Natural Awakenings Fort Myers/ Naples Florida- July 2021

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

EATING WELL

WHY FOOD IS MEDICINE

Eco-Grilling

Sizzling Summer Fare

How to SLEEP Better Naturally Running as a Spiritual Practice HOMEMADE D O G T R E AT S

Why Kids Should Raise Animals

Composting Made Easy

July 2021 | Collier/Lee Edition

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLLIER / LEE EDITION

Acupuncture Center of Naples CUSTOM PRESCRIPTION HERBAL MEDICINE for all your health concerns Dr. Cen has more than 25 years experience in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine.

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seLF care = seLF L♥ve

letter from publisher

Choosing to Live Our Best Lives

The Universe is 98% energy! everything found in, above and under has its own dynamic energy!

Our entire body continually vibrates at a subtle level, moving energy and information through our connective tissues.

The L.i.F.e. sysTem

scans nearly 7,000 energy patterns. By identifying which energy vibrations are out of balance, the system can put them back into harmonic balance, allowing your body to return to a state of rest and healing.

Lisa DOyLe - miTcheLL • Certified Biofeedback Specialist by the natural Therapies Certification Board #5771

239.851.4729

The kind of food we choose to grill this Fourth of July can say a lot about our personal health, as well as the well-being of our planet. Growing up, my family spent summers at the cottage on the lake, and hotdogs and hamburgers were standard fare. Conversations about whether the meat was locally grown, organic or grass-fed didn’t happen. I felt zero guilt eating my scrumptious hotdog slathered in mustard and wrapped in a white, fluffy bun.

Although the Standard American Diet is a hard habit to break, it contributes to 45 percent of America’s deaths from heart disease, stroke and diabetes. We are learning that eating the rainbow in produce and choosing foods that nurture our gut microorganisms is critical to good health.

Luckily, there are delicious plant-based alternatives for us to experience. This holiday, I’m eager to explore some of the healthy outdoor cooking trends reported in “Glorious Grilling,” by Laura Paisley Beck (page 24), especially the BBQ Brussels Sprouts and Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs.

My admiration for Dr. Colin Campbell began when I read his book The China Study, first released in 2005. Touted as the most comprehensive study of nutrition and health ever conducted, it demonstrated the dangers of a diet high in animal protein and the amazing health benefits of a whole food, plant-based eating plan. His work inspired a plethora of subsequent research on these vital issues.

I am delighted that Natural Awakenings was able to catch up with this vibrant octogenarian for an interview about his latest book The Future of Nutrition. In “Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition,” by Julie Peterson, Dr. Campbell reminds us that our choice of food is the easiest and most important choice we can make, not only for our personal health, but the health of our planet. Numerous other prominent sources also weigh in on this important topic beginning on page 28.

What we choose to eat is an ethical issue, according to Princeton bioethics professor Peter Singer. Blaming factory farms for causing negative environmental impacts and horrific animal suffering, as well as becoming ideal breeding grounds for new viruses, he asserts that the most ethical choice we can make is to avoid animal products altogether.

Luckily, he predicts that as vegan products become more available and cheaper, people will be encouraged to make the switch. Check out the full interview on page 36.

Sometimes I wish eating hadn’t become so complicated, but like any change for the better, it’s easier to take one small step at a time. Try eating one plant-based meal a day or simply adding more veggies and reducing the meat on your plate.

The key is to find your own way. There are plenty of other resources in this month’s issue to help you live your best life possible. Here’s to your health in body, mind and spirit!

Happy Summering,

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Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 22 22

22 GROWING FOOD SECURITY

The Benefits of Urban Gardening

24 SIZZLING ON THE GRILL

Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

28 FOOD AS MEDICINE

The Healing Power of Nutrition

32 USING MEDICAL

NUTRITION THERAPY TO ADDRESS MEDICAL ISSUES

24

33 SWEET SLUMBER

Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

36 PETER SINGER on

Ethical Eating

42 SOULFUL STRIDES

Running as a Spiritual Practice

45 THE POWER OF

48

PLAYFULNESS

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

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46 PET HAPPY

How Animals Help Kids Thrive

48 DOGGY DELIGHTS

Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 13 reader spotlight 14 health briefs 18 global briefs 22 green living 24 concious eating

33 healing ways 36 wise words 38 eco tip

40 business 42 44 45 46 48 50 53 55

spotlight fit body spa spotlight inspiration healthy kids natural pet calendar resource guide classifieds July 2021

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news briefs

Well-being Coach & Spiritual Thought for Nurses.

Saxena Joins Organic Skincare & Bodyworx

T

atiana Saxena, with 12 years of experience in doing facial treatments, recently started with Organic Skincare & Bodyworx, in Naples. The native of Belarus trained in Europe, came to the U.S. in 2010 and has a Florida license. She takes all clients on an individual and unique basis and analyzes their skin with her goal of showing every cliTatiana Saxena ent how beautiful their skin is.

Also, Organic Skincare & Bodyworx is providing 10 percent off this month on all products and services that include makeup, massage, spray tanning, waxing, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy.

Location: 13240 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 207. For more information or to make appointments, call 239-514-4494. See ad, page 3. See article, page 44.

Lori Smith, RN

Purely You Spa Celebrates Anniversary in Many Ways

9990 Coconut Rd, Suite 251 Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Lori@balancedIntentions.com

413.636.5091

www.balancedintentions.com

News to share?

Send your submissions to:

NAeditor@ NaturalAwakenings.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

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elebrating their 11th anniversary, Purely You Spa, in Naples, recently upgraded its website with expanded content on services and features, welcomed Anne Martin to the staff of skilled practitioners and will present a Manifest Your Beautiful Life event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 26 on their rooftop deck. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own towel and yoga mat to learn and experience breathing techniques, stretching and guided meditation exercises to enliven their senses and uplift well-being.

“Martin is an expert in helping others achieve their spiritual well-being and achieve their wellness goals through a variety of modalities,” says owner Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi.

She adds that the special event will “help you align your mind, body and soul with positive intentions. Everyone is dealing with their own type of struggle in their lives and this group event will help reset, rebalance and realign your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.”

Event cost: $25. Location: 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302. For more information or to register for the event (suggested by July 19), call 239-233-9633, email Jenn@PurelyYouSpa.com or visit PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad, page 5.

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Hempra Now Offers In-Person CBD Consultations

H

empra, a hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) subscription box company based in Naples, is providing in-person consultations with founder and CEO Stacy Roberts. Such a meeting with Roberts, who has a vast working background in both cannabis and hemp products, can assist those that want more information about CBD in relation to their specific needs and help determine the best products for each individual’s lifestyle.

The company sells hemp CBD-infused skincare and wellness products developed by top brand makers from around the country. Virtual and phone consultations are still available.

Location: 4584 Enterprise Ave., Ste. 3. For more information or to arrange for a consultation, call 239-7788738 or email Info@Hempra.com. See ad, page 12.

How Should I Wear My Hair?

Stacy Roberts

Kresevich Joins Beautiful Health

L

icensed Aesthetician Jessica Kresevich has joined the staff at Beautiful Health, in Naples. New customers of the business can receive their first facial with her for a reduced price of $115.

With more than a decade of experience in the skincare industry, she specializes in dermaplaning, epiware, face cupping and peels, and also provides several types of massages, including eye lift, lymphatic drainage and Hungarian facial. Kresevich, who is available Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, is passionate about skincare and continues to educate herself by reading and researching products and skincare methods.

Jessica Beautiful Health educates clients about beneficial wellness methods, Kresevich including self-care and relaxing routines, and uses non-toxic, organic and natural products that give skin a fresh and healthy glow.

Location: 4947 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 105. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-241-5111, email BeautifulHealth111@gmail.com or visit BeautifulHealth.biz. See ad, page 27. See article, page 21.

IntroducIng

Facial Symmetry analySiS

A half hour long beauty consultation that analyzes a series of facial measurements to help determine the moSt Flattering hair Style that you can wear now.

Betty Ann Murphy • Master Stylist • Color Expert • Advanced Volumation Eyelash Extension Expert Trained and certified by Xtreme Lash

bam0309@gmail.com 501 Goodlette Road, Suite B-104 Naples, FL 34102 July 2021

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kudos Thornburg Pediatrics, in Naples, has added Dr. Mary Baron to its holistic concierge pediatric care practice.

She earned a doctorate in nurse practice Dr. Mary Baron from Florida Gulf Coast University last month, along with board certification as a family nurse practitioner in May. Baron, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Johns Hopkins University and an accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame, has more than 17 years of experience in health care, including a decade at Boston Children’s Hospital.

She embraces a holistic view of health and wellness.

Location: 5500 Bryson Dr., Ste. 301.

For more information and to make an appointment, call 239-348-7337 or visit ThornburgPediatrics.com. See ad, page 15.

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reader spotlight

Meet Susan ‘Bindi’ Shoulders Fort Myers resident Work: Senior facility manager Florida Power & Light and owner/operator Sol of Life Salt Cave & Tibetan Tea Parlour, 2400 1st Street, in Fort Myers.

Proudest achievement: Creating Sol of Life Salt Cave & Tibetan Tea Parlour to bring health and wellness to the community and beyond.

Expectations for the future: To expand the vision, opening new locations throughout the country.

Favorite Websites: GlobalWellnessInstitute.org, Gaia.com, NaturalNews.com.

Local or global causes supported: Awakening humanity and consciousness.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: The spiritual subject matter the publication includes and how the magazine is supporting the community.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Green Cup, in Fort Myers.

How I support my community: From a foundation that keeps us grounded and the nutrients that helps us flourish, I believe the essential character of our minds and bodies mirror that of Mother Nature and wisdom passed down from our ancestors. This is one of the reasons that Sol of Life provides a unique place to relax, rejuvenate and experience the wonders of ancient crystalline salt in our Himalayan Salt Cave, and providing herbs of the highest quality that originate in harmony with the environment; organically grown, ethically wildcrafted and sustainably harvested.

Favorite inspirational quote: Man is but a foundling in the cosmos, abandoned by the forces that created him. ~ Carl Becker What I am doing to be the change I want to see in the world: Living by example, assisting in restoring balance and harmony through what has already been provided by Mother Earth, while inspiring others to follow their dreams.

After 20-plus years of Sol of Life being my dream, I made it my reality, acknowledging and honoring that we are all part of a larger reality. Regardless of how I got here, my example of living my dream, following my heart and relinquishing all fears and doubts serves as a “You can do it!” beacon for others who are pursuing their dreams.

July 2021

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health briefs

Painful, involuntary muscle cramps have hit 39 percent of marathon runners, 52 percent of rugby players and 60 percent of cyclists, studies show, but gulping down too much water has also been linked to the condition. The solution might be to drink an oral rehydration solution rather than spring water, suggests an Australian study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Ten men were repeatedly tested with each liquid while running downhill in 96-degree heat for 40 to 60 minutes. When their calves were stimulated electrically to induce cramps, those drinking the oral rehydration liquid were less susceptible to the condition.

“It is possible that drinking a large amount of plain water dilutes sodium and other electrolytes in the blood and extracellular fluid, increasing [muscle cramp] susceptibility,” conclude the authors.

Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains About half of U.S. parents spank their children on occasion, and a third have reported having done so in the previous week, although numerous studies have found that corporal punishment is linked to mental health issues, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems and substance abuse in children. A new Harvard study has further clarified the harm with a finding that spanking alters children’s brain development. The scientists tested 147 children ages 10 and 11 that had been spanked and used MRI to measure their neurological responses to photos of people with angry or neutral faces. Compared to peers that had not been spanked, the children had greater activation in multiple regions of the prefrontal cortex region of the brain to angry faces—a fearful response similar to that of abused children. Those areas of the brain respond to environmental cues that could be consequential, such as a threat, and may affect decisionmaking and processing of situations. “While we might not conceptualize corporal punishment to be a form of violence, in terms of how a child’s brain responds, it’s not all that different than abuse,” says senior researcher Katie A. McLaughlin.

“It’s more a difference of degree than of type.”

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Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps

Holistic concierge Pediatric care

Thornburg Pediatrics is happy to announce the addition of ~ Mary M. Baron ~

lukas rychvalshky/Pexels.com

Dr. Mary has joined Thornburg Pediatrics as a Doctor of Nurse Practice. She earned her degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and is also Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Additionally Dr. Mary holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

Mary has 17+ years experience in healthcare, including 10 years at Boston Children’s Hospital.

As the mother of a 10-year-old girl, she embraces a holistic view of health and wellness. Mary Baron will be a wonderful addition to the Thornburg Pediatrics’ team.

We are very excited to have her on staff.

Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report Danish researchers. Measuring the physical activity of 104,046 women and men of ages 20 to 100 for 11 years, researchers found that leisure physical activity reduced the risk of dying from heart disease by 26 to 41 percent, but high physical activity at work increased that risk by 13 to 27 percent. “A brisk, 30-minute walk will benefit your health by raising your heart rate and improving your cardiorespiratory fitness, while work activity often does not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness,” says study author Andreas Holtermann, of the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, in Copenhagen.

Hi, I’m Dr. Brian Thornburg.

My concierge practice combines western allopathic medicine with functional healthcare.

I’m available 24/7 to my patients and deliver what you need, when you need it.

Contact me today to discuss how my practice can serve your family.

Here to heal, on your terms.

239.348.7337

www.thornburgPediatrics.com

5500 Bryson Drive, Suite 301, Naples, Florida 34109

July 2021

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Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

health briefs

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Saffron, harvested by hand from the stigma of crocus (Crocus sativus L.), has long been used in cooking, dying and fragrances, and a new study also verifies its traditional use for lowering depression. European researchers gave 56 people with poor moods, anxiety or stress either 30 milligrams a day of saffron extract or a placebo for eight weeks. Those getting the saffron reported feeling less depressed and having improved social relationships, and their urinary crocetin levels correlated with a change in their depression scores.

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Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

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Two readily available natural strategies— sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Researchers from the UK University of Edinburgh examined records of 2,474 U.S. counties from January to April 2020 to compare numbers of COVID-related deaths to levels of UVA rays from the sun. They found that people living in counties with the highest UVA levels had on average, a 29 perEither sidecent lower stepping an chance of argument or dying from resolving it on the coronavirus. They ruled out the vitathe same day min D factor by not including counties with pays off quickUVB levels that would produce the vitamin. ly by halving Repeating the analysis in England and Italy the reactivity produced the same results. The researchers level—negative theorized that nitric oxide released by the “aftertaste”— skin when in sunlight may reduce the ability that day and of that virus to replicate. often erasing A second study of 2,884 high-risk healthany darkened care workers in five European countries and the emotional U.S. found that every additional hour of sleep response the reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by 12 following day, percent. However, insomnia, disrupted sleep say University and daily burnout are linked to a heightened of Oregon researchers. Based on surveys of more than 2,000 people risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus, reporting their emotional ups and downs during an eight-day period, having more severe symptoms and a longer the researchers found that when people feel they have resolved an recovery period, reports the researchers in BMJ argument, the emotional response associated with that disagreement Nutrition Prevention & Health. People that had is significantly reduced or even eliminated. Stress reactivity has been problems like difficulty falling or staying asleep or regularly using sleeping pills were 88 percent found to significantly reduce lifespan, studies show, and is linked to heart disease, a weakened immune system, reproductive issues and more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than gastrointestinal conditions. those without such issues.

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Panchakarma for Detoxifying and Cleansing

he ultimate detoxifying and cleansing experience, panchakarma is a series of five specialized treatments designed individually for each person based on his or her specific constitution and specific health challenges. Prior to treatment, herbs and sesame oil used for the massage are cooked at a very low temperature for eight hours.

The first step in the series is an herbalized oil massage to the head and neck. Localized heat poultices and special herbal oils or powders are administered into nasal passages to clear impurities from the head and sinus, reduce pain and promote relaxation. Stimulation of the limbic system via the olfactory nerve can have profound effects on moods, emotions, desires, appetite and memories.

The second step in panchakarma occurs while lying on a massage table covered with a special fabric that doesn’t absorb oil. The process of oleation loosens toxins in tissues, initiating the purification process. Therapeutic marma point massage with warm, herbal-

ized oil penetrates deep into body tissues, encouraging impurities to loosen from pore walls, sebaceous glands, lymph and capillaries. Inducing in a general sense of well-being, it also stimulates the nervous and immune systems, and is known to improve circulation, rejuvenate tissues and induce sound sleep.

Body exfoliation, the third step, removes the sticky layer of sebum, sweat, dead skin cells and accompanying waste products found on the surface of the skin. This enlivens skin tissue, improves circulation, soothes and brings a glow to the complexion.

Shirodhara, an ancient technique, uses a warm stream of oil that flows onto the center of the forehead. Affecting the brain’s deep centers, the warm stream brings about the release of chemicals that result in feelings of pleasure, relaxation, calm and centeredness. A subsequent herbalized steam liquefies impurities, expands the channels of circulation and increases the blood flow, allowing impurities to move to the digestive tract for elimination.

Panchakarma is one aspect of a group of cleansing therapies incorporating work on energetic marma points that cross over tendons, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, bones and nerves. Massaging these healing points stimulates the life force known as prana. Stimulating marma points that act as a bridge between the physical and subtle bodies can lead to an emotional response and a meditative state that allows a connection with a deeper level of self, as well as the possibility of physical and energetic healing.

A 90-minute consultation regarding an individual’s lifestyle and health challenges is conducted prior to the three-hour panchakarma treatment, recommended on three to seven or more consecutive days. Three days is appropriate for those using the treatments for maintaining health through change of the seasons and seven days is recommended for individuals with health challenges.

Christina Carlin, an Ayurvedic practitioner and owner of The Ayurveda, Massage & Yoga Institute, located at 501 Goodlette Rd., Ste. A-107, in Naples, offers panchakarma and massage therapy, as well as ayurvedic skin care and yoga therapy. For more information call 239-450-6903. See ad, page 6.

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17

Doctors’ Orders

global briefs

Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. The natural process of rock weathering provides a proven method of capturing carbon from the atmosphere and putting it into the soil, where it may remain for centuries.

Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, says, “Soil can be part of the solution set. It will not save us, but it can help to put us on path to negative emissions.”

Field testing has been conducted for a year with positive early findings. Iris Holzer, a Ph.D. student at the University of California-Davis, has seen a doubling of the rate of carbon capture in soils with rock amendments compared to soils without.

Excess carbon speeds up the greenhouse effect, which causes rising temperatures and other challenges to global security, food production, economic growth, infrastructure and human and ecosystem health. Over a five-year period, crushed volcanic rock added to agricultural soils across the globe could remove 2.8 billion tons of carbon.

Local Veggies

monamakela.com/AdobeStock.com

Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”.

Patients will no longer be greeted after waking up from surgery with ham, cheese, milk and eggs, the same foods that may have contributed to their health problems.

The family-owned private hospital emphasizes the health benefits of vegan diets, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

The hospital says deciding factors included the World Health Organization classification of processed meat consumption as carcinogenic, as well as the role that animal agriculture plays in spawning diseases and pandemics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three out of four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals.

The American Medical Association passed a resolution in 2017 requesting U.S. hospitals promote better health by offering plant-based meals to patients, staff and visitors, and similar recommendations have been issued by the American College of Cardiology. New York and California now have laws requiring hospitals to provide a plantbased option with meals.

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The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in the South Los Angeles suburb of Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Traditional farms are usually only able to harvest crops a few times a year, but because Plenty’s hydroponic farms are free of the limitations of seasonal changes, weather conditions, pests and natural disasters, they can produce food year-round. The crops are cultivated in a clinically sanitary environment with full personal protective equipment for staff, as well as robots to do much of the picking. The first time produce is touched by human hands is when the consumer opens the package.

Plenty’s project condenses 700 acres of farmland into a 95,000-square-foot warehouse. Its first vertical farm opened in South San Francisco in 2018, and it maintains a research and development farm in Laramie, Wyoming.

By building farms vertically, healthy, quality produce can be grown without harming the environment, especially in urban areas, where land is limited and food insecurity may be widespread. In addition to the vertical plant towers, Plenty uses LED lighting and automation to plant, feed and harvest crops. The warehouses grow plants faster and with more nutritional density with no need for pesticides, using a fraction of the water required by traditional farming.

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Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass

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With Assembly Bill 356, Las Vegasarea water officials hope to impose the first policy in the U.S. banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. This ornamental grass, which occupies about eight square miles in Las Vegas, requires four times as much water as drought-tolerant landscaping like cactus and other succulents.

Removal by 2026 could reduce annual water consumption by roughly 15 percent. Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones says, “To be clear, we are not coming after your average homeowner’s backyard.”

California imposed a temporary ban on watering ornamental grass during a recent drought, but no state or major city has eliminated specific categories of grass permanently. The water authority banned developers from planting green front yards in new subdivisions in 2003 and offers owners of older properties up to $3 per square foot to tear out sod and put in desert-type landscaping. Still, water consumption in southern Nevada has increased 9 percent since 2019. The Colorado River, which accounts for 90 percent of southern Nevada’s water, is under intense pressure. Last year was among the driest in the region’s history, when Las Vegas went a record 240 days without measurable rainfall. If the initiative is successful, it may be duplicated in other areas that face their own water crises.

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global briefs

Gaining Momentum Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars

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Traditionally, auto dealerships have presented a skeptical and confusing experience for those seeking to purchase electric transportation. When Tesla launched the Model S electric sedan in 2012, it had to build its own stores to educate consumers about electric vehicles (EV) because dealers wouldn’t sell them in Texas or Michigan, for instance. The subsequent success of Tesla, Ford and GM EV models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.

The American division of German automaker Volkswagen is delivering large quantities of their electric SUV ID.4 as part of a nationwide launch, with more than 650 dealers on board. U.S. CEO Scott Keogh reports that the goal is to have at least one vehicle initially at every VW dealer in America. He says, “We see the potential for EV sales to double this year. We’re optimistic that this is a turning point year for electric vehicles.”

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community spotlight

Jessica Kresevich, Beautiful Health

A Career in Skincare Aligned with Passion and Purpose

by Linda Sechrist

N

weather. These are the kinds aples resident of facts that I learn as I do Jessica Kresevich, research, take continuing a licensed esthetieducation classes and learn cian providing skincare from skincare professionals services at Beautiful that educate estheticians Health, in Naples, has been on the ingredients in new fascinated by the science products, which are always of skincare since she was evolving,” advises Kresevich. a teenager. The graduStudying, researchate of Bradenton Beauty ing, learning and evolving and Barber Academy, in are the action words in Bradenton, realized she’d Kresevich’s career and she found a career to channel relishes each of them. “It’s her passion for skincare what keeps me passionate and combine it with her about skincare. I was so purpose of being able to Jessica Kresevich enthusiastic about finding a help individuals look and career which involved a subject that would feel better about themselves by providing provide me a lifetime of education in the an “inside-out skincare education”. science of skin and the products used to People with busy lives often have insufficient time to acquaint themselves with the keep it healthy,” she says.

Another aspect of her career that Kresescientific facts about skin. “They take their vich finds so appealing is the atmosphere skin for granted because it’s simply there, that she gets to work in every day. A spa covering the entire body everywhere they is a calm, relaxing, esthetically pleasing look. However, they might be intrigued place to spend time, whether it’s for work when they hear me say that every minute or pleasure. “Here at Beautiful Health, I of the day they are losing 30,000 to 40,000 so appreciate the comments from people dead skin cells off their skin’s surface, and that come to shop for our pure and natural that for healthy, glowing and luminous skincare products or to get a facial or masskin, it’s not important to just use quality sage. The most frequent comment I hear natural skincare products, but also to be is, ‘What a nice vibe. I could feel it when I aware of what they eat and the condition walked in the door.’ It confirms just what I of their gut. For example, the condition felt when I walked in to apply for the job,” of rosacea, characterized by redness or notes Kresevich. pimple-like bumps on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin, or both, can worsen Beautiful Health is located at 4947 with time without appropriate treatment Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 105, in Naples. For and lifestyle changes. Along with the conmore information or to make an appointsumption of hot drinks, alcohol, processed and spicy foods, flareups can occur because ment for a facial, call 239-241-5111 or visit BeautifulHealth.biz. See ad, page 27. of sun exposure, emotional stress and hot

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Studying, researching, learning and evolving are the action words in Kresevich’s career and she relishes each of them.

July 2021

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Growing Food Security The Benefits of Urban Gardening

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by Laura Paisley Beck

F

or a lot of Americans, healthy food is scarce. According to FeedingAmerica.org, more than 35 million Americans faced food insecurity in 2019. That number is expected to increase substantially due to the pandemic, which disrupted the food supply chain in ways that most Americans have never seen.

The good news is that urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, healthy, organic, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household. A 2013 abstract from Michigan State University published in Agriculture & Food Security states that urban gardens could not only provide healthy food, but also create a more resilient food system.

During the pandemic, many people jumped at the chance to put in a garden, and in cities, where available land is limited, creative solutions have emerged. Just about any space could serve as a viable garden, including a spare room, rooftop, shipping containers or an empty warehouse. With hydroponics, no soil is required and with vertical systems, planters are stacked, requiring a small footprint.

Veggies Instead of Lawns

Phan Truong, known as A Suburban Gardener on Instagram, turned her entire yard into an organic vegetable garden and invited her Scaggsville, Maryland, neighbors to share in 22

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the bounty. “I had this table of abundance in front of my house, but people weren’t taking anything! So, I hid in my garden, waiting for neighbors to walk by, and then I’d rush the fence and encourage them to take food,” Truong says. “My husband thought everyone would think we were weird.” Now, instead of getting polite waves from afar, the garden has become a communications hub among neighbors.

Sharing the Abundance

When Truong witnessed friends losing jobs and struggling, she was inspired to lend a hand by assisting some of them to plant their own low-maintenance, high-yield gardens to save money on healthy meals.

Once she had assisted people close to her, she decided to expand her reach. “My garden spits out a lot of food. I discovered there are local food banks and charities that collect food. I was surprised that they will take any abundance,” says Truong.

Garrett Livingood, a North Atlanta, Georgia, blogger, developed GrowMyCommunity.org where local farmers, growers and community gardens can upload their location and what they offer, so that the locals know where to go for fruits, vegetables, herbs and other healthy eats. According to Livingood, “Forty percent of produce gets thrown out every year, so it’s not that we don’t have enough food, the problem is access.”

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Food Security Equals Health

Ashlie Thomas, a research scientist known as The Mocha Gardener on Instagram, started gardening for healthy produce and medicinal plants at home in Graham, North Carolina, when family members on limited incomes living in a food desert had been diagnosed with health issues like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

“Imagine having diet requirements that included mostly plant-based food, but your resources are simply not there,” Thomas says. “I didn’t know there was a term for that: food security. There is an increasing population with disease, and food could be the answer.”

The problem is particularly prevalent in communities with no grocery stores, forcing residents to buy food at gas stations or drive considerable distances to big-box stores. Thomas observed that choices at these kinds of facilities are often between expensive produce or inexpensive junk food. Healthful food is not available or affordable for all.

Thomas believes gardening empowers people to take control of their diet and their health, not only physiologically, but psychologically and spiritually. “It doesn’t just stop at the garden,” she says. “How you treat your body and other people has a positive healthy impact, as well.”

Tips to Get Started

Follow local gardeners on social media to get ideas.

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THINK LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-YIELD. Cherry tomatoes, salad greens, cucumbers and beans are high-producing, low-cost staples.

FLOWERS CAN BE FOOD. Try violets, pansies, nasturtiums and chives to beautify the garden and the plate.

GROW ORGANIC. It’s cheaper and doesn’t harm anyone or anything. “I grow organic because I want to respect my space. I don’t want to control Mother Nature, I want to work with her,” says Thomas.

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HERB IT UP. Mint, rosemary and basil taste great and can deter pests.

Overall, keep it simple. Set up for success with just enough to learn and enjoy a new lifestyle. It can be expanded upon year after year, providing a bounty of nutritious food security.

Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin.

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conscious eating

Sizzling on the Grill Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

by Laura Paisley Beck

The Downside of Grilling

Most charcoal and all lighter fluids contain chemicals that create air pollution when burned, harming our health and the environment. Better alternatives are sustainably sourced, organic and natural materials, such as charcoal made from bamboo or coconut shells.

Entrepreneur Fred Grosse sought to solve another problem associated with conventional grilling materials: the taste of lighter fluid on barbecue foods. He invented Mojobricks, a carbon-neutral alternative to charcoal designed to impart a smoky flavor to grilled foods. “You’re breathing in 50 percent less particulate matter standing at the grill than if you grill with charcoal or wood,” he says about his bricks made with compressed sawdust from wood mills. “They heat food more efficiently, take up less storage space than bags of charcoal and keep trees growing in the forest.”

What Gets Grilled Matters

Americans eat three times more meat than the global average. To meet the immense demand, mass-produced beef is trucked across the nation with dire environmental impacts including cow methane emissions, the burning of fossil fuels for transport and excessive land use. To curtail these impacts, Americans can choose to reduce or eliminate their beef consumption and when they do decide to grill a ribeye or New York strip, choose local, organic, grass-fed beef.

Eliminating meat is simple as vegetarian and vegan options are innumerable.

“Question what a burger is, and off you go with legumes, root vegetables, mush24

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rooms, cheese or whatever you happen to feel like,” says Martin Nordin, author of Green Burgers. Genevieve Taylor’s new cookbook, Charred, features enticing meals to cook over a flame that include vegetables, spices, nuts, herbs and other inventive ingredients.

Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks, co-authors of Low-Carb Vegetarian, have had a dramatic increase in requests for grilled versions of vegetarian dishes, a sign of increasing outdoor cooking trends.

Presentation for the Planet

When hosting backyard dinner parties, consider that paper and plastic dinnerware will end up in the landfill. Ask guests to bring a plate and fork or mix and match whatever dish sets are on hand. Another suggestion is to go vintage. “There has already been so much manufactured of everything, we wouldn’t need to manufacture another plate, for example, for another generation or two,” says Morgan Miller, owner of Rewind Decor vintage store in Madison, Wisconsin.

With a few adjustments, eco-grilling is easy, delicious and much better for the planet. Marinate locally sourced ingredients, burn as carbon-neutral a fire as possible and serve up delicious food on real plates that friends and family will help wash. Guests will be inspired and follow suit in their own homes. As Grosse says, “Each small difference adds up to big change.”

Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach out at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.

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or most Americans, summer smells like fresh-cut grass and barbecue sizzling in the backyard. Approximately 64 percent of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, but common practices are bad for the environment.

Fortunately, many great chefs have the problem covered with delicious alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting methods.

Great Grilling

image courtesy of Justin Fox Burks

1 white onion (quartered and sliced) 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp of The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub 1 cup BBQ sauce 6 hamburger buns

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw Yield: 6 sandwiches 2 lb Brussels sprouts 1 cup shredded carrot (about one large) 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp grainy mustard Kosher salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes. Cover the grill with a single layer of aluminum foil. Slice the remaining Brussels sprouts in half. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and the onion with the sesame oil, vinegar and BBQ dry rub until everything is coated. Place the Brussels sprouts on the grill for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side, or until the edges are brown and they’re cooked through. Remove sprouts from the grill and place them into a medium bowl. Pour in BBQ sauce. Using a spatula, toss the Brussels sprouts in the sauce until they’re well-coated.

Put the BBQ Brussels aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches. On the bottom part of each hamburger bun, pile on the BBQ and top it with the slaw.

Mix all ingredients in a large food storage container until equally distributed.

The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub (measure all ingredients by volume)

*Dried porcini mushrooms can be found at almost any specialty grocery or ordered online. Turn the dried mushrooms into a powder by placing them in a coffee grinder or food processor and pulsing until no large bits remain. julia volk/Pexels.com

2 parts chipotle chili powder 2 parts sweet paprika 2 parts smoked paprika 2 parts granulated garlic 2 parts kosher salt 2 parts cracked black pepper 2 parts cumin 2 parts dried thyme 2 parts dried oregano 1 part cinnamon 1 part ground ginger 1 part light brown sugar 1 part powdered, dried porcini mushrooms*

First, make the Brussels sprout slaw. Thinly slice enough of the Brussels sprouts to have 2 cups. Reserve the remainder of the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded sprouts with the shredded carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well-incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Makes about 2 cups of slaw.)

Recipe by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence of The Chubby Vegetarian blog and cookbooks.

July 2021

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Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs Yield: 4 to 6 side-dish servings 1 lb 2 oz bunch of carrots, preferably with the tops on 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp cumin seeds, lightly crushed in a pestle and mortar 1 tsp soft, dark brown sugar 1 tsp dried chili flakes, ideally chipotle chili flakes 1 clove garlic, crushed 1¼ cup ricotta ½ bunch of spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 small bunch of coriander (cilantro), chopped Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle Salt and freshly ground black pepper Trim the tops off the carrots and scrub under running water.

Slice in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they are a little larger, to approximately finger-thickness.

Fill a pan with boiling water and add a little salt, then set over high heat and bring back to the boil. Once boiling, add the carrots and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain well and tip into a mixing bowl. While they are still hot, add the olive oil, cumin, brown sugar, chili flakes and garlic, and stir well to mix. Cover and leave to marinate for a couple of hours at room temperature.

Once ready to cook, fire up the barbecue for direct grilling, or preheat a cast-iron griddle pan on the hob. Lay the carrots on the grill bars or griddle and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning regularly, until they are nicely caramelized. If barbecuing, add a few smoking wood chunks or chips to up the smokiness. Use a brush to baste the carrots with any excess marinade from the bowl while turning.

Once soft and caramelized, scatter the carrots over a serving plate and dot with heaped teaspoons of ricotta. Sprinkle over the spring onions, chopped pecans and coriander. Finally, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and finish with a good grind of pepper.

Serve while still warm.

Recipe from Genevieve Taylor’s book Charred.

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

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FOOD AS MEDICINE The Healing Power of Nutrition

by Julie Peterson

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SAD is a primary risk factor for high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, increased blood glucose and weight gain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

These intermediate conditions can lead to full-blown chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, all of which are on the rise.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic disease and 40 percent have two or more, making chronic disease the leading cause of death and disability in the country.

The good news from WHO is that up to 80 percent of heart disease cases, 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases and one-third of cancer incidences could be avoided by a healthier diet, as well as lifestyle changes like stopping smoking and increasing physical activity.

A healthy diet is not as simple as cutting out convenience foods, because many people literally can’t stop eating them. Studies have compared the addictive properties of added sugar and salt to those of nicotine and cocaine. “Additives like sugar release opioids and dopamine in the brain. The same neurochemical changes in the brain occur in addictions,” says Claire Stagg, DDS, founder of Health Connections Dentistry, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, and author of Smile! It’s All Connected, a layperson’s guide that explains the essential connections between the mouth and overall prostock-studio/AdobeStock.com

E

ating is a basic need, but many Americans are not filling this need with healthful choices.

Among the more than 700,000 Americans that die each year from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes, about 45 percent eat meals heavy in salt, processed meat and sugary drinks, and low in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, according to a March 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“I fully understand and empathize with people in the public,” says T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the groundbreaking The China Study and founder of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, in Ithaca, New York. Campbell has often stressed that public and professional understanding of nutrition is lacking.

The problems with the Standard American Diet (SAD) start with the very ground it is grown in. Large-scale farming in the U.S. has depleted the soil, producing lower nutrient foods.

In addition, many foods are processed by manufacturers to improve shelf life, which further destroys nutrients and requires toxic additives.

“The default choice, the easy choice, is the inexpensive, highly processed food. Our built environment throughout the country has made it easier to find fast food than a produce store,” says Lisa McDowell, director of lifestyle medicine and clinical nutrition at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

wellness. “People need to be educated, or re-educated, to take ownership of their health by remembering the basic premise that their bodies can be healthy if they get the right nutrients to facilitate and support that basic process.”

Campbell agrees that more people need to be educated. A major theme in his latest book, The Future of Nutrition, is how to sift through the conflicting information that exists.

Healthier Helpings

As the food industry continues to woo Americans with fast and easy processed foods, there are consumer shifts taking place.

“About a quarter of U.S. adults are trying to manage a health or medical condition by making healthy food and beverage choices,” stated the NPD Group consumer research firm in 2019. “Younger adults, ages 18 to 24, are particularly interested in using foods to improve their health.”

It turns out that it’s most beneficial to focus on adding what is needed for optimal health, instead of worrying about what to eliminate. As William Li, M.D., counsels in Eat to Beat Disease, “Human nature abhors deprivation.” As president of the Angiogenesis Foundation, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Li advises us to “practice health care at home every day in our own kitchens.” He suggests frequently eating such simple, but disease-defying foods as dark chocolate, walnuts, kiwis, sourdough bread and sauerkraut.

“I recommend participating in bigger box stores. They do a great job at making high-quality food available at an inexpensive price,” says McDowell. She also suggests batch cooking and planning meals ahead for the week.

The Power of Plants

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Plant-based eating is finally becoming mainstream, thanks in part to such eye-opening documentaries as Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, PlantPure Nation and Food, Inc. Research backs up the benefits. In a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins researchers report that in a 30-year period, people eating a mostly plant-based diet were 32 percent less likely to die from a cardiovascular condition and 25 percent less likely to die from any cause. A 2017 report published in International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases and may protect against certain types of cancers.

For treatment, reversal and prevention of chronic disease, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, in Chesterfield, Missouri, recommends eating a primarily plant-based diet containing minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Campbell says that moving to a 100 percent plant-based diet “and staying there for one to three months, provides an opportunity for virtually everyone to finally crave a salad on a regular basis. This is a place wherein people have little or no interest to backslide because their taste preferences have profoundly changed.”

As plant-based eating gains momentum, there are more imitation meat products. These foods can be helpful to transition away from meat, but Campbell cautions, “They do not replace July 2021

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the whole plant-based foods, even though they are plant-based, because salt, sugar and added oil are usually added.”

Eating by the Colors

Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of vibrant colors ensures we get a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends consuming two and one-half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. McDowell suggests including “deeply pigmented fruits and veggies in at least five different colors, so that you’re getting all of the micronutrients and they’re all working together.”

Aim to include a couple different foods from each of the following color groups over a week’s time. Infographics and charts are available for download from the American Heart Association (Heart.org), VeganEasy.org, Dr. Ranjan Chatterjee (DrChatterjee.com) and others. Apps such as Eat the Rainbow Food Journal, Eat Five and VegHunter also make vegetable and fruit intake easy to track.

Food to Heal the Planet Eating healthy also means making a choice for the health of the planet.

Organic, locavore and small-farm advocates are speaking out against the industrialized U.S. food system with its extensive use of pesticides, poor treatment of animals and lack of regenerative soil management. Organizations like the Rodale Institute, Regeneration International, Kiss the Ground and the Ecological Farming Association are working to train farmers to regenerate soils to not only restore climate stability, but also provide far healthier foods from nutrient-rich soils.

“I believe if we have a greater understanding of our local and regional food systems, we will be moving in a more sustainable, intentional and responsible direction for ourselves, our communities and the planet,” says Andrea Bemis, author of the farm-to-table cookbook Local Dirt and operator of Tumbleweed Farm with her husband Taylor in Mount Hood, Oregon.

Local food is easier on the planet for several reasons. “Large commercial farms work the soil so intensively that they must use synthetic fertilizers to get anything to grow,” says Brock Hall, owner of Florida Fields to Forks, in Malabar, Florida.

Alternatively, cover crops keep nutrients in the soil, requiring less water and naturally sequestering more carbon from the atmosphere. Shorter transit or shipping distances after picking uses less pollution-causing fuel.

“Choosing the right food is not only important for our personal health, but also is important for our planet and for our checking account,” says T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study and The Future of Nutrition. “I have come to believe, after being in this discipline for 65-plus years, that our choice of food is the easiest and most important choice we can make to address the many existential problems that we now face.”

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Green: Dark greens have cancer-blocking chemicals like allyl sulfides, lutein and indoles, which inhibit carcinogens. They also contain folate for healthy cells and calcium for stronger bones, muscles and heart regulation. Get plenty of asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea, kale, kiwi, spinach and green herbs.

Blue and purple: Anthocyanins wipe out free radicals, boost brain health and reduce inflammation. Resveratrol can delay cellular aging, protect the heart and reduce risk of some cancers. Add blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, elderberries, figs, grapes, plums, raisins, eggplant and purple cabbage.

Red: Rich in lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals, red plants lower risk of certain cancers and boost heart, brain, eye and bone health. Try apples, beets, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes and watermelon.

Yellow and orange: Contain vitamin C, hesperidin and carotenoids such as beta-carotene to inhibit tumors, protect eyes, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system and heart health. Add apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, mango, oranges, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tangerines and yellow peppers.

White and brown: The onion family contains allicin and beta glucans, which have anti-tumor properties and can help lower cholesterol. Nuts contain healthy fats. Other foods in this group contain blood pressure-regulating potassium and antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, along with digestion-boosting fiber. Choose beans, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, mushrooms, nuts, onions, parsnips and whole grains.

Gaining Gut Health

The gut contains the organs that make up the digestive tract and the gut microbiome, a balance of microorganisms that survive on food. A healthy gut can prevent and heal illnesses in the digestive tract, immune system, cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain.

If the gut is burdened with unhealthy foods and digestion is impeded, illness may arise. However, shifting to healthier, plantbased foods can cause a measurable shift in the gut microbiome in three to four days, Duke University researchers report in Nature.

Gut health can be enhanced and restored with specific foods: Enzymes to break down food are found in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts and fresh herbs, and can be destroyed by cooking or processing. These work before the body’s digestive enzymes kick in to improve digestion, eliminate toxins and boost energy. Studies have shown that raw plants also help with weight loss, decreasing cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

Probiotics, live bacteria that promote healthy gut flora, are found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, pickles, miso and cheddar cheese.

Prebiotics, undigestible natural fibers that feed probiotics, abound in apples, asparagus, bananas, barley, burdock root, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, oats and onions.

Going Local

Whole foods grown locally provide the most nutrition. Michael Pollan, professor of science and environmental journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of In Defense of Food, famously said, “Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”

Buying, preparing and eating whole foods may seem laborious at first, but the shift away from “easy foods” can quickly become a way of life as the body begins to feel better. “We hear stories every week about people who have fixed health issues from eating healthy,” says Brock Hall, owner of the Florida Fields to Forks organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Malabar, Florida. He adds that everyone “ought to get closer to your food” by growing it or getting to know organic farmers at local markets, self-pick operations or through CSAs. Healthy eating is about balance. Enjoy comfort foods occasionally, focusing on the bigger picture of more healthful foods overall.

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The Shift in the Medical Field “We, as a society, have gotten locked into focusing on disease cure over health care,” writes T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the bestselling The China Study and the recently released The Future of Nutrition. Fortunately, as studies prove that diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and Crohn’s disease improve with changes in diet, the medical community is slowly shifting toward using nutrition in tandem with traditional care to help manage and prevent disease.

Unfortunately, says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, in Dallas, “The amount of nutritional education in medical school is minimal.” Now, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is aiming to fill that void by training healthcare teams to prevent and reverse chronic disease through lifestyle behaviors.

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one example. After a group of physicians and registered dietitians received ACLM certification, it launched a Lifestyle Medicine and Clinical Nutrition program. “The goal is to provide support to individuals and teach them to hardwire best practices that optimize their own personal health and potential,” says Lisa McDowell, program director.

The Food as Medicine Institute, in Portland, Oregon, also offers a training program for healthcare professionals and nutritionists to implement community-based nutrition programs.

The Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, in Ohio, offers programs that help patients identify genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to shift health from illness to well-being.

The Gaples Institute, in Naperville, Illinois, offers nutritional training and accreditation for medical clinicians, as well as free nutritional instruction online for the public.

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After completing an extensive patient history, conventional and functionally based labs are recommended for the health practitioner to use in crafting a plan for each patient. Some helpful examples of how MNT can be used are in gut health, Candida, autoimmune disease and cardio metabolic issues.

Gut Health

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition in which patients report pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea and food sensitivities. A specific stool test or breath test is recommended to confirm the cause of IBS. Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth is one example of a condition identified by a breath test. Short-term, customized diets can starve unwanted bacteria growing in the wrong places. Supplements and botanicals support digestion during treating, as well as using a specific probiotic and prebiotic to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the right places. Each patient is an individual, so dietary approaches are customized.

Candida

Using Medical Nutrition Therapy to Address Medical Issues

by Dee Harris

A

quick online search for “diets” leads to a maze of eating plans touting assorted health benefits. Many diets sound too good to be true, and after purchasing another diet book or spending time trying another eating plan without success, a person may become frustrated and discouraged. Patients frequently report that they have tried all kinds of popular diets to treat their health complaints that just didn’t work. Everyone’s needs, genetics, health issues, complaints, preferences and history are very different, and each approach to nutrition must be personalized. In other words, “The best diet is one with your name on it”.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

A registered, certified nutritionist/dietitian can help navigate the plethora of diets and customize a plan for health and healing. This is called medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and in some cases, it is a billable code that may be covered by insurance. A functionally trained nutritionist/dietitian has the ability to dig deep into the patient’s story and interpret lab reports, look at their nutrigenomics (genetics and nutrition) and create a personalized plan.

It is important to note that all functions in the body depend on nutrients, and to get the best results, we need to optimize an individual’s nutritional status. We truly use food as medicine, and we are able to work with other practitioners such as medical doctors and therapists to help give the patient the best outcome.

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Candida is an overgrowth of unwanted yeast. When it is systemic and growing in the gut, it causes many digestive issues. A special stool test is prescribed and treatment includes an anti-candida diet that eliminates all sugars, certain grains, some fruits and any food that may contain mold or fungus. Digestion and lowering the candida load is supported by using botanicals.

Autoimmune Conditions

Inflammation is the mother of all diseases. Patients report a variety of autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease or arthritis.

An autoimmune condition occurs when the body launches an immune response to an organ system and start with gut permeability. To stop the autoimmune cascade and lower inflammation, trigger foods are identified. A food allergy/sensitivity test is very helpful to help identify an issue. During an elimination diet, digestive support might be recommended and the patient put on a gut healing protocol.

Cardio Metabolic

With heart, high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar issues, specific protocols can lower risk and improve health. A diet with abundant variety of vegetables and limited saturated and unhealthy fats needs to be crafted for each patient. The inflammatory risks of eating a diet high in sugar, carbohydrates, processed foods and fats is explained, as well as how a personalized meal plan can lower carbohydrates. Patients are directed to limit sugars and fruits and are given a satisfying diet that they can manage for the long-term.

Dee Harris is a registered, licensed dietitian-nutritionist, Institute of Functional Medicine certified practitioner and owner of D-Signed Nutrition, located at 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd., Ste. 300, in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-676-5249 or visit D-SignedNutrition.com. See ad, page 15.

healing ways

Sweet Slumber Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

by Ronica O’Hara

A

good night’s sleep is a challenge for a growing number of Americans. Even before the pandemic, 35 percent of adults reported sleeping less than the recommended seven hours a night, and in a new survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 56 percent said they were sleeping worse due to what’s termed “COVID-somnia”.

Being sleep-deprived not only makes us crabby and accidentprone, but also raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system, studies show. Fortunately, we can stave off fretting about lack of sleep by adopting some simple, natural practices.

MUNCH SMARTLY ON SLEEP-INDUCING FOODS. Many experts advocate foregoing food two hours before sleeping. As another option, “sleep snacks”, is suggested by New York University adjunct nutrition professor Lisa Young. She says, “These are foods that contain natural substances that may help promote a good night’s sleep.” They include warm milk or turkey (tryptophan), tart cherries (melatonin), kiwi fruit (vitamin C and serotonin), bananas (potassium and magnesium) and nuts and seeds (magnesium).

DON AMBER GLASSES OR AN EYE MASK TO BLOCK LIGHT. The blue light emitted by ordinary light bulbs and device screens prevents the pineal gland from releasing melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, which is why it’s wise to shut down electronic devices an hour before sleeping. If doing so isn’t easy, at least block the blue light by using amber or orange (not clear or yellow) glasses to restore melatonin production, advises former General Electric lighting researcher Richard Hansler, Ph.D., of Cleveland; he also advises replacing regular bedroom bulbs with only those that produce low levels of blue light. To encourage deep sleep, fully darken the bedroom or wear an eye mask: a Chinese study found wearing such an accessory along with earplugs significantly increases the restorative rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep.

pressmaster/AdobeStock.com

GET A PATTERN GOING. “Keeping to the same routine will signal to the body and brain that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep,” says Dallas nurse educator Jenna Liphart Rhoads.

This means sticking to the same bedtime and awakening schedule, and doing quieting activities an hour or so before bed, such as stretching, meditating, drinking tea or journaling.

WRITE A TO-DO LIST TO CALM A RACING MIND. Baylor University researchers found that compared to people that journaled about what they had accomplished that day, those that spent five minutes writing a to-do list for the next day fell asleep nine minutes sooner—the same effect as taking a prescription medication. The more specific their list, the quicker the shut-eye.

GET COZY WITH A WEIGHTED BLANKET AND SOCKS. Weighted blankets, ideally weighing about 10 percent of a person’s body weight, lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, reports a Swedish study. Some are filled with natural ingredients like rice and cloves, and can be warmed in a microwave beforehand, providing a fragrant, swaddled feeling. Plus, Korean researchers found that wearing warm socks to bed helped subjects fall asleep about seven minutes sooner, sleep 32 minutes longer and experience fewer light awakenings.

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TAKE A NATURAL SLEEP AID. Prescription sleeping pills for insomnia can produce dependency and additional unwelcome side effects such as grogginess, diarrhea, headaches and stomach pain. Natural choices without these drawbacks include melatonin, a pineal gland hormone that primes the body for sleep; small doses of 0.3 milligram (mg) to 1 mg work effectively by mirroring natural circadian levels, research shows. Half of U.S. adults are estimated to be deficient in magnesium, which relaxes muscles and increases levels of a neurotransmitter with calming effects; 500 mg is a common dose. Valerian (300 to 900 mg) has been found to improve sleep quality in women during menopause.

Sounds for Snoozing

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CHECK OUT HEALTH ISSUES TO GET TO THE ROOT. Apnea, thyroid conditions, anemia, menopausal hot flashes, heartburn, incontinence and depression can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, as can medications such as beta blockers, blood pressure medications, some antidepressants and decongestants.

If anxiety or depression is causing tossing and turning, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve sleep in up to 70 to 80 percent of people with insomnia. Whether in-person, via Zoom or by email, even one or two sessions can lower insomnia symptoms, with six to eight sessions typically being more helpful.

We might be too old for Rock-a-Bye Baby, but sounds can still lull us to sleep—and they’re right at our fingertips. By dimming the screens of our devices and donning earbuds, we can summon these soothing soundscapes.

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

The scents of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome can still be used today to induce deep, restful slumber. “A scent of an essential oil reaches the brain within seconds and activates the hypothalamus, the hormonal control center. It then releases hormones promoting sleep,” says Milana Perepyolkina, Salt Lake City author of Gypsy Energy Secrets. Some doze-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists include:  Lavender to improve sleep quality  Valerian to fall asleep faster  Bergamot, which lowers heart rate  Clary sage, a natural sedative  Petitgrain to ease restlessness  Marjoram to soothe the mind

“Put a couple of drops of the above essential oils on your palms, rub them together, cup your nose and breathe in to the count of four. Then hold your breath to the count of two. Breathe out to the count of eight. Hold your breath again to the count of two.

Repeat for several minutes. You will fall asleep fast and have a deep and restful sleep,” advises Perepyolkina, adding, “Always choose only therapeutic-grade essential oils.”

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Sleepy Scents

Meditations designed to induce sleep are easy to access on a smartphone or tablet with apps like InsightTimer, Calm and Headspace. These include gently guided instructions for approaches like breathing, body scans, visualization, counting and slow movements. Once a meditation is learned, it’s easy enough to do without the app. For Italian neurologist and sleep expert Pietro Luca Ratti, this involves “just lying in bed with your eyes closed, focusing on a point in the wall and finding a calm place to take yourself. Think about the feeling of a deep sleep and will yourself into a happy, relaxing place.”

Music can be used to train the brain to sleep, with insomniacs sleeping increasingly better during three weeks of nightly, 45-minute listening sessions, Taiwan researchers found. A study in Musicae Scientiae reported that many genres (not just classical or New Age) work, and that sleep-inducing music typically has more emphasis in lower frequencies such as a stronger bass, a slow and sustained duration of musical notes and non-danceable, simple, subtle rhythms. Music apps like Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music offer a wide array of sleepinducing playlists.

Short stories and novels can be downloaded from meditation apps, and Amazon’s Audible offers more than 200,000 audiobooks. “The key is to find something that is interesting enough to focus on, but not too intense that it grabs your attention to want to stay up to keep listening,” says pharmacist and functional medicine consultant Meg Mill, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Technological Relief for Sleep Challenges

by Lisa Marlene

I

ndividuals looking locally for technology that can assist with the challenges of achieving optimal sleep and dealing with insomnia might find it in the form of ZytoScan. Sessions with this biocommunication device are offered by Michele Durham, owner of Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis, in Bonita Springs.

“ZytoScan’s biocommunication technology is similar to that used in a lie detector. It measures the body’s energetic galvanic skin responses, which are recorded for each unique item via a hand cradle, an FDA-cleared medical device with six contact points to maximize accuracy. A connection is established when skin touches all six sensors,” explains Durham.

Zyto software offers an individual valuable insight into personal wellness, including decisions about which supplements and essential oils are most congruent, as well as other useful information that assists in creating a unique wellness journey. An easy-to-read report displays a ranking of items with digital signatures that resulted in biological coherence or

preference. “Observing patterns, relationships and trends in the report data can provide valuable insight into the client’s wellness,” says Durham.

Additional help with sleep patterns that Durham offers include BrainTap sessions. Backed by neuroscience research, BrainTap’s guided meditations have proven helpful to individuals experiencing high stress, difficulty sleeping, low energy and other lifestyle challenges.

Acupuncture for Any Cause of Sleeplessness

by Linda Sechrist

W

ithin the ancient to calm the mind,” says science of Tradithe licensed acupuncture tional Chinese Medicine physician with more than (TCM), there is never a 20 years of experience in one-size-fits-all-solution acupuncture methodolto any health challenge, ogy of inserting needles particularly regarding into the skin to stimuany cause of insomlate certain areas of the nia. At Lotus Blossom body. “In my experience, Clinic, in Fort Myers, acupuncture and perhaps David Martin, a doctor some Chinese herbs can of Oriental medicine, be very helpful, because David Martin with client treats sleep problems it can treat the many root from several perspectives, depending on causes of sleeplessness.”

Martin, who might choose to needle the an individual’s mindset. “For example, I spleen meridian to help an individual with a might use acupuncture points on the heart tendency towards pensiveness, resentment and meridian for people with very active minds anger, notes, “Points on the liver/gallbladder that tend to overthink situations as it helps

The science behind BrainTap relies on four key elements that enable the sessions to induce brainwave entrainment. Binaural beats comprising two different tones, one in each ear, separated in frequency by a few Hertz, causes the brain to perceive a phantom third, unique tone, which the brain mimics. Guided visualization consists of mental images that depict a desired result or goal. Sonic, 10-cycle holographic music produces a 360-degree sound environment.

Isochronic tones are equal intensity pulses of sound separated by an interval of silence.

“The BrainTap headset that I use brings another dimension to an individual’s sessions by adding the restorative power of light frequency therapy. In addition to the sonic effect in the audio sessions, the headset delivers gentle light pulses that travel through the ear meridians and the retina, sending direct signals to the brain.

This results in brain states that would otherwise take years of disciplined effort to achieve,” notes Durham.

Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis is located at 27975 Old 41 Rd., Ste. 200, in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-7762211. Visit AccessHolisticHealing.com. For a free 15-day BrainTap trial, visit Tinyurl.com/ BrainTapFreeTrial. See ad, page 31. meridian can help diffuse some of the anger and resentment which can keep people awake.”

If fear is keeping an individual awake, Martin might treat the kidney meridian to ease the fear. “I’ll use the same meridian if an individual is overwhelmed by sadness and grief. While grieving is normal and necessary, it doesn’t have to take over your life,” he advises.

Martin uses a variety of effective healing modalities in combination to assist people back to health. His practice draws from ancient and modern practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal and homeopathic remedies, therapeutic massage, energy medicine, functional medicine and using food as medicine.

Lotus Blossom Clinic is located at 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2, in Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-277-1399 or visit LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad, page 37.

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wise words

Peter Singer on Ethical Eating photo by alletta vaandering

by Sandra Yeyati

W

idely considered to be an influential philosopher in the animal rights movement after his book Animal Liberation was published in 1975, Peter Singer is the Ira W. DeCamp professor of bioethics at the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. He has written, co-authored, edited or co-edited more than 50 books, including Why Vegan? and The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter.

Why is food an ethical issue?

There are several reasons for making food an ethical issue and changing what we’re eating. One is that producing food has an enormous impact on the environment.

About 25 percent of all human greenhouse gas emissions come from food production.

It’s also an enormous source of animal suffering. Over 70 billion animals are raised and killed each year worldwide, and the majority of them are in intensive factory farms. Their lives are miserable for most of the time. And finally, factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible that the next pandemic will originate there.

Is it unethical to contribute to climate change?

It’s impossible to live without contributing to climate change, but it’s unethical to 36

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unnecessarily contribute to climate change when you can live in a way that has a lower greenhouse gas footprint. You could say luxury emissions are unethical while survival emissions are necessary, and so one can’t regard them as unethical.

What are the most important food choices that we can make from an ethical standpoint?

Avoiding animal products is probably the first and most important ethical choice one can make. That’s going to dramatically lower your carbon footprint. You will no longer be complicit in the suffering of those tens of billions of factory-farmed animals, and you won’t be contributing to the increasing risks of viruses being bred in factory farms.

Is eating animals all right if they are raised humanely and don’t suffer when they are harvested?

If animals aren’t suffering and have good lives, that’s a big improvement from the point of view of the animals, but it doesn’t overcome other problems. Grass-fed cattle may have good lives, but they continue to emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, methane in particular. Is painless killing of an animal that has led a good life acceptable? There’s an argument that it is, that at least they had a life, otherwise they wouldn’t have existed at all, so it’s not wrong. People are going to accept or reject that. There isn’t a clear-cut answer. It’s a complicated issue, so that’s why I tend to focus on the fact that large-scale commercial rearing of animals inevitably causes suffering for them and exploits them.

Yes, they can come from very small farms

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

where animals are looked after and cared for, but it won’t likely happen on a large commercial scale.

Is there a hierarchy of animals that might be ethically okay to eat?

I’m not really concerned about all animals in the zoological sense. I’m concerned about sentient beings or animals capable of suffering or enjoying their lives, and I don’t see that as necessarily coinciding with the boundary between plants and animals.

So, oysters or clams or mussels, the simple bivalves, are clearly animals in zoological terms, but there’s good reason to believe that they don’t have a sufficiently complicated nervous system to feel pain, and if that’s the case, then I don’t think there’s an objection to eating those animals as long as they are farmed or raised in a sustainable way that doesn’t harm the environment.

Are you hopeful that more people will adopt ethical eating habits in the future?

The huge increase in the availability of vegan products pretty much around the world is a great sign of hope, because what we need to do is to reach a critical mass where these products are not only available, but are also comparative in cost with animal products. Once that day comes, I think we’ll get far more people switching, where they really don’t have to change their diet that much, they don’t have to spend that much more and they can avoid all these negative ethical aspects and be healthier themselves.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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Composting Made Easy

Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’ Just 3 percent of uneaten food in the U.S. is composted, reported the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2012. The remaining food scraps rotting in landfills account for 23 percent of U.S. methane emissions, a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more powerful than carbon monoxide in global warming. With minimal planning and effort, however, food scraps can be recycled through composting into an organic, highnutrient fertilizer.

Compost is called “black gold” for its high value in gardening, but it’s simply decayed organic material.

Consider all the organic materials that fall to the forest floor, break down and return to the earth. This process can be easily recreated at home.

To start composting, get a couple of containers.

 A covered kitchen bucket.

Beautiful containers abound, but an old pan will work. Countertop positioning makes it easy to toss in kitchen scraps, but it could also be placed under the

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Bins in place, start collecting and piling. Organic materials will break down—it’s just a matter of time. The pile should consist of yard waste (grass clippings, plant scraps, small sticks) and kitchen waste (peels, cores, eggshells, tea leaves, coffee grounds, bread). Do not include invasive weeds, meat, bones, dairy products, oils or pet excrement.

The basic recipe is a mix of nitrogen-rich/green materials (food waste, grass clippings, plant trimmings) and carbon-rich/brown materials (dried leaves, sticks, shredded newspaper or cardboard). Shoot for 25 percent green materials.

An unbalanced pile can be amended.

 If it’s wet, moldy or stinky, add more brown materials and stir with a pitchfork to increase oxygen flow and loosen the pile.

 A pile that is too dry will take longer to break down. Add kitchen scraps, green grass clippings or sprinkle with water to encourage microbial activity.

A balanced pile that is stirred or turned weekly will decay the fastest.

Seeing worms and other soil organisms in the pile is a good sign that the process is working.

Finished compost looks like dark, rich soil. Spread it onto the garden in the spring. Scoop some into the holes for new plants. Side dress plants all season.

Compost releases nutrients gradually, improves soil condition and helps retain water. Plants thrive with better root systems. Compost gardeners reap bountiful harvests.

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registered to a recent PubMed nurse who article, it remains specialized an epidemic and is in intensive care for contributing to RN 20 years, Lori A. shortages in hospitals, Smith, founder of as well as the conseBalanced Intentions, quences of increased in Bonita Springs, RN turnover rates, is making a differreduced quality of ence in the lives of care and threats to professional nurses. patient safety.

Via Smith’s in-person, “There is a critical phone and Zoom need for nurses and well-being coaching caregivers to have a and spiritual thought plan for wellness. I see Lori A. Smith sessions, specially coaching as an intetailored to assist gral part of that path. nurses and other caregivers, she works Everything I do is with the intention of with clients to create compassionate care making a difference. I draw from my own plans for their wellness from the perspecexperience of nursing burnout and how tive of having walked thousands of miles I recovered, as well as knowledge of the in the shoes of others. “Nurses and other day-to-day routine of a caregiver, from caregivers, generally altruistic individuals, the exhaustion of patient assignments tend to put the needs of others before their that are too big to not being able to meet own. Caregiving defines who they are, not the needs of all patients, as well as the what they do, which is the major reason feeling of being undervalued and not that nursing burnout occurs,” says Smith, a validated. I want to help my clients to live coach certified by the Institute for Profesup to their true potential so they can feel sional Excellence in Coaching. fulfilled and be better caregivers to themRegistered nurse (RN) burnout synselves, their patients and their families,” drome, a state of emotional exhaustion in says Smith. which an individual feels overwhelmed by work to the point of feeling fatigued, unBalanced Intentions is located in the Brooks able to face the demands of the job and un- Executive Center at 9990 Coconut Rd., in able to engage with others, is recognized by Bonita Springs. For more information, call the American Nurses Association and the 413-636-5091 or visit Balanced Intentions.com.

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by Marlaina Donato

L

acing up sneakers and going out for a run helps to manage weight, high blood pressure, depression and addictions, but pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of healthpromoting exercise. Runners often refer to the “runner’s high”—attaining a profound sense of wellbeing after a good jog. According to David Linden, a professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, this boost in mood is due to endocannabinoids, the body’s natural chemicals that are similar to the molecules in marijuana that promote relaxation.

Running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. “Something seems to unite the physical and spiritual when pounding the pavement,” says Michael Fitzgerald, a seasoned runner and multi-genre author in Santaquin, Utah.

“The discipline of running is a gift I give to myself. It gives me time away from the expectations of daily life and allows me to enter a world all its own.”

For many, running is competitive and involves the pursuit of excellence, but directing attention to inner emotional terrain and bodily sensations can foster a practice that transcends personal goals. “Once we see that we can be with the discomfort, the joy, the pain, the thrill of running, we realize that we can be present in every moment of our lives, no matter what it brings,” says Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, author of Still Running: The Art of Meditation in Motion. Goddard, a teacher of Zen in New York City, underscores intention. “We can 42

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Inner Milestones

FREE CONSULTATION FOR YOU Inhaling and exhaling with mindfulness during running, much like yoga, helps to foster the unity of body, mind and spirit. ~Vanessa Zuisei Goddard practice running not just as exercise, but as a form of moving meditation—what I call ‘still running’. It’s a way of saying to ourselves, ‘Every moment of my life matters. I want to be present for all of it. I want to be awake.’”

Julia Chi Taylor, a London-based life coach and avid runner, highlights the breath as a guide, the option of using a mantra and “being mindful of any dynamic of pushing too hard or internal criticism, and instead practicing quietening the mind as you run.” The 20-year veteran of international races sees no division between the mundane and the divine. “Running has been a spiritual practice for me since I was a teenager, as I have always been on a spiritual path. Running seemed to me to be my soul expression.” Taylor’s challenge during her competitive years was to slow down inside. “I was often getting caught up with my ego’s desire for approval and recognition. It was always evident when I was caught up in pushing and losing the presence of the step; I always became ill or injured,” she relates.

Breath as Guide

Inhaling and exhaling with mindfulness during running, much like yoga, helps to foster the unity of body, mind and spirit.

“The breath is the most common object of meditation. I pair my breath with my stride, and this both keeps me connected to my body and it quiets my mind,” explains Goddard.

Taylor concurs, noting, “Running asks that we breathe more deeply, and the more we are in touch with the breath, the mind stills, or at least starts to work in a freer way, and we realize we are not the mind. When we run with no purpose but

to run, after a while we become the run, and each step takes care of itself.”

For Fitzgerald, running has helped him to overcome negativity and find a sense of freedom. On the practical level, nixing earbuds for silence helps him to pave the way for a deeper experience. “I find my thoughts are clearer when I am running.

Self-discipline for me is a spiritual endeavor. Overcoming internal, trite objections to exercise such as running always feels like a spiritual triumph. Such triumphs give me hope and motivate me to reach higher, again and again.”

Moving the body invites transformation and a broader, deeper perspective.

Taylor shares, “As our body gets fitter and develops endurance, it becomes easier to recognize the body as a temple of the soul.

The skills we learn to master the art of running can then become skills to help us master the art of living.”

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Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at Autumn EmbersMusic.com.

Spiritual Practices on the Run Michael Fitzgerald: Occasionally, run just for the sake of running. Don’t wear a watch or carry your phone. Take a break from the slavery of electronics.

Then pay attention to nature and the weather. Don’t judge it or wish it away.

Just behold and honor it. You will find that your mind will quiet and you will feel more at peace.

Julia Chi Taylor: It can help to practice a short, five-minute breathing meditation before running. Simply sit and watch your breath, without changing the rhythm. You can become connected to the silence within you and it becomes easier to stay more present to each step and to watch your breathing as you run. It also helps to stay at a relaxed pace with no effort of pushing.

Listen to your footfall and run without any feelings of self-criticism.

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spa spotlight

Organic Skincare & Bodyworx

by Lily Viola

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hile any one of the ment, pear and poppy seed Eminence Facials microderm polisher—can at Organic Skinadd to the effectiveness of our care & Bodyworx, in Naples, facials,” says Tatiana Saxena, can turn back the hands of time the spa’s esthetician, whose with organic, plant-derived mixology blending skills focus antioxidants and hyaluronic on an individual’s skin type. acid to reveal a more luminous and youthful skin, the magic Eminence Bright Skin Facial of “mixology” is the secret to outstanding results.

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inspiration

The Power of Playfulness

by Marlaina Donato Postponing levity accomplishes nothing and doesn’t solve today’s problems, yet we may find it almost impossible to grab downtime without guilt gnawing away at our joy. Try making a to-do list that is solely dedicated to pure, inner-childapproved, illogical fun. Some activities to consider penciling into the calendar:

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 Roll around the floor with the dog or play hide-and-go-seek with the kids.

irth has been a memory for most of us this past year; something that we need now more than ever. White-knuckle survival and transition can drain neurotransmitters, those chemical messengers vital for strong immunity and good mental health. Taking a vacation from seriousness just might be what the doctor ordered.

As kids, we rarely turned down an opportunity to roll in the grass, laugh ourselves into bellyaches or catch a wave of spontaneous fun. With the advent of adulthood, pouring a drink or going on a shopping spree often becomes a knee-jerk relaxation strategy, leaving the option for nourishing play in the distant past.

Recent research shows what kids and kittens already know: Snippets of playtime are good for the soul and provide benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity on the job. A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, in Germany, published last year in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being suggests that even serious, poker-faced humans can train themselves to be more playful.

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 Host an adult sleepover; stay up late watching a scary movie or one made for a younger audience.  Make ink blots with watercolors or play with air-dry clay or easy-to-make salt dough.  Grab some crayons and adult-designed coloring books.  Blow bubbles in the backyard or during a morning shower.  Go out for low- or sugar-free ice cream or gluten-free pizza.  Fly a kite or find shapes and faces in passing clouds.  Roll in the leaves or down a grassy hill with that special someone.

Dr. Doreen DeStefano, DNP, NHD, APRN

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 Bounce a ball during work breaks.  Belt out karaoke songs and delight in being off-key.  Play charades or a favorite childhood game.  Have a staring contest.

Having some fun doesn’t break the bank, and the only requirement is to check selfconsciousness at the door. “Wasting” time is being free, and that is worth its weight in gold.

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

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

July 2021

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healthy kids

Pet Happy How Animals Help Kids Thrive

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by Ronica O’Hara

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s any parent whose child has begged long and hard for a puppy or kitty can testify, animals are close to children’s hearts. Up to 90 percent of kids are lucky enough to live with a pet at some point in their childhood, and studies show the effects can be profound for their health, character development and well-being.

Kids and pets seem to share a deep and special bond. “Kids often recognize a kindred spirit in animals, especially pets.

Like children, pets are cared for and nurtured in families by big people who get to make the rules,” says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children.

In one of Melson’s studies, 40 percent of 5-year-olds said that they turn to their pets when they feel sad, angry or have a secret to share. Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets, her research shows. A University of Cambridge (UK) study reported that kids were happier with their dogs and cats than with their brothers and sisters.

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PETS ENHANCE KIDS’ HEALTH. A study by UK’s Warwick University found that children with pets had more robust immune systems and attended school an extra nine days on average each year compared to those without pets. Early exposure can be optimal: Babies living in homes with two or more dogs and cats are less than half as likely by age 7 to develop reactions to indoor and outdoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and ragweed, reports a Medical College of Georgia study.

Pets can have a measurable impact on children with special conditions. In a University of Massachusetts Medical School study of young people with Type 1 diabetes published in PLOS ONE, those that actively helped care for family pets were 2.5 times more likely to have well-controlled blood sugar levels, perhaps by learning the importance of daily routines. In families with an autistic child, owning a dog reduces stress and significantly improves interactions, benefits that grow over time, report UK University of Lincoln researchers.

PETS BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS. According to a large American Humane study, small pets like guinea pigs and reptiles in thirdand fourth-grade classrooms improve students’ levels of communication, cooperation, responsibility, empathy, engagement and self-control. Pets can also train kids to set boundaries. Growing up in Verona, Wisconsin, twins McKenna and Samara Fagan became skillful at stopping their 70-pound golden retrievers and great Pyrenees from jumping on them, stealing their toys or persisting after a petting period had concluded. “As girls, they learned how to create boundaries not just with words, but also with body language and energy,” says their mother, Tia Fagan, a certified conscious parenting and authenticity coach. Now, she says, the 20-year-olds know “how to create and hold healthy boundaries with people.”

PETS TEACH RESPONSIBILITY. “A child who knows that every day they will need to walk the dog (if it’s safe), feed the dog (with guidance) or even scoop the yard, will thrive on the routine of care and often will feel a confidence boost because they are taking care of their dog. This is empowering for kids who may not have much control over other things in their lives,” says Antoinette Martin of Cornelius, North Carolina, head veterinarian with the online vet locator HelloRalphie.com.

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Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets.

PETS TEACH THE CYCLES OF LIFE. Because pets have shorter life spans than humans, surveys indicate that about 80 percent of children first experience death when a beloved pet dies, offering a teachable moment for the whole family, says Melson. Veterinarian Michelle Burch’s 3-year-old daughter grieved when the family dog died, but the child was encouraged to express her sadness and was helped by the award-winning book Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant. A year later, “She loves to bring up her dog Baxter to strangers and how he is in dog heaven, but she knows that not all animals will stay on Earth forever,” says Burch, veterinarian for the pet insurance site SafeHounds.com.

Difficult as the grief is, it’s still worth it, says Fagan. “Our pets have taught my children that to give and receive love unconditionally is the greatest gift of all and is worth the sadness and pain we feel when they pass.”

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

The Practical Side of Family Pets Evaluate the commitment. “It’s important to remember that taking care of pets is expensive and time consuming, and you’re making a commitment to the pet for the duration of their life,” cautions Jennifer Coates, DVM, an advisory board member of Pet News Daily.

“Fostering is a great alternative if pet adoption sounds like more than you can handle.

Children can also volunteer at some animal shelters (often when accompanied by a parent), allowing them to experience some of the benefits of caring for animals without the long-term commitment.”

Pick a child-friendly dog or cat. The American Kennel Society puts Labrador retrievers, bulldogs, golden retrievers and beagles at the top of their best family dog list.

For cats, birman, ragdoll and Himalayan breeds are recommended as calm choices for kids by PetMD.com. Consider improving an animal’s life by taking home a shelter or rescue dog or cat. Shelter workers can help select a family-friendly choice.

Consider other species. Smaller animals with fewer care demands may be a strategy if house space is limited or if a child needs to grow into responsibilities. Animals that can delight and teach include tropical fish, turtles, rabbits, birds, hamsters and lizards. Mae Waugh Barrios’ three children enjoy feeding, watering and collecting the eggs from the family’s four chickens every day at their Holliston, Massachusetts, home.

“Not only do our farm-fresh eggs provide my family and my children with the best nutrition, it’s also been a lesson in symbiotic relationships. Because we give such good care to our chickens, they show their appreciation by providing us with delicious eggs,” says Barrios, who blogs at RaisingEmergingBilinguals.com.

Train children about safety around dogs. It’s a natural impulse for younger children to run up excitedly to a dog and try to touch it, but this can create fear in the animal and raise the danger of an aggressive response. Instead, teach a child to ask permission of the adult handling the dog, and then to approach it slowly and calmly, letting it smell the back of the downward hand before touching it.

Coming Next Month AUGUST

Back-to-School Wellness Tips Plus:

Shamanism Today Boost Happiness & Well-Being Benefits of Having a Life Coach

July 2021

47

Doggy Delights Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

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natural pet

by Amy Coyle

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ne morning, Randy Roach awoke to a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen of his Philadelphia home. Mouth watering, he peeked in the oven to find a dozen bone-shaped cookies—meant not for him, but for Woods, the family dog. “Such is life when you live with a dog lover,” laughs Randy’s wife Kate, who had peanut butter, oat and flax seed cookies baking for their rescued Labrador mix, a picky eater.

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians.

A Smaller Pawprint

With the focus on decreasing personal carbon footprints, an Earth-conscious dog owner may want to make dog biscuits at home purely for the lower environmental impact. Research from UCLA shows that industrial production of dog and cat food creates the equivalent in greenhouse gases of 13 million cars annually. Storebought dog treats require oil, energy and water to produce and transport. The packaging often contains plastic or other non-biodegradable materials, which cause pollution, block drains and harm wildlife.

Making treats at home is simple and less tricky nutritionally than making a dog’s regular meals. “When it comes to regular dog food, I’m not a proponent of home-cooked food. It is far too difficult to balance nutrients.

For treats, I am not so concerned,” says Lawrence Gallagher, VMD, at Villanova Vet, in Villanova, Pennsylvania. “But you need to watch calories.

Treats should be ‘high-reward’ and low-calorie, not necessarily big in size.

They are used as a reward, not to fill the stomach.”

Homemade dog treats cost less over time. Many popular traditional dog treats are $5 to $10 per bag, with organic costing more. Kate figures she saves as much as $20 a month making Woods’ treats.

The labels on many commercial dog treats list dubious ingredients such as meat by-products, sugar, sodium metabisulfite (a bleaching agent), propylene glycol and artificial colors. “My general rule of thumb is if you cannot pronounce or don’t recognize an ingredient, it is probably not healthy for your pet,” says Alison Streit Birken, DVM, owner of Victoria Park Animal Hospital, in Fort Lauderdale.

In addition, some packaged treats are produced in countries where ingredient and manufacturing regulations are less rigorous, which has led to illness and even death in dogs.

Getting Started

No special equipment is required. Mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a wooden spoon, baking sheets and a cooling rack will 48

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A Healthy Choice

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suffice. More ambitious treat-makers might want a muffin pan for custom shapes.

Common ingredients include pumpkin, bananas, yogurt and peanut butter. When choosing a recipe, aim for no or little sugar. (Honey and molasses are simple sugars.) Also, because homemade treats have no preservatives, be sure to follow storage requirements such as refrigeration or freezing.

Jen Jovinelly, a DVM candidate at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, promotes simple treats. “Treats are not food. Keep the caloric intake from treats under 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric requirement.” She also cautions to avoid foods that could be dangerous, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, certain nuts, onions, garlic or artificial sweeteners. If unsure about the safety of an ingredient, check the online list at The Humane Society of the United States (HumaneSociety.org) or consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist.

For those that aren’t inclined to bake, toys filled with organic peanut butter, then frozen, keep dogs happy, while others love the crunch of raw carrots or broccoli. As Birken says, “You can always go to your own refrigerator and pick out some great, healthy dog treats!”

Amy Coyle is a freelance writer in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

More Healthful Treat Recipes The internet has countless dog biscuit and treat recipes, along with collections of recipes for special occasions and holidays. For a simple start, look for recipes that only have a few ingredients that are already in the kitchen, such as those at PuppyLeaks.com/ simple-dog-treat-recipes.

Great books include The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook, by Liz Palika, and Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook, by The Bubba Rose Biscuit Company.

Healthy Treats for Dogs Good Dog Treat Yield: varies 1 15-oz can pumpkin ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup coconut oil, melted 4 (organic, cage-free) eggs 1¾ cups coconut flour Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, peanut butter, coconut oil and eggs until smooth. Add coconut flour. Mix until well combined. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.

Place dough in between two pieces of parchment paper and roll the dough until it’s about one-quarterinch thick. Remove the top layer of the parchment paper and cut shapes with cookie cutters (consider the size of the dog when selecting cutter sizes).

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until treats are dry and hard. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Courtesy of Kate Roach.

Kate’s PB Oat Cookies Yield: 24 dog treats 1 cup peanut butter ½ cup rolled oats 2 Tbsp flaxseed Water, as needed Grind flaxseed to powder in a food processor or coffee grinder. Combine flaxseed, oats and peanut butter, adding just enough water to make a dough. Roll into 24 balls and chill in sealed container in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Place on a cookie sheet, evenly spaced, and bake at 350° F for 15 minutes.

Courtesy of Kate Roach.

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

July 2021

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calendar of events The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

SATURDAY, JULY 3 SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6:30-9pm. Every other Saturday (also July 17 & 31). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly. BYO chair.

Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

Recovery Circle – 6-7pm. Whether you are currently in recovery from substances or looking for support recovering from trauma, we welcome all comers in a safe and sacred space. The Recovery Circle is for those looking for healing and joy.

Meets every 4th Friday of the month. Free. Mystical Bookshop, 13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7, Ft Myers.

338-7816. MysticalBookShop.com.

MONDAY, JULY 12

Good Points –7-8pm. Self-Care Acupressure Leg and Foot Release with Alvina Quatrano. One-hour self-care relaxation time on Zoom. Sit back and receive or follow along. Register: aohmassage.com/ project/60-minute-good-points-seva-self-care/ includes Zoom link. Free 29-minute intro video and acupressure protocol will be shared for future reference. $10 suggested donation. A different protocol offered monthly. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com.

Playing with Prana – 5:30-6:30pm. Join Kandy Love in unmasking and moving back into a new normal with the HEPA filter and social distancing.

Prana means life force, so playing with prana looks like increasing our breath capacity and playfulness with living. This one-hour class will introduce yogic breath practices, simply and easily, and known to achieve mental, physical and emotional balance. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Preregister: YoginiKandy62@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 9

SATURDAY, JULY 17

Psychic Fair – 5-8pm. Mini-readings with some of Naples’ most experienced psychics and healers.

Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 minutes. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949.

GoddessIAM.com.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with some of Naples’ most experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 minutes. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949.

GoddessIAM.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7

SATURDAY, JULY 10 Dream Catcher Workshop – 1-3pm. Make a small dream catcher and learn some of the history.

All supplies are included, just bring good vibes. $30/person includes supplies. Mystical Bookshop, 13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7, Ft Myers. 338-7816.

MysticalBookshop.com/mystical-bookshopspecial-events.

SUNDAY, JULY 11 Light Code Activations – 9-10:30am. Join for channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $22, Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Women’s Health Protocol – 9am-noon. SelfCare Acupressure with co-teachers Missy Grace Oleaga and Alvina Quatrano. Webinar style. A proactive approach to health and well-being.

Men welcome. 3 CE’s MT’s FL & NCBTMB. $65. Info: AOHMassage.com. Register: aohMassage.com/project/the-womens-health-protocol or 732-266-5276.

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Thriving in the New Normal – 6:30-8pm. Join Dr. David and Deb Martín for a continuing series of topics on life in the new normal. In person (HEPA filter, bring a mask). $5 donation. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers.

RSVP: Deb@LotusBlossomClinic.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 23

TUESDAY, JULY 6 An Evening of Reiki Share with Chat Rooms – 6:30-8pm. 1st Tues. Join for monthly reiki share online using distance reiki. Begins with a Holy Fire meditation and then chat rooms for private sessions.

Donation. Register by email to receive the Zoom link: Pattie@pcarney.net.

connect with like-minded people? Join to circle up in a safe and sacred space with one another!

A place to be yourself, empower others, learn and grow. Free. Mystical Bookshop, 13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7, Ft Myers. 338-7816.

MysticalBookshop.com.

SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6:30-9pm.

Every other Saturday (also July 31). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly. BYO chair. Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

SUNDAY, JULY 18 Usui/Holy Fire Reiki I & II Workshop – 9am-5pm.

Also July 25. Join Pattie Carney, reiki master and teacher to learn an ancient Japanese healing technique. Learn hands-on reiki for yourself and others, and learn to send reiki to those at a distance. Plus, time for practice. $190 for both days or $120 for Reiki II only (manual included). $50 deposit. For your protection, social distancing, HEPA filter and bring a mask. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399.

TUESDAY, JULY 20 Women’s Circle – 6-7pm. Do you feel the call to gather with other women? Have you ever wanted to

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Master Tarot Class – 6-7:30pm. Learn everything from the meaning of the cards to methods of reading in one night. This class is a full course in everything you need to become a professional tarot reader. $50.

Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 2286949. GoddessIAM.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 24 Food as Medicine Class – 1:30-4:30pm. Join Dr. David Martín, Deb and Vickie for this popular, medicinal foods sampling class based on Conquering Any Disease High Phytochemical Food Healing System, by Jeff Primack. Learn which foods are scientifically proven to help reverse illness and disease and create radiant health! Held in a large room, social distancing, masks, HEPA filters. $35.

Reservations and prepayment required. $35. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. RSVP: 277-1399.

MONDAY, JULY 26 Manifest Your Beautiful Life – 6:30-8pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own towel and yoga mat, will learn and experience breathing techniques, stretching and guided meditation exercises to enliven their senses and uplift wellbeing. $25. Purely You Spa (rooftop deck), 3066 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 302, Naples. Info/register by July 19: 233-9633, Jenn@PurelyYouSpa.com, or PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad on page 5 and news brief on page 10.

SATURDAY, JULY 31 Runes 101 Class – 1-3pm. Learn the basics of runes, the meaning of each rune and the casting of them, plus make your own set. All supplies included, plus river rocks to make a set of 24 Runes. $30/person.

Mystical Bookshop, 13141 McGregor Blvd, Ste 7, Ft Myers. 338-7816. MysticalBookshop.com/ mystical-bookshop-special-events.

SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6:30-9pm. Every other Saturday (also Aug 14 & 28). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly. BYO chair.

Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

qigong (Sheng Shen form), a spiritual form of the practice. Qigong has been taught in China for thousands of years. Experience and expand your own healing energy. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers.

Register: 277-1399.

plan ahead SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 Spirit Fest: Metaphysical and Holistic Fair – Aug 21-22. 10am-6pm. Enjoy 100 booths with vendors, practitioners, intuitive readers, artists, and demonstrations. Something for everyone. Speakers throughout both days on a variety of topics. $15/ entry fee. Children 12 & under free. Vendor opportunities still available. Visit SanctuaryFL.com.

Charlotte Harbor Event Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. See ad, page 20.

Gentle Flow Yoga – 7pm. With Karen. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

thursday

ongoing events

sunday Community Yoga – 8:30-9:30am. Free the first Sunday of every month. Weekly classes include Monday and Friday at 9am, Wednesday at 6:15pm, and Sunday at 10:30am. $20/class with package deals available at MysticalBookshop. com. Free. Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Pl, Cape Coral. 338-7816.

Learn Access Bars and Become a Practitioner – 9am-5pm. 3rd Sun. Become a certified practitioner in one day. Learn the 32 points on the head that when gently touched, release thoughts, feelings and emotions that keep us blocked. Class includes: book, three head charts, two giving and two receiving sessions. $350. Access Holistic Healing and Hypnosis, 9853 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 215, Naples. 776-2211. AccessHolisticHealing. com/access-bars.

Sunday Night Spiritual Gathering – 5:30-7pm.

A Zoom venue for spiritual seekers to gather and have positive conversations. We teach and practice affirmative prayer and embrace our inherent divinity. Our principles are positivity as we work through life’s puzzles. Obtain link by emailing: RevLuluLogan@gmail.com. Free (love offerings accepted). RevLulu.org.

Fort Myers Drum Circle – 7-9pm. Dance, drum, hoop or just enjoy the beats. Bring your own chair. Downtown Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St, Ft Myers. Facebook page: Fort Myers Drum Circle. Info: Facebook.com/groups/ fortmyersdrumcircle.

monday Gentle Flow Yoga – 7pm. With Chrissie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

tuesday Reiki Share with Chat Rooms – 6:30-8pm. 1st Tues. Join for monthly reiki share online using distance reiki. Begins with a Holy Fire meditation and then chat rooms for private sessions. Donation.

Register by email to receive the Zoom link: Pattie@ pcarney.net.

Multidimensional Healing Group – 6:30-8pm on Zoom. Connecting and healing with spirit guides and loved ones in spirit. Mediumship master Patti Wilson facilitates therapeutic conversations with loved ones that have crossed over and helps you develop your own abilities in multidimensional communication. $30/class or $100/4-classes.

Register: 270-1876, SpiritualCoach@hotmail.com.

Sunset Slowdown – 7-8pm. With Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples.

692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

wednesday Qigong – 10-11am. Join JaySun (Jason) Wechs in person to learn and practice the ancient art of

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:45-7:45pm. In person with Jenny Hong. Participants will comfortably lie down or sit while the frequencies reverberate throughout the body, promoting deep relaxation and healing on all levels. Physical distancing and face masks required. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. 277-1399. Preregister: JennyLotusBlossom@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic. com/events.

Gentle Flow Yoga – 7-8pm. With Megan. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 6929747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

friday Sound Healing/Breathwork – Thru July. 10am.

Weekly sound sessions begin with grounding breathwork followed by a short guided visualization meditation and sound bath. Bring a yoga mat or cushion to use to settle into the healing. $20.

Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 2286949. GoddessIAM.com.

Love Rocks – 6pm. With Chrissie. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 692-9747.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

saturday SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6:309pm. Every other Saturday (July 3, 17 & 31).

Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression.

Family friendly. BYO chair. Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

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Collier/Lee Counties

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

community resource guide

CHIROPRACTOR

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

ACUPUNCTURE

BODYWORK

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE Est. 1991

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 28 years experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more. See ad, page 6.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com Off ering acupuncture treatment to U.S. Veterans at no out-ofpocket cost. Requires referral thru a V.A. doctor. Dr. David Martin, AP, treats pain, other chronic conditions and PTSD using acupuncture, e-stim, cold laser, acupressure and Chinese medical massage.

See ad, page 37.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine 6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611 • GulfCoastAcupuncture.com Specializing in pain, chronic disorders, overall wellness, allergy treatments (NAET) and kinesiology.

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to heal all on its own! AP771.

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 6.

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

Remote sessions by donation during COVID-19 call or Zoom.

Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Refl exology, 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.

THERAPY ON THE GULF

Anthony F. Hansen, LMT, MFR, CST, ML,D/CDP 824 Anchor Rode Dr, Naples 34103 239-262-8722 Tony is celebrating his 20th year as a therapist. He practices myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy and is a certifi ed lymphedema therapist.

Free infra-red sauna. MA32797 MM21480.

STUART WRIGHT, ND

Certified Advanced Rolfer Advanced Cranial Therapist Advanced Visceral Therapist Certified Movement Educator Naturopathic Wellness Consulting

By Appointment: 239-272-6443 Over 30 years excelling in quick pain relief. Specializing in back pain, structural integration & alignment, all joint-pain-related issues, mobility improvement, sports injuries, non-chiropractic spinal release. MA36890.

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 13550 Reflections Pkwy, 5-502 & 5-503, Ft Myers • 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com Since 1994, gravity-enclosed UV/ Oxygen/Ozone sterilized medicalgrade water colonics, therapeutic, relaxing, chair, sports, prenatal massage, Craniosacral/SER, Heart Centered therapy, manual lymph drainage & XP2 System, visceral manipulation, HALO Photonic Blue-Violet Laser Botanical System, Asyra/Quest4 MSA Bio Meridian Stress Analysis, ear candling, Lakota YLEO Raindrop Therapy, Tuning Fork/Crystal/Bowls Therapy, refl exology, MPS, cupping, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER sessions, Power Plate, Hyperbaric Chamber, PER 2000 PEMF and notary. MM7376. See ad, page 26.

DENTAL HEALTH 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 19.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Eduardo Maristany, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com Eduardo Maristany, M.D. is a board-certifi ed internal medicine physician trained in functional/integrative medicine, genomic interpretation, and anti-aging. Dr. Maristany incorporates genomic intelligence and cutting-edge tools to provide his patients with comprehensive genetic health risks and benefi ts, and a personalized health plan for optimal wellness. See ad, page 55.

July 2021

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NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Carol L. Roberts, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com Carol L. Roberts, M.D. has practiced functional/integrative/holistic medicine for 25 years. She provides patients with testing to uncover causes of chronic illness, guidance in resolving health issues and education to assist the patient in her own healing. She is Medical Director at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, formerly the Hughes Center. See ad, page 55.

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine Office: 239-444-5636 • UpstreamMD.com Dr. Torres is a board-certifi ed internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certifi ed Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 12.

HOLISTIC CENTER ACCESS HOLISTIC HEALING & HYPNOSIS Michele Durham, CH, MBA 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs, 34135 office: 239-301-3501 • cell: 239-776-2211 AccessHolisticHealing.com

FOOD & THOUGHT ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ

2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222 • FoodAndThought.com Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm.

Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 10.

EYES WIDE OPEN

239-948-9444 • SilviaCasabianca.com Neuroscience-based, holistic counseling (via televideo) to help you regulate emotions, cope with change, stress, depression or anxiety.

Empathic parenting guidance. Sliding scale. Online CEUs for health professionals. Call for further information.

LULU CARTER

Top Expert in Science of Happiness Positive Pyschologist Coach – 30 Years of Experience Chief Happiness Officer/President of House of Gaia 239-290-7008 • Lulu@HouseOfGaia.org HappinessBeyondBorders.com HouseOfGaia.org Ready for positive changes in your life in 2021? First session is free – call to schedule. Private sessions on-line, aff ordable packages. Get inspired, learn, transform and be happy! English, Spanish and Portuguese. See ad, page 41.

Coming Next Month

AUGUST

Boost Happiness & Well-Being Plus: Shamanism Today Back-to-School Wellness Tips Benefits of Having a Life Coach

54

Collier/Lee Counties

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.

1000s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 27.

Specializing in hypnosis, QHHT, NLP, SRT. Off ering sound and light therapy, massage therapy, reiki, access bars, salt therapy, Conscious1Vibe crystals and bookstore.

Joined by Dr. Daniel Stanciu off ering IV Infusions and nutrition testing. See ad, page 31.

LIFE COACH

HEALTHY DINING

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

NATURAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS ANATTA

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013 347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com Anatta is a global online marketplace for natural, organic and raw products from farmers worldwide.

The newly-formed company’s products include a variety of essential oils and waters, and its unique business model eliminates overhead costs by connecting customers directly with farmers.

NUTRITION D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Sprgs 239-676-5249 • D-SignedNutrition.com Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address infl ammation, nutrient insuffi ciencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body.

See ad, page 15.

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028 ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the fi rst reason for working with a nutrition coach.

Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 37.

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

Master Yoga Teacher and massage therapist with 28 years experience, serving Naples since 1999. Sun-damaged skin repair clinician, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports and neuromuscular therapy, cranio facial and TMJ relief, heal injuries. Improve posture: alignmentbased yoga and posture classes.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. Must be pre-paid. Email listing, include billing contact info, by 10th of month prior to publication to: NAClassifieds@ NaturalAwakenings.com.

FOR RENT LUXURY TREATMENT OFFICES – For lease in Castello Professional Center near U.S. 41 and Pine Ridge. Perfect for massage or similar. From $420/month.

239-398-5578.

SERVICES SOUNDS OF CELEBRATIONS & HEALING – By JamesSteven Farnsworth. The Fiddle Flowers Fiddle Gram. Gift of 12 beautiful roses in a vase and gift card, plus a lovely miniconcert of violin/fiddle music. Special intro price: $55 local delivery. Additional services: Artistic violin performance: weddings and all special events. The Healing Violin: transformative sound therapy for the elderly and those affected by physical and mental disabilities. Graceful Passages: Funerals and end-of-life celebrations. Call/text: 510-292-7786, JsfViolin@gmail.com.

TheHealingViolin.com.

Promote your special service, class or event in our print and online calendar. Easy to use!

Affordable options. Visit swfl.naturalawakenings. com/pages/calendarlistings.

GROWYour Business Secure your ad spot!

Contact us for special ad rates: 239-272-8155

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