Natural Awakenings Phoenix & Northern Arizona, June 2019 Edition

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G R F

BRAIN HEALTH Smart Strategies for

Preventing Dementia

HEALTHY

PLANET

Mushrooms That Heal Beyond Buttons and Portabellas

Low-Car

CITIES

Fresh Thinking in Urban Planning

New Plant Medicine Section

June 2019 | Phoenix & Northern Arizona Edition | NaturalAZ.com

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“We believe that every woman deserves to feel her best. We help women over 40 struggling with health and hormonal issues to reclaim their health and their life using natural therapies.�

-Dr. Andrea Purcell, N.M.D.

Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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18 BRAIN-SAVERS

36 25

Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia

22 NATURE’S TOOLBOX The Key to Prostate Health

24 FATHERHOOD’S PAIN AND GLORY We Must Face Our Own Story First

25 SANJAY GUPTA ON ‘Chasing Life’

26 JUST ADD WATER

32

Aquatic Workouts for Him

28 PRE-WIRED

FOR THE FUTURE

Transportation Drives Urban Planning

30 THE MINIMALIST FAMILY Trading Clutter for Calm

32 NONTOXIC LAWN CARE

Protecting Pets and the Planet

34 INTRODUCTION TO PLANT MEDICINE

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36 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

36

Beyond Buttons and Portabellas

38 THE POWER OF TEA 40 KEEPING YOUR FAMILY

HYDRATED AND HEALTHY ALL SUMMER WITH HERBS

41 THE ABCS OF CBD 42 MARIJUANA Nature’s Medicine

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 12 global briefs 14 health briefs 16 eco tip 22 healing ways 24 inspiration 25 wise words

26 28 30 32 34 44 45 48

fit body green living healthy kids natural pet plant medicine calendar classifieds resource guide June 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

PHOENIX & NORTHERN ARIZONA EDITION PUBLISHER Tracy Patterson, BSc, MES DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca COPY EDITOR Sara Gurgen WEBSITE Kyle Hass Rachael Oppy

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings – Phoenix 17470 N Pacesetter Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tracy@NaturalAZ.com NaturalAZ.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave

letter from publisher

I

am excited to introduce our new Plant Medicine section, which starts on page 34 and will be featured in every issue. Plant medicine has been in use for thousands of years, and it only makes sense to include this section so that you, the reader, have a place to begin your research on some possible alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs. And plant medicine is not just about treating illness, we can also use the power of plants as a proactive method of keeping illness away and attending to our overall mind-body health.

Over time, we will take a look at a variety of topics, including medical marijuana, herbs, roots, essential oils, flower essences, certain foods, and any other wonderful tidbits we can “dig” up as we go along.

I’ll leave you with a short anecdote on mushrooms, which I was reminded of after reading the article “Medicinal Mushrooms: Beyond Buttons and Portabellas” on page 36.

A number of years ago, I found myself at a mushroom festival. I knew next to nothing about mushrooms, other than a couple of varieties I often bought at the grocery store were very tasty.

As I’m talking to people in this huge room filled with every kind of mushroom imaginable, I’m thinking, “Who knew that people have fungi as a hobby, and that it is such a vast subject, requiring so much knowledge?!” It was particularly interesting (and a little scary) to learn that two species can look almost identical, and yet one is edible and the other poisonous—in other words, one should know their mushrooms before sampling these delicacies along the trail.

One species I learned about at the festival, often found along the trails where I lived, was the fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria). They have whitish stalks with white-spotted bright-red caps. What I didn’t know is that they are known for their hallucinogenic properties, but they aren’t often eaten because they have unpleasant side effects.

All I could think about when I saw them was that they looked like little villages, and I expected to see tiny people coming out of these red-capped “structures.” In fact, this fairy-tale scene triggered a memory of old Disneyland cartoons, particularly Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And, no, I did not eat any before these thoughts popped into my head!

I hope that you enjoy this new section and that it provides you with more plants to ponder in your quest for holistic alternatives.

© 2019 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 contact us to find a location near you.

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.

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DEADLINE REMINDER! Please note that all deadlines (advertising, editorial, calendar events) are the 10th of the month prior to the edition being published.

For example, June 10 is the deadline for all July edition submissions.

news briefs

It’s All About Fun at the Deuces Wild Endurance Festival

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eld yearly in the cool White Mountains of northeastern Arizona over two days in June— June 8 and 9 this year—the Deuces Wild Endurance Festival features 15 separate races to choose from, including triathlons, aquabikes, runs and relays. Deuces Wild is also home to the Triathlon Club and Team World Championships, with people from around the world coming to compete for the coveted titles.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or doing your very first triathlon, Deuces Wild has a race and distance for you. Five different triathlons are offered for the entire family: DeuceMan Long Course, Olympic, Sprint, XTERRA and Youth. Starting at 5 years old, kids can race in the youth triathlon.

Deuces Wild also offers a half marathon, 10K and 5K, as well as an 8K trail run.

In addition to the triathlons, aquabikes and runs, there are also relays in many of the triathlons, and during and after events, there is incredible food and activities to keep attendees entertained.

Location: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, 1500 Fools Hollow Rd., Show Low. For more information or to register, visit DeucesWildFestival.com.

Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden

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aturday nights will shine with self-paced flashlight tours at Desert Botanical Garden, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., beginning June 1 through August 31. All ages will have a blast getting hands-on during this self-guided nocturnal adventure through the garden.

Check out the night-blooming plants, see the animals that come out after dark, feel the desert night air, and relax with some food and drink. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes.

Cost: Adults $14.95; children $9.95; garden members and children 3 years and younger are admitted free. Location: 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. For more information, visit dbg.org/events.

New Book on Meditation and Spirituality

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s God in That Bottle Cap? A Search for Truth, by John D. Sambalino, is the true story of a personal quest for spiritual enlightenment and the many benefits of meditation. The new book, published by Vanishing Circle Press, is based on the author’s 44 years of daily meditation, yoga, tai chi and qigong.

“We live in very stressful times,” says the South New Jersey author. “While this book can help learn how to release stress naturally through meditation, it’s not a how-to book and does not teach meditation. [It addresses] how meditation can relieve stress and help to make a happier, healthier, more productive person.”

Vijayendra Pratap, Ph.D., president of the Yoga Research Society, says, “I would love to see this book in the hands of practitioners of all paths for self-realization.”

Kirkus Reviews calls the book a “lively and intensely readable story of one man’s use of a variety of spiritual practices to reveal the nature of reality.”

Cost: $16.95. For more information or to order the book, visit IsGodInThatBottleCap. com. See ad, page 29.

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Celebrate Summer Solstice at the Embracing Your Journey Expo

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eat the heat and spend the day in the air conditioning discovering amazing mind-body-spirit products, services and vendors at the Embracing Your Journey Expo at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, in Phoenix, on Sunday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Purple Lotus Productions—the host of the recurring holistic, wellness and metaphysical event—is passionate about providing attendees with worldrenowned and skilled practitioners, innovative and new services, and unique and original products.

Whether you are new to this journey of mind-body-spirit growth and discovery, are a long-term traveler or just looking to see what is out there to be discovered, this family-friendly expo will be of help. It is an ideal place to gain insight; learn new ways to improve your life; find resources to help you grow spiritually and emotionally; discover new and exciting products and services geared toward a healthy mind-body-spirit; and acquire inspiration/motivation to continue on your journey.

There will be some fun, interactive activities to help attendees embrace the summer solstice, as well as eight free lectures (included with price of admission) and raffles every hour.

Cost: Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door (children 10 and under are free).

The first 100 people through the doors the morning of the expo will receive a swag bag full of gifts, samples and discounts (an over $50 value). Location: 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix. For more information, call 480-296-1928 or visit EmbracingYourJourneyExpo.com. To purchase tickets, visit https://eyje62319.eventbrite.com. See ad, page 27.

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Baby Balking

Climate Change Discourages Childbearing

USA Today has reported that concerns about climate change are giving women pause about bearing children. The U.S. birthrate has been falling for years, and in 2017, it was 60.3 births per 1,000 women, the lowest fertility rate since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began keeping such records in 1909.

Related causes such as women marrying later, worries about the economy and the difficulty of finding affordable child care have all been suggested. But prospective parents are also thinking about the increased frequency and intensity of storms and other natural disasters such as drought and wildfires.

Further, geopolitical unrest and scarcity of water and other resources are convincing some to at least postpone their decision to increase the population.

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Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.com

Far Out

Earth’s Atmosphere Extends Past Moon

The scientific boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space is the Kármán line, 62 miles high. But a team of astronomers have published evidence in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics that the geocorona, a tenuous cloud of neutral hydrogen in the outermost region of the Earth’s atmosphere that glows in far-ultraviolet light, extends much farther than the moon. The discovery means that telescopes positioned in the geocorona will need to have some of their settings adjusted for deep-space observations.

3-D Meat

Printer Produces Plant-Based Substitute

Researcher Giuseppe Scionti, owner of Nova Meat, in Barcelona, Spain, has developed a synthetic meat substitute using vegetable proteins that imitate protein complexes found in real meat.

Produced using a 3-D printer, it can mimic the texture of beef or chicken. The specialist in biomedicine and tissue engineering has been working for 10 years on bioprinting different synthetic tissues such as artificial corneas, skin and ears.

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Internet users can help fight global deforestation even while surfing. German online search engine Ecosia, now used in 183 countries, diverts its advertising revenue from click-throughs to planting trees worldwide to the tune of more than 52 million since 2009. With each search, the company says, it removes around two-and-a-half pounds of carbon dioxide from the air. Christian Kroll, Ecosia’s founder, wrote, “Climate change is a very real threat, and if we’re to stop the world heating above the 1.5 degrees warned about in the IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] report, we need to plant trees at scale.” Kroll suggests that if Ecosia were to get as big as Google, they could absorb 15 percent of all global carbon dioxide emissions.

Users can find it at Ecosia.org.

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Search Engine Company Plants Trees

Clean Water Solution in the Pipeline

With the world facing a future of climate change and water scarcity, finding an environmental way to cleanse drinking water is paramount.

Researchers in China contend they are working on a method to remove bacteria from water that’s both highly efficient and environmentally sound.

By shining ultraviolet light onto a two-dimensional sheet of graphitic carbon nitride, the team’s prototype can purify two-and-a-half gallons of water in one hour, killing virtually all the harmful bacteria present. This technique of photocatalytic disinfection is an alternative to current eco-unfriendly water filtration systems such as chlorination or ozone disinfection.

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Green Surfing

Aqua Breakthrough

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global briefs

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Countries Learn from Recycling Strategy

In Norway, up to 97 percent of the country’s plastic bottles are recycled, and other countries are taking note.

The government’s environmental taxes reward companies that are eco-friendly. If a company recycles more than 95 percent of its plastic, then its tax is dropped.

Customers pay a deposit on each bottled product they buy. To get back their money, they must return their used bottles to one of the 3,700 machines found in the country’s supermarkets and convenience stores.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that if current global trends continue, plastic trash in the ocean will outweigh fish by 2050.

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Revamping Recycling

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Norwegian Nudge

China Forces U.S. Cities to Change Specs

China, one of the world’s main importers of recyclable waste, is rejecting shipments that are more than 0.5 percent impure, so loads contaminated by a greasy pizza box, disposable coffee cups and the odd plastic bag could end up in the local landfill instead. Most single-use cups, for instance, are lined with a fine film of polyethylene, which makes the cups liquid-proof, but also difficult and expensive to reprocess. Most waste management facilities will treat the cups as trash. Since China banned impure plastics, many U.S. municipalities no longer accept plastics numbered 3 to 7, which can include yogurt cups, butter tubs and vegetable oil bottles. Another contamination culprit is food residue. Washing out food scraps from recyclables can be just as important as putting the appropriate item in the recycling bin.

Action Alert

Banish Toxic Air in Plane Cabins

Flying safety is more than making it to our destination; it’s about the air we have to breathe while in the skies.

Toxic fume events can occur when air, contaminated by engine exhaust, fuel fumes, de-icing fluids and/or ozone, enters the aircraft cabin through the jet engine intake. Exposure to even low levels of these contaminants can incapacitate passengers and crew, and longterm exposure could lead to debilitating health issues.

In April, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Cabin Air Safety Act (H.R. 2208) to protect commercial airline passengers and crew from toxic cabin air. Follow its progress at GovTrack.US. The bill would require training on toxic fumes for all pilots, crew members and flight attendants; make sure the Federal Aviation Administration maintains a record of all reports of and conducts investigations into all toxic fume occurrences; and direct the airline industry to install detectors in the air supply system of planes to locate sources of contamination.

Contact a congressional representative, listed on GovTrack.

US, to support the bill.

Hopper Stopper

Endangered Frogs Keep Millions of Acres as Habitat

A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the protected status of 1.8 million acres of critical California mountain habitat for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs and the mountain yellow-legged frogs, species that have declined by 90 percent, and Yosemite toads.

In 2017, a year after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the land as protected under the Endangered Species Act, the California Cattlemen’s Association challenged the decision. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor McFadden stated the group had failed to establish that any of its members suffered injury from the designation.

June 2019

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Imbibe Less to Lower Blood Pressure Even moderate alcohol consumption—seven to 13 drinks a week—increases the risk of high blood pressure, according to a new analysis of the health records of 17,000 U.S. adults. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that the average blood pressure among nondrinkers was about 109/67, among moderate drinkers 128/79 and among heavy drinkers 153/82, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the years 1988 to 1994. The higher readings could be the result of alcohol’s affect on the brain and liver, or because it raises caloric intake, partly by increasing appetite, say the researchers.

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Eat Med Diet to Boost Performance What we consume can boost our body even in the short term, a new study from St. Louis University shows. After eating the Mediterranean diet for just four days, athletes ran faster than after eating a Western diet. In the study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, seven women and four men ate one of two diets for four days: the Mediterranean, with its emphasis on whole fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil and whole grains, or the Western, high in trans and saturated fats, dairy, refined sugars, refined and highly processed vegetable oils, sodium and processed foods. After a nine-to-16-day break, they followed the other diet. The athletes exercised on a treadmill for five kilometers after each diet and were found to have run 6 percent faster after following the Mediterranean diet, despite similar heart rates and perceived levels of exertion.

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Regardless of the type of protein consumed, low-carb diets significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to a study presented at the latest annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Analyzing the records of almost 14,000 people over a 20year period, researchers found that diets such as Atkins, ketogenic and paleo, which emphasize protein instead of fruits, vegetables and grains, boosted the risk of AFib by 18 percent compared to diets with moderate carb intake. Researchers theorize that consuming less produce and fewer grains may aggravate inflammation, while eating high amounts of protein and fat may increase oxidative stress. Both conditions are linked to AFib, in which the heart beats irregularly, potentially causing palpitations, dizziness and fatigue. It’s also linked to a five-fold increase in strokes.

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For those that don’t move vigorously throughout the day—whether stuck behind a desk or lying on a couch in front of a screen—there’s good news in a recent American Cancer Society study: Replacing just 30 minutes a day of stationary time with such moderate physical activities as brisk walking and dancing reduces the risk of dying over 14 years by a whopping 45 percent. Even light activities such as walking slowly, playing pool and doing housework like vacuuming for half an hour reduce mortality risk by 15 percent.

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Eat More Carbs to Lower Heart Risk

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Sit Less to Live Longer

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health briefs

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Magnesium seems to optimize vitamin D, increasing the vitamin’s utilization for those with insufficient levels and decreasing it in those with excessive amounts. In a randomized trial of 250 people between ages 50 and 85 that were considered at risk for colorectal cancer, researchers at the VanderbiltIngram Cancer Center found that changes in blood levels of vitamin D were significantly affected by the intake of magnesium—a mineral in which 80 percent of Americans are deficient. In addition to supplements, magnesium-rich foods include dark leafy greens, beans, whole grains, dark chocolate, nuts, avocados and fatty fish such as salmon.

Find a Green Space and Make a Friend Integrating green spaces among living areas increases trust among strangers, according to a study from Canada’s University of Waterloo. Participants in walking tours of a Vancouver neighborhood were asked to complete a smartphone questionnaire at six stops, including at a rainbow-painted crosswalk and both wild and manicured community gardens. Researchers found that colorful design elements and green spaces were linked to higher levels of happiness, plus greater trust of strangers and environmental stewardship. “The urban design interventions we studied are relatively simple and low cost, but show great potential to improve individuals’ emotional and social lives,” says Hanna Negami, lead author.

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Take Magnesium to Optimize Vitamin D

Apparently, the fabled marijuanainduced “munchies” cravings don’t have people reaching for carrots. A new study from the University of Connecticut found that shortly after Colorado, Washington and Oregon legalized recreational marijuana, increases in purchases were recorded in those states for potato chips (5.3 percent), cookies (4.1 percent) and ice cream (3.1 percent).

June 2019

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eco tip

Mold Matters Heavy rains, leaky pipes and floods can lead to mold growth, which can create poor and even toxic indoor air quality. Irritating the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-sensitive and non-allergic people, mold can also cause immediate or delayed respiratory symptoms; some can be extremely severe in individuals prone to asthma.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of health effects from mold, which can also instigate a chronic cough. Toxic reactions can include pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants and memory loss in young children.

A roof leak, burst pipe or malfunctioning water heater can all set the stage for mold to take root, sometimes hidden behind walls and cabinetry. Even in homes that haven’t been damaged by excessive water, mold can be found wherever humidity levels are high, including basements, garages and showers. Proper ventilation and repair of leaky fixtures can help keep mold growth at bay.

According to the CDC, mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with soap and water. Natural antimicrobials such as plain white vinegar and baking soda are also powerful cleansers; tea tree oil is a natural, antibacterial and antiseptic fungicide that can kill black mold on impermeable surfaces.

Remediation of extensive mold growth on drywall and other permeable building materials is best left to professionals to arrest its spread and prevent toxic spores from becoming airborne. There are many companies that use eco-friendly “green� methods and materials.

If choosing to go the DIY route, sequester the area to be worked on and use specialized HEPA filters and a respirator to avoid inhaling spores. Use protective goggles and gloves throughout the entire process.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.

Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals that have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results.

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Kill It Naturally

Brain-Savers Smart Strategies for Preventing Dementia

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by Melinda Hemmelgarn

ith 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, there’s no shortage of advice on how to enhance, preserve and restore brain function. Judging from the assortment of brain training games and apps to the multitude of books promising ways to avoid or even reverse dementia, a growing number of aging Americans want to know the best strategies for preventing and treating cognitive decline and memory loss.

Prevention: A ‘No-Brainer’

As with any disease, prevention throughout the life cycle is key, but especially important for Alzheimer’s—the leading cause of dementia worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the illness is considered a slowly progressive brain disease that begins well before symptoms 18

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emerge. Despite predictions that the number of afflicted Americans will reach nearly 14 million by 2050, there are no drug cures.

David Perlmutter, M.D., a boardcertified neurologist based in Naples, Florida, and an editorial board member of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, summarizes a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of currently available Alzheimer’s medications. “Not only were Alzheimer’s patients who were taking these drugs not gaining any benefit, but their rate of cognitive decline was worsened when they were on the Alzheimer’s medications,” thus making lifestyle risk reduction even more critical.

Dale Bredesen, M.D., a professor in the UCLA Department of Neurology and author of The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse

Food as Medicine

Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D., a nutritional epidemiologist at the Rush University Medical Center, in Chicago, and author of Diet for the MIND: The Latest Science on What to Eat to Prevent Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Decline, says, “Given that Alzheimer’s disease is known as an oxidative-inflammatory disease, there has

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Cognitive Decline, has studied the disease’s neurobiology for decades. He believes drug therapies have failed because scientists neglected to focus on why individuals develop the disease in the first place. He emphasizes, “Alzheimer’s is not a single disease,” even if the symptoms appear to be the same. Bredesen says it’s the result of the brain trying to protect itself from multiple metabolic and toxic threats.

Bredesen developed the ReCODE (reversal of cognitive decline) protocol, an ambitious, comprehensive and personalized therapeutic program that includes genetic, cognitive and blood testing, plus supplements and lifestyle improvements, including stress reduction, improved sleep, diet and exercise.

With the goal of identifying and treating the individual’s pathway to disease, ReCODE addresses fixing five key areas he believes form the underlying origins and progression of Alzheimer’s disease: insulin resistance; inflammation/infections; hormone, nutrient and nerve growth factors; toxins; and dysfunctional nerve synapses.

The Lancet International Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care also advocates multiple points of action. By addressing nine “potentially modifiable risk factors” throughout the lifespan, the commission says, “More than one-third of global dementia cases may be preventable.” These factors include maximizing education in early life; controlling hypertension, obesity and hearing loss in mid-life; and in later life, managing depression and diabetes, increasing physical activity and social contact, and not smoking.

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to be a dietary influence.”

From two decades of research involving more than 10,000 people, Morris developed the MIND diet, which stands for “Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay”. It’s a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, modified to include specific components from each that offer the most protection against dementia. Morris identifies 10 brain-healthy dietary components: leafy greens, vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, seafood, poultry, beans and legumes, olive oil, and one glass of wine per day; plus five unhealthy components to limit: sweets and pastries, red meats, fried and fast foods, whole-fat cheese and butter or margarine containing trans fat.

Morris found those individuals that most closely followed the dietary recommendations lowered their risk for Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 53 percent, while those following the diet moderately well showed a reduction of about 35 percent.

Morris acknowledges a number of common aging-related, yet treatable, conditions that can cause “dementialike symptoms,” including low thyroid hormones and vitamin B12 deficiency.

She also identifies specific brain-protective compounds including vitamins E, B12, folate and niacin, plus lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene and flavonoids found in colorful fruits and vegetables, tea and nuts.

She is currently testing the MIND diet, plus a mild calorie restriction on 600 individuals 65 to 84 years old living in Boston and Chicago; results are expected in 2021. The Alzheimer’s Association is also recruiting individuals for a new lifestyle intervention study.

Aarti Batavia, a registered dietitian based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a certified practitioner of functional medicine trained in the ReCODE protocol, says, “Diets that are good for the heart are good for the brain.” But she also warns that many common medications such as statins, antihistamines, some an-

Coming Next Month JULY

Urban & Suburban Agriculture plus: Gut Health

LOCAL FOOD ISSUE June 2019

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Smart Steps

As we continue to discover how genetics, environment and lifestyle factors intersect, take the following smart steps to promote longevity and vibrant brain health:

1

Monitor and control blood sugar: Type 2 diabetes increases the

risk for dementia. Brenda Davis, a registered dietitian in Vancouver, British Columbia, and author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook: An Action Plan and Recipes for Defeating Diabetes, advises reducing the glycemic load of the diet by limiting refined carbohydrates and sugars, and eating a high-fiber, plant-based diet.

Dorothy Sears, Ph.D., a member of the executive committee of the Center for Circadian Biology at the University of California, San Diego, says it’s not just what we eat that matters, but when. She discovered multiple metabolic benefits, including reduced blood sugar, with prolonged nightly fasting—13 hours between the last meal at night and the first meal in the morning.

Brenda Davy, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and researcher at Virginia Tech,

in Blacksburg, says hydration can influence blood sugar, weight and cognition, especially among middle-aged and older populations. She recommends drinking two cups of water prior to meals to moderate food intake.

2

Focus on ‘good’ fats: Olive oil,

nuts, avocados, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty, cold-water fish protect both the heart and brain. Michael Lewis, M.D., based in Potomac, Maryland, recommends an “omega-3 protocol” to help his patients recover from traumatic brain injury, which can increase risk for dementia.

3

Spice up your diet: Batavia

recommends cooking with brainprotecting herbs and spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, thyme and rosemary, which can help reduce inflammation and risk for dementia.

4

Mind your gut: Western medi-

cine has historically separated the brain from the rest of the body. But research on the “gut-brain axis” shows there’s communication between our gut microbes and brain, plus direct links to neurodevelopmental disorders and dementia. “What goes on in the gut influences every manner of activity within the brain: the health of the brain,

the functionality of the brain, the brain’s resistance to disease process and even mood,” says Perlmutter.

Both Perlmutter and Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian in Bend, Oregon, emphasize the importance of high-fiber plant foods that gut microbes need to produce beneficial, short-chain fatty acids to protect against inflammation, insulin resistance and “leaky gut”.

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tidepressants and proton pump inhibitors (that reduce stomach acid, which is required for absorbing vitamin B12) can increase the risk for dementia.

5

Prioritize sleep: All brain (and

gut) experts recommend adequate sleep—seven to eight hours each night— to restore body and mind.

6

Exercise: Both Morris and Perl-

mutter recommend aerobic activities in particular, like walking, swimming and cycling, to improve blood circulation to the brain and increase the production of a hormone called brainderived neurotrophic factor, which is responsible for stimulating neuron growth and protecting against cognitive decline.

7

Avoid environmental toxins:

Exposure to pesticides, pollutants and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic can increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Choosing organic food both reduces exposure to toxins and protects water quality and

Protecting and Nourishing Gut Microbiota

■ Strive to eat a wide variety of plant species and at least 30 grams of fiber every day (some cooked and some raw).

■ Limit “microbial assassins”, including refined carbohydrates and added sugar (no more than 25 grams or six teaspoons of added sugar per day); sugar substitutes; food additives such as polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose; smoking and vaping; chronic stress; antimicrobial soaps and sanitizers; antibiotics; proton pump inhibitors; high-fat diets; and processed meats.

■ Move every day for at least 30 minutes; don’t sit for more than 30 minutes and get outside.

■ Relax with yoga, meditation or mindfulness.

■ Sleep seven to eight hours each night.

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Dietitian Teresa Martin suggests:

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farmworker health.

Virginia Rauh, Ph.D., deputy director of the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health, in New York City, spoke at the National Pesticide Forum in Manhattan in April.

She explains that of the 5,000 new chemicals introduced each year, “at least 25 percent are neurotoxic,” and even very low-level exposure can harm children’s neurodevelopment.

8

Socialize: In studies of “Blue Zone” populations that enjoy longevity with low rates of dementia, social engagement appears to be the secret sauce for quality of life.

Melinda Hemmelgarn, the “Food Sleuth”, is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.

Learn More

■ The Alzheimer’s Association diet study: Tinyurl.com/AlzheimerAssociationDiet ■ Beyond Pesticides: BeyondPesticides.org ■ Blue Zones: BlueZones.com ■ Brain Health Education and Research Institute: BrainHealthEducation.org ■ ConsumerLab.com: assesses effectiveness and safety of supplements conducive to brain health.

■ Glycemic index and load: Tinyurl.com/GlycemicIndexAndLoad ■ Integrative Environmental Medicine, edited by Aly Cohen, M.D., and Frederick vom Saal, Ph.D. ■ Food Sleuth Radio interviews: Tinyurl.com/Food-Sleuth-Radio Aarti Batavia: to be posted on Food Sleuth site this month Brenda Davis: Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavisInterview, Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavisOnFoodSleuth Brenda Davy: Tinyurl.com/BrendaDavyInterview Teresa Martin: Tinyurl.com/TeresaMartinInterview, Tinyurl.com/TeresaMartinAudio Martha Clare Morris: Tinyurl.com/MarthaClareMorrisInterview David Perlmutter: to be posted on Food Sleuth site this month Dorothy Sears: Tinyurl.com/DorothySearsInterview

About Wheat and Other Grains When considering whether to restrict or include grain in one’s diet, consider the following: ■ Individuals with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid wheat and other gluten-containing grains such as barley and rye.

■ According to nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris, diets rich in high-fiber whole grains, including wheat, decrease inflammation and oxidative stress, and improve cognition.

She says, “Diets higher in fiber are linked to lower rates of diabetes and heart disease,” both of which increase risk of dementia.

■ Author Brenda Davis’ “grain hierarchy” promotes whole, intact grains as key in controlling blood sugar.

■ Whole grains are high in vitamins E and B, which protect against cognitive decline.

■ Dr. David Perlmutter, who supports high-fiber diets, but advocates avoiding gluten, warns against shopping in the gluten-free aisle. Foods there might not have gluten, he says, but they’re going to “powerfully raise your blood sugar.”

■ Choose organic grains to avoid exposure to pesticide residues.

June 2019

21

HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE?

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YOU BET Nature’s Toolbox The Key to Prostate Health

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by Melanie Laporte

he prostate is about the size of a walnut, yet this tiny gland can be the source of major problems for many men. Most potential health risks are preventable and treatable with proper diet, lifestyle changes—and a new array of natural approaches.

Holistic and integrative practitioners are looking beyond traditional

Search “Natural Awakenings” and download

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supplements like saw palmetto, lycopene, pygeum and green tea extract to treat common conditions such as enlargement of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can develop as men grow older.

Rob Raponi, a naturopathic doctor in Vaughan, Ontario, sees men struggling with nocturia, an effect of BPH that

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wakes them during the night with the urge to urinate. “It interrupts your sleep, which accumulates and starts to interrupt your day,” says Raponi, who uses zinc-rich ground flax and pumpkin seeds to ease BPH urinary symptoms and inflammation. He’s also achieving positive results by utilizing combinations of rye grass pollen extract. He says, “It seems to work wonders.”

Confronting Cancer According to the American Cancer Society, about one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of male deaths in U.S. However, it’s also one of the most preventable cancers.

“The key is to make our body inhospitable to mutating cells which could form cancer that ultimately threatens your life,” says Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., director of the Integrative Medicine Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston.

Part of the answer may lie in the human gut, which makes diet central to addressing prostate issues.

According to a recent review of research published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, the microbiome—a community of microbes that supports digestion and the immune system—may influence prostate inflammation and the development of prostate cancer. “The microbiome’s ability to affect systemic hormone levels may also be important, particularly in a disease such as prostate cancer that is dually affected by estrogen and androgen levels,” it concludes.

bracken vegetables—raw kale, broccoli, Swiss chard, dark leafy greens and soy— invigorate the prostate. Also, a couple of Brazil nuts per day give a healthy dose of selenium to decrease risk factors.”

Jim Occhiogrosso, a Fort Myers, Florida-based natural health practitioner and author of Your Prostate, Your Libido, Your Life, notes that most incidences of prostate cancer are slow growing and not aggressive. “One of my first clients was in his early 80s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and treated it with only herbs.

Fifteen years later, in his mid-90s, he still has prostate cancer. He’s still doing fine and getting around, albeit slowly.”

Occhiogrosso says he uses herbal mixtures of saw palmetto, “which is a good supplement for beefing up the immune system—also solar berry, mushroom extracts, vitamin C and fullfraction vitamin E.” Mark Stengler, a naturopathic doctor and co-author of Outside The Box Cancer Therapies: Alternative Therapies That Treat and Prevent Cancer, recom-

mends a blend of five grams of modified citrus pectin, 200 milligrams of reishi mushroom and 1,000 milligrams of green tea extract taken two to three times per day, plus vitamin D. The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is about 98 percent, and it’s been rising for the last few years. Early diagnosis is critical, says Raponi. “If you stop prostate cancer when it’s still in stage one or early on, the fiveyear survival rate is 100 percent, but if it’s later on, it starts to drop into the 70s.”

The same measures employed to prevent prostate issues—whole foods, natural herbs and regular exercise— should still be pursued, but more aggressively if cancer should develop. “The intensity becomes more salient after diagnosis,” says Cohen, “but we don’t need a diagnosis to up our game with healthy living.”

Melanie Laporte is a licensed massage therapist and health writer based in Austin, Texas.

The Nutritional Factor

“A plant-centered diet with low-glycemicload foods feeds your microbiome, which is at its healthiest and will thrive when it’s fed healthy soluble fibers provided exclusively from the plant world,” says Cohen, the author of Anticancer Living: Transform Your Life and Health with the Mix of Six. Antioxidants and plant nutrients counterbalance oxidative stress and damage, adds Cohen. “Cruciferous and

June 2019

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inspiration

FATHERHOOD’S PAIN AND GLORY

We Must Face Our Own Story First

by Chris Bruno

I

have worked in the corporate world, served as a missionary in the Middle East during 9/11 and the Iraq War, been assaulted with a knife, launched a small business and a nonprofit and suffered deep loss at the early deaths of dear friends, but nothing has terrified or paralyzed me more than fathering my own son. It has demanded me to first face my own father-story with an intensity and intentionality I would rather flee than engage.

My parents more than adequately provided for my physical needs. I had friends, lived in the suburbs and even had a horse. From the outside looking in, I had nothing to complain about.

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Any time the haunting ache of fatherhunger emerged from my soul, I quickly squelched it, telling myself to simply move on. It is the story of most men in my generation.

I continued to live as if all was well until I married and had a son of my own. I was now a father, and the weight of this title sent my soul into a tailspin.

What is father? Who am I as father?

What does it mean to father? And finally, with the force of a left upper jab to the jaw: How was I fathered? I realized that to father him, I, myself, still needed to be fathered.

In my conversations with men about their father-stories, the most

frequent sentence I hear is, “My dad did okay. He did the best he could.” But no child wants an “okay” dad. Every child longs for a dad to know, see, pursue, hope, envision, create and bless.

Franciscan friar and author Richard Rohr states, “If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it in some form.”

Untransformed pain from our father, whether from his absence, vacancy or violence, will inevitably be transmitted to our children.

I can only take my son as far as I myself have gone. Our sons were born into an already existing story—our story—and for them to know who they are, we need to know who we are, in all of our glory and pain. From this place of freedom, we can usher our sons into a manhood we can come to know together.

Reprinted with permission from Chris Bruno, the director of the Restoration Counseling Center of Northern Colorado and the president of the Restoration Project. He is the author of Man Maker Project: Boys are Born, Men are Made.

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Sanjay Gupta on

‘CHASING LIFE’

D

by Jan Hollingsworth

uring nearly two decades with CNN, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has covered wars, natural disasters and the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Along the way, the Westerntrained, practicing neurosurgeon has explored myriad health topics, including the science of alternative medicine and the benefits of medical cannabis, the subject of his CNN docuseries, Weed.

He’s written three books: Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today, Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that Are Saving Lives Against All Odds and a novel-turned-TV series, Monday Mornings.

CNN’s chief medical correspondent recently found himself in Japan, soaking in a scalding bath—a form of stress relief practiced there—along with owl cafés and forest bathing. The visit was part of a six-country, immersive journey in some of the happiest and healthiest places on Earth—including India, Bolivia, Norway, Italy and Turkey—to explore ancient traditions and modern practices that lead to a healthy and meaningful life.

The result: Chasing Life, a new docuseries that aired in April and May, is now available on demand via cable/ satellite systems, the CNNgo streaming platform and CNN mobile apps.

What inspired your interest in exploring holistic and alterna-

tive healing?

On a very basic level, a lot of people are surprised to hear that U.S. life expectancy has dropped three years in a row and the cost of health care is more than $3.5 trillion a year.

Yet there are places around the world where people are living happier, healthier lives for a lot less, and longer. They must be doing something that’s beneficial, and we wanted to find out what that might be: What do places around the world have to teach us?

To what do you attribute the reemergence of traditional Indian healing practices?

Ayurvedic medicine is widely practiced in India among the healthiest people in that part of the world. It’s stood the test of time, so it’s worth exploring. In the U.S., we have an amazing medical system for people who are sick, but they aren’t doing as well as expected [which is why] there’s an open-mindedness that’s happening about one of the oldest medical traditions.

What role might ancient traditions play in reshaping 21st-century health care?

If you look at chronic disease in the U.S., one could make the argument that 70 to 80 percent of it is entirely preventable— most of it related to our food. When you look at the Ayurvedic diet, how does a culture come up with a way of eating go-

ing back thousands of years? In the U.S., most of our diet is based on palate. With Ayurveda, it is more about the function of food: Every morsel must have some function. The type of food, the timing and the temperature at which it is cooked is also important. If we really are a little more thoughtful about how we view the calories we’re consuming, it can make a big difference in our health. When we say food is our medicine, what does that really mean? In India, they’re showing us what it means. It’s not that taste is sacrificed; it’s just that Ayurveda was driven by function and palate came after.

What was the most surprising discovery you made on this journey?

There were a lot of surprises along the way. If you look at the U.S. and life expectancy, there are a lot of countries that are pretty similar in terms of economics, labor force and other things. But what is happening in the U.S. is pretty unique in a lot of ways. In the U.S., this notion of rugged individualism is a marker for success. We’ve seen high rates of social isolation and loneliness—and the toxicity of that. Italy is one of the healthiest places in the world, and a lot of that has to do with social fabric. That this social cohesion could be so protective, even without paying attention to things like diet and exercise—I think the power of that surprised me.

What is an important takeaway for you from this experience?

There is a long-held belief that wealth will buy health. In Bolivia, there is an indigenous tribe that has virtually no evidence of heart disease and they don’t even have a healthcare system. We shouldn’t automatically equate health to wealth. There are a lot of things we can do in our lives that can help—right now.

Jan Hollingsworth is the national editor for Natural Awakenings.

June 2019

25

photo courtesy of CNN

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Aquatic Workouts for Him

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by Marlaina Donato

hen it comes to chiseling muscles, recovering from injury or reducing stress, men are finding that hitting the pool might even surpass hitting the gym. “Water aerobics is a great form of exercise for men looking to sculpt their bodies, because water offers multidirectional drag resistance that assists in developing muscle balance within the body,” says Denver aquatic fitness trainer Sean Sullivan.

Pool workouts offer men and women of all ages and condition a lowimpact, energizing way to get fit and burn calories. From specialized classes for patients with Parkinson’s disease to relief from the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia, water aerobics harbors benefits for everyone.

The Mayo Clinic adds improved cardiovascular health to the reasons why more men are joining classes that were previously considered to be a women’s domain. A recent meta-analysis of 14 studies published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that aquatic exercise can significantly lower blood pressure. Another study published

in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine reached a similar conclusion when men that underwent 55 minutes of aquatic exercise three times a week exhibited marked reductions in hypertension.

Go Vertical for Stronger Muscles

Water aerobics classes, which don’t involve swimming, are conducted in waist-high water. These vertical workouts provide 75 percent more resistance than land-based exercise. “When you perform a bicep curl in the water with no equipment, not only do you exercise the bicep muscle on the way up, but because of drag resistance, you’re also exercising your triceps muscle on the way down, for a balanced workout,” says Sullivan.

Exercise physiologist Clinton Maclin, of the Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center, in Georgia, concurs. “Aqua aerobics helps all muscle groups benefit from increased endurance, resistance and range of motion.” For optimum fitness, Maclin recommends getting wet for a minimum of two-and-a-half hours per week to stay in condition.

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The heart is also a muscle that benefits greatly from aquatic fitness. “Hydrostatic pressure is a property of water that aids in blood flow return to the heart, which may lead to a reduction in heart rate,” says Sullivan. “It’s a physiological benefit from simply immersing oneself in water.”

Less Pain, More Flexibility A number of recent studies have shown that aquatic exercise can ease pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia and also improve flexibility in joints. It’s recommended by both the Osteoarthritis Research Society International and by the American College of Rheumatology.

In the water, older individuals can exercise without the risk of falling. “The water creates buoyancy, making it less likely to make sudden movements. The low impact of the water allows longer participation time, mobility and stability,” says Maclin.

“Seniors can participate in higher-intensity movements and perform more activities, even while injured.”

Aqua aerobics helps improve balance and is also a boon to soft tissue. “Warm water provides a tremendous benefit to tendons and ligaments, adding mobility, flexibility and well-being,” notes instructor and fitness trainer Márcia Wilken, in Shawano, Wisconsin. “Seniors can benefit most from water exercise at least twice a week. It can also improve cognitive thinking and helps to promote a better sleep pattern.”

Rehabilitation, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic therapy in warm water helps to facilitate recovery after joint surgery and injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament tears in the knee. “Warm pools are a great environment for young athletes recovering from sports-related injuries. Hydrostatic pressure reduces swelling of the injured area, allowing for greater range of motion. Buoyancy reduces the load placed upon the injured area and reduces pain,” says Sullivan. “The properties of water allow injured athletes to begin the recovery process sooner.”

For individuals with Parkinson’s, the American Parkinson Disease Association recommends aquatic exercise for improved balance and pain reduction. In 2014, the European Journal of Experimental Biology published an eight-week Iranian study involving 60 men with multiple sclerosis that concluded it improved balance.

Water resistance does a body good, but the experts suggest one-on-one attention for best results. “I strongly recommend finding an aquatic fitness and rehabilitation specialist, because not all exercises are beneficial for everyone,” says Sullivan.

Wilken agrees. “A trainer can teach technique and different ways to move in the water, as well as proper breathing and good body alignment. It will double the benefits.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books on spirituality and clinical aromatherapy. She is also a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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by Jim Motavalli

he Congress for the New Urbanism, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy nonprofit, has some decisive views about what makes a walkable community: “complete streets” that are designed for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit. What it doesn’t have is cars—at least not those with tailpipes.

City planners are increasingly designing green buildings without parking, and mandating—where it exists—that wiring for zero-emission electric vehicles (EV) is part of the plan. Oslo, Norway, for instance, has become known as the electric car capital of the world, yet it has also replaced considerable on-street parking with bike lanes and sidewalks. Its city center went mostly car-free this year, and according to Fast Company magazine, it’s a huge success: “Parking spots are now bike lanes, transit is fast and easy, and the streets (and local businesses) are full of people.”

Until recently, a new apartment building without parking was unthinkable, but architects are now contemplating—and building—just such new construction. A 13,000-square-foot, mixed-use development in Boston is

being built with 16 rental units—and no onsite parking. Boston is a transitfriendly city and the complex is just a quarter mile from a Red Line subway stop. The city is a hub for what the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Institute, a project of the U.S. High Speed Rail Association, calls “the creation of compact, walkable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around high-quality train systems.”

Also proposed in the city is a fivestory, 56-unit apartment building that features a gym, media room, a rack for several dozen bicycles—but no parking.

The structure is adjacent to the Red Line, and the plan aligns with efforts by the Boston Planning and Development Agency to reduce—to zero in some cases—the ratio of units to parking spaces.

The Boston Redevelopment Authority has expressed concern that the residents of buildings without parking will simply add to congestion on neighborhood streets, but a report by Atlantic Cities (now called CityLab) found that 45 percent of residents in five census tracts around one proposed car-free Boston building didn’t

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even own cars, so a possible “no cars” covenant could be part of a lease.

According to the Smart Growth America report Empty Spaces, most TOD developments build reduced parking lots, yet even those turned out to be too big; on average, its study of five such developments shows they were 58 to 84 percent occupied.

Wiring for EVs: It’s the Law

It can be expensive to retrofit buildings with wiring for electric cars, because “trenching” under existing pavement is usually required. A California Air Resources Board report in 2015 put these costs per building at between $3,750 and $6,975, and that’s just for the wiring.

Costs are reduced 64 to 75 percent if the buildings are wired when they’re built, according to an Energy Solutions/Pacific Gas and Electric report.

California has become the leader in requiring EV prewiring in new construction of multifamily dwellings and nonresidential developments. The state began

It’s super-important to prewire for EVs. New buildings will last for 50 to 100 years, and in that time, EVs will become a much bigger slice of our transportation future than they are now. ~Tom Saxton, Plug In America requiring wiring for Level 2 (240-volt) EV charging in 2015.

Chelsea Sexton, a Los Angeles-based electric car advocate and advisor, backs the state law, with caveats. “Where there is parking included,” she says, “most buildings and public lots should be prewired for EV charging—while it is the most cost effective to do so and preserves the most flexibility for that property going forward.”

It’s not just California. Atlanta passed a city ordinance in 2017 that will

require all new residential homes and public parking areas to accommodate EVs. Some 20 percent of the spaces have to be ready to be connected. In Washington state, 5 percent of parking spaces in new construction have to be wired for EVs. In Colorado, which has the goal of nearly a million EVs on state roads by 2030, the cities of Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder and Aspen all require new oneand two-family residential construction to be EV-ready. There are also EV-friendly laws in New York City, Hawaii, Oregon and Montgomery County, Maryland.

Tom Saxton, the chief science officer of the Plug In America advocacy group, based in Los Angeles, says, “It’s superimportant to prewire for EVs. New buildings will last for 50 to 100 years, and in that time, EVs will become a much bigger slice of our transportation future than they are now.”

Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author and freelance journalist. Connect at JimMotavalli.com.

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~Denaye Barahona

The Minimalist Family Trading Clutter for Calm

by Meredith Montgomery

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hen Denaye Barahona, of New York City, became a parent, she felt compelled to buy everything for her son. “We are inundated as a culture with so many products for our kids that it’s hard to differentiate what we need; it really wears us down,” she says.

While working on her Ph.D. in child development, Barahona discovered—both in research and personal experience—that kids actually thrive with less stuff. And so she began her journey toward minimalism by purging toys and clothes, eventually founding SimpleFamilies.com.

Cary Fortin and Kyle Quilici, of San Francisco, believe time is better spent experiencing life with people than managing, organizing, cleaning and buying things. Their book New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living is a call to adopt a more mindful life. Fortin says, “You decide first what you value, how you want to spend your days, how you want to feel, and then reflect these values in your physical space.”

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“Minimalism is not about living in a tiny home and never owning more than 100 things; it’s about figuring out what brings value and purpose to your life and letting go of the rest,” says Atlanta’s Zoë Kim, author of Minimalism for Families: Practical Minimalist Living Strategies to Simplify Your Home and Life.

The Benefits

Time is precious, especially for parents.

More free time is gained when a toy collection is significantly reduced, but other benefits result, as well. A 2018 University of Toledo study published in Infant Behavior and Development suggests toddlers engage in more focused and creative play when faced with fewer choices. “Kids who previously tore through bins or who didn’t care about their belongings immediately begin engaging with toys more appropriately and for longer periods of time,” says Barahona, the author of Simple Happy Parenting: The Secret of Less for Calmer Parents and Happier Kids.

Research also indicates that our limited stores of willpower are depleted more quickly when we are flooded with decisions. “When you have less stuff in a room and less choices to make, your mental state actually improves—you have more clarity and can focus better,” she says. “Because kids are so much more easily stimulated, they feel the impact of a chaotic room even more than adults.”

Minimalism also arms children with self-reflection tools and introduces them to the process of letting go and donating.

“They learn to ask ‘Am I enjoying this?

Could I repurpose it?’ while understanding that some things we can mend and enjoy for long periods of time, and other things we outgrow—which we can then give away,” says Fortin.

Where to Start

Experts agree that in family households, the shift toward minimalism should begin with the adults. “It gives them time to understand how the process feels and models the behavior for their children,” says Fortin.

Barahona streamlines her home by focusing on active spaces. “Active items are the things you use regularly, such as your two favorite pairs of jeans—not the 13 pairs you rarely wear.” When active and storage items accumulate in the same space, the need to sort through extra “stuff ” wastes time and energy, she says. “We’ve all lost our keys when we’re already running late and then suddenly we’re yelling at our kids. Simplifying so we can prevent these scenarios positively impacts our mood and our ability to be present with our kids.”

Although the decluttering process starts with the parents, children should

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Because kids are so much more easily stimulated, they feel the impact of a chaotic room even more than adults.

healthy kids

123rf.com/iriana88w

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be involved as much as possible, and in a positive light. “Kids don’t like cleaning up, but with ongoing conversations and small consistent shifts, children see how less stuff can lead to more time for enjoyable activities,” says Kim. Minimalist strategies can be applied across many realms of life, such as scaling back the family calendar and hovering less as a parent. “Family life always seems to speed up, but we can break the cycle of busy by scheduling blank time. Being intentional with time goes hand-in-hand with minimalism,” says Quilici.

To stay inspired, find social media pages and websites to follow for ideas.

“You’re going to hit roadblocks, so it’s important to surround yourself with inspiration,” Kim says. “Now that I’ve let go of the lifestyle I thought I needed, it’s nice to have less, but it’s even better to want less.”

Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/ Mississippi (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

How to Keep the Clutter Out Set Physical Boundaries

Establish rules for what can be stored, where and how much.

Childhood keepsakes, artwork, craft supplies and school papers can accumulate quickly. Limit how much can be kept by designating a box for toys or a wall to display art.

Digital photos allow the memories to be kept without taking up physical space.

Create a ‘Why’ Statement

Determine how we want to feel in a space, document it and refer to it for inspiration and guidance, especially when feeling frustrated or lost.

Practice ‘One In, One Out’

Every time a new item enters the home, an old item needs to leave.

Buy Better Toys

The right toys invite kids to play more creatively over many years. Character toys may invoke more initial joy and giddiness, but a great block set will manifest longer-lasting value for kids.

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natural pet

NONTOXIC LAWN CARE Protecting Pets and the Planet

by Marlaina Donato

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armer weather Anything that goes on lawns resulting in a has arrived, your lawn goes into high price for pets, and so begins people and wildlife. your pet’s body. many homeowners’ annual Nitrogen from fertilquest for a well-nourished, ~Michele Yasson, DVM izers seeps into surface weed-free lawn. However, water and groundwathe grass isn’t always greener—or healthiter, contaminating wells and spawning er—using conventional approaches. harmful algae blooms; pesticides kill off Turf grass covers up to 50 million more than 70 million birds each year in acres of American land, and according the U.S. alone; and bees and other polto the U.S. Environmental Protection linators are also succumbing to the toxic Agency, about 60 million pounds of chemicals at an alarming rate. synthetic pesticides are used each year in Pets at Risk yards and gardens, in addition to tens of Chemicals routinely used in lawn care are millions more pounds applied in parks, especially problematic for the family dog schoolyards and other public spaces.

Americans spend billions of dollars or cat. “Animals are close to the ground, and their feet touch the ground, so every growing and maintaining manicured

GREAT LINKS

Handbook of tips from PesticideWatch.org: Tinyurl.com/PetPesticideTips Eight tips for a non-toxic lawn at Tinyurl.com/Pesticide-FreeLawnTips 32

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substance you choose to allow in your home and yard will affect them,” says Ashley Geoghegan, DVM, of VetNaturally, in Mandeville, Louisiana.

A study conducted by the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Purdue University concludes that common lawn chemicals like glyphosate, 2, 4-D and permethrin are linked to canine bladder cancer. A six-year study by the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine reveals that exposure to professionally applied lawn pesticides and herbicides increased the risk for canine malignant lymphoma by 70 percent.

In pets, chronic or sub-chronic exposure to conventional lawncare chemicals manifests as eye damage and thyroid, urinary and reproductive conditions. Feline gastrointestinal distress is also a consequence, and even indoor cats are at risk from contaminants brought into the home.

“Anything that goes on your lawn goes into your pet’s body.

Pets walk through it, roll in it and then groom themselves,” says Michele Yasson, DVM, of Holistic Veterinary Services, in St. Augustine, Florida. “Max, one of my canine patients, developed acute, life-threatening pancreatitis just hours after his yard had been treated by a commercial lawncare service.”

Go Natural for Lush Lawns

Opting for a toxin-free lawn helps grass roots to anchor deeply into the earth, making them less likely to fall victim to weeds, disease and drought. An organic lawn has beneficial microbes; helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings thrive, while pesty insects decline.

Instead of chemical fertilizers and “natural” alternatives like borax, vinegar, garlic, essential oils and cocoa mulch, which can also be toxic to pets, try using grass clippings, seaweed, corn gluten meal, single-ingredient bone meal, diatomaceous earth or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT); all are better options.

Redefining beauty and working with nature can also have a positive impact. “Set a goal to gradually reduce the area of your yard devoted to grass, and begin to establish plants like butterfly bush or bee balm that support pollinators such as bees,”

recommends Sandy Long, of Greeley, Pennsylvania, a knowledgeable pet parent and executive director of the nonprofit environmental education organization SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support).

Simple Precautions

Simple precautions like removing shoes before entering the house, storing lawn products out of reach of pets and avoiding conventionally treated areas for at least 48 hours after application are paramount. Also: ✔ Close windows during application. ✔ Increase frequency of pet baths during spring and fall, when chemical application is highest. ✔ Eliminate accumulation of water on lawns where pets might drink. ✔ Leash pets during walks to keep them away from treated areas. ✔ Wipe paws with a damp cloth after being outside.

After weighing alternatives, dog trainer Rebecca Porter, owner of Rosy Dogs, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, settled on prescribed burns, mowing and hand removal of invasive plants. “It works, and now my dog gallops safely through the waist-high grasslands. As for my yard, I enjoy the volunteer plants. It’s a decision all landowners can make.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Scottsdale Residents!

Take Action To Reduce Pesticides

Get more information and download the petition at ScottsdaleBelieve.com/petition.

June 2019

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PLANT MEDICINE

Introduction to

Plant Medicine

by Jeffrey Green

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ar has been declared on the opioid epidemic, and, at long last, Americans are realizing that they’ve been overmedicated for too long. There are alternative healing options available, and the awakening is happening across the country.

Plant medicine is emerging as a powerful ally in the war on drugs. It’s strange how using herbs, plants, roots, flowers and bark as medicine is considered alternative, or off the beaten path, when in reality, it’s the oldest and most natural way to treat and cure countless maladies that plague the human race. For many millennia, research has been taking place regarding the medicinal value and properties of plants.

One of the oldest written resources for plant medicine can be found in an ancient Egyptian papyri, Ebers Papyrus, which

dates back to 1550 B.C. and is believed to have been rewritten from an even older record. Through countless trial and error experiments, our ancestors have been discovering the many benefits that Mother Earth has to offer through her foliage. They’ve passed this information on to us through writings, teachings and oral histories. Many countries and cultures throughout the world still rely heavily on Earth’s bounty for healing.

It’s difficult to identify exactly how, when and why some cultures continued to follow nature’s trail while others decided to follow a concrete runway, which led to manmade pharmaceuticals. Perhaps it’s how East and West differ on their view of total health. Most Eastern philosophies view medicine as treating the whole person, which includes the body, mind and spirit. It is all connected through one energy, and when one element is treated, they are each treated in turn. In the West, however, there is an obvious distinction between the body, mind and spirit. It is that scientific divide that drove the evolution of how ailments are diagnosed and treated.

As more and more Americans are being called to fight in their own health-management battle, it is vital that they have all the available information, so a well-developed plan of attack can occur. Education is key. The more people know about their medicinal options, the stronger their arsenal will be when they take a stand and command control of their whole health—mind, body and spirit.

Natural Awakenings of Phoenix and Northern Arizona is proud to introduce the newest section of the magazine, Plant Medicine. Each month, this section will highlight natural medicines, their history, their uses and their benefits.

Jeffrey Green, M.A., is an educator and freelance writer. Green’s studies have led him to the world of plant medicine and its many benefits. His work is centered on educating the public on alternative medicine. Green can be reached at 520-437-8855 or JGreenphduoa@gmail.com.

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MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS Beyond Buttons and Portabellas

A

by April Thompson

handful of mushrooms a day just might keep the doctor at bay, according to a mounting body of research providing powerful evidence of the fungal kingdom’s abilities to promote health and fight disease.

“Mushrooms are pretty spectacular. All edible species benefit the immune system and together, support just about every system in the human body,” says Stepfanie Romine, an Asheville, North Carolina, health coach and author of Cooking With Healing Mushrooms: 150 Delicious Adaptogen-Rich Recipes that Boost Immunity, Reduce Inflammation and Promote Whole Body Health.

When Robert Beelman started doing nutritional research on mushrooms 20 years ago, they were touted for what they didn’t have: fat, calories, sugar, gluten and cholesterol. “Today, we can talk about all the good things they contain: fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other important micronutrients,” says the director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health at Penn State University.

Beelman’s research has focused on several micronutrients that are bountiful in mushrooms, including the amino acid ergothioneine, an antioxidant not found in significant amounts in any other plant-based food source. Ergothioneine levels decrease with age, and larger drops are associated with cognitive impairment, he says.

Several large epidemiological studies in Japan and Singapore have significantly correlated higher mushroom consumption with decreased rates of dementia. Countries where residents eat larger amounts of mushrooms also enjoy a higher average life expectancy, even after controlling for other variables, says Beelman.

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Cordyceps and reishi mushrooms are also adaptogens—botanicals used for centuries in Asian medicine to help the body adapt to stresses, regulate bodily functions and support the immune and adrenal systems, according to Romine.

Turkey tail is one such medicinal mushroom, a longtime treatment for cancer and other diseases in Asia. The tree-based fungus contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), that is believed to inhibit cancer cell growth and repair immune cell damage after chemotherapy. “Medicinal mushrooms have been approved adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for more than 30 years and have an extensive clinical history of safe use”, either alone or combined with radiation or chemotherapy, according to a literature review published by the National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute.

Oyster mushrooms, another fungal superstar, contain cholesterol-lowering lovastatin, plentiful B vitamins and up to 30 percent protein, according to Paul Stamets, one of the world’s leading mushroom authorities. Oysters are also the most easily digestible mushroom, according to mycologist and herbalist Christopher Hobbs, author of Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing & Culture. Hobbs’ 2017 article in HerbalGram, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Botanical Council, cites 122 different studies supporting the safety and efficacy of medicinal mushrooms such as oysters.

More Than a Pizza Topping There are myriad creative ways to incorporate mushrooms into a diet, says Romine, who recommends aiming for a half-cup daily cooked serving. “Mushrooms are nature’s sponges, and will take on the flavor of any sauce, so start simply and add sauces sparingly.”

She suggests sautéing mushrooms with a neutral oil, then adding wine or sherry and finishing with fresh herbs. Cooking with wine can help unlock the beneficial compounds the fungi contain, says Romine. Fresh or dried culinary mushrooms like oysters, shiitakes or maitakes can also be great additions to morning meals like savory oatmeal or tofu scrambles.

Powdered mushroom extracts, available online or in health stores, are an easy way to infuse meals with fungi’s beneficial properties. They mix well into everything from raw desserts and baked goods to teas and smoothies.

Whole mushrooms that are tough, like reishi and chaga, can be boiled to extract the healthful elements and consumed as a tea or used for soup broth. Romine says raw mushrooms are not as flavorful, digestible or nutritional as cooked.

photo by Alexa Bonsey Photography

Ancient Health Aids

Rebecca Fondren Photo/Shutterstock.com

Lion’s mane is one variety known to protect cognitive health; it stimulates nerve growth factor, a protein that promotes healthy brain cells. “Lion’s mane is a cognitive enhancer, and it helps creativity, motivation and memory, as well as brain function,” Romine says.

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

PLANT MEDICINE

photo by Alexa Bonsey Photography Rebecca Fondren Photo/Shutterstock.com

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

While a mushroom-rich diet can help protect and promote health, Romine cautions that they are not a cure-all or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. To address specific health concerns, she recommends working with a dietician or clinical herbalist to develop appropriate and effective ways to incorporate mushrooms into a health regimen.

PLANT MEDICINE

Creamy Old Bay King Oyster ‘Scallops’

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hen marinated in classic Old Bay Seasoning and sliced into hearty rounds, king oyster mushrooms are a April Thompson is a freelance writer in Wash- pretty convincing stand-in for scallops— ington, D.C. Contact her at AprilWrites.com. especially once they’ve been seared and braised. Corn furnishes a bit more heft, while artichokes lend their lightness and detoxifying properties.

Yields: 4 servings

For the marinade

Know Your Fungi Many beneficial mushrooms are available in the wild, and some exclusively so. Foraging for them can be rewarding, but proceed with caution; some edible mushrooms may have deadly lookalikes, so only forage with the help of a trained expert.

Health food stores and online vendors are good sources of mushroom powders or extracts, which have a long shelf life. Look for a manufacturer of 100 percent organic mushroom extracts and supplements. Many farmers’ markets also carry specialty mushrooms like king oysters, lion’s mane or others not easily found in grocery stores.

Not all mushrooms are created equal. Button mushrooms and others in the Agaricus family are lowest in micronutrients like ergothioneine, with porcinis in the Boletus family yielding the highest, according to Robert Beelman, director of the Center for Plant and Mushroom Foods for Health at Penn State University.

Don’t expect magic from mushrooms, cautions author Stepfanie Romine; like most lifestyle changes or holistic treatments, it can take some months to yield results.

1 tsp kelp seasoning blend 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning 2 Tbsp safflower oil or melted butter 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ⅛ tsp pepper

For the “scallops”

2 (6-oz) packages king oyster mushrooms, sliced into ¾-inch rounds 1 Tbsp safflower oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup artichoke hearts 1 cup corn kernels (optional) ½ cup dry white wine 1 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp heavy or cashew cream 1 Tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley for garnish or prepared mashed potatoes or grits for serving Mix all marinade ingredients together in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the mushrooms, toss to combine and marinate for at least two hours. Remove the mushrooms and reserve the remaining marinade.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then sear the mushrooms on both sides, about two minutes per side,

then add the remaining marinade, garlic, artichoke hearts and corn (if using it).

Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping the bottom to loosen any brown bits.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the artichokes and corn are heated throughout.

Editor’s note: To make an organic substitute for Old Bay Seasoning: 1 Tbsp paprika 1 Tbsp ground bay leaves ½ Tbsp sea salt 1 tsp black pepper ½ tsp red pepper flakes ½ tsp white pepper ½ tsp allspice Recipe used with permission from Cooking With Healing Mushrooms: 150 Delicious Adaptogen-Rich Recipes that Boost Immunity, Reduce Inflammation and Promote Whole Body Health, by Stepfanie Romine.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

June 2019

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PLANT MEDICINE

The Power of Tea

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Herbal tea is not really tea at all because it doesn’t contain any tea leaves. Herbal tea is made up of ingredients such as spices and herbs, flowers, fruit, bark, roots and other organic vegetation.

True tea, one of the most popular drinks in the world, second only to water, has medicinal value and has been shown through research-based data to help the body ward off disease and illness because of the high levels of antioxidants in the leaves. According to BlackTeas.com, Chinese folklore says that tea was discovered almost 5,000 years ago by Shennong, a Chinese emperor, in the 2700s B.C. The story goes that a servant of Shennong was purifying water by boiling it for the emperor to drink. Leaves from a nearby tree, which may or may not have been the Camellia sinensis bush, blew into the pot of hot water. When Shennong tasted the drink, he found it to be enjoyable.

Tea was discovered.

Herbal tea does not contain any

part of the Camellia sinensis plant, which disqualifies the beverage from being a true tea. Instead, herbal tea is any drink in which water is infused with the essence of other organic matter, including flowers, herbs and spices. Herbal tea is also known as tisane, which is pronounced tee-zahn.

There are two etymologies as to where the word tisane originated. In Greek, ptisanē is defined as a medicinal drink made from barley-soaked water. In French, the word tisane literally means “tea without tea.”

The practice of mixing water with spices and herbs dates back to prerecorded time, especially when preparing it specifically for medical treatment. One of the first recorded entries of the popularity of tea dates back to 1550 B.C. in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus. Egyptians used tea to pay tribute to the gods, prepare the dead for burial and cure the afflicted.

Herbs like dill and basil were prepared into tisanes to help digestion and to aid with heart issues.

With countless plant material combinations, how is it that a comprehensive list of benefits from the many different types of blends came to be? It is believed that Shennong discovered that chewing the leaves and other parts of different plants produced beneficial outcomes for certain maladies. For years, Shennong experimented and made what scholars would today call numerous medical breakthroughs. Apparently, even after

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T

here are hundreds, if not thousands, of different teas available on the market. Which is the best? It depends on how tea is being defined, and the purpose for choosing the drink. There are basically two categories of tea: true tea and herbal tea.

True tea consists of varieties made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush, commonly known as the tea tree, tea shrub or tea plant.

Such teas include black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea, and may have other ingredients added for flavor.

123rf.com/Yulia Davidovich

by Jeffrey Green

chewing on poisonous plants, a combination of certain herbs and spices in water acted as an antidote for the poison.

For the last 5,000 years, tea (whether true tea or herbal tea) has been traveling the world spreading its goodness and healing qualities. Through the years and with discovery after discovery, the list of medicinal benefits of tea has continued to grow. Tea was first brought to the early colonists in 1650 by Peter Stuyvesant. The early settlement of New Amsterdam, known today as New York City, consumed more tea in 1670 than all of Europe combined.

So how did coffee become the drink of choice over tea in this country?

Before the U.S. became its own country, English rule made it difficult for the colonists by taxing products and services provided by the motherland. In 1763, England won the French and Indian War. It was costly.

In 1767, England decided to recoup some of the cost from the war by increasing taxes on the colonists who were building this country under

True tea, one of the most popular drinks in the world, second only to water, has medicinal value and has been shown through research-based data to help the body ward off disease and illness because of the high levels of antioxidants in the leaves.

English control. The predominantly tea-drinking settlers were outraged by the high tax and revolted against the British. The Boston Tea Party was when tea, valued at almost 10,000 silver pieces, was thrown into the harbor in rebellion of the tax. This event was the catalyst for the American Revolution. Tea was at the center of, and indirectly responsible for, America winning its freedom from England.

With its long history and wide array of uses, tea has become a staple for many around the world. There are as many medicinal benefits of tea as there are different kinds of herbs and plants, flowers and stems, and roots and bark on the planet. It is an elixir that can aid in the treatment of, and even cure of, many ailments,

conditions and diseases of the body, mind and spirit. Tea’s power is highly regarded in the medical community throughout Asia and Europe, and is becoming more popular in the U.S. as an alternative health device. Its presence in the world is strong enough to even help in the creation of a new country. Perhaps someday, tea will again be the drink of choice for most Americans, either for the great taste or for the medicinal value.

Jeffrey Green, M.A., is an educator and freelance writer. Green’s studies have led him to the world of plant medicine and its many benefits. His work is centered on educating the public on alternative medicine. Green can be reached at 520-437-8855 or JGreenphduoa@ gmail.com.

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PLANT MEDICINE

June 2019

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by Kathleen Gould

F

rom the beginning of time, people have been using herbs not only for healing a particular illness or imbalance but more importantly for maintaining radiant health.

In days past, most families had their own backyard medicinal herb garden and used these beautiful Earth spirits for healing and prevention. For the most part, herbs are pretty safe, as long as we use them with a bit of knowledge, awareness and gratitude.

Medicinal herbs are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients. Because many of these plants are wild weeds, they have long taproots and, therefore, pull up nutrients, minerals and trace miner-

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als not found as often in our cultivated foods. Did you know that a teacup of a good-quality whole-plant herb tea has about 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium, magnesium and bone-building minerals, and because they are foods, we utilize these minerals more completely and efficiently?

Simple, abundant plants like dandelion, nettle, oat straw, raspberry, red clover and mints (to name but a few) can be combined or used alone to provide our bodies with a plethora of amazing nutrients, and all we need to do is drink the tea.

We don’t need to be told how important it is to keep hydrated in our scalding desert heat, but in addition to losing water when

High-Calcium, MineralRich Herbal Tea Blend Simple Ingredients

2 oz oat straw 2 oz nettle leaf 1 oz comfrey leaf 1 oz raspberry 1 oz lemongrass 2 oz peppermint or spearmint ½ oz horsetail (shavegrass) ¼ oz cinnamon Stevia to taste (or you can add honey)

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Keeping Your Family Hydrated and Healthy All Summer with Herbs

we sweat, we also lose lots of minerals (that’s why our skin tastes salty). Oftentimes, we feel thirsty and it seems that no matter how much water we drink, we cannot seem to quench our thirst; this is especially true for those of us who work outside. Remember the aforementioned 300 mg of calcium, magnesium and bone-building minerals? Well, the answer to the big secret of how to stay hydrated and have your energy restored is drinking lots of mineral-rich herbal teas. In addition, these herbs are healthful for the whole family. So, just put a pitcher of delicious herbal ice tea on your table with each meal for everyone to enjoy.

Herbs nourish and support every organ and system of our bodies, and mixing and matching a variety of these nourishing herbs each day can help keep us in tip-top shape. Of course, a good attitude (getting out of our mind), a healthy diet, positive thoughts, joy, laughter and exercise are also a big part of the health puzzle.

Learning to make these simple herbal remedies right in our own kitchens is not only fun and easy but also very empowering and effective. Herb shops are popping up all over the country, and are great resources for both good-quality herbs and herb classes.

Here is a simple, mineral-rich herbal tea blend to get you started. Make a big soup pot of it and refrigerate so you only need to make it once or twice a week.

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PLANT MEDICINE

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Simple Steps

■ Mix all herbs together and store in glass jar.

■ To make tea: Put herbs and water in big nonaluminum pot and cover tightly (1 teaspoon herb blend for each 8 oz cup of water).

■ Bring to boil and remove from heat, but leave on stove overnight.

■ In the morning, strain off your tea and store in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Traditional Dosage

Enjoy 1 quart or more per day. Most of us who live in the desert carry a sports water bottle with us all the time, so just make sure to get one that is 32 ounces; fill it up each morning and sip it throughout the day to get 1,200 to 1,500 mg of those all-important bone-building minerals. It’s that easy!

Note: The used herbs from your teas make great nutrient-rich compost for the plants in your yard.

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PLANT MEDICINE

Kathleen Gould, registered herbalist, and Madalyn Johnson are proprietors of SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, located at 148 N. Center St., in Mesa. Gould has been an herbalist for 30-plus years and has extensive experience in herbal medicine.

She has studied with many of the top herbalists in the country, has written articles for several publications, and is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. For more information, call 480-694-9931, or visit SWHerb.com or Store.SWHerb.com. See ad, page 42.

The ABCs of CBD

T

by Chris Campabello

hroughout the ages and cultures, humans have utilized cannabis, an adaptogenic herb, for wellness. As early as 2,737 B.C., it is recorded that Emperor Shen Neng, of China, was utilizing cannabis for medicinal purposes. Fast forward to the early ‘90s, and an important discovery was made: the endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the cannabis plant that led to its discovery.

This immensely important physiological system is responsible for managing much of the communication within and between our body’s organs to help maintain well-being and balance. The ECS governs neurotransmission involved in regulation of mood, memory, reward, appetite, anxiety, stress and more. However, this is just the beginning—the ECS plays a key role in everything from pain signaling to bone-building to immunity.

Cannabis allowed scientists to discover an entirely unknown molecular signaling system that resides within us and within basically everything on the planet, with the exception of insects.

Scientists believe that we could possibly have the answer not only to curing diseases but preventing them altogether.

The study of individual cannabinoids (60-plus cannabinoids) within the cannabis plant continues to bring new insights to the healing potential of various cannabinoids.

Though cannabidiol (CBD) seems to have just appeared on the scene, it was actually discovered before the psychotropic cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in the ‘40s, first by Dr. Walter S. Loewe, followed

by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who was able to disassociate CBD as a mindaltering compound in 1964 and in 1980

show that CBD is effective in treating epilepsy. Today, CBD is being called the “work horse” compound of the plant due to the many new clinical studies discovering treatments for many discomforts and diseases (cbdNutritional. com/cbd-health-studies.html).

With the 2018 legalization of hemp-derived CBD, many companies are looking to profit with questionable hemp from various countries that do not have regulations like the U.S. State hemp agricultural program regulations.

It is truly important to know the source of CBD, as hemp is a bioaccumulator of environmental toxins. In addition, there are no CBD labeling regulations.

Other key factors regarding quality include extraction and manufacturing.

It is wise to be aware of slick advertising and marketing campaigns. Do your due diligence and work with a quality, trusted source.

Chris Campabello is a holistic cannabinoid practitioner who has been working in the field for more than six years.

She owns the CBD Store AZ, located at 3314 N. 3rd St., in Phoenix. For more information, visit cbdNutritional.com.

See ad, page 34.

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PLANT MEDICINE

MARIJUANA

Nature’s Medicine

by Jeffrey Green

I

n 1937, the U.S. passed the Marijuana Tax Act. The bill outlawed farming, using, possessing and selling any part of the marijuana plant. From that moment on, marijuana had a stigma attached to it; it was illegal and became a shady topic when it came to possession and usage. The reasons for this are as complex as the plant itself and is better discussed at length at another time.

Prior to 1937, marijuana was commonly referred to as hemp, and was a popular and easy-to-grow crop that had a plethora of uses. To name just a few, it was used as twine, rope, canvas, fabrics, linen, paper, stucco, cement, ink, soap, balm and animal feed. Many farmers, and a number of politicians, including some of our Founding Fathers, had acres of marijuana on their homesteads as early as before the colonization of our country. In fact, George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate grew hemp prior to its illegalization.

Today, Mount Vernon is again planting hemp, and the

SW Herb Shop Summer Hours

Starting June 1st, our hours are: Wednesday-Friday 11-5 pm Saturday 10-3 pm

________________

Closed Sunday, Monday & Tuesday

And if you are out of town, traveling or its just too darn hot to get to the shop but need something, please feel free to order online: www.Store.SWHerb.com

or call us and we will take your phone order and mail it ASAP

Our next 5 week Herbal Certification Class starts October 19th, reserve your seat today!

Our online store is OPEN:

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taboo status of marijuana has dramatically changed.

For decades, opponents of marijuana legalization expressed concern that marijuana was a gateway drug into harder and scarier substances. While these concerns remain, there are research studies supporting both sides of that argument. Some of that same research is showing that marijuana has medicinal benefits without side effects. More discoveries are being made daily regarding the medical value of marijuana. It is a natural drug that can lead patients away from addicting opioids and narcotics and give them a natural alternative for treatment.

It will be a slow process for many Americans to come to grips with the understanding that marijuana is not the enemy or some shady, back-alley drug that needs to be hidden. With the state of health care and medical insurance, it is reassuring to know that on the horizon lies a simple plant that can help in so many ways. It’s time for marijuana to shine as the star that it is—nature’s medicine.

Jeffrey Green, M.A., is an educator and freelance writer.

Green’s studies have led him to the world of plant medicine and its many benefits. His work is centered on educating the public on alternative medicine. Green can be reached at 520-4378855 or JGreenphduoa@gmail.com.

GOOD TO KNOW LICORICE ROOT TEA: Most people have visions of black and red candy when licorice is mentioned. The licorice root, however, is not a sweet confection. Licorice root has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal agent. First discovered in Europe and Asia, the root is actually identified as a weed. Used by early Egyptians in a tea, it was considered a cure-all drink.

China began importing the root, and it was quickly added as a staple tea product in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are a plethora of ailments for which licorice root tea can be used. According to many research studies, the root is beneficial in improving respiratory issues in the bronchial system. It helps stimulate the production of healthy mucus.

Although it might seem strange to seek mucus-producing medicines with respiratory issues, the healthy mucus cleans out the old, sticky mucus, which is the culprit of many conditions.

Licorice root is good for stress relief, soothing the stomach, augmenting cancer treatments, and helping protect skin and teeth.

There are some side effects from drinking licorice root tea and some medication interactions. Remember to do your research, or seek the assistance from a certified herbalist.

If you are passionate about healthy living and enjoy inspiring others to make choices that benefit themselves and the world around them, consider becoming a Natural Awakenings publisher.

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years.

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calendar of events

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Level I – Marconic ‘No Touch’ Practitioner Training

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NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted online at NaturalAZ.com by the 10th of the month, and adhere to the guidelines that can be found on the submission pages. No phone calls please.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

MONDAY, JUNE 10

Introduction to Psychic Development and Mediumship – 9am-noon. With Dr. Ann Charlotte Valentin. This is an introductory course for those trying to find their own inner strengths and psychic and spiritual abilities. All levels of ability are welcome. $40. Class size is limited to 12 attendees. Sign up: DivineSpiritualEssence. com. Divine Spiritual Essence, 6313 N 13th Pl, Phoenix. Questions.dse@gmail.com.

DivineSpiritualEssence.com.

Massage Therapy Program – Evening classes begin. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, 1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe. 480-994-9244. Info@ swiha.edu. swiha.edu.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Thyroid Health and Function – 6-7pm. This is an event for those interested in taking charge of their health. Thirty-minute lecture followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers. Learn about thyroid health and the problems associated with it. Bring pen and paper. Free. Center for Integrative Medicine, 16421 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix. 602-888-2320. Dr.Lotte.Valentin@ gmail.com. cinmed.org.

Empowerment of Prajnaparamita – Jun 1418. 7:30-9pm. This empowerment is a special ceremony and guided meditation in which we receive the inspiring blessings of the Great Mother Prajnaparamita, a female Buddha who is the embodiment of the perfection of wisdom. Gen-la will also explain how, through receiving the special blessing of the Great Mother Prajnaparamita, we can quickly develop our own enlightened wisdom—the real method to practically benefit ourselves and others. Cost: varies. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams. 630-2027757. Info@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/wisdom.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

TUESDAY, JUNE 18

It’s All About Fun at the Deuces Wild Endurance Festival – Jun 8-9. Held yearly in the cool White Mountains of northeastern Arizona over two days. Features 15 separate races to choose from, including triathlons, aquabikes, runs and relays. Five different triathlons are offered for the entire family. Starting at 5 years old, kids can race in the youth triathlon. Deuces Wild also offers a half marathon, 10K and 5K, as well as an 8K trail run. There are also relays in many of the triathlons, and during and after events, there is incredible food and activities to keep attendees entertained.

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, 1500 Fools Hollow Rd, Show Low. DeucesWildFestival.com.

Brain Health – 6-7pm. This is an event for those interested in taking charge of their health.

Thirty-minute lecture followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers. Learn about the functions of the neurotransmitters involved in mental health as well as the tests available today to measure your neurotransmitters to better understand the imbalance in the brain. Bring pen and paper.

Free. Center for Integrative Medicine, 16421 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix. 602-888-2320. Dr.Lotte.

Valentin@gmail.com. cinmed.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

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NaturalAZ.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 Reiki Release Emotional Healing Method Experiential Workshop – Jun 19-20. 10am5pm. With Natalie Eve Marquis, RMT, CH. An experiential workshop and immersion into the Reiki Release Emotional Healing Method (RREHM). Learn a powerful intuitive method for pinpointing and releasing the root cause of trapped emotions and negative beliefs. Combining the best of intuitive processes, energy healing, hypnotic suggestion, and emotional and spiritual healing techniques, the RREHM can be used to heal yourself or your clients. $555. Gateway Cottage Wellness Center, 470 N State Rte 89A, Sedona.

Call/text 603-642-4949. Natalie@WisdomWithin. co. WisdomWithin.co/events/event/reiki-releaseemotional-healing-method-workshop.

$450/weekend class $333/recalibration Location: DoubleTree Suites

by Hilton Hotel Phoenix 320 North 44th Street Register: Marconics.com 424-828-5055 WestTeachers@marconics.com

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 Embracing Your Journey Expo – 9am-5pm.

Mind, Body, Spirit Expo—holistic, wellness and metaphysical event presented by Purple Lotus Productions. Free lectures, hourly raffles, gift bags for the first 100 attendees. $5/online, $8/ door. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, 7677 N 16th St, Anasazi Ballroom, Phoenix. 480-2961928. Info@EmbracingYourJourneyExpo.com.

EmbracingYourJourneyExpo.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Level I Marconic “No-Touch” Practitioner Training – Jun 29-30. 9am-5pm. Marconic “No-Touch” Healing is a broad-spectrum, multidimensional ascension energy healing modality, handed down by Spirit, for the evolution of humanity—The Human Upgrade. It is taught

by Marconics Teacher Practitioners Kathy Peters, Veronica Galindo-Rios and Kristi Farmer. $450/ weekend class, $333/recalibration. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Phoenix, 320 N 44th St. Register: Marconics.com. Info: 424-828-5055 or WestTeachers@marconics.com.

plan ahead MONDAY, JULY 22 Massage Therapy Program – Morning classes begin. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, 1538 E Southern Ave, Tempe. 480-994-9244. Info@ swiha.edu. swiha.edu.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 1 – 9am5pm. Blending traditional Usui with other energy

123rf.com/pat138241

Click “Calendar”

This training session is taught by Marconics Teacher Practitioners Kathy Peters, Veronica Galindo-Rios and Kristi Farmer. Marconic ‘No-Touch’ Healing is a broadspectrum, multidimensional ascension energy healing modality, handed down by Spirit, for the evolution of humanity—The Human Upgrade.

123rf.com/pat138241

modalities to bring to you clearing and balance for self-treatments. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@gmail.com.

PureLightTherapies.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 2 – 9am5pm. The next step in your reiki journey to learn how to use your gift as a practitioner. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@ gmail.com. PureLightTherapies.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 1 – 9am5pm. Blending traditional Usui with other energy modalities to bring to you clearing and balance for self-treatments. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@gmail.com.

PureLightTherapies.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Certified Spiritual Healing Course – Sixmonth course (Sep 14/19-Mar 15/20). 10am5pm. Gain skills and legal ability to open or enhance a spiritual healing practice, including: hands-on healing; opening the third eye; crystal healing; chakra balancing; energy medicine; shamanic healing; brain therapy; and more.

At the end of the course, you will be legally certified. Commitment: one weekend per month in Scottsdale and one retreat in Sedona. Info, including cost: 617-697-8924 or InnerLightla@ msn.com. DivineLightMinistries.com.

JULY

Coming Next Month

Urban & Suburban Agriculture Plus: Gut Health

LOCAL FOOD ISSUE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Mediumship and Psychic Development – 10am-4pm. Developing intuitive, clairvoyant and clairsentient skills. This course is for those trying to find their own inner strengths, and psychic and spiritual abilities. We will learn different ways to strengthen our abilities to communicate with those in the spirit world. All levels of ability are welcome. $125 until Aug 1; $150/after. Divine Spiritual Essence, 6313 N 13th Pl, Phoenix. Questions.dse@gmail.com.

DivineSpiritualEssence.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 2 – 9am5pm. The next step in your reiki journey to learn how to use your gift as a practitioner. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@ gmail.com. PureLightTherapies.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 1 – 9am5pm. Blending traditional Usui with other energy modalities to bring to you clearing and balance for self-treatments. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@gmail.com.

PureLightTherapies.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 Herbal Certification Class – Five-weekend format. SW Herb Shop and Gathering Place, 148 N Center St, Mesa. RSVP: 480-694-9931.

SWHerb.com.

Mediumship and Trans-Development Level 2 – Oct 19-20. 10am-4pm. Two-day continuation course for those that would like to deepen their knowledge of mediumship. In this course, we will focus on deeper messages, transcommunication as well as platform mediumship.

All levels of ability are welcome. $250 until Sep 1/$300 after. Divine Spiritual Essence, 6313 N 13th Pl, Phoenix. Questions.dse@gmail.com.

DivineSpiritualEssence.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Pure Light and Reiki Therapy Level 2 – 9am5pm. The next step in your reiki journey to learn how to use your gift as a practitioner. $111. RSVP Judy Richter: 480-695-2002 or PureLight1111@ gmail.com. PureLightTherapies.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Reiki A.R.T, Master Certification Training – Nov 15-17. 10am-5pm. Increase the strength of the reiki energy, attune to the master symbol to use in healing, gain confidence in giving reiki at the advanced level, and learn to teach and attune new reiki practitioners to Reiki Level I, II, A.R.T. and Master. Learn how to charge and use crystals and stones and make a reiki crystal grid that you can use to send reiki to yourself and others as well as to manifest particular intentions in your life. Learn a reiki aura-clearing technique to enable you to remove energetic contamination from the aura. $925. Gateway Cottage Wellness Center, 6770 W State Rte 89A Unit 187, Sedona.

603-642-4949. Natalie@WisdomWithin.co.

WisdomWithin.co/events/event/reiki-art-mastercertification-training.

classifieds Place a Classified ad: $25 for up to 25 words, per issue. $1.00 per each additional word, per issue. Must be submitted online at NaturalAZ.com.

HELP WANTED ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople in the Phoenix area to help others grow their business. Commissionbased. Full- or part-time. Unlimited potential.

Tracy@NaturalAZ.com.

TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE PESTICIDES IN SCOTTSDALE – help to make Scottsdale the first city in Arizona that restricts the use of toxic pesticides. Details on how to sign the petition, collect signatures on your own, or volunteer for a signature collection event can be found at ScottsdaleBelieve.com.

Full petition at ScottsdaleBelieve.com/petition.

OPPORTUNITIES

SERVICES/CLASSES

ADVERTISE HERE – Are you hiring, renting office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your business needs in the Natural Awakenings classified ads section. To place an ad, visit Submit.

NaturalAZ.com/Classifieds-Payment-Page.

CAREER TRAINING IN HYPNOTHERAPY – 500-hour state-licensed certification course. Next session enrolling now. 505-7678030. HypnotherapyAcademy.com.

RECOVERY SUPPORT SPECIALIST – Helping you evolve your own personal recovery plan, to be all that you were meant to be.

John Kai: 520-339-2315 (Central Phoenix).

June 2019

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ongoing events

monthly Virtual Changing & Living on Purpose Group Coaching – Three-month groups in 2019/start Jul, Sep. With Dr. Melanie Chase. Clients are better equipped to change in their relationships, careers, life with more peace, joy, focus, and receive practical tools for making a change on purpose.

Discover insights through experiential learning, worksheets and applying insights with tools. Online participative, confidential meeting space. $450/mon includes two one-on-one sessions (up to 90 min); $350/early bird. Register: 971-266-1380 or Info@ DrMelanieChase.com. DrMelanieChase.com.

sunday Sunday Services at Unity of Phoenix – 9am & 11am. Lost your way? Join us and rediscover peace. Unity of Phoenix, 16th St and Greenway (NW corner). 602-978-3200. UnityPhx.org.

Sunday Services at Unity of Mesa – 10:1511:30am. A positive path for spiritual living. All are welcome. Nursery: infants thru kindergarten at 10:15am. Youth ministry classes in the Education Annex at 10:15am. 9am meditation group in the Annex. Unity of Mesa, 2700 E Southern Ave. 480-892-2700. Admin@UnityOfMesa.org.

UnityOfMesa.org.

Sunday Service at The Summit Lighthouse of Phoenix – 10:30am. Join us for an uplifting experience. Devotional plus Teachings of the Ascended Masters. Free. The Summit Lighthouse, 4105 N 20th St, Ste 115, Phoenix. 480-442-5020.

SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

The Spiritual Quest – 10:30-11:45am. Jun 9 & 23. Featuring a step-by-step pathway to higher consciousness with The Teachings of the Ascended Masters. Free. The Summit Lighthouse, 4105 N 20th St, Ste 115, Phoenix.

480-442-5020. SummitLighthousePhoenix.org.

PLANS CHANGE Please call ahead to confirm date and times

How to Transform Your Life – 11am-12:15pm.

The profound tools of transformation within Buddhist meditation give us the ability to become peaceful, kinder, more dynamic, confident, happier and more loving. Classes are based on the book How to Transform the Mind, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. You can download it for free at HowTotyl.com. $10. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams. 630-2027757. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/flagstaff.

tuesday Watercolor Art Classes – 9:45am-12:30pm.

With Allura Westly. All levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students.

No talent required, just a desire to create. Paradise Valley. 602-469-0524. AlluraWatercolor@cox.net.

Basic Buddhism & Learn to Meditate – 6:308pm. In this series, we will introduce essential elements of the Buddhist way of life. The emphasis will be on the practical application of Buddhist ideas and practice to find solutions to everyday problems. $10. Unity Church of Prescott, 145 S Arizona Ave. 630-2027757. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/prescott.

Kadampa Buddhism and Meditation – 11am12:30pm. Learn powerful meditations for reducing attachment and cultivating balanced and peaceful minds of equanimity, authentic love and empathy. $10. International Kadampa Retreat Center Grand Canyon, 6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams.

928-637-6232. MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

BodyAwake Yoga – 7-8:30pm. Hatha yoga-based practice developed by Dr. Sue Morter. Focuses on anchoring your consciousness in the core of your body during actual practice time, allowing greater integration of mind, body and spirit both on and off the mat. $15/class. Unity of Mesa, 2700 E Southern Ave, Sanctuary, Mesa. 480-892-2700.

Admin@UnityOfMesa.org. UnityOfMesa.org.

Community Church of New Thought (CCNT) – Sunday Celebration – 11am-1pm. CCNT teaches principles based on laws of science, opinions of philosophy, and insights of all religions applicable to the needs and aspirations of humankind. “New Thought accepts people as they are and then loves them into all they can be.” ~Bishop John Shelby Spong. Love offering. Community Church of New Thought, 5013 E Broadway Rd, Mesa. 480-8301075. Info@ccnt.org. ccntaz.org.

wednesday

monday Tai Chi Easy – 10-11am. With Shirley Kemper.

Offers ancient Chinese practices that promote optimal health, vitality and longevity. Newcomers welcome. Drop-in. $10-$15 donation. Unity of Mesa, 2740 E Southern Ave, Sanctuary, Mesa.

480-892-2700. Admin@UnityOfMesa.org.

UnityOfMesa.org.

Watercolor Art Classes – 9:45am-12:30pm.

With Allura Westly. All levels, beginner-toadvanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students.

No talent required, just a desire to create. Paradise Valley. 602-469-0524. AlluraWatercolor@cox.net.

Vipassana Meditation Classes – 3-5pm. Worldrenowned Theravada monk shares a lifetime of wisdom and a passion for sharing with others who want to appreciate the benefits of meditation.

Participants will gain insight into their true nature while improving their mind’s ability to remain in the present moment where all power lies. $5-$10 suggested love offering. Community Church of New Thought, 5013 E Broadway Rd, Mesa. 480204-3164. LoriAnnClardy@gmail.com.

It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. ~James Thurber

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Phoenix Edition

NaturalAZ.com

Basic Buddhism & Learn to Meditate – 6:30-8pm. In this series, we will introduce essential elements of the Buddhist way of life. The emphasis will be on the practical application of Buddhist ideas and practice to find solutions to everyday problems. $10. Beacon Unitarian Universalist Church, 510 N Leroux St, Flagstaff. 630-202-7757. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/flagstaff.

Evening Service at Unity of Phoenix – 7pm. Lost your way? Join us and rediscover peace. Unity of Phoenix, 16th St and Greenway (NW corner).

602-978-3200. UnityPhx.org.

Gong Meditation – 7-8:30pm. 1st Wed. With Gretchen Bickert. Experience deep relaxation and uplifting meditation through the power of the gong. $10-$20 donation. Unity of Mesa, 2700 E Southern Ave, Sanctuary, Mesa. 480-892-2700.

Admin@UnityOfMesa.org. UnityOfMesa.org.

thursday Topical Thursdays – 11am-3pm. Stop by and learn why topical administration of CBD is a fantastic option, as topicals are higher in bioavailability than orally ingested compounds.

Try an in-store complimentary sampling of our organic CBD pain-relief cream and experience the wonder of CBD for yourself. CBD Store AZ, 3314 N 3rd St, Phoenix. Summer hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. 602-292-6133. cbdNutritional.com.

Basic Buddhism & Learn to Meditate – 6:308pm. In this series, we will introduce essential elements of the Buddhist way of life. The emphasis will be on the practical application of Buddhist ideas and practice to find solutions to everyday problems. $10. Sedona Creative Life Center, 333 Schnebly Hill Rd. 630-2027757. epc@MeditationInNorthernArizona.org.

MeditationInNorthernArizona.org/sedona.

Reiki & Singing Bowl Circle – 7-8pm.

4th Thurs. With Darlene Moore and Arne Richardson. Join in for a relaxing, healing experience. Singing bowls will be played to enhance the energy of reiki during this hour of energetic healing and expansion. Donation.

Unity of Mesa, 2700 E Southern Ave, Sanctuary, Mesa. 480-892-2700. Admin@UnityOfMesa. org. UnityOfMesa.org.

saturday Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden – June thru August. 7-9:30 pm. All ages will have a blast getting hands-on during this self-guided nocturnal adventure through the garden. Check out the night-blooming plants, see the animals that come out after dark, feel the desert night air, and relax with some food and drink. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. $14.95/adults; $9.95/ children; garden members and children 3 years and younger/free. 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix.

Info: Visit dbg.org/events.

Local

FARMERS’ MARKETS Take advantage of fresh, local produce from Sun City Farmers’ Market the best Arizona farms. Visit their respective 16820 North 99th Avenue, Sun City Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. websites for the most current information.

Ahwatukee Farmers’ Market 4700 East Warner Road, Phoenix Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Capitol Farmers’ Market 1700 Adams Street, Phoenix Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Anthem Farmers’ Market 41703 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Uptown Farmers’ Market 5757 North Central Avenue, Phoenix Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Care 1st Farmers’ Market 328 West Western, Avondale Tuesdays 8 a.m. to noon Carefree Farmers’ Market 1 Sundial Circle, Carefree Fridays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Downtown Chandler Farmers’ Market 3 South Arizona Avenue, Chandler Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Gilbert Farmers’ Market 222 North Ash Street, Gilbert Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon Goodyear Farmers’ Market 3151 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon High Street Farmers’ Market 5415 East High Street, Phoenix Sundays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market 3806 North Brown Avenue, Scottsdale Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Peoria Farmers’ Market Park West, 9744 West Northern Avenue, Peoria Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Phoenix Public Market 721 North Central Avenue, Phoenix Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon

Verrado Community Farmers’ Market North Market Place & West Main Street, Buckeye Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ArizonaCommunityFarmersMarkets.com GilbertMarket.com MommasOrganicMarket.com PhxPublicMarket.com UptownMarketAz.com ..................................

NORTHERN ARIZONA Flagstaff Community Market 211 West Aspen Avenue, City Hall Parking Lot Sundays 8 a.m. to noon Prescott Summer Farmers’ Market Yavapai College, Parking Lot D 1100 East Sheldon Street Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to noon Sedona Community Farmers’ Market Tlaquepaque/Creekside, 336 Highway 179 Fridays 8 to 11:30 a.m.

FlagstaffMarket.com PrescottFarmersMarket.org Sedona-Farmers-Market.com

Roadrunner Park Farmers’ Market 3502 East Cactus Road, Phoenix Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 2019

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community resource guide

COACHING

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email PhoenixAds@NaturalAZ.com or visit NaturalAZ.com and download our media kit.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CBD STORE AZ

Open Mon-Sat 10-4 3314 N 3rd St, Phoenix 602-292-6133 • cbdNutritional.com A CBD specialty store devoted to Hemp-derived cannabinoids.

C l i n i c a l stu d i e s show CBD is effective on Inflammation, Pain, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders and much more! Non-GMO, organic USA sun grown, and third-party lab tested.

Below 0.3% THC—No high and No card required. Open Mon-Sat 10am to 4pm. See ad, page 34.

NATURAL PAIN TREATMENT AND WELLNESS

SW HERB SHOP & GATHERING PLACE

148 N Center St, Mesa 480-694-9931 • SWHerb.com Store.SWHerb.com Kathy Gould and Madalyn Johnson, herbalists and proprietors, offer medicinal bulk herbs and specialty tea blends, herbal extracts, certification classes, community and therapist rental space, medicine-making supplies, and more. See ad, page 42.

ART CLASSES WATERCOLOR ART CLASSES

Allura Westly 3611 E Sunnyside Dr, Phoenix AlluraWatercolor@cox.net 602-469-0524 • AlluraWaterColor.com

MacKenzie Kalt, Owner 8282 W Cactus Rd, Bldg E, Ste 144, Peoria 623-866-3023 • NatPainTreat.com Providing some of the most advanced natural technologies for those struggling with chronic pain, injuries, stress, migraine headaches, PTSD, insomnia, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, skin conditions, and much more. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, inside front cover.

RESTORE DETOX AND WELLNESS Kelly Baker, Owner 602-318-5965 EastValleyDetox.com

Products and Services to assist in drainage, detox and sustainability of health and wellness.

Specializing in colon irrigation, ozone sauna, far infrared sauna, lymphatic treatment, foot detox and holistic nutrition. See ad, page 23.

SALT CHALET ARIZONA

Pavel Gershkovich, CHP, CRP 5011 N Granite Reef Rd, Scottsdale 480-621-6041 SaltChaletArizona.com ArizonaLeechTherapy.com Our rooms are coated from floor to ceiling with multiple layers of pure, untreated salt from the Dead Sea. Providing relief for many health conditions. See ad, page 19.

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Allura Westly, master teacher, opens her sanctuary studio to all levels, beginner to advanced. Learn fluid color technique, drawing and composition. Small class of eight students. No talent required, just a desire to create.

CLEANING SERVICES BENNETT’S CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Valleywide Service • 480-994-4988 BennettsCarpetCleaningAz.com Eco-friendlycarpet and upholstery cleaning.

Featuring organic cleaners and odor removal products derived from renewable seed and vegetable sources. No perfumes, solvents or other hazardous products. No phosphates.

Products also available for in-home use. Licensed and owner operated since 1974. See ad, page 32.

DR. JACQUE JOHNSON

2Empower LLC Scottsdale • 480-226-9977 Dr.Jacque@2Empower.org • 2Empower.org Dr. Jacque Johnson is a certified Empowerment Life Coach and psychometric assessment specialist who identifies behavioral traits and cognitive footprints to assist with transition, grief, anxiety and achieving personal goals.

She also works with parents and children as an educational advocate and coach.

See ad, page 16.

WHITE STAR

Internationally Acclaimed Psychic Medicine Woman 617-697-8924 (Scottsdale) DivineLightMinistries.com White Star is a Spiritual Elder, Mystic, Medium and Master Psychic and Healer with 40 years' experience. She offers profound clairvoyant readings covering any subject. She can heal serious conditions and restore emotional and spiritual wellness. Classes and trainings on psychic development and many healing modalities are available in person and online.

See ad, page 16.

DENTISTS INTEGRATIVE DENTAL ASSOCIATES Lisa M. Butler, DMD 4202 N 32nd St, Ste A, Phoenix 602-956-4807 • IntegrativeDental.com

Providing biologic dentistry personalized to fit your needs in a caring and supportive environment. Offering many holistic procedures using the latest in modern technology. Dr. Butler is a member of the Holistic Dental Association and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology. See ad, pages 4 and 17.

MY DENTIST

Dr. Michael Margolis and Dr. Stephen Kovar 2045 S Vineyard Rd, Ste 153, Mesa 480-833-2232 • MyDentistAZ.com

PURMAID

844-PUR-MAID PurMaid.com An eco-friendly home and office cleaning company and offers natural cleaning products. See ad, page 46.

A holistic and biological approach to your dental needs and overall health. Bio-compatible dentistry, esthetic dentistry lumineers/veneers, family dentistry and much more. See ad, page 3.

NATURAL DENTAL PARTNERS

Dr. Ingo Mahn 3134 W Carefree Hwy, Ste 9, Phoenix 602-775-5120 • MyNaturalDentist.com Dr. Mahn takes the time to listen to your concerns and uses his extensive experience to help you achieve better health. Author of A Healthy Mouth—The Missing Link to Optimal Health, he utilizes the latest advances in dentistry (low dose digital x-rays and single visit biocompatible restorations) to deliver the highest level of holistic dental care. Check the calendar of events page on his website for upcoming seminars. See ad, page 6.

PURE SMILES

Jason A. Jones, DMD 7231 E Princess Blvd, Ste 207, Scottsdale 480-585-1612 • PureSmilesAz.com Exceptional dental service with dedication to comfort and compassion. We carefully assist each procedure and select the products to help preserve and protect your overall well-being. See ad, page 9.

DOCTORS ANDREA PURCELL, NMD

3008 E Jeanette Ct, Phoenix 800-318-8582 • DrAndreaPurcell.com Dr. Purcell assists her patients by identifying and treating the underlying cause of disease. She specializes in Women’s Health, Hormonal Balance, Medical Nutrition, Body Detoxification, Prolozone Joint Therapy and Weight Loss. By taking a look at the whole body, emotion and diet, she then creates a personalized path to optimal health. This is HealthCARE. See ad, page 5.

ANN CHARLOTTE VALENTIN, NMD Center for Integrative Medicine 16421 N Tatum Blvd, Ste 129, Phoenix 602-888-2320 • cinmed.org

Dr. Valentin specializes in Integrative Medicine and is trained in Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals. She treats many conditions, such as Menopause, Menstrual issues, Thyroid, Digestion, Allergies, Anxiety, Depression, Heavy Metal Toxicity, and many chronic and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Valentin has post-graduate training in Bioidentical Hormones and sees patients of all different age groups. See ad, page 16.

ENERGY HEALING KIM CARTER, MA, HTCP

2045 S Vineyard Ave, Ste 139, Mesa 480-773-6599 KCarter444@gmail.com Kim Carter is a Healing Touch certified practitioner specializing in grief and loss, serious/chronic illness and spiritual growth. Her emphasis is on empowering clients to recognize, trust and act on their own intuition.

HOLISTIC HEALTH PURE LIGHT THERAPIES

Judy Richter, LMT, RMT 3740 E Southern Ave, Ste 214, Mesa 480-695-2002 • PureLight1111@gmail.com PureLightTherapies.com With more than 20 years of experience, Judy can help you heal your body, mind and soul with therapeutic massage, cupping, essential oils, and healing energy modalities. The techniques used to stretch and release tension and tightness in necks and shoulders are unique and very beneficial.

Incorporating energy work to each session is powerful in balancing one’s energy to allow the body to heal naturally.

MOVING GREEN BIN

602-688-9956 • Info@RentGreenBin.com RentGreenBin.com Mon-Thur 8am-8pm | Fri-Sun 8am-4pm Rent eco-friendly moving boxes for less than it costs to buy cardboard. No assembly or tape required. Free delivery and pickup included within the Phoenix area. One- to four-week rentals starting at $60. Every package includes 100% recycled packing paper, four-wheel dolly and labels. See ad, page 31.

PEST CONTROL ARIZONA ORGANIC PEST & TERMITE CONTROL

Organic Pest Control 602-923-1457 • ArizonaOrganic.com

Avoid being exposed to dangerous chemicals when all-natural and safer alternatives work just as well and last longer. See ad, page 33.

THANK YOU for your loyalty and support over the past 25 years.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To

EMPOWER

individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet.

To

EDUCATE

communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability.

To

CONNECT

readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

June 2019

49

ANDREA SOBOTKA, AKA “CRITTER DOC”

ASAM, Sh. Reiki, HTAP Animal Communicator and Counselor 602-317-1543 • CritterDoc1@cox.net SpiritAnimalWisdom.com With a gentle healing touch, Andrea provides earth medicine and energy healing, animal communication, and intuitive counsel for pets and their people.

RETREATS/WORKSHOPS EXPERIENCE NUTRITION GROUP LLC Melanie A. Albert Phoenix • 602-615-2486 ExperienceNutrition.com Facebook.com/NewViewHealthyEating

GROW Your Business Secure this ad spot!

Contact us for special ad rates.

Intuitive cooking experience: workshops, cooking classes, team building events, and retreats for organizations. Learn simple culinary techniques; create plantbased healthy meals; enjoy beauty of food.

SALONS A LOR A ORGANIC STUDIO

7329 E Stetson Dr, Ste 11, Scottsdale 480-318-7555 • AloraOrganic.com An organic eco-friendly hair salon where beautiful cuts and color coexist with the best natural hair care. No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances – just beautiful healthy hair. New client special: $10 off your first service. Energy healing sessions are also available. See ad, page 33.

SCHOOLS

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SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE OF HEALING ARTS 1100 E Apache Blvd, Tempe 480-994-9244 Info@swiha.edu • swiha.edu

Nationally accredited college offers holistic health and wellness degrees, diplomas, certificates of excellence, continuing education and personal development, oncampus and online. Financial aid available. See ad, outside back cover.

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SPIRITUAL CENTERS INTERNATIONAL KADAMPA RETREAT CENTER

6701 E Mountain Ranch Rd, Williams 928-637-6232 MeditationInNorthernArizona.org Meditation retreats and classes in modern Buddhism; dedicated to providing the local and worldwide community an opportunity to learn and engage in Buddhist practice and meditation retreats. Everyone is welcome.

THE SUMMIT LIGHTHOUSE® OF PHOENIX

4105 N 20th St, Ste 115, Phoenix 480-442-5020 SummitLighthousePhoenix@gmail.com SummitLighthousePhoenix.org Dedicated to sharing Saint Germain’s Violet Flame. All faiths welcome. Learn how you can become a modern day mystic. We are dedicated to sharing the Teachings of the Ascended Masters® to help you bring in joy and peace to the world. Learn what the requirements are to make your ascension. See ad, page 28.

UNITY OF MESA

2700 E Southern Ave, Mesa 480-892-2700 • UnityOfMesa.org Offering practical spiritual teachings for abundant and meaningful living; we are a progressive spiritual community that explores universal principles and practices.

Weddings, memorials, christenings, classes and activities for the “spiritual, not religious”. Sunday services: 9am & 10:45am. Youth programs: 10:45am. All are welcome. See ad, page 22.

UNITY OF PHOENIX SPIRITUAL CENTER 1500 E Greenway Pkwy, Phoenix 602-978-3200 • UnityPhx.org

We are a friendly, loving, all-inclusive community that honors all paths to God and welcomes all people – regardless of race, beliefs or sexual orientation. Wherever you are in your life's journey, we invite you to visit us and discover your new spiritual home. We inspire people to live better lives. See ad, page 21.

123rf.com/ANUCHA RUENIN

PET CARE

Find freedom and flexibility with Natural Awakenings franchise opportunities. Be your own boss and earn a living doing something you are passionate about while making a difference in your community. This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model. No previous publishing experience is required. Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of more than 70 healthy living magazines, celebrating 25 years of publishing.

Elaine Russo San Diego, CA Publisher

Kelly Martinsen Long Island, NY Publisher

Waleska Sallaberry & Luis Mendez Puerto Rico Publishers

239-530-1377 Learn more today: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise

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