Natural Awakenings Magazine, Broward County, Florida, June 2022

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HEALTHY

LIVING

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PLANET

Special Edition

MEN’S HEALTH REDEFINING MANLINESS NEW WAYS THAT MEN ARE THRIVING

The Gift of an IMPERFECT FATHER EMPATHY 101 OVERCOMING SETBACKS

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ECO-ADVENTURES the fitness benefits of

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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une is our month to shine a focus on men's health. The feature article, The Healing of the Modern Man: Men Redefine Their Emotional Power, looks at cultural shifts in redefining what manhood can be. According to recent studies, the broader availability of access to both in-person and virtual mental health practitioners allows for an overall increase in men who are choosing healthier options in dealing with emotional issues and addictive behavior. There is still much more to do. The article that begins on page 16 lists several resources for more information.

Some men take on their fatherly duties without prior experience, training, or mentorship and do the best they can at any given time. As their sons become adults, identifying the gift the “imperfect father” (or mother) presents may take many years to unwrap. Read more about this process of forgiveness and perspective in our Inspiration Department's article by Marlaina Donato found on page 25.

In his new book, writer Frank Bruni shares stories from people who exemplify perseverance and optimism in the shadow of trauma and afflictions. He includes his own story of overcoming a setback. His personal story begins through the writing of his memoir during the time therapy started for a sudden onset of vision loss.

During this time, he recognized how many people live lives with affliction. For more on this story, see page 24 for our Wise Words Department article, Frank Bruni on Living with Afflictions.

Take time to explore places where there is little to no cell service. One example discussed in our Green Living Department's article, Unplugged Adventures, covers suggestions that range from camping, hiking, and trekking to river rafting tours for people of all ages and abilities. Also provided are a few ideas for your next getaway and information on a volunteer vacation program with land stewardship projects. See the article on page 12.

Studies show that children who practice empathy position themselves for personal and professional success. Empathy is a tool that parents, guardians, teachers, and other adults use in teaching the younger

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BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA EDITION

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines Publisher Editor Design & Production Contributing Writers Sales & Marketing Accounting Distribution

generations for fashioning a world where there is social justice using a civic-minded approach to eliminate inequities and injustices. This Healthy Kids Department article, starting on page 14, describes one innovative kindergarten program teaching the students about relating to a baby. Mindfully incorporating examples of empathy and compassion into everyday experiences builds a strong foundation upon which observing children can follow and express to others in further improving local multi-cultural empathy for global well-being.

Our Fit Body Department article, The Exercise Power of E-Bikes, provides cardio data research and a comparison of conventional and e-bike riding.

Rider surveys offer additional insights into considering what type of e-bike to purchase. See article on page 20.

In this month's issue, find inspiration and resources for supporting a kinder, gentler, and more socially equitable world. May your June be most joyful and rewarding!

Oneness: Humanity at its best when everyone works together. ~ Anonymous

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Contents

12 UNPLUGGED 16 ADVENTURES 16 Eco-Tripping for a Digital

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Detox

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HOW TO RAISE EMPATHETIC KIDS

Simple Ways Parents Can Cultivate Compassion

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THE HEALING OF THE MODERN MAN

Men Redefine Their Emotional Power

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THE EXERCISE POWER OF E-BIKES

Get a Workout on an Easier Ride

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MISBEHAVING DOG WALKS

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24

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Ways Humans Get it Wrong

FRANK BRUNI

on Living with Afflictions

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THE GIFT OF AN IMPERFECT FATHER

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PLANET-FRIENDLY POURS

The Rise of Sustainable Wine and Spirits

DEPARTMENTS 6 health briefs 8 global briefs 10 eco tip 12 green living 14 healthy kids 20 fit body 22 natural pet 24 wise words

25 inspiration 26 conscious eating 29 calendar 29 classifieds 30 natural awakenings directory June 2022

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Cut Back on Booze to Protect the Brain Dmitry Naumov/AdobeStock.com

It is widely known that heavy drinking harms the brain, but even drinking as little as a few beers or glasses of wine per week will reduce brain volume, according to a new study of 36,000 adults. Researchers led by a University of Pennsylvania team reported in Nature Communications that alcohol consumption even at modest levels may carry risks to the brain, shrinking it in ways similar to the aging process. The study was conducted using the UK Biobank, a dataset from 500,000 British middle-aged and older adults that includes genetic and medical information, including white and gray matter volume in different regions of the brain.

The researchers found that the more alcohol people consumed on average, the greater the brain damage.

Going from zero to a daily average of one alcohol unit (half a beer or half a glass of wine) is linked with the equivalent of a half a year of aging in 50-year-olds. Drinking an average of two units a day (a pint of beer or glass of wine) produces changes in the brain equivalent to aging two years. The difference between zero and four units (two beers or glasses of wine) was equal to more than 10 years of aging. “It’s not linear,” says study co-author Remi Daviet. “It gets worse the more you drink. There is some evidence that the effect of drinking on the brain is exponential. That means that cutting back on that final drink of the night might have a big effect in terms of brain aging.”

Pump Iron to Boost Sleep For the one in three Americans that are sleep-deprived, working out with resistance exercises to strengthen muscles may produce longer and deeper shuteye than aerobics, new research from the American Heart Association shows. In a 12-month study, researchers randomly assigned 386 inactive, overweight adults with high blood pressure to one of several groups that worked out for an hour three times a week. A resistance exercise group did three sets of eight to 16 repetitions on 12 machines; the aerobics group used treadmills, bicycles or elliptical machines; a combo group used both; and a control group did no supervised exercise. Among the 42 percent of participants that were not getting at least seven hours of sleep at the study’s start, sleep duration increased by an average of 40 minutes for the resistance exercise group compared to an increase of about 23 minutes in the aerobic exercise group and about 17 minutes in the combined exercise group.

“If your sleep has gotten noticeably worse over the past two stressful years, consider incorporating two or more resistance exercise training sessions into your regular exercise routine to improve your general muscle and bone health, as well as your sleep,” says study author Angelique Brellenthin, assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University, in Ames.

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Try Neem and Walking to Ward Off COVID-19 Symptoms Two new studies suggest that neem (Azadirachta indica), a plant used for centuries in India to treat malaria, intestinal ulcers and skin diseases, may offer protection against COVID-19 and future variants. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, researchers found that neem bark extract tested on COVID-infected human lung cells proved as effective as a preventive drug. It targeted a wide range of viral proteins and also decreased virus replication and spread after infection. In an Indian double-blind study of 190 healthcare workers or relatives of COVID-19 patients, researchers at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, in Delhi, found that those given a neem extract of 50 milligrams twice daily for 28 days had a reduced risk of 55 percent for infection compared to the control group.

For people dealing with the lingering symptoms of long COVID such as fatigue, brain fog and muscle pain, a solution may be daily exercise of at least 30 minutes, because it lowers inflammation and blood glucose levels, suggest Louisiana State University researchers in the journal Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. “If you can only walk 15 minutes once a day, do that. The important thing is to try. It doesn’t matter where you begin,” says article author Candida Rebello, Ph.D. 6

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health briefs

Nitrate-rich beetroot extract and citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, have been shown to be precursors of nitric oxide, which benefits athletic performance by expanding blood vessels and increasing blood flow. To determine whether combining the two produces better results, Spanish researchers gave the two supplements separately and together to 32 male triathletes for nine weeks. The dosages were 3 grams a day of citrulline and 2.1 grams a day of beetroot extract. In a study published in Biology, they reported that the combination did not improve markers of exercise-induced muscle damage, but did reduce cortisol levels, and also enabled those participants to run 5 percent farther in the standard 12-minute Cooper Test.

June 2022

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Run Farther with Beetroot and Citrulline

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Shady Solution

global briefs

California Canals Gain Solar Panels

Park Limits

National Parks Enacting New Regulations

MichaelVi/AdobeStock.com

Because our national parks and protected areas are feeling the pressure of increased demand for outdoor recreation, the National Park Service (NPS) has cracked down on some recreational activities to better manage the human impact on natural environments.

In 2021, the national park system hosted nearly 300 million recreational visits, and 44 parks set visitation records. The high number of cars creates congestion, pollution and collisions with wildlife. Overcrowding on trails can lead to higher risk of hiking accidents and illegal off-roading.

Two Utah national parks will start requiring reservations. At Zion, Rocky Mountain and Glacier national parks, guests need a permit to hike certain routes. Arches National Park guests will have to book timed entry tickets during the high season. Acadia and Zion announced the temporary closure of some popular climbing sites starting this month to ensure that peregrine falcons can nest without disturbance.

In 2021, the NPS gave park superintendents the authority to ban e-bikes if they adversely impact natural resources or other visitors, as well as scenic air tours at dawn or dusk or within a half-mile of the ground. Biologically important behaviors for many species occur during sunrise and sunset such as foraging, mating and communication. The hours of operation provide quiet periods of the day during which visitors can enjoy natural sounds and preserve opportunities for solitude in designated wilderness areas.

Our national parks are places of unparalleled scenic beauty and wildlife for all of us to enjoy. These national treasures are being threatened by plastic trash. Nonprofit Free the Ocean is circulating a petition to Get Single-Use Plastic Out of U.S. National Parks. Sign it at Tinyurl.com/PlasticParkPetition.

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©2022 Free the Ocean.

Ban Plastics in National Parks

To both conserve water and generate clean energy, Project Nexus, an innovative pilot project from the University of California-Merced, will install solar arrays over 25-foot- and 100-foot-wide canals in the Turlock Irrigation District so operators can monitor and evaluate their impact on water quality and evaporation, as well as assess maintenance and logistical issues. External Affairs Department Manager Josh Weimer says, “In today’s world and how we are operating our system, saving every possible drop of water for future beneficial use is something that we are really trying to focus on.”

In Europe, canals are lined with tree cover, while India has already started using solar panels. Project partner Solar AquaGrid, LLC, recognized the untapped opportunity to curtail evaporation and advance California’s Solar Over Canal initiative. CEO Jordan Harris states, “Research and common sense tell us that in an age of intensifying drought, it’s time to put a lid on evaporation. Our initial study revealed mounting solar panels over open canals can result in significant water, energy and cost savings when compared to ground-mounted solar systems, including added efficiency resulting from an exponential shading and cooling effect.

Now is the chance to put that learning to the test.”

No Fencing Benefits Don’t Fence Me In

A group of biologists in the northern Rockies published a paper in 2018, “A fence runs through it: A call for greater attention to the influence of fences on wildlife and ecosystems.” In 2020, a meta-analysis in BioScience looked at all the studies of the effects of fences and found that their profound impacts are often ignored or greatly underestimated. The impacts extend far beyond blocking animal migration routes and include furthering disease transmission by concentrating animals, altering the hunting practices of predators and impeding access to key areas of water and forage. Fences are going up rapidly as border barriers and livestock farming increase.

In the case of the U.S./Mexico border wall intended to prevent illegal immigration, “The main threat ... is the landscape-level impacts of curtailing or completely precluding wildlife movement and eliminating landscape connectivity at large scales,” says Aaron Flesch, a wildlife biologist at the University of Arizona, who has studied the wall’s impacts. Bighorn sheep and jaguars are cut off from their kind on the other side of the border. That means that the genetic interaction needed to keep small populations of jaguars or ocelots healthy may be affected. It also means bighorn sheep in Mexico may not be able to migrate north to escape a hotter and drier climate.

Easy Beezy

Nesting Habits

A recent study published in Insects compared mango trees at a local farm in Homestead, Florida, where one plot of trees had weeds growing around them and another plot was maintained to be weed-free. It turns out that the presence of weeds benefits trees and pollinators. “Weeds actually do a lot of good. It might be helpful to think of them of wildflowers,” says Blaire Kleiman, the Florida International University Institute of Environment graduate teaching assistant and alumna who, under the guidance of professors Suzanne Koptur and Krishnaswamy Jayachandran, undertook this research funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants program.

Fruit trees can’t live without pollinators. Bees and other insects have been shown to increase the size and quality of yields from 70 percent of the leading, economically important crops in the world, but it’s getting harder to bring bees to the trees. Over the last 30 years, pollinator numbers have declined significantly. Farmers already rely on insectary plants to attract pollinators, and Kleiman notes that her findings apply to 80 percent of all flowering plants of Earth, including vegetables like tomatoes, beans, eggplants and squash. She wants her study to help farmers also reduce the use of chemical pesticides that harm pollinators.

In a new study, “Climate Change Affects Bird Nesting Phenology: Comparing Contemporary Field and Historical Museum Nesting Records,” published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, scientists were able to determine that about a third of the bird species nesting in Chicago are laying their eggs a month earlier than they did 100 years ago by comparing eggs preserved in museum collections to modern observations. Researchers think the culprit in this shift is climate change.

John Bates, curator of birds at the Field Museum and the study’s lead author, says, “The majority of the birds we looked at eat insects, and insects’ seasonal behavior is also affected by climate. The birds have to move their egg-laying dates to adapt. Egg collections are such a fascinating tool for us to learn about bird ecology over time. I love the fact that this paper combines these older and modern datasets to look at these trends over about 120 years and help answer really critical questions about how climate change is affecting birds.”

Bates advises, “These early egg people were incredible natural historians in order to do what they did. You really have to know the birds in order to go out and find the nests and do the collecting.”

Climate Change Causing Birds to Lay Eggs Earlier

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Kiryakova Anna/AdobeStock.com

Weeds Attract Pollinators to Increase Harvests

BENEFITS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

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ne of the best-kept secrets in medicine is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Here, you breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Injured or damaged cells replicate using an eightfold increase in a patient’s own stem cells during this treatment. The pressure pushes oxygen into the plasma to reach injured areas anywhere in the body.

HBOT has proven effective for COVID-19 and its long haulers, anti-aging issues like cognitive fog, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. It also treats people who’ve experienced physical and concussive trauma. “It can return these veterans to

their families free of PTSD and other injuries,” says Raymond Crallé, a Registered Physical Therapist who leads the team.

“We can help people who think their golden years aren’t so golden.”

The outpatient Delray Beach facility offers an effective combination of HBOT and physical therapy. Their hyperbaric chambers are clear acrylic, preventing claustrophobia. Chambers include an entertainment center. Blankets and pillows keep users comfortable.

Professionally trained staff are HBOT proficient in safety procedures. “There are 14 Medicare and insurance-approved

conditions. We also treat stroke patients, professional athletes, and others seeking wellness goals,” says Crallé.

Crallé has been involved in the breakthrough use of HBOT and in many published studies.

He has worked with children and adults and participated in an HBOT study for Veterans. Crallé was recognized by his peers as a pioneer in the field of hyperbaric medicine.

Contact Oxygen Rescue Care Centers of America, 525 NE 3rd Ave, Ste 107, Delray Beach, FL 33444, 561-819-0412.

—Advertorial — June 2022

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GROW YOUR BUSINESS

eco tip

Contact us for special ad rates.

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Eco-Volunteering HANDS-ON WAYS TO HELP OUR PLANET THIS SUMMER Helping nature while enjoying the great outdoors is a classic win-win opportunity. Here are a few ideas to join the fun while contributing sweat equity.

Corral the Cleanup Crew Becoming a weekend cleanup community leader can be as simple as gathering family, friends and neighbors to beautify the surroundings and save animals from suffering. To improve water quality, pay special attention to beaches and rivers. Get permission from local authorities, arrange a special trash pickup and equip the crew with gloves and garbage bags. Afterwards, stand together proudly before the enormous hill of discarded plastics, fishing lines, beer bottles, aluminum cans, fast-food containers and other refuse. Congratulate the team and take pictures to post on social media. For more tips, visit Tinyurl.com/trashteam.

Get on the Community Gardening Bandwagon Community gardens are springing up on school grounds, at hospitals and correctional facilities, on rooftops and balconies, and in unused public spaces and underserved communities. Researchers have proven what we suspect: Gardening is a great workout and leads to improved heart health and weight loss, while breathing fresh air and helping things grow in kinship with like-minded people is

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a surefire mood enhancer. Reaping the benefits of locally grown, fresh produce; beautifying a neighborhood with flowering plants or shade trees; and providing food and refuge for pollinators and other wildlife is not too shabby, either. Now is the time to join an existing group or start a new community garden. For inspiring examples and how-to ideas, visit FoodIsFreeProject. org and OneTreePlanted.org.

Lend a Helping Hand at a Park Local, state and national parks rely on volunteers to conduct tours and maintain green areas and facilities. Even artists and scientists are welcome to lend their expertise. Consider combining a park visit with purposeful assistance. The National Park Service runs a Volunteers-in-Parks program (nps.gov/ getinvolved/volunteer.htm) that offers one-time service projects and longerterm positions at parks throughout the country and in U.S. territories in the Pacific and Caribbean. Visit Volunteer. gov for tasks like a campground host at the Rocky Mountain National Park or climber steward at Joshua Tree National Park. Many state park systems and municipal parks and recreation departments use websites to manage their volunteer opportunities, such as Volunteers.FloridaStateParks.org or tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/helpparks. All it takes is an internet search of the name of the state or county plus “park” and “volunteer” to find local openings.

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The Mouth, the Heart, & Sexual Wellness Connection

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by Dr. Yolanda Cintron

am thrilled to write about this topic as it may be the piece of the puzzle you or your loved one is missing. Impotence is devastating to a man’s self-esteem, relationships and mental health. We are very fortunate to be treating patients who think outside-the-box, proactively seeking optimal health to eradicate the root causes of anything that is stealing away their strength and vitality. They are using cutting-edge information and doctors, eating organic, exercising, supplementing with peptides and hormones like testosterone and DHEA, detoxifying, doing everything they can like hyperbaric chambers, acupuncture and other modalities, and still have unresolved problems. These patients have been guided to our office as they have run out of things to fix and figured out it comes from their oral cavity (which affects the brain, lungs, heart, stomach, intestines and other organs, including the penis). Some watched the Netflix documentary, now on the Tubi app, Root Cause, and sought us after relating to the main character who is young with erectile dysfunction (ED) devastating his life, self-esteem, mental health and relationship. He does everything right—tries every available treatment from around the world with no results—until he finally removes the “root cause”.

When a patient presents with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, palpitations, high cholesterol, gingival infection, etc., physicians need to look in the mouth before putting them on medications that cause muscular dystrophy (also causing ED) and dementia and are not fixing the root cause. I would like to share with you a couple of stories of patients who suffered from impotence, ED, and the overall desire to fine-tune their health.

Patient A is a fit, 34-year-old vegan male in a relationship with a stunning woman. He was experiencing severe health problems. He ran out of doctors and specialists of all kinds.

Our findings after an oral exam: four huge “tumors” on his upper jaw that were either root canaled teeth or non-vital, plus periodontal infection (which spread through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing respiratory issues, bronchitis, asthma, infecting/causing heart inflammation-endocarditis). He was feeling so fatigued, he couldn’t even get out of bed to run his business so he closed it. The day after his procedure, he was like a new person—full of new hope and healthy after removal of the infections.

Patient B is fit but fearful of the dentist as he lost two friends due to gum infection entering their hearts (from lack of proper preventive dental care), causing endocarditis. Their cardiologists failed to educate them as to how vital it is to maintain infection-free gums and teeth.

He himself presented with advanced gum and bone infection, dead teeth in his jawbones, cavitations, abscesses and rampant decay. His blood pressure was so dangerously high, we suggested he consult with a cardiologist immediately.

He then advised he had “done everything out there” health-wise, including being treated by a doctor with chelation therapy; obviously, none of this removed the root cause of the problem—the problem was in his mouth. The patient now knows what he needs to do. We will use either IV or oral sedation so we can do the procedures in his mouth to help him get back to optimal health. Using sedation will lower his anxiety in our preventive plan to prevent the heart attack.

Prostate health is directly connected to the teeth in both jaws. We have helped men with ED, enlarged prostates, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, kidney infections and prostate cancer. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. A healthy PSA level is around 4 (depending on age), and some of these patients’ numbers were over 100 previous to treatment. After teeth connected to the prostate were addressed, reports came back of reduced PSA levels and C Reactive protein levels for all these patients.

There is HOPE. If you have existing root canals or infected gums, call us. Let’s work together and return you to optimal heart health and vitality.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit GoNaturalDentistry.com or call 954-945-7355; we will take care of your needs and get you healthy again—pain-free!

With Love, Dr. Yolie GoNaturalDentistry.com Dr.Yolie.com

Advertorial • Go Natural Dentistry • 2021 E. Commercial Blvd., Ste 208, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 GoNaturalDentistry.com • DrYolie.com • Info@DrCintron.com • Office, 855-381-6001 • New Patients, 954-945-7355

green living

UNPLUGGED ADVENTURES ECO-TRIPPING FOR A DIGITAL DETOX

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by Sheila Julson

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martphones come in handy for emergencies or checking directions while traveling, but a brief glance at a website or social media can quickly turn into a lengthy scroll session, distracting us from why we go on vacation in the first place. For those that want to truly unplug, unique off-grid, eco-options beckon.

Remote and Quirky Camping

The National Park Service has many affordable campgrounds at parks, forests and lakeshores with little to no cell connectivity, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Listings of wilderness/backcountry camping sites, as well as front-country sites easily accessible by vehicles, can be found at nps.gov/subjects/camping/campground.htm.

State parks offer closer-to-home refuge from the digital world. California’s Hendy Woods State Park, in Philo, is brimming with old-growth redwoods. “A lot of people head way up north to Sequoia National Forest to see old-growth redwoods, but there are also redwood forests closer to Sonoma and Mendocino counties, and similarly along the coast,” says Milwaukee-based travel writer Kristine Hansen, contributor to Fodors. com, NationalGeographic.com and other travel outlets. “Standing beneath these towering trees, you can’t help but feel like a small part of this large and wild world.” Hendy Woods’ proximity to wine country allows explorers to drop by a winery or creamery and 12

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put together a quick picnic, she notes.

Locally owned campgrounds can offer an escape to a pre-cellphone era. Camp Wandawega, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, has a storied past of hosting both sinners and saints, opening in 1928 as a speakeasy and later becoming a Catholic youth camp. The historic charm remains intact. “Spending a night here is like dialing it back to the 1950s. Think The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s upstate New York summer camp,” Hansen says. “You can climb into a treehouse or a glamping tent to completely unplug.”

Immersive Getaways

River rafting tours provide an escape from the virtual world, says John O’Brien, a scientist and environmental advocate who,

with his wife, Kellie, owns Fairbanks Trails and Rivers Tour Company, in Fairbanks, Alaska. “The moment that we shove off from the shore, we’re immediately on what we call ‘river time.’ It’s best at that point to put your phone and camera in airplane mode. We’re often in areas where there is no cell coverage,” he says. “There’s something to be said about just unplugging and being in the moment.”

Eco-activities such as river rafting might conjure up images of young, physically fit adventurers in rafts slapped by wild waves, but O’Brien notes river rafting is suitable for all ages and abilities. In tours with framestyle rafts, the guide does all the rowing. “If you are able to stand, walk and climb into and out of a raft, even with some assistance, you can go river rafting,” he says.

Trekking is another proven eco-trip strategy. Sometimes confused with hiking, it involves a long journey across a large swath of land that often requires participants to pare down to the absolute basics,

which means ditching the cell phone and charger. There’s often little to no service in these remote stretches.

North American treks include Canada’s the Long Range Traverse, a 22-mile, unmarked, backcountry trail in Newfoundland with moose, bears and caribou. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,100mile stretch that takes explorers through 14 states. Stretching from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to the northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine, the trail passes through the diverse terrain of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Hikers of all levels can take advantage of day hikes or longer treks.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

For an immersive nature experience that also does good, the American Hiking Society offers the Volunteer Vacations program, in which people join in public land stewardship projects. Working in small crews of six to 15 people, volunteers

handle a variety of land conservation and trail maintenance needs. Project access ranges from backpacking to day-hiking, and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins.

“Some of our Volunteer Vacations are remote backcountry trips that are only accessible via foot, and some are offered at local, state and national parks as well,” says program manager Ellie Place. “There is a Volunteer Vacation for everyone, whether you want to sleep in a cozy cabin with amenities or sleep under the stars miles away from it all.”

The American Hiking Society has more than 35 Volunteer Vacations planned this year; more information can be found at AmericanHiking.org.

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.

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healthy kids

How to Raise Empathetic Kids SIMPLE WAYS PARENTS CAN CULTIVATE COMPASSION

by Carrie Jackson

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mpathy is the foundation of a caring society. While we are all born with a certain amount, cultivating it is a skill that can be strengthened with practice, and it is critical that the learning process start early, say childhood educators. An empathetic child can better manage their own emotional responses and understand how someone else might be feeling. Studies show that children that practice empathy are less likely to bully and better suited to collaborative environments, setting them up for academic and professional success.

According to educator Traci Baxley, of Boca Raton, Florida, empathy in children is developed over time and with repetition.

“The earlier we begin to model empathy with our children, the more they will mimic the characteristics associated with the awareness and care of others. Teaching and modeling empathy early supports children’s emotion regulation development and contributes to creating safe spaces in our homes for children to feel nurtured, valued and cared for,” she says.

As a speaker, coach and author of Social Justice Parenting: How to Raise Compassionate, Anti-Racist, JusticeMinded Kids in an Unjust World, Baxley uses empathy as a tool for fostering civic-minded awareness. “Empathy is foundational to achieving social justice and creating a world where everyone has a fair chance to live a full, productive life. Social justice requires us to see each other’s perspectives, circumstances and lived experiences through the lens of

empathy and compassion. It’s the only way to live in the space of active hope that we can create a world free from inequities and injustices,” she says.

One innovative program, Toronto-based Roots of Empathy, began in 1996 after a mother brought her baby into a kindergarten classroom for children to relate to. With the aid of an instructor, they were encouraged to understand the baby’s needs and feelings, and to take the baby’s perspective. So successfully did the interaction reduce bullying behavior that the program has since spread globally, reaching 1 million children in K-8 classes. “In school, students are taught to read, but if we don’t teach them to relate, then we can expect failed societies,” says founder Mary Gordon. “By interpreting the feelings of the tiny baby and sharing when they had the same feelings, the students develop emotional literacy and awareness.

This enables them to build connections and healthy relationships, which leads to inclusion and integration.”

By parents modeling empathy and vulnerability around their children, the foundation is laid for open conversations, she says. “At the dinner table, say, ‘Today I felt embarrassed when I was called on at work and felt unprepared.’ Identifying and normalizing feelings is the best way to show them it’s something you value and encourage their natural instincts. Kids learn best through observation rather than instruction.”

At The Children’s Museum, in Oak Lawn, an Illinois nonprofit, play is an essential part of childhood development. Executive Director Adam Woodworth says the institution focuses on kindness and gratitude to build a foundation of empathy. “Helping children find their empathy for others develops strong friendships built on trust and understanding. Parents can incorporate empathy into explanations for everyday interactions such as sharing toys. Instead of focusing on the negative of giving up their toy for someone else, talk about how happy the other child would feel,” he suggests.

Empathy often starts with listening.

“Teaching children how to listen for context is a skill that is developed over time.

Parents can help by asking open-ended

questions while reading, such as, ‘Why do you think Frog didn’t want to invite Snake to the party?’ This helps cultivate both understanding and empathy, acknowledges their feelings as real and validates them in a way that they know we care,” he says.

Baxley stresses that it is imperative for parents to model the behaviors they want to cultivate in front of their children. “The way we show up for our children is how they will

show up for others,” she says. “We have to pour these habits of empathy and compassion into our children in the privacy of our homes if we expect them to know how to show up for others in that way out in the world.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

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June 2022

15

The Healing of the Modern Man Men Redefine Their Emotional Power

by Marlaina Donato

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or generations immemorial, men have been builders of culture, solid providers and inspired adventurers, but gender roles and sometimes-conflicting cultural expectations have taken a heavy toll on both the individual and community.

The pervasive “tough guy” paradigm has denied half the human race its full emotional expression, resulting in amplified stress levels, compromised physical health, toxic aggression, broken families and a higher risk for addiction. According to research published in the American Journal of Men’s Health in 2020, death by suicide among men is almost four times higher than that of women and is partly attributed to the stigma of seeking treatment for depression. African American men carry the additional burden of racial and economic inequality, and their depressive symptoms are often more persistent and incapacitating.

Contrary to common myth, men are deeply emotional and responsive beings by nature.

Centuries overdue, restrictive cultural definitions are slowly shifting to a broader psychosocial view of authentic manhood. Thanks to guy-friendly mental health resources, virtual and in-person support communities and diverse options in the alternative health field, more men are taking responsibility for their well-being and learning how to embody emotional freedom. They are stepping up to the plate as strong, sensitive leaders, something our world needs now more than ever.

Breaking the Chains and Choosing Authenticity

The masculine expectation and requirement have been for most boys to “buck up and tough it out” during childhood and adolescence, and this overt or sometimes very subtle conditioning can promote disproportionate power plays, homophobia and resistance to emotional intimacy well into adulthood. “Every society has ‘feeling rules’ that govern how emotions can be expressed publicly,” says psychologist Michael

Reichert, executive director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives at the University of Pennsylvania and author of How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men. “Research tells us that boys are born as emotionally expressive as girls, but in a short time receive constant messages from their loved ones, schoolmates and TV shows that only certain emotions are okay for boys.” Such emotional restrictiveness has a profoundly negative impact on male development, he says.

For Todd Adams in Elmhurst, Illinois, cofounder of MenLiving. org and a Tony Robbins-certified life coach, recognizing societal trappings is key. “The first step is to have the awareness that we have been lied to for as long as we can remember about what it means to be a man. We have been conditioned to stay in the ‘man box’, which means if we show any type of vulnerability, our value from the outside, as well as from the inside, plummets.”

Reichert concurs. “My belief is that tragic outcomes—addictions, violence, suicide and premature mortality—are a reflection of how men’s human natures are thwarted by cultural norms.

Being confined to a man box is hazardous. We humans, including men, are built to express our hearts in close connections to others we love and who love us.”

The notion of going the distance solo is discouraged by Adams, whose organization helps men from all walks of life find support and connection through online meetings and adventure outings. “Once the awareness is there, I would invite family, partners, et cetera, to invite us to show up in a more authentic and human way,” he says.

Stress and the Physiology of Feelings

For many men, emotions—other than “socially acceptable” anger and irritation—rarely see the light of day and instead morph into physical maladies such as digestive trouble, headaches, chest pain and high blood pressure. Unmanaged stress can also zap any zing in the bedroom. “I’m certainly not a doctor, but I’m sure there is a correlation for some about their emotional/mental/financial well-being being related to erectile dysfunction. The men that I work with often have a habit of not taking good care of themselves, and that lack of self-care ripples into other parts of their life, including their sexual life,” observes Adams. In spite of the fact that many others are struggling with the same condition, out of shame, it is often kept in the shadows. “My advice is that men find safe spaces to discuss these challenges with others. My hope is that men can discuss sexuality and intimacy as openly as women do.”

Josh Beharry, project coordinator of HeadsUpGuys.org, in Vancouver, Canada, an online resource hub for men battling depression, has spearheaded online stress assessment tests for more than 26,000 men over the age of 18 and found surprising consistency. “The results suggest that the two most common stressors faced by the men are a lack of meaning and feelings of loneliness, followed by financial strain, relationship difficulties and problems at work,” he says.

According to data gathered by Tulane University, human connection boosts immunity and wards off cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment. For men especially, social bonds are critical in coping with life stresses. Forging new June 2022

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alliances and maintaining old ones can be challenging with or without a pandemic, but online communities offer additional support, camaraderie and nonjudgmental sharing, which can be especially helpful for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and depression.

Beyond Talk Therapy

Male depression can be hidden in plain sight, disguised as hitting the bottle to “relax”, or by working compulsively, engaging in highrisk behaviors or easily flying off the handle at loved ones. Beharry knows firsthand how insidious the disease can be and why seeking help sooner than later is vital. After miraculously surviving a horrific suicide attempt, he unexpectedly found hope and the will to live through walking, breathwork and human connection.

Being honest with others, as well as himself, was a turning point in his recovery. “For a lot of men, talking about dealing with depression feels like an admission of weakness or something to feel guilty about,” he says. “Try to think of emotional pain like physical pain. If you get cut, you bleed; that’s part of being human. Then

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you do something to treat the wound. Or if it’s deeper, you go to a doctor or a hospital. Denying painful emotions is like trying not to bleed when you get cut or trying to pretend you’re not bleeding.”

For family members or friends concerned about a man’s mental health, he advises, “Vague assertions like, ‘You seem depressed,’ can make a guy feel attacked or put on the spot. Instead, it’s helpful to start by pointing out specific observations you’ve had about changes to his mood or behavior, such as, ‘You seem stressed out,’ or, ‘You haven’t been eating much,’ or, ‘You’ve been isolating yourself from friends or turning down plans more than usual.’”

It is estimated that 4 percent of men suffer from the physical and psychological consequences of trauma, and PTSD is certainly not reserved for combat veterans. While traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are excellent for treating depression, other modalities offer light at the end of the tunnel for men plagued by traumatic overwhelm.

Somatic Experiencing, developed by PTSD psychologist Peter Levine during the last 50 years, targets trauma stored in the nervous system and gently helps a person to increase their tolerance for difficult physical sensations and buried emotions. It is also highly useful in addiction recovery. Therapeutic massage, yoga and regular exercise are all allies for men to combat stress, anchor into their bodies and access unconscious feelings.

In the end, little things add up to a whole lot of change for a man.

“You are not alone. Take your responsibility in how you experience life. Empower yourself with resources—podcasts, books, therapy, coaching—whatever support might look like for you,” advises Adams.

There is no better time than now for the masculine to rise to a new level of greatness. “There is ample evidence that we are in a paradigm-shifting moment in the history of manhood,” says Reichert. “When I speak with parents, I say that there has never been a better time in all of human history to raise a son.”

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fit body

The Exercise Power of E-Bikes GET A WORKOUT ON AN EASIER RIDE

photo courtesy of Gail Coleman

by Sandra Yeyati

T

he familiar adage, “No pain, no gain,” doesn’t really apply to e-bikes. Although a pedal-assist electric bicycle is zippier and easier to ride than a conventional model, researchers are finding that as long as we’re pedaling, we’re still getting our heart pumping, building stamina and experiencing some of that cardio magic. That’s good news for those of us that like to 20

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work smarter, not harder.

What’s more, that battery-enabled oomph supplies riders with the enjoyment, motivation and self-confidence to venture out more frequently and for longer periods of time, give hills and inclines a try and even pedal to work for an active, eco-friendly commute. It’s a win-win-win.

To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy. ~Nelson Mandela In 2018, researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU), in Provo, Utah, sought to quantify just how good a workout was possible on an e-bike, and they discovered that the average heart rate was only 6.21 beats per minute lower than on a conventional cycle.

“The e-bike and conventional bike averages both fell within that 50 to 70 percent maximum-heart rate threshold which is indicative of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity, so there seems to be a similar amount of benefit for heart health when riding an e-bike, despite the fact that the perceived exertion was significantly lower than on a conventional bike,” says Taylor Hoj, lead author of the study published in the journal JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.

The college-aged men and women that participated in the study rode the same 10-mile trail on each type of bike, so it was easy to compare how much faster the e-bikes were. Cyclists averaged 12 miles per hour (mph) on the conventional bike and 16 mph on the e-bike, reaching top speeds of 22 mph and 27 mph, respectively.

On average, the same route took 54 minutes to complete on the conventional bike and only 39 minutes on the e-bike—a 30 to 40 percent time savings. For people considering using an e-bike to commute to work, that reduction might make it easier to give it a shot.

Using questionnaires given before and after each ride, the BYU researchers found, “In general, participants agreed that they could ride an e-bike on most days, in the cold, when they were tired or dressed in formal attire, while carrying groceries or books, or on hilly terrain,” says Hoj, a health equity epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health and adjunct faculty member at the BYU College of Life Sciences.

Notably absent from the study were e-bikes with throttles,

which with a twist of the handle or the push of a button, provide a boost even when the rider isn’t pedaling. These bikes would probably not provide the same level of exercise benefits.

In 2019, the same BYU researchers conducted a similar study with experienced mountain bikers, published in the JMIR Formative Research Journal. “Our results in that study supported the idea that using a pedal-assist electric mountain bike (EMTB) retained the cardiovascular benefit and that the participants overwhelmingly perceived the potential of EMTB use to be positive,” Hoj says. “Some of them said an EMTB could help get them out on the trails more or perhaps get them to ride longer and go further, and also would allow older, injured, disabled or less-fit riders to enjoy mountain biking on dirt trails, whereas maybe their age, injuries or fitness levels limited their capability on a conventional mountain bike.”

According to Hoj, e-bikes offer a great set of benefits for fitness buffs. “Even if you’re a very serious athlete and in training programs, there are days where maybe you’re recovering from a more intense ride and your muscles are really sore, but you still want to continue to train your heart and that aerobic side of things, and an e-bike could be a great use for a more laid back aerobic day while the legs are recovering,” he says. “And if someone is wanting to get into mountain biking but doesn’t feel like they have the fitness to get there or doesn’t know how to start, that pedal assist could remove that initial barrier.”

Ultimately, the decision to buy an e-bike—good ones start at $1,000—may come down to emotional considerations. “They’re a lot of fun to ride,” Hoj says.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., a professional writer and editor, can be reached at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

June 2022

21

natural pet

Misbehaving Dog Walks WAYS HUMANS GET IT WRONG

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by Karen Shaw Becker

O

ne of the primary activities we do with canine family members is to take walks because they love them and benefit from them. But just as some dogs, for a variety of reasons, are difficult to walk, some people are less-thanideal dog walkers.

When we’re teaching our canine BFFs how to behave at the end of a leash, most

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of us aren’t nearly as concerned with our own behavior during these outings. We assume we’re doing everything right, and it’s our furry sidekicks that need correcting. But believe it or not, we’re just as capable of bad behavior during walks as the other way around.

Here are a few reasons why.

NOT ALLOWING SNIFF TIME. A dog’s most acute sense is that of smell. She explores and experiences the world through her nose. Smell is a dog’s “first sense”, much as sight is ours. Just as we depend on our eyes to inform us of the world around us, dogs depend on their noses.

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If we can imagine how it would feel to take walks with our eyes half-closed, then we can empathize with how it feels to our dog to be prevented from stopping to sniff things. It’s unnatural, slightly intimidating and, ultimately, boring. Dogs need lots of outdoor sniffing opportunities to help them learn about the world around them and stimulate their minds.

For a change of pace, instead of a normal walk, try taking the dog on a “sniffari”, letting him take the lead. Allow him to sniff whatever he pleases and make all the navigational and investigational decisions.

IGNORING THE DOG. Unfortunately, there are pet parents that do everything but pay attention to their dogs during walks. The daily activity becomes so routine that they do it without giving much thought to the furry fellow at the other end of the leash. This is a bad habit primarily for the danger it can pose to the dog that is often busy looking for dead or possibly deadly things to pick up in his mouth or interesting places to lift his leg (like a car door).

There is also the potential on walks for unexpected things to happen, like an unfriendly dog appearing seemingly out of nowhere or a car swerving dangerously close. Staying focused on our dog and our immediate environment affords the opportunity to react quickly when necessary, keeping both owner and pet out of harm’s way.

If boredom prevents being fully present on a walk, change the scenery. Instead of heading outside in the same old direction, buckle the dog in and drive a few blocks away or to a neighborhood park or nearby hiking trail. Everyone will find new things to see, smell and experience.

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COLLAR, HARNESS OR LEASH. Many pet parents don’t realize the importance of choosing the right type of collar, harness and leash for their dog. Certain dogs should wear a harness and should never be leashed or even handled by the collar. These include dogs that pull or lunge while on a leash, those prone to tracheal collapse or a seizure disorder, and dogs with chiropractic issues involving the neck or back. Choke collars and other outdated training devices can cause pain and injury to a dog’s neck and in extreme cases, strangulation. They should be replaced with safer alternatives.

For walks, training sessions and whenever the dog will be on leash, use either a head collar or no-pull harness. Be wary of retractable leashes, which have the potential to injure both dogs and their owners. Flat leashes should be no longer than six feet.

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walking, our attention is not on the dog.

One of the most important gifts that can be given to our dog whenever we interact with him, including on walks, is our undivided attention. Put down the phone and other distractions and let him know through our focus how much he means to us.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals.

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MULTITASKING. This almost always involves a cell phone. If we have a phone to our ear while walking, we have only one hand available for our dog. And even if earbuds are being used and the phone is in a pocket, it’s impossible to be present for both the pet and the person on the other end of the line. The dog will inevitably be the loser in this deal. And if texting, searching the internet or even listening to a podcast or audiobook while

kiri/AdobeStock.com

Dogs need lots of outdoor sniffing opportunities to help them learn about the world around them and stimulate their minds.

June 2022

23

wise words

Frank Bruni

on Living with Afflictions

by Randy Kambic

O

courtesy of Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy

ne day in late 2017, Frank Bruni, a writer for more than 25 years for The New York Times—including as a White House correspondent, op-ed columnist, Rome bureau chief and restaurant critic—woke up with partial loss of sight in his right eye. He found out that his condition was non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy caused by loss of blood flow to the optic nerve. While he began treatment, he started writing a memoir to document how he was dealing with his setback and to present the stories of family, close friends, previous interviewees and others that have also encountered and dealt with medical challenges.

His new book, The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found, is a wise, inspiring and moving account that displays human perseverance and optimism in navigating trauma and afflictions. Some of the people he describes are his mother, who battled uterine cancer; a college friend that has Parkinson’s disease; Cyrus Habib, a blind Rhodes scholar who became the lieutenant governor of the state of Washington; Nebraska senator and wounded Vietnam War veteran Bob Kerrey; and Juan Jose, a Mexican diplomat dealing with retinitis pigmentosa, which causes progressive vision loss.

Bruni, author of three previous bestsellers, is now a full-time professor at Duke University, teaching media-oriented classes in the Sanford School of Public Policy. He continues to write a weekly newsletter and occasional essays for The New York Times.

How is your eyesight now? Did writing The Beauty of Dusk help you better cope with your condition?

My eyesight is stable, but compromised. I have to read and type more slowly in larger fonts. Writing the book helped me cope in many ways including by showing me that with the proper adjustments, I could very much continue with my writing career.

How can we implement “taking deliberate, concrete steps to move beyond sadness” with our afflictions in practical terms?

The first step I think is recognizing how many people confront or live with affliction.

That helps dilute the self-pity part of sadness. But another crucial step is realizing that what’s gone is gone, what’s lost is lost and you only compound your sadness by dwelling emotionally on what’s unchangeable versus embracing what you still have.

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Can you explain how a “sandwich-board theory of life” can be helpful?

If each of us walked around wearing a list of the pain we carry or the struggles we have survived, struggles that are usually invisible, then few of us would ask, “Why me?” We’d ask, “Why not me?” And that’s the truer, healthier question.

Can terming a health struggle as an experience, not an ordeal, be applied to our lives?

Oh, absolutely. Not with the most extreme hardships, but with some of them, many of them, I think, you can become a student of your hardship. You can at least try to view that what you are going through is a test and you can allow yourself a full measure of pride in passing that test.

Is there one person out of so many depicted in your book that stands out the most to you?

I’m always thinking about David Tatel, a distinguished longtime judge, including with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, who retired last year, who never let his blindness impede him. And he once said to me of the human capacity for adjusting and adapting, “Starfish can grow new limbs, but that’s nothing compared to what people can do.” I hold tight to his words and to his example.

Randy Kambic is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, Florida.

inspiration

The Gift of an Imperfect Father

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

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by Marlaina Donato

F

or many of us, Dad was the first person to throw us a ball, take us fishing or treat us to ice cream after a game. If we were fortunate, he was the one who made a bad day better, was a strong protector who kept the metaphorical wolves from the door and, by example, secured our place in the world. Fathers give us many “firsts”, and for some of us, that also means a broken heart.

Parents, like all human beings, are fallible, learning as they go, never quite getting it right, but doing the best that they can. Sometimes their “best” is tangled in a net of unresolved personal trauma, addiction or mental illness, and we learn to bear the bitter with the sweet. “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift,” wrote poet Mary Oliver, and her words can be a beacon as we journey through healing the father wound.

Once we come out the other side of childhood, it might be difficult to love someone that destroyed our trust and even more difficult to love ourselves. This “gift” might take decades for us to unwrap. Children of difficult dads sometimes blossom like lotuses into more compassionate beings from the mud of absence, cruelty or indifference. Perhaps with a shift in perspective, we may realize how their weaknesses might have given us survival tools and resilience. Flipping the coin to examine what they have done right and giving credit where it is deserved can also help us to open that dead-bolted door to forgiveness. Taking inventory, both positive and negative, can encourage us to become a different kind of parent.

In a black-and-white world, the heart’s gray areas can teach us how to lean into our own healing. We inherit a lot from our wounded fathers, including an energetic opportunity to change the familial emotional code, and it can be beautiful.

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

June 2022

25

conscious eating

Planet-Friendly Pours THE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE WINE AND SPIRITS

tатьяна kреминская/AdobeStock.com

by Sheila Julson

I

conic food and beverage magazines such as Bon Appetit and Food & Wine affirm that sustainable and socially responsible wines and spirits are becoming a major force in the market, yet consumers wanting to pour an Earth-conscious tipple need a sobering amount of research to sort through what’s truly eco-friendly.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require wine makers to list ingredients on labels or regulate the use of terms such as “natural” and “sustainably grown”.

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“There are more than 70 additives that are allowed in wine that don’t have to be disclosed on the label,” explains Brad Kruse, who with his wife, Allie, owns Nonfiction Natural Wines, a Milwaukee-based specialty wine retailer. “The only real requirement relating to additives is the declaration of sulfites, which makes it trickier, because even wines with no added sulfites have to have the warning on the label because some naturally occur in the wine.”

Some wine labels tout that they’re made with organic grapes

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or grapes that are farmed sustainably.

“But those may still have a host of other additives or lots of added sulfites,” says Kruse.

Certifications can act as a shortcut to locate eco-friendly wines. Demeter USA, for example, certifies vineyards that follow strict biodynamic rules for how the wine is farmed and processed, including limiting sulfites.

But many small producers that operate naturally don’t bother obtaining certification.

Independent wine shops with knowledgeable employees can help consumers choose wisely. Kruse recommends looking for the name of the importer on the back label, saying, “If you learn a handful of importers that focus on naturally made wines, such as Louis/Dressner, Zev Rovine or Jenny & Francois, it can be a quick way to find a good option.”

Sustainability in the Vineyards

Rudy Marchesi, the former chairman of Demeter USA, practices biodynamic farming at his vineyard, Montinore Estate, in Forest Grove, Oregon. “We view our farm as one whole organism, below and above the ground,” he says.

Biodynamic farming, founded by philosopher Rudolf Steiner a century ago, requires using nutritionally rich compost teeming with microbiology of fungi and bacteria, as well as synchronizing specific

farming practices with the seasons. These practices help the vineyards buffer droughts and weather swings, resulting in a consistent product that reflects the region. “Wine connoisseurs and collectors look for wines that have a sense of place and tell the story of where they’re from,” Marchesi says.

Distillers Move Toward Sustainable Practices

Alcohol is an agricultural product, so producing a sustainable spirit starts with the grain itself, says Herman C. Mihalich, founder and distiller of Mountain Laurel Spirits, in New Hope, Pennsylvania. “Rye is a much less resource-intensive grain to grow compared to crops like corn,” he says.

The recipe for the company’s signature Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey calls for malted barley and rye, but no corn. “Rye doesn’t need much fertilizer and few, if any, pesticides. It’s easy to grow and it preserves soil because it’s a fall planting crop that helps prevent erosion,” he says.

Their grains are sourced from a nearby farmer, and they save water by capturing cooling water from the still’s condenser and storing it in a tank, then using it to clean tanks and make spent mash that can be used for livestock feed. The bottles are made locally by Stoelzle Glass, in Monaca, Pennsylvania.

When seeking sustainably produced

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spirits, customers have to do their due diligence, Mihalich says. “It requires a little digging and asking the right questions: What grains are you using and from where? How are you using water?”

When Extreme Chef host Marsh Mokhtari and his wife, Jan, founded Gray Whale Gin, they rotated proprietorship with two existing distilleries instead of using land and resources to build a new one.

A vacation in Big Sur inspired the couple to “capture California in a glass” and make a product with ingredients found along the gray whale migratory route between the Baja Peninsula and Oregon. They hired a professional forager to collect juniper berries along the coast. “Juniper for most gin is sourced from Italy or Macedonia,” says Mokhtari. “We predominantly use juniper berries from California, which are light purple and larger, with a cedar component.” They also source mint and limes from sustainable farms in California.

Gray Whale Gin gives back through a partnership with the environmental nonprofits Oceana and 1% for the Planet. They recently joined with Oceana and former California governor Jerry Brown to support responsible swordfishing practices off the California coast.

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

June 2022

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conscious eating

CLASSIC MANHATTAN ¼ oz cherry liqueur 2½ oz sustainably produced rye 1 oz sweet vermouth 2 dashes angostura bitters 1 dash cherry bitters 1 maraschino cherry Coat a chilled cocktail glass with cherry liqueur. Add the remaining ingredients over ice in a a shaker. Stir and strain into the cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Dad’s Hat Rye Whiskey.

WHALE HELLO THERE

coming in the july issue

The Food Connection

2 oz sustainably produced gin ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice ½ oz agave syrup Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin, lime juice, lemon juice and agave. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass, or over a glass filled with ice.

Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Gray Whale Gin.

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Broward County, Florida Edition

NaBroward.com

ongoing events

calendar of events FRIDAY, JUNE 10 Community Recharge Night – 7-10pm. Relax, Recharge, Receive and share over Ceremonial Tea, introspective conversation, Ecstatic Dance, and nourishing Sound Baths. Event is complimentary. Kiddos are welcome.

Lite hors d’oeuvres will be provided ~ feel free to bring your favorite Healthy treat to share. Free parking in front of Temple Medicine Center. Contact Organizer: 256.631.8923 Please Register to reserve your place: https://spiritintransition.as.me/COMMUNITY-RECHARGE-EVENT. Temple Medicine, 120 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101, Oakland Park.

mark your calendar Primordial Sound Meditation

Authentic Vedic Meditation

with a Chopra Center Certified Instructor, Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM) is easily learned in this in-depth, 3-day program, proven beneficial for Health and Well-Being! $395 includes a personalized PSM mantra and a follow-up Zoom meeting with your instructor.

August 5-7, 2022 in person Soul Acupuncture • 718-986-3079!

SoulAcupuncture.org/events

sunday

thursday

IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies — 1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Notice, during Winter 2021/2022 season locations will vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.

Max Meditation System™ — 7pm. Made for today’s modern seeker, Max Meditation is based on a fusion of ancient Yogic techniques and Zen mind training mixed with modern psychological science and Neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Max Meditation is a guided meditation experience at Temple Medicine, 120 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 101. Phone: 954-406-8199.

monday Mid-day Monday Meditation — Made for today’s modern seeker, Noon–1pm. $10$15 energy exchange. Practice is based on a fusion of mind harnessing techniques mixed with modern psychological science and neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Max Meditation™ is a guided Meditation practice led by Lilith Reese. Temple Medicine, 120 E Oakland Park Blvd #101, Oakland Park. LilithReese.com, 256-631-8923.

Chiropractic — Every 1st Monday, 5–6pm. Free, attendees will receive a discount off their first visit. New Life Upper Cervical Chiropractic, 820 S. State Road 7, Plantation, 33317. Phone: 954-389-8297.

classifieds Order Classified Ads online: NaBroward.com/pages/classified.

Due date — 10th of the month.

ANTIQUES FOR SALE ANTIQUE JAPANESE SCREENS – Discover the beauty and harmony of Japanese screens for your home. mvarghese18@gmail.com.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine, get real results, distributing monthly throughout Broward County.

Call 954-630-1610.

Free Zoom class on your physical/emotional/spiritual health — 7pm, last Thursday of every month. Learn more on the Holistic Approach to your health and feeling good in our now time, including shifting old limiting beliefs and energetic thought patterns and habits, so you can move ahead to live with freedom, fulfillment and happiness! Call Ilka for details: 754-222-6971.

saturday Reiki Healing Circle — 9–10am, Free.

Usui Reiki Circle. All are welcome. Love & Light Spiritual Emporium, 1419 E Commercial Blvd. Ste B, Oakland Park, FL, 33334, 954-261-3878.

Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash and make new friends (third Saturday each month). Kayaks and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own is encouraged. Location varies. Information, Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.

Holistic Healing, Wellness & Psychic Fair — Last Saturday Monthly on Zoom.

1–10pm est. 15 Global Speakers, Lectures, Door Prizes, Fun Experiences. By Love Donation. Call for info: 786-419-1389.

SheriKaplan.com/healersnetworkvirtualfair.

Failure is knowledge and knowledge is success.

So it is a win-win. ~Mahira Khan June 2022

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

Order online: NaBroward.com/pages/directory ANIMAL COMMUNICATION LOLI JANE ANIMAL COMMUNICATION & ENERGY HEALING

TOTAL BALANCE 4 U

TJ Robinson 954-234-3299, Fort Lauderdale TotalBalance4U.com Feel good again! Restore your vitality and vibrant health!

Release stress and “stuck” areas in your body that cause chronic pain. Your safety is priority – COVID compliant. MA24266, MM30072.

954-303-9585 Animals-Speak.com

Loli is Certified Professional Animal Communicator and Pranic Healer assisting families, vets, zoos and sanctuaries with: behavioral, emotional, health, lost animals, dying, and past lives.

DAY RETREATS BEAUTY & HEALTH ONENESS PERFUME OnenessPerfume.com

Oneness ~ Let the beauty of this essence and its message inspire peaceful co-existence; may it encircle all nations and all peoples with the loving gift of gratitude to encourage co-creation and renewal of our sacred planetary home – knowing in spirit – We Are All One. See ad page 2.

THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT 604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-604-7930 ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com ThermaeRetreat.com FB: @ThermaeRetreat IG: Thermae.FtLauderdale Thermae Retreat An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy. See ad page 7.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN NEW LIFE UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

820 S State Rd. 7, Plantation FL 33317 954-389-8297 TopDocFL.com Upper Cervical Chiropractic, light force extremity adjusting, whole-food nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, The Emotion Code, Energy medicine, Mysofascial release.

DENTAL HEALTH ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD 104 SE 1st St., Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-525-5662 ADWCenter.com Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metal-free braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY PERFECTING TOUCH

Kathy Bates Wilton Executive Suites 2312 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-647-9010 PerfectingTouch1@ymail.com Cranial sacral therapy - CST- a light touch approach releasing tension and restrictions, reducing pain and dysfunction. Therapeutic massage also available. Feel good within yourself. MA70919.

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Broward County, Florida Edition

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 855-381-6001 954-945-7355 (new patients) GoNaturalDentistry.com All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry.

• Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with bio-compatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums. See ad page 11.

INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317 954-792-6266 Chebanudmd@comcast.net

Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 27.

DR. YANI HOLISTIC AND HEALING DENTISTRY Dr. Yani, DMD 212 SE 12th St (Davie Blvd) Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 954-525-6010 info@Yanidmd.com Yanidmd.com

We follow strict amalgam removal protocols incorporating nutritional supplements for safe mercury detoxification ~ IAOMT member.

To promote better healing, our hygiene care incorporates ozone and essential oils for gum treatments. Only mercury-free biocompatible crowns and dental materials used. Free holistic toothpaste recipe. See ad page 21.

Your greatest awakening comes, when you are aware about your infinite nature. ~Amit Ray NaBroward.com

natural awakenings directory ECO FRIENDLY DUCT CLEANING ECO AIR DUCT CLEANING

305-952-0444 Admin@EcoAir-DuctCleaning.com EcoAir-DuctCleaning.com We are a health-conscious, environmentally friendly, E O AIR company focused on DUCT CLEANING reducing the negative impact of hard toxins in our environment, for better health, and well-being. See ad page 28.

C

EDUCATION ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM) 100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-763-9840 ATOM.edu

ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public.

See ad back page.

ENSOFIC REIKI

MUSCLE THERAPY HUNTER METHOD

Stephanie Hunter, Owner & Developer 185 E. Indiantown Rd., Ste. 118 Jupiter, FL 33477 561-747-8700 DoYouHunter.com Many people with pain feel frustrated and hopeless, masking symptoms, instead of getting the real relief they deserve. We offer a proven approach that changes muscle memory. Significant, lasting relief from issues like Vertigo, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder and more. • Self-Treatment Courses • DIY Therapy for Dogs. MA15772, MM24536

NUTRITION WENDY COTTIERS

954-873-7388 WendyCottiers@att.net WendyCottiers.com We n d y C o t t i e r s H o l i s t i c Nutritionist, Individual, Family & Group Counseling.

Monthly Events & Cooking Classes register at WendyCottiers.com 954-873-7388.

SALON HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO Ibana Villasenor 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7 Boca Raton FL 33431 561-372-5354 HairHolistic@gmail.com HairHolistic.com

Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalphair detox, and jet rejuvenation.

Hair coloring with Henna or ecofriendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine.

TUNING FORK THERAPY YCC TUNING FORK THERAPY

Yvette C. Candelario 5130 N Fed Hwy, Ste 7, Ft Lauderdale 929-554-0281 YvetteCCandelario@outlook.com YCCHealingTherapy.com Our most popular service: Medium Reading, $100. A 30-minute Tuning Fork therapy with 30-minute crystal healing, $130. Other products and services are available.

SPIRIT IN TRANSITION

Matthew Koren 954-406-8199, Oakland Park Activate.SpiritInTransition.com Spirit in Transition is a community of spiritual seekers applying traditional lineage teachings to live every moment in the new paradigm. Join us for a meditation or class today! See ad page 28.

ESOTERIC STUDY GLASS ROOTS ENERGETICS

REIKI THE SEEDING REIKI

Rita Zachelmayer RH Reiki Master Shaman 370 Camino Gardens Blvd., Suite 112 Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-573-7569 RitaZachelmayer@icloud.com TheSeedingReiki.com Reiki is a technique that brings relaxation, stress reduction, and harmony. It’s a chance to take a break and to be kind to yourself.

Our pets love reiki too!

256-631-8923 GlassRootsEnergetics@gmail.com LilithReese.com Access hidden knowledge and personal empowerment through Esoteric Classes, Initiations, Activations, and Lineage Healing Modalities through the Modern Mystery School — Now in Fort Lauderdale!

A wise man once said, there are no perfect men in the world, only perfect intentions. ~Pen Densham

June 2022

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