Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay October 2025 Edition

Rewiring the Brain

To Harness the Power of Neuroplasticity

Building Balance

How Resistance Exercises

Benefit Women in Midlife

Pet Care Made Easier

Smart Devices That Enhance Safety and Well-Being

Eating for Brain Longevity

Foods To Enjoy and Avoid

Brain Gain

TAMPA BAY EDITION

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Publisher’s Letter

As October arrives and festive decorations appear, the team wishes readers a Happy Halloween and invites them to explore timely topics that support both body and mind. This month’s issue highlights the extraordinary ability of the human brain to adapt.

In Rewiring the Brain, readers discover how to harness the power of neuroplasticity—practical steps to reshape thought patterns, strengthen memory, and build resilience at any stage of life.

Wellness continues at the table in Eating for Brain Longevity, where experts outline foods to embrace, such as leafy greens, nuts and omega-rich fish, alongside items best avoided to preserve clarity and energy. It’s a guide that blends science with simple choices, showing how every bite can be a step toward sharper living.

For those navigating midlife, Building Balance explores how resistance exercises can enhance stability, strength and confidence. Especially for women, these workouts guard against bone loss while fostering a renewed sense of vitality.

Finally, even furry friends benefit from innovation. In Pet Care Made Easier, readers learn how smart devices—from feeders to safety trackers—are elevating the well-being of beloved companions. Together, these features celebrate growth, health and connection—just in time for the spirited joy of Halloween.

As always, with an open heart and mind, read on.

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Tampa Bay Veg Fest Offers

Healthy Food & Family Fun

The

13th annual Tampa Bay Veg Fest, the area’s premier vegan festival, will be back, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on November 9, in downtown Tampa. Veg Fest is a free event featuring guest speakers, cooking demos, yoga classes, healthy living and eco-friendly vendors, exhibits by nonprofits, a children’s area, live music and animal adoptions. Leashed companion animals are welcome.

No vegan festival would be complete without food and there will be plenty from which to choose. After whetting their appetites at the product sample tables and cooking demos, visitors can fill up on delicious offerings from more than 40 local restaurants, vendors and food trucks.

Veg Fest will take place at one of Tampa’s most cherished city spaces—Perry Harvey Sr. Park. More than 8,000 people are expected to be in attendance. Veg Fest is presented by Florida Voices for Animals, a Tampa Bay-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal advocacy organization.

Location: 1000 E. Harrison St., Tampa. For more information, call 727-656-8368, email Info@TampaBayVegFest.org or visit TampaBayVegFest.com or Facebook.com/TBVegFest. See ad, page 27.

Roma

Holistic Health is introducing The Flex Collective@Roma a new initiative designed to support health care providers and holistic practitioners while offering a nurturing space for clients.

The Flex Collective provides a simple, flexible membership that allows practitioners to reserve private rooms on a month-tomonth basis. It serves as a professional home without the burden of long-term leases, making it easier and more fulfilling to practice.

Clients benefit from on-site parking, a welcoming reception area, and the calming atmosphere of a dedicated relaxation and meditation room. Practitioners enjoy additional amenities, including a private bathroom and a staff break room for their comfort.

More than just a workspace, The Flex Collective fosters community. Members have opportunities to connect with other practitioners, be featured on Roma Holistic Health’s website, and access optional marketing resources to grow their practices.

With its emphasis on flexibility, support and collaboration, The Flex Collective@Roma creates an environment where healing professionals—and their clients—can thrive.

Location: Roma Holistic Health, 6161 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N., Ste. 100, St. Petersburg. Call 727-692-7154 or visit RomaHolisticHealth.com. See ad, page 10.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Infant Health

A study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology highlights the powerful role breastfeeding plays in building a healthy gut microbiome in infants. Although infants cannot digest human milk oligosaccharides, these components nourish beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium infantis, a species that reduces inflammation and supports immune development.

Breast milk also contains secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), an antibody that blocks harmful bacteria and viruses from attaching to the gut lining, and reduces inflammation in infants. Higher SIgA intake in infancy leads to healthier immune patterns and may provide better protection against allergies and infections. Breast milk also includes living bacteria and other bioactive molecules that contribute to the early seeding of the gut, helping to set the stage for the infant’s future microbiome.

Laboratory Tests for Holistic Health

The rise of functional medicine, integrative medicine and other forms of holistic health care has increased the demand for specialized laboratory testing. According to the National Institutes of Health, 37 percent of American adults use at least one complementary or integrative health approach.

To meet this demand, Labcorp has launched a new specialized testing panel to help providers identify underlying imbalances and support preventive care strategies. This panel includes an advanced cardiometabolic biomarker panel; a comprehensive nutrient panel; a longevity and vitality panel analyzing 71 biomarkers related to aging, inflammation and organ function; men’s and women’s comprehensive hormone panels focused on reproductive and endocrine health; and men’s and women’s whole-body wellness panels with more than 75 biomarkers related to various bodily systems.

The new service enables testing of more than 1,000 biomarkers, providing insights into a patient’s health, from heart function

Curcumin’s Potential To Revolutionize Cataract Care

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness, occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy due to free radical damage. Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce their harm. A systematic review published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine evaluated whether curcumin could prevent or treat cataracts.

The researchers analyzed 17 animal and/or lab-grown cell studies, demonstrating that curcumin prevented or slowed cataract formation by reducing damage to fats in cells and boosting antioxidant enzymes that protect the eye.

Despite these findings, the researchers noted that human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits before curcumin can be recommended as a treatment. Additionally, improving curcumin’s absorption, or bioavailability, is crucial to make it effective as medicine.

and hormonal balance to micronutrient levels and overall wellness. In addition, Labcorp Whole Health Solutions offers healthcare providers consultation services, digital test ordering, tools to interpret results, and analytics to identify high-risk patients and improve healthcare delivery.

eli_asenova from Getty Images Signature/ CanvaPro

Ear Acupressure for Sexual Dysfunction

Auricular acupressure uses vaccaria seeds on specific ear points taped in place and periodically rubbed in a circular motion to stimulate them. A study in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine investigated whether this type of acupressure could help improve sexual function in postmenopausal women.

When the ovaries stop producing hormones like estrogen, mood, sleep and sexual desire may suffer. Low libido, vaginal dryness or pain during sex affects nearly half of postmenopausal women.

In a controlled, randomized, tripleblind trial with 90 Iranian women, half received ear acupressure and the other half received a placebo treatment for 10 sessions over five weeks. Researchers applied the seeds to ear acupoints linked to sexual function.

Participants completed questionnaires about their sexual function, desire and satisfaction before and after the treatments. The acupressure group reported significantly improved sexual functioning and less distress compared to those in the placebo group, with benefits lasting up to two months after treatment.

The Role of Insurance in Chronic Pain Management

Joint, limb, back, abdominal and bowel pain are the most common types of chronic pain. A study published in The Journal of Pain analyzed treatment data from more than 4.8 million chronic-pain patients with commercial or Medicaid insurance. The researchers found that while the types and frequencies of pain were similar across insurance groups, treatments differed significantly.

Commercially insured patients were more likely to receive restorative and complementary treatments than those with Medicaid. For example, physical therapy was provided to 9 percent of Medicaid-insured patients, compared to 31.1 percent of commercially insured patients. Chiropractic care was accessed by 19.2 percent of Medicaid-insured patients and 38.6 percent of commercially insured patients.

Commercially insured patients also received care more quickly, with wait times from diagnosis to treatment being 50 days shorter for restorative therapy. Medicaid patients were more likely to rely on prescription pain medications, with 81.6 percent having at least one prescription, versus 65.6 percent of commercially insured patients. Commercially insured patients accessed outpatient specialist care more frequently and used multiple non-medication treatments.

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The Force Behind Giant Hail

Hailstorms cause more than $10 billion annually in property damage, injuries and fatalities. In 2024, State Farm paid more than $3.8 billion for home repairs and $1.2 billion for auto repairs due to hailstorms nationwide. In 2022, a storm in Spain produced hail nearly five inches in diameter, injuring 70 people, killing a child and damaging buildings.

Hail forms in a thunderstorm when warm air rises, carrying raindrops into the cold atmosphere where they freeze and then fall at sizes ranging from tiny chips to baseballs or larger, depending on the rain amount, updraft strength and duration, as well as how long the ice remains suspended.

Research published in Nature in 2024 indicates that while climate warming may reduce hailstorm frequency, hail size is expected to increase due to stronger updrafts. The National Science Foundation funded a study this summer to understand hailstone growth and the forces affecting their fall, aiming to improve meteorologists’ ability to predict significant hailstorms.

Innovative Office Lights Lure Remote Workers

Companies are enhancing office lighting to attract remote workers back. Circadian lighting aligns with our biological clocks, regulating melatonin and serotonin levels by mimicking the sun’s pattern—increasing intensity until midday, then dimming in the afternoon, with color temperature shifts from cooler to warmer to cooler.

Artificial windows and skylights, preprogrammed to replicate outdoor conditions, provide virtual sunlight and moonlight to offices obstructed by other buildings or the floor above. Some companies offer cordless rechargeable lamps to bring a home-like vibe to individual workspaces. Others allow employees to use a remote control to adjust lighting intensity, color and aspects of

Shade Investments for a Cooler Future

A shade map produced by the University of California, Los Angeles, and American Forests reveals a critical shade shortage in the United States. This map, covering more than 360 cities and towns, highlights where shade from buildings and vegetation is present. City planners can use the interactive tool to strategically place shade trees to mitigate rising temperatures. A 2020 study published in GeoHealth found that extreme heat contributes to 12,000 premature deaths annually in the U.S., a number that could rise to 50,000 under moderate warming scenarios.

The map illustrates how investments in shade may impact temperatures at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in specific locations. Trees deliver 25 times more shade than buildings at noon, demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing extreme heat. The map’s creators also offer real-world examples of the benefits of shade coverage, such as on school routes in Austin, Texas, public transit stops in Detroit, Michigan, and public parks in Phoenix, Arizona.

phototherapy, a treatment designed to boost mood and well-being. Lighting options also enable employees to optimize their appearance on video conferences by dimming overhead lights and darkening room edges.

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Gene Technology Against Malaria

Each year, 263 million people contract malaria and 600,000 die from it worldwide. Malaria spreads when an infected mosquito bites a person. Researchers have discovered a method to alter an amino acid in the mosquitoes, preventing the disease from reaching their salivary glands, the site of transmission. Their report in Nature details the use of CRISPR gene editing to modify the mosquito’s genome, changing the amino acid.

This genome change can then be disseminated through the mosquito population using a gene drive, which ensures that a specific mutation or gene is inherited by all offspring. Gene drive technology is controversial due to potential unforeseen negative impacts. A minor genomic change could lead to mutations in other parts of the genome, causing unintended changes that might disrupt the ecosystem’s balance.

The researchers hope to release these engineered mosquitoes into the wild and eventually eliminate the transmission of malaria. However, it will take several years before this technique is ready for field testing, which requires community and government approval.

The Changing Course of Whale Migration

Great whales such as the humpback capture 33 tons of carbon annually each, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Their nutrient-rich waste supports other ocean species, making their protection essential for biodiversity and the planet.

McGill University, in Quebec, Canada, conducted research on humpback whales, published in Scientific Reports, noting that rising ocean temperatures are disrupting their migration patterns. After analyzing eight years of satellite tracking data of 42 humpback whales in the southeastern Pacific, the researchers discovered that the whales depend on local environmental cues and longterm memories to decide when to migrate.

Each year, they travel thousands of miles from Central American waters to Antarctica, aligning with the annual sea ice melt that triggers the krill bloom. The researchers are uncertain if humpback whales will continue this timely journey in a rapidly changing climate. Professor Virginie Millien, the study’s lead author, states, “We don't know how long they’ll be able to keep up. … At some point, their memory-based strategy may no longer work.”

witsawat sananrum from Getty Images/CanvaPro dlrz4114 from Getty

Sustainable Halloween Costumes

Dressing up for Halloween is a fun way for kids and adults to express themselves, try on new personalities or celebrate their favorite movie characters, but the merriment may come with a hefty environmental price tag. Too many of us buy ready-made, fast-fashion costumes, wear them once and throw them away. Store-bought costumes tend to be made with unsustainable materials such as plastic and polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, causing harmful microplastics to enter our waterways.

The eco-friendly alternative is to create a costume from items we already have or will use again. That means ditching the plastic, glitter and chemical-laden makeup. It is an opportunity to dial up our creativity and do-it-yourself spirit.

• Check the closet, thrift stores and online marketplaces. Outgrown clothes can be repurposed for a unique boho or witchy look. Layer items in unexpected combinations to make everyday garments take on new personalities. Mix colors. Add a vest. Tie a scarf around the head. Wear multiple hats and mismatched belts.

• Go natural for makeup or effects. Choose eco-friendly paints or natural dyes, including black tea, coffee, turmeric and paprika to color fabrics or decorate handmade, creative costumes. For witchy green skin, slather on a face mask. For rosy cheeks and lips, use a slice of beet to stain the skin. Blend vibrant, shimmery mineral powders for eyes, face or lips. Use eco-friendly face paint kits, such as those available at NaturalEarthPaint.com.

• Use household items. Cardboard boxes embellished with foil scraps and reused lids make great robots, astronauts or knights in armor. A white sheet with cut-out eyes is the quintessential ghost. Blankets and shower curtains can be fashioned into superhero capes.

• Swap or borrow. Get together with family and friends and choose from a pile of costumes from years gone by. Have fun tweaking them and making them new again.

• Handcraft a mask. Gather leaves, flowers, pinecones, feathers, acorns and other natural specimens, as well as paper bags, recycled paper, felt fabric and cardboard. Make a sturdy shape for the base of the mask and cut out an oval for the eyes, then glue the decorative elements. This is a great craft project for kids.

Eco-Friendly Costume Ideas

• Garden or Forest Fairy: Wear practice clothing from dance class and layer it with colorful scarves, fake plants, leaves and flowers. Cut wings out of poster board.

• Mother Nature: Wear something green and make a crown from pinecones, sticks or leaves.

• Bat or Owl: Make wings from an old umbrella and use fabric scraps for feathers.

The Importance of Iodine in Gum Health

When most people think of iodine, they associate it with thyroid health—and for good reason. Iodine is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones. Without adequate iodine, the thyroid gland may become underactive, leading to a condition known as hypothyroidism. This can result in fatigue, weight gain, and even complications with oral health, such as dry mouth and increased risk of gum disease. However, iodine’s impact on oral health extends beyond its connection to thyroid function.

Iodine, as listed on the periodic table, is a chemical element. But the form that offers the most benefit for oral health is molecular iodine (I₂), which consists of two iodine atoms bonded together. Interestingly, this molecular form does not naturally occur in the environment—it must be synthesized. Despite being used in very low concentrations, molecular iodine is remarkably effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even spores.

In recent years, molecular iodine has gained recognition as a powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. It is often formulated as a clear, non-staining mouthwash, making it both practical and appealing for daily use.

Unlike traditional antibiotics or antiseptics, molecular iodine does not contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains. This makes it a safe and sustainable option for long-term oral care.

One of the most compelling benefits of molecular iodine is its ability to rapidly eliminate the bacteria responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. When used as a rinse or added to a Waterpik Water Flosser, it delivers targeted antimicrobial action directly to the gum line and between teeth— areas that are often difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone. This simple addition to your hygiene routine can significantly reduce inflammation, bleeding gums, and plaque buildup.

Of course, molecular iodine is not a substitute for foundational oral hygiene practices. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash remain essential habits for maintaining a healthy mouth. Molecular iodine simply enhances these efforts, offering an extra layer of protection against harmful microbes.

Many periodontists now offer molecular iodine products in their offices, recognizing its value in both preventive care and active treatment plans. If you’re considering incorporating iodine-based rinses

into your routine, it’s important to consult with your dental provider first. They can help determine whether it’s appropriate for your specific needs and guide you on proper usage. By integrating molecular iodine into your dental care regimen, you’re taking a scientifically backed step toward healthier gums, stronger teeth, and a more confident smile.

Tampa Bay Dental Implants and Periodontics is located at 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 727-384-9122 or visit tbPerio.com. See ad page 9.

Activating Neuroplasticity

The Brain's Ultimate Rewind Button

by Hannah Tytus

The brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself by strengthening, rerouting or growing new connections in response to learning, experience or injury. This continuous reshaping is known as neuroplasticity. The changes can be positive, such as regaining movement or speech after a stroke or learning a new skill. Sometimes they are neutral, and other times they can be harmful when maladaptive patterns reinforce chronic pain or anxiety. Fortunately, the brain can grow and adapt at any age, and there are many ways to help it thrive. Nourishing foods, mindful movement, meditation, social

connection, clean air and restful sleep are everyday choices that can nurture the brain in powerful ways.

Neuroplasticity Across the Lifespan

It has long been believed that children’s brains are more malleable as they grow, and that once they reach adulthood, the brain stops evolving. But new research suggests that this may not be the full story. While the brains of developing children are certainly very adaptable, the adult brain is far from fixed.

A variety of influences, including stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, medications, environmental stimulation, learning and aging, can reshape how brain cells are built and function. These factors may trigger changes in the size or structure of brain regions, shift the brain’s chemical makeup, alter the shape of individual neurons and even rewire networks of connections, sparking the growth of new neurons in a process called neurogenesis.

Scientists have long known that injuries, chronic stress and the natural process of aging can take a toll on the brain. Yet, new discoveries in neuroscience and integrative medicine point to the remarkable potential for repair and renewal at every phase of life.

Healthy Fats

“Nutrition is the foundation of everything in health. You can’t build anything in the body without good food,” says Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist, researcher and author of Dementia Demystified: The Definitive Guide to Resurrecting Your Brain, Reversing Cognitive Decline and Regaining Your Memory. Contrary to decades of marketing campaigns for low-fat and fat-free diets, Toups explains, healthy fats are essential for brain health. The spongy white and grey matter of the brain, where all the thinking and messaging happens, is made primarily of fat.

Found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in walnuts and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are some of the healthiest fats, increasing blood flow in the brain and nourishing its physical structures to help improve learning, memory and cognitive well-being.

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Mindful Movement

“The most validated ways to support neuroplasticity are exercise and meditation— and both are free,” says Toups. Exercise is well-known to protect the brain and boost thinking skills. One way it may do this is by supporting the growth of new neurons and strengthening connections within the

hippocampus, an area in the brain involved in the formation of fresh memories and the recall of past experiences. A 2017 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that regular exercise significantly increased hippocampus volume, while nonactive participants showed a shrinking hippocampus.

In addition to strength and cardio training, exercise that incorporates mindful and creative components may enrich the benefits. Engaging the body and mind at the same time can strengthen neural networks and support long-term cognitive function. Long walks, yoga classes or playful sessions with the kids or grandchildren are excellent ways to support the link between body and brain. Studies show that tai chi, a mindful movement practice, may be even more effective than regular exercise in protecting cognitive function because it increases brain activation in regions associated with motor function and focus, and is accessible to those with mobility limitations.

Daily Meditation

A regular mindfulness practice supports neuroplasticity, making it easier to regulate emotions and handle stress. A 2024 review found that regular meditation can physically reshape the brain, strengthening areas tied to focus, emotional control and selfawareness. One reason for this is meditation’s effect on a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule acts like fertilizer for brain cells, helping them grow, form new connections and remain healthy. Meditation increases BDNF, and higher levels of BDNF are linked not only to sharper learning and memory, but also to longer lasting brain health.

Additional research has demonstrated that even a short daily meditation session can increase gray matter density in regions tied to learning, memory and emotional regulation. Over time, these changes help reduce stress reactivity and support long-term resilience. Even if formal seated meditation is not feasible, simple mindful presence can help. “I try to tell people to find small moments to come into their body, come into the moment and be

present,” Toups advises. “You can do that by washing the dishes. You don’t need to sit in lotus position and chant for an hour.”

Creative Activities

“Every time you learn something new or do a novel task, you are promoting neuroplasticity,” explains Toups. Learning new skills, from juggling to speaking a new language, produces measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in brain matter volume. These changes can occur in both early-learning phases and longterm practice, underscoring the brain’s capacity for adaptation throughout life.

Making music and dancing can strengthen connections in the brain; even the act of listening to music has been shown to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Toups recommends rocking out to a favorite song in the kitchen and choreographing a few dance moves.

Restorative Sleep

Rapid eye movement (REM), a stage of sleep marked by increased brain activity and vivid dreaming, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. During REM, the brain actively prunes unhelpful neural connections and reinforces others, supporting brain development, the learning of new skills and memory improvement.

To support consistent REM sleep, aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye and try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. A good night’s rest after learning a new skill or information can help that lesson integrate into the brain, supporting behavioral change.

Clean Air

Keeping the air in the home clean is important for overall brain health. Research suggests that mold toxicity may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, after researchers discovered traces of fungi inside the central nervous system of many Alzheimer’s patients—an infection that was absent in healthy individuals. Mold

toxicity in the home can elicit an immune response and harm the brain. For example, a 2020 study found that black mold inhalation can cause inflammation in the hippocampus and reduce neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells.

Practicing clean air habits can help assuage the risks of mold exposure at home. These include investing in an air purifier, ventilating regularly by opening windows, using exhaust fans and maintaining household ducts. Mold concerns can be investigated with a simple at-home testing kit, followed by professional testing and remediation, if needed.

Light Therapy

“Photobiomodulation is a powerful way to create neuroplasticity, both quickly and over the long term,” says Dr. Lew Lim, founder of the Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) device, which has been studied in collaboration with universities and medical institutions, including the University of Toronto, Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital.

PBM, also called light therapy, uses gentle red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, boost the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria, improve blood flow and calm inflammation. “When we activate the mitochondria with PBM, the mitochondria actually release growth factors, which support growth of new cells in the brain,” Lim explains.

According to Lim, PBM may help the brain protect and repair its neurons, encourage the growth of new connections and support the clearing of harmful waste proteins linked to cognitive decline. He asserts that certain light pulse frequencies, such as 40 hertz, may also help tune brainwave patterns that are important for memory and learning. While most research so far has been in small human studies or animal models, the results suggest that regular PBM could strengthen the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself. Some

people use PBM as part of a daily routine to keep their minds sharp, while others use it to heal from more serious brain injuries.

Finding Community

Research shows that staying connected to others offers powerful protection for the brain. Older adults that feel lonely or spend long stretches without social contact face about a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, even when other health factors are taken into account. One long-term study found that memory and thinking skills declined 20 percent faster in those that reported feeling lonely.

Being socially active can help guard the brain against decline. For 25 years, the Northwestern University SuperAging Program has studied people in their 80s and beyond with nimble minds that work as well as people decades younger. Brain scans show that these study participants called SuperAgers do not exhibit the usual thinning of the brain’s outer layer normally seen with age, and one key area involved in attention and decision-making is thicker than even in middle-aged adults.

Under the microscope, SuperAger brain cells are larger, better connected and show fewer signs of Alzheimer’s damage or inflammation. These resilient individuals tend

to be very social, valuing close relationships and staying engaged with others—habits that may work hand-in-hand with their unusually healthy brain structures to help protect thinking skills late in life.

Even a weekly coffee with a friend or joining a class can be powerful brain fuel. People with rich social lives, including those that regularly share time with friends, family and communities, tend to keep their minds sharper for longer.

An Evolving Brain

The brain is never truly fixed. It is a living, adapting system that can grow stronger, sharper and more resilient at any age, and we can guide those changes. Whether through movement, nutrition, light therapy, meditation or meaningful connection, every choice we make can help shape and rewire the mind for the better. The science is clear: it is never too late to nurture the brain’s potential. Embrace neuroplasticity as a lifelong journey and let each new day be an opportunity to learn, adapt and thrive.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and former writer at the National Institutes of Health. She also hosts “Root Shock”, a podcast exploring how cultural and systemic forces shape our understanding of health.

Alex Green from Pexels/CanvaPro

The Art of Letting Go

by Marlaina Donato

Watching the days shorten at this time of year can tug at our heartstrings. Even within the delightful blush of an apple lies an undeniable wistfulness. And although summer must surrender to autumn, each falling leaf signals an opportunity to let go of a burden we’ve outgrown—a home, a relationship, a dream or a particular version of ourselves.

No matter which side of a goodbye we happen to be on, leaving can be painful. Just as the green meadow goes to seed, so does what we hold precious, but a spark of life remains in each fading blade of grass. Endings can also be blessings, even if it takes months or years before their gifts become known.

Each chapter of the year offers its own delights and wisdom, but it is our human tendency to clutch each hour for as long as possible.

We can miss a harvest of joys when we only wish to taste the fruits of another season. For the ancient Celtic people, the holy time of Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the start of a new year. It was deemed a mystical time when the veil between the dead and the living grew thin, as well as an invitation to revel in some magic.

Perhaps this year we can grieve the bright transience of summer while gathering our spiritual stores. Perhaps we can relish autumn’s sweetness despite the dance of decay, inviting a new chapter, a new mindset, as nature takes back its own.

Some rites of passage for inspiration:

• Gather a small handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Take each seed in hand and name something that has been lost or relinquished. Place them beneath a tree or bury them underground, inviting a new year of blessings.

• Taking inspiration from the Celts, host a Samhain celebration on Halloween night commemorating the end of summer and the beginning of winter while setting a plate and chair in honor of a loved one that has passed.

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

Frederick “Ted” Carrick

on The Transformative Power of Functional Neurology

by Sandra Yeyati

Dr. Frederick (Ted) Carrick is recognized as the founder of functional neurology, with nearly five decades of research and clinical practice. He established the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, offering more than 100 courses and a master’s degree in clinical neuroscience, with a global presence in 13 countries.

With about 100 peer-reviewed, published studies to his credit, Carrick is a senior research fellow at the Centre for Mental Health Research in association with the University of Cambridge, in the UK. He is a full professor of neurology at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine and an adjunct professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, in Boston.

His work has been featured in print and television, including PBS and ABC News Nightline documentaries. Carrick holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, a Ph.D. in education from Walden University and a master of science in health professions education from both the Harvard Macy Institute and MGH Institute of Health Professions. He remains dedicated to patient care, offering in-person and virtual consultations worldwide.

What is functional neurology?

It is an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary approach that enhances human function through the nervous system, regardless of diseases or disorders. My rehabilitation protocols focus on movement of the head, neck, trunk, extremities and eyes to activate different areas of the nervous system and restore function. These protocols are applied only after a comprehensive neurological examination and testing.

How does this treatment work?

Intentionally moving your right arm is a consequence of the interaction of your brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles and joints. When you move your arm, muscle and joint receptors provide feedback to the brain, while the brain sends motor commands in a feedforward mechanism. The brain also sends out what we call efferent copies of that motor command to other areas of the body, such as the core muscles or the back, to steady yourself so that the lever forces of the arm don’t hurt your back.

Functional neurologists work to increase muscle activity when there is weakness and to reduce muscle activation when it is excessive, as in seizures, epilepsy, dystonia and movement disorders. They also treat neurodegenerative syndromes, memory problems, concussions and neurological issues related to digestion.

What tactics do you employ to improve function?

The Carrick Institute is renowned for therapies that enhance the performance of professional athletes and Olympians, not just in injury recovery, but also in functional improvement. For elite runners, we boost race speed with tailored eye exercises developed over four decades, including fast and slow eye movements in different directions, focusing on individual nervous system needs. Using this technology, we can increase the speed of swimmers,

Courtesy Frederick "Ted" Carrick

improve the agility of skiers, increase the number of baskets a person can make and the list goes on.

Beyond athletes, our methods can help the average person walk better and safer by addressing falls, a leading cause of accidental death. We’ve developed movement strategies to enhance balance and stance using advanced tools to measure various factors. For instance, in Parkinson’s patients, we address postural misalignment by improving visual feedback. Our expertise in balance, gait and running parameters is well-established, with extensive published research.

What other treatments do you employ besides eye exercises?

Eye and head movements are central to what we do, but they are usually not done in isolation of other things. For a balance exercise, we might use a pole like a tightrope walker’s. We adjust arm swing ratios,

foot placement and hip rotation. Additionally, we employ electrical stimulation and physical therapy, which are beneficial for stroke survivors.

Are positive results long-lasting?

Our goal is to make patients autonomous so they don’t have to come back to see us. We give patients lifestyle changes, exercises and regimens that they can do on their own. Those who adhere to these strategies generally do well long-term. However, many people stop exercising and start getting symptoms again, so they have to come back in.

Who should consult with a specialist in functional neurology?

Conditions that have symptoms typically bring a patient to the functional neurologist. If severe migraines disrupt your daily tasks, if you struggle with basic activities like using a knife and fork to cut your food,

or if your head injury affects your vision or memory, consult a functional neurologist. However, many neurological conditions do not have recognizable symptoms but still need to be addressed. I think everyone should visit a functional neurologist annually to ensure optimal functioning. Many discover imbalances, such as uneven hand movement or poor memory.

We treat all ages. Many younger patients are suffering from accidents like motorcycle falls or sports injuries, while older patients face neurodegenerative issues. We also assist kids with learning and developmental challenges.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL. com/CarrickWW or scan the QR code.

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Feeding Our Brain Power

What To Eat for Mental Acuity

by Maya Whitman

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 10 adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. A 2022 study in JAMA Neurology indicates that 22 percent of adults over age 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Our dietary choices significantly impact brain longevity, and what we avoid is equally important.

The late pioneering researcher Dr. Martha Clare Morris developed the MIND Diet, which merges the Mediterranean and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diets to enhance cognitive

function with plenty of delicious versatility. A 2015 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that strict adherence to the MIND Diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53 percent, while moderate adherence can lower it by 35 percent.

The MIND Diet is a stress-free, lifelong plan with bountiful menu options, including fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, whole grains, legumes and highquality olive oil. It accommodates glutenfree and plant-based preferences. With satiating breakfast options like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs, spicy chili for lunch and fun dinner burrito bowls, this diet is flexible and beginner-friendly,

allowing for moderate consumption of pasta, potatoes and bread, with a focus on whole-grain, complex carbohydrates over refined ones. It also recommends oven roasting instead of high-heat frying.

A Lifelong Investment

“You can never be too young to embrace brain-healthy dietary strategies in support of longevity. Early adoption of brain-healthy eating habits may also enhance cognitive reserve, strengthening the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage over time,” says neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, founder and CEO of the Willeumier Center for Advanced Research in Neurotrauma & Brain Rehabilitation, in California.

Embracing variety is important. “I like to have people think of brain-healthy food groups, not superfoods,” states Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the Brain Health Kitchen and author of The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food. Fenn notes that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men “for reasons that have nothing to do with living longer. Alzheimer’s can start in the brain up to 30 years before the first symptoms. It’s never too early or too late. Data shows that switching to a brain-healthy diet can have benefits even in one’s 70s.”

The Link Neuroscience Institute, in California, recommends eating more colorful berries, fatty fish such as sardines, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of high-quality dark chocolate to protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as mood disorders, including long-term depression. They also advise against consuming processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and sodium.

Cutting Out the Culprits

According to Willeumier, even a modest reduction in the intake of processed foods, including packaged products, sweetened cereals, deli meats and sugary beverages,

can have a positive impact on brain health. She recommends the complete elimination of alcoholic beverages. “Neuroimaging studies, including the Whitehall II Study, which followed 550 participants over a 30-year period tracking alcohol intake and cognitive performance, suggest that there is no protective effect of alcohol on the brain, even from light drinking. Eliminate alcohol for the preservation of your long-term brain health.”

Certain foods accelerate brain aging, and Fenn recommends limiting or eliminating fast and fried foods, sugar, artificially sweetened drinks, ultra-processed products and foods that are excessively high in saturated fat like butter and some cheeses. Certain cooking techniques are also problematic. “Frying, searing and grilling directly over high heat creates inflammatory particles called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,” explains Fenn. “Think low-and-slow when you cook—low heat, slow cooking, braising, poaching, steaming and indirect grilling.”

Willeumier notes that these healthy eating habits can have an immediate effect on brain function by influencing neurotransmitter production, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and improving cerebral blood flow, all of which can also help us to live longer, maintain our focus and thinking skills, and feel happier.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

NARRATED BY

MICHAEL BUBLÉ

"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."

- Michael Bublé

Dr. Dale Bredesen

GREEN JUICE: MORNING HYDRATION BRAIN BOOST

YIELD: 1 SERVING

4 to 5 stalks of celery

½ to 1 whole cucumber, peeled

½ cup Italian parsley

½ cup baby spinach

2 to 3 stalks of red kale or Pacific kale

½ to 1 whole green apple, peeled and cored

Mix all ingredients together in a juicer or blender and enjoy.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Kristen Willeumier.

SALMON AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

2 wild-caught salmon fillets

1 lb fresh asparagus, washed

2 Roma tomatoes

1 avocado, sliced

1 head butter lettuce, divided in half

½ lemon, sliced in two

Preheat the oven to 400° F.

1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped

1 Tbsp fresh or dried thyme leaves

Sprinkle of oregano

Himalayan salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled

Place salmon in a baking dish and squeeze an even amount of lemon juice on each fillet. Season filets evenly with chopped garlic and thyme leaves. Add Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil.

Bake salmon in the oven for 25 minutes.

Place asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil on top. Add Himalayan sea salt and black pepper to taste. Roast the asparagus in the oven for 15 minutes.

Serve salmon on a bed of butter lettuce with chopped Roma tomatoes, avocado and roasted asparagus on the side.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Kristen Willeumier.

PROTEIN-PACKED PANCAKES WITH WILD BLUEBERRIES

YIELD: 3 SERVINGS

1 cup old-fashioned, rolled oats

1 medium ripe banana

2 large eggs

½ cup cottage cheese (nonfat or whole), plus more for serving, optional

¼ cup water

½ cup almond, buckwheat, hazelnut or quinoa flour

¼ cup protein powder, optional

¼ cup hemp seeds, plus more for sprinkling

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp kosher salt

¾ cup frozen wild blueberries (about 1 Tbsp per pancake)

Yogurt to taste, optional

Fresh berries or mashed frozen berries for toppings, optional

Pure maple syrup, warmed, optional

Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled

Place the oats in a blender until ground into a coarse flour with a texture like almond meal. Add the banana, eggs, cottage cheese and ¼ cup water and blend on high until smooth and no pieces of banana remain. Add the flour, protein powder, hemp seeds, baking powder, cinnamon and salt, in that order. Blend just until combined. Set aside while toppings are prepared.

Check the batter. If it is too thick to pour, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it has a pourable consistency but not too thin—these should be thick, hearty pancakes.

Warm a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to distribute evenly. Measure ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, about three per large skillet. Scatter 1 heaping tablespoon of blueberries over each pancake, pressing slightly so they adhere. Cook until the underside is crispy and brown and the center is set, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a rigid spatula, carefully flip the pancake and cook until golden brown on the other side and the center is dry, another 3 to 4 minutes.

Serve right away or transfer to a plate and place in the oven to keep warm. Repeat, using the remaining batter and berries. Serve hot, dollop with yogurt, a sprinkle of hemp seeds and more berries on top. Drizzle with maple syrup.

Store leftover pancake batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The batter will thicken as it sits, so thin with 1 teaspoon of water at a time.

Courtesy Annie Fenn

Recipe courtesy of Annie Fenn.

Creativity Therapy

Discovering the Healing Power of Crafting

by Megy Karydes

In living rooms, coffee shops and community centers across the country, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The arts and crafts of previous generations—from quilting, basketweaving and jewelry-making to painting, pottery and bookbinding—are experiencing an unprecedented renaissance that extends beyond nostalgia.

“This trend is a natural reaction to how much of people’s lives are spent on screens,” remarks Ivana Labuckas, clinical director at Build Bright Care Group, in Granada Hills, California. “People are constantly dealing with abstract tasks like emails or social media that never give them that satisfying

feeling of being truly done. Crafting brings them back to something real.”

Digital Detox

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that engaging in arts and crafts activities increased people’s sense that life was worthwhile. Of the nearly 7,200 adult participants, those that engaged in creative activities self-reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and overall well-being, even after accounting for employment status and socioeconomic conditions.

Making things with our hands may be just the digital detox we need. Crafting

provides what Labuckas calls “a process people can control and a finished product they can actually hold in their hands, which provides a powerful sense of accomplishment and calm in a world that often feels out of their control.”

Anxiety Relief

The mental health benefits of hands-on crafting are also profound. “Craft-based activities tend to activate various regions of the brain linked with memory, attention and motor coordination,” explains Jessica Plonchak, clinical director at ChoicePoint, a mental health and addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey. “Being engaged in slow-paced handwork works as a meditation for many people, as it keeps their minds in good coordination with rhythm and repetition.”

According to Plonchak, the rhythmic nature of crafting “ultimately increases dopamine levels, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.” Unlike the short-lived boosts from social media notifications, craft-induced dopamine provides sustained satisfaction and genuine mood elevation.

The focused attention required for counting stitches or following intricate patterns creates what psychologists call flow states—periods of deep engagement where stress and time seem to fade away. “Making something by hand is one of the best forms of practical mindfulness people can do,” says Labuckas. “The focused, rhythmic nature of these activities gives busy minds

one thing to focus on, quieting the part of the brain that tends to replay worries.”

Kim Rippy, a licensed counselor and owner of Keystone Therapy Group, in Burke, Virginia, is also an avid crocheter. “Crafting slows down the brain to shift into a more mindful state of focusing on the present,” she says. “One can’t count crochet stitches correctly if they’re worried about something else from the past or future.”

For Rippy, who manages patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, crafting serves as a powerful regulation tool. “Something in one’s hands that is productive helps the brain stop from drifting or becoming overwhelmed with anxious or intrusive thoughts,” she notes. This tactile engagement pulls attention away from worry and grounds it in present-moment awareness, a principle that underlies many therapeutic interventions.

Antidote to Overconsumption

The crafting renaissance also allows us to reuse and repurpose materials destined for the landfill. This shift from consumption to creation represents a reorientation of values. “Instead of just buying and discarding things, people realize the utmost importance of creating something of their own and preserving it,” Plonchak says. “It allows people to believe that, apart from being consumers, they are also the creators of something inventive and useful.

This acknowledgment boosts self-esteem, improves emotional regulation and keeps the negative forces at bay.”

Consider upcycling fabric scraps into patchwork blankets, turning old CDs into mosaic art, transforming glass jars into lanterns or vases and wine corks into a trivet. To ensure the sustainability of a crafting project, use minimally toxic materials, avoiding new plastics, and be mindful to reduce waste at every step.

Igniting the Imagination

In her clinical work, Plonchak has witnessed firsthand that “crafting serves as a bridge to better mental health by offering moments of stillness and creativity.” It is a sophisticated form of therapy that engages multiple brain systems while providing sustainable, meaningful alternatives to digital entertainment.

As society navigates an increasingly complex and accelerated world, the wisdom needed is not found in the latest technology, but in time-tested practices. In every stitch and woven strand, we are not just creating treasured objects. We are choosing to craft calm, build community and rediscover what it means to be truly present in our own lives.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

LubosHouska from pixabay/CanvaPro

Strong at Any Age

Embracing Resistance Training During Menopause

by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, bringing with it numerous physiological changes that can affect health, mobility and quality of life. Among these changes, declines in muscle mass, bone density and balance present particular challenges. Research suggests that resistance training is a safe and effective strategy to counteract these effects.

For women navigating perimenopause and menopause, it is not just a savvy fitness choice, but a crucial intervention to improve strength, balance, lean muscle mass and bone health, thereby reducing the risk of falls and injuries while supporting healthy aging.

Physiological Challenges of Menopause

Perimenopause can last for two to 10 years leading up to menopause, which is officially marked by 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and involves a natural decline in estrogen production. This hormonal shift accelerates loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and bone density (osteopenia or osteoporosis), both of which are critical factors for maintaining physical function and preventing injury.

“Once in menopause, we lose muscle and bone mass at a faster rate, so strength training helps counteract that loss,” explains Dr. Brenda Heinecke, physical

therapist and pelvic floor specialist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Muscle weakness and decreased balance increase the risk of falls, a leading cause of injury in older adults, while reductions in lean body mass slow metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Benefits of Resistance Training

Resistance training, also known as strength training, involves exercises that cause muscles to contract against an external force such as weights, resistance bands or body weight. Unlike aerobic exercise, which primarily benefits cardiovascular health, resistance training specifically targets muscle and bone strength.

A 2023 systematic review of 12 randomized controlled trials involving more than 800 women, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reported that resistance training improved musculoskeletal health in menopausal women, highlighting its positive effects on muscle mass, bone density and functional outcomes like balance and mobility.

The authors noted that resistance training could effectively combat the muscle and bone loss accelerated by menopause, contributing to better overall health and reduced risk of fractures. They also found strength training to be positively associated with hormonal and metabolic improvements in menopausal women, including stabilized blood pressure and a reduction of hot flashes compared to inactive women in the studies.

Hip Strength and Fall Prevention

The hips play a vital role in balance and mobility, but hip strength diminishes significantly during menopause, affecting gait stability and increasing the likelihood of falls. A 2023 article in the Iranian Journal of Public Health reported on a Korean study of postmenopausal women that performed a variety of resistance exercises to target the large muscle groups of the lower body, including a band lateral walk, one-leg deadlift, side-lying hip abduction and squat deceleration, over the span of four weeks. The group that performed these resistance exercises significantly improved their gluteal muscle strength.

Lean Body Mass and Metabolic Health

Menopause-related declines in estrogen also contribute to reductions in lean body mass and increases in fat mass, which can negatively impact metabolism, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. “Strength training not only helps increase muscle and bone mass, but it helps with other common issues of menopause such as cardiovascular disease; insulin resistance; and impairments to mood, cognitive function and sexual health," Heinecke remarks. Resistance training helps to preserve and increase lean muscle mass, which in turn supports a healthy metabolic rate and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

A 2023 BMC Women’s Health study of premenopausal women highlights that maintaining lean body mass through resistance exercise helps mitigate common menopausal symptoms such as weight gain and fat redistribution.

Balance and Functional Independence

Balance naturally deteriorates with age due to changes in the nervous system and muscle function. The 2023 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine reinforces that resistance training not only

strengthens muscles, but also improves neuromuscular coordination, which is critical for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Exercises such as squats, lunges and step-ups challenge both strength and balance systems, making them ideal components of a menopausal fitness program.

Starting a Resistance Training Program

Given its benefits, resistance training should be a cornerstone of menopausal health routines. However, many women may feel uncertain about how to begin or fear injury. “My personal recommendation would be to join a fitness class or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions,” shares Victoria Morse, a certified fitness instructor in Kona, Hawaii. “For most people, lasting change can be hard to achieve alone—they need accountability. Once we accept this truth, our chance of success increases dramatically.”

For those that are ready to add strength training to their routine, begin with light resistance and focus on proper technique, gradually increasing weight or resistance as strength improves. Aim for two to three sessions per week, targeting major muscle groups with these exercises:

• Squats, lunges and step-ups for lower body and hip strength

• Push-ups or chest presses for upper body

• Rows and shoulder presses for back and shoulders

• Core stabilization exercises such as planks or medicine ball rotations

Menopause introduces complex challenges, but resistance training offers a scientifically supported solution to some of the most significant concerns: loss of hip strength, balance and lean body mass. For women facing menopause, lifting weights or using resistance bands is more than just a fitness trend; it is an essential strategy to maintain mobility, independence and vitality for years to come.

Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.

Rewiring the Stress Response

Therapies To Restore Balance and Calm

by Marlaina Donato

White-knuckling our way through life can be exhausting, but more than that, chronic strain can negatively impact brain function and even alter its physical structure. Continually recurring stressors can lead to impaired memory, emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders and depression. When the nervous system gets stuck on overdrive, the body delays a variety of critical functions, including immune response and tissue repair, in order to deal with perceived emergencies.

Over time, the amygdala, an area within our brain that is responsible for processing fear and alerting us to danger, can become enlarged and hyperreactive, hardwiring us to be in a constant fight-or-flight mode. Prolonged stress of this nature can lead to excessive accumulation of cortisol in the brain, setting the stage for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Gently reprogramming an overstimulated nervous system can initiate and improve cellular repair, nutrient absorption, sounder sleep and more tranquil moods. Restoration of the body’s natural capacity for calm is possible through noninvasive, painless approaches such as sound healing, craniosacral therapy and certain forms of acupressure.

Sound-Enabled Relaxation

“When we are under stress all the time, the autonomic nervous system gets out of balance, and the body cannot heal itself as it is intended to do,” explains Gail Lynn, the author of Unlocking the Ancient Secrets to Healing and inventor of the Harmonic Egg, which uses light, color and sound to provide an immersive relaxation experience.

In 2007, she faced a cardiovascular health crisis at age 37, which she attributes to three successive challenging careers and a stressful personal life over the span of many years. Lynn explored a number of alternative solutions, and with full-body sound-andlight sessions experienced a profound shift in her health and well-being. She attests that resetting her nervous system enabled her body to heal itself, making her life “100 percent better”.

Modern sound therapy has ancient roots in cultures worldwide. The use of tuning forks, therapeutic gongs, singing bowls, mantras, percussive hand instruments and binaural beats has been shown to synchronize brainwaves in a process called brainwave entrainment, resulting in a lowered stress response. Harvard Health notes that soothing tones can lower elevated blood pressure and promote healthier heart and respiratory rates, alleviating burden on the autonomic nervous system.

Restoring Internal Rhythms

Another way to switch off a state of perpetual survival mode is to restore balance to the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and most of the digestive tract.

“Seventy percent of the traffic on the vagus nerve goes from the organs to the brain. Only 30 percent of the traffic goes from the brain to the organs, so it is much more a situation of the gut controlling the brain,” explains Tim Hutton, a craniosacral therapist and Upledger Institute instructor in Bellingham, Washington. Hutton underscores that the body can recuperate once it is able to shift out of fight-flight-or-freeze mode and into the ventral vagal state of rest-and-digest.

Developed by John E. Upledger in the 1970s, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle bodywork modality that seeks to restore the natural functioning of the membranes and fluids surrounding the spinal cord and brain. “There is a subtle, rhythmic motion of the tissue that we call the craniosacral rhythm that is easily disrupted. Any tension or compromise in the body’s ability to function will adversely affect the craniosacral rhythm,” says Hutton. “As a therapist, I support the client’s healing process and let their body lead.” CST releases tension in the craniosacral system, shifting the body to the rest-and-digest mode and enhancing vagus nerve function.

A 2020 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine of patients with complex traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, reported improvements in quality of life after receiving a combination of CST and psychotherapy. A 2023 randomized clinical trial published in Behavioral Sciences involving 57 healthy firefighting cadets showed a reduction of the stress hormone cortisol in participants that received CST sessions for five consecutive weeks.

Auricular Acupuncture

Stress and anxiety contribute to insomnia, which can cause even more stress. With roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, auricular therapy involves the stimulation of 120 acupoints in the ear that

correspond to the nervous system and certain other parts of the body. The therapy is believed to positively influence neurotransmitter activity, which facilitates the communication between brain cells, while also enhancing neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt by forming new neural pathways.

A 2023 systematic meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Sleep reported that auricular acupressure can be beneficial for insomnia. Ear seeds, a type of ear acupressure without needles, have also shown promise for anxiety and insomnia.

Persistence Is Key

By applying any one or a combination of these therapies, it is possible to experience more balance and calm. If a particular modality does not bring about the desired stress relief, persist with another. “There is always hope,” says Hutton. “Most often, miracles are incremental.”

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

Giuseppe Lombardo from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro

microgen from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Toddler-Friendly Mindfulness Activities

Simple and Interactive Games To Nurture a Developing Mind

by Christina Connors

Temper tantrums, bedtime battles and outsized feelings may occasionally overwhelm a toddler. Although such outbursts are a normal part of growing up, they represent a child’s attempt to work through and communicate their emotions. Whether these episodes happen at home or in the shopping mall, it can certainly feel uncomfortable for the child, the parents and nearby witnesses.

Mindfulness practices designed for toddlers can help little ones navigate unsettling feelings and situational challenges while supporting their developing brains. Rambunctious youngsters may not be able to sit still and meditate yet, but they will likely engage in games and activities that strategically teach emotional regulation skills.

The Science Behind Little Minds

A 2024 randomized study published in Cerebral Cortex reveals just how powerful mindfulness can be for developing brains. After analyzing brain imaging from 68 participating children, the researchers discovered that the kids that engaged in mindfulness activities exhibited measurable positive impacts in completing executive-function tasks and were better behaved than the control group.

“This research matters because during the toddler years, the brain is rapidly forming connections, especially in areas related to emotional regulation, attention and empathy,” says Dr. Yasmine Saad, a psychologist and founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City. “Mindfulness strengthens these neural pathways. When toddlers pause to notice their breath or sensations, they’re practicing self-awareness and impulse control, skills that form the foundation for emotional intelligence later in life.”

Mindfulness for Toddlers

Forget about sitting cross-legged in silence. Mindfulness for toddlers is about creating moments of awareness through their natural language of play. Moments of presence can be sprinkled into a child’s day by prompting them to notice their breath during a fun game, guiding them to recognize emotions through storytelling and building body awareness with movement.

“When it comes to teaching mindfulness and presence with young children, it is about connection, not perfection,” says Lee Sowles, founder and CEO of Kind Mind, a company that provides social-emotional learning curriculums for early childhood and elementary-aged children (ages 0 to 12 years). “We encourage a model-to-teach approach, so practicing yourself—in moments of chaos, triggers and calm—is the best way to teach and guide your children to develop healthy regulation strategies.” Sowles shares these simple techniques:

Sensory-Based Approaches

• Listening Games: Have toddlers close their eyes and identify different sounds around them, both inside and outside the room. Surprise them by asking if they can hear sounds inside their own bodies.

• Texture Exploration: To develop mindful touching, ask kids to close their eyes and then place various items in their hands, prompting them to identify what those trinkets and textures are. Another fun game is to have kids rub their hands together really fast, then stop. Ask them to describe what they feel, offering suggestions such as heat, tingling or coolness.

Visual Tools

• Calm Down Jars: Fill a clear jar about three-quarters full with warm water; stir in two tablespoons of clear glue and one to two teaspoons of eco-friendly glitter. Top off with warm water, leaving a little space at the top, and close with a water-tight lid. Toddlers can shake the jar and watch the glitter settle. This is a

wonderful way to visually illustrate the process of calming down.

• Breathing Buddies: To help young children feel their breath moving, place a stuffed animal on their belly while they are in a reclined position. Invite them to take deep breaths and ask them to describe what is happening to their beloved toy as they breathe in and out.

Movement-Based Activities

• Slow-Motion Walking: Practice walking as slowly and deliberately as possible, and have the toddlers notice every movement. Do they feel the floor under their bare feet? Can they hear their knees?

• Body Awareness: Guide children to tighten and relax different parts of their bodies, head to toe. For example, ask them to scrunch their faces tightly for three seconds, then relax, feeling the muscles melting.

The Ripple Effect on Families

When toddlers learn these early mindfulness skills, the benefits extend to the entire family. Parents report feeling more confident when handling challenging behaviors, and siblings often naturally imitate the techniques.

Mindfulness can be woven into daily activities or mundane chores. “Turn waiting in line into a what-do-you-see-and-hear game,” Saad suggests. “Make toothbrushing a chance to notice tastes and sensations.

Even a one-minute pause before meals to take a breath and say something you’re grateful for can help a child’s brain and body learn to reset. Small, consistent moments are what create lasting habits.”

Getting Started

Begin with 30- to 60-second activities and gradually increase the duration as toddlers develop their attention span. All of the mindfulness activities should feel playful—like games, rather than formal meditation. Remember to model the behavior. Toddlers learn best through imitation. Be consistent. Regular practice, even if it involves brief moments, is more effective than longer, infrequent sessions. Follow the child’s lead. If a toddler is not responding to one technique, try another. Every child is unique and will connect with their preferred activities. Test them out and have fun with them.

Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and social-emotional learning integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at Christina Connors.com.

Smart Devices for Pets

Integrating Technology Into Daily Routines

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Advancements in technology are improving the daily lives of pets and their people. From collars equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) to wearable devices that monitor behavior and detect potential health shifts, these innovations are transforming the way we interact with our animal companions. Before embracing smart devices, however, pet parents should be informed about their potential benefits and limitations.

Location Trackers

GPS trackers attached to pet collars are gaining popularity, especially for active or escape-prone animals. Using satellite or cellular signals to continuously monitor a pet’s location, these devices help pet owners quickly locate stray companions.

A 2021 study conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, revealed that the radiation exposure experienced by pets from GPS and Bluetooth devices is well below international safety standards, implying that adverse health effects are unlikely. The study also noted that adjusting how often a tracking device sends location data can influence a pet’s exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). For example, some devices transmit only every few hours when the pet is resting, but switch to every minute or every few seconds during periods of high activity. To further minimize RF-EMF exposure, the researchers recommend using a harness-mounted tracking device instead of a collar-mounted one.

In addition to GPS technology, microchips can serve as a reliable backup identification method. A microchip is a permanent form of identification implanted under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It cannot track a pet’s real-time location but stores a unique number linked to the owner’s contact details. If scanned at a clinic or shelter, it can help reunite lost pets with their owners.

Health Monitors

Although they do not replace veterinary care, health trackers can support early intervention and informed veterinary conversations. Certain devices monitor behaviors such as scratching, licking, shaking, sleeping and resting. They compare this data to the pet’s usual habits or population averages. Sudden changes may indicate discomfort and prompt further attention. Data from health trackers helps veterinarians and pet parents confirm concerns about allergies, anxiety or appetite changes.

These devices can be useful in busy or multi-pet homes. Owners may miss subtle changes, whereas trackers are capable of detecting them. The historical data can help veterinarians see patterns over time. Still, the data needs context, as not every change signals an illness. Environmental shifts, routine disruptions or the natural progression of aging can also impact an animal’s behavior. Trackers flag what is different, but they do not explain why.

While pet health trackers can provide valuable behavioral insights, metabolic estimates such as calorie burn should be interpreted with caution. A 2023 study published by AVMA Publications evaluated the accuracy

Oksana Latysheva from oksanavectorart/CanvaPro

Ken Zatyko of Bemus Point, NY, shares a photo of his beloved 11-year-old Schipperke, Lexi. In the picture, she gazes peacefully at the glowing sunset over beautiful Lake Chautauqua, a favorite place she loves to visit often on her dad’s boat, where she feels right at home.

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

of a popular dog activity monitor. The study of 23 healthy dogs over a 28-day period found that the monitor failed to accurately measure the dogs’ calorie expenditures. Notably, the device overestimated the calorie needs of most of the dogs, even when their body weights remained stable throughout the study period. While these devices can be useful for tracking trends and identifying changes, pet owners should exercise caution when using them to make dietary decisions.

Automatic Feeders

Feeding routines are crucial components of many pet health plans, particularly for animals experiencing food sensitivities, chronic illness or weight concerns. Smart feeders can automate portion control, meal timing and consistency. For veterinarian-guided weight-loss plans that rely on controlled food and calories intake, it is imperative to select devices that can deliver multiple daily feedings in precise, small portions. Most smart feeders work well for dry kibble. Some models feature sealed trays, microchip-activated lids or cooling compartments, making them suitable for wet or home-cooked meals.

Smart feeders can help maintain consistency and promote healthy habits but should not be considered standalone solutions for diet-related health concerns. They are most effective when integrated into a clinical feeding plan under the guidance of a veterinarian. This approach ensures that calorie needs are met, a healthy weight

is maintained and potential dietary risks are minimized.

Smart Device Limitations

Smart pet technology can provide valuable insights into a pet’s daily habits, but it is essential to understand its limitations. These devices are not diagnostic tools. They cannot test for allergens, run lab work or evaluate physical symptoms. Their primary function is to serve as early warning systems, flagging subtle changes that pet parents might otherwise miss. It is important to refrain from solely relying on technology. Misinterpreting data can lead to unnecessary worry or delayed medical attention. Real observation and professional input remain indispensable.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Olga Stock/CanvaPro

Printed calendar is a gratis feature for advertisers. Non-advertisers: get your Mark Your Calendar event listed for $50/listing. Email dwilson@natampa.com for more information. On line version of Calendar of Events gratis at NATampa.com.

Calendar of Events

Thursday, October 2

Hatha Yoga Class - 1-2:00pm. All levels! All welcome! Taught by second-generation BKS Iyengar teacher. Teachings focus on asana (postures and movement), the root and foundation of the class settle within the mind. These classes are curated with movement modifications and cues to uplift the spirit. The mindbody connection is such a gift. Comeas-you-are policy; however, please do bring water and a blanket or towel. Mats, blocks, and straps are available. Contact Gabrielle, RYT 200 at g.cuzzola@me.com for more information. $10 Love offering. Unity North Tampa Sanctuary, 19520 Holly Lane, Lutz.

Thursday, October 9

Anatomy For The Herbalist: Skeletal System - 6-8pm. Discover the intricate skeletal system, a framework of bones and cartilage that supports and shapes the body, protects vital organs, and enables movement alongside muscles. Examine its structure and functions while applying your knowledge to common disorders that affect the skeletal system, deepening your understanding of its vital role in overall health. To register for this class visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/ community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Wednesday, October 15

Health & Wellness Business Mastermind – 6pm. Join Roma Holistic Health and Brain Train Centers St. Pete for this supportive community of wellness entrepreneurs focused on growth, marketing, client retention, and accountability. Beyond business strategies, this mastermind aligns mission with daily practices, creating balance and confidence in leadership. Free. Victoria@Roma Holistic Health, 727-692-7154 or Katie@Brain Train Centers. St. Pete. 727-273-7514.

FREE Hypnosis-NLP Webinar “Change

Your I.D.” – 7:30-8:30pm – Interactive webinar hosted by Board Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, Master Trainer & NLP Master Practitioner, Patricia V. Scott Ph.D. Patti shares 33 years of experience with practical, easy to use concepts & techniques with Q&A. All welcome 3rd Wednesday monthly w/various topics. 1

CEU (Hypnotist/Hypnotherapist). Register for log-in details: UPHypnosis@yahoo. com, www.UPHypnosis.com

Thursday, October 16

Magic of Menstruum Herbal Medicine Making Series: Infused Oils - 6-8pm. Master the art of infused oils and learn how they interact with herbs, gaining skills to confidently incorporate them into your herbal medicine practice. Infused oils are herbal preparations made by steeping plant material in a carrier oil, like olive or jojoba, to extract beneficial compounds. Create your own personalized herbal blend and participate in a group blending activity, so please bring two 8-ounce jars for your creations! To register visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/ community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Friday, October 17

Guided Medicinal Herb Walk - 4-6pm. Join us in our beautiful half-acre medicinal garden for an immersive, hands-on class where you’ll learn to identify and utilize medicinal plants that may be growing right in your own neighborhood! After the class, you’ll have the chance to purchase a variety of organic plants cultivated in our garden. Please note: This is an in-person event held at the school with no virtual attendance option available. To register visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Friday, October 24

Thyroid Wellness Series: Stress, Sleep and Movement - 6-8pm. This class offers an in-depth exploration of the thyroid, a vital gland regulating metabolism, energy, and overall health. It covers the thyroid’s role in hormone production, key diagnostic tests (TSH, T3, T4), and common triggers of dysfunction such as stress, autoimmune conditions, and environmental factors. Participants also examine the impact of diet, nutrition, and supplements on thyroid health while engaging in practical activities to support personal wellness or professional development. To register: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/ community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174

The measure of intelligence is the ability to change. Albert Einstein

Saturday, October 25

Hypnotherapy Certification begins On-line &/or Live – Get 3 Certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists, International Hypnosis Federation, & UP Hypnosis Institute with Patricia V. Scott, PhD on-line (ZOOM) w/ some possible “Live” (Oldsmar). Learn basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, Time-Line, Smoke-Free, weight control, NLP & more. Pay-Over-Time available. UPHypnosis. com. 727-943-5003.

Flower Essence Certification: Weekend 2 Intensive - Oct. 25-26. 10am-5pm. Students learn the world of flower essences, focusing on how to connect deeply with plants and harness their healing energies. They gain hands-on experience in creating their own flower essences, learning the full process from flower selection to preservation. Additionally, the course covers the basics of starting a flower essence business, from product development to marketing, offering practical tips for turning a passion into a thriving enterprise. Upon completion, students earn a Flower Essence Certification. To register visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/ community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Mixtape Music Bingo - 4 – 6pm. Come for some fun, laughter, music, and prizes! Bring a pair of socks for the snowball fight. You will be exposed to music, which may cause outbursts of singing, happiness, energy, and fun! $15.00 for 3 Bingo Games. Unity North Tampa Spiritual Center, 19520 Holly Lane, Lutz, FL 33558. 813-948-4884.

Saturday, November 8

Clothing-Optional Car Show and Naturalist Festival- 12pm until?  Veteran’s Day weekend. All proceeds donated to Tunnel to Towers. Live band “No Strings Attached,” and BBQ.  6901 Caliente Blvd Land O Lakes, FL 34637. 813-996-6008. VeteransDayCarShow.rsvpify.com.

Tampa Bay Veg Fest – 11am-5pm. Annual event that welcomes the Tampa community and beyond to celebrate all things healthy, compassionate, and environmentally sustainable. The event has been coordinated by Florida Voices for Animals for over 10 years! Featuring nationally renowned speakers, 100+ veg-friendly vendors/exhibitors, animal rescue groups, vegan food, raw/cooking demonstrations, humane education, live music & entertainment, yoga classes, vegan cook-offs and activities for children and families.

Veg Fest offers a diverse experience for all to learn about living a healthy, compassionate, and eco-friendly lifestyle. Free. Perry Harvey Sr. Park, 1000 E Harrison St, Tampa. Info & registration: 727-656-8368, TampaBayVegFest.com

Saturday, November 1

Basic TCM Theory – Nov. 1-2, 10am - 5pm. Traditions School of Herbal Studies offers one of the few herbal training programs in the United States with a supervised, hands-on intern clinic. This two-year program is designed to prepare students to become clinical herbalists. Students have access to the on-site Chinese and Western herbal pharmacy, which houses more than 500 crude herbs, powders, tinctures, and pre-made formulas. Herbalists also have the opportunity to consult a library of over 400 volumes, including periodicals. The program allows participants to progress at their own pace, with monthly lectures and a weekly Wednesday night intern clinic. The program is designed and taught by Bob Linde (Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Registered Herbalist and Acupuncture Physician). To register visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/ community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Thursday, November 6

Anatomy For The Herbalist: Respiratory - 6-8pm. Learn about the respiratory system, a fascinating network that orchestrates the vital exchange of gasses, ensuring our bodies receive the oxygen they need while efficiently expelling carbon dioxide. This captivating journey will unravel the complexities of its structures—like the lungs, trachea, and bronchi—and illuminate how they work together to sustain life, alongside an exploration of intriguing disorders that can disrupt respiratory function. To register for this class visit: TraditionsHerbSchool. com/community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174

Friday, November 7

Magic of Menstruum: Alcohol Extraction - 6-8pm. Master the art of alcohol extractions and learn how they interact with herbs, gaining skills to confidently incorporate them into your practice. Alcohol extractions, or tinctures, are a concentrated and effective way to harness the healing benefits of herbs by soaking plant material in high-proof alcohol. You’ll also have the chance to create a personalized herbal blend and participate in a group activity, so please bring two 8-ounce jars for your creations! To register for this class visit: TraditionsHerbSchool.com/community-classes-2025. 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-249-1174.

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Free Dianetics Film - 10am-10pm, MonFri. 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun. What Happens When We are Unconscious? In this 30-minute film, Dianetics explains the discovery of the Reactive Mind for the source of your fears, insecurity, phobias and nightmares. 1300 E 8th Ave, Tampa. 813-872-0723.

Monday

Prosperity Activation Hour – 11am-noon, every Mon. in June. “Embody Your Most Abundant Timeline”. Join Elasa & Medet for powerful Higher Self Therapy group regressions to dissolve blocks, align with prosperity and embody your most abundant, love-filled timeline. $20. R3Miracles, 1017 Illinois Ave., Palm Harbor. Info & registration: Elasa Tiernan 727-221-7564, R3Miracles.com.

Meacham Urban Farm – 3-7pm Mon. & Fri. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more: MeachamFarm.com.

Qigong for the Heart - 6:00pm. Discover the body mechanics and alignment of each Qigong exercises plus the essential theory, behind each movement, Development healing energy to achieve inner power and balance. Receive the teaching of a qualified master like Shifu Orlando Schiaffino who has 40 years of experience in Taichi ,Qigong & internal Arts. Take advantage of our summer special, Your first month $59.99. One class $15. All levels are welcome. Fire Stone Shamanic Healing Center, 1217 Ewing St, Clearwater. FireStoneHealing.com. 727-225-3990.

Tuesday

Restorative Yoga with Collette –5-6:30pm. Unwind and let go with a calm and recharged flow. A gentle practice with fully supportive postures, mindfulness and breath. This beginner’s session will help reduce stress, ease physical and mental tension, increase balance, strength and flexibility. Boosting overall health and en-

ergy levels. Space limited. $15/per class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. RSVP: 727-250-9688.

Wednesday

Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist – 6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd, Ste 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

Qigong for Bone Density & Taichi7:15pm. Discover the body mechanics and alignment of each Qigong exercises plus the essential theory, behind each movement, Development healing energy to achieve inner power and balance. Receive the teaching of a qualified master like Shifu Orlando Schiaffino who has 40 years of experience in taichi ,qigong & internal arts. Take advantage of our summer special, Your first month $59.99. One class $15. All levels are welcome. Fire Stone Shamanic Healing Center, 1217 Ewing St, Clearwater. FireStoneHealing.com. 727-225-3990.

Friday

Restorative Yoga with Collette –9-10:30am. Unwind and let go with a calm and recharged flow. A gentle practice with fully supportive postures, mindfulness and breath. This beginner’s session will help reduce stress, ease physical and mental tension, increase balance, strength and flexibility. Boosting overall health and energy levels. Space limited. $15/per class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. RSVP: 727-250-9688.

Saturday

Meacham Urban Farm – 9am-1pm Sat. 10am-1pm Sun. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E. Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more: MeachamFarm.com.

You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. —Marianne Williamson

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community.

Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Hwy, 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. Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

Alternative Medicine

LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Minkoff, M.D.

Dr. Griselle Figueredo, M.D.

Dr. Neena Iyer, M.D., Dr. Dawn Frankwick M.D.

Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN

Rose Tyler, 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.

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.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Andreas Grossgold, MD

Jim Hughes, MD

Susan Budgis, Integrative Aesthetician

Andressa Junqueira, Integrative Aesthetician 609 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org

Dr. Grossgold practices internal medicine and pediatrics with an integrative approach to detoxification, anti-aging medicine, functional medicine and nutrition. His clinic offers Integrative Cancer Treatment, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric, EBOO, MHA, UVBI, Theta Chamber and more!

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 25.

Astrology

ASTROLOGY FOR YOUR SOUL

Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer

Dunedin

248-583-1663

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.”

Coaching

NATURAL HYGIENE WELLNESS COACH & TRAINER

Joel Chudnow

Tampa Bay, In Your Home 813-585-7908

For over 36 years, wellness advocate Joel Chudnow has helped adults balance spirit, emotions, mind and body to improve their lifestyle goals. Sliding scale fees available.

Colon Hydrotherapy

RENEW LIFE

Bonnie Barrett

28469 US Hwy 19 N, #402, Clearwater

727-461-7227

RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802, MM35406

30 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 27.

PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC

Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner

9371 US 19N, Ste. B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060

ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928

Complementing detoxification via “Lymphatic Therapy” (see listing), now offering Gravity Method colonics (closed system method), known to be gentler and more effective than other methods. See ad, page 21.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Lisa Harris-Dalton 609 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org #MA27502, #MM43949

Compassionate therapist with 26+ years’ experience in massage therapy and open and closed colon hydrotherapy systems. Skilled in collaborating with clients/physicians to optimize wellness goals.

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 Spalike atmosphere. See ad back cover.

CARLO LITANO, DMD

Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 132 Mirror Lake Dr, Ste 101, St. Petersburg 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 4.

Place your business listing here Call 727-865-9339 for more information

THERESA RODEGHERO, DMD

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 and 7.

ROBERT J. YU, DMD

Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics

6700 Crosswinds Dr, Ste 200-B, St. Pete 727-384-9122

TBPerio.com

The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/zirconia nonmetal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad, page 9.

Harmonic Egg®

ROMA HOLISTIC HEALTH

6161 Dr. Martin Luther King, Ste, 100 St. Pete 727-692-7154

RomaHolisticHealth.com

Supporting chronic pain management and stress reduction utilizing natural, non-invasive alternative modalities, including: Harmonic Egg; PEMF/Frequency Therapy; Energy Healing; Biomagnetism; Neurofeedback & more. See ad, page 10.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Andreas Grossgold, MD 609 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org

Rebalance the body’s energy, activate natural healing, and enhance your wellness journey. Utilizing sacred geometry, the resonance chamber will envelop you with sound frequencies, light therapy, and vibration.

Hypnosis

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

HYPNOSIS, INC.

Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003

UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com

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 15.

Integrative Medicine

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, Antiaging, Ozone Therapy, Acupuncture, PRP & Stem Cell Therapy. Out-ofNetwork Provider.

INTEGRAL URGENT CARE

Dr. Salome Masghati, MD

Sheryl McCarty, APRN

Dennis Eroh, PA-C 130 Island Way, Clearwater 727-233-1933

IntegralUrgentCare.com

Integral Urgent Care & Primary Care prioritizes patient-centered care, providing Primary Care and walk-in Urgent Care services weekdays 9am-5pm, plus weekends 9am-2pm for convenience.

MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE

Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Hwy, 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.

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, page 11.

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

9095 Belcher Rd, N, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001

SBDWellness.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 17.

Lymphatic Therapy

PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC

Laura M. Turley, LMT, and Owner 9371 US 19N, Ste B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060

ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928

Specializing in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET). Professional Lymphatic helps those with challenging conditions including inflammation, mold toxicity; auto-immune conditions, post chemo healing, etc. See ad, page 21.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Jill Gonzalez-Cass 609 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org #MA32561, #MM43949

CManual and Assisted Lymphatic Therapy & Colon Hydrotherapy with I-ACT Training. Longtime health and wellness advocate with 24+ years’ experience in massage and colonic therapies.

Psychologist

ELIZABETH RICE, LCSW

6251 Park Blvd, Ste 9C Pinellas Park 33781

727-300-9382

esLifeCoach.com, License SW15178

Heal the whole being including body, mind, spirit and emotions. Increase your quality of life; facilitate emotional healing. Specializing in Anxiety, Mood, Behavior, Trauma, Family. See ad, page 39.

Reflexology

REED ‘NAHAM’ MYLES

Certified Reflexologist and LMT 727-543-3048 by appointment Clearwater, MA0028171

RV Resort

BARE RV RESORT 6901 Caliente Blvd Land O’Lakes 34637 813-996-6008

BareRVResort.com

Schools

Whether you need deep therapy, a tuneup or just a relaxing treatment, I can help you. Just call me.

Spiritual Intuitive

UNIVERSOULLIGHT CONSULTING

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

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

Thermography

GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY

John D. Bartone MD 7901 4th St, N, Ste 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702

727-576-0100

GreenPointThermography.com

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 17.

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

A clothing optional oasis, resort and campground perfect for first-time nudists. Women owned/operated, offering a welcoming and relaxing environment to be at one with nature.

TRADITIONS SCHOOL OF HERBAL STUDIES

2 Year Clinical Certification 6340 Central Ave, St. Petersburg 727-249-1174

TraditionsHerbSchool.com

Experience natural healing with immersive herbalism classes covering medicine making, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Ayurvedic practices, and more. Suitable for all levels, the program offers a two-year Clinical Certification and weekly Community Classes. Grow and thrive with us. See ad, page 33.

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 35.

Veterinarian

HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 2189 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33765

727-510-3665

HealthyPawsibilities.com

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

PAWSITIVE VETERINARY CARE

Shawna L. Green, DVM 11125 Park Blvd, Ste 108, Seminole 727-299-9029

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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• Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties, CT

• Grand Traverse Region/Northern Michigan

• Greater Ann Arbor, MI

• Greater Lansing, MI

• Greater Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Genesee, MI

• Gulf Coast, Alabama/Mississippi

• Houston, TX

• Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL

• Lancaster/Berks, PA

• Lehigh Valley, PA

• Long Island, NY

• Milwaukee, WI

• Monmouth/Ocean Counties, NJ

• Naples/Fort Myers, FL

• New York City, NY

• North Central New Jersey

• North New Jersey

• Northwest Florida

• Palm Beach, FL

• Philadelphia, PA

• Phoenix, AZ

• Rhode Island

• Richmond, VA

• Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties, FL

• South Central Pennsylvania

• South Jersey, NJ

• Southeast North Carolina

• Space & Treasure Coast, FL

• Tampa, FL

• Tucson, AZ

• Twin Cities, MN

• Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess, NY

• Western Michigan