Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers- January 2025 by SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Experience the Transformative Benefits of Spa Relaxation

Embark on a journey of serenity at our Spa. In the world of Spa of Awakening, every moment is a venture into the depths of your inner peace. Immerse yourself in the luxury and sophistication of our beautiful facility and treatments, where every touch, aroma, and sound is designed for your rejuvenation. Let us guide you into a new realm of relaxation and harmony at Spa of Awakening where every escape becomes truly unforgettable.

Mauro and Melissa are integral parts of a very dynamic partnership at the Spa of Awakening with years of experience. Beyond the conventional spa experience, they envision the Spa of Awakening as a transformative haven where clients embark on enriching journeys.

COLLIER/LEE EDITION

Publisher Sharon Bruckman

Editors Linda Sechrist

Sandra Yeyati

Randy Kambic

Design & Production C. Michele Rose

Lisa Avery

Sales & Marketing Alina Dabrowski

Sharon Bruckman

Accounting Alina Dabrowski

Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT COLLIER/LEE

Publisher: 239-207-2775

SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Collier County Sales: 239-207-2775

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Lee County Sales: 239-595-5287

AlinaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

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© 2025 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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Advertising & Submissions

NATIONAL TEAM

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Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet. To advertise in this local Collier and Lee Counties edition, call 239-207-2775 or email SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com.

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New Year, Empowered Vision

A couple of months ago, I declared a deeper commitment to not letting anything get in the way of my morning spiritual practices, knowing this sacred time sets the tone for the entire day. Intentionally inviting the Divine into my life with a sense of purpose and appreciation for all things is a way to recognize the blessings, even amid obstacles. Choosing to feel grateful steers my focus away from the past and toward the present and future—bringing unwavering attention to that which I want to create. I can’t think of a better way to greet the day.

When entering a New Year, I like to take the time to reflect on the past 365 days, journaling my challenges and breakthroughs, and releasing anything that no longer serves me. This clears the way for activating fresh intentions, reminding myself to stretch and think big. Although we can’t control everything in our lives, we can make decisions that support us. We can set specific objectives, and we can control how we think and respond. Becoming more conscious and developing the discipline to pay attention to our thoughts can change our world.

In our feature story on page 24, “First Thoughts and New Experiences: Returning to Innocence Through Beginner’s Mindset,” Carrie Jackson suggests adopting the Zen Buddhist idea of shoshin, or beginner’s mind. Experiencing life with curiosity and openness, rather than holding on to old, reactive thought patterns helps us to embrace the world with a sense of wonder, paving the way for a more optimistic outlook.

Years ago, I worked with a personal coach that gave me a powerful exercise to become more aware of recurring thought patterns and to shift my perspective. Upon noticing an undesired thought, I now know how to immediately write down a powerful reframe, bringing to mind what I want to experience and create going forward.

Small tweaks that lead to big changes can be experienced in all areas of our lives. We live in these physical bodies that need to be tended to like a beautiful garden, and what we eat either supports our holy temple, or not. In “Serving up Happiness: Foods for Better Moods” on page 20, we are reminded, “In order to produce serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are crucial for balanced mental health, our bodies require vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in real, whole foods.” And so, each meal is our “nutrition prescription”.

Fine-tuning our intuition through meditation and stillness can help guide us in all areas of our lives. Our dear living host, Mother Earth, is speaking to us constantly, and her gentle reminders are becoming stronger. It’s time to wake up and remember how powerful we are in creating the kind of world that we all deserve. Here’s to rising to the occasion at a whole new level in 2025. It starts with each of us.

Happy New Year,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

New Year, New Wellness Approach

To kickstart the new year, a Holistic Approach Center for Natural Health & Wellness, in Fort Myers, is offering a new, special, three-part program consisting of three wellness services that’ll support immunity, detoxification and weight loss. Participants will be able to support their total-body wellness goals by experiencing the synergistic benefits of a trio or separate modalities in 90-minute spans, either on a one-time basis or in four consecutive weekly sessions.

Each appointment will combine up to one hour of infrared sauna, promoting detoxification, improving circulation, supporting immune function, enhancing muscle recover, encouraging weight loss and improving sleep quality; a 10-minute vibration plate service that stimulates lymphatic drainage, supports bone density, increases circulation, activates muscles and boosts energy levels; and 15 minutes of salt booth/halotherapy that clears the respiratory system, supports skin health, boosts relaxation, reduces inflammation, helps the immune system and improves overall breathing.

Cost: four weekly sessions $165 (regular $225); single session $50 (regular $50). Location: 15641 New Hampshire Ct., Fort Myers. For more information or to register, call 239-433-5995 or email info@AHolisticCenter. com or visit AHolisticCenter. com. See ad, page 39.

Distance Energy Healing Sessions Offered

When chronic conditions are slow to resolve or difficult to manage with conventional treatment, intuitive healing can offer an alternative path to wellness. Jane Fecteau is a Medical Intuitive and Energy Healer who has 24 years of experience in helping people with chronic conditions.

Jane’s intuitive abilities enable her to connect with the body’s energy field and discern imbalances that affect overall health and well-being. During a session, she is guided to make adjustments that help the body return to balance and wellness. The result can be abiding health and resilience where there was once illness and pain.

The concept of remote healing may be foreign to some; however, because energy is not restricted to space and time, healing energy may easily be sent long distance.

An energy session is a time to discuss health concerns, relax and receive as Jane communicates with the directives of body systems to invoke a deep healing response. She works with people that express a wide variety of health and personal issues.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit JaneFecteau. com. See ad, page 29.

Collier and Lee Counties edition, email SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com.

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Jane Fecteau

Acupuncture Can Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

“Acupuncture may help to relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the wrist and fingers,” says Mary Lambert, a doctor of Oriental medicine and co-owner of Lambert Wellness, located in Estero. “A type of neuropathy or nerve damage that causes pain and numbness, CTS affects the median nerve by trapping or compressing it in the carpal tunnel, a canal connecting the forearm and hand. One of the most common hand conditions, wrist anatomy, health conditions and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to CTS syndrome.”

Acupuncture, considered a form of primary health care in Florida, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and modern Oriental medical techniques that employ acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, as well as adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health and prevention of disease. “TCM is a complete medical system that has been practiced for more than 2,500 years, making it the world’s oldest medical profession,” advises Lambert.

Usual care for late-stage CTS often includes surgery. In contrast, the typical care treatment for early to mid-stage CTS involves anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or alternatively, acupuncture and Tuina massage. Tuina incorporates techniques such as acupressure, myofascial release and reflexology.

Independent research published in the Healthcare Medicine Institute journal high-

lights that early diagnosis and intervention as crucial for mitigating median nerve damage and restoring nerve function. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial published on PubMed examined changes in clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic test results. It revealed that acupuncture significantly improved CTS symptoms, with improvements persisting three months post-intervention. Researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective therapeutic option for CTS.

Lambert Wellness is located at 9990 Coconut Rd., Ste. 324, in Estero. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239776-4055 or visit LambertWellnessLLC.com.

See ad, page 31.

Magnesium To Prevent Kidney Stones

In a study involving 76 adults published in the Natural Medicine Journal, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium supplements to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. The subjects were divided into three groups; two of the groups took 120 milligrams of either magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate three times a day for eight weeks, while a control group took a placebo. A urine analysis was performed on each participant at the start of the study and after eight weeks.

The researchers found that magnesium citrate significantly reduced 24-hour urine oxalate levels and calcium oxalate supersaturation—two indicators of kidney stone risk. A reduction in the urinary excretion of calcium is believed to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones.

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Transforming Beauty

Melissa

by Jill Slater

ICundiff’s Journey in Aesthetics

n the world of esthetics, few names resonate as powerfully as Melissa Cundiff. With an impressive 40-year career, Melissa has established herself as a leading figure in the beauty industry, making significant contributions as a licensed esthetician and cosmetology instructor in both Alabama and Florida.

Her journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, where she first stepped into the limelight as a prestigious fragrance model for upscale department stores during her high school years. This early exposure to the beauty world ignited a passion that would shape her entire career.

In 2002, driven by a desire to educate and empower others in the art of skincare, Melissa founded Birmingham and Daphne’s first esthetician school, Skinactics School of Aesthetics. Since its inception, the institution has trained over 1,500 students, earned advanced state board approval, and set a high standard for esthetic education in the region. Melissa’s commitment to excellence has enabled her to share her extensive knowledge with aspiring estheticians, helping them build rewarding careers in the beauty industry.

Melissa’s journey didn’t stop there. In 2012, she launched Skintrenzixs SkinSchool in Birmingham, further solidifying her role as a key educator in the field. Her expertise has taken her worldwide, providing training for leading skincare and spa/medical equipment companies, showcasing her dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.

Relocating to Fort Walton Beach in 2016 marked another pivotal chapter in Melissa’s career. Her exceptional talent and dedication were recognized when she was awarded Destin’s Best Esthetician by Destin VIP Magazine, a testament to her skills and the loyalty of her clients. In subsequent years, Melissa further cemented her authority in the esthetics community by serving as a judge for the prestigious Skin Games worldwide competition in both 2020 and 2021.

In 2024, Melissa and her husband, Greg, embarked on a new adventure, opening Skintrenzixs MediSpa, a state-of-the-art facility offering advanced skincare treatments. Alongside the MediSpa, Melissa introduced Skintrenzixs Skincare Products, meticulously crafted to be pH-balanced and protect the skin’s delicate acid mantle. This commitment to quality reflects her deep understanding of skincare science and her passion for delivering the best results to her clients.

One of the standout features of Skintrenzixs MediSpa is its cutting-edge electrical treatments. The Skintrenzixs Microcurrent technology leads the way in non-surgical facelifts, providing impressive results in short, non-invasive sessions. This innovative treatment not only offers a quick lift but also addresses concerns such as muscle tension, headaches, neuropathy, muscle tightness, and conditions like Bell’s palsy and paralysis. Clients have re-

ported remarkable improvements, leaving them both rejuvenated and relieved.

Enhancing the MediSpa’s offerings, Greg provides Botox services for pain management and aesthetic enhancement. His expertise in trigger-point injections complements Melissa’s skincare treatments, creating a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. Together, they deliver comprehensive solutions for clients seeking pain relief and treatments for fine lines and wrinkles.

At Skintrenzixs MediSpa, the focus extends beyond individual treatments. Their famous Skintrenzixs Skin Stackers combine à la carte treatments to create luxurious, customized experiences tailored to clients’ specific needs. Whether addressing anti-aging concerns, acne, or skin irregularities, each session is designed to deliver beautiful results in just one appointment.

Melissa’s dedication to client satisfaction is unwavering. She encourages potential clients to schedule an appointment and experience the transformative treatments at Skintrenzixs MediSpa. The combination of advanced technology, expert knowledge, and personalized care ensures that every visitor leaves feeling rejuvenated and confident.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Melissa Cundiff remains a beacon of excellence, continually adapting and innovating to meet her clients’ needs. Her journey from a high school fragrance model to a leading esthetician and educator is not just a story of personal success—it’s a narrative of passion, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of beauty. As she looks to the future, her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and transform lives in the world of aesthetics.

Skintrenzixs MediSpa is located at 730 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N., Suite 205, in Naples. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 205-718-2611 or visit Skintrenzixs.com. See ad, page 26.

Melissa Cundiff

The Upcycling Lifestyle

How To Make Anything New Again

by Maya Whitman

In a world overflowing with needless waste, sustainability is the new necessity, and upcycling is trending as a fun, creative practice for all ages. Whether we slather peanut butter on a paper towel tube and roll it in seeds to make a bird feeder or turn a patterned bedsheet into curtains, the point of upcycling is to reduce trash by transforming an obsolete item into something useful or beautiful. It is a way forward that conserves precious resources, reduces our carbon footprint, saves money and provides an outlet to unleash our imagination.

Almost anything can be repurposed—from clothing and furniture to household items like wine bottles, cardboard and toothpaste tubes. Many online and offline resources provide inspiration, including books like Calin Duke’s How To Upcycle Nearly Everything. Cleaning out old drawers and closets or perusing thrift stores opens the door to endless possibilities for personal expression and clever innovation.

Dressing Up Drab

According to a 2021 study by market researchers at First Insight and at the Baker Retailing Center in The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania, upcycled clothing is a favorite among Gen Z consumers that prioritize sustainability over brandname loyalty. The #UpcycledFashion hashtag is more popular than ever, with more than 427 million views on TikTok, a large driver of Gen Z content.

Sewing a quilt out of old T-shirts or cutting up worn-out jeans to make a stylish boho

purse can be weekend projects or rainyday distractions for bored kids. But for Angela Sawyer, upcycling is a passion and a way of life. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, as well as a lifelong passion for crafting and art, she created her own YouTube channel @MizAngelaSawyer to teach and motivate others. Her tutorials exhibit the joy that can come from a do-ityourself lifestyle. “It’s fun to see what you can make out of something else,” she declares.

Sawyer suggests viewing everything around the house with a new perspective, saying, “Look for anything you use a lot of and have to throw away. What could you make with those, since you have so many?” Her jam is turning outgrown clothes into personal fashion statements.

“Jeans are very popular to upcycle,” Sawyer explains. “You can turn them into skirts, patchwork blankets and much more.” For the stitching-phobic, there are plenty of nosew techniques to embellish or repurpose

tired clothes, such as dying fabrics (extra points for plant-based dyes); applying self-adhesive trim, patches or lace; adding rhinestones with fabric glue; and tying or braiding fabric pieces together. For beginners, Sawyer recommends watching online YouTube channels that offer easy-to-follow instructions and creative solutions for every craft project.

Functional Memories

Sentimental mothers are reluctant to give away baby clothes, but upcycling can preserve family memories in the form of patchwork memory quilts, holiday ornaments and clothing for dolls that can be handed down to the next generation. Those inexplicably mismatched socks can be reused as dusting or cleaning mitts, rice-filled hot compresses or eyeglass holders. Old teacups are lovely containers for hand-poured candles, while old forks and spoons can be repurposed into musical wind chimes. Even junk mail and glossy,

outdated catalogs can be transformed into handmade cards and decoupage jewelry.

Creativity Prompts

To a creative mind, anything can be repurposed and reimagined. Inventive examples abound, many of which are easy to replicate. Here are a few ideas.

• Use toilet paper rolls as cable organizers to keep the wires from tangling.

• Store earbuds in empty mint containers.

• Transform used wine bottles into rustic flower vases.

• Spruce up old furniture with a fresh coat of paint and re-purpose bent silverware as drawer pulls.

• Make a necklace or earrings with buttons.

• Repurpose an old tennis racket into a trellis for the garden.

• Take broken plates and ceramics, break them down and create a new work of art.

• Place stringed lights in discarded jars for a new lease on life.

• Turn aluminum or plastic containers into house planters.

Community Crafting

Showing others how to turn trash into treasure or add new life to tired objects is a wonderful motivator for friends, neighbors and future

generations. “When a child gets into upcycling, it can give them a sense of accomplishment, which increases confidence,” Sawyer points out. “It can have a ripple effect outside of our communities, too, if we share with others what we are doing and inspire them to do the same.”

Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings

Secrets to a Joyful Childhood Building a Family That Laughs and Loves Together

by Christina Connors

There are no sweeter sounds than the giggles of a child playing with a puppy or the giddy singing voice of a little one at bedtime. When these lifeaffirming moments are consistent and shared among a family, such heartfelt and abiding contentment can be considered a type of joy that becomes second nature, impacting children in enduring ways.

“Joy is the building block for developing resilience, improving mental health and supporting cognitive performance,” says Dr. Chanie Messinger, a Brooklyn-based occupational therapist, educator and motivational speaker. “It’s important to

remember that our ability to experience joy is directly dependent upon our ability to be open to experiencing all the rainbow of emotions, including sadness, anger and frustration. To me, creating a joyful home means that, as a family, we practice accepting and holding all of our emotions through joyful play, deep connection and creativity.”

“Everything starts in the home, and our kids take their cues from their parents and caregivers,” says Harmony Longenecker, founder of The Classical Academy of Sarasota, in Florida, a private pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade classical

liberal arts school. “It is important to model for our kids how to be grateful, generous and joyful, and doing things together as a family fosters those qualities.”

A systematic review of research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that positive family dynamics like cohesion and communication strongly predict the happiness of children and adolescents. Here are some ways to incorporate joy in the home to benefit the whole family.

Reduce smartphone use. Children thrive whenever their parents and other family members are fully present in their lives. When spending time together, it is vital to remove distractions as a way of enabling and deepening the connection to one another. Eliminating or reducing smartphone use during family time is an important first step. To learn more, Longenecker recommends reading The OptOut Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, by Erin Loechner.

Champion a gratitude jar. Encourage everyone to write down what they are thankful for on pieces of paper and drop them into a large jar. Once a week, invite each family member to pull out a gratitude note and share it with the group, encouraging discussion.

Have a family dance party. “Moving our bodies is a great way to release tension and boost serotonin,” says Messinger. For added fun, stop the music every so often and have everyone freeze in place in outlandish positions that represent an emotion. Family members then take turns guessing what the emotions are. Is it boredom, anger, glee, frustration or anticipation? This enjoyable game can improve the emotional intelligence of children.

Engage in a child’s favorite activity. Plan an afternoon or day trip around a child’s passions, which could be attending a car race for the auto enthusiast, painting outdoors for the child artist or having a family fashion show for the budding clothing designer. “Tapping into what our kids appreciate and noticing what lights them up is how we can create feelings of safety and joy,” says Messinger.

Hold recurring family meetings. At the beginning of each season, sit down together and set family goals for the quarter, making sure to include both thoughtful intentions and fun activities. “Communication and setting intentions regularly as a family is not only a fun way to spend time together, but also opens up conversations about the power of setting intentions and following through,” says Longenecker.

Get moving outdoors together. Go for a family bike ride. Take a walk in nature. Visit the zoo. Exercising in the sunshine or under a sparkling night sky is not only great for everyone’s health, but also a fun way to bond and make special memories.

Keep a tidy household. A well-ordered home is a joyful one. Make chores fun by playing music while decorating, cooking, cleaning or doing laundry together.

Develop a family manifesto. Jointly write down a code of conduct and set of beliefs

that identifies the family. “Getting clear on who we are as individuals and as a family helps our kids know their true selves. By helping them develop this inner knowing, it will help them navigate the world with confidence and be less likely to succumb to unhealthy peer pressure,” says Longenecker.

Hit the reset button. “Oftentimes being crabby is a habit,” says Longenecker. “Establish a rule: When a family member wakes up crabby, they must return to their room and take a few moments of alone-time to breathe and decide to shift their emotional state to a more positive one. If there are feelings that need to be seen and heard, be sure to help them express those emotions through conversation and cuddling.”

Practice radical generosity. The act of giving is healthy for the soul. A beautiful way to practice generosity as a family is to serve together. Volunteer at a local charity, or pay for a stranger’s meal at a restaurant. Such acts of kindness strengthen our empathy muscles and fill our spirits with joy.

Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of Christina’s Cottage, a YouTube series to strengthen kids’ resilience, connection and joy through music, mindful play and the power of the heart. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.

Serving up Happiness

Foods for Better Moods

by Zak Logan

Most of us feel a little grumpy when we’re hungry, but a diet that is dominated by ultra-processed packaged foods and drive-through meals increases our chances of experiencing chronic mood swings and symptoms of depression. Ultra-processed foods are characterized by a long list of additives— artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, salt and more—resulting in products that do not resemble their original natural state.

In a 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open involving more than 10,000 participants aged 18 or older, individuals with a higher percentage of their total energy intake from ultra-processed foods were significantly more likely to report mild depression and more mentally unhealthy and anxious days. Research involving more than 31,000 middle-aged women published last year in JAMA Network Open linked a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially artificial sweeteners, to a higher risk of depressive disorders. Reducing ultraprocessed food intake by at least three servings per day lowered the risk of depression.

In order to produce serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are crucial for balanced mental health, our bodies require vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in real, whole foods. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding processed meats, sugary beverages, sweets and refined

grains, and it gives a thumbs-up to feelgood fare on the Mediterranean diet that includes plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains; healthy fats like olive oil; lean meats, including fish and poultry; and some dairy, such as natural cheese and yogurt.

Brain Changers

According to Holly DeLong, a registered dietitian and the founder of Food & Mood, in Malvern, Pennsylvania, “Food is a form of medicine, and we truly can make big improvements in our mental and emotional well-being using the intersection between nutrition and mental health. Food, gut health and nutrient status all affect neurotransmitter production and balance. Certain nutrients are required to produce neurotransmitters.” She recommends the

consumption of mood-friendly, B-vitaminrich leafy greens, avocados, lentils, sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast, as well as magnesium-packed whole grains, tofu and bananas.

“What we eat influences key systems in our body, especially blood sugar, gut health and inflammation, and these impact mood, energy, stress and anxiety,” says Amy Fox, a certified functional food coach and life coach in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Think of each meal as your ‘nutrition prescription’. These choices almost always predict how you’ll feel in a few hours. A helpful rule of thumb is to aim for foods with five ingredients or less and limit boxed, bagged or wrapped items.” She also notes that high-sugar items, especially before bed, are the worst offenders.

What we eat, and when, can improve the body’s chemical balancing act. “Meal timing can be a huge factor in how food affects mood. Skipping meals and eating too close to bedtime can contribute to poor energy, lower moods and higher anxiety for some people,” explains DeLong.

Fox notes that consuming alcohol can also backfire. “Sometimes we think a glass of wine will help us unwind after a long day, but it has the opposite effect. Even small amounts of alcohol can disrupt the production of our natural happiness chemicals.”

Gut Health

Because 95 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut, nutritionally dense foods and those containing probiotics and prebiotics promote the presence of good bacteria in the belly, which ensures the production of this neurotransmitter. Fox recommends three daily servings of fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, kimchi, plain Greek yogurt and naturally fermented sauerkraut found in the refrigerated section with “live cultures” on the label.

DeLong’s favorite go-to allies are sources of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds to combat inflammation, an integral factor in fighting the blues. She praises the antioxidant potential of berries, acai and pomegranates, and suggests swapping coffee for L-theanine-rich matcha green tea to decrease systemic patterns of anxiety.

Protein Power

Protein is an unsung hero in eating to feel better. “A craving for sweets might indicate a serotonin deficiency often linked to stress and low energy,” says Fox. “When you eat protein-rich foods, they help slow digestion, keeping blood sugar levels stable and providing a longer-lasting energy source.” She recommends lean chicken, beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and legumes.

Consistent Change

According to DeLong, “Neurotransmitter health is not a predetermined, unchangeable defect as it is often seen. We can make an impact with the choices we make.”

Simple, consistent changes in the diet can produce lasting effects. “It’s about small, supportive choices that build up over time, shifting focus from restriction to nourishment,” says Fox.

Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to getting back to basics.

Functional and Integrative Medicine

• Naples, Florida •

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We help men and women age gracefully with cutting-edge anti-aging medicine, including personalized nutrition protocols, bioidentical hormones, peptides, light therapy, and more.

Apply for a consultation at: StillmanMD.com or contact us by email at StillmanMD@StillmanMD.com

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EASY SERENITY SALAD BOWL

YIELD: 1 SERVING

2 cups mixed greens of choice (baby lettuce, mustard, chard, spinach, arugula or chicory)

¼ cup fermented veggies (kimchi or sauerkraut)

¼ cup cooked beans (kidney, black or garbanzo)

1 Tbsp flaxseeds

2 Tbsp walnuts

1 Tbsp lemon juice

½ Tbsp olive oil

Optional: grilled salmon or avocado slices

Mix greens, fermented veggies, beans, flaxseeds and walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Top with grilled salmon and/or avocado slices.

Recipe courtesy of Amy Fox.

SUSTAINING GRAIN BOWL

YIELD: 1 TO 3 SERVINGS

1 cup whole grain of choice, cooked (millet; wild, brown or black rice; buckwheat; quinoa; farro; or amaranth)

1 to 3 cups vegetables, raw, lightly steamed, roasted or sautéed

4 to 6 oz of lean protein of choice, cooked (lean meat, egg, beans, legumes, tempeh, tofu or fish)

⅛ cup nuts, seeds, sprouts or avocado

Cook grain, vegetables and protein, depending on choice of ingredients. To build, layer grain as the base and add vegetables, protein and toppings.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

2025 Editorial Calendar

GUT-FRIENDLY BROCCOLI NUT SOUP

YIELD: 3 SERVINGS

1 yellow onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

¾ tsp dried thyme

5 cups bone broth

1 cup raw cashews

1½ lbs Yukon gold or white potatoes, diced (approx. 3½ cups)

7 cups broccoli florets (approx. 1 large head of broccoli)

½ tsp sea salt or to taste

½ tsp black pepper or to taste

Add onion, garlic, celery and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to a pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking. Add the thyme and sauté another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add broth, cashews, potatoes, broccoli florets, salt and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot or carefully transfer the contents of the pot to a stand blender in batches and puree.

Serve with crusty bread or garnish with croutons.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

FEEL-GOOD PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

YIELD: 1 SERVING

¾ cup ultra-filtered protein milk (found in many grocery stores)

1 scoop protein powder (whey, soy, egg white, pea or hemp)

½ frozen banana

Handful of frozen strawberries or other berries

1 Tbsp of flaxseeds

¼ cup of zero-percent-fat, plain Greek yogurt

Handful of kale

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well. To thicken, add a few ice cubes or place smoothie in the freezer for 7 to 10 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Amy Fox.

VeselovaElena from Getty Images/CanvaPro

First Thoughts and New Experiences

Returning to Innocence Through Beginner’s Mindset

by Carrie Jackson

The new year brings a fresh focus on growth and forward thinking. An intentional way to harness this is to adopt the Zen Buddhist idea of shoshin, or beginner’s mind. This approach guides people to experience life with curiosity and openness, helping them let go of old patterns. It is a way of being that encourages practitioners to abandon preconceptions, embrace the world with a sense of wonder and see things from a more optimistic perspective. By examining and

releasing old ways of thinking, expressing gratitude and incorporating different practices, the mind, body and heart open to novel opportunities.

The Beginner’s Mindset

“The idea of being open to the situation comes up repeatedly in meditative traditions,” says Steve Rogne, owner and director of Zen Shiatsu, in Evanston, Illinois. He notes that in his practice, shoshin is an essential part of shiatsu, a form of massage

therapy that uses gentle pressure to stimulate the body’s acupressure points and meridian channels. Shoshin can aid in unblocking stagnant energy and harmonizing the flow of qi, or vital energy, in the body.

“As a situation arises, we have our natural responses, which may include wanting to change what is happening. Another perspective is to ask, ‘What if I accept things the way they are?’” Rogne explains. “Accepting situations for the

way they are is the foundation from which we can respond. It’s like a preparation for action without being the endpoint. We can simultaneously be open and respond mindfully.”

Learning to accept what is happening can also help us break old patterns of thinking and reacting. “There is a very common human dynamic to move toward the things we want and away from the things we don’t want; however, this can lead to a fixed response pattern that limits our growth,” says Rogne. “In shiatsu, we help people to recognize those patterns and find the balance between active response and trusting with faith. This trains us to listen to our inner wisdom and relax into outcomes that aren’t what we prefer.”

Mindfully changing patterns can open us up to new experiences that we had previously shut out. “You may find a willingness to move forward in new relationships, even though you’ve experienced that relationships can be painful, or perhaps you find the willingness to speak up even though there’s a chance you won’t be heard in the way that you want,” Rogne notes.

Keeping a receptive mind helps to open us up physically, as well. “In both shiatsu and the shoshin mindset, we trust that every person’s body is already working on its own healing. When we let go of our fixed holding patterns, the internal circulation is freed up, leaving the best possible opportunity for the body to regain all the healthy rhythms of the organs and reduce conditions such as chronic pain,” Rogne asserts.

Optimism

Having hope and confidence about the future is essential in cultivating a beginner’s mind, helping to counter some of the fear and intolerance that can undermine our

lives. “A shoshin principle is that there is not anything fundamentally wrong with us or with the world. This allows us to move forward with positive faith and engagement,” says Rogne.

“Optimism is a belief that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end,” says Victor Perton, founder of the Centre for Optimism, an Australian-based think tank dedicated to fostering realistic and infectious optimism around the world. “With optimism, we enter each experience expecting fresh possibilities, guided by a sense that there’s something meaningful to discover.”

This positive outlook has myriad benefits. “Optimism nurtures healthy longevity and acts as a powerful protector against major health threats like heart disease, cancer and dementia,” says Perton. “Optimism also lowers the risk of cognitive decline, as optimistic people tend to be more socially and physically active, helping stave off dementia and age-related memory loss.” A 2022 study of more than 150,000 racially diverse, older women published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that the most optimistic women were healthier, lived 4.4 years longer than the least optimistic women and were more likely to live past age 90.

A positive outlook can help navigate the stress and anxiety of life. “Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the challenge; it means approaching it with the belief that solutions are possible. Optimism and a beginner’s mind work together in this way, helping us to stay open to new paths, resilient in the face of setbacks and appreciative of life’s small, beautiful details,” opines Perton.

Incorporating small, intentional practices into our day can help us cultivate

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optimism. “Smiling with genuine warmth—even at strangers—can shift our outlook, and asking others, ‘What’s the best thing in your day?’ brings a positive energy to conversations,” says Perton. He also recommends simple grounding practices like gardening, yoga and meditation to nurture curiosity and positivity, noting, “Through these small habits, optimism becomes a daily practice and, in time, a personal superpower for resilience and joy.”

Reframing Our Outlook

Reflective practices encourage us to explore our goals with a fresh outlook. “Journaling is a practice that is just for you, and you’re not intending to share it with anyone else,” explains Shawn Brown, a Baltimore-based wellness facilitator and yoga teacher who helps clients find a path to being their authentic selves. “It really allows you to examine what is popping up and what you are curious about. This might be learning a new language or starting a new yoga practice. When we look at things as a beginner, we are open to what we are truly interested in.”

A regular gratitude practice also helps bring us back to a place of grounding. “When we tap into gratitude, it expands our propensity to be creative and allows us to drop into the present moment. This is where we live, but when we think of the future or ruminate on something that happened in the past, we are pulled out,” says Brown. She encourages clients to take breaks throughout the day and recall a person, place or experience for which they are grateful. “Think about something that makes the corner of your mouth turn into a smile,” she suggests. “It can be as simple as gratitude for your partner who bought dog food or a neighbor who moved a package off the porch. This brings us back into

our lives right now, and that’s where the beginner is.”

Cultivating a sense of play can also tap into a shoshin mindset. “As adults, there’s a need to have a goal or expected result in any situation. When you’re a beginner, you don’t have a specific outcome because you’re just learning. Play, especially with kids or an animal, is free-form engagement without the need to get it right or check something off our to-do list. Releasing the need for control and perfection opens us up and expands us for so many other options and possibilities,” Brown says.

Brown encourages her yoga students to be open in the way they approach their practice. “Coming into a pose in a different way can give us a new experience of it,” she says. “My approach to yoga is not that we’re trying to do the posture, it’s that we’re trying to feel the posture. It’s a mirror of our being and can indicate if you are feeling strong, tired, energized or wobbly. Rather than attaching a label of good or bad, you just notice, and that opens us up.”

Especially in the new year, Brown urges clients to replace “I have to” with “I get to,” which presents more of a growth mindset. “This is the time to reframe our goals,” she points out. “Trying something new, like taking a West African dance class instead of your regular spin class, shakes up the routine and keeps your mind and body learning. You get to be pushed out of the comfort zone, and that’s where the magic happens.”

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

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Exercise With a Smile Turning Workouts Into Playtime

by David J. Sautter, NASM (CPT, FNS, PES), ACE (SCS)

When it comes to exercise, many people think of rigid routines, grueling workouts and strict schedules, but joyful movement can make fitness fun, flexible and something to look forward to. It could be as simple as walking through the park, dancing in the living room or playing outside with the kids. Unlike traditional exercise routines that feel like obligations or chores, a joyful approach to fitness focuses on engaging in activities that feel good both physically and mentally.

“Movement does not have to be intense or complex; however, it must be intentional and innate,” says Katia Mashni, a healthand-wellness coach and registered dietitian/ nutritionist in Michigan. “When you find and engage in an exercise program you enjoy, you are far more likely to stick to it and adopt it as part of your lifestyle because it makes you happy.” A 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health of more than 2,300 adults found that those engaged in moderate and high levels of activity had significantly higher life satisfaction and happiness than those with low activity levels.

Fun Fuels Fitness Success

Fun is a powerful motivator when it comes to fitness. A 2020 review of more than 2,800 studies and papers by researchers at Victoria University, in Australia, found that when people had fun exercising, they were significantly more likely to consistently exercise.

By regularly engaging in our favorite activities, we can create a healthier relationship

with fitness. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology of more than 200 participants involved in different levels of activity found that after four weeks, active participants had higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and self-esteem.

Adding Joy to Workouts

• Listen to music. An energizing playlist of favorites is a surefire way to boost a walking, running or strength-training routine.

• Exercise with friends or family. Increase the fun quotient by turning a gym workout or outdoor hike into a social event.

• Try something new or revisit a childhood favorite. Explore activities such as biking around the neighborhood, hula-hooping in the backyard or swimming at a local pool or beach. “I encourage people to get curious,” says Courtney Pelitera, a dietitian with a passion for sport and performance nutrition. “Maybe you loved swimming in high school, or you have always wanted to take your dog out on a hike, or the pickleball leagues popping up everywhere sound like fun to you. Try it out! We all start somewhere, and being new to something might even bring you into friendships with others who are also new.”

• Dance around the house. Turn household chores into a dance party by moving to the rhythm while cleaning or cooking.

Elena

Photo/CanvaPro

• Play with pets. Get active by running, walking or playing fetch with the dog or by creating a fun obstacle course to do together.

Releasing the Guilt and Pressure

Many people feel judged or intimidated when it comes to fitness. Embrace these strategies to break free from the pressure to exercise perfectly or to follow an intense workout routine.

• Let go of perfection. Focus on progress, not perfection. Every bit of movement counts, and it’s okay if goals or milestones are not achieved right away.

• Set a realistic pace. Whether starting or returning to fitness, it is important to honestly evaluate exercise readiness. Joyful movement is about doing what feels right for the body.

• Avoid comparisons to others. Everyone’s fitness journey is different, and trying to match others can take the joy out of it. Celebrate personal achievements, no matter how small.

• Focus on fun, not performance. Place less emphasis on the quality of the exercise movements and more on how pleasing those efforts are.

• Choose comfortable environments. Whether a solo walk in nature, a quiet yoga session or dancing at home, choose settings that feel relaxing and happy.

• Dress for comfort. Wearing feel-good workout clothes adds confidence and reduces self-conscious discomfort during exercise.

David J. Sautter is a certified trainer, nutrition specialist, and health and fitness writer.

(239) 228-6949

600 Goodlette Road N. Naples FL 34102

The DripBar

Unlock the Body’s Full Potential with IV Therapy

by Yvette Lynn

Unlocking the body’s full potential at The Drip Bar in Naples requires only one thing: sitting back and relaxing in a comfortable chair. Unlike most health improvements that demand effort, this process allows for rejuvenation effortlessly. The DripBar offers a range of intravenous vitamin (IV) and nutrient therapies tailored to meet everyone’s unique health needs and goals.

oral supplementation. Providing the cells with the nutritional fuel through IV therapy provides a much faster boost of energy, a more robust immune response, easier recovery from stresses on the body, and a slowing down of the aging process.

tered through IV. It improves blood circulation, boosts immune function through the production of antioxidants, and reduces inflammation, among many other benefits.

“Whether it’s boosting energy, enhancing cognitive function, improving metabolic health, supporting healthy aging or managing a specific health condition, The DripBar’s team of medical professionals works to empower clients, helping them understand how IV therapies are a way to take control of their own wellbeing,” says Patty Diederich, a Registered Nurse at The DripBar, located between Publix and Starbucks in River Chase Plaza.

Health and wellness start at the cellular level. Getting the necessary micronutrients to the cell is made easier through the process of IV infusion. IV vitamin therapy can ensure the cells obtain nearly 100% of the nutrients that are provided versus only about 10 to 20 percent of nutrients that might be absorbed through

“We’ve been open since May and it seems that the IVs people are most familiar with and know to ask for are The Shield (immune boost), The Power Pack and The Restoration. The Shield gives a great immune boost, the Power Pack (boost of energy), and The Restoration, which minimizes the effects of poor sleep, overindulging in alcoholic beverages, and lengthy travel,” says Patti Diederich, a registered nurse practitioner at The DripBar.

Athletes looking to up their game or busy parents who want to keep good health in check will find what they need at The DripBar, with therapies designed to deliver the perfect balance of vitamins and nutrients to help the body perform at its best.

The DripBar also specializes in Ozone IV Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment. Ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, has been found to possess therapeutic benefits when adminis -

Another standout IV therapy is the NAD + rejuvenation drip. NAD + is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular function and energy production. Benefits are multiple, increased energy and vitality, enhanced cognitive function, reduced signs of aging, and improved metabolic health.

The DripBar prioritizes safety and quality. Drip Specialists are RNs, and the organization operates under the guidance of a national medical director and a medical board. “Our high safety standards ensure peace of mind that all treatments and our environment are free of chemical and microbial contaminants. All compounding is done on-site and in a sterile environment to prevent clients from contamination, guaranteeing clients peace of mind.” emphasizes Diederich.

The DripBar is located at 11216 Tamiami Trl., N., in Naples. For more information, call 239-422-6044. Visit TheDripBar.com/Naples. See ad, page 41.

Into a Business Turn Your Passion

Own Your Own

Natural Awakenings Magazine!

Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming the owner of a Natural Awakenings magazine. Empower others with current, valuable insights and resources to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

As a franchise owner, you’ll inspire positive change, provide readers with tools for healthier living and connect local businesses with an audience eager for transformation.

Why Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine?

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Call 239-206-2000 for a FREE evaluation of your community’s potential. Learn more or apply today at: Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com

Add Your Community to Where Natural Awakenings Is Now Publishing:

• Atlanta, GA

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• Western Michigan Call for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.

New Self-Care Health Book by Naples Author

by Lisa Marlene

Achieving and maintaining good health over time does not have to be complicated. However, it often requires a self-health manual with clear directions on how to get there and stay there.

Sue Mahany

In Health Habits at Home: Take Charge of Your Wellbeing, local author, detoxification specialist, and founder of Spark Health Technologies, Sue Mahany, shares 35 essential habits for physical well-being. Colorful and action-oriented, the book is the result of Mahany’s 25 years of study and experience. She shares strategies she successfully used to overcome chronic fatigue and hormonal imbalance.

Simple Steps and Clear Understanding

Organized into simple steps and written for ease of understanding, the book provides clear directions on how to implement these habits. Most of the 35 habits can be done at home and are relatively inexpensive. “Although I’ve found that people are generally aware that detoxification, supplements, sleep, and nutrition are essential for wellness, they aren’t familiar with the quality of supplements, what to take, or the correct order needed to achieve their health goals. The choices we make every day can strengthen our bodies against the harsh chemical and electromagnetic environments we live in today. These key points below can make all the difference,” she advises.

Key Points Covered in Take Charge of Your Wellbeing

How dental health impacts the whole body

Where to use castor oil to clear lymph

Why microplastic removal is essential for hormonal health

When to measure body temperature to evaluate thyroid function

Which foundational supplements are needed for cellular health

What

new technologies

can reduce parasites and inflammation

Detoxification, Benchmarking, Refining

Think of the body as a house. Houses come in different sizes and shapes, and they are built at different times. How much junk is inside your house? How much structural work needs to be done? What is for looks, and what is for function? Getting the house in order is easiest if the junk is removed first. In the body, this process is called detoxification.

Next, assess what needs to be done to strengthen the structure, air quality, and plumbing/electrical systems of the house. This is the benchmarking stage. Addressing these issues, as well as general maintenance, is the all-important and never-ending nourishment stage. Finally, there’s nothing wrong with wanting nice curb appeal and comfortable sofas—this is where you savor the fruits of your labor in the refining stage.

Effects of Environmental Chemicals, EMFs and Demanding Lifestyles

Great opportunities in the self-care category include everything from lasers to saunas to sleep-monitoring devices that, when properly applied, can significantly reduce the odds of chronic disease. Living in an era of damaging environmental chemicals, ubiquitous electromagnetic frequencies, and demanding lifestyles has created massive health challenges, but there are solutions for every problem.

“It can be hard to know which options are worthwhile or where to even start. Having successfully navigated the myriad options, I wrote this book to save readers valuable time and money when designing their wellness plan,” Mahany advises.

Health Habits at Home is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. For signed copies or to make an appointment, text Sue at 802-752-6342 or visit her detoxification clinic, Spark Health Technologies, in North Naples. Visit SparkHealthTechnologies.com. See ad, page 31.

Opening New Chapters

by Marlaina Donato

Diving into a new job, partnership or living situation might not be as scary as jumping into a fire or abyss, but fear of the unknown can certainly get a grip on us if we are not careful. Beginning anything new can feel unsettling, but with a little shift in mindset, anxiety can morph into genuine excitement. Whether taking piano lessons or trying a fitness class at the gym for the first time, we have one thing on our side: beginners have nothing to prove. Every master of their craft was once a novice, and remembering this can quell the ego’s impatience for perfection.

Curiosity, instead of fear, can become our internal navigation system, urging us forward as we turn a new corner or a new page. The month of January can bring expectations, fresh goals and, for the anxiety-prone, flashes of what-ifs. It is not easy approaching the unknown, even for the seasoned artist putting that first brushstroke onto a stark, white canvas. Tapping into our innate creativity helps us to see an open road of choices lying before us.

First steps can be shaky, but with a little purpose and fortitude, they become surer, even elegant. Martin Luther King, Jr. advised, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” When we feel snagged in a web of procrastination or hesitance, reviving our sense of wonderment and childlike innocence can disarm doubt. Despite our fears and uncertainties, we might even experience some levity in our pursuits.

Greeting the New Year

• Try a different ethnic restaurant.

• Visit an unexplored town.

• Start a conversation with a previously unknown neighbor.

• Begin wearing hats or another signature piece, and own a new style.

• Learn an interesting word every week, and use it in conversation.

• Investigate an intriguing culture.

• Enroll in a cooking class, or learn to bake bread.

• Take a screen break and pick out a new book at the library.

Marlaina Donato is an author of several books, a painter and a composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.

Gladys McGarey

November 30, 1920 - September 28, 2024

on the Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age

by Rose Winters

Recognized around the world as the mother of holistic medicine, Gladys McGarey was a physician and activist who inspired new ways of thinking about disease and health. Throughout her expansive career, she championed the integrated use of healing methods from Western, Eastern and Indigenous sources; advocated the use of food to prevent and treat disease; and promulgated the idea that illnesses offer glimpses into our inner selves.

McGarey practiced medicine for eight decades, was the co-founder and former president of the American Holistic Medical Association (now called the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine) and co-founder of the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine. She was one of the first medical doctors to use acupuncture in the United States.

In her book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, McGarey offers both practical advice and inspiring wisdom drawn from her own life, as well as from the experiences of patients, family and friends. Here is a selection of excerpts from her book.

Secret I: You Are Here for a Reason

Each of us is here for a reason, to learn and grow and to give our gifts. When we are able to do so, we’re filled with the

creative life energy that I call the “juice.” The juice is our reason for living. It’s our fulfillment, our joy. It’s what happens when life is activated by love. It’s the energy we get from the things that matter and mean something to us.

Secret II: All Life Needs To Move

Consider life flowing like a forest stream. A tree falls across the stream, creating a small dam, and some sticks come along to build the dam up a little higher. Downstream of the dam, the water flow may slow significantly, but it usually doesn’t stop completely. Even if it does, the water continues to flow upstream of the dam, and the movement can be seen in the rising waterline. At some point, the water reaches the top of the dam and a trickle forms on one side or another, going around the dam and continuing downstream.

Life reaches for life. Always. That means that when we feel the most stuck, whether physically, emotionally, situationally, or any other way, we may need only to look to where things are still moving. When we put our focus and our energy there, a trickle will form around our dam. Aligning with this trickle will help us realign with life. When we do, we can get up and start moving again. Once that happens, all we need to do is keep going.

Secret III: Love Is the Most Powerful Medicine

Love dispels fear, but it is also blocked by fear. The two are often presented together because they’re constantly in a push-pull game with each other. If fear is our habit, practicing love is a wise solution. And that practice will take us far, because love is infinitely stronger than fear—always. Just as our bodies are born to breathe air, we are born to love. That’s why although it’s good to address our fear, it’s even better to focus on our love. Any effort we put toward love—truly, any effort at all—will self-perpetuate, bringing joy, health, and well-being into our lives.

Secret IV: You Are Never Truly Alone

There’s a danger in thinking that we have to agree on everything to enjoy

each other’s company. This pushes everyone to extremes. It’s natural that when someone’s life looks like ours, it’s easier to find common points of connection. But it’s sometimes the people who are most unlike us who push us to see things in a new way. That means there’s great meaning in interacting with people we don’t like that much. When we approach people who think very differently from us with curiosity instead of condemnation, we grow.

Secret V: Everything Is Your Teacher

True optimism isn’t toxic, because focusing on the positive does not mean denying the negative. It does not mean we dissociate from our pain, whether it’s physical or emotional, or pretend that things are okay when they aren’t. Instead, it means we look for what’s wonderful anyway. We allow what hurts to hurt while continuing to search for the lesson in it and be grateful for the teaching.

Secret VI: Spend Your Energy Wildly

Love is always worth your energy. Always. Lean into what you love, whom you love, how you love. Love is an endless font of life force, and it’s always there for you.

Excerpts are printed by permission of The Foundation for Living Medicine, created in 1989 by McGarey to bridge the gap between holistic and allopathic medicine through research and education. To learn more or to make a donation, visit FoundationForLivingMedicine.org.

Rose Winters is chief executive oﬃcer of The Foundation for Living Medicine and a consultant addressing nonprofit strategies with a special focus on women, health and children.

www.accessholistichealing.com

To read a longer version, visit online at TinyURL.com/McGareyWW or scan the QR code.

Advancing a Couple’s Fertility

Natural Solutions for Women and Men

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

The prospect of parenthood can bring a range of emotions to couples trying to conceive—from excitement and jubilation to worry, frustration and sadness. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. Many couples hoping to conceive turn to costly medications and painful procedures designed to manipulate hormones, help with ovulation issues and prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy.

In addition to researching such medications and procedures, couples should explore natural alternatives that nurture and support their ability to conceive. “Fertility is not just about hormones,” says Nashat Latib, a certified functional medicine doctor specializing in natural fertility. “Consider what is going on in your whole body.”

“Males and females are equally at the root of fertility struggles, and sometimes the roadblocks can come from both sides,” observes Aumatma Simmons, a naturopathic doctor, endocrinologist and author of Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About Baby-Making. “It is essential to pinpoint the root causes of fertility problems.”

For women, fertility rates naturally decline with age, from a 25 to 30 percent chance of pregnancy in their early-to-mid-20s to about

a 5 percent chance by age 40. Other health concerns such as ovulation issues, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome can complicate conception and the ability to carry a baby to term.

When fertility issues arise, often the focus is placed on women, but about half of the cases can be attributed to the men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 12.8 percent of men aged 25 to 49 experience infertility, and the rate is rising. Factors like low sperm production, poor sperm quality, oxidative stress, blockages preventing sperm release, undescended testicles and cancers contribute to male infertility. Other health problems, including diabetes, infections, hormone imbalances, autoimmunity and tumors, can impact both men and women.

Rainbow Nutrition

Diet plays a significant role in overall reproductive health. Simmons stresses the need for a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains to provide the essential nutrients that support fertility. Phytonutrients—natural compounds in plants that provide health benefits—optimize male and female fertility and help the body eliminate toxins. Simmons also recommends limiting processed foods and refined sugar, which can negatively impact hormone balance.

“Nutrients found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kohlrabi can help regulate and metabolize hormones,” says Latib. “Nutrients found in grapes and berries can improve the quality of the eggs and sperm by reducing oxidative stress; protect reproductive cells from damage; support successful embryo implantation; regulate ovulation by modulating hormone levels; and promote hormonal balance. Compounds like lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon have been shown to improve sperm motility and boost immune function by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.”

Latib adds that pairing foods from different color categories in meals helps maximize the positive effects of phytonutrients. Examples include a berry smoothie with spinach, a stir-fry dish with a rainbow of vegetables, a tomato and mushroom frittata, a cauliflower rice bowl with turmeric and veggies, and a kale salad topped with sweet potato.

A Clean Lifestyle

Toxins are all around us, and hormonedisrupting chemicals found in cosmetics, plastic packaging, toys, carpets and pesticides can have serious consequences for male and female fertility. Latib suggests using glass instead of plastic whenever possible and eating organic fruits and

vegetables to reduce the pesticide and herbicide exposure.

“Be cautious of endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, and phthalates that are used to make plastics. They are found in food packaging, water bottles and food-can linings,” says Simmons, adding, “Even ingredients like ‘fragrance’ can contribute to hormonal imbalances and gut-health issues.”

Stress can negatively affect fertility, underscoring the need for stress management. Simmons recommends quitting tobacco use, reducing alcohol intake and

practicing yoga or meditation to improve overall reproductive health. Exercise can also reduce tension, improving health and fertility.

Latib recommends high-intensity exercise during the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle and restorative movement and exercise in the second half of the cycle. For men, she notes the importance of supporting testosterone levels with regular exercise and sufficient sleep, limiting unhealthy environmental exposures and consuming adequate levels of nutrients like zinc and vitamin D.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can negatively impact fertility by disrupting hormone balance and damaging reproductive tissues. Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s free radicals and antioxidants are not balanced, leading to damaged reproductive cells and fertility issues.

Both Latib and Simmons recommend working with a fertility specialist to assess a couple’s health, fertility and lifestyle factors. The assessment should include hormone testing to measure levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones and prolactin; nutrient testing for zinc, selenium and antioxidant levels; a gut-health assessment; and a thorough evaluation of environmental toxin exposures.

“Your body is smart,” emphasizes Latib. “Nothing is unexplainable. If you are having trouble conceiving, there is a root cause. A functional fertility practitioner can guide you through the process.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

atlasstudio/CanvaPro

Peaceful Summit Counseling Psychotherapy, A Path to Wellness

by Linda Sechrist

The American Psychological Association encourages individuals to debunk misconceptions about psychotherapy. On its website, the APA urges people to learn the facts about psychotherapy and how it benefits those struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, medical illness, the demands of parenting, substance abuse, anger management, major life transitions, and worklife balance. Jennifer Vear Hoy MS, founder of Peaceful Summit Counseling in Naples, wholeheartedly agrees.

“Many people I talk to have the wrong idea about psychotherapy and what counseling truly is. The majority think they need to wait until they are in the middle of a crisis before seeking help, but that is the biggest misconception. Psychotherapy is for anyone at any time in their life,” Hoy explains.

She adds that even if we are unsure how to articulate what is troubling us, anything making us uncomfortable should be addressed. This includes dealing with family relationships, grieving a loss, addictions, anger, depression, and anxiety, to name just a few.

“Today, I counsel many couples who believe that unless they are ready for a divorce, they do not need counseling. That is a huge misunderstanding. You want to seek help long before the marriage is in crisis. Even good marriages can always be better.”

Hoy emphasizes that marriage counseling often revolves around learning how to listen and communicate effectively. “Men and women communicate in different ways. It’s not about someone being right or wrong but simply understanding that we speak differently. Recog-

nizing how each person communicates is often half the battle. Communication is a skill like any other. You will not be perfect the first time, but with practice, we learn the best way to talk with one another,” she says.

Hoy explains that learning to recognize when something is bothering us—no matter how small—is essential. If we fi nd ourselves obsessing or losing sleep over an issue, talking it out with a caring professional can make all the difference. “Unfortunately, many people wait until it begins to affect other areas of their life before seeking help.”

Counseling is about self-care. “We take care of our physical needs by eating, sleeping, and exercising to stay healthy. Our mental health deserves no less. Our inner feelings affect our physical health in ways we are not even aware of. Ignoring our mental well-being is a great disservice to ourselves,” Hoy advises.

She notes that everyone has areas in their life where they could use some help. “No one lives a perfect life devoid of trauma and pain. Ignoring problems only makes them worse. Forgetting about them does not mean they will go away. Seeking psychotherapy allows you to address small problems before they escalate into major challenges,” she concludes.

Peaceful Summit Counseling is located at 1048 Goodlette Rd. N., Suite 201, in Naples. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-307-4708. Visit PeacefulSummitNaples.com. See ad, page 27.

Jennifer Vear Hoy

New Uses for Old T-Shirts

Many people have T-shirts that are faded, worn, torn, out of style or don’t fit anymore. Before throwing them out, consider giving them a new life as a useful item for personal or home use.

Scrunchie: Cut a 21-by-3.5-inch strip of fabric and fold it in half, lengthwise and inside-out. Sew the long edges together to make a tube. Turn the tube right-side-out. Thread an 8.75-by-one-quarter-inch piece of elastic through the tube and tie the ends of the elastic. Sew the ends of the tube together after folding in the edges to create an even seam.

Tote Bag: Start by cutting off the sleeves and neckline so the shirt resembles a tank top. This will be the top of the bag. Turn the shirt inside-out and mark a horizontal line across the shirt for the bottom of the bag, leaving at least 2 inches below that line. Using scissors, cut three-quarter-inch-wide vertical strips from the bottom of the shirt to the line drawn, cutting the front and back of the shirt at the same time. Take the first pair of fringe pieces (a front piece and its back piece) and tie them into a knot. Continue across until all of the pairs are tied. To further close any gaps, grab the top strand of the first tied set and tie it in a knot with the bottom strand of the set next to it. Repeat until all the strands are tied. Finally, flip the bag right-side-out again to hide the fringe. Alternately, to keep the fringe as a visible part of the bag, turn the shirt right-side-out before tying any pieces.

Dog Tug Toy: Using scissors, cut a shirt into thin strips, stretch the strips to reduce elasticity and then braid them together tightly. Tie a knot at each end and play a game of tug-of-war with the dog.

Memory Quilt: Cut each shirt as close to the neckline as possible, in a consistent size with the graphics in the center. Organize and lay out the squares. Stitch or sew the T-shirts in columns, then sew the columns together. Add batting and backing. The other side of the T-shirts can be used as the backing fabric, if assembled the same way as the front.

Braided Basket: The first step is to create braided yarn. Cut the T-shirt into long strips about two inches wide, and stretch the fabric to increase length and reduce elasticity. Braid three strips together. To add new material, overlap the end of the new fabric strips with

the end of the existing strips and sew or glue them together with fabric adhesive before continuing to braid. The second step is to arrange the braid in a circular or oval pattern to the desired size and use heavy-duty thread to sew the braid to make the bottom of the basket. Using another braid, sew it to the outside of the bottom of the basket and then upwards to make the sides. Add a double-braided handle and sew it to the top of the basket.

Cleaning Cloths: For shirts too worn to upcycle, cut them into squares and use them as cleaning cloths. When they are dirty, throw them in the washing machine and reuse.

For first time clients only.

Allison Cherry from Getty

6 Nightts, Grand Ca ymans, Bahamas & Mexico Celebr ity Cr uise and A Air Fare f or Two People, plus...

VIP Event Tickets, Signed Author Books, Natural Beauty Products, Health Programs and more!

Pr izes Cour tesy of Sponsors and Exhibitors of The Bes t Prep for Pregnancy Event and Expo

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NAMcalendar@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit SWFLnaturalawakenings.com/advertising to submit online.

January

EFT for Dogs – With Dorothy Rodwell. Learn how EFT techniques can support pets’ emotional health. A Holistic Approach Center, 15641 New Hampshire Ct, Ft Myers. 239-4335995. AHolisticCenter.com. See ad, page 39.

Sunday, January 5

Tibetan Buddhist Monks Opening Ceremony – 6pm. A powerful ritual in which the monks will consecrate the area and create a purified environment to receive the mandala. Additional events thru Jan 12. Love donation. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. UnityNaples.org.

Monday, January 6

Sand Mandala Daily Viewing – Jan 6-10. 10am-4pm. Witness the beautiful creation and ultimate dissolution of a beautiful and unique two-dimensional sand mandala. Additional events thru Jan 12. Love donation. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. UnityNaples.org.

Wednesday, January 8

Near Death Experience Group – 6:308:30pm. Are you curious about what happens when we die? Have you had a spiritually transformative experience? A warm, welcoming community will meet to learn and share about the afterlife, consciousness and other related topics. All welcome. Free, but donation appreciated. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register, Liz Burton: Lizhburton@gmail. com. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See listing, page 45.

Wednesday, January 15

Free Talk: EFT: Tapping for Humans & Dogs – 11am. EFT is Emotional Freedom Technique. A Holistic Approach Center for Natural Health & Wellness, 15641 New Hampshire Ct, Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-4335995, Info@AHolisticCenter.com, AHolisticCenter.com. See ad, page 39.

Friday, January 17

Past Life Exploration – 7-9pm. With Doreen Conaway. Experience a light hypnotic state to uncover past lives, connect with your Guardian Angel for a message and gift, and explore a future life for deeper insights into your present. Wrap up with a fun and interactive group activity. $45/person. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Thursday, January 23

Reset & Renew Women’s Retreat – Jan

23-26. Start 2025 with intention with a transformative weekend designed to recharge your mind, body and spirit. Join us for yoga, workshops and meaningful connections on the serene riverfront near Tampa Bay. Embrace the New Year with clarity and purpose. More info, Britt & Kim: 904-370-3895 or 4SRetreats.com.

Saturday, January 25

Visioning Your Future – 12:30-3:30pm. Also held Feb 8. A Spirit guided journey to manifest your truest desires. Work with Spirit to create and develop what it is you want to have come to fruition for 2025. $50. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com. See ad, page 12.

Tea & Tarot – 4-7pm. 4th Sat. Experience one of 3 amazing, intuitive women that are gifted in the mystical arts of tarot and oracle readings, energy and aura healing, intuitive guidance and so much more. $35/20 mins. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Plan Ahead

Saturday, February 8

Cycles of Change: Edgar Cayce on the Age of Aquarius, A.R.E. speaker Adrian Castillo – 9:30am-4pm, book & product sales. In-person and online. $65. Lunch catered by Panera Bread: $15 cash or check. Unity Church of Ft Myers, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. ARE-southeast.org/eventlist.

Tuesday, February 11

Intuition 101 – Feb 11 & 20. With Raelyn Herrera. An introductory course providing a foundation in intuitive practices, focusing on connecting with Spirit and cultivating your inner guidance. $111. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Friday, February 21

Wisdom of Light Conference – Feb 21-23. 3pm, Fri-3pm, Sun. A weekend gathering of leaders in the fields of science, spirit, ancient civilizations, health and more. Special reception Fri evening and dinner presentation with Wendy Kennedy Sat evening. Conference Fee: $444. Hilton Disney Springs, 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista. WisdomOfLightConference.com.

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Breast thermography is: FDa licensed no radiation no Breast compression low cost no Dr. referral needed

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Classifieds

Help Wanted

Herbaluxe Organic Skincare Hiring Front Desk Associate – Ideal candidate loves clean ingredients and holistic wellness. Part-time, hourly + commissions, bonuses, free treatments. Resume/cover letter: Hello@Herbaluxe.us.

Office For Rent

Lovely, Private Space Inside Movement Studio in Ft. Myers – Perfect for Pilates, fitness trainer, PT. $600/month or negotiable terms. Vicki: 239-770-8670.

Professional Ofﬁce Space Available –Within counseling center. Convenient Naples location, US-41 near downtown. Ideal for life coach, mental health professional or related field. Rent varies based on number of days needed. Kimberly: 239-231-3208.

Start Your Holistic Business With Room

To Rent – Ideal for licensed massage therapist or aesthetician in North Naples. $800$1,000/month. Serious inquires only: 239 -776-2211.

Two Beautiful, Private Rooms In Upscale Ofﬁce For Counselor/Coach –Close to downtown. Conference room, waiting area, kitchen included. Details: 239-307-4708.

Products

Celebrate 2025 With 20-25% Off All Books And Crystals – Or buy one, get one equal or more 50% off. Naples. Call for info: 239-776-2211.

Crystals, Gemstones, Jewerly and More

– Crystals large and small, Gemstones from A-Z, lots of jewelry, glass stone beads, tumble stones, etc. Buddhas, feng shui books and items, turtles and more. So much inventory you can start your own business. Super low prices, 50% off or more. Email: StoneAge@mindspring.com or text: 239246-4703.

Ongoing Events

Daily

Allstar Dance Studio Group Classes –From the grace of ballet through the expressiveness of contemporary dance, Spanish dances and hip hop, into more than 20 ballroom and Latin partner dances, we have the dance for you. 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Studio: 239-304-9013. Mobile: 239682-2124. Allstar@AllstarDanceStudio.com.

Allstar Dance Studio: Social Parties and Private Lessons – Explore different dance styles, enjoy the tremendous health benefits of dance, socialize with new friends, and develop your dance skills. Special early bird discount. 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Studio: 239-304-9013. Mobile: 239-6822124. Allstar@AllstarDanceStudio.com.

Kayak Eco-Tours – Explore the lush waters of Southwest Florida on the gentle quietness of a kayak and see Florida wildlife while respecting it. GAEA Guides offers several different kayak tours that vary in time and location, guided by a Florida Master Naturalist. 239-694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

Sunday

Naples Florida Community of Mindfulness Meeting – 6-8pm. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. FloridaMindfulness.org/naples.

Monday

Healthy Happy Hour – 2-5pm. Also held Wed & Fri. Specially priced IV nutrient/rehydration therapy and vitamin injections from the IV nutrient experts. Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, 12734 Kenwood Ln, Ste 56, Ft Myers. 239-425-2900. rtcausesmd. com/iv-therapy.html. See ad, page 19.

Wednesday

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group – 6-8pm. Weekly study group meeting based on the Edgar Cayce readings. New members welcome. Free. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. 850-556-7604. JaneSelman@ gmail.com. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Thursday

Yoga and Meditation – 9:30am. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Friday

Sound Bath Meditations – 10-11am. Also Sat. $15. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought. com. See ad, page 3.

Saturday

Free Gentle Yoga on Bunche Beach –Thru May 31. 9-10:15am. Join us in a beautiful nature preserve and enjoy the sound of the surf and the sight of ospreys, pelicans, eagles and dolphins as we stretch, breathe and relax. Open to all levels and very beginner friendly. $2/hr to park. Details: FortMyersAcupunctureMassage.com/yoga.

Sound Bath Meditations – 10-11am. $15. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-3172940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought.com.

Community Resource Guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email AlinaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com to request our media kit.

Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, AP, OMD (China) 5683 Naples Blvd, Naples 34109 P: 239-513-9232 • F: 239-513-9293 Drcenacupuncture@gmail.com

Licensed acupuncture physician with more than 28 years of experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more. See ad, page 19.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine

David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com

Offering treatment for many health issues: pain, anxiety, stress, PTSD, fertility, heart, strokes, digestive and immune disorders. U.S. veterans: no cost with a V.A. referral.

Akashic Readings

HEALER OF HEARTS

AKASHIC RECORD READINGS

Certified Consultant Joanna Salerno, LMT 239-850-3217 • JoannaSalerno.com sacredlis1807@gmail.com

Seeking answers to life’s big questions? Akashic Records readings can offer guidance and clarity on life’s purpose, direction and challenges. Struggling with emotional issues? Akashic Records readings can help identify and release emotional blocks, trauma and negative patterns that are holding you back. Offering individual, couples and group readings. Align with your soul’s purpose and discover who you really are.

Ayurveda

CHRISTINA CARLIN, AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Ayurveda Clinic, Massage & Yoga Therapy

501 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Ste A107, Naples 34102 • 239-450-6903

Practicing holistic medicine since 1987. Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, specializing in highly personalized Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle consultations, massage and individual yoga sessions for chronic and acute problems. Pancha Karma, Shirodhara and skin care. Ayurveda and Yoga Study program available. MA0023929, MM0008584, FB0716888. See ad, page 13.

Bodywork

ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE EST. 1991

Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 AOHMassage.com

Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Reflexology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CEs. Free self-massage video at AOHMassage.com.

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee)

Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with Heart-Centered Therapy, Somato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs. Doula services. MA35358.

Chiropractor

NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Michele Pelletiere 3411 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 302, Bonita Springs • 239-949-1222

N.S.A. Practitioner level III. “Healing waves” release tension throughout the body, increasing wellness and quality of life, promoting new strategies for a healthy spine and nervous system.

Colon Therapy

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 12651 McGregor Blvd, Ste 5-502, Ft Myers 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

Since 1993, Gravity enclosed Colonics using UV/oxygen/ ozone sterilized medical grade water. Also more than 33 years Veteran Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Proficient in deep tissue, sports and Relaxing Pure Fiji massage. Reflexology, Crainosacral, Visceral Manipulation, Manual Lymph Drainage and Xp2 System, Heart Centered Therapy, Raindrop Therapy, ear candling, MPS, Halo Photonic BlueViolet Lazer Botanical System, Asyra/Qest4 MSA Biofeedback Meridian Stress Analysis, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER, Power Plate, hyperbaric chamber. MM7376. MA18351. See ad, page 27.

Compounding Pharmacy

UPTOWN CHEMIST

Pharmacy, Compounding, Wellness

Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, PharmD, Owner/Pharmacist 2700 Immokalee Rd, Ste 24, Naples 239-431-4217 • UptownChemist.com

Norman is a licensed pharmacist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in compounding. He offers a personable approach in consultation, practicing with integrative medicine and fostering a relationship with the prescribing doctor; creating a “hometown” pharmacy for all of our patients.

Dental Health

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 208 Ft Lauderdale FL 33308 • 954-945-7355 FortLauderdaleDentistry.com

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry. Sedation dentistry. Removing of toxic metals, replacing them with bio-compatible materials. Laser dentistry for painless surgeries and extractions. Zirconia/ceramic implants. Natural bone augmentation/plasma rich growth factor. Oral DNA testing. Add gums to receding gums. See ad, page 35.

NAPLES FAMILY DENTIST

Paul D. Mabe, DDS 877 111th Ave N, #3, Naples, 34108 239-566-7737 • GotMySmileBack.com

Biological dentistry for total-body wellness. Metal and toxin-free. Biocompatible Zircon Implants and metal-free crowns. BPA-free ceramic fillings. PRF: Platelet Rich Fibrin. Ozone Therapy. Sleep Apnea. See ad on back cover.

ROGER

J. PINT, MPH, DMD

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 111 Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-676-8730

BonitaDentalStudio.com

Dr. Pint can join your health journey and play a role in minimizing toxicity; this includes protection while removing dental materials plus consultation. All X-rays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 15.

Energy Healing

CELESTIAL ELEVATION

Award Winning Energy Healer

Quantum Healing & Soul Activations CelestialElevation.com

Specializing in helping Lightworkers, Starseeds and Indigos shift personal, ancestral and spiritual trauma, awaken their divine blueprint, and understand personal relationships and experiences in order to live embodied and meaningful lives.

Energy Healing & Psychic Medium

ADENA JADE

239-227-0979

AdenaJade.com

illuminedsol@gmail.com

20-year Reiki practitioner. Offering Loving Alchemy Quantum Healing©, tuning fork healing, mediumship, tarot and oracle readings, and intuitive coaching. Gentle, heart-based services.

Functional Medicine

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

George Moricz, MD

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Specializing in hormonal management and women’s health, Dr. Moricz has more than 20 years of experience. He is experienced in hormone optimization, medical bariatrics and anti-aging therapies. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Rona Tagalog, ARNP

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Rona Tagalog is a licensed, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience. She provides primary and functional medicine care to all ages with a focus on body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Lina Sakr, MD

800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

Dr. Sakr is a board-certified internist specializing in metabolic and nutritional medicine, anti-aging medicine and women’s health at Naples Center for Functional Medicine See ad, page 47.

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine Office: 239-444-5636

upstreammd.com

Dr. Torres is a board-certified internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certified Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 27.

Health Coaching

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028

ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com

Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the first reason for working with a nutrition coach. Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 31.

Healthy Dining

FOOD & THOUGHT

ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ 2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222

FOOD & THOUGHT 2

ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ 7941 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples 239-791-3663 • FoodAndThought.com

Open: Mon-Sat, 7am-9pm; and Sun, 8am-4pm. Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 3.

Hypnotherapy/ Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

LAURIE CONROD, MNLP, CCHT, MTT, EFTP, MSC

Naples, FL • 239-785-2711

Laurie@LCAssetManagement.com

LCAssetManagement.com

“Your mind is your most valuable asset for change.” Eliminate mental blocks, negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, negative emotions, self-doubt, even cravings. Create confidence, motivation, focus and more. In only one session. Specializing in improving sports performance.

Med Spa

SOLUNA MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Dr. Andrew P. Kontos, MD 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-317-2940 solunamedicalaesthetics@gmail.com

Offering cosmetic, aesthetic face and body treatments, brows/waxing and lashes. Addressing all your skincare needs and concerns for anti-aging, acne, wrinkles, scarring, dark spots and more. See ad, page 12.

Natural & Organic Market

ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Ph: 239-939-9600 • Fax: 239-288-6210 AdasMarket.com

Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market-prepared foods. 1,000s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 6.

Nutrition

D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE

Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Springs • 239-676-5249

D-SignedNutrition.com

Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nutrient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body. See ad, page 12.

Psychotherapist

PEACEFUL SUMMIT COUNSELING

Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS 1048 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, #201, Naples, 34102 • 239-450-8090

Specializing in grief/loss, assertiveness training, anxiety, anger management, addictions, depression and relationship problems. See ad, page 27.

Space Clearing & Feng Shui

EVA SAHLIN INTERIORS 239-848-5398

Increase profits, invite harmony, clear your home, and declutter your mind. Let energetic technologies and Feng Shui reset your world for success in 2024.

Yoga & Massage

MEREDITH MUSICK, LMT, E-RYT 2000 239-269-8846

MeredithMusick.com

Yoga’s ancient/modern healthcare system improves and enhances life at every age. Practicing massage, and teaching yoga, for over 30 years, Meredith uses many tools: Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Sports and NMT, Lymph massage, alignment-based yoga, and myofascial release, TMJ relief, and facial massage. Take a moment for yourself!