February 2024 Natural Awakenings Jacksonville - St. Augustine Florida

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Publisher ’s Letter

The Love Frequency

A

uthor and motivational speaker Felice Leonardo Buscaglia, also known as “Dr. Love”, said, “Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.” I truly believe this and hope you’ll join us on a mission to live with love! The power of choosing to approach each day from a place of love is something I’ve personally experienced as transformative. There is a wonderful feeling when opting for love and then experiencing its high vibration replace fear-based, fight-or-flight thinking with a more spiritual level of consciousness.

February always reminds us to celebrate love in its many forms as Valentine’s Day approaches. You’ll find this issue filled with many marvelous ways to physically, emotionally and effectively nourish your heart and overall well-being.

Our feature story explores the connection between the mouth, cardiovascular health, the gut-heart connection and how they are all closely interrelated. Be sure to check out this article for best practices and innovative treatments for a healthy, beautiful smile.

This magical expression can spark the gift of love with anyone along your path and life’s inevitable twists and turns present opportunities to embrace everyone with grace as we choose to magnify the good in all things through love. I know that when I respond with my heart using the frequency of love and not just my analytical mind, I’ve seen relationships heal in ways I never thought possible. Love is the

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

glue the holds the universe together! Plus, by focusing on our heart center, we also open up space within so the solutions to challenges can reveal themselves. If the desired outcome doesn’t appear, at least we have an opportunity to more clearly discover what we don’t want.

We can either let life happen to us or take responsibility for every aspect and outcome of our experience, being accountable for what and who we let into our consciousness, starting with spirit.

Whichever route we take, we will receive needed lessons.

Wherever you land, we hope you remember to be grateful that a new dawn breaks every morning, giving us all the opportunity to start anew and find fresh ways to live and love. Collectively, we can raise the vibration of the planet to new heights if we open our hearts and seek to emulate love and compassion each and every day. In doing so, we will also expand our capacity to feel more love and deepen our connection to all of humanity. May we all opt for more love!

All our love,

We’re thankful to you—our readers—and your belief in and support of this publication.

We love you! Please share your thoughts, news, calendar listings, local story ideas and feedback with us via email at Publisher@NAJax.com. It is always a delight to hear from readers, and we appreciate knowing that our content has touched you in a meaningful way.

JACKSONVILLE / ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION Publishers John & Trina Voell III Assistant to the Publishers Carolyn Coogan Design & Production John & Trina Voell III Ad Design Josh Halay Editor Martin Miron Proofreader Randy Kambic Calendar John Voell IV Sales & Marketing John & Trina Voell III Jennifer Cotie Distribution Melina Stroumpis Randall Clark Website Design Locable Website & Social Media Carolyn Coogan

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $120 (for 12 issues) by emailing the above address.

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© 2024 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Contents 10 Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease 12 Mimi Guarneri on Treating the Heart With Love 14 Plant-Based Milk Alternatives 18 Lowering Our Battery Footprint 20 Homeopathy for Athletes

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22 Mindful Breathwork 24 Helping America’s Kids Eat Better 26 Love on a Leash

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22

15

Departments 6 News Briefs 8 Health Briefs 10 Feature Story 12 Wise Words 14 Conscious Eating 18 Green Living

20 Fit Body 22 Healing Ways 24 Healthy Kids 26 Natural Pet 28 Calendar 30 Resource Guide

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February 2024

5

News Briefs

Healing Energy By Ted Opens New Location Ted Kostek, owner of Healing Energy

by Ted, is accepting patients at their new location, 6010 DuClay Road, Suite 10, in Jacksonville. Kostek is a gifted healer, involved in this work for more than 20 years.

He holds certifications in reiki, Reconnective Healing, The Emotion Code and Body Code and training in energy work.

He says, “We still offer all our healing energy modalities and more in our new location. Sessions are in person and remote for people and animals.”

For appointments and more information, call 904-613-7608 or visit HealingEnergyByTed.com See ad page 8.

Flagler Wellness EXPO in March The second annual Intuitive Living Institute Flagler Wellness EXPO will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 23 and 24, at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

The theme this year is Balance. Managing Director Sinead Moffatt says, “Our mission is to unite our local health and wellness professionals under one roof to celebrate, empower and educate the community on all the excellent resources available to help inspire a healthier life and importantly, more balance in our lives.”

The event offers a plethora of free opportunities for the public to explore and sample live demonstrations, fun classes and enter a free raffle for prizes. Highlights include the latest trends in fitness, clean beauty secrets, nutrition tips, the wonders of chiropractic care, the healing power of acupuncture and the potential of life coaching. Attendees can even learn how to connect with angels and find balance through mindfulness practices.

Admission is $5. Location: 5500 S.R. 100, Palm Coast. For more information, call Managing Director Sinead Moffatt at 904-3770771, email SineadMoffatt@gmail.com or visit IntuitiveLiving Institute.org/expo.

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Florida Naturopathic Licensure Bill A bill to license naturopathic doctors (ND) in Florida is being promoted by Representative David Smith (R) and Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R) during the Florida 2024 legislative session.

Because Florida does not license NDs, Smith believes that limits freedom of medical choice for Floridians that prefer a holistic, integrative or natural approach to medical care. He says, “Floridians should have the medical freedom to see the healthcare provider they choose. This bill ensures Florida doesn’t lag behind the majority of other states that are licensing naturopathic doctors. Expanding access to quality healthcare will remain a top priority of mine, especially as our state’s population continues to grow.”

Currently, 26 U.S. jurisdictions license or register NDs, requiring them to graduate from an accredited four-year naturopathic medical program and pass an extensive licensing examination. Naturopathic medicine identifies and addresses the underlying root causes of disease, treating patients with evidence-based natural therapies.

Licensure ensures access to rigorously trained medical professionals.

Dr. Todd Robinson, president of the Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association, summarizes the issue: “Despite advances in modern medicine, chronic disease remains rampant and patients are realizing that prescription medications cannot solve all their health problems. Florida desperately needs more qualified healthcare providers, especially those trained in the drugless prevention and treatment of disease. Naturopathic doctors can meet the need.

Once this bill is law, properly trained naturopathic doctors will get to work helping Floridians achieve better health.”

For more information, search bills HB 843 and SB 898 to license NDs in Florida at MyFloridaHouse.gov. Contact Florida legislators to show support. For details about naturopathic medicine, visit Florida Naturopathic Physicians Association at fnpa.org or American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at Naturopathic.org.

Beyond Health Conference and Expo The Beyond Health Network will present the Beyond Health Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., February 10, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, with a theme of Dying Young at a Very Old Age—Let Your Lifestyle Increase Your Life Span. Participants will discover cutting-edge solutions, expert insights and endless inspiration.

The program features scientific lectures, engaging panel discussions, special focus lectures and live demonstrations. The exposition

Event Spotlight will spotlight the latest research, cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced treatment protocols and breakthroughs in the field of preventing and mitigating the diseases associated with aging from cancer and heart disease to Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

Admission is free with registration at BeyondHealthExpo.com. Location: 12000 Alumni Dr., Jacksonville. For more information, call 904-683-0918.

From Saboteurs to Sages Transformational coach Dan Gormley says, “PQ [Positive Intelligence] will transform your life!” He helps people build powerful habits for a positive mind. “During the PQ program, you get to build a foundation of mental fitness by strengthening three critical mental muscles to shift the balance of power from your inner saboteurs to your inner Dan Gormley sage. With lifelong applications to work and life, the opportunity is yours to continue to grow.”

Gormley is a PQ and Agile coach, PMI-ACP, PMP and DASSM. He says, “As a transformational coach, I will teach you how to empower your sage right-brain thinking to overcome daily negative thoughts and stress. I will motivate you to figure out your true calling; and to work out a plan to achieve your goals, regardless of where you are currently in your life and career.” All sessions are delivered virtually via Zoom.

For more information, call 904-377-5789 or email DGormley23@out look.com. 2024 Copyright @PositiveIntelligence.com. See ad page 21.

Profound Healing Via Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique Higher Love Healing hosts monthly Past-Life Regression group workshops with owner Moly Hines, a certified level 2 Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) practitioner, which participants can engage in a series of light trance exercises, much like guided meditation, to explore the natural and effortless nature of hypnosis.

The next session will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., February 11.

Attendees will delve into subconscious memories of their previous lives and potentially glimpse visions of future lifetimes, as well as have the opportunity to encounter their guardian angel or spirit guides. These exercises often unlock channels for receiving transformative messages and guidance from divine levels of consciousness. While not a QHHT session itself, participants at the event will acquire valuable insights into the benefits of the individual QHHT experience and its potential for profound healing.

Cost is $22. Attendees will receive a special rate code for $100 off their first QHHT session. Location: 4210 Valley Ridge Blvd., Ponte Vedra.

For appointments and more information, call 586-872-6236 or visit higherloveqhht.com. See ad page 13.

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February 2024

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Health Briefs

NEW SICKLE CELL TREATMENT APPROVED

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease. Co-developed

by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, the exa-cel treatment uses new technology to modify a gene involved in red blood cell shape and function. It is too early to say whether the treatment will be permanent and without side effects, as only about 100 people have undergone the procedure, and they have been followed for less than two years.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sickle cell disease is a group of genetic disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen to the body. In sickle-cell patients, red blood cells are crescent-shaped and do not bend, instead of being discshaped and flexible. This anomaly can block blood flow to the body, leading to strokes, eye problems, infections, fatigue and severe pain. Until now, a bone marrow transplant was the only cure.

CRISPR technology—short for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats—allows scientists to strategically modify the DNA of organisms. The exa-cel treatment involves removing a patient’s bone marrow stem cells, editing them using the CRISPR technology, destroying the untreated bone marrow and re-infusing the modified cells to replicate and repopulate the body.

CITRUS FOR HEART HEALTH

A common flavanone called hesperidin found in citrus fruit may help protect against heart disease, according to a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in Current Developments in Nutrition. Researchers analyzed 12 studies involving 589 participants

that examined the effects of hesperidin extracts on various outcomes, such as inflammatory markers, body mass index, insulin resistance and lipids. After accounting for variability across the groups of participants, researchers found that hesperidin significantly reduced both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) in obese individuals under age 50 that consumed approximately 500 milligrams per day of hesperidin for more than six weeks. It also had a positive impact on inflammatory markers, insulin sensitivity and fasting blood glucose.

Beneficial effects were not noted on other risk factors of heart disease, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol), triglycerides, body mass index and blood pressure. Hesperidin can be found in oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines and grapefruit, in whole fruit or juice form and in commercially available supplements.

Consuming grapefruit might interfere with certain medications for heart disease, so patients should consult with their doctor before making any dietary changes.

According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), semaglutide, a medication sold as Ozempic by Novo Nordisk, may be associated with heart-health improvement.

For one year, the researchers followed 529 obese participants that

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had heart failure with ejection fraction, a condition where the heart pumps normally but is too stiff to fill properly. Half of the participants received semaglutide, and the other half received a placebo.

Participants on semaglutide had almost double the heart improvement as measured by a standard heart failure questionnaire. They also experienced an average reduction of body weight of 13.3 percent (compared to a 2.5 percent reduction in the placebo group) and could walk an extra 66 feet in six minutes.

In another study of semaglutide also published in NEJM, participants on the drug had a 20 percent lower risk of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks and strokes than those taking a placebo. The multi-center, double-blind, randomized trial included more than 17,600 obese participants aged 45 or older that had cardiovascular disease, but no history of diabetes. Half of the participants received the drug, while the other half were given a placebo and were followed for approximately 40 months.

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CBD PRODUCTS MAY BE HARMFUL TO CHILDREN

In 2018, Congress legalized hemp farming and the sale of cannabidiol (CBD) products as long as they contained less than 0.3 percent of delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in cannabis plants that produces a high. As a result, companies began making CBD drinks, foods and other products, some of which may concentrate the delta-8 THC in manufacturing to levels nearing the potency of marijuana-derived delta-9 THC. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has neither approved nor regulated delta-8 THC, it has issued warnings about potential dangers. Oversight by states varies.

Between January 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, national poison control centers have responded to 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC-containing products, 41 percent of which involved children.

Most of those childhood exposures were unintentional and 45 percent of these kids required hospitalization. During the first 11 months of 2023, poison control centers managed 2,105 cases related to CBD. The FDA cautions that the marketing of these products may be appealing to children, and parents should be wary. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. If there is a question about what a child has ingested, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

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Feature Story

Oral Health Tips to Prevent Heart Disease How Regular Trips to the Dentist Can Save a Life

by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS

H

eart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and, despite public opinion, it is just as deadly for women as it is for men. The illness was responsible for a staggering one in every four male deaths and one in every five female deaths in 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And yet, it is preventable 90 percent of the time with the right lifestyle choices, such as saying goodbye to cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol intake and keeping stress at bay.

Other powerful precautions relate to oral health. Left untreated, gum disease and sleep apnea have the potential to cause dire cardiovascular consequences. The good news is that treatments are available to decrease and often eradicate their threat.

Gum Disease and the Heart

Although blood pressure and cholesterol are considered major risk factors for heart disease, there is another culprit that should not be ignored: inflammation. While arterial inflammation may be the vascular response to harmful assaults such as infections or injuries, 10

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it can also arise when there is an imbalance in the gut microbiome or inflammation of the gums—also known as periodontal disease.

According to the National Institutes of Health, gum disease affects 47 percent of adults aged 30 or older and 70 percent of adults by age 65. Bleeding gums are telltale signs of gingivitis, which can promote the growth of disease-causing bacteria and produce substantial, body-wide inflammation.

A 2021 study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the effect that oral health problems had on all-cause, cardiovascular disease and respiratory mortality. Scientists followed almost 3,000 white and African American men and women aged 70 to 79, as well as just over 7,700 British men aged 40 to 59 for nine and 15 years, respectively. Researchers reported that periodontal disease was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in the American group, a finding that was consistent with a similar study of older people in Taiwan.

The scientists also noted that tooth loss and cumulative oral health problems correlated with higher all-cause mortality and higher respiratory mortality, while dry mouth appeared to be related to only all-cause mortality.

A 2012 study published in Kardiologia Polska of people with diabetes and periodontal disease showed that gum inflammation was highly correlated with increasing arterial plaque, as well as increases in markers of inflammation and blood pressure levels, suggesting a significant connection between periodontal disease and an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Another study published in 2013 in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed more than 400 subjects over three years and found that greater gum inflammation and higher growth of pathological bacterial species in the gums were strongly associated with increased growth of arterial plaque. The researchers concluded that

an improvement in periodontal status was associated with less progression in carotid atherosclerosis, thereby emphasizing the importance of gum care as a possible preventive health measure.

Preventing Gum Inflammation

In addition to a healthy diet, exercise and stress management, taking measures to improve dental hygiene will go a long way toward reducing the risk of heart disease.

A dental hygienist can easily identify gingivitis and probe for deep gum pockets—an indication of periodontal disease—while a simple saliva test can determine the presence of disease-causing gum species. The following measures are recommended: • Brush teeth for two minutes twice daily, ideally with an electric toothbrush.

• Floss and use a Waterpik every day.

• Visit the dental hygienist two to four times per year for a thorough cleaning.

• Have the dentist measure gum-pocket depth to check for inflammation.

• Especially for those with gum disease, have saliva tested for bad bacteria at least annually.

Sleep Apnea

Considered and treated as an oral health issue, sleep apnea increases the risk for heart disease. According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million Americans experience sleep apnea, but only 6 million are diagnosed with the condition where breathing and air flow repeatedly stops and starts. People that suffer from this ailment are more likely to experience abnormal heart rhythms, hypertension, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, the Mayo Clinic cautions.

Sleep apnea gradually worsens over time.

As the airway increasingly fails to deliver air to the lungs, oxygen levels drop, causing

adverse impacts on the heart and brain.

Three factors decrease airflow: weight gain, aging and, for some people, genetics. When a person puts on extra weight, their neck thickens, diminishing the airway, and as we age, tissues in the neck become softer and sag.

The symptoms for sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, noticeable stops in breathing at night, awakening with a dry mouth and morning headaches. These symptoms should prompt a discussion with a physician or dentist to schedule an overnight sleep test to confirm a diagnosis—either in a sleep laboratory or at home, depending on the degree of symptoms.

The mainstay of treatment for those with sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device worn over the nose or mouth to maintain pressure in the airway, keeping it open during sleep. Alternatively, a dentist can fit a patient with a mandibular device to help open the airway. The implement looks like a mouthguard that pushes the jaw forward to make the airway larger and improve airflow at night.

Another technique is to tape a patient’s mouth shut while sleeping to force breathing through the nose. Continuous nose breathing helps promote nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which induces the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels and airways. Duct tape or another household tape should not be used for this, as there are specially designed, hypoallergenic strips that are shaped to sit directly on the lips. Some have a small vent that allows for a little mouth breathing. In a small study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, mouth taping led to significantly less snoring and fewer instances of lapsed breathing in 30 patients with mild sleep apnea.

After starting a chosen therapy, the overnight sleep test should be repeated to

confirm that the airway is open and adequate oxygenation levels are being maintained. Additional tips to reduce sleep apnea include: • Lose weight. According to the Sleep Foundation, a loss of 5 to 10 percent of total weight improves obstructive sleep apnea by 38 percent, and weight loss of more than 10 percent results in a nearly 49 percent improvement.

• Avoid alcohol and sleeping medications before bedtime, which suppress breathing and cause the airway to sag.

• Change from back-sleeping to side-sleeping. More than 50 percent of people with sleep apnea find that their symptoms worsen when they sleep on their backs.

Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida, chief medical director of KnoWEwell and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Connect at DrMasley.com.

February 2024

11

Wise Words

Mimi Guarneri on Treating the Heart With Love

by Sandra Yeyati

Guarneri is board certified in cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, nuclear cardiology and integrative holistic medicine. She is a founder and president of The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine; co-founder and medical director of Guarneri Integrative Health, in La Jolla, California; and a clinical associate professor at University of California, San Diego.

In 2012, The Institute for Functional Medicine honored her with the Linus Pauling Functional Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award. Guarneri is the author of The Heart Speaks: A Cardiologist Reveals the Secret Language of Healing and 108 Pearls to Awaken Your Healing Potential.

What is holistic cardiology?

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Jacksonville / St. Augustine

It’s about treating the whole person—body, mind, emotions and spirit. If you have a tree with sick fruit on it, you can keep cutting off the branches, or you can ask, what does the tree need? Does it need more sunlight or water? How is the soil? Does it have minerals?

because they’re more likely to be compliant with medications. We also know that events don’t happen in isolation. When people have major, life-changing events— death of a spouse or child, divorce—all of a sudden, they start having cancer, sudden death and heart attacks.

With patients, the question we should be asking is why does someone have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease? And then you ask, what is the soil of a human life made of?

That soil is made of micro and macro nutrients, physical activity, having a purpose in life, joy and a good night’s sleep. At our center we call these the pearls of health.

So, when I look at someone that had a heart

How do you diagnose people by listening to their stories?

We know through research that relationships between patients and physicians affect outcome. People who bond with their physicians have lower cholesterol or blood sugar levels

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MimiGuarneriMD.com

A

fter graduating first in her class at The State University of New York Medical Center, Dr. Mimi Guarneri began her career at Scripps Clinic, in San Diego, as an attending physician in interventional cardiology, where she placed thousands of coronary stents. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive and holistic approaches, she founded the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and served as medical director for 15 years, combining state-of-the-art cardiac imaging technology with lifestyle programs and alternative therapies like acupuncture, healing touch, meditation and yoga to diagnose, prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.

attack, I don’t just want to know about their symptoms the day of the attack. I also want to know what was going on six months before, because that’s where you find the story. “I’ve been under stress. I lost my job. I lost my house. My wife told me they wanted a divorce.” This is where you start to get the stories that add up to the ultimate cardiovascular event.

How do you translate that inquiry into the healing journey?

Everyone needs something different at a different point in their life.

Some people need to change what they’re eating or start walking, but then you have to look at why they’re not taking care of their physical body. Depressed people say, “I have 20 friends in this pack of cigarettes.” They don’t say, “Let me eat Brussels sprouts and take a walk.”

I have to deal with the underlying issue, which could be things like depression, stress or loneliness. I also want to know my patient’s spirituality, because if they believe in a higher power, we can tap into that to give them strength and help transform what’s going on.

What tools do you have in your integrative medical arsenal?

The whole framework of integrative medicine is to understand and use the wisdom of other global healing traditions. For a patient with back pain, I may use healing touch, acupuncture, massage and medication. I may send somebody who is stressed to transcendental meditation training. I may pull from Ayurveda to help people with digestive issues.

The most important thing is looking at your life and finding joy, meaning, purpose, looking at where you can serve, where you can connect. This is the piece that is missing in many people’s lives.

Also, look at where you are holding onto anger. Have you done your forgiveness work? How can you begin to practice gratitude?

Why do you say that patients are motivated not by fear but by caring?

They’re motivated by love. Love is the secret ingredient. People will do everything for three months after a heart attack because they’re terrified, and then they go back to their old ways. They start to gain weight because they never did the deep work to look at what got them there in the first place.

A perfect example is one of my heart patients who came in with a walker. She said she had sciatica, and immediately we gave her a shot for her pain. We also did some acupuncture. I got a beautiful message from her the next day, which made no mention of the shot or the acupuncture. Instead, she said, “I felt so much better from the second you gave me a hug.” It’s that kind of connection that makes all the difference.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

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Conscious Eating

Plant-Based Milk Alternatives Benefits for People and the Planet

by Carrie Jackson

W

hile plant-based milks have been around for centuries, they have historically played second fiddle to other dairy alternatives, but not anymore. As people are becoming more conscious of the impact their food choices have on their health and the planet, plant-based milk has turned into a mainstay in most grocery stores. Touting sustainability benefits, a creamy texture and pleasing flavors, soy, oat, almond, cashew and even macadamia nut milks are having their moment.

According to the Good Food Institute, 41 percent of American households purchased plant-based milk in 2022. Most major milk brands, such as Nestlé, are offering plant-based alternatives, while specialty companies like Elmhurst 1925 and Eden Foods are continually expanding their selection.

Natalia Klenova/CanvaPro

“Plant-based dairy is now more than 15 percent of the milk industry,” says Elysabeth Alfano, co-founder and CEO of VegTech Invest, a firm that manages the first exchange-traded fund dedicated to plant-based companies. “This is driven by the quality of the products, including oat, almond, soy, pea and hemp milks as proven options. With 65 percent of people worldwide and more than 80 percent of African Americans and more than 90 percent

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of Asian Americans being lactose intolerant, plant-based milk is a great alternative.”

When selecting beverage options, many consumers also weigh a company’s ethical choices. Alfano predicts the beginning of the end of traditional factory farming, saying, “People are seeing how inefficient and harmful meat production is and are making the connection between saving the environment and their lifestyle choices.”

Leah Hoxie, senior vice president of innovation at Oatly North America, observes, “People opt for nondairy milk for a variety of reasons that are usually personal and nuanced. These can include allergies, nutrition, ethical and environmental concerns, and, of course, taste. Oatly makes nondairy milk alternatives that have the same creamy taste, frothy feel and functionality as cow’s milk while also generally having a lower climate impact. We’re also seeing generational differences in milk preferences, with a recent Oatly flash poll finding that 54 percent of Gen Z and 49 percent of Millennials prefer plant-based milk to cow’s milk.”

Like many other plant-based companies, Oatly has expressed a commitment to creating lasting environmental change. “With roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions coming from the food system, and about half of those emissions coming from the livestock or the animal-based sector, the greatest impact we at Oatly can have as a company is to convert people from dairy milk to oat milk. Our research shows

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that Oatly Barista sold in the U.S. has a 46 percent lower climate impact than comparable cow’s milk, supporting our larger mission to make it easy for people to eat better and live healthier lives without recklessly taxing the planet’s resources in the process,” explains Hoxie.

While plant-based milk alternatives may tout health benefits, the specific ingredients and processing methods play a role in their nutritional value. Just because something is plant-based doesn’t automatically make it healthier. “There are misconceptions that either nondairy milks are automatically less healthy than cow milk or that they are inherently more nutritious, but the

truth is it depends on what’s in the milk,” says Taylor Wolfram, a registered dietitian who specializes in vegan nutrition.

Plant-based dairy alternatives have differing nutritional advantages, and it is best for consumers to make their own comparison. “Soy and pea milk—the protein superstars of plant milks— contain some fat and, when fortified, are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D,” Wolfram explains. “Hemp has a little less protein, and oat and almond milks are very low in protein.

Hemp milk is rich in ALA [alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants].

Nondairy milks may or may not contain added sugars and fats or be fortified, so it is best to check the nutrition facts panel to see what levels of nutrients each specific product contains.”

Ultimately, the best plant-based dairy may be the one we love to consume. “Enjoyment and taste are highly subjective experiences,” Wolfram says. “I encourage folks to try different options and find what they like.”

Carrie Jackson is an Illinois-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

February 2024

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Chef AJ’s Popeye’s Perfection YIELD: 2 SERVINGS 1 cup water or unsweetened nondairy milk 12 oz baby organic spinach 1 small shallot 1 large date (or more to taste), soaked 1 cup ripe avocado 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 3 oz oil-free, salt-free sun-dried tomatoes Hemp seeds for garnish Place the water or nondairy milk and the sun-dried tomatoes in a high-powered blender and process until dissolved. Add the spinach, shallot and date and process again until smooth. Add the avocado and lemon juice and blend briefly until smooth. Sprinkle with hemp seeds, if desired.

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Recipe reprinted with permission from Unprocessed 10th Anniversary Edition, by Chef AJ, ©2022 by BPC.

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QR Code

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Chef AJ’s Caramel Blondies YIELD: 16-20 COOKIES

Soak the dates in the nondairy milk for several hours or overnight so they are very soft. Create a paste by placing the dates, soaking liquid and 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder into a food processor fitted with the “S” blade, and processing until smooth.

Remove ¾ cup of the date paste and place in the refrigerator to chill; this will be the frosting.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place the remaining ingredients, including 2 teaspoons of vanilla powder, into the food processor with the remaining date paste, and process until smooth. Pour the batter into a 9-inch square silicone baking pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes (a shorter baking time will produce a moister blondie). Turn the oven off and allow the pan to cool in the oven.

Liliya Kandrashevich/Shutterstock.com

Once the blondies are completely cool, frost with the chilled frosting. Sprinkling the cookies with reduced-fat shredded coconut is optional. Chill and cut into bars.

Chef ’s Notes: White sweet potatoes are also called Hannah or Jersey yams. Japanese or Murasaki sweet potatoes, which have a purple skin and white flesh, could be used as a substitute. Orange and purple sweet potatoes are not recommended for this recipe. Millet helps mitigate the gummy texture of oats.

Recipe reprinted with permission from Unprocessed 10th Anniversary Edition, by Chef AJ, ©2022 by BPC.

No-Bake Pumpkin Dairy-Free Cheesecake YIELD: 6 TO 8 SERVINGS 1 packet (sleeve) graham crackers, finely ground 4 Tbsp coconut oil, gently warmed 16 oz nondairy cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar ⅓ cup pumpkin puree 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice ½ tsp salt In the food processor, grind the graham crackers until they are as fine as possible. Add the coconut oil and pulse to combine. Transfer the mixture to an 8-inch springform pan and firmly press into an even layer, bringing the mixture about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Transfer to the fridge to chill while making the filling. In a mixer with a paddle attachment, or using a hand beater, mix the nondairy cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice and salt until smooth and uniform. Pour into the prepared crust and smooth into an even layer. Transfer to the fridge and chill for 3 hours, or overnight. When ready to serve, remove the outer ring of the springform pan.

Slice and enjoy.

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8 oz pitted dates 8 oz unsweetened nondairy milk 3 tsp vanilla powder, divided 2 cups white sweet potato flesh 1½ cups rolled oats ½ cup millet, ground into flour 1 tsp cinnamon 2 cups mashed banana (approximately 3 bananas) Reduced-fat shredded coconut

Recipe courtesy of Caroline Schiff, a James Beard-nominated executive pastry chef.

February 2024

17

Green Living

Lowering Our Battery Footprint A Look at Personal Strategies and Emerging Technologies

by Kelcie Ottoes

A

mericans love their disposable batteries. Every year, they buy and discard about 3 billion of these small-sized power sources that keep cellphones, flashlights, toys and computer accessories running. Lithium-ion and alkaline batteries dominate the market due to their efficiency and versatility. While single-use batteries significantly tax the environment, advancements in production, lifespan and recycling can lead to a greener future.

It isn’t easy to create batteries. For one thing, minerals must be extracted from the Earth.

Lithium-rich brine is pumped into evaporation ponds, and after the water evaporates, the concentrated brine is processed to harvest the metal. This practice can lead to the contamination of local ecosystems and water basins, toxic emissions and respiratory issues for people living nearby.

While sending any item to a landfill is problematic, batteries are especially complicated because they are made with toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, nickel and electrolytes, as well as other chemicals, all of which can leach into the soil and water system.

In addition, lithium can ignite and release chemicals into the air. According to Heal The Planet, Americans create 180,000 tons of hazardous waste from batteries annually, including 86,000 tons from alkaline batteries and 160 million cellphone batteries.

Although alkaline batteries may legally be thrown out in the regular trash because they fall below federal hazardous waste standards, conscientious citizens recycle them when that option is available, as they contain dangerous elements, including lead. Button cell batteries used in watches and garage door openers contain tiny amounts of mercury and should be recycled. Rechargeable batteries should be taken to a local recycling facility that specializes in batteries.

“Sustainability is everything for battery manufacturers, despite what a lot of people think,” says Chris Groves, manager at Groves Batteries and the proprietor of TITAN Lithium. “Recycling is imperative to a sustainable market, as recycled materials can be put back into production chains at a lower cost.” A broad-ranging solution is a circular battery economy: a model of production and consumption that extends the life of a battery and its components as long as possible by sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling its materials.

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Electronic Vehicle Revolution

Fourteen percent of new cars sold in 2022 were electric, up from less than 5 percent in 2020. By 2030 there will be between 145 and 230 million electric vehicles (EV) on the road. The federal government requires manufacturers to warranty that EV batteries will maintain at least 70 percent capacity for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. Because EVs are relatively new, the average life expectancy of their batteries is not yet known. However, each time an EV battery is charged and discharged, it loses some capacity and eventually will need to be replaced.

Recycling old EV batteries will help keep up with demand and reduce their environmental impact. A report from the International Energy Agency estimates that by 2040, recycled quantities of copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt from spent EV batteries could reduce supply requirements for these minerals by about 10 percent.

Most retired EV batteries still have some storage and energy capabilities, even if they are not at their original power levels.

Alternative uses for old batteries are being explored, including solar power storage, energy for streetlights or as backup generators in homes. One study in Nature Communications predicts that short-term power grid storage demand could be met

by 2030 across most regions using old EV batteries.

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Solutions for more sustainable batteries are being explored. “New chemistries are focused on using non-rare earth materials like sodium or sulfur, which we have in abundance and are a lot less damaging than lithium mines to extract,” says Groves.

Iron-air batteries are currently being developed as energy storage. They are ten times cheaper than lithium batteries and use iron, one of Earth’s most abundant resources.

Lithium manganese iron phosphate batteries could be the only battery a car will ever need.

They have a range of more than 600 miles on a single charge and a potential 2.4-million-mile lifetime. Solid-state batteries use lithium, but they generate more power and can take up to seven times more charges in their lifetime without the risk of explosion.

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Disposable Batteries: Turn off devices and remove the batteries when they are not in use. Store batteries so they are not in contact with each other in a place that is below 72°F, but above freezing. Do not toss them out at the expiration date; this is when power starts to decline, but the battery is still usable. To recycle, batteries may be taken to a participating home-improvement store. Find nearby drop-off locations at Call2Recycle.org/locator or Earth911.com.

Rechargeable Batteries: Do not leave rechargeable batteries plugged in all the time and do not allow them to drain their power to zero. Power down devices to avoid extra use. On cellphones, turn off the location mode and use the lower-power mode and dim-light settings.

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February 2024

19

Fit Body

Homeopathy for Athletes Remedies to Address Common Sports Challenges

by Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA)

B

eing physically active is vital to good health, but accidents and injuries are bound to happen. This is where homeopathy can shine. The soccer star David Beckham used homeopathy for his broken foot before competing in the World Cup. James Ellington, the British Olympic sprinter, used homeopathy for muscle and joint pain before his competitions. Champion figure skaters Jayne Torvill and Elvis Stojko used homeopathy for their bruises.

These world-class athletes recognized that homeopathic medicines speed healing and get them back in training quickly, and without troublesome side effects.

situations. These remedies are based on traditional homeopathic practices and have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For dosages, consult with a local homeopath.

Gelsemium sempervirens can bolster the timid athlete that reports a weak stomach, a jittery feeling and weak knees before the starting gun goes off. It can restore their calm and equilibrium. This remedy can ease performance anxiety in other settings as

Arnica, bryonia, hypericum and ruta are goto remedies for sports injuries. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 6 million Americans and 200 million people worldwide use homeopathy on a regular basis.

Evaluating sports and activity injuries has changed. The most helpful remedies may turn out to be those that are not typically thought of for sports injuries. A person’s underlying sensitivities may necessitate a different remedy, one that addresses the whole person, even when their chief complaint is a sprain, bump or bruise.

At other times, athletes are looking for ways to get their mind in gear for fierce competitions and extreme training. The following remedies often prove helpful in such 20

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well; it’s a favorite of actors and musicians to relieve stage fright, and executives choose it to calm nerves before major business deals.

Nux vomica can help the athlete that is irritable, on edge and needs to chill out before climbing onto the racing block. It can also help the super-competitive kid that loses a game and lambasts fellow team members about how their actions led to the loss. Nux vomica helps them become more amenable to the idea that it is not okay to yell at teammates and shift their focus away from the loss and toward enjoyment of their sport.

Aurum metallicum is suited to the intense, idealistic competitor that sets impossibly high goals. From their perspective, it is their duty to win and become depressed if their team does not win. These people, young and old, are hard on themselves. Aurum metallicum can help soften the perspective on winning or losing and shift the mood away from depression. This remedy is also known for its ability to heal headaches that come on after experiencing loss or failure.

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Natrum sulphuricum can help the athlete that becomes seriously depressed after sustaining a head injury in football, field hockey or other contact sport. It can also help with other types of mood changes after head injuries, as well as troubling physical symptoms.

Magnesia phosphorica, which is made from magnesium and phosphorus, can help alleviate cramps and muscle spasms that would be improved by heat, such as those earned after a hard workout or challenging day on the golf course. It also offers temporary relief of menstrual cramps.

Cuprum metallicum is another approach to managing sudden cramps, especially those in the limbs, hands and feet.

Arnica, which is made from a type of mountain daisy, assists the athlete and weekend warrior to relieve muscle aches and stiffness, swelling and discoloration from bruises.

It is also available in topical gel, cream and ointment forms that may be applied to the affected area.

Lauri Grossman is a chiropractor and certified homeopath in New York City. She has been practicing, teaching and presenting on homeopathy for more than 40 years, and she serves as president of the board of directors for the National Center for Homeopathy, a leader in homeopathic education for 50 years.

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February 2024

21

Healing Ways

Mindful Breathwork Managing Stress and Heart Health

by Sheila Julson

T

An inquiry into how breathing relates to the nervous system begins with the vagus nerve, the largest highway within the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve runs from the brain and through the body, down to the gastrointestinal system. “It is the most complex of the cranial nerves and regulates heart rate and the body’s stress response,” says Poonacha Machaiah, CEO of The Chopra Foundation.

Machaiah suggests breathwork as an effective mind-body practice to balance the nervous system and instill calm. It can serve as a pillar, along with nourishment, movement, restful sleep and connection with community and nature, toward maintaining homeostasis in the body. “Breathing is free medicine,” he asserts. “It is your anchor, and every breathwork technique starts with observing your breath and connecting with yourself and your body.”

Stress or anxiousness sends the sympathetic nervous system into overdrive, affirms Meena Malhotra, M.D., a functional medicine practitioner and founder of Chicago-based Heal n Cure integrative clinic. The goal of breathwork, a catchall term for a variety of breathing practices, is to balance the autonomic nervous system. Many breathing 22

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he sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are key partners in regulating heart rate, stress levels and breathing. Stressors such as traffic jams, work deadlines, financial limitations and family conflicts can disrupt this synchronized partnership and lead not just to emotional anguish, but also to high blood pressure, inflammation and increased cardiovascular events.

techniques involve holding the breath, which stimulates the vagus nerve.

“Deep breathing is the best way to stretch and stimulate the vagus nerve,” Malhotra explains. “When the vagus nerve is stimulated, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system is calming, which helps bring the body into balance.”

Just like how there are various types of yoga to achieve different goals, the same holds true for breathwork. “There’s something for everyone,” notes Sandy Abrams, the Los-Angeles-based founder of The C.E.Om and author of Breathe to Succeed: Increase Workplace Productivity, Creativity, and Clarity Through the Power of Mindfulness. “Breathwork is the love language of the nervous system. Being in a state of frequent, chronic stress—even low-grade—makes it difficult to enjoy any experience. Breathwork can calm, balance or boost the nervous system.

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Simply by breathing in ways that calm the nervous system, you can immediately shift from stressed to calm.”

Abrams recommends simple breathing practices that don’t take a lot of time. “The nervous system can become more balanced and relaxed with even just one slow, light, nourishing breath,” she remarks. For beginners, she suggests shifting from shallow, rapid chest breaths, which can induce stress, to deeper ones that activate the diaphragm.

“It helps to place one hand on the belly and feel the expansion outward as you inhale for about six seconds, tracing the breath up to the chest and then slowly exhaling for six seconds.”

The popular “four-seven-eight” method involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven and exhaling for a count of eight. “Four-seven-eight is a very effective stress reduction tool,” Malhotra says. “I suggest that everyone do it while

stuck in traffic or while that hourglass cursor on the laptop is spinning. Instead of checking your email or fidgeting with your phone, do a breathing exercise.”

Other techniques may employ longer or shorter counts, but Abrams notes that there is no need to obsess over counting—just go by feeling. “Relaxation comes with extended exhales that are about twice as long as the inhale,” she asserts.

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Abrams also uses the “bumblebee” technique, which increases nitric oxide to the nasal cavity. Simply inhale lightly and deeply through the nose and during the entire exhale, make a humming sound. The hum can be amplified by gently closing the ears.

The kid-friendly “lion’s breath” helps release stagnant energy. “Close your eyes and inhale through your nose. During the exhale, open your eyes wide, stick out your tongue and shake your hands. Hiss like a fierce lion,” Abrams advises. “Adding movement feels good and makes everybody laugh; laughter is breath, too.” Parents can use the lion’s breath to calm rowdy children in the car or while shopping. It can also help children learn to control their emotions.

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Abrams notes that her breathwork techniques are for relaxation and balancing the nervous system; those with contraindications should consult a physician. Malhotra adds that there are other ways besides breathwork to stimulate the vagus nerve, but some are not safe to do at home and should be done only under the guidance of a medical doctor.

“These breath tools are free and accessible to anyone,” Abrams says. “They can be used in so many different ways, at different times. I encourage everyone to play around with their curiosity about these different breath tools.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

February 2024

23

Healthy Kids

Helping America’s Kids Eat Better How Three Women are Leading the Movement

by Megy Karydes

nutritious meals, playing a major role in how they perform in school, according to a study published in Journal of School Health.

Prompted by perceived needed changes in childhood nutrition, the private sector is stepping up to improve the ways we teach and feed our youngest, hoping to raise healthier future generations. Here are three examples.

Putting Nutrition First

Former First Lady Michelle Obama launched the “Let’s Move!” national campaign in 2010 to reduce childhood obesity and teach children and their caregivers how to create healthier eating habits and lifestyles, and her work didn’t end when she left the White House. In May 2023, she helped launch PLEZi Nutrition, a food and beverage company for children with a stated mission “to be a driver of change, creating higher standards for how we make and market food and beverages for our kids, leading with nutrition, taste and truth.”

“I’ve learned that on this issue, if you want to change the game, you can’t just work from the outside. You’ve got to get inside— you’ve got to find ways to change the food and beverage industry itself,” Obama said at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Festival. “I’m proud to announce the national launch of a company designed not just to provide better products, but to jumpstart a race to the top that will transform the entire food industry.”

Teaching Healthy Eating in Schools

A

ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of children aged 1 to 5 have not eaten a vegetable today. Each week, nearly one in three won’t eat a piece of fruit, and more than half will have had at least one sugar-sweetened beverage. Kids consume 66 grams of sugar per day—that is a whopping 53 pounds of added sugar a year, according to the American Heart Association.

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The foods and drinks kids consume have tremendous impact on their overall health, and these statistics suggest that many parents and guardians need to do a better job of steering their offspring toward more nutritious options. Mounting scientific evidence reveals that a healthy lifestyle from infancy to adulthood helps people maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Many youngsters today don’t eat enough

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In 2009, Jyl Steinback created the national nonprofit Shape Up US to provide teachers, children, parents and communities with the tools they need to adopt healthy, lifelong habits. Rather than trying to impact school lunch programs that are notoriously difficult to change, the author and co-author of multiple books, including Think Outside the Lunchbox Cookbook, brings her nutritional curriculum into classrooms. She created five booklets with hands-on activities that support sustainable living and plant-based

fine, but our data shows that children have increasing rates of obesity, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. These are things that never occurred in children before, and it’s very much connected to our lifestyle.”

Fury recommends that parents and teachers model better behavior and improve the school food culture in general. Instead of using candy as rewards in the classroom, other incentives can be offered such as stickers, pencils or other non-food treats.

She reminds parents and teachers that some children might have attention deficit disorder or other challenges that relate to impulse control or self-regulation, and high-sugar or highly processed foods and dyes are not good for them, or anyone. nutrition, as well as the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children that focuses on cardiovascular health. Since 2009, her programs have been used in 34 states, reaching more than 100,000 children.

Steinback believes in the power of early education. “If you start with K [kindergarten] through sixth grade, you’re planting that seed,” she explains, adding that children are naturally curious and willing to try new things as long as they’re involved in the decision-making process. One way she coaxes

kids to make better choices is by prompting them to go grocery shopping with their parents and pick a food they’ve never eaten before.

Modeling Healthy Behavior

“We have this belief that we can feed children anything,” says public health nurse Meryl Fury, the president and CEO of Plant Based Nutrition Movement. “People will say, ‘Let them be kids; let them eat donuts; let them eat Pop Tarts.’ We feed them mac and cheese and chicken nuggets, and we think it’s

If children initially resist trying new foods, Fury encourages adults not to give up. “Boil it, mash it, sauté it, simmer it, roast it, serve it raw, serve it with sauce or serve it as a dip,” she suggests. It can take one to two dozen times of exposing a child to a new food before they’re even willing to try it, but the healthy benefits could be lifelong.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.

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Natural Pet

Love on a Leash Mutual Benefits of Walking the Dog

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

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he emotional bond between dogs and humans is a powerful force that extends beyond mere companionship. Known for their unwavering loyalty and intuitive understanding, dogs offer a source of comfort and emotional support.

In return, the companionship and care provided by humans create a sense of security and happiness for their canine friends. The seemingly ordinary act of dog walking can bring vitality and other benefits to those on both ends of the leash.

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Emotional Health Benefits

Strengthening Bonds: In a study conducted at Manchester Metropolitan University, in England, researchers aimed to understand how humans and their animal companions actively share spaces, specifically through the lens of walking experiences.

The study called into question a common perception that humans always dominate, showing that during walks, power is negotiated through mutual interaction, disproving the idea that authority goes only one

way. This understanding reveals the complex bond formed during walks, emphasizing that power is shared, adding to the special and mutually helpful connection between humans and their dogs.

Spending Time Together: Walking creates shared moments. Whether exploring familiar places or trying new routes, these shared experiences become lasting memories that make the connection between dogs and owners even stronger.

Communicating Nonverbally: While walking, owners and dogs interact without words.

The leash becomes a kind of language, where owners express feelings and intentions through body language and energy, helping them understand each other better.

Physical Health Benefits

Physical Well-Being: The relationship between dogs and humans contributes significantly to the physical health of both parties.

For Melissa Sherman, an animal communicator, energy healer and holistic pet health coach, a walk is more than just a routine.

It is a holistic strategy to improve her pets’ well-being. Leading her pack of seven dogs through daily forest walks becomes a channel for physical vitality, mental engagement and emotional catharsis. Sherman’s insight reinforces the idea that regular nature walks contribute not only to the physical health but also to the overall happiness of both dogs and their human companions.

Fostering Trust: Walking builds trust and reliance. Dogs trust their owners to guide and protect them during walks, creating a sense of safety and mutual dependence, which deepens their bond.

Exercise Opportunity: Regular activities like dog walks also provide valuable exercise for their human counterparts. Research published in The Gerontologist indicates that older adults that regularly walk their dogs are more likely to meet physical activity recommendations and exhibit greater functional ability compared to nondog owners.

Enjoying Quality Time and Affection: Walking is a time for closeness and affection. A simple pat, a gentle scratch or just being near each other during walks creates moments of connection that strengthen the emotional tie between dogs and their owners.

Cardiovascular Health: An assessment of studies and data by the American Heart Association concluded that dog ownership is likely linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This positive association is primarily attributed to the active practice of dog walking.

www.ClinicalTraditions.com

Quality-of-Life Benefits

Stress Reduction: Studies have shown that the presence of a dog can have a calming effect on humans, reducing stress levels and promoting overall mental well-being.

The simple act of petting a dog releases feel-good hormones, creating a harmonious cycle of emotional support.

Increased Happiness: Dogs bring joy and a sense of purpose to human lives, particularly for those living alone or facing health challenges. The responsibilities of caring for a pet instill a routine and structure that contribute to an enhanced quality of life.

Unconditional Love and Companionship: Perhaps the most profound aspect of this bond is the unconditional love and companionship exchanged between dogs and humans. Dogs are non-judgmental, offering a constant source of emotional support and companionship. In return, humans provide the care, attention and love that form the bedrock of this unique relationship.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet.

Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Are You Ready for a Career Change?

Earn a Master’s Degree in

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Classics Integrated with Traditional Chinese Medicine®

Local & Organic Medicinal Herbs

Teas, Tinctures & Tonics available at the Saturday

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Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine

Gainesville • Florida

www.dragonrises.edu for more information: info@dragonrises.edu

(800) 606-6685

License No. 2425. The Florida Commision for Independant Education. Accreditation www.ACAHM.org

February 2024

27

Calendar of Events FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Using Life’s Manure For Spiritual Growth - 7pm. Rather than trying to get away from or being controlled by painful past experiences, this program will show you how to use difficult, even traumatic, experiences to grow and develop. $10 suggested donation. Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville 4168 Herschel St, Jacksonville.

KTCJax.org/lama-tsultrim-yeshe-visit-february-2nd-6th. 904-357-0663.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Kundalini Yoga - 9am. By stimulating the Kundalini energy that rests at the base of your spine, one may begin to control the rise and fall of this energy, balancing your chakras and helping yogis find the source of inner strength, peace, and balance. $15.

4236 St. Johns Ave. Seventh-Wonder.com/ events. 904-381-8686.

Primitive Pottery Workshop – 10-11:30am.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of pottery, focusing on creating beautiful and functional cups and plates. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, skilled instructors will guide you through the process, ensuring that you not only learn the basics but also have the freedom to explore your creativity. $40. Eat Your Yard Jax, 6500 Utsey Rd, Jacksonville. EatYourYardJax.org/ workshops/primitive-pottery-workshop.

904-343-9575.

Emotional Healing Weekend Workshop - 10am-12pm. While difficulties in life are unavoidable, suffering is optional. This program will explore why some emotions leave us wounded and how to encourage emotions that heal and lead to happiness. We will also explore themes of past trauma, negative childhood experiences, grief, self-compassion, and resiliency. $25 suggested donation. Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville 4168 Herschel St, Jacksonville. KTCJax.org/lama-tsultrim-yeshe-visit-february-2nd-6th. 904357-0663.

Florida Bohemian Festival - 12-6pm. The holistic event features workshops, activities, education and vendors specializing in yoga, plant-based foods, gardening, recycling, rocks and minerals, metaphysical, arts, naturopathy, drum circles, self-improvement and more. $20. 25 W. Castillo Dr, St Augustine. FloridasHistoricCoast. com/events/florida-bohemian-festival.

904-583-4409.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Emotional Healing Weekend Workshop - 2-4pm. While difficulties in life are unavoidable, suffering is optional. This program will explore why some emotions leave us wounded and how to encourage

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Jacksonville / St. Augustine

emotions that heal and lead to happiness. We will also explore themes of past trauma, negative childhood experiences, grief, self-compassion, and resiliency. $25 suggested donation. Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville 4168 Herschel St, Jacksonville. KTCJax.org/lama-tsultrim-yeshe-visit-february-2nd-6th. 904357-0663.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Twin Hearts Meditation - 6-7pm. The phases of meditation are physical exercise, invoking divine blessings, relaxation/ cleansing and energizing, self-introspection and inner reflection, activating the heart chakra and crown chakra, achieving illumination, releasing excess energy, and expressing gratitude. Free. 4236 St. Johns Ave. Seventh-Wonder.com/events.

904-381-8686.

tific lectures, engaging panel discussions, special focus lectures and live demonstrations. The exposition will spotlight the latest research, cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced treatment protocols and breakthroughs in the field of preventing and mitigating the diseases associated with aging from cancer and heart disease to Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Free with registration. 12000 Alumni Dr, Jacksonville.

BeyondHealthExpo.com. 904-683-0918.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Attention all Active Military and Veterans – 10am-7pm. Proudly offering United States military, active or retired, complimentary 2-hour EESystem sessions.

Benefits reported include pain reduction, decreased PTSD symptoms, decreased anxiety, depression and improved ability to sleep through the night and more.

Life Force Energy Wellness Center, 12276 San Jose Blvd Ste 713, Jacksonville. LifeForceEnergyWellnessCenter.com. 904323-4411.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Divine Messages - 6:30pm. Explore other dimensions of the world that we share with Archangels, Guardians, Guides and loved ones who are always here with us. 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach. JudiWeaver. com. 386-503-4930.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Goat Yoga - 10am. New baby goats were born in December and are ready to mingle. The young ones bring an unmatched energy to the yoga yard, often turning it into something more resembling parkour. $30. 3049 Cortez Rd, Jacksonville.

TinyURL.com/LittlePeepsGoatYoga. 904314-7896.

Plants for Tinctures, Poultices, and Syrups - 10-11am. Discover a variety of plants renowned for their medicinal properties.

Learn about their historical uses and modern applications in alternative medicine. $35. Eat Your Yard Jax, 6500 Utsey Rd, Jacksonville. EatYourYardJax.org/ workshops/plants-for-tinctures-poulticesand-syrups. 904-343-9575.

Beyond Health Conference and Expo 10am-4pm. The program features scien-

NAJax.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Eckankar: The Path of Spiritual Freedom – 6:30-7:30pm. Spritual discussion on karma and reincarnation. discover your godlike qualities and know spiritual freedom. South Mandarin Library, 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville. Eck-Florida. org. 904-725-7760.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Moon Rituals for 2024: Using the Lunar Cycle to Create a Generative Life - Discover how aligning with the moon phases enhances manifestation abilities, recharges your energy, and cultivates a deeper connection with The Universe and your karma. $25. 4236 St. Johns Ave. Seventh-Wonder.com/events. 904-381-8686.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Kundalini Yoga - 9am. By stimulating the Kundalini energy that rests at the base of your spine, one may begin to control the rise and fall of this energy, balancing your chakras and helping yogis find the source of inner strength, peace, and balance. $15.

4236 St. Johns Ave. Seventh-Wonder.com/ events. 904-381-8686.

Jacksonville Holistic Wellness Expo - 11am3pm. Discover a diverse range of holistic practices, from yoga and meditation to nutrition and alternative therapies. Immerse yourself in a day filled with wellness products and services. 12000 Alumni Dr, Jacksonville.

JacksonvilleBusinessConnections.com/ events/jacksonville-holistic-wellness-expo.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Calling All Liars - 2pm. The nonprofit Tale Tellers of St. Augustine performing guild will conduct their famous Liar’s Contest at The Waterworks, hosted by Pat Nease, a highly lauded liar. Individuals can sign up to win prizes for the best liars and enjoy an afternoon of fun and folly. $10. 184 San Marco Ave, St Augustine. TaleTellers.org.

904-540-0402.

Essence of Light Spiritualist Gathering - 5:30pm. Judi Weaver will be the guest pastor. Healing Service begins at 5:30pm followed by Spiritualist Service at 6:00pm.

Unity Spiritual Center 509 County Rd 468 Fruitland Park. JudiWeaver.com. 386503-4930.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Twin Hearts Meditation - 6-7pm. The phases of meditation are physical exercise, invoking divine blessings, relaxation/ cleansing and energizing, self-introspection and inner reflection, activating the heart chakra and crown chakra, achieving illumination, releasing excess energy, and expressing gratitude. Free. 4236 St. Johns Ave. Seventh-Wonder.com/events.

904-381-8686.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Attention all Active Military and Veterans – 10am-7pm. Proudly offering United States military, active or retired, complimentary 2 hour EESystem sessions.

Benefits reported include pain reduction, decreased PTSD symptoms, decreased anxiety, depression and improved ability to sleep through the night and more.

Life Force Energy Wellness Center, 12276 San Jose Blvd Ste 713, Jacksonville. LifeForceEnergyWellnessCenter.com. 904323-4411.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Growing, Harvesting, and Using Herbs 10-11am. Discover the secrets of successful herb cultivation, from selecting the right herbs for your climate to understanding soil, sunlight, and watering requirements.

Learn valuable tips and techniques for nurturing your herbs to vibrant, aromatic perfection. $35. Eat Your Yard Jax, 6500 Utsey Rd, Jacksonville. EatYourYardJax. org/workshops/plants-for-tinctures-poultices-and-syrups. 904-343-9575.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Leap into Quantum Consciousness 6:30pm. During this magnificent gathering you will be transported beyond time and space into the quantum energetic realms, so that your consciousness can link for accessing and alchemizing with this profound source that is enhancing your existence. 56 N Halifax Dr, Ormond Beach. JudiWeaver.com. 386-503-4930.

Ongoing Events

Daily Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum and Newborn Classes – 6-7pm. Classes are held virtually online lead by our top instructors utilizing state of the art visual aids and activities to keep it fun and engaging while presenting the latest evidence-based material on each topic. $35 per class. Childbirth-Classes.com.

Sundays Yoga Therapy Certification Program – 6pm. 1st SunFriSat. Course meets monthly: Friday (6-9pm), Saturday & Sunday (11am-7pm) in a Zoom online format.

IAYT Accredited Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification Program expands professional development for certif ied yoga teachers and prepares them to use yoga therapy to improve health and well-being.

AumHomeShala.org/trainings/clinical-yoga-therapy-certification.

Mondays Christina Phipps Foundation Yoga – 1-2pm. Consent forms and an attendance sheet will be distributed at the beginning of class. Participants should dress comfortably and no prior experience is necessary. Bring a doctor’s consent prior to taking the class. Free. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jacksonville.

ChristinaPhippsFoundation.com. 904233-6162.

Tuesdays Tai Chi – 10:30am & 7pm. The practice of tai chi is a sustainable form of exercise with a multitude of direct and indirect health benef its. The meditative and physical aspects of Taoist Tai Chi arts involve deep stretching with a full range of motion and continuous turning of the spine. This exercises the whole physiology including muscular, skeletal, nervous and circulatory systems, as well as tendons, joints connective tissue and organs. This whole-body approach has a beneficial effect on many conditions, from stress and sore backs to deeper health issues such as depression, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 918 Park St. TaoistTaiChi.org.

877-398-1108.

science of complete relaxation rooted in a vast body of knowledge from ancient traditions. Free Zoom class. AumHomeShala.org/classes/yoga-for-parkinsons.

305-441-9441.

Bridges of Harmony Chorus – 7pm.

A premier group of women of all ages and backgrounds from across Jacksonville is currently looking for new female members. Murray Hill United Methodist Church, 4101 College Street, Jacksonville.

BridgesOfHarmonyChorus.com. 904-3379068.

Thursdays Tai Chi – 10:30am & 7pm. The practice of tai chi is a sustainable form of exercise with a multitude of direct and indirect health benef its. The meditative and physical aspects of Taoist Tai Chi arts involve deep stretching with a full range of motion and continuous turning of the spine. This exercises the whole physiology including muscular, skeletal, nervous and circulatory systems, as well as tendons, joints connective tissue and organs. This whole-body approach has a beneficial effect on many conditions, from stress and sore backs to deeper health issues such as depression, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5616 Atlantic Blvd. TaoistTaiChi. org. 877-398-1108.

Saturdays Saturday Silent Sitting Meditation – 9-10am. Join in for Saturday Silent Sitting Meditation in person or online at Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville. Meditation is the foundation of Buddhist practice and we hope that you can take advantage of this opportunity for Shamata Meditation that can bring peace and tranquility to our lives. Free. Karma Thegsum Choling Jacksonville, 4168 Herschel Street, Jacksonville. KTCJax.org. 904-357-0663.

Practice Meditation – 1:45-3:15pm. Inviting the community to come join Collective Guided Weekly Meditation sessions at the Hindu Society of NE Florida for 45 mins covering established meditative practices, followed by 15 minute of sharing experiences and discussion on spiritual topics.

Free. Hindu Society of North East, 4968 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. hsnef.org.

904- 268-7630.

Weekly Meditation – 1-1:30pm. Silence means letting go of thoughts. Stillness means letting go of desire. Simplicity means letting go of self-analysis. transform many interconnected attitudes, such as fear of failure, craving for success, and reluctance to be yourself. Free.

Y Healthy Living Center Baptist North 11236 Baptist Health Drive Jacksonville.

BaptistJax.com.

Yoga Nidra for Parkinson’s – 4:305:30pm. 1st Tues. Yoga Nidra is a sublime

February 2024

29

Community Resource Guide

Acupuncture

THE SPIRITUAL PHARMACIST LLC

Amy Zygart, PharmD Amy@TheSpiritualPharmacist.com 203-751-0986 TheSpiritualPharmacist.com

A WAY OF LIFE ACUPUNCTURE

Dr Christine Yastrzemski, NCCAOM, AP, AP2255

Coaching program that helps stressed-out healthcare professionals reclaim their peace, energy and love for life again! See ad page 13.

Dr Sarah Thomas, DACM, AP AP4183 4337 Pablo Oaks Ct, Bldg 200 904-373-8415, Jacksonville AWayOfLifeAcupuncture.com NCCAOM Board Certified Acupuncture Physician specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. We offer the highest quality of care while customizing treatments that best suit your needs.

I CAN HELP WITH THAT! Metaphysical Options for a Joyful Life AngelLatterell@gmail.com 503-660-8610 AngelLatterell.com

Meditation, energy healing, coaching & classes teaching you the science of self care through mindful means.

Proven techniques and daily practices to access a life of joy & abundance. See ad page 13.

THE DIVINE IS WITHIN ENERGY HEALING & COACHING

Melina Stroumpis, Certified Emotion Code & Body Code Practitioner 386-319-5577, Volusia/Flagler TheDivineIsWithin.com

The Body Code taps into the body's inner knowing to release imbalances contributing to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual issues. Effective for anxiety, PTSD, sleep issues, chronic pain, atigue, and much more. Donation-based sessions.

Pay what you can. Suggested $40-$90.

See ad page 23.

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Jacksonville / St. Augustine

NATIVE SUN

1585 3rd St North, Jacksonville Beach 904-853-5497 NativeSunJax.com Jax Beach’s community organic grocer, local food and essential items. Order online for curbside p/u.

Energy Healing

Herbs

HEALING ENERGY BY TED

LAURENCE LAYNE, LMT, HERBALIST

Ted Kostek 6010 DuClay Road, Ste 10, Jacksonville 904-613-7608 HealingEnergyByTed.com

Coaching

Grocery

Certified in Reconnective Healing, The Emotion Code, The Body Code, Reiki Master. Powerful healings, with great compassion and care. Clean chakras, aura, entity removal, in-person and remote sessions for humans and animals.

See ad on page 8.

Functional Medicine JACKSONVILLE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Dr Jon Repole, DC, CFMP 9957 Moorings Dr, Ste 403 Jacksonville (Mandarin) 904-268-6568 DrRepole.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner.

Find the cause of your health challenge. Our office will create a doctor-supervised, custom-tailored, health program that will include the following: meal planning, supplemental prescriptions, detoxification guidance, food/lifestyle coaching, exercise prescriptions, accountability, online patient portal and more. We utilize the most advanced diagnostics testing available to aid both our diagnoses and treatment. See ad on page 21.

NAJax.com

MA0010746 MM005595 Healing Waters Clinic & Herb Shop 26 Clark St, St. Augustine 904-826-1965 HealingWatersClinic.com A holistic center specializing in pain relief and chronic health issues. Certified in neuromuscular and deep tissue bodywork, myofascial therapy, craniosacral balancing, East-West herbalism.

Offering attunement energy healing since 1978. See ad on page 26.

Hypnosis QUANTUM HEALING HYPNOSIS TECHNIQUE (QHHT)

Moly Hines, Certified Practitioner 4210 Valley Ridge Blvd., Ponte Vedra HigherLoveQHHT.com

Journey to the part of you which holds all the answers, your Higher Self. Access a flow of divine guidance and transformational healing, using Dolores Cannon's unique and gentle method of regressive hypnosis. See ad page 13.

In Vitro Fertilization RELAXED CYCLE

Veronica Giannini 347-549-2659 RelaxedCycle.com

Metaphysical Gift Store EARTH GIFTS

1951 Stimson St, Jacksonville, 32210 904-389-3690 EarthGifts.com

As an in vitro fertilization (IVF) Immersive Meditation Facilitator, I create relaxing experiences for women undergoing IVF, so they can find moments of deep relaxation, clarity, and connection by accessing their intuitive inner voice to support their IVF treatment. See ad page 25.

Your go-to place in Jax for rocks, incense, books, candles and anything thing else your magical heart desires. Your official one stop shop for all your metaphysical and spiritual needs. See ad page 19.

Medical Massage

Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness

LUMINOUS THERAPEUTICS MEDICAL MASSAGE

Lisa Verbitskaya, LMT, MLD-C 14797 Phillips Hwy, Ste 206, Jacksonville 904-321-9065 LuminousTherapeutics.com Luminous Therapeutics specializes in treatment of chronic pain, injuries, postural imbalances, post-surgical and traumatic edema, and more. We offer various modalities of medical massage therapy such as myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, cupping, manual lymphatic drainage. MA91263, MM43912. See ad page 7.

Medium

TENDERHEART BODYWORKS

2008 Riverside Ave Ste 300 Jacksonville 904-497-0593 TenderHeartBodyworks.com Specializing in Craniosacral Therapy, TenderHeart Bodyworks offers a safe, nurturing touch that comforts and unwinds restrictions in the nervous system, fascillitating healing in mind, body and spirit. #MA99627 #MM33164

LIFE FORCE ENERGY WELLNESS CENTER

12276 San Jose Blvd, Ste. 713, Jacksonville LifeForceEnergyWellness@gmail.com LifeForceEnergyWellnessCenter.com

Thermography FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

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

nient for you.

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location conve-

Transformational Coaching COACH DAN GORMLEY INNERVIDA LLC

Dgormley23@outlook.com 904-377-5789 PositiveIntelligence.com

Learn to Recognize and Balance Your 10-Inner Saboteurs! Join our 7-week Transformational Coaching Pod and discover your life’s purpose. Empathize!

Explore! Innovate! Navigate! and Activate your right-brain Sage powers! See ad page 21.

REV. JUDI WEAVER

Trance Channel Medium Licensed Master Metaphysician Ormond Beach, Florida Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com 386-503-4930 JudiWeaver.com Are you seeking—clarity, guidance and divine healing from your Angels and Guides? Receive personal insight messages that provide peace and purpose for your body, mind and spirit.

Come and experience the Energy Enhancement System designed to create an hyper healthy energy field around the human body. Clinical studies have shown the potential of bio-scalar energy to boost cell regeneration, immune function, and neurotransmitter function.

Enjoy a session in our Salt Room for respiratory wellness and healthy skin. We can't wait to meet you. See ad page 9.

LIST YOUR BIZ IN THIS WELLNESS DIRECTORY! Text Now for Speical Rates!

(386) 736-3838

February 2024

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Saturday February 17th | 11-3pm UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center 1200 Alumni Dr. Jacksonville

Experience the latest in natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth, sustainable living, and so much more!

Vendors | Raffles | Demonstrations Swag Bags to the first 20 Guests

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Jacksonville / St. Augustine

NAJax.com