New Mexico Vegan May 2020

NewMexicoVegan May 2020

New Podcast For Vegans, Vegetarians, and the Veg Curious

Enjoy your FREE complimentary copy

The views and opinions, expressed by contributing-authors, in the New Mexico Vegan Magazine; may, or may not, represent the views and opinions, of New Mexico Vegan.

Being Vegan….(Advertisement)

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Inside

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Editor’s Note

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My Nationality (Advertisement)

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A Fork Instead Of A Knife!

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Coronavirus Safety

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Animal Agriculture is… (Advertisement)

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New Mexico Facts & Trivia

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HeartnSole in the Community

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A Response From The Hispano Animal Rights Movement To COVID-19 And Its Zoonotic Origin At Live Animal Markets

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Say NO To Dairy Products

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Your Beliefs…. (Advertisement)

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Photo Collage

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Resources

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Nutrition Science and Immune Health

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They Don’t Know Hate (Advertisement)

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America (Advertisement)

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Full Day Of Eating Vegan

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To the Vegan Activist

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Vegan Protein

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Battered Fried Jackfruit Recipe

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Meet Our Extended Family

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To Prevent Future Pandemics…(Advertisement)

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The Vegan Yoga Connection

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Respect All Mothers (Advertisement)

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Covid-19

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Advertising with NM Vegan

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Revisit With Previous New Mexico Vegan Magazine Issues

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Contributor

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Melissa (Kamacho) Brandenburg

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Bera Dordoni

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Lyda Durango

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Ana Ferguson

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New Mexico Vegan Volume 6 – Issue 3 May 2020 Editor: Nancy Arenas NMV Photographer: N. Arenas

A HeartnSole, LLC publication

Like us on FB NM Vegan | 02

Hi all. Here I am, confined to the boundaries of home, determined… to not be overwhelmed, by fear or frustration, during this global-crisis & hysteria, of corona-virus. Calm is best; but …how?

Can I …stay positive …avoid despair …find ways to help …and, remain-happy, about what really-matters? That which really-matters to others, I do not know; but, it does seem to me: if, what I love most, can be destroyed by corona-virus… I will feel anxiously-threatened by, corona-virus.

What shall I say to you, regarding such a profound matter, as a global pandemic. I choose to talk about, things to do. I ‘do’ believe in do-ing.

Some people, are not-emotionally-affected by planet-earth’s “strange-new-rules-of-living;” …even though these inconvenient-laws have been demanded so suddenly, & with an eerie worldwide concern. So, maybe you can remain calm, also, while submitting to such weird customs, as: quarantined, at home (not-allowed to leave home); social-distancing protocol (do not breathe, where others breathe; & stay “away” from everyone); wearing masks and gloves to the grocery store; beloved-businesses closing their doors, to us; empty streets, during the daytime; and so on? But how can I be calm, one might ask? Do such people not-know that all this is being done, to combat the threat of human-extinction?

On the other hand, some people are affected; but, they achieve relaxation, by doing selected activities, such as: cooking; crafts; home repair/decorating; meditation; family-games; Skype; reading; TV/movies; music; computerstuff; etc. Furthermore, all of these things, can be done, in ways that serve other people. Some people feel that, the best remedy for worry & anxiety, is helping others to be happy.

Nevertheless, are you one of those people who is doing-doing-doing-stuff… but, still can’t relax? What, then, do you …do?

Well, I have no promises to make, about quick-n-easy solutions; but, have you tried to do this?-- ‘think’ …about what is really-important to you; and, why it is important, to you. Ask yourself, “What would it mean, to me, if corona-virus took this incredibly-special-thing away from me?” ‘Think’ …until the answer, comes to you. How will you know, when the ‘really-true’ answer comes? You will know, because, the truth …will give you peace. This must be true… for we will certainly not get peace, from a lie.

However, can anyone be sure, how much thinking is required? Will years go by, while you seek, your answer?

What I am proposing is this question, “Are you one of those personality-types, who will benefit more, throughout your life, by facing-the-problem, rather than avoiding-the-problem. Many people, genuinely, have a good-time.

But, many other people, also, are covering-up something emotional, that needs attention. Covering bad-times, with good-times, may not get rid of the problem. Rotten-tooth-cavities do not get covered-up… because, the tooth will continue rotting, beneath the pretty shiny-white covering; and, one day the whole tooth will decay, and be gone, forever. The rotten-tooth’s yucky stuff, must be courageously acknowledged, and removed, that’s all.

So, then, perhaps you can have both: do your do-ing; and, …think… your rotten problems away, while you do.

---Nancy--Livegan, -- Nancy

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A FORK INSTEAD OF A KNIFE?!

Bera Dordoni, N.D. Ok, so this dog named Protector crawls into the corner bar panting, “Need (gasp).

Water (gasp).”

“Yo, Dog, did you use the hand & paw sanitizer at the door?” asked the bartender.

“Those sanitizers don’t work as well as simple soap and water for disinfecting,” he whimpered in exhaustion. “Show me the suds and I’ll scrub my paws gladly.”

“Hey, Dog, what’re you doing out on the streets when there’s a ‘stay-at-home’ order?

Don’t you have a family that would be looking for you?”

“They didn’t even notice when I left. They’re hunkered down in front of Fox News crying in fear every day now, thinking the world is ending because of Covid-19. Sheesh, you humans have had flu before, so why is this so different? I know it’s bad and it’s really scary, and many have died. But if this is a respiratory virus, why do you all go insane hoarding toilet paper? And why stand there scrubbing your bartop when you don’t have any customers anymore?”

“I just came in to sterilize the place and then shut down until we’re allowed to reopen. With everyone in isolation or quarantine, who knows when the world will return to normal, if ever? No one seems to know how to contain this thing, whatever it is. Some even say it’s not a virus, but it’s 5G. Lots to learn, I guess. I sure dunno.”

“As long as you have a strong immune system you oughta be able to survive whatever it is, even if you get sick. It’ll be milder and you’ll recover faster. You humans are crazy. Aside from washing your hands like crazy, you’ve got masks and gloves to protect you, and social distancing to help contain it. Even though clearly dogs are superior to you two-leggeds, you can use tools with your hands that we can’t use with our paws – in fact, you can use your fork over your knife!”

“Huh?” said the confused bartender.

“When most humans eat, they eat all wrong. My people buy processed junk food in plastic-wrapped packages.

They’re sick all the time cuz they break down their immune systems with it. I wish they’d plant an organic garden to make them healthy with live foods. Yum. And, tough guy that I am, I’d be happy to chase the squirrels away.

“This thing scaring everyone nearly to death won’t kill you if you have a strong immune system. First of all, eat real plants – remember how spinach made Popeye strong?!”

“Where are you coming up with this silly stuff, Dog?” asked the bartender.

“I’m known as Protector.” And my buddy Jake used to hang with a naturopathic doctor who taught him a lot before he passed on, and he told me a lotta stuff. He said a virus needs a host to keep thriving. A weakened immune system is a perfect host. He said you guys have to build it up by eating lots of natural foods and taking some good supplements. Then even if you get sick you’ll be strong enough to fight it off.”

“Ok, Protector, what do you suggest we take?”

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A FORK INSTEAD OF A KNIFE?! – Cont’d Bera Dordoni, N.D. “Well, dig your food out of the ground, for starters. I wish the two-leggeds I live with had a garden. Fresh organic veggies have all sorts of vitamins and minerals. At least they grow sprouts in the house, and I get to eat some of those. They’re packed full of more protein than meat, y’know. Some of the things you folks could take to help you get past this awful virus would make a huge difference in ending this pandemic. I know you’ve heard of vitamin C, which viruses don’t like. Also, while you’re all in isolation, eat garlic to your heart’s content (which will also benefit your heart and make you so delightfully aromatic!), because garlic kills viruses and all sorts of bugs. Colloidal silver is another natural antibiotic. Get out and roll around in the sun like I do for your vitamin D3. Oregano oil, olive leaf extract and ravintsara essential oil all pack a real punch and make viruses run in the other direction. Powerful mushrooms like Lions Mane, shiitake, maitake, cordyceps, turkey tail, and more all have beta glucans, which build up the immune system so if you are exposed to a virus, you’re able to fight it off either completely or within a few days.

But the biggest thing that could help you humans is to do what I said earlier – use your tools to your advantage – your fork over your knife.”

“What are you talking about, Dog, using a fork over a knife?”

“I told you Protector is the name.” And using a fork for your food instead of a knife to eat plants means you don’t have to chop up animals to feed yourselves. Right there you’re enhancing your immune system. Do I really need to tell you how bad dead animals are for your health, and how horribly they’re treated before they land on your plate? Their hormones and fear chemicals affect your health with every bite. GMO foods, processed foods and dead animals tear down your immune system making you susceptible to infections and viruses like Covid-19.

But eating living foods brings vitality to the living body. So that’s how you use a fork over a knife for your health.”

“Ok, ok, I don’t need a lecture this morning. But I’ve gotta admit you’re a pretty darn smart dog, y’know?

Is there anything else you can recommend for us humans to help us get past this Covid-19 faster?”

“Well, yeah, eat that plant-based diet I was talking about. Stay hydrated. Stop panicking. Live in love instead of fear. Fear and stress weaken the immune system. Get as much sleep as possible. Dogs love to sleep because we know how good it is for us. And for now, maybe you guys oughta avoid sniffing each other’s butts until this is over.”

Dr. Bera “The Wellness Whisperer” Dordoni, N.D. With over 35 years of serving as a vegan/vegetarian-oriented Naturopathic Doctor/nutritionist, Dr. Bera now focuses primarily on teaching Ho’oponopono in workshops and at retreats in her home in the Zuni mountains. She provides gourmet vegan meals and a relaxing stay where deer and wild turkeys play… as well as instruction in plant-based living, immunesystem building and how to make the laws of attraction work for you. To learn more or book your stay, visit drberatlc.com or bastis.org.

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1. New Mexico has 16.68 million acres of forestland.

2. Santa Fe is at an elevation of over 7000 feet. Residents literally look down on Denver, which is 5280 feet above sea level.

3. Most of us know – and appreciate - that New Mexico is sparsely populated, but did you know that we have only 17 people per square mile?

4. Las Vegas (the one in New Mexico) has more than 900 buildings listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places.

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In Red River, it usually snows for 48.2 days a year. That amounts to an average annual snowfall of 159.5 inches per year.

1. Four different flags have flown over New Mexico. These are the Spanish, Mexican, Confederate, and U.S. flags 1. We all know that the atomic age started with the Trinity test that took place on the Alamagordo Bombing Range.

2. Much of New Mexico’s landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity. Our state experienced over 700 eruptions during the last 5 million years.

3. Agriculture began in New Mexico around 2500 years ago, when the Mogollon people started cultivating corn, squash, and beans.

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4. The deepest cave in the nation is in New Mexico. Lechuguilla Cave, which is part of Carlsbad Caverns, goes down 1,604 feet.

"It’s hard to balance a full-time job with passion projects. Each Week, join Nancy Arenas, author, exercise guide, Cooking with Compassion - vegan chef, New Mexico Vegan and 1…2…Vegan Kids magazine publisher and organizer of the Red & Green VegFest Albuquerque, as she interviews guests who are sharing their vegan works and passion. If you have a passion project or want to learn more about the different aspects of veganism and meet some great compassionate individuals, then Vegan Pulse is the podcast for you.”

Follow on FB

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In only one week —between the end of March and early April—, Spanish-speaking animal rights movement succeeded to make live animal markets visible and to kick off major changes regarding to them. An example is what happened in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city, where a local market for live animals was officially shut down on April 4.

Organizations, such as Animal Equity (Igualdad Animal) and Franz Weber Foundation (Fundación Franz Weber) launched aggressive campaigns to bring those focal points of animal abuse and disease to an end for good all over the world. The WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) attended this call, while the Wildlife Conservation Society called for ending wildlife traffic, a major source for those markets.

This call has increasingly reached multilateral agencies, such as the UN. Thus, in early April the UN’s Biodiversity Chief asked a global ban on wet markets, such as Wuhan’s, in China. These are blamed by scientists as the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. This was revealed by Igualdad Animal, a reputed organization working for animal rights in 8 countries all over the world. This NGO launched an aggressive campaign to put an end to these focal points of animal abuse and disease. The campaign calls for the UN to ban wet markets, as they are hotbeds not only of animal abuse, but also of zoonoses.

Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, over three months ago, live animal markets have been brought into the spotlight worldwide, in part thanks to animal rights movement action. The last week of March was a landmark to expose a reality that has been long kept in the shadow.

The spread of the pandemic in Latin America, and several countries entering the second stage (non-imported local transmission, preceding the third epidemic stage) gave our cause the opportunity to tap into the great amount of information produced throughout this month, from the time WHO declared the pandemic on.

All kinds of information sources (including health, ethics, philosophy, and even science) have manifested against wet markets, which has led the animal rights movement to take a clear, well-grounded stance on those places.

Do you know why they are called ‘wet markets’? It is because of the water spilled over the ground to wipe away the blood mixed with feces and entrails from animals previously slaughtered… After having endured confinement within tiny cases for days or weeks, pressed together, they are slaughtered —without the least rule of hygienesanitation— in the presence of their buyers, who see them as food or as secret ingredients to prepare miraculous medicines”, as Igualdad Animal explained in a press release announcing the campaign.

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About April 8, the campaign had gotten more than 360 thousand signatories, in a document that will be submitted to the UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Gutérres. #PorComerAnimales #Becauseyoueatanimals 75% of new diseases originate in animals. It is worth reminding that HIV or AIDS, EBB or mad cow disease, NIPAH, H1N1 or swine flu, SARS, bird flu, MERS, Ebola, and now COVID-19 have all a zoonotic origin. That is why the Franz Weber Foundation launched a series of interviews with expert journalists, physicians, psychologists, philosophers, lawyers, politicians, and economists to discuss the issue of animal consumption and disease transmission, along with the impact in biodiversity and world health through several live stream and social media platforms.

Also, the Foundation is posting a series of monographic reports to highlight how urgent it is to ban this type of markets worldwide, and to change production forms, and our eating habits, so that the world can do the transition from a protein-based diet to a diet free from animal-origin products. Upon concluding the series, the Foundation will prepare a dossier to be delivered in four languages to governments all over the world to call for implementing this proposal.

Several actions have begun to settle on rapidly. An example was the authorities’ move in the city of Bogotá, Colombia, where after a 10-year struggle authorities succeeded to shut down one of the major live animal markets at a farmers’ market in town. After a seven-hour raid, 29 live animal shops were closed, 48 animals were preventively seized for alleged abuse, and 100 animals were willingly handed over. Colombian Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation for six animals found dead.

A few days after the raid, last April 4, Bogota-based Institute for Social Economy (Instituto para la Economía Social) announced the final closing down of live animal shops in local markets, an unprecedented move in the country. At the same time, the government announced it will be opening working groups to review and accompany shopkeepers in undertaking other type of economic activities, in order to ensure their right to work.

Future is vegan, and the greatest pandemic in the 21st century might be opening the door and paving the way for authorities and government officials to develop really sustainable policies for our planet, animals, and people. *Journalist, animal rights activist & vegan. Founder The Animal Reporter, digital magazine for animal rights for Spanish speaking countries.

Lyda Durango Bio: PR, Marketing, and Communications professional. Animal advocate, vegan, and activist for animal rights.

Founder of a digital magazine focused on animal protection. After graduating as journalist in her country, Colombia, she realized her life mission was to help and protect animals. She speaks three languages and currently works as marketing manager and helps as volunteer to various organizations like WFPB.ORG and Animal Ethics. Her vision of communications, marketing and advertising is that they should be utilized to further planetary health and compassion toward all beings.

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ABQ Vegan: http://www.meetup.com/ABQVEG/ Albuquerque Vegan and Vegetarian Parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/323534174705753/ HeartnSole Spiritual Community: https://heartnsolerevna.wordpress.com/ Leaf: Taos Vegan Society: http://www.meetup.com/Taos-Vegan/ New Mexico Vegan: https://newmexicovegan.wordpress.com/ Plant-Based Eating New Mexico: https://www.facebook.com/PBENM/?rc=p Positive Links http://www.thelinknm.com/ Red & Green VegFest Albuquerque: https://redandgreenvegfestabq.wordpress.com/ Santa Fe Vegan: http://www.meetup.com/Santa-FeVeg/photos/4704212/445478790/ VIP (Vegans in the Park): https://www.facebook.com/events/363650444507091/

www.redandgreenvegan.wordpress.c om

If you are vegan and offer cruelty-free services and products please let us know for possible inclusion in upcoming NM Vegan Magazines, please email us at welcome22day@gmail.com, on the subject line please write NMV Vegan Products & Services.

If you have an article that deals with veganism and would like to submit it for possible inclusion in an upcoming NM Vegan Magazine, please email us at welcome22day@gmail.com, on the subject line please write NMV Article.

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Nutritional wellness is an under appreciated medical resource. Please don't get me wrong, there are many folks out there who are truly suffering from autoimmune disorders, complications stemming from previous health issues or as early as birth / pre-birth; there are always exceptions. But let's address the majority of generally advantaged or healthy populations of humans who have access to resources and do not have pre-existing conditions. Why is food consumption and nutrition education generally still undermined or dismissed, and do we ever question why this is? I have a few theories: (A) Multi-generational mis-education, or accidental/incidental ignorance.

(B) Reliance on external 'saviors' instead of personal, proactive measures – taking responsibility for one's own health and well being.

(C) Blatant complacency.

(D) Tradition/status quo. Cultural and social norms enforced by westernized medicine, which involves primarily post-pathology treatment vs. preventative lifestyle choices, AKA ''Big Pharma'' and expensive medical procedures. This is also a testament to our overall normalized healthcare system, centered around handing off all our trust and faith into medical authorities who may be well equipped for emergency situations – but earnestly, are often not well educated in human nutrition – instead, fundamentally trained to prescribe often under-tested lab formulated medications, or expensive and dangerous procedures/treatments in replacement of professionally recommended alternative methods that require personal accountability and positive lifestyle changes. This is also a point of contention with ethical veganism, and the push for plant-based options in medical facilities. This extends to school cafeterias.

There are several more I could add to the list, but let's just move along for the sake of word count. Most supporters of New Mexico Vegan likely are aware that a whole-food plant based diet and moderate exercise has now been proven for decades to reduce onset of both chronic and acute diseases, boost immunity, and promote overall longevity and physical/emotional well being. What some of us may still be discovering is, however, the absolute power of nutritional competence and awareness. With enough personal motivation to dig into credentialed, legitimized research, we can see how the truth reveals herself with the cliché saying, you are what you eat!

Let's focus in now, on eating for a healthy immune system. I have a few tidbits to share with you. Not only do I confidently exercise the disclaimer that I am not a medical health professional (and in no way is this article a substitute for the advice from a professional medical healthcare provider) I still encourage everyone to do your own research, as well as reference peer reviewed, respected, and credentialed studies published by professionals – and available to the general public. We can also explore the certain dietary needs we possess that empower individuals to make smart decisions with their food consumption and (whole food) vitamin supplementations. Now, let's dig in!

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Vitamin C From the published Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, December 3, 2009, it states, “Each person's need for vitamin C differs because of differences in genetics and individual biochemistry. Further, our bodies undergo different stresses, and we certainly eat different foods. Therefore, the daily need for ascorbate to maintain health for an adult varies between 2,000 - 20,000 mg/day”.

Whole-food sources of vitamin C are an absolute requirement for good health. Why? Because the human body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, it should be attained from food sources. If abundant whole food sources are not available, one of the best supplementations is sodium ascorbate: a low-acidity, high-absorption formula that will provide the most effective form of health insurance money can buy. Magnesium ascorbate is another formula if there is a hesitancy to use a sodium base. If the individual (body) is provided with reliable sources of vitamin C on a daily basis, we can be equipped with holistic support to all the vital bodily functions and organs.

Vitamin A & D The (2008) NIH Public Access study titled, Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage finds that, “It has been known for more than 30 years that some vitamins with antioxidant properties, including vitamin A, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and particularly vitamin E, have protective effects... Vitamin A metabolites can also affect some aspects of the adaptive immune response... VD3 has a physiological protective role in dampening or limiting potentially pathogenic immune responses at the cellular level, one might predict that interfering with its effects could predispose to hypersensitivity or autoimmunity”.

Combining proper doses and daily intake With proper intake of safe and responsible dosages, these 3 pro-immunity vitamins can potentially support a healthy immune system for humans of all ages. Furthermore, the key to preventing severity with the studied cases of viral infections inclusively involves strengthening the immune system to the greatest extent possible. It is important to follow daily value recommendations with consideration to individual and exceptional needs in an informed and responsible way.

References Vitamin C as an Antiviral: It's All About Dose (2009) http://www.orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v05n09.shtml Vitamin effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage (2008) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869601/ Other Resources Vitamin A for Treating Measles in Children (2005) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11869601/ Vitamin D and the anti-viral state (2011) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3308600/ Dr. Humphries, Vitamin C https://drsuzanne.net/dr-suzanne-humphries-oral-intravenous-vitamin-c/ Pesticides and Immune System: The Health Risks (1996) http://pdf.wri.org/pesticidesandimmunesystem_bw.pdf

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To those that just went vegan To those that have been vegan since birth To the undercover vegan slaughterhouse workers exposing the darkness To the vegan documentary film producers and filmmakers shining the light To the vegans that share their signs and voices at marches To the vegans that silently bear witness at vigils To the vegan chefs changing minds with delicious food To the vegan cook sharing meals with friends and family To the vegan recipe sharers inspiring people to try something new To the compassionate health professionals To the plant-sourced fitness experts and bodybuilders To the vegan life coaches To the body positive vegans To the high fashion vegans To the hippy vegans To the punk vegans To the minimalist vegans To the sidewalk chalktivism vegans To the t-shirt wearing vegans To the button and sticker wearing vegans To the tattooed vegans To the vegan authors To the vegan bloggers To the vegan YouTubers and vloggers To the vegan social media likers and sharers To the vegan musicians playing and singing from their heart To the vegan celebrities using their platform for compassion To the vegan artists painting, drawing, and molding a vision of a more peaceful world To the vegan entrepreneurs sharing compassionate and innovative products To the vegans that make a conscious effort to purchase those products To the vegan-centric schools teaching compassion alongside core academics To the homeschooling vegans To the vegans navigating public or private schools

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To the vegans passing out pamphlets on college campuses To the vegan dads that gently remove spiders from their homes To the single vegan moms shifting and encouraging their teens to share in a newly adopted lifestyle To the vegan parents that are doing their best to raise their children with values that honor empathy and kindness To the religious vegans To the atheist vegans And to the spiritual vegans living a compassionate lifestyle To the self-care vegans To the mindfulness vegans To the meditating vegan yogis To the sanctuary starting vegans To the adopt a cat and dog vegans To the community building vegans To the vegans that show up and play a part in building these communities To the environmental vegans To the social justice vegans And to the intersectional vegans guiding us in the understanding of the interconnected nature of all forms of oppression To the vegans changing laws To the vegans changing hearts To the many vegans not mentioned…

To the Vegan Activist…

Those that are actively and consciously working on themselves to embody empathy and compassion and with every word or action taken, ask themselves: “Is what I am saying or doing an extension of my compassionate values?”

May we be united in our compassion—for each other and for any fellow being suffering from exploitation and oppression.

We are all on the front lines. Actually, no…there are no front lines. This is not a military effort. This is a compassion effort. We are all in this together…in this circle of compassion.

Stand in your power. Stand in your peace. Stand in your kindness. Stand in your empathy. Stand in your compassion.

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There are many ways to be an activist. What inspires you? Who has inspired you?.

Anna Ferguson is the author of the first vegan-centric yoga and art book, World Peace Yoga: Yoga for People Who Breathe, a companion book to Dr. Will Tuttle’s The World Peace Diet, a #1 Bestseller on Amazon.com that has been translated into 16 languages. In addition to being co-creator of World Peace Yoga studio in Cincinnati, Anna is engaged in several evolving paradigms as a co-founder of Heärt Montessori, a school where empathy and compassion are taught as part of core academics, the Jubilee Animal Sanctuary, providing a glimpse of what a peaceful world looks like, and the Cincy VegFest, an annual one-day vegan festival. Anna is active on social media and you may find her on Facebook and Instagram @annafergusonpeace.

“A full spectrum exploration of why, how, and what yoga truly is and strives to be and embodies. This is the real deal manual for complete harmonic yoga oneness.” – Kip Andersen, Film director and producer of Cowspiracy and What The Health Order your World Peace Yoga book at www.worldpeaceyogabook.com

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Animals can feel empathy just like humans do. Empathy for each other, for us, and even for other species.

Turtles

1. Antarctica is the only continent turtles don’t live on.

2. Every species of turtle lays their eggs on land.

3. Turtles can easily outswim humans.

4. The gender of the turtle is determined by temperature.

5. Turtles have a built-in compass.

6. Turtles live about twice as long as humans.

7. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises.

8. Turtles have existed for over 220 million years ago.

9. Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world – beating snakes, crocodiles and alligators!

10. Hatchlings of many species of sea turtles are rarely seen for 1 to 3 years.

These are referred to as the “lost years.”

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What I love about yoga is that it’s something anyone can practice. If you’re breathing, you’re able to practice yoga. Many people think of yoga as postures, of putting your leg behind your head. In reality, anyone who is practicing being conscious and aware of their daily actions is practicing yoga.

For me, the practice of yoga and veganism are one and the same. Essential to a yoga practice is being conscious of doing the least amount of harm, also known as ahimsa. Fellow vegans out there, if you’re practicing nonviolence, then you are a yogi! Of course, I recommend practicing more aspects of yoga, such as conscious breathing, meditation, and other forms of self-care so that we don’t get burned out and pulled down by the heaviness of life.

But something interesting, which you may not know about the yoga postures, is that they go beyond developing a flexible or strong body. Many of these postures are a way for you to experience being a dog, a cat, a cow, a mountain, a cobra, and other forms of creation from elements to shapes to animals. Essentially, when we practice these postures, we are putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, be they claws, hooves, wings, paws, fins, or feet. The poses are a practice of empathizing and understanding our interconnectedness or sameness with others. They are a method for developing greater empathy and compassion.

Yogis have been long time observers of the natural world. The word asana means seat or connection to the earth. We take these seats; these poses to reestablish our connection with the natural world and to deepen our compassion for the fellow beings that live on this planet. The animals that inhabit the earth, humans included, are in crisis. Sickness and disease is a normal part of life. Pollution is at an all-time high. Forests are dying or being cut down. Many species are on the verge of extinction. More than ever, it’s important to deepen our connection to the earth, to embrace the wildness and freedom in nature, and to live in a way that does not disrupt or exploit the freedom of others. This is what the practice of veganism is all about!

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For me, the practice of yoga is about connecting with your most kind, compassionate, and authentic self—to ultimately realize the interconnectedness of all beings and the earth. When we understand and tap into this connection, we develop greater intuition and empathy, which results in extending compassion. This is veganism.

Yoga is about freedom, inner freedom and outer freedom. I believe this freedom is attained when our hearts are filled with so much love and compassion and there is no room for anything else to exist—no room for worry, doubt, fear, anger, frustration, hatred—only love. The wider our circles of compassion extend the better we know or intuit how to connect with others, how to resolve conflicts, how to create solutions, how to exist in harmony, and how to live in peace.

Yoga is a practice that we take off the mat and into our daily lives. Imagine what it may be like if before speaking or eating, for example, we paused to consider what it is like to be in those shoes I described, which come in so many varieties, from feet to paws to fins. How might that change how we speak and communicate with one another? How might that change how, what, or who we eat? To pause and consider like this is a practice. We all have our days, days in which we feel resilient and are able to maintain that inner calm when a snide remark is made by your partner or your child is having tantrum. And the days where we don’t feel so resilient and a little rage bubbles up when that car cuts you off in traffic. Some days are more challenging than others, just like the poses themselves. Empathy is a practice. Compassion is a practice. The more we practice putting ourselves in the shoes of another, the easier it becomes. We do our best with each breath and step to be kind, gentle, and loving to all beings and the earth.

ABOUT: Anna Ferguson is the author of the first vegan-centric yoga and art book, World Peace Yoga: Yoga for People Who Breathe, a companion book to Dr. Will Tuttle’s The World Peace Diet, a #1 Bestseller on Amazon.com that has been translated into 16 languages. In addition to being co-creator of World Peace Yoga studio in Cincinnati, Anna is engaged in several evolving paradigms as a co-founder of Heärt Montessori, a school where empathy and compassion are taught as part of core academics, the Jubilee Animal Sanctuary, providing a glimpse of what a peaceful world looks like, and the Cincy VegFest, an annual one-day vegan festival. Anna is active on social media and you may find her on Facebook and Instagram @annafergusonpeace.

“A full spectrum exploration of why, how, and what yoga truly is and strives to be and embodies. This is the real deal manual for complete harmonic yoga oneness.” – Kip Andersen, Film director and producer of Cowspiracy and What The Health Order your World Peace Yoga book at www.worldpeaceyogabook.com

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COVID-19 is a highly infectious and fast-spreading virus. Symptoms and their effects can range from mild to severe and in certain cases result in extreme health complications and death. Positive cases have been identified in communities across New Mexico. State health officials continue to test, process, monitor and track instances of the virus — and the state of New Mexico has taken proactive, aggressive public health actions to mitigate the spread of the disease.

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To revisit previous issues go to: https://issuu.com/arenasnancy

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NEW VEGAN PULSE PODCAST