Natural Awakenings Greater Pittsburgh February 2022 by naturalawakeningsswpa

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LOVE AS A WAY OF BEING HEALTH BENEFITS OF FERMENTATION TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME PET FOSTER PARENTS February 2022 | Pittsburgh, PA Edition | naturalawakeningsswpa.com February 2022

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Passion… Because it is February, I wanted to write about love... but settled on passion, instead. Love is so wonderful and valuable and worth seeking, but there can be downsides to the concept. Romantic love is hard to find for many, or may end painfully for a variety of reasons and create a fear of continued pursuit. Sometimes it can even change into something negative and bring pain or loss. When love is difficult to find, loneliness can invade the space we hope to fill with love. When a past love is gone, we grieve... sometimes for a lifetime, and that seems insurmountable. Passion, however, can fill that space and be just as meaningful. It’s a DIY lifehack that can help distract us from grief or loss. We can all fill our hearts with love and passion by finding things that have meaning to us and doing or sharing them. I believe one of the greatest ways to fill your life with passion is to help others. There are a million ways you can do this, large and small, and when you do, your heart will be glad. The more you do, the more gladness you will have, and there are as many ways as there are people to bring passion to your life. Think of what makes you happy or what you love to do and find a way to bring it into your life. If you’re not sure, try music, gardening, nature, sewing, crafting, woodworking or building (a birdhouse, a shed or a greenhouse ). Make something and give it away, get involved in an organization that helps others, like 412 Food Rescue; learn how to identify mushrooms, raise chickens, foster children, bake bread, cook, get into fiber arts and spin some yarn! Learn things on the computer or go to the library. Attend a workshop. Write, draw, paint, carve, hike, bike, birdwatch, volunteer, make soap or herbal tinctures, tap a maple tree, paint rocks, take care of pets, be present with the people in your life or go to a free concert or opera. Find one or 10 things to try or do. Make a vision board, journal. Learn about nutrition or herbal medicine. Explore or deepen your connection with spirituality. Learn about permaculture and seed saving and sharing! Plant trees, make a food forest. Take a class or enter a program to learn about something that you have wanted to do all of your life. When I was 55 and alone on my birthday, I went to Berea, Kentucky, for a weeklong natural building workshop. I learned how to mix cob, build straw bail walls, make and use natural plaster, natural clay floors and make an outdoor pizza oven. I met people who used natural building techniques to build their own homes. Simply amazing. When my Mom was 57 years old, she decided to attend nursing school. She received her RN when she was 60, and is now the director of a free clinic that helps countless people every day. It’s never too late. We are never too old to pursue our passion. We all have our own recipe for leading a happy and fulfilled life. The main ingredient in that recipe is passion. The rest are very individualized. There are some commonalities, but we each have our own path, our own history and our own desires. We also each have our own issues to overcome, and doing that is also a very individual pursuit, but it clears the way for more joy and happiness. Do whatever works for you, but do something.

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Contents

8 PITTSBURGH DUO

LAUNCHES DEODORANT WITH VITAMINS

9 LIVING IN THE FREQUENCY OF LOVE 10 SECONDHAND FASHION Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet

12 FERMENTING FOR FOODIES

Preserving Food and Traditions

15 HOMOEOPATHY

A Popular Medical Alternative

16 THE HEART-MIND CONNECTION

How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

19 HERBALISTS UNITED FOR COMMUNITY BETTERMENT

20 TRULY MAKING LOVE Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force

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20 24

22 PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors

24 FOSTERING LOVE

Tips for First-Time Pet Foster Parents

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 7 health briefs 8 community spotlight 9 inspiration 10 green living 12 conscious eating

19 nonprofit 20 22 24 26 30 31

spotlight healing ways healthy kids natural pet calendar resource guide classifieds February 2022

news briefs

Look to Prescription Foods for Fermented Goodness

roducts for Prescription Foods, a Pittsburghbased, social-purpose fermented foods company have been produced by nonprofit Community Kitchen Pittsburgh (CKP) at their facility in Hazelwood since 2018. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Prescription Foods owner Meryem Mammedova and her assistant, Leslie Romano, took over their own production in April 2021. Romano is a graduate of CKP and was trained by the owner how to make fermented foods. Mammedova says, “ We are dedicated to producing the highest-quality products and educating the public on the benefits of a healthy diet that includes naturally fermented foods. Founded in 2015, the company builds off years of perfecting the family recipes of husband and wife fermentation enthusiasts and food activists. The company advocates for a reconnection to our food and health through traditionally fermented foods and nutritional education.” CKP changes lives and strengthens communities through free culinary job training, transitional job opportunities, food education and food access. For more information, call Meryem Mammedova at 412-335-6426, email JennetMammedova@gmail.com or visit PrescriptionFoods.org.

kudos Steve Manns, the WellnessWarrior, has been certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching (nbhwc.org). He has been a personal trainer and Primal Health coach through the Primal Health Coach Institute. Although coaching was already a passion, Manns found that board certification has taken his coaching to a new level, with methodology that helps his clients truly make lasting changes. ApSteve Manns plying his skills as a coach has improved his clients’ health and wellness through step-by-step behavioral change aligned with their lifestyle and needs, as opposed to a traditional prescriptive model of health coaching. Manns’ methods as the Wellness Warrior coach help his clients achieve a lifetime of health, not just a temporary fix. For more information, visit WellnessWarrior.coach. See Resource Guide listing, page 30. 6

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health briefs

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Try Probiotics to Lower Pregnancy Nausea and Soothe Fussy Babies Two new studies suggest that the right probiotics can offer relief for the 85 percent of pregnant women with nausea and for the 25 percent of fussy newborns with colic. In the journal Nutrients, University of California, Davis researchers reported on a study in which 32 pregnant women that had nausea, vomiting and constipation took a probiotic capsule twice a day. The overthe-counter probiotics formula contained 10 billion live cultures, mainly Lactobacillus. After 12 days, the number of hours participants felt nauseated was reduced by 16 percent, and they vomited one-third fewer times. Constipation was also reduced. Quality of life markers such as fatigue, poor appetite and difficulty maintaining normal social activities also improved. Examining biomarkers in fecal samples, the researchers found the probiotics increased vitamin E and a bile salt enzyme that helps prevent vomiting and nausea. In a second study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Naples researchers explored whether a particular probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies lactis BB-12) could help soothe babies with colic, a common gastrointestinal disorder in the first three months of life that studies have linked to maternal postpartum depression, parental guilt and frustration, drug use and long-term behavioral and sleep problems. They found that the probiotic reduced the duration of daily crying by 50 to 80 percent in the 40 infants that received it once daily for 28 days, compared to a 32 percent reduction among 40 babies receiving a placebo. The probiotic also had beneficial effects on sleep duration and on stool frequency and consistency. It increased gut production of butyrate, which positively regulates intestinal transit time, pain perception, the gut-brain axis and inflammation.

Water Kefir Helps Balance the Gut Biome Our gut depends on a vast army of good bacteria to stay healthy, and drinking water kefir is one delicious way to restore and revitalize it. Water Kefir is a fermented, probiotic beverage made using a culture that contains more than 30 different strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. Each quart contains billions of probiotics and enzymes that aid the body in digestion and re-colonize the gut with good bacteria. Many gut ailments can be linked to dysbiosis, which is simply a state of the gut microbiome where there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. Stomach aches, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel, acid reflux and bloating are just some of the symptoms of what happens when our microbiome is in disarray. Consuming raw water kefir and other raw, fermented foods is one of the best ways to get live probiotics in our diet and to support a diverse microbiome of good gut bacteria.

Mother and daughter duo Kathy and Haley Shearer are owners of The Kefir Chicks. Their water kefir is dairyfree, gluten-free, vegan and made using non-GMO and organic ingredients. For more information, visit TheKefirChicks.com. See ad, page 3.

Improve Sleep and Lower Anxiety with Black Cumin Oil Black cumin seeds that come from the flowering fennel plant (Nigella sativa) flavor cuisines from the Middle East to the Far East and have been used for centuries to treat chronic and infectious diseases. In a new study in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, Indian researchers report that 15 volunteers with insomnia that took 200 milligrams of black cumin oil after dinner for 28 days experienced significantly better sleep. They fell asleep sooner, slept longer and recorded increases of 82 percent in non-rapid eye movement sleep and 29 percent in rapid eye movement sleep. Stress and anxiety levels were also dramatically reduced. February 2022

community spotlight

Pittsburgh Duo Launches Deodorant with Vitamins by Sven Hosford

wo local entrepreneurs have created a product that is both free from toxins and full of what the body needs most. We often hear about cannabidiol (CBD) being added to different kinds of products to make them healthier. This trend, along with recent recalls of well-known brands of deodorant due to life-threatening toxins, provided the seed for two visionaries to collaborate and develop a new kind of deodorant. Russ Cersosimo began his career with cannabis/hemp in 2014 as he helped lead the effort to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. He founded a nonprofit organization to help legislators craft legislation and went on to spend years working closely with researchers, scientists, caretakers, doctors and patients. Today, as founder and chief marketing officer of Hemp Synergistics Russ Cersosimo in Leetsdale, he’s using that knowledge and experience to develop hemp-based products that take full advantage of the medicinal abilities of the plant. “Hemp Synergistics was built to develop innovative delivery methods. Physicians want pills because that’s what they are used to, veterans want quick relief with vaporization, so the study of different delivery systems became the Sepi Miller top priority,” says Cersosimo. Today, Hemp Synergistics is developing technology to improve bioavailability and efficacy. Sepi Miller founded Pure & Natural by Sepi as a way to teach people about removing toxins and why it is so important to overall health. Her family fled Iran during the revolution, and then lived for a few years in a refugee camp in Germany before emigrating to the U.S. These experiences helped her develop a strong sense of self-reliance. “I’m always teaching my family and friends to eat cleaner and avoid toxins,” she says. As a mother of two young teenage boys, she is keenly aware of the need for deodorant, but was very concerned about the toxins found in most products. “One of the first things we do in the morning is put on deodorant. Now they are playing sports, being more active and showering, then using deodorant more than once a day,” explains Miller. “But all of the products right now are toxic and filled with chemicals. Even in ‘natural’ products, so many of the ingredients are less than ideal. Many we’ve tried have baking soda, which can cause irritation. Some have coconut oil, which your body can’t absorb well, and sometimes does nothing to get rid of the stink. Most natural deodorants simply don’t work.” 8

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Research and Development

Initially, the pair set out to develop a completely natural product that worked to keep body odor in check, but once they got deeper into product development, they realized they could add ingredients that are functionally beneficial to the body. Miller’s health situation gave them a starting point. “I was going through hormone changes, and after some research, I came to find that my daily deodorant contained parabens, which change your hormone production. When I went to the doctor to get blood tests done, they found that my body was missing magnesium,” shares Miller. That’s when the realization hit them. Cersosimo says, “Most deodorants utilize aluminum as the active ingredient. We determined we could use magnesium instead, thus replacing a bad ingredient with a healthy one.” As he explains the science, “Magnesium is so essential, playing a part in over 300 functions within the body, and yet 50 percent of the population is deficient in magnesium.” There are large lymph nodes in the armpit, so ingredients in deodorant make their way into the system. “It’s really a portal to get to all the rest of the cells in your body. It just so happens that magnesium is also one of the greatest lymph detoxifiers out there,” he notes. The next key ingredient they added was CBD, an antimicrobial that can pierce through biofilm, a sludge that builds up on the skin surface and traps more bacteria. “In addition, CBD is necessary for a healthy endocannabinoid system, which is the 12th system of the body, so it’s also a dual-purpose ingredient,” says Cersosimo.

Branding and Marketing

For the next version of their product, the duo is very excited. After replacing the bad stuff and paring down the ingredients to the bare essentials, it would be helpful to add some additional good stuff. “Every day we forget to take our vitamins, but we never forget to put on our deodorant,” says Miller. “But what if we could get some of our daily vitamins from our daily swipe of deodorant?” “The general population is deficient in magnesium, vitamins D, C, E and A, along with iron and zinc,” says Cersosimo. “Now we are in development of a vitamin-fortified deodorant, filled with the nutrients we need most, so that every morning, you can just apply your vitamins right with your deodorant.” They are adamant that this will be the first time anyone has combined daily vitamins with deodorant, making it the first truly functional—in a medical sense—deodorant, creating their marketing slogan, “Don’t Forget to Wear Your Vitamins!” Currently available online at BySepi.com and in select retail outlets in Pittsburgh, Manhattan, D.C. and Virginia. Visit NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com to hear a podcast of the entire conversation.

inspiration

Living in the Frequency of Love

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by Marlaina Donato

ost of us refer to love as an emotion, but in essence, love is a verb, a powerful call to action. When we remember its true nature, we can answer its call with our unique signature. Some brave souls like Martin Luther King, Jr. leap into uncharted territory with authentic truths, while others sprinkle their quiet corner of the world with small gestures of kindness. Telling someone

how much they mean to us, holding the door for a stranger, asking a cashier how their day is going or welcoming a new neighbor is like handing out a piece of light. Added up at the end of the day or a lifetime, we create a mural of stars against the darkness. The frequency of love not only inspires, but heals. The energy of giving and receiving is literally wired into our neurochemistry, flooding our bloodstream with endorphins that combat systemic inflammation, influence mood, accelerate recovery and raise the pain threshold. We can freely stream waters of genuine kindness, love and affection, but if there is no waiting vessel for love’s outpouring, the potential of its power is diminished and incomplete. Our willingness and that of others to receive activates kindness, awakens what is dormant inside of us and quickens our capacity to thrive. Mother Teresa once said, “We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair and hopelessness is love.” With our willingness to gift one another with our full and authentic presence, all else is possible. Marlaina Donato is an author and visionary composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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green living

SECONDHAND FASHION Online Used Clothing Stores Good for the Wallet and Planet by Sandra Yeyati

he online commerce of used clothing is booming. According to ThredUp.com, a prominent virtual consignment and thrift store, the secondhand market is projected to double in the next five years, reaching a whopping $77 billion. “The pandemic and resulting economic downturn boosted this surge,” says Hyejune Park, Ph.D., associate professor of fashion merchandising at Oklahoma State University. “Stuck at home in 2020, people looked into their closets, found items they no longer wore or wanted and went online to sell and buy clothes to save money.”

Popular Resale Platforms Younger, tech-savvy shoppers are the principle drivers of this growth, and a host of apps and websites are responding to the demand, including UK-based marketplace Depop.com, which caters to cash-strapped Generation Z and millennial shoppers, and Poshmark.com, a leading social marketplace boasting 80 million users across the U.S., Canada and Australia. 10

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Several well-known platforms serve vintage and luxury brand consumers worldwide, offering authentication guarantees to reassure buyers about counterfeits. Among them are Santa Monica-based Tradesy.com, founded by women for women; Paris-based reseller VestiaireCollective.com; and TheRealReal. com, out of San Francisco. Other notable players include brickand-mortar thrift store Goodwill Industries, which has partnered with resale app OfferUp.com to upload their inventories; eBay.com, one of the first online,

peer-to-peer marketplaces; and Etsy.com, featuring vintage and upcycled fashion by smaller shops.

Brand-Name Manufacturers and Retailers React Many fashion brands are considering or have already formed partnerships with established resale platforms to reach this engaged, younger demographic of shoppers. For example, Gucci is partnering with TheRealReal.com, while Adidas is working with ThredUp.com. In 2021, Poshmark.com launched their Brand Closets initiative, inviting branded manufacturers to interact with their users and opening the platform to sell a combination of used and new fashion. “The fact that all this is happening is an indication that we’re witnessing a new wave of ecommerce,” Park says. “I don’t think it’s a temporary boom. From a retail business perspective, this is a huge trend that will go mainstream and continue to grow.” Other brands are launching resale operations in-house, such as Levi’s Secondhand.Levi.com and fast-fashion giant H&M’s Rewear.hm.com, claiming to provide a sustainable fashion-buying alternative, but Park cautions, “I’m not confident that secondhand fashion can solve the sustainability issues that fast fashion has created over the past decade. Depending on how brands are participating in their resale operations, it could be

To protect the planet, Park advises, the goal should be to buy nothing or buy less. a greenwash claim—just another way to make sales and reach more consumers.” Notably, H&M’s Conscious Collection that is marketed as sustainably-made clothing caters to only a small fraction of its customers, suggesting that the company cares less about environmental impacts and more about satisfying a segment of its customer base. In contrast, Park says, Patagonia’s resale program is an enviable environmental example. “Patagonia began running their Worn Wear resale campaign long before this secondhand shopping boom. They educate consumers about how to take care of their gear, offer alteration services and encourage the long-term wear and resale of their clothes,” she explains.

The Secondhand Surge and the Environment ThredUp.com’s marketing materials assert that by extending the life of used clothing, fewer new garments need to be produced, helping to reduce the carbon, waste and water footprints associated with the production of textiles and apparel. In 2021, Manish Chandra, founder and CEO of PoshMark.com, stated, “Consum-

ers are prioritizing the impact that their purchases have on the environment.” Park cautions that even though resale platforms tout environmental benefits, consumer behavior will ultimately determine whether the online surge makes a positive environmental impact. In a recent study involving young consumers living in Oklahoma, Park sought to understand why they were choosing to buy and sell secondhand clothing online. Their most prominent motives were saving money and shopping convenience. “Not many respondents saw this type of consumption as a way to save the environment,” she laments. “If consumers buy secondhand goods to curtail their spending on new clothes or to find better quality garments than fast fashion, then it will be good for the environment, but if they buy and sell used clothes in addition to their regular shopping as another way to shop for marked-down products, then there will be no environmental benefit.” To protect the planet, Park advises, the goal should be to buy nothing or buy less. “It’s okay to purchase $10 jeans, but get one pair, not five. Don’t have a one-nightstand relationship with your clothes. Love them, take care of them and wear them until they’re falling apart.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

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Fermenting for Foodies Preserving Food and Traditions by April Thompson

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f fermented food is a trend, it’s the oldest one on the planet. More and more people are rediscovering the time-honored foodways of fermentation to promote health, boost flavor and preserve the bounty of the seasons. “There is huge potential to use high-quality fermented foods to enhance our health and well-being,” says Sandor Katz, a so-called “fermentation revivalist”, in Liberty, Tennessee, and the author of several bestselling books on fermentation, including the newly released Sandor Katz’s Fermentation Journeys: Recipes, Techniques, and Traditions from Around the World. Katz caught the fermentation bug after moving from New York City to rural Tennessee in the 1990s and being faced with the “positive problem” of an overly plentiful garden to preserve. He’s since wandered the globe teaching and learning about fermentation traditions, from Korea’s spicy kimchi to Mexico’s funky pineapple tepache drink. Fermentation is defined as the chemical breakdown of a food by bacteria, yeasts or other microorganisms. An estimated one-third of all foods are fermented, including coffee, cured meats, cheese, condiments and chocolate. Pickles and yogurt are traditionally fermented through lactic acid bacteria, while beer and bread are typically fermented through yeast. Kombucha, an ancient tea drink, is made using a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Pascal Baudar, a Los Angeles writer, instructor and self-proclaimed “culinary alchemist,” turned to fermentation techniques to preserve the precious wild ingredients of the fleeting seasons. His books and workshops cover unusual

Fermentation transforms the nutrients in food in several ways, Katz explains. In a process known as predigestion, it breaks macronutrients down into more digestible forms (think proteins turned into amino acids) and renders minerals more bioavailable. Gluten, too, is broken down by fermentation, he says, as are potentially toxic compounds in foods such as cyanide and oxalic acid. The process also releases vitamins B and K and other micronutrients as metabolic byproducts. Fermentation reduces the short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon, causing gas and bloating. Found in wheat, beans and other foods, they can pose digestive problems for people with irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions, says Tayler Silfverduk, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in celiac disease. “The most profound nutritional benefit of fermentation is the live bacteria itself. You are ingesting a rich biodiversity of beneficial bacteria that can potentially improve immune function,” says Katz, an AIDS survivor who considers fermentation an important part of his healing process.

No Starter Required “There is nothing you can eat that can’t be fermented, but the easiest and safest place to begin is with vegetables,” which need no special equipment or a starter like sourdough, kefir or kombucha, says Katz. To make sauerkraut, for example, simply shred cabbage, lightly salt and season it, and submerge it in a jar under its own juices, “burping” it daily for a week to 10 days to release the fermentation gases. Katz and Baudar both like to debunk myths that fermenting foods is difficult or dangerous. “You don’t have to sterilize everything or have precise laboratory control conditions. People have been practicing fermentation for years, and they began before they knew bacteria was a thing. To the contrary, fermentation is a strategy for food safety,” says Katz. While yeast or mold can grow on the top layer that is exposed to oxygen, Katz says “a lot of sauerkraut is needlessly discarded. Most such growth is harmless and normal, and can be skimmed off the top.” Baudar, a University of California Master Food Preserver, has kept foods he’s fermented for up to three years and only once encountered mold. “You need to work with the ferment,” he says. “That means regularly burping it, then shaking or stirring to promote the acidity that prevents bad bacteria from taking hold.” “If it looks or tastes bad, throw it away,” he adds. “Some of my early experiments tasted horrible, but I just took my failures as learning and kept experimenting. The more you understand the

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

Fermented Pickled Carrot Sticks YIELD: 1 QUART-SIZE JAR OF PICKLES 2 sprigs fresh dill 1-2 cloves garlic 2 lb whole carrots 1 Tbsp sea salt 1-2 cups distilled water Wash and peel the skins of the whole carrots. Cut the peeled and washed carrots into carrot sticks. Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Wash and dry 2 sprigs of dill. In a wide-mouth, quart-size jar, pack in the carrot sticks. (Tilt the jar to locate more places to squeeze in the sticks.) Add in the sea salt, then the sliced garlic and sprigs of dill.

photo provided by Tayler Silfverduk RDN

Fermentation with Benefits

fermentation process, the more you can play with it creatively and push the envelope.”

Cover the ingredients with distilled water (Be sure to leave about an inch of free space from the waterline to the opening of the jar.) Place an airtight lid on the jar and let it sit for a week or until the carrots have reached desired taste. Make sure to burp the jar at least every two days while fermenting. Once the carrot sticks have reached their desired taste, place the jar in the fridge for storage. Enjoy. Notes: If using organic carrots, leave the skin on and just wash the carrots very well before chopping into snacking sticks. When burping the jar, use this time to check on fermentation to make sure it’s growing healthy. Look for bubbles on top of the water and along the water line. Seeing mold is a sign that good bacteria is struggling to start a culture and we may need to try again.

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culinary territory, like fermented and aged vegan cheeses from acorns and “seaweed” made from fermented broadleaf plantain, a common weed, using methods he’s studied and perfected. “I investigate new and lost flavors, and conserve them as gourmet foods through preservation,” he says.

Courtesy of Tayler Silfverduk, registered dietitian nutritionist. February 2022

Curry Kraut YIELD: 1 QUART 2 lb organic cabbage head 2 Tbsp sea salt ½ cup organic yellow onion, thinly sliced ½ cup shredded carrot 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh, grated ginger (1 Tbsp ground powder alternative) ½ Tbsp ground coriander ½ Tbsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ tsp curry powder ¼ tsp black pepper ¼ tsp cinnamon First, rinse all of the produce. Then peel the outer layers off the cabbage, saving a couple of the cabbage leaves. Cut the cabbage in half (through the core), then in half again, then core the cabbage by placing wedges up vertically on a cutting board with the core touching the board and holding it at the tip. Position the knife at the start of the core and slice downward, cutting off the hard portion. Place the cabbage on a flat side and slice shreds to desired thickness (about ¼ inch). Start at the tip and work down. Thinly slice the onion and then shred carrots using a cheese grater.

photo provided by Tayler Silfverduk RDN

Place it all into one very large or two non-reactive bowls (not metal). Pour the spices on top. Massage the mixture of veggies and spices until a lot of brine has been created and the mixture has shrunk down to about half its original size.

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Take the massaged veggies and spices, and start packing them into a 1-quart fermenting jar with an airtight lid. (The packing will help bring the brine to the sur-

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face.) After every scoop that’s put into the jar, pack it down with a fist. Leave several inches at the top of the jar. Fold up the saved cabbage leaves and put them on top of the cabbage in the jar. (Make sure the brine goes over the top of the cabbage leaves.) Place the weight—either a fermenting weight or rocks inside of a bag—on top of the cabbage leaves. Leave about 1 to 2 inches at the top of the jar. Close the jar’s lid and put it in some sort of basin (I use a casserole dish) to catch the brine that comes out. The brine will come out of the jar because the cabbage will swell during the fermentation process, and the basin will catch the brine instead of it spilling onto counters. Notes: Over the next few days, the mixture will turn into curry kraut through a lacto fermentation process. Bubbles and the bright green cabbage will become yellow. How long to wait depends on the level of sourness desired and how warm the house is kept. Check the curry kraut for taste. It’s good to check after about three to five days to see if it’s sour enough. It’s also good to do a quick check for mold. It’s likely a white, scummy-type substance will form at the top of the brine; this is okay and part of the process. It can be scraped off or left there. When curry kraut reaches desired taste, take out the cabbage leaves and the weight, close the lid and put it in the fridge. Make sure to start with a clean surface and utensils. Dirty supplies can mess with the bacteria in the fermentation. Courtesy of Kyrie Luke, Healthfully Rooted Home.

MONTHLY PLANNER MARCH

FOOD & NUTRITION

Homoeopathy

A Popular Medical Alternative by Melanie Krneta Dip Hom

s the world seeks safe, stable and effective health care, homoeopathy has proven itself to be as much for more than 200 years. In 1796, German physician Samuel Hahnemann translated William Cullens’ Lectures on the Materia Medica into German, and was struck that the symptoms produced by quinine on the healthy body were similar to those of the disordered states quinine was used to cure. This led Hahnemann to the theory of, “Likes are cured by likes.” Four years later, Hahnemann discovered that drugs used in small doses aided healing, which led him to his Doctrine of Potentization of Dynamization. His discoveries are just now being revealed in the field of nanoparticles, and can be exploited to promote good health. He named the his medicine homoeopathy and called the pharmaceutical medicines we know today allopathy. In the subcontinent, all medical students share the first three years of training, regardless of whether they intend to be homoeopaths or modern physicians. The result is that India’s straining public health system faces competition from the private sector in conventional medicine and a cheaper, widely available homoeopathic service. A visit to a homoeopath is less than half the price charged by a medical doctor. According to the Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy, there were 100 homoeopathic hospitals and 1,000 homoeopathic physicians in the U.S. in the 1800s. and, homoeopathy was taught in all medical schools. During the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic, the most severe caused by an H1N1 virus in history, homoeopathy was integral in helping lessen morbidity rate. About one-third of the world’s population was infected; about 500 million people worldwide, with about 675,000 in the U.S. Homoeopathic doctor Dean W. A. Pearson, of Philadelphia, collected data on 26,795 cases of influenza treated by homoeopathic physicians with a mortality rate of 1 percent, while the average mortality of cases treated by conventional medicine (aspirin and quinine) was 30 percent. In India, where homoeopathy is part of the national medical system, the market is growing 25 percent a year, and more than 100 million people depend solely on it. According to an article in The Lancet, “Homoeopathy Booming in India.” The Indian government has almost 11,000 homoeopathic hospital beds and three-quarters of all registered practitioners have been state-trained. Homoeopathy is the most gentle and effective form of medicine for all ages, and has no side effects. Many U.S. homoeopaths follow Hahnehman’s “classical” training.

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Melanie Krneta Dip Hom, ACH, is a homoeopathic practitioner. For more information, call 814-428-9895 or email LittleBitOfHeaven777@gmail.com. See Resource Guide listing, page 30. February 2022

The Heart-Mind Connection How Thoughts and Emotions Affect Our Heart Health

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by Ronica O’Hara

“D

oes your wife show you her love?” In a study of 10,000 married men, this question turned out to be revelatory. Among men with high levels of anxiety, a whopping 93 percent that answered “No” developed anginarelated chest pains within five years—nearly twice the rate of those answering “Yes.” This 1976 Israeli study was one of the first to clearly document how emotions affect the physical heart. Today, the research is so vast and compelling that last year, the American Heart Association issued a statement urging that psychological factors be taken into account in cardiovascular care—which may result in doctors asking patients about depression and anxiety as well as testing for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. “What’s on your mind really does affect your heart,” says leading researcher and cardiologist Michael Miller, M.D., author of Heal Your Heart and director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical System. “Our hearts require emotional health in order to maintain cardiovascular health.” Two emerging fields are probing the mind-heart connection: neurocardiology, which studies their neurological interplay;

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and behavioral cardiology, which examines how psychological and social factors lead to heart disease. Increasingly, researchers are documenting that the brain and the heart form an intricate feedback loop that works neurologically, biochemically and electromagnetically to optimize well-being. What hurts one—be it artery-clogging foods or angry outbursts—can hurt the other. What heals one—be it exercising or a good belly laugh—can heal the other. There’s good news in that, says Miller: “You can heal your heart by actively engaging in positive emotions each and every day.”

Unveiling the Heart’s Role In Western medicine, the heart has been downplayed historically as a pump mechanistically taking orders from a bossy brain, but recently, the heart’s role is being reexamined: With 40,000 neurons, it sends more signals to the brain than it receives. As integrative cardiologist Mimi Guarneri, author of The Heart Speaks, puts it, “The heart is a multilayered, complex organ, possessing intelligence, memory and decision-making abilities independent from the mind.”

The electromagnetic field it generates is about 100 times stronger than the brain’s magnetic range and can be detected up to three feet away from the body, report researchers at the pioneering HeartMath Institute, in Boulder Creek, California. They found that one person’s brain waves can synchronize to another person’s heart and two hearts can synchronize to each other, which may help explain why people are drawn to or repelled by each other. When the heart’s rhythm pattern becomes erratic and disordered during stress and negative emotions, they report, the neural signals traveling to the brain’s emotional centers also get disrupted, hindering clear thinking and reasoning—which may help explain why we make dubious decisions under stress.

The High Toll of Tough Emotions Although scientists debate whether emotions start in the brain, heart or from physical sensations elsewhere in the body, it’s clear through magnetic imaging technology that it’s the brain’s task to process and regulate emotions via the flow of neurotransmitters through the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and other brain regions. Emotions like anger, fear, grief and anxiety set off a cascade of reactions involving the hormone cortisol and proteins called cytokines, creating an inflammatory response that, if it becomes chronic, can promote the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that can become unstable and rupture, triggering blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks. Surveying 25,000 participants in 52 countries, the landmark INTERHEART Study in 2004 concluded that about 30 percent of heart attacks and strokes are due to psychological factors, and ongoing research supports this finding. DEPRESSION. Adults that are depressed are twice as likely to develop heart disease. In one study, moderate to severe depression quadrupled the death rate in heart failure patients. ANXIETY. Researchers have linked chronic anxiety with a 48 percent increased risk of cardiac-related death over 11 years. It has also been shown to be a risk factor for angina, heart attacks and ventricular arrhythmia. SHOCK. A sudden emotional or physical shock, like a death in the family or an earthquake, can trigger stress cardiomyopathy, known as broken heart syndrome, which resembles a heart attack. ANGER. An episode of intense fury—described as “body tense, clenching fists or teeth, ready to burst”—increases by 8.5 times the risk of a heart attack within the next two hours. LONELINESS. Being socially isolated and lonely is linked to a higher risk for cardiovascular death than hypertension and obesity—alarming information since more than 60 percent of Americans report feeling lonely, left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship, according to a 2020 survey.

Boosting Both Brain and Heart “There’s no damage caused by negative emotions that positive emotions can’t heal,” says Miller. A large body of research has shown that cardiovascular disease risk can be reduced by up to

half with optimism, a sense of humor, forgiveness, social support, religious faith, vitality, gratitude, altruistic behavior, emotional flexibility and coping flexibility. People that are optimistic are less likely to be rehospitalized or die from heart disease, Finnish researchers report. “For optimal health, maximize the health of both brain and heart. For example, if you eat well and exercise, but are still stressed out, your heart will suffer. Conversely, if you are not stressed out, but overeat and do not exercise, your brain will suffer,” says Miller. Some heart-and-mind-healthy strategies include: DOING THE BASICS. Exercising a half-hour daily and eating a largely plant-based, Mediterranean-type diet that’s low in saturated fats has been found in numerous studies to lower the risk of both cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Working with health practitioners to get blood pressure, blood sugar and inflammation levels under control, perhaps using supplements or medications, is also a key preventive step. GIVING AND GETTING HUGS. Oxytocin, the “love hormone” released from the pituitary gland during touching and hugging, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and regenerates new heart tissue in animal studies. Proactively reaching out to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers can nurture affectionate ties, but if a human isn’t nearby, even hugging a teddy bear has been shown to release oxytocin—which may explain why 40 percent of U.S. adults sleep with stuffed animals. Owning a dog, but not necessarily a cat, makes us more likely to survive a heart attack, report researchers. MINDFULLY LETTING GO. As studies with police officers, healthcare workers and firefighters have demonstrated, mindfulness training effectively lowers anxiety and depression, even for those in life-threatening situations. “To be present, ever acutely aware of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and how we are choosing to react is critical,” says cardiologist Cynthia Thaik, author of Your Vibrant Heart and the founder of the Holistic Heart Healing Center, in Los Angeles. “Once we are aware of our reaction, the ability to let go—of judgment, doubt, anger, resentment, fear, all our negative thoughts, emotions and feelings—is crucial to our healing process.” LAUGHING A LOT. Many of us have a chuckle deficit in our lives: The average 5-year-old laughs up to 300 times a day, the average adult only four. To lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, find ways to laugh long and hard—such as watching hilarious films or videos on YouTube or TikTok. Physiologically, the endorphins released by a hearty belly laugh bind to receptors that release nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels. BREATHWORK. To bring the mind and heart into a healthy, coherent rhythmic pattern, the HeartMath Institute suggests heart-focused breathing, which involves imagining that we are breathing in through the heart as we inhale in a smooth, comfortable manner to the count of five or six, then breathing out for five or six counts while visualizing that the breath is flowing out of the heart. February 2022

MEDITATION. People that practice meditation are significantly less likely to have a heart attack or stroke, perhaps because it has been shown to lower heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, oxygen consumption and cortisol levels. Alzheimer’s expert Dharma Singh Khalsa, author of Meditation as Medicine, advocates kirtan kriya, a 12-minute, daily meditation that includes chanting, finger movements and visualization. Research has demonstrated that it slows cognitive decline, eases depression and increases anti-aging telomerase activity at a cellular level by 43 percent in eight weeks.

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YOGA OR TAI CHI. In studies, yoga has been shown to lower inflammation and metabolic syndrome markers linked to heart disease and reduce atrial fibrillation episodes. The slow, graceful movements of tai chi reportedly lower blood pressure and strengthen the hearts of people with heart failure.

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MUSIC. Whether it involves listening, playing an instrument or singing, music has been shown to lower heart rate, reduce inflammation, enable longer exercise periods, ease anxiety after heart surgery and heart attacks, and help stroke victims regain the ability to speak. Choose music of whatever genre inspires joy and sing along for extra benefit, advises Miller. “If your partner is flummoxed by your enthusiasm for yodeling or your neighbor doesn’t exactly approve of your attempts at arias, kindly inform him or her it’s doctor’s orders,” he jokes in Heal Your Heart. Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

nonprofit spotlight

Herbalists United for Community Betterment by Martin Miron

onprofit Herbalists Without Borders (HWB) is an international network of herbalists, traditional healers, complementary alternative medicine clinicians, botanical medicine product makers, tradespeople, herb growers, farmers, ecologists, students and others interested in the role of plants in primary health and wellness, sustainable agriculture, trade and ecological preservation and restoration. It is run by volunteer services, monetary and in-kind donations of chapter members. Current goals include reaching homeless communities and women’s shelters to provide self-care kits, free herbal clinics, teach simple self herbal care and foraging skills and simple healthy lowcost cooking. They also plan to develop community clean water projects and school programs that provide plant identification and education and gardening basics. Avenues of engagement include Natural Awakenings magazine and social media. They also plan to have information booths at local farmers’ markets and West Virginia Herb Association events. HWB serves the areas of Southwest Pittsburg and West Virginia. Local missions are to serve at-risk communities by providing free and low-cost herbal clinics, community gardens, wild foraging and plant educational programs. They are seeking local sponsors for pop-up clinics to serve in both regions. Volunteers are needed in the Morgantown area for student work exchanges, community gardens projects, pop-up free clinics, plant educational walks and wild food foraging.

April Smith, of Native Holistics, says, “Plants have been used by our ancestors to nourish and heal our bodies reducing occurrences of disease and providing total wellness. It is my passion to provide natural resources to restore the mind, body and soul.” Barbara Volk, of Spotted Horse Farm, says, “I am committed to living a life in the spirit of reciprocity by serving others and helping folks to develop a healthy and sustainable way of life for the benefit of all beings on our planet and future generations.” For more information, email Info@NativeRootsWV.com.

Take a St

and For HEALTH JUS TICE HERBALISTS WITHOUT BORDERS

coming in the march issue

Food & Nutrition

February 2022

Truly Making Love

Sex and Intimacy as a Healing Force by Marlaina Donato

Therapist Kurt Smith, clinical director of Guy Stuff Counseling and Coaching, in Roseville, California, advocates limiting phone use and engaging in nontechnological activities. “Phones have moved from being used as a communication device to becoming many people’s connection to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, when used as such, they pose a threat to the emotional connection with our partners,” he says. “With all distractions removed, sit on the sofa, face each other and talk. This suggestion can make many people very uncomfortable, because they have no idea what they’d say to their partner. Actually, talking to your partner without a purpose other than to just listen and connect with each other has become rare.” An element of fun can go a long way in the quest to stay connected. “Approach your sex life like a science experiment or an art project instead of a math problem,” says Jamie Elizabeth Thompson, a holistic intimacy expert in Austin. “It’s an exploration with no one right answer. Attitude is important when it comes to sex because people can take it so seriously and place crippling pressure on having this fantasy Hollywood sex life.”

Aphrodite’s Plate

ntimately connecting with a loved one is one of life’s most precious gifts, but it’s easy to lose sight of our innate sensual energy in the maze of the mundane. Through lovemaking, we can harness our life force, and according to abundant research, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, manage pain and improve brain health. A significant correlation also exists between higher ejaculation frequency and a reduced risk for prostate cancer later in life, Boston University researchers report in European Urology. Making love is also good for boosting our natural immunity. College students that engaged in amorous activity once or twice a week—especially with long-term partners—had 30 percent higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A in their saliva, concluded research by Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania.

Stripping Down to Basics A few lifestyle adjustments can do wonders for worn-out romance. Quality sleep itself can be a potent aphrodisiac. Women are more likely to be “in the mood” after a good night’s sleep, even with just an extra hour of shut-eye, according to a 2015 pilot study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 20

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Feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin all contribute to the pleasure response, and sharing luscious food with a lover can be sensuous, as well as endorphin-friendly. Nutritious foods such as almonds, walnuts, asparagus and avocados support reproductive health, and a dessert of dark chocolate and honey-drizzled fruits like berries, figs and cherries can support libido in both women and men. Nixing excessive alcohol and sugar is also a good romantic investment.

Partnership as Sacred Deep relationship is only possible when we are willing to be vulnerable. “Porn is a drug that people unknowingly use to self-medicate and manage uncomfortable thoughts and emotions,” explains Smith.

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healing ways

“Many men have no idea what they’re missing because they’ve never had an emotionally intimate relationship without the negative influence of porn. Porn makes sex self-focused, rather than what it’s supposed to be, which is the intimate connection of two people. Porn is selfish, rather than loving, giving and sharing with a partner.” Thompson attests that lovemaking can help us align with the divine, especially “when people have reverence for the power of their erotic life force. When people open their view of what sex is, it can become an act of worship.” Love prompts us to become more ourselves. “When erotic life force is flowing freely, the body is vital and the system is turned on. When channeled properly, this energy is highly creative,” muses Thompson. “It’s the fuel of your vehicle, the charge of your battery, and when you are full on life force, it organically overflows into service.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Fun Homework for Couples From Kurt Smith: Remain connected by having “no-tech nights”. Try turning all devices off for an evening and find something to do together that doesn’t require them. This could be watching a movie, playing board games (yes, they still exist), going out for dessert, etc. It can be fun to brainstorm creative, low-cost ideas.

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From Jamie Elizabeth Thompson: Journal about why sex and intimacy are important to you, how it serves the rest of your life and what you see available through having a consistent, potent, deep, hot erotic life. Share this vision with your partner and keep it somewhere you see it often. Knowing why something is a priority makes you far more likely to follow through. Flirt with each other. Couples who flirt their way through their communication fight much less. Flirting creates a playful, fun flow of energy between you. It’s a way of keeping the fire stoked so you’re not completely restarting from cold coals every time you want to heat up the house.

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healthy kids

Parents as Role Models

How to Help Kids Discover Positive Behaviors by Sandra Yeyati

they’re angry. To teach them constructive ways to express anger—like taking deep breaths or running around the block— you’ve got to employ those tools yourself.” Actions speak louder than words. “To teach your child good values, you have to demonstrate them through your deeds. If you tell your child that they must always be on time for school, but you’re late for work every day, your child hears one thing, but sees another,” MacDonald explains, adding that kids are adept at sniffing out these inconsistencies.

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ike the familiar adage, “Monkey see, monkey do,” children learn habits, attitudes and values by observing and mimicking their parents. This phenomenon, known as modeling, is a double-edged sword. Sometimes parents unintentionally teach their kids by example to smoke, eat too much candy or bully people. On the other hand, with awareness, planning and strategic modifications, parents can use modeling to instill in their kids good habits, positive attitudes, healthy emotional intelligence and strong self-esteem. “We parent what we know, very often on automatic mode,” says Debra MacDonald, a certified parenting educator at the Center for Parenting Education, in Abington, Pennsylvania. “How many times have you said, ‘I will never say that to my kids,’ and then fast-forward several years, those words are coming out of your mouth. Awareness is your first step.” “Look at how you handle stress or express anger,” MacDonald suggests. “If you slam the table, break something and yell, that’s what you’re teaching your children to do when

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Saying, “Eat your spinach,” while regularly gobbling ice cream won’t inspire desired results. When MacDonald’s son was young, she realized she wasn’t setting the right example at the dinner table. “Slowly, over time, I began to improve our family’s lifestyle choices, and now that he’s in college, he knows how to cook healthy meals, practice portion control and clean up after himself,” she boasts.

Tackling Childhood Anxiety Through Modeling In his 2021 book, Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD, Yale University Professor Eli Lebowitz offers a scientifically proven parental modeling program called Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Although the goal is to treat a child’s anxiety, parents meet with a therapist and learn tools to modify their parenting approach in two ways: being more supportive and reducing accommodations. On the support side, SPACE parents learn to show a genuine acceptance and understanding of their child’s distress and to communicate their confidence in the child’s ability to tolerate and cope with the anxiety. The support can be as simple as saying, “I get it. This is really hard. You’re upset, but I know you can handle this.” “Supportive statements aren’t always intuitive for parents,” says Lebowitz, director of the program for anxiety disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. “Sometimes they don’t believe that their child is feeling anxiety. They might think that the child is being manipulative or attention-seeking. Or, when parents do believe that their child is anxious, they want to protect, soothe and reassure them, but by doing these things, parents aren’t communicating their belief that the child can handle it, which is critical to helping them overcome the anxiety.” The second change that SPACE parents learn to make is to gradually and systematically reduce all the accommodations they have been making to help their child not feel anxious, such as sleeping beside a child that is afraid of being alone or not inviting company to the house to avoid upsetting a socially anxious kid. “Research indicates that even though parents are trying to help, accommodations that rush to the rescue tend to maintain or worsen anxiety over time,” Lebowitz says. “I worked with parents of a child who had panic attacks at night and would say, ‘My heart is racing. I can’t breathe. I think I’m going to die.’ Feeling overwhelmed and scared, her parents would rush her to the hospital again and again, even after doctors assured them that she was healthy and didn’t need to come in. From the child’s perspective, when your parents rush you to the ER, that confirms that this is literally an emergency. You feel more worried and scared. When the parents were able to take a breath, give her a hug and say, ‘We know this is uncomfortable, but it’s going to pass, and you’re going to be okay,’ she began to learn that she didn’t need to be afraid of anxiety. She could handle it and didn’t need to avoid it.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. February 2022

natural pet

Fostering Love

be fair to other pets at home. Don’t get caught up in the

needs of a new kitten or puppy so much that the needs of other pets go unnoticed. Forever pets may even help out with newcomers. “In my home, puppies work well, as my dogs mother them and show them the ropes on how to be a good dog,” says Stasia Thompson, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, a volunteer with Almost Home Dog Rescue and Poor Paws Rescue.

Tips for First-Time Pet Foster Parents by Karen Shaw Becker

or people that love cats and dogs but can’t adopt one—or one more—a heartwarming solution is to foster pets without homes that need a place to temporarily lay their heads and be loved until a forever home comes along. Fosters are needed when a shelter is filled to capacity or has too many large or old dogs, or orphaned puppies and kitties, for example, or when a rescue operation needs to quickly place shelter dogs that would otherwise be euthanized. As important and rewarding as the task of fostering is, it also comes with responsibilities and pitfalls worth considering in advance.

check out the possibilities.

In addition to Googling local animal shelters and rescue operations, online groups like PetFinder.com and PoorPawsRescue.com provide links to fostering options locally and nationwide.

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Visit local shelters to observe both how they treat their animals and how they interact with the fostering volunteers. Staff members can help with finding compatible pets and offer support when a foster situation doesn’t work for whatever reason. Also find out if the organization is involved every step of the way, including providing onsite veterinary care, or whether it relies heavily on the dedication and resources of foster parents.

think about short-term fostering. To give it a try,

volunteer for a short-term commitment—a few days or weeks. Vacation time is one big reason rescue organizations look for people willing to provide short-term fostering because they need volunteers to fill in while their “regulars” are away.

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Food, litter, toys and even veterinary care is often offered to foster pet parents. In other cases, rescue centers may be struggling for support or getting slammed with natural disasters that create an influx of homeless pets, and foster parents may be asked to help with such items as crates and carriers, food and water bowls, collars, leashes and treats. “Homeowners who purchase items for their fosters can write them off as tax-deductible donations to the rescue organization, which is a great way to put your donation dollars to work,” says Karen Winkler, a volunteer with the Bucks County SPCA and the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia.

don’t stress about placement. Possibly the most-asked

question about fostering a puppy or kitty is, “What if they never find a home for her?” Never fear; shelters and rescue groups are constantly putting out feelers. Foster parents can get in on the action by posting sweet, winsome or funny photos of the animal on social media and extolling its virtues to others when out in public with it. Thompson found new owners for her foster dogs by walking them around town wearing bright yellow “Adopt Me” vests.

it’s okay to fall in love with a foster pet. Many people

hesitate to foster pets because they’re afraid they’ll fall in love with a small ball of fur or a big pair of liquid eyes just begging to be adored. But that’s one of the risks of loving a creature with an open heart. “There is an

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don’t stress about cost.

amazing rush and deep sense of relief when you hear from the person who adopted your foster and you know the people found their true love in your foster,” says Winkler. “They know I helped save them. You can see it in their eyes.”

it’s even fine to adopt a foster. It does happen

sometimes; foster parents discover that the dog or cat that came into their home supposedly for a while happened to fit in perfectly, and no one can imagine living without it. While that’s been called a “foster failure”, it’s anything but. Any time an animal with no home finds one filled with love and caring, even if it’s their so-called temporary foster placement, it’s a success. Pet parents know when the animal they love is forever. Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

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calendar of events

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Renew Years Revolution – 30-Day Holistic Living Program with HIP Yoga. Learn the habits and get the encouragement you need to make healthy changes. Weekly personal one-on-one Ayurvedic consultations, weekly group yoga classes, relaxing 60-minute massage. Deeply discounted $450. Info/ register: Info@HipYoga.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Prenatal Yoga Class – A Holistic Approach to Anxiety – 6-7pm. In-person and online. Wednesdays thru Mar 23.With Dana Ramous at HIP Yoga. Support for expecting moms, covering postures and breathwork to promote calmness, confidence, flexibility, and strength in preparation for childbirth. $96. Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh, 300 Beverly Rd. 412344-7434. HipYoga.org/event/prenatal-yoga-class/.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 First Friday Hike: Wingfield Pines – 10-11:30am. With Allegheny Land Trust. Educational wintery walk, rain (snow) or shine! No walk-ins. $5/ticket. Wingfield Pines Conservation Area, Upper St. Clair Township. Tickets: AlleghenyLandTrust.networkforgood.com/events/35149-first-friday-hike.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 New Moon Flow – 9-10am. With Jenny Dayton. Heart-opening new moon flow. $12. OMBody Yoga, 90 West Main St, Uniontown, PA. 724-320-9386. Schedulicity.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Sacred Sounds at the Salt Cave – 4-5pm. With Sacred Centered You. A relaxing and powerful meditative experience designed to cleanse the chakra system followed by vibrations and frequencies of the crystal bowls. $45. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472. Register: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/ws. Live Virtual Tea Class – 6-7:30pm. With Blue Monkey Tea on Facebook Live. The history of tea, growing regions, proper steeping and more. Free. Optional purchase of Tea Tasting Kit from BlueMonkeyTea.com for full tasting experience. Purveyor of fine tea, coffee, and gourmet European foods. Blue Monkey Tea, 5872 Forbes Ave.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Tea Tasting 101 – 6-7:30pm. Discuss the five types of true tea, herbal teas, and tisanes. Light refreshments. $10/ticket. The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center, 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: TheTeaShoppeWV.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Past Life and Soul Regression Meditation– 6-7pm. With Sacred Centered You. This approach is a form of hypnotherapy and Akashic Records exploration that allows you to interact with your higher self and spiritual guides. $45. Salt of the

Pittsburgh, PA

Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-2600472. Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/ws.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Romance and Wellness Date Night – 4:30pm. Special evening just for two. Begins with your choice of yoga, reiki or mediation followed by infrared sauna, couples massage, and candle-light dinner in the second floor window overlooking Main St and our little town. Choice of entrée and wine provided by Titlow Tavern. Dessert by Goodie Girls. Must be pre-paid. Non-refundable. $450/couple. OMBody Yoga, 90 West Main St, Uniontown PA. RSVP: 724-320-9386.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Revitalizing Whole Foods Plant Based Habits – 1-2:30pm. Creative tips, helpful recipes and Q&A with Sally Lipsky and Plant-Based Pittsburgh. Seeking a recharge with plant-based eating? Looking for fresh recipes or just started a plant-based lifestyle? Join for demonstrations, tips, and inspiration. Info: PlantBasedPittsburgh@gmail.com. Citizen Science Walks – 3-4:30pm. With 3 Rivers Outdoor Company. Librarian Tess Wilson and other local experts walk Frick Park exploring digital resources like iNaturalist, Seek, Merlin Bird ID and other field tools. Great way to support your local ecosystem. Info: 412-871-5038. Cirque Mechanics in Birdhouse Factory – 7-8:45pm. EQT Bridge Theater Series. Artful, nostalgic, funny show inspired by masterful industry murals of artist Diego Rivera, outrageous illustrations of cartoonist Rube Goldberg, and slap-stick humor of Charlie Chaplin, and the circus. $12. Group ticket prices available. Byham Theater, 101 6th St. Tickets: Trustarts.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Cirque Mechanics in Birdhouse Factory – 2-3:45pm. EQT Bridge Theater Series. Artful, nostalgic, funny show inspired by masterful industry murals of artist Diego Rivera, outrageous illustrations of cartoonist Rube Goldberg, and slap-stick humor of Charlie Chaplin, and the circus. $12/ticket. Group ticket prices available. Byham Theater, 101 6th St. Tickets: Trustarts.org. Cacao Discovery at The Space GBG – 4-6pm. Adult-only workshop with Veronica Nicole. Share cacao, learn the history and benefits while incorporating movement and meditation. $33. The Space GBG, 203 Old Route 30, Greensburg. 724-6723294. Tickets: Checkout_square.site.

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Two for Thai/Couples YOMA – 7:30-8:30pm. Learn basic Thai massage and assisted yoga with a friend or special someone. Connect body and mind. $60. Bonus $10 off OmBody Couples Massage Package. OMBody, 90 West Main St, Uniontown, PA. 724-320-9386.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Sustainability at Home Workshop Series: Backyard Chickens – 6-8pm. With Allegheny Land Trust at Ohio Township Nature Center. Part of a new workshop series: The Sustainability at Home Series. Focus on living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Participants receive backyard chicken starter kit valued at $100. No chickens provided. No walk-ins. $10/ticket. Ohio Township Nature Center, 325 Nicholson Rd, Sewickley. AlleghenyLandTrust. networkForGood.com/events/36376-sustainabilityat-home-series-backyard-chickens. February Full Snow Moon Headlamp Hike – 6-8:30pm. With 3 Rivers Outdoor Company. Full Moon hike in Frick Park. Start at 3 Rivers Outdoor Company, hike 3-4 miles, return to the shop for campfire and beer on tap from Cinderlands Beer Co. Benefits Allegheny Cleanways. 1130 S. Braddock Ave. 412-871-5038. Register/sign waiver: 3RiversOutdoor.com/events/febheadlamphike.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Peter Hess Sound Massage I – 9:30am. Also Feb 18 at 5:30pm. Learn the basics of the Peter Hess Sound Massage. $450. Harmonic Egg Wellness, 2000 Smallman St, Ste 205b. 412-609-8999. Register: RootedInSound.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (The Musical) – 2pm & 5pm. Children’s Theater Series. Age 3 and up. Hop on board for an unforgettable ride with a pigeon. Innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers. $12/tickets. Group ticket prices available. Byham Theater, 101 6th St. Trustarts.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (The Musical) – 2pm. Children’s Theater Series. Age 3 and up. Hop on board for an unforgettable ride with a pigeon. Innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers. $12/tickets. Group ticket prices available. Byham Theater, 101 6th St. Trustarts.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Webinar: Spring Ephemerals – 5-5:45pm. By Allegheny Land Trust online. What makes a wildflower a spring ephemeral? Learn about the wildflowers that appear as the snow melts. Free. Join at us02web.zoom.us/j/83259005706. Info: AlleghenyLandTrust.org. Focused Tea Tasting – Black Teas – 6-7:30pm. Taste black teas from around the world. Light refreshments. $10/ticket. Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center, 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: TheTeaShoppeWV.com. Science Friday Trivia Night – LiveStream from NY – 21+ SciFri Trivia is part sciency-y facts, part dance party, and part pop culture romp. Put a team together or play solo – and win swag. Invite your molecular biology PhD friend to join you. $5 via livestream. Tickets at Eventbrite.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Intro to Personal and Community Archiving – Noon-2pm. Online DocLab Workshop Series with Prototype PGH. First workshop in a series. New and experienced memory workers reflect on and share experiences with personal and community archives. Free. Donations welcome. RSVP at Eventbrite, info and zoom link at doclabpgh.org. Romance and Wellness Date Night – 4:30pm. Special evening just for two. Begins with your choice of yoga, reiki or mediation followed by infrared sauna, couples massage, and candle-light dinner in the second floor window overlooking Main St and our little town. Choice of entrée and wine provided by Titlow Tavern. Dessert by Goodie Girls. Must be pre-paid. Non-refundable. $450/couple. OMBody Yoga, 90 West Main St, Uniontown PA. RSVP: 724-320-9386.

plan ahead SATURDAY, MARCH 26

savethedate

SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Nourish the Body Mind & Soul Expo – Mar 26-27. 10am-5pm. Hosted by Grazie Ventures at the Monroeville Convention Center. $10/ day or $15/weekend pass. Children under 10/ free. Admission includes all exhibits, minilectures, and presentations. 209 Mall Plaza Blvd, Monroeville.

ongoing events

sunday Heartfulness Meditation – 11am-noon. 1st Sun. Hosted by Heartfulness Pittsburgh. Age 15 and up. Cost-free guided relaxation and meditation. Learn the basics and benefits of heartfulness. Be casual. Winchester Thurston Lower School in Shadyside, Rm 202. Info: Heartfulness.org. Sacred Sounds – 1-2:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Sacred Centered You and Visions Reiki & Soul Spa. $25. Join Leza for a relaxing, powerful meditative experience, sound immersion with crystal bowls, and individual healing vibrations through the gong. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. Tickets at Eventbrite. Sunday’s Restorative Rejuvenation – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Morgantown Power Yoga. All levels welcome. Learn to use breath, props, and focused awareness to decrease stress and anxiety in the body and the mind. Compliment your power yoga practice with restorative rejuvenation. $25. 235 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: Clients. MindBodyOnline.com. Find Your Roots: Six Sundays of Foundation and Community with Maryellen – 5:30-7pm. Jan 2: Standing Poses; Jan 9: Modifications; Jan 16: Twists and Backbends; Jan 23: Breath and Meditation; Jan 30: Flowing; Feb 6: Philosophy and Intention Setting. All levels. Earn 10 hours towards 300-hour teacher training. $150. One Point One Yoga, 4929 Penn Ave. 412-256-8072.

monday Military Share Pittsburgh Food Distribution – Noon-2pm. Various Mondays – check schedule. Hosted by Veterans Leadership Program in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Food distribution for Veterans and Military Families in need. Fresh produce, shelf stable goods. No-contact pickup. No sign-up or RSVP. 2934 Smallman St. 412-481-8200 ext 221. Restorative Yoga and Reiki Healing – Thru Mar. 5:30-6:30pm or 7-8pm. With Sandra. Revive your being with restorative yoga, reiki, and the health benefits of the Himalayan salt cave. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray, 724-260-0472. Register: Clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws. Children’s Fine Art Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Hosted by Arty by April Ryan. Kids learn basic art techniques starting in charcoal and progressing to acrylic painting. Get kids off the screen and into hands-on creativity. $20/class plus supplies. Thistledown Boutique, 151 S Main St, Washington, PA. 724-470-3775. Yoga for Wellbeing – 5:30-6:30pm. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit four) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignmentbased instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com. Roll, Flow and Renew – 6-7:15pm. With Jill Sansom. Fusion of self-myofascial rolling, gentle yoga and a long, restorative asana. $15/drop-ins.

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$40/four-class pass. Visions Reiki & Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. Reiki and Restorative Yoga – 6-6:45pm & 7-7:45pm. $15/drop-ins, $40/four-class pass. Visions Reiki & Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. Monday Evening with the Wellness Warrior – 6:30-7:15pm. Learn about a different health and wellness topic every week. Zoom in at Zoom. us/j/92446493853. Meeting ID: 924 4649. Steve@ WellnessWarrior.coach Guiding Light: An Empath Assembly – 6:30-8pm. Free online event hosted by Sacred Centered You. Calling all lightworkers, empaths, and high vibrating souls. Join their monthly assembly to share space. Register: SacredCenteredYou.com/events. 1 Hood Power Hour – 7-8pm. A virtual forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things political in SWPA and beyond. A virtual public affairs forum featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. 617-517-7600. Facebook. com/1HoodPower.

tuesday Managing Career Transition and Life During Uncertain Times – Noon-1pm. Online event by The Salon – a Female-Forward Space to Gather and Grow. $10. Tickets: Eventbrite. TheSalonPGH.com. Family Night at the Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh – 6-9pm. 2nd Tue. Hosted by Hofbrauhaus. Kids eat free with each adult entrée purchase. 2705 S Water St. 412-224-2328. Online Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by WVU Collegiate Recovery. All skill-levels welcome. A password is required, but anyone can join! Free. Email Olivia.pape@mail.wvu.edu to get the code. Morgantown, WV. WVBG.org Preregistration required at Forms.donorsnap.com. The Salty Core – 7-8pm. 4th Tue. Hosted by Salt of the Earth and Valleybrook Pilates & Fitness. Pilates in the Cave to lengthen and expand muscles for a leaner, stronger you. Incorporate breath, stretch, and strengthening. Open to all levels. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray, PA. Tickets: SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com. Laser Cutting Workshop – Thru Nov. 7-9pm. Meets once a month. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Full Spectrum Muse CO2 Laser at Prototype PGH for etching and cutting. This laser cutter can cut acrylic, fabric, leather, paper, rubber and wood. It can also etch coated metals, glass, and stone. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com.

wednesday Yoga for Wellbeing – 8:30-9:30am. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit four) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignment-based instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 10-11am. With Jill Sansome, hosted by Visions Reiki & Soul Spa. Vinyasa connects the breath with movement with focus on building strength, flexibility, and balance. $15/drop-ins, $40/ four-class pass. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-7451785. Register; VisionsReikiSoulAndSpa.com/yoga.

Pittsburgh, PA

Wild Wednesday: Virtual Live Animal Encounter – 1:30-2pm. Online event hosted by Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Join museum educators via Zoom to meet members of the museum’s living collection. Each week is unique! $10/household ($5/ members). 412-622-3131. Register at Carnegiemnh. org/explore/live-animal-encounters/.

thursday Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thurs. Hosted by Spruce Street United Methodist Church. All ages and abilities with variations to accommodate health and movement issues, with students sitting or standing next to a chair. Emphasis on meditative practices. Wear comfortable clothing. 386 Spruce St, Morgantown, W Virginia. 304292-3359. Zoom Family Storytime – 10:30-11am. Free online event hosted by C.C. Mellor Memorial Library. 1 Pennwood Ave. 412-731-0909. Tickets via Eventbrite. Yoga – 10-11:30am. With Nancy Micheals. A series designed to focus on specific areas of the body to strengthen and stretch muscles. Classes will help participants build strength, balance the body’s system, increase body awareness, and increase energy while learning specific postures. CDC guidelines observed. YWCA Westmoreland County, 424 N Main St, Greensburg. 724-834-9390. Info@ywcawestmoreland.org. ywcawestmoreland. org/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/YWCA-Fall2020-Classes-and-Workshop-Insert.pdf. Wellbeing Solutions Webinars – Noon-1pm. 2nd & 4th Thur. Self-Care as Healthcare with BoardCertified Health and Wellness Coach and Yoga teacher Colleen Harshbarger and Natalie Geary, MD and Ayurveda Therapist. COVID rate: $25 1st (trial class); $40/thereafter. 4-pack: $150; 8-pack: $280. 12-pack: $399 includes one-year Wellness Inventory subscription ($49.95 value). On-demand times for groups. 304-508-2398. Info/register: Wellbingwv. com/webinars. Gentle Flow Yoga – 4-5pm. With Jill Sansome, hosted by Visions Reiki & Soul Spa. Gentle Flow is slow yoga - great for all levels. Encourages movement, mindfulness, breath control, and holding poses. $15/drop-in, $40/four-class pass. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. VisionsReikiSoulAndSpa.com/yoga. Group Meditation and Reiki Virtual Healing – 7-9pm. Last Thurs of the month. Online event by Prana-Veda Studio and Victoria Zaitz. Virtual group energy healing with reiki and shamanic techniques. In-depth guided meditation followed by distance work. $25. 412-390-5245. Tickets: Vagaro.com/ pranaveda/classes.

friday Friday Family Walk – 10am-noon. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. First Friday of every month. Enjoy a short story followed by a walk around the Garden, conclude with a simple craft. Trail accommodates off road strollers. Members/free, $15/donation per family suggested. Preregistration required: wvbg. org or Forms.donorsnap.com/form. Write Now! – 10am-noon. Zoom Writer’s Group hosted by Sewickley Public Library. Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and

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supportive atmosphere. Register: us02web.zoom. us. SewickleyLibrary.org. Bakery Square Toastmasters Weekly Meeting – Noon. Online event hosted by Bakery Square Toastmasters. Practice public speaking, improve communications, and build leadership skills. People from diverse backgrounds find a warm, supportive group that shares your goals. Visit BakerySquareToastmasters.com for login info. Friday 101 – Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab Public Workshops – 1-2pm. Hosted by BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. Take a crash course in maker technology – learn the basics of 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and more. $30/ nonmembers, $25/members. One Allegheny Ave. 412-237-3400. Register: CarnegieScienceCenter.org. #Unblurred: First Friday Art Crawl by Green Mountain Energy – 2-10pm. Hosted by Penn Avenue Arts & Commercial District. Monthly art and entertainment crawl on the first Friday of every month. Stroll Penn Ave from the 4800 to the 5500 block to meet artists and local business owners. Family friendly mix of every form of art. 412-441-6950.

saturday Gentle Flow Yoga – 8:30-9:30am. With Jill Sansome, hosted by Visions Reiki & Soul Spa at Chartiers Park. Gentle Flow is slow yoga that is great for all levels. Encourages movement, mindfulness, breath control, and holding poses. $15/dropins, $40/four-class pass. 724-745-1785. Register: VisionsReikiSoulAndSpa.com/yoga. Loving Myself First: Personal Development Series – 10-11am. 2nd Sat. Free online event hosted by Visions 2020 LLC. Learn real life principles to improve and maximize your personal and professional life. Tickets at Eventbrite. 412-376-2110. Watercolor Workshops – 10-11am. 1st and 3rd Sat. Hosted by April Ryan and Thistledown Boutique. $25 includes materials, $20 bring your own. Learn basic drawing and watercolor techniques. 151 S Main St, Washington, PA. 724-470-3775. Tickets: Paypal.com/paypalme/ArtbyAprilRyan. 3D Printer Workshop – Noon-2pm. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Elegoo UV Photocuring 3D resin printer. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com. Code and Coffee – Noon-2pm. Thru May. In partnership with Node PGH Meetup. Practice your skills, make new friends, get help. Bring your laptop, recent projects, programming problems. All skill levels and programming languages welcome. Free. Donations welcome. Prototype PGH 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com. Chakra a Month Workshop Series with Brooke Shmokelin – Thru July. 1-3pm, Sat; 7:30-8:30pm, Wed. Online or in person: sessions recorded. Take a transformational journey of self-discovery, deep dive into self, activate and explore chakras one at a time, learn specific yoga poses and practices for each chakra. 25 CEUs for yoga instructors. Two levels: $385 or $1060. Info/register: Brookesmokelin.kartra. com/page/2022ChakraAMonthONLINEJan-July. Live Streaming Musical Cooking Class – 2-3pm. With Gabrielle Reyes, One Great Vegan. Free online event on TikTok, Instragram, and Facebook. Check the menu, get your groceries, sing and cook along in the comfort of your own kitchen. OneGreatVegan.com.

Nature’s Virus Killer

not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. “The kids had crud going round and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried copper for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said. By Doug Cornell “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” cientists have discovered a cold never got going. That was A man with trouble breathing natural way to kill germs fast. September 2012. I use copper in the through his nose at night tried copper Now thousands of people nose every time and I have not had a just before bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in are using it against viruses and bacteria single cold since then.” years!” he said. in the nose and on “We can’t In a lab test, technicians placed 25 the skin. make product million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. Colds start health claims,” he No viruses were found surviving soon when cold viruses said, “so I can’t after. get in your nose. say cause and Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply effect. But we confirming the research. He placed fast. If you don’t know copper is millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, antimicrobial.” “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched. Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished. Copper quickly kills seconds. said, “I can’t believe how good CopperZap is made cold viruses. Tests by the EPA (Environmental my nose feels.” in the U.S. of pure Protection Agency) show germs die “What a wonderful thing!” copper. It has a 90-day full money back fast on copper. So some hospitals tried exclaimed Physician’s Assistant Julie. guarantee. It is available for $79.95. Get copper for touch surfaces like faucets Another customer asked, “Is it supposed $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA26. and doorknobs. This cut the spread of to work that fast?” Go to www.CopperZap.com or call MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for toll-free 1-888-411-6114. and saved lives. Christmas and called it “one of the best Buy once, use forever. The strong scientific evidence gave presents ever. This little jewel really Statements are not intended as inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When works.” product health claims and have not been he felt a cold about to start he fashioned Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to a smooth copper probe and rubbed it suffering after crowded flights. Though diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any gently in his nose for 60 seconds. skeptical, she tried copper on travel disease. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and ADVERTORIAL 29 February 2022

Copper can stop a cold before it starts

community resource guide

HERBS

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our Pittsburgh community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com to request our media kit.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY JANET LAZARUS – BIOLOGIC DENTIST Dr Janet Lazarus, DMD, NMD Mail: 4313 Walnut St, Ste 178 Office: Olympia Shopping Ctr Arcade, McKeesport • 412-754-2020 • Dr.Lazlo@hotmail.com

Dr. Lazarus practices compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to offer preventative care and health maintenance. She offers compatibility testing on dental material, safe mercury removal, extraction and a host of other treatments including ozone therapy. She has been practicing for 28 years. See ad, page 6.

CHIROPRACTIC PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC Dr Danielle Marra, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Marra has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications, and nutritional support. The practice provides advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 6.

HEALTH COACH COTERIE

Calli Tony, CPT 139 W Crawford Ave, Connellsville 724-562-0682 • CalliTonycpt.com Calli is the founder of Coterie and Calli Tony CPT. She is an intuitive healer, specializing in mindset and movement. At her foundation she is a Certified Personal Trainer and Holistic Health Coach, who is deeply passionate about embodiment practices.

WELLNESS WARRIOR COACH

Steve Manns, NB-HWC, PHC2, CPT Monroeville and Online Health and Wellness Coaching 724-516-2244 • WellnessWarrior.Coach A national board-certified health and wellness coach offering well-being collaboration through behavior change. A healthy body and mind lead to a happy and healthy life. Come start your adventure to reconnect with a better you through education, nutrition, coaching and accountability.

HEALTH FOOD EVEREST EATS

EverestEats.com Orders@everesteats.com A local Pittsburgh plant-based meal delivery service providing, sourced, sustainable, flavorful, and nutritious meals to the Pittsburgh community.

ESSENTIAL OILS NATURAL WELLNESS

Colleen Anthony 2001 Kinvara Dr, Pittsburgh 412-491-2319 • My.Doterra.com/cmanthony Provides natural options for a variety of health concerns using essential oils and natural products. A DoTerra essential oil advocate that offers a natural, holistic approach that empowers you to take control of your health and well-being.

THE KEFIR CHICKS

Connellsville, PA TheKefirChicks.com TheKefirChicks@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheKefirChicks Kathy and Haley, The Kefir Chicks, are two chicks on a mission to bring awareness to everyone about whole foods and gut health through whole, probiotic-packed food medicine – water kefir. See ad, page 3.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Danielle Mara, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Mara has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications and nutritional support. Plus advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 6.

Pittsburgh, PA

OLD THYME HERB SHOP, LLC Lisa Cunningham Old-Fashioned Family Herbalist 308 Liberty St, Perryopolis, PA 724-736-2400

Nothing fancy here; just hundreds of organic bulk medicinal herbs at your beck and call. Heal yourself ~ help others. In service and gratitude always. No Facebook, no website, no social media. Not enough thyme! Just you and I and your blessed healing herbs.

HOMEOPATHY MELANIE KRNETA

DIP HOM. ACH, Reiki Master 1215 B Liberty St, Franklin, PA • 814-428-9895 Facebook: Melanie Krneta Homoeopathy Plus Classical homoeopathic consultations providing individualized care for t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y. Migraines, hormonal imbalances, PTSD, grief, arthritis, digestive imbalance. Reiki sessions are beneficial for relaxation and pain management. Other services provided are far infrared sauna with medical grade color therapy and Himalayan salt and ear candling.

NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS NAPTURAL BEAUTY SUPPLY 724-307-8487 NapturalBeautySupply.com

Naptural Beauty Supply was created to end the stigma around natural hair by empowering men and women to love themselves naturally. We do this by instilling confidence in our community and increasing convenience by having the tools and services in one place, such as hair and body butters, beard care and apparel. We are beauty supply with naturals in mind! See ad, page 23.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE DR. ARETI, LLC

Dr. Areti Fitsioris 421 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh 412-419-1537 (call/text) • Facebook.com/Dr.Areti Dr. Areti is a board-certified naturopathic physician who implements manual therapy, lifestyle medicine, nutritional analysis, and non-invasive methods to address functional and structural imbalances – services are 100% grounded in evidence-based science. She goes the extra mile to identify and address root causes of conditions and to provide ongoing support.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. ~Jimi Hendrix

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

SPIRITUAL SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC

412-258-0766 • SacredCenteredYou.com Leza is known widely for her abilities as a sound healer, inspirational speaker and interfaith spiritual counselor. Healing arts services include vibrational sound healing, past life and soul regression, journey work counseling and conscious relationships counseling. Private and group services offered. Lesa Vivio, MS, LPC, CMHIMP, DDiv, DSM.

URBAN FARMING GROW PITTSBURGH

Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 • GrowPittsburgh.org Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org Grow Pittsburgh is an urban, agriculture nonprofit that teaches people how to grow food. They envision the day when everyone grows and eats fresh, local and healthy food. Get involved. Take a tour, become a member, learn, volunteer! Visit their website for workshops and events.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE ROOTED IN SOUND

Wyatt Melius 2000 Smallman St, Pittsburgh 412-609-8999 • RootedInSound.com Sound massage, Nada yoga, forest bathing, and acoustic-induced meditation. Check the calendar for sound baths on Sundays and Thursdays. See ad, page 21.

SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC 412-258-0766 SacredCenteredYou.com

Offering individual and group experiences that promote healing through self-discovery and personal acceptance. Special focus on sound healing, life coaching, qigong, and vibrational medicine.

WELLNESS 360 CAFÉ LLC

Tyleda Worou Pittsburgh • 724-374-8089 • 360CafeLLC.com 360 Café LLC is an alternative health and wellness business with the goal of helping others to heal from the inside out while taking a holistic approach to healing by offering distance reiki, and crystal healing sessions to help our consumers restore physical and emotional balance. See ad, page 11.

SALT OF THE EARTH

Himalayan Salt Cave and Crystal Boutique 504 Valleybrook Rd,McMurray, PA 15317 724-260-0472 • SaltOfTheEarthPgh.com Experience the known ancient healing benefits of halotherapy in the Himalayan salt cave, built from 16 tons of pure Himalayan salt. 45-minute sessions scheduled on the hour. Can be rented for private groups up to 10. Provides an inviting and relaxing environment for events and classes: yoga, meditation, sound healing, and reiki. The crystal boutique offers an array of authentic crystals, jewelry, candles, locally-made bath and body, and Himalayan salt products. The knowledgeable staff will help find the right crystal for you or your home décor. See ad, page 25.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

OPPORTUNITIES

206 Alexander Ave, Strabane 724-745-1785 • VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com

ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople covering the Greater Pittsburgh area, SW Pennsylvania and Morgantown WV to help others grow their natural health & wellness and sustainable living or green businesses. Commission-based. Full- or part-time. Paying 25% commission. Unlimited potential income. Be a part of something magical! Send resume to Michelle: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

As a full-service energy-health and wellness center, our goal is to empower people to be the best version of themselves. With the understanding that all wellness begins with a healthy energy system, Visions Reiki and Soul Spa offers holistic services, workshops, and coaching to help you establish a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

McCORMICK FAMILY FARM – 100% grass-fed/finished beef, pasture-raised chicken, and pure maple syrup following beyond organic, regenerative farming practices. 293 McCormic Rd, Portage, PA. 814-472-7259. Facebook: @ TheMcCormickFamilyFarm

VISIONS REIKI AND SOUL SPA

YOGA AND MEDITATION CHAKRA YOGA HEALING Brooke Smokelin

For more than 15 years helping people feel better and shine brighter through a unique combination of chakra activation tools and vibrational restoration techniques. Come in for a chakra tune-up and get your chakras right and bright for the New Year! How brightly do you want to shine? See ad, page 23.

JENNY DAYTON YOGA

Jenny Dayton, E-RYT, YACEP MountainYogaShala@gmail.com 724-550-3661 Jenny offers indoor and outdoor yoga throughout the Laurel Highlands. She also offers private therapeutic yoga lessons, Ayurveda and aromatherapy sessions by appointment. Virtual options are also available. For more information and to view the class schedule and locations, visit JennyDaytonYoga.com.

THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH 300 Beverly Rd, Pittsburgh 412-344-7434 • HipYoga.org

The Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh is committed to creating and supporting programs for wellness in body, mind and spirit. Their purpose is to promote personal peace and global unity. Offering a daily schedule of yoga and meditation classes and healing services including massage, reiki and Ayurvedic health consultations. They are a leader in education, providing authentic yoga and Ayurveda certification programs.

PRODUCTS

SERVICES READING POETRY RELAXES – Inquire at: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 4725, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725.

Natural Awakenings Client Testimonial I have been advertising since the beginning of Natural Awakenings and I have to say. that it has been a great choice! I have gotten a lot of new patients from her magazine. The covers are always colorful and fun! Michelle has been very helpful and she is always available when I need to talk to her. I would highly recommend this magazine if you are considering advertising. ~Dr Janet Lazarus

February 2022

Natural Awakenings Greater Pittsburgh February 2022

Articles inside

FOSTERING LOVE

PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS

THE HEART-MIND CONNECTION

FERMENTING FOR FOODIES