that we eat, are loaded with chemicals that are toxic to our metabolism,” says Alejandro Junger, a Los Angeles cardiologist, author and founder of CleanProgram.com. “The systems in the body designed to clear toxicity are overwhelmed, and this leads to the imbalances and damage that is at the root of most diseases today.”

Detoxification functions are performed by many different organs and tissues, including intestinal flora, the immune system, the nervous system and the liver, so its imbalances can manifest in diverse ways, according to Junger. “Symptoms of detox imbalance include sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, rashes, lack of energy and libido, autoimmune disorders, inflammation and cancer.”

While some health professionals say that detoxes are unnecessary because the body is capable of cleansing itself, others make a compelling case for the need to help it along, given our heightened exposure to manmade toxic elements. Information of varying repute swirls around the internet, offering approaches ranging from juice cleanses to total fasts.

Simple dietary strategies can help sweep out toxins, explains Robin Foroutan, an integrative dietitian and nutritionist in New York City. She points to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale, which promote cytochromes P450, a family of enzymes critical in helping toxins clear the body. She also recommends foods high in fiber that can bind to toxins and bile, and transport them out of the body through the stool. Berries, green tea and turmeric are also helpful for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; even water facilitates the excretion process, supports the lymphatic system and replenishes fluids lost through sweat. Using a water filter and eating organic foods when possible also reduces incoming toxins, she says.

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Everyday Toxin Cleaners

Fasting (occasionally for a prolonged period, such as three days without food) and intermittent fasting (abstaining from food for a shorter period, such as 16 hours per day on a regular basis) are great tools for deeper detoxification, says Junger. “Digestion takes energy and resources from the detox functions, so eating less, eating less often and allowing time for digestion to stop so that detox can intensify is crucial.”

For a comprehensive detox, experts recommend working with a health practitioner to assess toxic burdens and develop a personalized plan. Russell Jaffe, a physician in Ashburn, Virginia, crafts a detox program based on four self-assessments, including digestive transit time, urine pH, hydration levels and vitamin C levels.

Jaffe claims our bodies are burdened by excess acid, rendering them less resilient to stress and resulting in fatigue, illness and infection risks. “When we enjoy a diet rich in greens, fruits, vegetables, minerals and antioxidants, our cells become more alkaline and more resistant to everyday stress,” he states.

Experts emphasize that a short-term program must be part of a longer-lasting lifestyle and diet shift. “It is not enough to do periodic detoxes if you go back to old habits. I offer these programs as a jumpstart in hopes that participants feel so much better that they never want to go back to what they were doing and eating before,” says Junger.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Sweet Mango Smoothie Sweet fruit paired with spinach for an extra dose of fiber, vitamins and super-green-detoxifying antioxidants won’t change the taste of this beloved fruit smoothie.

1 cup fresh or frozen mango 1 to 3 cups spinach ¼ cup packed mint ½ cup coconut water ½ cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp chia seeds 1 serving dairy-free protein powder Handful of ice

photo by kaitlyn noble

Deep Detox

Detox Delights

Skin and chop mango. Wash spinach. Remove mint leaves from their stems and rinse them with water. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth (30-60 seconds). Pour and serve immediately. Sprinkle chia seeds on top if desired.

Recipe by Kaitlyn Noble of the Clean Program.

Vegetable Yum Soup Soups help provide the body with nutrient- and fiber-rich vegetables in an easy-to-digest format, while soup broths help supply water for detoxification and a sense of satiety.

Yield: 4 to 6 Servings 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 stalk lemongrass, minced ½ tsp crushed red pepper ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped 5 to 6 cups vegetable stock 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 3 Tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté garlic, ginger, lemongrass and crushed red pepper. Stir in the mushrooms, sweet potatoes and bell pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the stock, bring to boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the coconut milk and soy sauce, and stir. Serve sprinkled with cilantro or parsley (optional).

photo by kaitlyn noble

to Junger. “When using a good, clean, protein powder in addition to fruits and leafy greens, healthy fats such as nuts, and coconut or cashew milk, a smoothie can provide us the nutrients needed to support our energy for hours,” he says. Adding herbs like mint or holy basil (tulsi) and spices like turmeric and cinnamon elevate both flavor and healing. Liquids such as celery juice provide highly concentrated nutrients and hydration, but lack the fiber of a blended drink. Both juices and smoothies give overtaxed digestive systems a needed break.

Source: Russell Jaffe, The Joy in Living: The Alkaline Way. April 2021

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Coming Next Month may

Top Women’s Health Concerns

Plus: Sustainable Fashion

wise words

Sheryl DeVore on

Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

by Randy Kambic

A

s we spend more time outside for pandemic safety to exercise and reduce stress, Sheryl DeVore suggests maximizing these experiences by being more aware of the wonders we see and the need to preserve them. The award-winning author of five books on science, health and nature also writes for the Birds & Blooms national magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Natural Awakenings Chicago. With degrees in writing and education from Northwestern University and Northern Illinois University, respectively, plus extensive studies in biology and botany, she assists the Illinois Audubon Society, including writing for and editing a 2019 book on the state’s endangered species.

Is climate change impacting wildlife and nature?

Contact us for ad rates.

727-865-9339

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Recent worldwide studies are showing how climate changes affect bird migration times, bloom times of plants and mammal behavior. All of this is interconnected and can harm the environment and the flora and the fauna that live within it. For example, we’re finding that the relationship between healthy oak woods and migratory birds like warblers is being affected by climate change. Warblers time their migrations to pass through regions when oaks are just starting to leaf out. Insects NATampa.com

are attracted to the buds and the early leaves, and warblers are attracted to the insects. Once the leaves emerge, chemicals in the oaks deter the insects and there isn’t any food for the warblers. Climate change can cause the oaks to leaf out early, so if warblers arrive on their normal schedule, they’ll find less food and therefore have less energy to make it to their nesting grounds. Plants and animals are trying to adapt in different ways, and this can be a huge issue if climate change continues.

Are there any new trends you’ve noticed in people growing vegetables at home?

Especially during the pandemic, people that have limited space are learning that they can grow their own food at home—

growing vegetables and herbs in containers, both indoors and outdoors. Online classes can be helpful in teaching them to grow vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, spinach and peppers, which are great sources for antioxidants and vitamins. This trend coincides with the movement to eat healthier.

75 ANNIVERSARY! th

Have you seen any changes in how people observe nature during the pandemic?

When I go to forest preserves, parks and nature centers, even in my neighborhood, I have noticed more people, including families with their children, outdoors. Parents can inspire their children anywhere to learn to appreciate nature. Ask a child what kind of tree is in the yard. Maybe they can take a photo or draw a picture of it to create a memory and inspire them to want to learn more. Ask them, “What’s that bug on that plant?” or, “What is the bird that’s singing?” There’s so much for them to enjoy.

What can we do to try to protect and preserve the environment?

Sometimes people think they can’t make a difference as individuals. Small things can make a difference—have a ripple effect.

People volunteer to return native habitats to their past, remove non-native species, plant new ones. Volunteers are planting and restoring prairies, woodlands. In your own backyard, you can plant native species or create a butterfly garden or capture rainwater in a rain barrel to water your plants, which will conserve resources. There are so many things you can do with the family.

Why should we care about endangered species?

Endangered species serve as canaries in a coal mine. When their numbers decline, that can be a signal that something is going wrong with the environment. When DDT was widely used in the U.S., the bald eagle and other species began to decline. The DDT thinned their egg shells so they weren’t able to raise their young. They showed us that DDT pollutes and harms the environment, and in turn, humans. By discovering that, by saving eagles, we helped save ourselves.

By protecting endangered species, we truly are saving ourselves. We don’t know what unknown species are out there that might be useful in helping to treat diseases. Anyone who sees an endangered species knows how satisfying an experience this is, and to me, it also translates to a healthier mind and body.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI

The book that has c hanged the lives of millions Quality Paperback, only $12.50 Also available in eBook and audio editions

For more information, visit SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.

w w w .

y o g a n a n d a . o r g April 2021

39

natural pet

Feathered Friends The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

by Julie Peterson

Complex Commitment Birds follow only dogs and cats as the country’s favorite companion animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lovebirds, budgies and canaries have an average lifespan of eight or more years, but can live to be 20. Typically, larger birds live longer.

Because it’s common for birds to outlive their owners, the Avian Welfare Coalition, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, helps ensure these pets are included in wills and estate planning.

Birds need to chew, and if they play outside their cages, must be kept away from hazardous items. Besides droppings, birds also create dander and dust. “Cleaning her cage and the room is a two-hour project every week,” says Luther.

There’s also the potty mouth. Kata May learned some unsavory phrases from her previous owner. She sometimes screams, “Shut the hell up!” or, “Turn that #@%&ing thing up!” to get the TV at the desired volume.

Babette de Jongh, an animal communicator and romance author in Bay Minette, Alabama, once knew a bird that routinely screamed, “Fire!” resulting in 911 calls. “Birds can be loud,” says de Jongh. “They generally try to be louder than the ambient noise in the room.”

Luther agrees, saying, “You can hear my bird yell from a city block away.”

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Tampa Bay Edition

NATampa.com

Happy and Healthy Talking birds are delightful. Some mimic human language, others understand word meanings and use them appropriately.

“Birds are as intelligent as a young child and as emotionally temperamental as a toddler,” says Mary Miller, who has raised budgies and the small- to medium-sized parrots known as conures at her home in Buffalo and has worked with other birds in rescue facilities.

Luther agrees that birds don’t just mimic what they hear. “They understand like a 2- to 3-year-old child. When we are cooking dinner, she will ask, ‘For me?’ or, ‘Can I have some?’”

Kata May also articulates her fondness for the pizza delivery person with, “I love you!” Then, “Mmmmmm, thank you,” in anticipation of a treat.

Even without words, birds are excellent companions. “If raised correctly and interacted with on a regular basis, birds can be very affectionate. They are highly intelligent and social animals, so they form deep and lasting bonds with humans,” says de Jongh.

Nutrition is key to a raising a bird.

Leslie Moran, a Reno-based holistic animal nutrition and care consultant, is working to end avian malnutrition through the Healthy Bird Project, which conducts nutritional research on exotic species. Traditional grain and seed mixes lack essential nutrients and contribute to unbalanced protein intake for caged and companion birds. Moran’s goal is to

passakorn/AdobeStock.com

K

ata May is a 30-inch-tall, blue-andgold macaw. “It’s nice to come home and have a conversation with a snuggly bird,” says Joshua Luther, who took over care of the avian when he was 13 years old and she was 11. Now 17 years later, Kata May holds a commanding presence in Luther’s home in Columbus, Wisconsin.

“She’s set up where our dining room should be, so my wife and I can sit and talk or play with her.”

Luther notes that the cherished pet has a bit of a temper and can bend the bars on her $1,000 cage if she’s bored or angry. Considering the bird has a bite force of 1,800 pounds per square inch, it’s sensible to keep her happy, which could be for another 50 years.

image courtesy of Rosemary Wellner

Cappy, a 23-yearold white-eyed conure, resides in Mountainside, New Jersey, with his lifelong human companion, Rosemary Wellner.

move the food industry toward the inclusion of more wholesome choices. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at the grocery store, but parrots need specific, high- quality, tropical bird food, which can be hard to find,” says Luther.

Keeping a tropical animal healthy also requires bathing, temperature control, clean air and water, exercise and mental stimulation. Costs vary. Owning a small parakeet could include the purchase or adoption price ($12 to $65); cage ($30 and up); food; toys; and checkups (typically less than $200 a year). A large macaw might cost $500 to $5,000. Supplies, food and vet care could top $2,000 the first year.

Don’t Shop, Adopt Birds are available from breeders and pet stores, but there are many needing adoption. Sanctuaries struggle to care for animals with such long lifespans and complex needs, including diet, space, intellectual stimulation and emotional bonding. Lacking proper care, birds may develop mental illness and pluck out feathers or bite, but happy birds can be snuggly, social and fun.

Rosemary Wellner, of Mountainside, New Jersey, has owned parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds. Currently, she has two parrots, the oldest is 24. “Many people do not understand… but birds feel true attraction for their companions—and who doesn’t want to be loved?” she says.

Julie Peterson is a health and wellness writer. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

April 2021

41

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C O R P O R A T I O N

Visit KnoWEwell.com

Printed calendar is a gratis feature exclusively for advertisers who make this magazine possible. Non-advertisers are free to use the on-line calendar at NATampa.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 4

Easter Joy

\TUESDAY, APRIL 13 Create Your Ideal Healthy Body –7-8:30pm (4 Tuesdays). The Mind-Body Cohesion System, developed by Patricia V. Scott, PhD, combines Hypnosis, NLP & Pivotal Response Conditioning to create new healthy habits, confidence and exercise motivation while eliminating blocks and limiting beliefs.

Hypnotic process each class, handouts and hypnosis recording for reinforcement. $85 or $65 (UPHI Members). Register 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18 How to Un-Hypnotize & Re-Hypnotize Yourself – 1-4pm. Online class. Learn Self-Hypnosis techniques to use immediately to change unwanted past programming and reprogram yourself for positive behavioral, emotional and physical life goals. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Medical Hypnotherapist (since 1992) & Master Trainer of Hypnosis & NLP, facilitates this fun, fast-paced, interactive class. $35 or $25 (UPHI Members). Register: UPHypnosis@ outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.

Certified Metaphysical & Spiritual Counselor, Patti explains Regression & answers questions (3rd Weds. monthly/new topic). Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis@outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.

Virtual Earth Day – Enter a multi-lingual global education virtual summit entitled “Teach for the Planet”, spanning several time zones and featuring activists from around the world. EarthDay.org/ earth-day-2021.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22

gizele/AdobeStock.com

calendar of events

Virtual Earth Day – Noon (EST). Attend a multihour, multi-channel livestream including workshops, panel discussions and special performances focused on Earth Day’s 2021 theme, “Restore Our Earth”. EarthDay.org/earth-day-2021.

scripts & Certificate of Completion. 727-943-5003.

UPHypnosis.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 25 Hypnosis International Certification Early Registration Ends Today – Online training begins 6/13.

Receive two certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute. Due to Covid, training on Zoom (possible live days for “locals” in Dunedin, FL). Learn basic and advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts integration, NLP and more. Enroll by 5/25: $3095, $2895 (UPHI Members); After: $3395/$3095.

UPHypnosis.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13 Hypnosis International Certification Begins – Receive two certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute.

Due to Covid, training online Zoom (possible limited live days for “locals”, Dunedin, FL). Learn basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, time-line techniques, smoking cessation, weight/diet control, NLP & more. Enroll by 5/25: $3095, $2895 (UPHI Members); After: $3395/$3095. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

Acupuncture Basics for Physical, Mental & Emotional Health – 4:30pm. Facebook Live seminar, presented by Liana Kramer, DOM, Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, Largo. Facebook.com/ PeaksOfHealth.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Medical Hypnotherapy Specialty Training – 9am-6pm. May 19 & 20. Online Zoom training pre-conference at the IACT-IMDHA HypnoExpo.

Patricia V. Scott, PhD & Dr. Eric Rosen offer advanced Medical Hypnotherapy techniques, theory & practice. Prior hypnosis training and/or knowledge needed. $275/includes workbook, PowerPoints,

Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20 Virtual Earth Day – Attend a four-hour digital Global Youth Climate Summit with panels, speeches, discussion and special appearances by youth climate activists such as Greta Thunberg; followed by a four-hour Hip Hop Caucus, a youth-led virtual summit entitled “We Shall Breathe”. EarthDay.org/ earth-day-2021.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 Free Mini Webinar: Regression for Positive Change – 7:30-8:30pm. Live interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. Over 29 years of experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner, and

April 2021

43

community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide call 727.865.9339 or go to NATampa.com and request a media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com

Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. In-network with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

Natural Med Therapies Machelle Perkins, D.O.M. 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo 727-541-2211 NaturalMedTherapies.com

LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Minkoff Sue Morgan, APRN and Karima Redouan, APRN 301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment. See ad inside front cover.

Professional Herbalists Training Program Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857 AcuHerbals.com

Dr. Paula Giusto 310 South Brevard Ave., Tampa 813-253-2565 NaturalLivingChiropractic.org

Family chiropractic care, wellness care, nutritional counseling, neuromuscular massage therapy.

Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.

Orthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness 9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808 OrthoLiving.com.

We address the underlying root cause of disease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.

apothecary Six Oaks Wellness Apothecary Carolyn Zinober, LMT, Esthetician, Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo 727-501-1700

SixOaksWellness.com Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today!

See ad page 31.

National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more.

Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.

alternative medicine

Natural Living Chiropractic & wellness center

astrology Astrology for Your Soul

Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin 727-239-7179 AlunaMichaels.com Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner.

Over 25 years of experience.

Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”

chiropractic GENTLE TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Dr. Colette Cseszko 10575 68th Ave., Seminole 727-235-3265 Gentle-Chiro.com

The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism.

Many open classes. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards.

See ad page 16.

Spa-like wellness center offering chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy modalities. 18+ years’ experience in treatment of spine-related conditions, including tailbone misalignments, chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, piriformis issues and upper cervical disorders.

On site X-ray. See ad page 6.

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NATampa.com

colon Hydrotherapy RENEW LIFE

Bonnie Barrett 28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227 RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802 MM35406

25 years experience. Expert in colon hydrotherapy using pressure points, abdominal massage, essential oils, and lymphatic drainage. All disposable tubing used. Very comfortable and relaxing room with private bathroom.

See ad page 6.

dentists Beata carlson, DDS

1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523 NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges.

Be pampered in our Spa-like atmosphere. See ad back cover.

Carlo Litano, DMD

Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, 33782 727-300-0044 Natural-Smiles.com Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation.

See ad page 7.

To Advertise in the Resource Guide, email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com or call 727.865.9339.

paul t. rodeghero, dds

Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363 MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3 & 4.

Robert J. Yu, DMD

Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg 727-384-9122 TBPerio.com

The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/ zirconia non-metal implants.

State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions.

See ad page 10.

hypnosis

integrative medicine Christie MD Functional & Aesthetic Medicine Dr. Heather Christie 2837 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg 727-220-9080 ChristieMDfam.com

See ad page 14.

Functional, Aesthetic and Intravenous Medicine. Offering hormone therapy; nutritional evaluation and therapy; fatigue and stress management; detoxification; diabetes; cardiovascular diseases; weight control; aesthetics. Outof-Network Provider.

Professional Hypnosis & NLP Certification Training, Weekly classes & Private sessions (Smoking, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs.

See ad page 25.

INTUITIVE HEALING

Integrative Therapeutics Dr. Prudhvi Karumanchi 8320 Stone Run Ct., Tampa 33615 813-322-6171 IntTherapeutics.com

Committed to finding the root cause, Holistic MD offers: IV Nutrition, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-ofNetwork Provider.

Mind Body spirit Care

Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted.

SolGarden Holistic Therapy, LLC Ellen Mooney, Reiki Master 727-754-4340 EllenMooney7@gmail.com SolGardenHolistic.com

Relax, de-stress and come back to the peace of your Soul with Guided Meditations, Intuitive Healing or Usui Reiki sessions by phone and in-person. With over 25 years’ experience and training, I will help you release energy clutter and shift you to your true light-filled self. Gift Certificates available.

Dr. Les Cole Kathie Gonzales, ARNP 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg 727-202-6807 StPetehw.com AwakeningWellness.org Functional, Regenerative, Integrative & Preventative Medicine.

Treating Thyroid, Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer Support, Natural Hormone Replacement, Stem Cells, Exosomes, PRP and Joint Rejuvenation, IV Nutritional Therapy. See ad page 21.

Success by design

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES HYPNOSIS, INC.

Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003 UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com

St. Petersburg Health & Wellness

Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center Tracie Leonhardt, DO 1120 Belcher Rd. S., Ste. 2, Largo 727-826-0838 PeaksOfHealth.com

Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual patient.

Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad pages 11 and 47.

9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 PoundsAwayTampaBay.com A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 9.

Young Foundational Health Center John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600 YoungFoundationalHealth.com

Author of Beyond Treatment.

Creator of Young Health Products. Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases. Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone. Special Testing and Nutritional Education.

See ad page 5.

reiki Masters’ Dojo

Shihan Lynn Montana Freemãn Lithia 267-474-4717 LynnMontanaf@aol.com Shihando Reiki Master; 30 years’ experience. Private and group training. Beautiful crystals, candles, incense, books and giftables.

Private healing sessions and shopping by appointment only.

April 2021

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thermography

spiritual intuitive

GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY

Lisa Miliaresis

Extreme Communication 727-239-0656 Lisa@2Communicate.net 2Communicate.net Lisa offers private individual and group channeling sessions, as well as private counseling sessions for those looking for direction in developing their own personal practice.

John D. Bartone MD Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100 GreenPointThermography.com

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater 727-510-3665 HealthyPawsibilities.com.

Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.

Medicine River Animal Hospital florida medical Thermography

Private sessions using various healing, clearing & spiritual modalities. Akashic Records, Intuitive Medium, Astrologer, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/ Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/Mentor & more. See website.

Healthy PAWsibilities Natural Pet Wellness Center

The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay - serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology.

See ad page 10.

UniverSoulLight Consulting Rev. Amanda Segovia, Reiki Master, Certified SRT Personal Consultant UniverSoulLight.com UniverSoulLight@gmail.com

veterinarian

June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Shawna L. Green, DVM 13495 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach 727-299-9029 MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography!

Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

See ad page 25.

Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.

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