Natural Awakenings Magazine Greater Pittsburgh September 2021

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

INTEGRATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT Choose Healthy, Non-Toxic Cookware HORSES are INTUITIVE HEALERS CREATIVE KIDS How to Nurture Imagination

ART & CREATIVITY for HEALING

September 2021 | Pittsburgh, PA Edition | naturalawakeningsswpa.com September 2021

1

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

PITTSBURGH, PA EDITION Publisher Michelle Dalnoky Editor Martin Miron Calendar Editor Sara Peterson Ad Designer Zina Cochran Design & Production C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Michelle Dalnoky Lisa Doyle

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings – Pittsburgh P.O. Box 390 Uledi, PA 15484 Phone: 724-271-8877 Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive your FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Layout & Design Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Assistant

Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Anne-Marie Ryan

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

©2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Let’s talk! One subject that I think of often is interpersonal communication. Many people don’t think much about it, but I look at it as one of those things we need to work on for our entire lifetime. I have taken classes, read books and articles, and really worked on being an effective communicator, but there is still work to be done.

So, I live with my sister and she is my best friend, support system and running buddy. We have been hanging out together our entire lives. We played in creeks and rivers as children, got into trouble together as teenagers and have remained closely connected as adults. She was in the military for 20 years, so we were apart for most of that time, but even then I would go and stay with her and we were always in touch. Since she retired in 2001, we have lived together and she helped me to raise my daughter. Having said all of that, our brains interpret information in a completely different way.

Now we live on our little homestead with 6.5 acres and we have many tasks that we carry out together. I am amazed all the time at how differently we see things and yes, it causes small arguments. We bicker! She has a very different interpretation of some events of our childhood. How can that be? We were both there at the exact same time having the exact same experience, but we remember it very differently. Now if we are going to fold a tarp together, she plans to go one way and I plan to go the other. If we need to move a piece of furniture together, she will think to use one path or swing it in a certain direction, and I had planned to use another path and swing in the opposite direction.

Now we try to stop and ask each other what we were planning so we can coordinate.

Our relationship and constant miscommunication is a reminder of just how difficult and complicated communication is, but it’s likely that most of it is unintentional. No wonder we have such a hard time in this world communicating with each other. When I look at this world today, it is clear to see that people interpret information very differently. We are hearing much of the same thing, but some people will see it as a threat and others will see it as helpful or useful. If only there wasn’t so much aggression and we would realize that people just see things differently. It’s not personal. It is what it is. We all have our own history, education, upbringing and experiences that we filter information through, and we also have brains that process information differently. It’s really quite fascinating to think about and something that we need to work on to better understand our world and our relationships. It really is one of our greatest challenges and can cause the most heartache.

I have learned not to take it personally with my sister and with other people when we have a misunderstanding. I realize that our brains just work differently. It’s just a reality of human interpersonal communication that we have to keep figuring out. We see things differently, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t get along and still even be friends, or at least we can be civil and work together. Let’s keep learning about how to be effective at communicating our views, plans and even our desires so we can do a better job of getting along.

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

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

2

Pittsburgh, PA

Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Natural Awakenings is a family of 55-plus healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

16

Contents 8 YOGA TO HEAL TRAUMA

Soothing Poses Calm the Nervous System

10

10 FORAGED FUNGI FARE Cooking with Wild Mushrooms

12 HEALTHY COOKWARE

How to Choose Non-Toxic Pots and Pans

14 MAKING STRIDES

20

Realizing a Dream on the Family Homestead

16 ART'S EMBRACE Healing Through Creativity

20 CREATIVE KIDS How to Nurture Imagination

22 CONQUERING CHRONIC PAIN

How the Body-Mind Connection Works

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 724-271-8877 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline: 10th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NaturalAwakenings SWPA.com or visit NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

24

24 HORSES AS HEALERS Equine Therapy has Physical and Emotional Benefits

DEPARTMENTS 4 news briefs 7 health brief 7 global brief 8 fit body 10 conscious eating

12 green living 14 community

20 22 24 26 30 31

healthy kids healing ways natural pet calendar resource guide classifieds

spotlight

September 2021

3

news briefs

Household Chemical Collection Event

P

RC, the Commonwealth’s oldest environmental nonprofit, working to prevent waste and conserve environmental resources for each generation, will conduct a household chemical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., September 11. in Pittsburgh. Due to the pandemic, registration is required to manage social distancing.

All attendants must stay in their vehicle at all times; wear a facemask when speaking with staff; place materials to be recycled in the trunk or truck bed to provide adequate social distancing; and arrive on the site five to 10 minutes prior to their allotted collection time. Those that are late will be processed when an open spot becomes available. $20 fee covers disposal of up to 10 gallons or 50 pounds. For a list of acceptable materials, see the website.

Admission is $20 with timed appointment at Tinyurl.com/HouseholdChemicalCollection. Location: South Park Wave Pool Parking Lot, 1 Wave Pool Complex, Pittsburgh.

4

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Equine-Assisted Wellness Workshop

Forest Bathing at the Frick

T

S

Cost is $25 (20 spots available). Location: 30 Glade Run Dr., Zelienople. Meet between the greenhouse and the barn. To sign up, visit Tinyurl.com/Equine-AssistedWorkshop. For more information, visit GladeRun.org/adventures.

Admission is free with registration (required) at Tinyurl.com/FrickForestBathing. Location: 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh.

he Zelienople Adventures in Wellness Meetup Group will conduct an equine-assisted wellness workshop from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., September 15, at Glade Run Adventures. Participants will experience guided wellness activities while partnering with therapy horses and experience the benefits to mind, body and spirit that come from practicing established techniques to reduce stress, re-energize, engage the senses and connect with the natural world. The event will be non-mounted and led by certified mental health and equine professionals. Each workshop is unique and can be tailored to the needs of a group.

Workshops are for anyone interested in overall health and wellness or looking for ways to manage the stress of daily life.

Research has shown that interacting with animals can decrease levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure and help manage long-term mental health conditions.

ponsored by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Forest Bathing session at the Frick Environmental Center from 5 to 6:30 p.m., September 16, is a 90-minute guided visit into the forest to slow down, awaken our senses and nurture our relationship with nature. There’s no rush and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.

Trained guide Sandi Miller will guide participants through the practice of forest bathing. Through a series of guided invitations, visitors will find their own ways of connecting with the forest as they relax into being present with the sights, smells, sounds, textures and tastes of the woods.

Parks Conservancy has worked closely with the city of Pittsburgh since 1998 under an official public interest partnership agreement to restore the city’s parks. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $130 million for parks and has completed 22 major improvement projects. Currently active in 22 of the city’s 165 parks, the Parks Conservancy has expanded into community and neighborhood parks throughout Pittsburgh.

September 2021

5

coming in the october healthy planet issue

news briefs

Food Justice Explored at Local Gallery

Breast Health A Living a Simpler Life and

plus: water scarcity talking to kids about climate change

n exhibit, Food Justice: Growing a Healthier Community through Art, will have an opening reception at 5:30 p.m., September 10, at Contemporary Craft.

More than 35 million people in the U.S. are food insecure, but contemporary issues preventing equitable access to food are extremely complex.

Food Justice: Growing a Healthier Community through Art, Contemporary Craft’s latest socially-engaged art experience, will critically explore the human issues that can shape and influence positive change in food security. The exhibition features 15 artists across a variety of mediums.

Presenting contemporary art in craft materials (clay, fiber, metal, mixed media, glass, paper/book art, and wood) by international, national and regional artists since 1971, Contemporary Craft offers innovative exhibitions focused on multicultural diversity and contemporary art, as well as a range of workshops, community outreach programs and a store featuring art objects handcrafted by emerging and established artists.

Admission is free. Location: 5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412261-7003, email ssun@contemporarycraft.org or visit ContemporaryCraft.org.

6

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

health brief

global brief

vegan liftz/Pexels.com

Wild Bees Thrive on Forest Deadwood

Plant-Based Meals Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risks Eating more plants than meat is not only good for the planet, it might also be protective against COVID-19 severity, reports a new study in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. Researchers from Johns Hopkins and other universities analyzed webbased responses from almost 2,900 frontline doctors and nurses in the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK that had been significantly exposed to COVID-19, 95 percent of which were doctors and 70 percent males. Those that ate a plant-based diet, described as high in vegetables, legumes and nuts, and low in poultry and meats, were 73 percent less likely to contract moderate to severe COVID-19. Those with pescatarian diets allowing fish were 59 percent less likely. However, those following low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets had 48 percent greater odds of moderate to severe COVID-19. “Our results suggest that a healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense foods may be considered for protection against severe COVID-19,” researchers concluded.

ralph gnonlonfoun/Pexels.com

Happy Homes Scientists from the University of Freiburg surveyed the German Black Forest National Park to determine the number of tree species, how the trees are scattered, the heights of individual tree crowns and if there are fallen trees or hollowed-out tree trunks. They found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests is a promising restoration measure to promote an abundance of aboveground nesting bees. Their findings, “Wild Bees Benefit from Structural Complexity Enhancement in a Forest Restoration Experiment,” were published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management.

As part of an experiment, structural richness was artificially created in 2016 on several sample plots by felling and uprooting 20 spruce trees per plot, creating deadwood and small gaps. Six other plots were left in their natural state as a control group. The researchers compared how many wild bees were in the different plots in June 2018 and 2019. Results show that deadwood increases the abundance and biodiversity of wild bees. Professor Dr. Alexandra Klein, head of the Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, says, “In the course of climate change, forest areas will be increasingly characterized by deadwood and sparse areas caused by storms, droughts or bark beetles.

As a result, forest habitat will increase in importance for wild bees.”

September 2021

7

fit body

YOGA TO HEAL TRAUMA Soothing Poses Calm the Nervous System

by Marlaina Donato

G

etting on the yoga mat can be a powerful stress-buster that lowers blood pressure and excessive cortisol, but yoga can offer an added boon for those living with the lasting effects of traumatic events. Trauma-informed yoga (also called trauma-sensitive yoga) is a promising therapeutic branch of the yogic system designed to quell the body’s programmed “fight-or-flight” responses.

Founded on yoga, psychology and neurobiology principles, the approach is in harmony with the ancient yogic concept of samskaras, or memories imprinted on our cellular consciousness. People from many walks of life can benefit from traumasensitive yoga including bullied teens, women rebounding from abuse and anyone impacted by pandemic turmoil.

Research published in the journal Military Medicine in 2018 reports that U.S. veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that participated in a one-hour vinyasa-style yoga session for six weeks showed significantly lowered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as less insomnia, depression and anxiety.

8

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Yoga performed with trauma sensitivity can pick up where talk therapy leaves off, targeting the amygdala, the danger detector in the brain, and the vagus nerve that runs from the brain to the abdomen, which plays a vital role in processing trauma. “Somatic processing and treatment methodologies like yoga are now being used to help repair and rebuild distressed nervous systems, which in turn helps the brain integrate and ‘file’ distressing memories,” says Beth Shaw, founder of YogaFit Training Systems Worldwide, the largest yoga teacher training school in North America, and the author of Healing Trauma with Yoga: Go From Surviving to Thriving with MindBody Techniques. The Fort Lauderdale-based yoga therapist and entrepreneur highlights the body’s role in trauma and stress. “The brain rewires itself around the traumatic event and memories stored in the tissues throughout the body. Yoga can help to free those memories, alleviating troubling emotions and thought patterns, as well as chronic somatic tension and hypervigilance.” Shaw draws upon new psychological and neurological discoveries, including polyvagal theory, that help explain the full impact of trauma and most importantly, how and why yoga helps to lessen these impacts.

Trauma-informed yoga keeps the nervous system in mind, excluding poses and breathing techniques that might provoke a sense of vulnerability or overstimulation. Trained teachers adhere to non-touch assistance methods and often opt for well-lit studios to avoid a possible triggering atmosphere.

A trauma-informed yoga teacher knows the inner workings of the nervous system,” explains Mandy Eubanks, a trauma-trained yoga educator and certified yoga instructor in Tulsa. “We have respect for the variety of responses that our clients have to yoga, meditation and breathwork practices. For example, we understand deep breathing will be calming to one person and agitating to another. We normalize clients’ responses and work with

merfin/AdobeStock.com

Trauma-Intelligent Fitness

merfin/AdobeStock.com

them to find an effective technique for that individual.” Teachers with specialized training and access to props can also support people on a yoga journey that are limited physically. Eubanks emphasizes, “Yoga truly is for everyone and every body.”

The Power of Choice and Individuality Lisa Danylchuk, the Oakland-based author of Yoga for Trauma Recovery: Theory, Philosophy, and Practice, underscores that in a trauma-informed environment, everything a teacher instructs is an offering or invitation.

“This is important because people who have endured trauma have often not had a say over what happens to their bodies. A good trauma-informed class cultivates somatic and psychological resources, and focuses, above all, on cultivating a sense of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual safety.” The founder of The Center for Yoga and Trauma Recovery believes it’s important to be responsive to individual needs.

“Trauma affects so many different individuals and groups of people and in such a variety of ways that it is impossible to give one prescription. Some people might benefit from a weekly, 60to 90-minute vinyasa-style class. Others might benefit from a short, five-minute daily restorative practice.”

Shaw also stresses a tailored approach.

“How one wishes to practice is up to the individual, but I suggest a combination of both one-on-one instruction and class format. If someone is in the throes of trauma, they will need a private session to start.”

Eubanks adds the importance of consistency. “In my experience, it is about finding which yoga practices work best for the client and then encouraging them to find time to practice every day. Yoga for PTSD is not a one-and-done deal. It takes time, effort and belief in oneself.”

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. ~The Bhagavad Gita

GROW Your Business

Contact us for special ad rates.

724-271-8877

Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

September 2021

9

conscious eating

FORAGED FUNGI FARE

Cooking with Wild Mushrooms

ivan kmitAdobeStock.com

by April Thompson

W

ild mushrooms can infuse exciting new flavors and textures into familiar dishes, along with a taste of the local terroir, the natural habitat, from woods to plate.

“I first encountered wild mushrooms through local foragers, then later from specialty food purveyors who would fly mushrooms from around the world into our kitchen. They were the most unique ingredients I could find, offering colors, flavors and textures I had never experienced … pure catnip for a chef,” says Alan Bergo, a Minnesota chef and author of The Forager Chef ’s Book of Flora. Recipes at ForagerChef.com feature more than 60 species of wild edible fungi, from common deer mushrooms to prized porcinis.

The intriguing flavors of wild mushrooms in part come from their diets, akin to the difference between grain- and grass-fed meats. “For fungi, their food is their habitat. Cul10

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

tivated mushrooms have less variety of the micronutrients and secondary metabolites that can add flavor to a wild mushroom,” says Eugenia Bone, a New York City food journalist and editor of Fantastic Fungi: The Community Cookbook.

Foraged fungi also offer a host of nutritional benefits surpassing commercially grown mushrooms. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels can contain up to 1,200 international units (IU) of vitamin D

per serving, whereas commercial mushrooms, typically grown in dark conditions, contain less than 40 IU, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

While foraging is the most satisfying way to procure wild mushrooms, they are becoming increasingly available through farmers’ markets, online purveyors and gourmet stores. Some species that grow wild throughout North America such as oysters, maitake (hen of the woods) and lion’s mane are also grown commercially; these can be suitable for transitioning from buying to hunting.

Sam Fitz, owner of ANXO Cidery & Tasting Room, a neighborhood taproom in Washington, D.C., picked up mushrooming when COVID-19 hit, in part mentored by the restaurant’s wild food purveyor. Fitz started ANXO making hyperlocal ciders from crabapples foraged on bike rides through the nation’s capital, salvaging fruit that otherwise would go to waste. Today, the seasonally focused menu often features wild fungi and other foraged ingredients from savory tartelettes made with beech and hedgehog mushrooms to cocktails

made from bitter boletes.

One of ANXO’s signature dishes is a vegan “chicken of the woods” sandwich, served hot, Nashville-style. This orangecolored tree mushroom, also known as sulphur shelf, has a taste, texture and color that so closely resembles chicken that many recipes use it as a meat substitute. “People are so blown away by its meaty texture they can’t believe they are being served mushrooms,” says Fitz.

When preparing mushrooms, “Forget what you know about cooking vegetables,” says Bone. “Also forget the notion that mushrooms are too delicate to take washing or high heat. Mushrooms are extremely hardy because of the chitin in their cell walls, a compound that is more like fingernails than the cellulose of plants. You can cook mushrooms twice and they will still retain their integrity.”

Because the amino acids in mushrooms respond to heat more like meat than vegetables, Bone suggests searing mushrooms on the grill or under the broiler. “A slice of maitake will cook beautifully on the grill,” she says.

When cooking a particular species for the first time, Bone recommends ovenroasting the mushrooms wrapped in parchment paper. “When you open up the parchment, you can really smell the mushroom. It’s a wonderful way to pick up subtle flavor differences and see how the mushroom handles,” she says.

Since fungi take on all sorts of shapes and sizes, Bergo suggests letting a mushroom’s morphology inform how to cook it.

Lion’s mane, for example, has a texture that mimics crabmeat, so faux crab cakes make a fun dish that honors its form.

“Chefs tend to chop things up, but I prefer to cook many mushrooms whole, especially when they have interesting shapes,” says Bergo. One of the chef ’s go-to preparations of oyster mushrooms is to toss large pieces in seasoned flour or brush them with mustard, then bake until crispy. “They turn into cool-looking, crispy croutons you can put on a salad or eat as a snack,” he says.

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

September 2021

11

fotofabrika/AdobeStock.com

green living

Healthy Cookware How to Choose Non-Toxic Pots and Pans

by Amy Coyle

O

rganic and locally sourced foods are eco-friendly and contribute to better health, a greener world and thriving communities. However, once the food is cooked, it may no longer be as healthy, depending on the cookware used. The myriad options, from classic pots and pans to the latest modern synthetic materials, can be confusing, but there are some basic factors to watch for in choosing environmentally sound and chemical-free cookware.

Ceramic Pure ceramic cookware is made with clay and baked in a kiln. If made in Latin America, including Mexico, such items may contain high lead levels. It’s recommended that these pieces not be used to cook, serve or store food. A kit is available to test for contaminants, if desired.

Pots and crocks derived from pure, uncontaminated clay are excellent for slow-cooking stews and sauces, particularly recipes containing acidic foods like tomato or cabbage.

Cooking foods in earthenware dates back 15,000 years.

Cast Iron For classic, durable and versatile cookware, cast iron, although heavy, will last a lifetime.

While some iron can transfer to food, it’s difficult to measure and depends on the pan and the food. Naturopathic doctor Kara Fitzgerald, in Newtown, Connecticut, suggests caution. “If you have a history of iron overload (hemochromatosis), you should avoid cast iron cookware, especially for acidic foods.”

Enameled cast iron has a nonstick, porcelain coating and is unaffected by acidity. Re12

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

search published in the Japanese Journal of Hygiene suggests that the risk of acute or chronic toxicity associated with the use of this cookware under normal circumstances is extremely low.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cookware is easy to clean and durable. It releases low levels of nickel and chromium if used to cook acidic foods, which is only a concern for those with corresponding sensitivities or allergies.

Copper

High-quality copper pots and pans have a long lifespan and heat foods evenly. They are usually lined with stainless steel or tin to prevent toxicity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends staying away from unlined copper cookware because copper can leach into acidic foods like tomatoes, fish, processed meats, grains

uckyo/AdobeStock.com

and citrus fruits. When the coating starts to wear off lined copper, it’s time to replace the pot or pan.

Ceramic-Coated Aluminum

Aluminum dipped in a ceramic mixture is safe to use, but wears away over time. To preserve the surface longer, refrain from using metal utensils or scouring pads or putting it in the dishwasher. Once the coating is compromised, the cookware may be unsafe due to aluminum toxicity. Look for ceramiccoated pans that are PFA-, PFOA-, leadand cadmium-free.

Glass

Glass cookware is a healthy option if it’s new and handled carefully. Glass is an inert material, so nothing reacts with it or leaches from it. However, it can break easily if exposed to extreme temperature changes.

If any chips or cracks develop, discard it.

Nonstick

Teflon coating, made from polytetrafluoroethylene, is for many consumers the goto coating for nonstick cookware, but studies show that the chemical leaks into food at high temperatures or when scratched.

Prior to 2013, the “forever chemical” perfluorooctanoic acid was used in the manufacturing process. Although discontinued after studies showed a possible link to cancer, older Teflon pans and those made in foreign countries still may pose a risk. Overall, the American Cancer Society considers Teflon safe. Caution should be used; however, once Teflon reaches 464° F, according to the Environmental Working Group, it begins to deteriorate. At 680° F, at least six toxic gases are released which may cause flu-like symptoms.

Still, some cooks find nonstick cookware to be convenient because the surface works for most foods. “As long as the

coating on your nonstick pots and pans is intact without scratches, then they should be safe to use. Nonstick cookware is budget-friendly and easy to clean,” says San Luis Obispo County, California, nutritionist and cookbook author Carrie Forrest of CleanEatingKitchen.com.

Healthiest Choice

“Stainless steel, cast iron and ceramiccoated pans don’t fully match the old-style nonstick ease, but are much better for you,” says kitchenware product researcher and designer Adam Heck, creator of TheGood LifeDesigns.com, in Toms River, New Jersey.

“Grab a nonstick ceramic pan and use it only for busy days or super-delicate foods …. with proper care, you can enjoy years of use. Then, grab cast iron or stainless steel for everything else,” suggests Forrest. In the final analysis, the best cookware choice may be a variety of pots and pans for different meals and varied health concerns.

Amy Coyle is a freelance writer in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

September 2021

13

community spotlight

Making Strides Realizing a Dream on the Family Homestead

by Martin Miron

J

illian Estevez MOTR/L is the occupational therapist (OT) and founder of Making Strides, LLC, Equine Assisted Therapies.

She says, “My family has owned Briarfield Stables in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, since 1985. I opened my therapy practice, Making Strides, a private outpatient practice that offers therapy services by licensed therapists, this spring. We utilize equine movement in our treatment sessions—a therapy tool also known as hippotherapy.”

Making Strides’ mission is to promote functional independence for people across their lifespan through the use of occupational, speech and physical therapies with the use of equine movement.

Estevez explains, “I have been riding horses since I could walk. I have traveled around the country for competitions and have volunteered for our local 4H horse program all throughout college and my adult life. Horses are my passion. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. Our 80-plus-acre facility includes a large indoor riding arena that allows for riding and therapy sessions rain or shine. We are a private horse boarding facility and now a fully operational therapy clinic. Our facility also includes acres of trails, accessible rest rooms, a lounge room/treatment room and large pastures for our horses.”

Horses are fed twice a day, receive daily turnout in pastures and stalls are cleaned daily. Making Strides relies heavily on volunteers

14

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

to lead the horses during treatment sessions and act as side walkers for patient safety. All have safety training and basic horse care/safety training. Most are CPR-certified and have a background in healthcare and/or horsemanship. High school and college students are encouraged to volunteer for community service hours or healthcare hours. “I rely on social media and my website for neighborhood engagement,” says Estevez. “With patient/family consent, I often post pictures on our Facebook page of treatment sessions and write small blurbs about therapy and horses to educate the public on what we do and why this therapy tool is so unique and beneficial.”

About starting her path as an undergraduate biology student at Saint Vincent College, she shares, “I knew I wanted to enter into the healthcare field. I have always had a passion for science and human anatomy/physiology. I researched various healthcare professions and loved the holistic and client-centered approach of occupational therapy. I had a professor at Shenandoah University (where I attended OT school) who had her own equine-assisted therapy facility. I ended up doing my research at her practice and loved the results that occupational therapy with the use of equine movement had on our patients.”

Estevez would like to expand her services. “Currently I offer OT sessions one day a week, and I just contracted a licensed speech therapist who treats patients one evening a week. Her name is Megan Brown and she is a wonderful pediatric therapist. I would like to contract an additional occupational therapist and eventually a physical therapist. I would love to be open five days a week. The ultimate goal is to provide my community with a unique therapy service that is affordable, evidenced-based and works,” she shares.

Occupational therapy helps people across the lifespan do the things they want and need to do everyday. “For pediatric patients, this can include improving their fine motor coordination to help them hold a pencil in school. For an adult with a stroke or brain injury, it can mean improving their dynamic balance and coordination to cook for themselves or dress for the day. We also do a lot of work with helping people use adaptive equipment like prosthetics to help them ambulate in their community,” advises Estevez.

“Bottom line: OTs are in the business in helping people of all ages live their lives to the fullest, and in my opinion, that is the ultimate way to promote a healthy lifestyle in mind, body, and spirit.”

For more information about Making Strides, email MakingStrides.

Jill@gmail.com or visit MakingStridesllc.com.

Dr. Tom O'Bryan Chief Health Off icer, KnoWEwell

"WE ARE TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE" Personalized. Diverse. Inclusive. Regenerative Whole-Health and Well-Being Benefits.

It’s how KnoWEwell is transforming the future of healthcare. Award-winning. One global online destination for today’s trusted Regenerative Whole Health knowledge, resources, and ecosystem collaborating to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address chronic diseases and achieve WELLthier Living – Happy. Healthy. Abundant. PurposeFilled. Join the movement as we share knowledge and healing success stories, access to evidence-based resources, immersive learning opportunities from the experts, and help create meaningful connections..

Take control and optimize your health and well-being by visiting: KnoWEwell.com As a Natural Awakenings reader, receive 50% off your first year of membership.

Individuals apply:

NAPA10221

Practitioners apply:

NAPA10221P

September 2021

15

agsandrew/AdobeStock.com

16

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

ART’S EMBRACE Healing Through Creativity

by Sandra Yeyati

A

rt can be a powerful force for healing. Its potential manifests in a disabled man’s triumphant dance or cancer patient’s stirring self-portrait.

Throughout America, art’s redemption takes center stage at hospitals, nursing homes, jails and homeless shelters. Even an entire city can be transformed when its citizens embrace public art to add beauty, create community and heal its broken places.

Art in Medical Settings According to Jill Sonke, director of the University of Florida (UF) Center for Arts in Medicine, approximately half of U.S. hospitals have art programs that provide positive distraction, enjoyment and connection. To humanize otherwise intimidating environments, visual artists and musicians are employed to install appealing exhibits and play relaxing music. Artists also work at the bedside with patients as part of inter-professional care teams.

Serving as an artist-in-residence early in her career, Sonke remembers a young female patient with sickle cell disease whose bouts of extreme pain required hospitalization. Dance sessions eased her suffering and enabled doctors to reduce pain medications. “The way the patient described it was not that the pain was going away, but that she didn’t mind it as much because she was enjoying dancing,” she says.

While facilitating Dance for Life classes for Parkinson’s patients, Sonke encountered a man suffering limited mobility and an inability to form facial expressions. After two months of biweekly sessions, he could lift his arms over his head and, to his wife’s delight, smile again. “It’s that multimodal capacity of the arts,” Sonke explains. “All at the same time, he was engaging in music, movement and imagery.

He was moving with others and experiencing joy and laughter.”

According to Sonke, ongoing research seeks to pinpoint the public health benefits of art. In Britain, they have learned that people over 50 visiting museums or concerts once a month are almost half as likely to develop depression in older age. Other studies suggest that music can unlock memories and improve cognition. UF researchers are currently investigating whether live music in emergency and trauma care settings can reduce the need for opioids.

“When people engage in the arts, they often enter into a flow state, that experience of losing yourself in art where we lose track of time and what we’re doing is intrinsically motivated,” Sonke says. “A flow state can engage a relaxation response, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, which can enhance immune function.”

Art Therapy for Cancer Patients Board-certified art therapist Mallory Montgomery helps cancer patients in Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital work through symptoms of depression, anxiety or trauma. “Any person seeking a talk therapist or social worker could also consult with an art therapist,” she says. “We have the same training, but use art instead of just words. Evidence suggests that art therapy accesses healing faster because you’re forging a deep mind/body connection.”

When counseling a double mastectomy patient that has questions about who they are now that they’re missing a part of their identity, Montgomery might offer a printed body map so that they can pinpoint where they carry feelings of loss, pain or confusion.

“By drawing or coloring in those areas, I’m asking them to show how they’re being affected physically, emotionally and spiritually, and to externalize the overwhelming, negative side of their problem,” she explains.

Using a second body map, Montgomery might invite the patient to draw or paint in those same areas to transform the pain into something more positive. “Is it going to blossom like a flower or be soothed with water? What imagery can you create that represents the opposite of your pain or an improvement of your concerns? We might also do a portrait to highlight other aspects of you and your personality that still exist, even though you no longer have a body part that was killing you,” she says.

Montgomery’s emphasis is never on the quality of the art. “I walk the fine line between allowing patients to problem-solve how to make something look like what’s in their head and providing them with comfort and intervention so they don’t get so frustrated that they want to give up,” she notes.

Montgomery keeps a visual journal for her own self-expression.

September 2021

17

75 th A NNIVERSARY !

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI

The book that has c hanged the lives of millions Paperback, only $8.50 Also available in eBook and audio editions

w w w. AYa n n i ve rs a r y. o rg 18

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

“It helps me make sense of the world,” she says. “Art gives my voice and thoughts an outlet, something concrete and representational that reaches into the depth of what I’m experiencing.”

Redemption Songs in Skid Row About 10 years ago, violinist and recording artist Vijay Gupta took a wrong turn and ended up in Skid Row, a disadvantaged downtown Los Angeles neighborhood. “It felt like a gut punch,” he recalls. “I saw the gross inequality between Walt Disney Concert Hall where I performed for the LA Philharmonic and a community of 5,000 people less than two miles away sleeping in tents in extreme poverty.”

To uplift and inspire people recovering from homelessness, addiction and incarceration, Gupta founded Street Symphony in 2011 as a series of concert performances by world-class musicians.

“One of our first venues was the Department of Mental Health,” he recalls. “After the second movement, the young violist I was performing with turned to the audience with tears in his eyes and said, ‘I’ve loved playing for you because I can feel your hearts.’

He shared that his mother had grappled with schizophrenia, his father was a prison guard and whenever he played for his family, he felt more connected to them. That’s when I began to see him as a human being who was in deep need of this work himself.”

Gupta has learned firsthand that healing is a two-way street.

“When I come to Skid Row, I’m the one who feels lifted,” he says.

As a result, Street Symphony has morphed into a collection of workshops and conversations that also employs jazz, reggae, hip-hop and West African musicians and vocalists from the Skid Row community. “We might play 30 minutes of music and then ask the audience what images, thoughts or memories came up for them,” he explains.

In this community, art is neither entertainment nor a commodity, Gupta says. “It’s a lifeline; a way for people that have been devastated by poverty, addiction or trauma to add to their lives in a constructive way. We all have devastated places within ourselves that need healing and attention. Visiting Skid Row is a pilgrimage to the broken place within myself, and in that way, it’s a spiritual place; my temple where I go to worship.”

Creative Care for People with Dementia

Drawing from her theater background, Anne Basting, author of Creative Care, has developed an innovative approach to dementia and elder care. “Our current caregiving model envisions one person that’s empty and has lots of needs and the other person that’s full and pours themself into the other person, which leads to burnout,” she says. “Dementia and aging are experiences of increasing separation. People isolate themselves and learn not to trust their own expressive capacities, because their relatives and friends no longer know how to relate with them and often ignore their words.”

Basting’s Creative Care changes this depleting dynamic. “In improvisational theater, you observe everything that’s happening on stage and try to figure out how you can add to the performance positively,” she explains. “Applying that idea to a

care situation, you observe the person’s facial expressions, what they’re saying, how they’re behaving and then invite them into expression out of that moment with what we call a ‘beautiful question’, one that has no right or wrong answers and draws on the person’s strengths.”

A beautiful question might be, “If your feet could talk, what would they say?” This offers people with pain a poetic way to express it. “I invited a gentleman with dementia who had no language—no words left—to show me how water moves. His response was the most beautiful dance I’d ever experienced, performed in the kitchen of his duplex,” Basting recalls, adding that it’s important to acknowledge the person’s expression so they know they’ve been heard.

The final step in Creative Care is to accumulate these experiences over time and shape something larger and universally meaningful that can be shared with others—an artistic product.

Basting founded the nonprofit TimeSlips to train artists and caregivers worldwide to do this visionary work. Their efforts have resulted in art exhibits, dance and theater productions, books and animations. “My dream is that meaning and beauty will be made every day in nursing homes, creating care settings so interesting that people want to visit them—a new kind of cultural center, integrating health and art,” she says.

Transforming a City with Public Art

More than 4,000 works of public art grace the city of Philadelphia, three-quarters of which are breathtaking murals that combine world-class paintings and images with provocative words and healing messages. Art permeates virtually every neighborhood on walls, billboards, sidewalks, rooftops, swimming pools and basketball courts, enriching people from all walks of life, even those that don’t have access to galleries and museums.

“Public art lifts our spirits, provides us with beauty and inspires us,” says Jane Golden, founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia (MAP). “It can be evocative, challenging and educational, as well, serving as a barometer of our time—a system of checks and balances and a mirror that we hold up to people and say that your life counts and you matter.” In addition to sponsoring 75 to 100 new works every year, MAP’s $10 million budget funds programs related to criminal justice, art education, housing insecurity, behavioral health, community development and environmental justice.

According to Golden, the healing power of art is not just in the mural, but also in its collaborative creation. In addition to artists and educators, hundreds of people work on these projects, including individuals grappling with addiction or homelessness, veterans with PTSD and immigrants and refugees facing isolation and stigma. “The act of creating is a meditative and healing experience, and because you’re part of a larger effort, it connects you to your community,” Golden says. “People start to feel a sense of purpose and value. They start to believe in themselves again.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

THE AFTERLIFE FREQUENCY THE AFTERLIFE FREQUENCY: The Scientific Proof of Spiritual Contact and How That Awareness Will Change Your Life by

Mark Anthony, JD Psychic Explorer

®

World-renowned 4th generation psychic medium and Oxford educated attorney Mark Anthony bridges the divide between faith and science in this fascinating afterlife exploration taking you around the globe, from the cosmic to the subatomic, into the human soul itself. Combining physics, neuroscience and riveting true stories this book: • Reveals how our “Electromagnetic Soul” is pure eternal energy which never dies.

• Takes spirit communication, near-death experiences, and deathbed visions out of the shadows of superstition and into The Light of 21st Century Quantum Physics.

• Teaches Anthony’s “RAFT Technique” to Recognize contact with spirits, Accept it as real, Feel it without fear, and Trust in the experience.

• Provides hope for victims of grief, homicide, suicide, PTSD and survivor’s guilt.

• Illuminates how contact with spirits is a powerful instrument of healing and love.

“To put it bluntly, this is an “amazing book that deserves to be enjoyed by millions of readers.”

Gary E. Schwartz, PhD, Director of the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health, University of Arizona and author of “The Afterlife Experiments”.

“Mark Anthony shows that while we cannot control death, we can control how we understand and react to it in healthy ways.”

Bruce Greyson, MD, co-founder of IANDS and author of “After: A doctor Explores what Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond”

Mark Anthony, JD Psychic Explorer author of The Afterlife Frequency and his other best sellers, Never Letting Go and Evidence of Eternity is cohost of The Psychic & the Doc on The Transformation Network and columnist for Best Holistic Magazine.

He appears nationwide on TV and radio as an expert in spirit communication, near-death experiences, paranormal phenomena and as a legal expert. ®

To get your copy go to: Amazon, fine book stores or ATERLIFEFREQUENCY.com. Also available on audio, narrated by Mark Anthony, JD Psychic Explorer (Psychic Lawyer ) ®

®

www.AfterlifeFrequency.com September 2021

19

healthy kids

Creative Kids

How to Nurture Imagination

jacob lund/AdobeStock.com

by Ronica O’Hara

Y

oung children are naturally curious and inventive, yet research shows that their creative thinking skills peak at around age 6 and start to decline once they start formal schooling—a trend that’s accelerating in recent years with kids’ heavy digital use.

This doesn’t bode well for their future on our rapidly changing planet. “Our world continues to evolve at an unprecedented rate. It’s estimated that many of the jobs we will need in 10 or 20 or 30 years haven’t yet been invented,” says children’s education psychologist Charlotte Reznick, Ph.D., author of The Power of Your Child’s Imagination. “Kids of today need to stretch their creative juices to come up with these new jobs and prepare for an ever-challenging and changing world.”

Parents are integral in nourishing creativity, but according to research from the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, the role of parents is less about “teaching” creativity and more about creating a fertile environment in which creativity will take root, grow and flourish. Establishing that rich forum involves some simple strategies.

20

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Encourage their curiosity. “An attitude of curiosity connected to wonder, acceptance, flexibility and openness can bring out innovation and novelty,” says Reznick.

That means not only being responsive to kids’ questions like, “Why do strawberries have seeds on the outside?” but also engaging their imagination to explore the world and to solve everyday problems.

“Ask them, ‘What would it take to finish this project?’ Make it fun, brainstorm and mind-map, rather than make linear lists,” she suggests. “Ask open-ended questions, perhaps a bit out of the norm. ‘How did you feel when you were writing that short

story? What colors crossed your mind as you were singing?

What music was flowing through your body as you were painting?’ The idea is to mix things up a bit to allow a new take on your child’s emerging creativity.”

Let them follow their bliss. “The biggest mistake I see parents making in wanting to encourage creativity is leading their children and telling them what to do,” says Jen Lumanlan, host and founder of the research-based parenting podcast YourParenting Mojo.com. “When we instead see our role not as being the Sage on the Stage but rather the Guide on the Side, we don’t have to drag the child through a curriculum kicking and screaming; instead, the child asks us for more opportunities to follow their interest.

They will ask insightful questions, read books, watch videos, draw their ideas, consult with experts, put on plays, develop an understanding of the world with their whole bodies (not just their heads) and teach others. It’s truly incredible to see.”

Make creativity easy. Having lots of paper, paints, pens and other craft items on hand in a place where a child can easily access them enables creativity to flow when the mood hits. “You don’t have to have a huge budget for supplies. Save old cardboard boxes, empty paper towel rolls, cereal boxes and scrap paper. Give your child some markers and masking tape. I bet you’ll be amazed at what

I turned off the screens and stopped trying to provide entertainment for my children and the results were amazing. can be created from the simplest materials,” says Liam Davies, a Berkeley dad of two who blogs about sustainable family fishing at FishingCommand.com.

“Have plenty of loose parts available. Loose parts can be anything your child turns into something else,” suggests Maria Kemery, of Philadelphia, who blogs at the parenting website PlacesWeCallHome.com. “Bottlecaps become money, scarves become a doll’s dress, clean recycle bin items become robot parts or a collection of acorns becomes a bowl of soup. Having an assortment of loose parts encourages your child to engage in symbolic play (substituting one item for another), which builds creativity.”

Allow them to be bored. “Kids often complain they are bored. I love that, because bored is also where new ideas come from,” says Reznick. “Our mind abhors a vacuum, so sooner or later, a creative spark will ignite.” That’s what Lorton, Virginia, mom Lauren Schmitz, who blogs at TheSimpleHomeschooler.com, witnessed. “I turned off the screens and stopped trying to provide entertainment for my children and the results were amazing. My middle child, who is the most screen-obsessed kid that I know, started doing things like making her own magazine, building dioramas and putting on plays. She suddenly wanted to paint, build a robot and learn about aerial dancing. Boredom is the best way to give a child space to think, create, imagine and build.”

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

EMPOWERING YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL

H E R B A L A P OT H E CA R Y Y OGA & ME D I T A T I ON R E I K I E N E R GY H E A L I N G

APRIL SMITH, HERBALIST MORGANTOWN, WV

September 2021

21

healing ways

Conquering Chronic Pain How the Body-Mind Connection Works

stanciuc/AdobeStock.com

by Ronica O’Hara

F

or three decades, David Hanscom was a top-ranked orthopedic surgeon in Seattle who daily put the scalpel to injured, deformed and twisted spines. Privately, he writhed in pain himself. He was beset over 15 years with burning feet, insomnia, tinnitus, anxiety, skin rashes, crushing chest pain, depression, sweats, heart palpitations and tension headaches, among other symptoms.

That put him among the estimated 50 million American adults afflicted with chronic pain for which relief is hard to come by and often short-lived. The standard medical approaches of surgery and injections often don’t work well or last long for many patients, research shows. Opioids, once a standby, are now prescribed sparingly after being implicated in half a million overdose deaths. Treatment is especially elusive for the one in six adults and 30 to 40 percent of primary care patients with pain or chronic conditions considered “medically unexplained”.

As a result, integrative pain management, which focuses on both mind and body and incorporates medical and holistic approaches, is growing in importance. Major medical cen22

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

ters such as the Mount Sinai Health System and Cleveland Clinic, as well as practitioners such as chiropractors and homeopaths, offer dozens of modalities to turn around painful conditions. Sometimes a single simple method works quickly for a patient with a straightforward symptom; more often, it takes a combination of approaches over time to reverse pain, especially if it is complex, sustained or recurring.

Launching on his own healing path, Hanscom came to a critical understanding: The abuse he had suffered as a child from a rage-filled mother, coupled with emotional repression and a fierce drive to excel as a surgeon, produced his high levels of anxiety. It turbocharged his central nervous system and set off a cascade of reactions that fed ever-rising levels of pain.

“Your mind and body function as a unit with no separation,” he says. “Chronic pain results when your body is exposed to sustained levels of stress hormones, excitatory neurotransmitters and inflammatory protein. Your brain is sensitized and the nerve conduction speed is faster, so you physically feel more pain. It’s not ‘all in your mind’—it’s a normal physiological process.”

After six months of intense inner work focused on his rage, Hanscom calmed his overwrought nervous system and his symptoms “essentially disappeared.” He began applying his experience to hundreds of spine patients, helping the great majority of them to avoid surgery altogether. In the book Back in Control, he describes his approach, which is designed for people with pain that is not caused by underlying structural or organ issues. He recommends these initial steps.

� Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, which may require

sleeping pills or natural methods.

� Doing expressive writing twice a day, which involves writing

down in longhand whatever is on the mind using graphic and descriptive language for 10 to 30 minutes, and then promptly tearing it up. Neurological research shows that this simple practice rewires the brain. “Some people experience remarkable pain relief right away,” he says.

� Practicing “active meditation” throughout the day by mindfully fo-

cusing each time on a sight, sound or sensation for five to 10 seconds.

For deep, sustained healing, he stresses the importance of forgiveness, gratitude, self-discovery, exploring a spiritual path, relearning playfulness and connecting with others. Medication may be necessary initially, he says, and as pain levels recede, most people become ready to improve their diet and exercise more.

Understanding the mind/body connection is key in pain management, concurs gastroenterologist David D. Clarke, M.D., author of They Can’t Find Anything Wrong! and president of the Portland, Oregon-based Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. “When medical evaluation shows no problems with organs or structures, then the pain is being generated by the brain, similar to what happens in phantom limb pain, where people feel pain in the location of an amputated arm or leg,” he says.

“Chronic pain generated by the brain generally occurs due to stress, an emotional/psychological trauma or strong negative emotions (often toward people the patient cares about) that are not fully recognized. Often, these issues began due to adverse childhood experiences, which can be anything you would not want a child of your own to endure. I recommend people explore these possibilities on their own, with a loved one or with a therapist.”

That process might sound daunting, but so is suffering crippling pain. “The most important thing for people to know is that pain can be successfully treated, relieved and often cured with the right techniques,” says Clarke.

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

Learn More Direct Your Own Care Journey is a free, online course for healing chronic pain. Designed by David Hanscom, M.D., it includes an experiential app, group sessions, video tutorials and webinars at TheDocJourney.com.

Stress-Disease Information, including videos, a webinar-based course, recent research and a list of practitioners, can be found at ppdassociation.org, the website of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, founded by stress-disease expert David Clarke, M.D. American Chronic Pain Association, at theacpa.org, lists treatments, clinical trials, support groups and other resources.

September 2021

23

natural pet

Horses as Healers Equine Therapy has Physical and Emotional Benefits

by Julie Peterson

H

establish routines, structure and a sense of responsibility—all skills that are transferable to daily life.

Equine Psychotherapists Equine-assisted psychotherapy involves counseling with a mental health professional and time riding or caring for a horse.

The horse is considered a co-therapist.

Forming a relationship with an animal that weighs 1,000 pounds or more may be intimidating, but the required vulnerability and trust is part of the process.

“Horses show us how to live together in harmony. They teach us about acceptance of others and of ourselves,” says Marcy Tocker, clinical mental health counselor and founder and executive director of Grey Muzzle Manor Sanctuary, in Mohrsville, Pennsylvania.

“In some cases, I see results more quickly using equine therapy than solely with office therapy. I also see more motivation from typically resistant clients because this can actually be fun, too,” says Meagan Good, a counselor and owner of Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted

sushytska/AdobeStock.com

orses are being increasingly used to help people work through emotional and physical challenges, and for good reason: Numerous studies have shown that equine-assisted therapy helps with anger, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociative or other emotional problems. It works whether the therapy involves riding or simply feeding and grooming. Building the relationship increases people’s selfconfidence, social skills, trust, empathy and emotional regulation, and helps them

24

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Therapy, in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

“Horses are relationship-oriented and intuitively sense and honestly respond to the emotions of those around them, which makes the horse-human bond a powerful healing mechanism.”

“Horses have similar emotions to humans—they get stressed out, happy, impatient. That’s why equine-assisted services are so popular,” says Traci Leigh, equine manager and instructor at Dream Riders TLC, in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

not have any horse background.”

There are certifications and advanced courses that ensure appropriate training of the therapists and instructors, the safety of the people receiving services and the training and well-being of the horses. Reputable organizations include the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (eagala.org), the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (pathintl.org) and Natural Lifemanship (NaturalLifemanship.com).

“In addition to requiring that the horses Therapeutic Riding are quiet, gentle animals and physically and mentally sound, they are trained to be Beyond working as co-therapists for desensitized to noise, wheelchairs, walkers emotional issues, horses are excellent for and different types of therapeutic equipoccupational, speech and physical therapy. ment that riders may need for safety or “Riding a horse rhythmically moves the postural assistance,” says Leigh. Her horses rider’s body in a manner similar to a get four weeks off every year and work a human gait. Their pelvic movement is schedule that ensures ample time to rest the same as ours, so riders with physical and recharge durneeds often show ing the day. improvement in Horses are relationship“The horse is flexibility, balance, oriented and intuitively a co-therapist. muscle strength, sense and honestly respond They are doing a circulation and to the emotions of those job, and it’s a not breathing,” says an easy job,” says Pamela J. Rogan, around them, which makes Tocker. “To ensure founder, executive the horse-human bond a director and certipowerful healing mechanism. the well-being of our equine fied therapeutic therapists, they get riding instructor at ample time off and massages.

They’re takHarmony Farms, in Cocoa, Florida. “It will ing on a lot, so we want to make sure they also enhance a rider’s quality of life, build don’t burn out.” confidence, independence and self-esteem.

“I have horses that seem to step in and This is particularly true of riders with emo‘protect’ clients when they are feeling tional or behavioral disabilities.” vulnerable. I have horses who try to help Research shows that children and adults regulate the anxious client by breathing or with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other conditions that affect moyawning or nuzzling,” says Good. “For the tor control saw improvements in balance, most part, we trust the horses to just be gait, gross motor function and posture after themselves, and what they bring is always several weeks of equine-assisted treatment. helpful for the client.”

“Horses are able to be present and focus Horses at Work solely on what is going on around them.

They do not think about the future or the “I look for horses who are not afraid of past or judge people based on what they look new things, but curious about them … like or what experiences they may have had,” a horse that thinks through a new situsays Tocker. “I feel like I witness miracles ation, that expresses himself freely and every time I do a session at the barn.” that enjoys interacting with humans,” says Good. “From there, my professional team works on building a relationship with that Julie Peterson writes about health and wellhorse so that the horse feels safe to build ness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at relationships with clients who may or may JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

coming in the october healthy planet issue

LIVING A SIMPLER LIFE and

Breast Health

plus: water scarcity talking to kids about climate change

September 2021

25

calendar of events

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

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.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Yoga in the Garden – 6:30-7:30pm. All-levels vinyasa flow inspired by natural surroundings. All ages.

Bring a mat. $12/members, $15/nonmembers. Class pack of 10: $100/members, $130/nonmembers.

Class size limited. West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV. WVBG.org Preregistration required: Forms.donorsnap.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Annual Pittsburgh Soul Food Fest – A Soulful Taste of the Burgh – Sept 2-5. Hosted by Bee Marshall at Market Square. Family-friendly Soul food and Music Fest at Black Vendor Plaza in Market Square.

Live music, Soul Food Showcase, vendors, Kids Fun zone, fitness activities, speakers. Market Square, 210 Forbes Ave. Info: PGHBlackLegacy.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Grand Opening & 4 Year Anniversary Extravaganza – 10am-9pm. Hosted by Indigo Owl Culture Shop and Raion Zou Holistic Healing LLC. Join us at our new location where we will unveil our new inventory. Stay for a reading, chitchat in our rec area, wander the myriad rooms, and enjoy the city skyline from our terrace. Bandmember Erin Kapferer of the Cleveland band Noon will perform from 7 to 9pm. 1015 E Carson St. 412-616-9845.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

savethedate

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Fourth Annual Wellness on the Yough 2021 – 11am-4pm. Free event by Wellness on the Yough and Calli Tony. One-day holistic living festival.

Live music by local artists, workshops every 15 minutes, kids’ activities, local vendors, food vendors, and our Chance Auction with amazing prizes! Proceeds go directly to Connellsville Parks and Rec Board for improvements to their 10 city parks. 259 N 6th St, Connellsville. Facebook.com/youghwellness.

The Tragedy of Hamlet – 17th Season Opening – Sept 4-5. 2pm. Free event hosted by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks. Every weekend in September! All-female production of Hamlet directed by KJ Gilmer at Frick Park, Squirrel Hill in the meadow just after the rolling hill. Info: 412-404-8531.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Kesher Pittsburgh High Holidays 5782 – 10am.

Hosted by Kesher Pittsburgh and Keshira HaLey Fife. Join us in our sixth year at Kesher Pittsburgh’s Rosh Hashanah to welcome 5782, and each other, as we come back together. Musical Sacharit, Torah Service and Shofar blowing followed by lunch, kayaking, and tashlich. Cost: sliding scale. Location will be provided. Tickets/info: KesherPittsburgh.org.

26

Pittsburgh, PA

savethedate

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 HIP Yoga, Camping, and Adventure Retreat – Sept 10-12. 5pm, Fri thru 8pm, Sun. Join Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh in Laurel Highlands to connect with nature, enjoy adventure, and find healing. Retreat Focus: Mountain Biking.

Yoga Focus: Holistic Lifestyle. Truly pampered camping plus daily yoga, fresh clean food, hiking, campfires, crafts, being one with nature. $799. Camping at 468 Saddle Rd, Somerset. PA. Registration/info: HipYoga.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Sacred Sounds at the Salt Cave – 6-7pm. Hosted

by Salt of the Earth and Sacred Centered You with Leza Vivio. Double the healing benefits of combined halotherapy and magical vibrations of sound healing with crystal bowls and chimes. $45.

504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/ws.

Reiki Share at Visions Reiki and Soul Spa – 6:30-9pm. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Donations from the heart accepted for this informal gathering in giving and receiving reiki energy. All levels. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785.

Tickets at Eventbrite.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

savethedate

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Beginner’s Series Three-Week Intro to Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Also Sept 16 & 23. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, with Jill Sansom. Learn the fundamentals of yoga in a safe, supportive, non-judging environment. Each week builds on the last, covering breathing, postures, props and tools. $65. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane.

Register: VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com.

Lights On! A Three-day Celebration of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District – Sept 9-11. 5-10pm.

Hosted by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Ballet theatre, and Cultural District, Pittsburgh. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra are coming together to light up the district. These free outdoor presentations will activate Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Allegheny Overlook Part on Ft. Duquesne Blvd, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Mobile Stage at the 8th St Parking Lot at Penn Ave, and the Trust Oasis on 7th St. Info: Trustarts.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 30th Annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival – Sept 1012. 11am-5pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Irish Festival. $15/adults, $12/children, 12 and under/free, $35/ weekend pass. Live music, dance, children’s activities, axe throwing, Celtic cuisine, beverages and genealogy and all things Irish! 1000 Sandcastle Dr, Homestead. 412-422-1113. Tickets at Eventbrite.

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Pittsburgh Walk to Defeat ALS – 10am. Hosted by the ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter.

Gather your team members and register for a 2021 Walk. Register at Web.alsa.org.

Community Garden Information Session at Hilltop Urban Farm – 10am-noon. Join Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny Land Trust at Pittsburgh’s largest urban farm in South Pittsburgh’s Hilltop.

Free info session about community gardens, securing land access, protecting urban farms from development. Learn about Three Rivers Agricultural Land Initiative by Grow Pittsburgh, Allegheny Land Trust, and Hilltop Urban Farm. RSVP by Sept 4 to Masoud Sayles Masoud@hilltopurbanfarm.org.

Tickets: AlleghenyLandtrust.org/event.

September Arts Walk – 11am-4pm. Hosted by Main Street Morgantown, Free Spirit Fibers, Morgantown Art Party, Old Stone House Gift Shop, Hoot and Howl, River Fair Trade. Walk through the district to explore artists, musicians, and performance theater. Pop into retail ships, enjoy lunch, dinner, or a drink at a local restaurant or café’!

Artists and musicians can apply at form.jotform. com/212285169701152. Info: 304-292-0168.

The Original Pittsburgh Taco Fest 2021 – Noon7pm. Hosted by PHDC Business Incubator, Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corp, Redfishbowl, and Pittsburgh Taco Festival. Admission $10/ upgrades available. More than 25 food trucks, street vendors, and restaurants offering tacos, specialty drinks and beer with an artist market, live music and fun family activities at the Strip District Terminal at 21st St and Smallman St. Make it a staycation with a special offer from Hampton Inn at the Strip District. Info: pghtacofest.com. Tickets: Etix.com.

Reading, Reiki, and Reflexology Session – 1-3pm.

Hosted by OmBody and Love En Light. $155 includes 30-minute intuitive reading, 30-minute reiki session, 30-minute reflexology and complimentary wine. OmBody, 90 West Main St, Uniontown, PA. Preregistration required: Schedulicity.com.

The Tragedy of Hamlet – 17th Season Opening – Sept 11-12. 2pm. Free event hosted by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks. Every weekend in September! All-female production of Hamlet directed by KJ Gilmer at Frick Park, Squirrel Hill in the meadow just after the rolling hill. Info: 412-404-8531.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 11th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival – Sept 17-19. Noon-10pm. Hosted by August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Featuring legendary, ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan, pre-eminent jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves,

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Polka Dot Powerhouse – Pittsburgh, PA Chapter Launch – 6:30-8:30pm. Online event hosted by Polka Dot Powerhouse – Pittsburgh PA Chapter.

Join the launch meeting to learn about a unique connection company for women. We connect action-forward, no-drama women who support, celebrate, and build business and personal friendships.

PolkaDotPowerhouse.com/upcoming-meetings.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 award-winning instrumentalist, composer and producer Marcus Miller, and many others. Cost varies.

Tickets: PittsburghJazzFest.org. Info on Facebook @AugustWilsonAfricanAmericanCulturalCenter.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 5th Annual Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics – 9-11am. Hosted by Clean Pittsburgh Commission.

Join the competition to see who can clear up the most litter, debris and garbage from our streets. Closing Ceremonies at Threadbare Cider to announce winners and provide food and prizes. Threadbare Cider, 1291 Spring Garden Ave. Get info and register your neighborhood to participate at pghgo.org.

Annual Free Museum Day – 10am-5pm. Hosted

by Smithsonian Magazine. Celebration of boundless curiosity with participating museums and cultural institutions across the country. Free entry for two with Museum Day Ticket. Go to SmithsonianMag. com/museumDay/search for tickets and information.

Reiki I Certification – 11am-5pm. Hosted by Dr. Lillian Ronzio School of Holistic Health. Traditional hands-on healing modality. Prerequisite for Holistic Energy Practitioner Certification. Participants receive Reiki Level I attunements and Reiki I Certificate. 12 CE credits for Licensed Massage Therapists. $150. 275 Pleasant Valley Rd, Connellsville. 724-603-2444. RonzionSchool.com.

The Tragedy of Hamlet – 17th Season Opening – Sept 18-19. 2pm. Free event hosted by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks. Every weekend in September! All-female production of Hamlet directed by KJ Gilmer at Frick Park, Squirrel Hill in the meadow just after the rolling hill. Info: 412-404-8531.

Symphony on the Plaza – 6-9:30pm. Hosted by Hazelwood Local. Free - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Brass’s first ever performance at Hazelwood Green Plaza. Classical favorites and Hollywood blockbusters. Special performance by Center of Life Jazz Band. Food and drink trucks on site. Free parking plus neighborhood shuttle. Info: HazelwoodLocal.com. Tickets: Eventbrite. Masks encouraged.

Hazelwood Green Plaza, cross streets Lytle and Eliza.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

savethedate

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Restorative Yoga with Sound Healing – 9:3010:45am. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Join Jill Sansom and Karen Romano for restorative, relaxing yoga surrounded by healing energy of sound bowls, bells, drums and more. Intention setting, breath work, gentle movement. Bring a mat and a pillow. $25.

206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. Preregistration required: VisionsReikiandSoulSpa.com.

savethedate

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

d e l l e c

Nourish the Body Mind & Soul Expo – Sept 25-26. 10am-5pm. Hosted by Gratzi Ventures at the Monroeville Convention Center. $10/ day; $15/weekend. Age 10 and under free. Exhibits, mini-lectures, presentations and more.

209 Mall Blvd, Monroeville. Gratzi Ventures: 412-580-2486.

n a c t ven

e

The Tragedy of Hamlet – 17th Season Opening – Sept 25-26. 2pm. Free event hosted by Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks. Every weekend in September. All-female production of Hamlet directed by KJ Gilmer at Frick Park, Squirrel Hill in the meadow just after the rolling hill. Info: 412-404-8531.

Tabula Rasa: A New Renaissance: 3rd Art Collective – 6-9pm. Join OmBody Massage and Wellness for an evening of art, music, and opportunity to meet local artists and to purchase art. Free event – support local artists. Light refreshments provided. Artists wishing to participate should contact Studio owner Leann Beatty or Art Studio Organizer Christopher Omiros. 90 W Main St, Uniontown PA. 724-320-9386.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival 2021 at Kennywood Park – 1-6pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Pierogi FestivalUltimate hometown food and fun with pierogi from dozens of restaurants, chefs, and pierogi purveyors. Pop-up Pierogi Marketplace, live music, Beer Gardens, select favorite Kennywood food vendors, rides, and games. $27/adults, $12/children.

Limited ticket availability at Showclix.com. Senior, veteran, group discounts. 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin. Info: PGHPierogiFest@gmail.com.

ongoing events

sunday Heartfulness Meditation – 11am-noon. 1st Sun. Hosted by Heartfulness Pittsburgh. Age 15+. Guided relaxation and meditation for ages 15 and up. Learn the basics of heartfulness and how it can benefit you.

Be casual. Free. 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. Tickets at Eventbrite. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785.

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.

monday 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/ dropins, $40/four-class pass. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785.

Military Share Pittsburgh Food Distribution – Noon-2pm. 1st Mon. 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.

Children’s Fine Art Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Hosted

by Arty by April Ryan, Thistledown Boutique. 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.

151 S Main St, Washington, PA. 724-470-3775.

Yoga for Wellbeing – 5:30-6:30pm. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) 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.

African Dance Class – 6:30-7:30pm. Online class hosted by Hayti Heritage Center and St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation Inc, Durham, NC. Energetic and culturally rich dance exploration taught by seasoned dance professionals Toni Hall and Ivy Burch. Tickets: $5 at Eventbrite. 919-683-1709. Info: hayti.org.

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 at 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.

Yoga in the Garden – 6:30-7:30pm. West Virginia Botanic Garden. All-levels vinyasa flow inspired by natural surroundings. All ages. Bring a mat. $12/ members, $15/nonmembers. Class pack of 10: $100/

September 2021

27

members, $130/nonmembers. Class size limited.

1061 Tyrone Rd, 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.

wednesday Mid-level Sunrise Yoga – 7:15-8am. Hosted by OMbody Yoga. Yoga, breathwork, and guided meditation. $12. 90 W Main St, 3rd Floor, Uniontown.

Register: OMbodyMassageAndWellness.

Yoga for Wellbeing – 8:30-9:30am. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) 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/dropins, $40/ four-class pass. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-7451785. Register; VisionsReikiSoulAndSpa.com/yoga.

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/.

Mindfulness Training – 4-5:15pm. By Laughlin Children’s Center. Ages 5-18. Teaches awareness of thoughts, feelings, and environment. Aids in reducing stress and emotional reactivity, increasing focus, cognitive flexibility, and social-emotional skills.

Sarah Rea, MSEd, pre-doctoral psychology intern, provides the Mindful Schools curriculum. In person or virtual. 16-week course $120/$140 by age group.

Register: Laughlin Children’s Center: 412-741-4087.

Gentle Flow Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm With Jill Sansome, hosted by Visions Reiki & Soul Spa. 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. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785. Register: VisionsReikiSoulAndSpa.com/yoga.

Listen to Black Women: What’s it like to be a Black Woman in Pittsburgh? – 6:30-8pm. Online event hosted by Black Women’s Policy Agenda.

Join for a virtual community conversation. Free.

412-245-6771. Register: Eventbrite. BlackWomensPolicyAgenda.org.

Learn to Draw Zentangle – 6:30-8pm. 1st & 3rd Wed. Online hosted by Monroeville Public Library.

Zentangle is a meditative, relaxing, fun method of pattern drawing. Classes are in conjunction with Zentanglers in Pittsburgh meet-up group. To participate, go to Meetup.com, register to become a member, then RSVP to the class you want to attend. Zoom link provided upon RSVP. Monroeville Public Library: 412-372-0500.

Reiki Share – Thru Dec. 6:30-9pm. 2nd Wed. Hosted by Visons Reiki and Soul Spa. Donations from the heart accepted when you register at Event-

28

Pittsburgh, PA

brite. All levels welcome. Experience the healing, high vibrations, joy and fellowship of this informal event. 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane. 724-745-1785.

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, West Virginia. 304-292-3359.

Little Leaves at Forbes State Forest – Thru Oct. 10-11:30am. 1st & 4th Thurs. Free outdoor play and exploration time for children 0 to 4 years and their caregivers. Each week has a theme and an activity for adults (18+) and their children to explore outdoors. Registration required at Events.dcnr.pa.gov/ event/little_leaves. Forbes State Forest, Rte 30 E, Laughlintown, PA. 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.

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Write Now! – 10am-noon. Zoom Writer’s Group hosted by Sewickley Public Library. Participants enjoy writing from prompts in an encouraging and 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.

Sunset Yoga on Sunset Hill – Thru Sept. 7:308:45pm. 2nd Fri. Hosted by Find Your Fire Fitness and Laurelville. All-levels. Enjoy scenic view and meditation in the labyrinth prior to yoga class. $15.

Space limited, bring your own mat. 941 Laurelville Ln, Mount Pleasant. Registration required at Laurelville.org under community events.

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.

Morgantown Farmer’s Market – Thru Nov 13.

8:30am-noon. Hosted by WVU Monongalia County Extension Service. Seasonal produce, honey, jams, flours, meats, eggs, bread, baked goods, plants, and more within a 50-mile radius of Morgantown. SNAP, Apple Pay, Credit cards. COVID precautions, please!

Well behaved, leashed dogs welcome. Some vendors offering pre-ordering at MorgantownFarmersMarket. org/shop.htm. 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. 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.

Community Market Days – Thru Dec 18. 10am2pm. Hosted by Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse.

Variety of family activities with local goods, guest vendors, food trucks, live music, U-pick, wine and beer tastings, cooking workshops, gardening workshops, DIY and children’s’ activities. Rain or shine.

Ryan Smith: Ryan@BednersGreenhouse.com.

SocietyX: Therapeutic Art Workshop – Thru Oct. 11am-noon. Free online event hosted by The SocietyX Community and Sarah Serrano-Esquilin.

This creative workshop balances mind, body, & soul through an artistic lens. Tickets at Eventbrite.

SocietyX Community; a planet-wide digital collective of creators. TheSocietyX.com.

Copper Stops Germs Before They Spread

presents ever. This little jewel really works.”

Frequent flier Karen Gauci had been suffering after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried copper on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says when people around her show signs of cold or flu, she uses copper morning and night. cientists have discovered a illnesses by over half and saved lives.

“It saved me last holidays,” she said. natural way to kill germs fast.

The strong scientific evidence gave “The kids had crud going round and Now thousands of people are using it inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made round, but not me.” against unwanted viruses and bacteria in a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in Attorney Donna Blight tried copper the nose and on skin. the bottom of his nose. for her sinus. “I am shocked!” she said.

Germs, such The next time “My head cleared, no more headache, no as viruses and he felt a tickle in more congestion.” bacteria, can his nose that felt A man with trouble breathing though multiply fast. like a cold about his nose at night tried copper just before When disease to start, he rubbed bed. “Best sleep I’ve had in years!” he germs get in your the copper gently said. nose they can in his nose for 60 In a lab test, technicians placed 25 spread and cause seconds. million live flu viruses on a CopperZap. misery unless you “I didn’t No viruses were found surviving soon stop them early. get sick,” he after.

New device puts copper right where you need it.

Hundreds exclaimed.

Some people press of studies in the last 20 years by “Due to regulation we don’t copper on a lip right government and university scientists make health claims, so I can’t away if a warning tingle show that copper, a natural element, say if it is cause and effect.” suggests unwanted germs kills germs just by touch.

“That was September 2012,” gathering there.

The EPA officially declared copper he continued. “I have been using The handle is curved to be “antimicrobial”, meaning it kills it every time and have not had a and textured to increase microbes, including viruses, bacteria, single cold since then.” contact. Copper can and fungus.

He asked relatives and kill germs picked up on The National Institutes of Health friends to try it. They reported fingers and hands after Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper kills viruses you touch things other says, “The antimicrobial activity of the same thing, so he patented on contact. copper is now well established.”

CopperZap® and put it on the people have touched.

Copper’s power to kill germs has market.

The EPA says copper still works even been used for thousands of years.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. when tarnished. Buy once, use forever.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used The feedback was 99% positive if they Made in America of pure copper. copper to purify water and heal wounds. used the copper within 3 hours after 90-day full money back guarantee. Price They didn’t know about microbes, but the first sign of unwanted germs, like a $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap now we do. tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat. with code NATA21.

Scientists say the high conductance Early user Mary Pickrell said, “I Go to www.CopperZap.com or call of copper disrupts the electrical balance can’t believe how good my nose feels.” toll-free 1-888-411-6114. in a microbe cell by touch and destroys “What a wonderful thing!” exclaimed Statements herein are not intended it in seconds.

Physician’s Assistant Julie. Another and should not be interpreted as product Some hospitals tried copper for touch customer asked, “Is it supposed to work health claims, and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. that fast?” diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any They say this cut the spread of MRSA, Pat McAllister, 70, received one for disease. which is antibiotic resistant, and other Christmas and called it “one of the best ADVERTORIAL 29 September 2021

S

community resource guide

HEALTH FOOD

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.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES

305 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 304-506-3585 Dr.Carol@Remedies.com AlternativeRemediesOnline.com Dr. Carol offers a personalized holistic approach to your health concerns through nutrition, supplements, exercise, cellular spa treatments, homeopathy and self-help classes. Twenty years of experience in naturally supporting the body, her specialties are digestive health, women and children, and gluten-free living. Health memberships and video conferencing available.

ASTROLOGY SUN CONFLICT SOLUTIONS Pittsburgh, PA and Online 412-897-0809 Anjalisoi.com/astrology

Evolutionary Astrology allows you to uncover your deep unconscious desires and align with the cycle of death and rebirth in your life.

Ensure your correct karma and life lessons manifest in an abundant way and find meaning and perspective of the experiences in your life.

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

D r. L a z a r u s p r a c t i c e s 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 4.

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 23.

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 23.

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.

When setting out on a journey, do not seek advice from someone who has never left home. ~Rumi 30

Pittsburgh, PA

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

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.

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 4.

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

Offering 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.

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 APPALACHIA CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS, PC

Travis D Horne, DC • Gi Ming ‘‘Lili’’ Chan, ND 20120 Route 19, Ste 202, Cranberry Twp, PA 724-553-5312 • AppalachiaChiropractic.com Best of natural medicine – combining both chiropractic and naturopathic care. We provide integrative and individualized care to the community where patients feel heard and truly cared for. We offer manipulation, sports medicine, nutrition, herbal, homeopathy and hydrotherapy.

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. See ad, page 5.

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 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 9.

VISIONS REIKI AND SOUL SPA 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane 724-745-1785 VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.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. See ad, page 6.

YOGA AND MEDITATION 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. See ad, page 21.

You don’t always need a plan.

Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens. ~Mandy Hale

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 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.

PRODUCTS 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

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

September 2021

31

The best doctors.

The best hospitals.

The best service.

It’s how we help you live your best life.

What is good health? Your answer is as unique as you are. Whatever it means to you, UPMC Health Plan is here to help you live your life in the best way. We give you award-winning customer service, in-network access to the world-renowned doctors and hospitals of UPMC, and the people, products, and programs you need to live the healthiest life you can. We can’t think of a better outcome. UPMCHealthPlan.com

For UPMC Health Plan “best” information go to www.upmchealthplan.com/best.

Nondiscrimination statement UPMC Health Plan1 complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

1 UPMC Health Plan is the marketing name used to refer to the following companies, which are licensed to issue individual and group health insurance products or which provide third party administration services for group health plans: UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Options Inc., UPMC Health Coverage Inc., UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and/or UPMC Benefit Management Services Inc. Translation Services ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-855-489-3494 (TTY: 1-800-361-2629). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-855-489-3494（TTY：1-800-361-2629）。