Natural Awakenings January 2021

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HAPPY

HEALTHY NEW YEAR EAT RIGHT FOR

HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS INTEGRATIVE VETS TREAT ROOT CAUSES

HOLISTIC PET CARE TIPS FOR MANAGING

ECO-ANXIETY

HOSPITALS GO HOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE

MEDICINE GAINS GROUND December January 2021 2020

Alachua/Citrus/Marion/Sumter Co & The Villages FL

GoNaturalAwakenings.com

HealthCare Partners

Family Medicine The first combined Anti-Aging, Holistic, and Family Practice Clinic in Central Florida and The Villages About Nelson Kraucak, MD, FAAFP

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Nelson Kraucak, MD, FAAFP, is internationally recognized for his pioneering achievements in Holistic and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Kraucak is a diplomate of the American Academy of Family Practice. He has advanced certificates by the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the International Board of Anti-Aging and Longevity Medicine, Heavy Metal Detoxification and Immuno Modulation. Dr. Kraucak is a multilingual physician fluent in Spanish and Serbo Croatian. He is the founding physician of HealthCare Partners Family Medicine, the first integrated Holistic practice in Central Florida and The Villages.

Dr. Kraucak has been practicing holistic medicine since 1995 and is passionate about caring for his patients around The Villages, throughout Florida, and visiting patients around the world. He has traveled extensively to many countries including the Philippines, Argentina and Venezuela – extending his knowledge and experienced care. From the diagnostic phase through the treatment and follow up, from simple issues to the most complicated chronic conditions, Dr. Kraucak and his team will assure you and your family have comprehensive, innovative and the latest therapeutic support. Dr. Kraucak looks forward to extending his care to your family. Call today to schedule an appointment.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Alternative Testing • Spectravision • Antioxidant Levels • Heavy Metal Evaluation • Mineral Levels • Thermograms • Allergy Testing • Digestive Analysis • Nutritional Eval. Analysis • Hair Analysis • Spectracell Analysis

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Painful Conditions • Laser Therapy • Neural Therapy • Hyalgan Injection • Pulse Magnetic Therapy • Sound Wave • Massage Therapy • Medical Marijuana Individual responses may vary

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North Central FL Edition

Jaclynn Sola, LMT MA56771 Over 10 years Experience Specializing In:

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Raindrop Therapy Myo Fascial Release Deep Tissue Massage Cranial Sacral SpectraVision • Reiki Master-Tuning Forks • Colonics • Cupping for Pain Relief and Lymphatic Drainage

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Healing Central Florida, One Cell at a Time!

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Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

January 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Happy New Year!

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

I can’t tell you how elated I am to be saying that. Even though we are still fighting through the pandemic and it looks like we Editor Martin Miron will be for months to come, I’m glad to have 2020 behind us. Events Dana Malans The feeling of a new year is like taking a deep breath to not Design & Production Martin Friedman Chelsea Rose only reflect on what was, but to look ahead and set our sights Distribution Steve Weisse for what will be. Sales & Marketing Angela Durrell As I look back on 2020 and our community, I’m proud of the CONTACT US grit and perseverance shown by our healthcare workers who tirelessly dedicated themPh: 352-366-0088 selves to take care of others and continue to do so. I’m proud of our business owners GoNaturalAwakenings.com who fought to stay open and for many others who made the hard decision to close. I am Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com Angela@GoNaturalAwakenings.com hopeful that new and better opportunities await them. I’m proud of our local farmers and SUBSCRIPTIONS farmers’ markets that provided produce and meats when there were shortages. Our com Publisher Sheila Mahan

12-month print subscriptions available for $32. Call or mail in form found in each issue. Digital subscriptions are free visit our website to sign up.

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

National Art Director Gabrielle Wyant-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert

Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

munity is strong and resilient. If you ask me what I missed most during 2020 while spending so much time inside and quarantining, I would have to say I missed seeing family members in person. Video calls are OK, but they’re not the same. I know this is temporary, and in time, we’ll get back to some kind of normalcy where we can safely get together again. Staying healthy is a priority and we all have to do our part and stay diligent in what we do and where we go. Did you have any unexpected positive changes resulting from the pandemic? I spoke to several local business owners who realized the power and necessity of an online presence to maintain their clients. Natural Awakenings helped businesses ramp up their digital footprint to include social media promotions and video conferencing via Zoom. Those that never had an online presence found new clients to fill the void and help them stay in business. What are your plans for 2021, based on what you experienced in 2020? Whatever you do, stay positive, stay motivated and stay healthy. Let’s, remember those we lost in 2020, support those helping us stay safe and support local businesses. I am hopeful for a happier and healthier New Year.

Sheila

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings of North Central Florida is a faithful steward of global resources. We are delighted to be a part of an environmentally conscious community and therefore manufacture this magazine utilizing the environmentally-friendly cold-set web printer process which emits virtually immeasurable VOC's into the environment. The product is 100% recycleable.

North Central FL Edition

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 55+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 13 HAPPY HEALTHY

NEW YEAR

16 HEALING THE WHOLE CHILD

Holistic Pediatricians Go Beyond Meds

19 WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T NEED TO

TAKE PLASTIC POLLUTION FOR GRANTED

20 CLIMATE ANXIETY Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes

21 FRUGAL WELLNESS Healthy Living on a Tight Budget

22 HEALING PETS HOLISTICALLY

Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes

24 INTEGRATIVE HOSPITAL CARE

Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 352-366-0088 or email Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

28 STAYING FIT IN 2021

Workout Trends Bend to the Times

36 LOSE WEIGHT

WITHOUT DIETING

How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 9 global briefs 16 healthy kids 17 event spotlight 18 eco tip 20 green living 21 healing ways

22 natural pet 28 fit body 32 conscious

eating 34 restaurant spotlight 40 calendar 43 classifieds 44 resource guide January 2021

NATURAL AWAKENINGS IS

EVERYWHERE

THANK YOU to the local businesses that display Natural Awakenings Magazines!

Pick up your next free copy:

In addition to medical offices and local businesses, Natural Awakenings magazine can be picked up at the following locations: Earth Orgins 1237 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville Sunflower Health Foods 3424 W. University Ave, Gainesville The Bagel Bakery 4113 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville Wards 515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville Fairy Dust Crystals & Such 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview Belleview Library 13145 SE CR 484, Belleview Winn Dixie 11310 US Hwy 301, Belleview Winn Dixie 10051 S. US Hwy 41, Dunnellon Museum Cafe 10466 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa Too Your Health 995 HWY 441, Lady Lake Freedom Library 5870 SW 95th St, Ocala B-Healthy 8449 SW Hwy 200, #139, Ocala Marion County Tax Collector 503 SE 25th Ave, Ocala Marion County Public Library 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Earth Origins 1917 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Winn Dixie 820 Old Camp Rd., The Villages

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE @

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news briefs

Go for the Fruit, Stay for the Beauty

onderfield Farm and Grove is offering a Citrus U-Pick event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 9, on 66 acres of organic groves, walking paths and cypress swamps. Included with admission is a 100 percent signature cotton tote bag to fill up with citrus. The Hubbard family of St. Petersburg represents a new breed of land stewards dedicated to preserving the beauty and history of their lands while adopting new strategies to enhance the natural systems and steer their once forgotten acreage back into nourishing food production and mindful immersive spaces. They plan for the farm to become a hub for nature lovers, locavores, permaculture enthusiasts and travelers seeking a real Florida experience away from the main tourist destinations. The property is located adjacent to the Flying Eagle Preserve, minutes from some of Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous freshwater springs, and the entire property is bordered by a freshwater canal. Cost is $35. Location: 10777 East Gobbler Dr., Floral City. For more information, email Info@WonderfieldFarm.com or visit WonderFieldFarm.com.

Kayak with the Manatees

lorida Cracker Riverside Resort will provide guests an opportunity to paddle a kayak among the manatees and other wildlife from 3 to 10 p.m., January 10 through 16. The crystal clear, spring-fed Homossasa River is one of the best-preserved areas in the state. The area features cold freshwater springs, world-class scalloping and local cuisine with some of the best fresh seafood in the state. A 54-room resort right on the main river features provides lodging, a pool, hospitality room, 85 boat slips, two boat ramps, trailer parking the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar and Florida Cracker Kitchen. The full-service Marina has boat rentals, kayak and paddleboards, scalloping equipment and manatee tours. Cost is $200. Location: 5297 S. Cherokee Way, Homosassa. For more information, call 352-628-2474, email Marina@FloridaCrackerRiversideResort.com or visit FloridaCrackerRiversideResort.com.

Enjoy A Day at the Circus

hispering Oaks Winery will host a live circus with six shows a week packed with performances of fun and death-defying acts that make the circus so thrilling to amuse and amaze audiences from January 7 through 31. BYO lawn chair for seating. VIP tables that hold up to eight people are available for an additional cost can be reserved. No coolers or outside food and beverages are allowed. Gates open one hour before the show to enjoy the winery. Whispering Oaks Winery creates all natural, antioxidant-rich wines from the freshest Florida blueberries, harvested and fermented with care to create a unique table wine that is far from ordinary. This great blend of delicious nectar tantalizes and teases the taste buds. Ticket prices range from $20 to 25 for adults depending on the performance day and $10 for children 12 and under. Location: 10934 CR 475, Oxford. Foe for information, call 352-7480449 or visit WinesOfFlorida.com/circus.

North Central FL Edition

Manatee Festival in Crystal River

he Citrus County Chamber of Commerce will present the 34th annual Florida Manatee Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., January 15, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 17, in historic downtown Crystal River. The festival serves as a showcase for nonprofit organizations and local commercial businesses that serve the community, with food, music and entertainment, attracting more than 20,000 people each year. Highlights include live entertainment, fine arts and craft exhibits, a beer and wine garden, two food courts. The Heritage House Hippie Village features vendors, food and music reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Free bus tours to Three Sisters Springs run continuously from the corner of Northwest. First Avenue and Northeast Fifth Street during the weekend, allowing visitors to see manatees in their natural settings. Manatee boat tours are available from the City Pier at the end of Northeast Third Street for a trip into Kings Bay and other favorite manatee hangouts for a nominal fee. Admission is $5 for adults/free for children 12 and under. For more information, call 352-795-3149 or visit GoManateeFest.com.

Learn to Preserve Jam and Jelly Safely

Stroll the Collections at Kanapaha

anapaha Botanical Gardens is offering a guided tour of 24 major plant collections through a mile-and-a-half walkway from 10 a.m. to noon, January 2. Except during special events like the Spring Garden Festival and Moonlight Walk, dogs are permitted on leashes. Picnic baskets are welcome and there is a picnic area very close to the entrance building. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a 68-acre facility that includes the state’s largest public display of bamboo and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Walkways are largely wheelchairaccessible and benches, gazebos and other rest stations are liberally spaced throughout the facility. A gift shop offers a varied and unusual array of items including original art and treasures from the natural world. Admission is $5 to $10/ children under 5 free. Location: 4700 SW 58th Dr., Gainesville. For more information, call 352-372-4981 or visit Kanapaha.org.

News to share? Submit information to Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

High Springs Emporium North Central Florida’s ONLY Rock Shop The Most Unsual Store in Town Rocks, Crystals, Gis, Jewelry

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artha Maddox, LuAnn Duncan and Melanie Thomas will host a food preservation webinar, Jams & Jellies… Great Gift Ideas, at 9:30 a.m., January 21, online via Zoom. Homemade jams and jellies make great, delicious gifts. Topics include making canned and freezer jams and jellies, equipment needed, food safety guidelines, water bath guidelines and methods. The webinar is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office, a partnership between the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners, University of Florida/IFAS, and the United States Deptmeny of Agriculture. Admission is free with registration at Tinyurl.com/JamAndJellyWebinar. Limited to 250 participants.

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Try Ashwagandha for Anxiety

Storyblocks.com

In just the first month of the 2020 pandemic, the use of antianxiety medications increased by 34 percent among Americans, according to pharmaceutical surveys. Because select serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in particular tend to lose their effectiveness over time, some sufferers may take heart in a new study in Current Clinical Pharmacology. Iranian researchers gave one gram of ashwagandha root extract (Withania somnifera) each day for six weeks to 22 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and a placebo to a second group of 18. People in both groups were also put on SSRIs. Anxiety scores for the ashwagandha group improved by week two and kept improving during the study, significantly outperforming the scores of the control group. The extract was considered safe and free of side effects.

Schisandra chinensis, an ornamental, woody vine with pink leaves and bright red berries, has long been used as an adaptogen in China and Russia to lower stress, improve immunity and enhance energy. Korean researchers in a new study in Phytochemical Reviews report it may also be a boon for aging muscles. They tested 45 post-menopausal women that were given 1,000 milligrams of Schisandra chinensis or a placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group, the Schisandra group had significantly increased quadriceps muscle strength and lower lactate levels, indicating greater endurance.

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Improve Muscle Strength with Schisandra

Storyblocks.com

Try Ginger Extract for Hay Fever

North Central FL Edition

For people suffering from the miseries of allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, ginger extract can be just as effective as the popular pharmaceutical product loratadine (Claritin), concludes a study from Thailand’s Thammasat University. Eighty hay fever patients were given either 500 milligrams of ginger extract or loratadine. After three and six weeks, the ginger group’s improvements in nasal symptoms and quality of life matched those of the loratadine group, but those taking ginger had fewer side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and constipation. Follow us @GoNaturalAwakenings

Avoid Fluoride to Lower Risk of Behavioral Issues in Children Fluoride is added to public water supplies to reduce tooth decay, but its effects on health are contentious enough that only 38 percent of Canadian and 3 percent of European public water supplies are fluoridated, compared to 74 percent in America. Its effects on neurodevelopment in children are a particular concern: a meta-analysis correlated high levels of fluoride in water with a seven-point drop in children’s IQ scores. Two new studies have linked fluoride exposure to ADHD and other behavioral issues in children. Canadian researchers that collected urine samples and tap water information on 1,877 children between ages 6 and 17 found those that lived in areas with fluoridated water had 2.8 times the incidences of ADHD diagnoses, as well as increased symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The effect was most pronounced in teenagers, suggesting a cumulative effect over time, wrote the authors in the journal Environment International. In a Chinese study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 325 children between ages 7 and 13 were studied, and higher levels of fluoride exposure were correlated with rises in behavioral issues, especially psycho-somatic symptoms. Storyblocks.com

health briefs

Microscopic Compass

global briefs

Bacteria Powers Animal Magnetic Sense

Generosity Fosters Increased Longevity

kzenon/AdobeStock.com

A new study published in the journal PNAS suggests that people that share more live longer because the act of giving and receiving increases well-being. The recipient benefits directly from the gift, while the giver benefits indirectly through emotional satisfaction. Co-authors Fanny Kluge and Tobias Vogt found a strong relationship between a society’s generosity and the average life expectancy of its members. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, in Rostock, Germany, conclude that people are living longer in societies where members support each other with resources. Residents of African countries such as Senegal and South Africa share the lowest percentage of their lifetime income and have the highest mortality rate of the countries studied. Western European countries and Japan transfer more to the youngest and oldest, and their mortality rates are lower. Kluge notes that the relationship between generosity and lifetime income doesn’t depend on whether the benefits come from the state or from the wider community.

A new paper in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B may explain why some animals, including birds, fish and lobsters, are able to sense the Earth’s magnetic fields. It allows sea turtles to return to the beach where they were born. Researchers hypothesize that this ability comes from a symbiotic relationship with magnetotactic bacteria that are influenced by magnetic fields, including the Earth’s. In support of this theory, Robert Fitak, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida Department of Biology and co-author of the paper, drew from one of the largest genetic databases of its kind, the Metagenomic Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology, to identify the presence of these magnetotactic bacteria in animal samples. The researchers are working to develop a genetic test to help with further study. They have not yet identified exactly where the bacteria live in the animals, although they theorize that it could be associated with nervous tissue like the eye or brain. Learning how organisms interact with magnetic fields could facilitate our use of them for navigation, while also understanding how human modifications of magnetism—such as constructing power lines—might be affecting biodiversity. This knowledge may also help develop therapeutic drug delivery systems. petrovich12/AdobeStock.com

Grateful Giving

Surf’s Up

Storyblocks.com

Some Beaches Can Survive Rising Sea Levels

An international team of coastal scientists from the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. has disproved the theory that half the world’s beaches will become extinct over the course of the 21st century (see Tinyurl.com/SandyCoastlinesUnderThreat) in a paper published in Nature Climate Change. The team re-examined the data and methodology underpinning the original study and published their rebuttal in the same journal, after concluding that it is impossible to make such global and wide-reaching predictions with the data and numerical methods available today. The new report sees potential for beaches to migrate landward as sea level rises and shorelines retreat. Beaches backed by hard coastal cliffs and structures such as seawalls are likely to experience “coastal squeeze”, resulting in decreased width, and eventually be submerged because they are unable to migrate, but those with space to move inland will retain their overall shape and form. As such, removal of coastline structures or beach nourishment may be the only methods to safeguard at-risk beaches. January 2021

business spotlight

The Artist is the Voice of the Healer Within

ary Rockthe country. She received wood Lane, a bachelor’s degree from Ph.D., RN, the University of Florida, FAAN, co-founder and a master’s degree from director emeritus of the Boston College, and a nationally-recognized Ph.D. from the University Shands Arts in Medicine of Florida. program at the Uni Lane is the co-author versity of Florida (UF), of professional publicaheaded the program tions and several books, for more than 15 years including Creative Healand is now an associate ing, Spirit Body Healing professor of nursing at and Path of the Feather. UF, teaching CreativShaman Wisdom-Shaman Mary Rockwood Lane, Ph.D., ity and Spirituality in Healing was a finalist in RN, FAAN Healthcare. She lectures the health/healing catand teaches workshops around the world, egory in the prestigious Nautilus Awards. and has been involved in setting up art and She also founded and directed the art healing programs in Florida and around and healing masters program at Wisdom

University with Michael Samuels, M.D. She participated in founding the Center for Spirituality and Health at UF. At a time when art was not integrated into health care, she was inspired by her own experience of healing herself with art to launch the Shands Arts in Medicine program, which incorporates art, music, poetry, theater and dance into clinical care on 15 hospital units. Lane developed an end-of-life curriculum that fully integrates spirituality and creativity, to be taught at all UF health science colleges. Lane and Samuels have taught art and healing courses at undergraduate and graduate level for many years and watched their students undergo major life transformations as they healed themselves from sexual abuse, unresolved grieving and illnesses. Lane’s newest online course, a 12week transformational journey beginning January 25 through April 25, Transpersonal Nursing as Ontological Artist, is an opportunity for self-discovery by tapping into creativity for healing. The course is based is based on Lane’s personal experiences, her book Healing With The Arts, co-authored by Samuels, and the work of Dr. Jean Watson and her book Postmodern Nursing & Beyond. This course includes video lessons, live Zoom sessions with Lane and guided interaction within small, intimate cohorts designed to help engage with the material and gain a deeper level of understanding. Lessons will focus on an identity as artisthealer and how to engage inner resources. The time commitment is two hours each week for modules, Zoom call and personal studio time. There is flexibility with an allowance for a few more weeks to complete if required. CEUs will be awarded when the course is complete. For registration and more information, visit HealingWithTheArts.com and MaryRockwoodLane.com.

North Central FL Edition

business spotlight

Gainesville Circus Center is Flying High

he nonprofit Gainesville Circus Center (GCC), founded in 2018, is a performing arts school specializing in circus arts offering classes for kids and adults in aerial dance on trapeze, silks and lycra, acrobatics, juggling and much more. This “social circus” engages in performances throughout the year to support the physical, mental and emotional health of at-risk youth in the community. There are also kids camps and specialty workshops with scholarships and internships Director Dr. Corey Cheval is certified in acrobatic dance and holds the Ph.D. cultural anthropology from the University of Florida; an MA in performance studies from the Federal University of Bahia; and a BA contemporary dance and choreogra-

phy from Mills College. She states, “I have been teaching and performing dance and circus arts in the Gainesville area since 2008. I originally launched my company under the name S-Connection Aerial Arts. GCC offers dance and live music entertainment and participates in community events such as the Gainesville Downtown Festival & Art Show, the 5th Avenue Arts Festival and TEDxUF, among others. “I coproduce Dusty’s Ragtime Circus with my brother and music director Dustin Cottrell,” says Cheval. Supported by grants from the state of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and Alachua County, Dusty’s Ragtime Circus showcases pop music interpreted through ragtime with aerial acrobatic and dance elements. The show relies on the par-

ticipation of full-time professional artists, as well as up-and-coming performers from the Gainesville Circus Center. It toured in 2019, but a reprise in 2020 has been delayed due to COVID-19. They are planning a Dusty’s Ragtime Circus Drive-In to be held March 5 and 6 supported by a grant from Visit Gainesville that will allow people to maintain a safe social distance. Cheval is an equestrian and has trained bareback riding (or vaulting) under eighth-generation circus artist Timi Loyal. “We sometimes contract other animal acts for our events,” notes Cheval. “We have worked with Loyal Vaulting & Equestrian Arts, Christine Zerbini, Carole Fletcher, Williston Renegade Drill Team, and CZ Mustangs, among others. Animal training offers a stimulating and fulfilling life experience for animals who may otherwise be euthanized or poached.” Cheval opines, “A career in the arts involves a lot of sacrifice, mainly job security. You must accept the unknown. You also have to get used to other people assuming you are a ‘failed artist’ if they have never heard of you. Our culture does not recognize the millions of artists working as teachers and part-time performers because of our obsession with the idea that only rich and famous artists are successful. It takes about 10 years of dedicated training to build a professional performer in any discipline (music, dance or circus), so stay humble. It’s never too late to start. Most performance opportunities events are determined through live or video audition. Each show or event requires specific skill sets, so they are always looking for the person that can best fulfill the needs of a particular performance. “We truly want to make the arts accessible to all. We encourage people to try our Intro to Aerial or Cirque Fitness classes to get a taste of our work,” advises Cheval. “If you love the circus, but don’t necessarily want to train in acrobatics, you may consider becoming a volunteer. We always appreciate extra helping hands at our events. Join our mailing list to stay up to date on performances and volunteer opportunities!” Gainesville Circus Center is located at 1925 NW 2nd St., Ste. B, in Gainesville. For more information, call 352-316-0682 or visit GainesvilleCircus.com. January 2021

business spotlight

Natural Treatments for Holistic Heath Solutions

ymphony Healthcare from Indiana University, a was founded by Debora pediatric nurse practitioner Donahue, APRN-BC, master’s degree from Indiana in December 2012. They University and a post-master’s provide functional medical family nurse practitioner care focused on getting to the degree from the University of root cause of symptoms. The Indianapolis with continuing Ocala IV Club opened in education in functional mediOctober 2020 to offer IV nucine. She has full-practice trition, energy injections and authority as a nurse practitiohormone services, including ner in Florida. Debora Donahue, APRN-BC hormone pellet therapy. She “I experienced adrespecializes in thyroid, hormone and autoimnal and thyroid dysfunction that caused mune disorders, particularly in getting to the problems in my personal and family life,” root cause of disease and assisting patients to she relates. “I found traditional Western reduce dependence on prescription medimedicine lacking in understanding of what cations for gut health, diabetes, metabolic I was going through. I was determined to syndrome, fatty liver and more. learn how to help myself, so I began study Donahue is a family nurse practitioner ing functional medicine analysis, diagnostic certified by the American Nurses Credentialmethods and treatments. I began to recover ing Center with a bachelor’s degree in nursing my health and energy, and my patients

were also seeing amazing results.” Donahue offers consultation packages to provide individualized attention and analysis for complex health concerns that can be done in person or via telemedicine. She also uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, hormone pellet therapy, low-dose naltrexone and medically supervised weight management programs. The Ocala IV Club offers IV nutrition drips, IV glutathione and energy injections. Other services include lab draw services, mole removal, trigger point injections using homeopathic product, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and an infrared/red light bed. Medical-grade supplements and high-quality cannabidiol products are available through the office or their online platform. Donahue sees patients from all over Florida in person and via telemedicine, takes most insurance plans, does consultations, reviews labs and testing from other providers and works with a patient’s current doctors in a team effort to encourage healing and wellness. “We create individualized treatment plans, offer educational materials, and fine-tune your plan as needed,” she advises. “Using a holistic approach will get to the root cause of a problem instead of using a Band-Aid approach to cover up or stop a particular symptom. I find that the body is giving cues in the form of symptoms. When we listen to the body and find the system and processes that cause that symptom, we can work to resolve the cause and help the body heal,” Donahue explains. “Patients often report they still don’t feel well or they lack energy and vitality, even though they were given a pill by a doctor for that particular symptom. This tells me the pill is not treating the root cause of their problem.” As for the future of health care, she says, “I see more of my patients interested in natural treatments. They are reading articles and doing their research, asking great questions and looking for the testing that can give better answers than the traditional screening lab work.” Symphony Healthcare, Inc./Ocala IV Club is located at 1317 SE 25th Loop, Ste. 101, in Ocala. For appointments and more information, call 352-629-5939 or visit SHCOcala.com and OcalaIV.com.

North Central FL Edition

January 2021

North Central FL Edition

January 2021

Healing the Whole Child Holistic Pediatricians Go Beyond Meds by Ronica O’Hara

hen Jackie Jones’ 4-year-old daughter had a persistent runny nose and cough, three visits to the pediatrician proved fruitless. “He would see us for two minutes, listen to her chest, saying she had ‘a cold’, and yet still prescribe an antibiotic and steroid that would just trash her immune system,” the Atlanta mom says. “She ended up developing pneumonia in both lungs that landed her in the hospital.”

This propelled Jones to switch her children’s care to a holistic pediatrician. “He actually listens to me and takes time with his patients, and recommends vitamins and supplements to keep them healthy, in comparison to just handing out antibiotics,” she says. On the first visit, he queried Jones about family use of shampoos, soaps and cleaning products that might contain chemicals. “Definitely not a conversation I had with my old pediatrician!” she related.

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Jones, who dispenses pregnancy advice at PisforPregnant.com, benefitted from a growing trend among pediatricians. The number of doctors that self-identify as holistic by joining the integrative medicine section of the American Academy of Pediatrics has grown from a dozen in the early 1990s to more than 400 today, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., an Ohio State University pediatrics professor who founded the section and authored The Holistic Pediatrician. “Holistic pediatricians are interested in helping children and families meet their health goals, not just diagnosing and dispensing drugs,” she says. “We use an evidence-informed approach, including all appropriate therapies and therapists, with a strong emphasis on healthy lifestyle behaviors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, social and emotional skills, spirituality and a healthy environment.” Many pediatricians report they want to know more about integrative approaches because of their frustration in treating the chronic conditions in one-quarter to one-half of the children they see, as well as to answer questions posed by Googlesavvy parents. Yet most pediatricians have limited training in natural health and are wary to suggest such approaches, and parents are often reluctant to disclose their use of natural methods. Holistic pediatricians, on the other hand, typically get additional training in healing modalities that allows them to integrate natural options into mainstream methods. Unlike many pediatricians in busy clinics that can see a child only briefly, holistic pediatricians typically take longer. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all conventional

mission statement To empower individuals to live a healthier lifestyle on a healthier planet. To educate communities on the latest in natural health and sustainability. To connect readers with local wellness resources and events, inspiring them to lead more balanced lives.

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approach,” says holistic pediatrician Elisa Song, of Belmont, California, who blogs at HealthyKidsHappyKids.com. For a child with asthma, for example, Song checks for environmental, dietary or social triggers, including mold, food allergies or sensitivities and stress. She looks for underlying biomedical imbalances such as nutritional deficiencies, abnormal gut microbes and signs of a leaky gut. “Based upon clinical and laboratory findings, an initial treatment plan may include elimination of food sensitivities, supplementation with a 3-6-9 fish oil and magnesium, and mindfulness exercises that incorporate diaphragmatic breathing,” she says. Pediatric naturopaths are another option for parents. These doctors typically start from a natural medicine perspective, are trained in herbs and nutrition, and collaborate with bodyworkers, physical therapists and counselors. “Really, anything that helps a child thrive,” says pediatric naturopath Kathryn Purvis, of Tempe, Arizona. “We use treatments that are gentle and safe, but are also trained to use conventional treatments if necessary.” Naturopaths undergo a four-year post-graduate medical education like pediatricians, but do not complete an additional three years of pediatric residency, although they can do internships and take courses for certification. In 26 states, they can prescribe pharmaceuticals and administer vaccines. Chiropractors that specialize in pediatrics, although not usually a child’s primary doctor, correct misalignments of the cranium, spine and pelvis using extra-low force, “like checking the ripeness of a tomato,” says pediatric chiropractor Kaleb Scroggin, of Savannah, author of the children’s book C is for Chiropractor. For example, treating a constipated, breast-fed baby usually produces immediate results, he says, adding that adjustments can also help infants with latching issues, painful gas, reflux and general irritability. “My goal is to see how healthy I can help your child become,” he advises.

event spotlight

Big Read Program for Kids

ouTube science communicator Emily Graslie and award-winning author Robin Wall Kimmerer will be the 2021 keynote speakers for the National Endowment of the Arts Big Read Alachua County, a series of free virtual events followed by a Q&A that build community and highlight women in science produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Alachua County Library District. The final book meetup for the awardwinning memoir Lab Girl, by Hope Jahren, will take place from 7 to 8 p.m., January 12. For younger community members, two book meetups feature an interview with the author, as well as presentations by marine biologists, entomologists and a paleontologist. The first children’s book meetup for grades one through five showcases Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter, by Christine Evans, on January 30. A Girls Do Science virtual event will allow attendees to meet scientists and educators, participate in demonstrations and learn more about becoming a scientist on February 13. Graslie, chief curiosity correspondent at the Field Museum, in Chicago, and host of The Brain Scoop YouTube channel, will present a keynote talk at 7 p.m., February 19. The first 25 local residents to register for the

event can receive a complimentary DVD of her PBS series, Prehistoric Road Trip, at any Alachua County Library District location. Wall Kimmerer, a professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, is a plant ecologist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Her virtual keynote will take place at 7 p.m., March 18. The first 100 local residents to register for the event can pick up free copies of Kimmerer’s books at any Alachua County Library District location. Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science, by Jeannine Atkins, will be discussed on March 27 for grades five and up. The NEA Big Read series showcases diverse voices and perspectives to broaden understanding of the world and bring people together through the joy of sharing a good book. Jasmine Tran, Alachua County Library District adult services senior manager, says, “I really hope that we’re demonstrating to children everywhere how fun it can be to be a scientist and showing them the endless possibilities for women in science.” Admission is free with registration at FloridaMuseum.ufl.edu/events/blog/nea-big-read. For more information, visit ArtsMidwest.org.

Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. January 2021

eco tip

Slow Fashion Mending to Extend the Life of Clothing To promote the Religion, Science and Philosophy of Spiritualism

Please email or call for schedule.

Check our complete program on the website.

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Psychic Medium Spiritual Development Classes

Globalization and cheap labor have lowered clothing prices so much that many people view garments as disposable—a phenomenon called “fast fashion”. Magazines and other influencers create demand for trendy items each season, inciting us to overfill our closets and toss last year’s fads, leading to a more than doubling of worldwide consumption since 2000. It’s a vicious cycle with a huge pollution footprint. The textile industry expels about 1.2 billion tons of CO2 per year. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry produces 10 percent of humanity’s carbon emissions and 20 percent of global wastewater. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is either landfilled or burned. Polyester, a petroleum-based plastic found in about 60 percent of garments, doesn’t break down in the ocean, where half a million tons of microfibers end up every year. It takes about 2,000 gallons of water to manufacture just one pair of jeans, and textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of waterways. To embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, reject fast fashion; buy good-quality, longer-lasting garments; and mend them to prolong their useful life. Whether it’s reattaching a button, patching a worn

sleeve or sewing a hem, mending is a way to love and care for clothing and reject the notion that new is always better. Another option is to rely on a local seamstress or tailor to take care of mending needs. For the do-it-yourselfer, there are many ingenious products available besides needle and thread to help complete simple repairs—iron-on patches, fusible interfacing, mending glue and tape—as well as helpful instructional online videos and sewing classes at local fabric stores. SewGuide.com is an excellent resource for step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Building upon the vintage-wear market, a new trend has emerged called visible mending. In the past, mended clothes might have been interpreted as exposing a family’s lack of funds or status, but today it’s a concept we proudly embrace. Mending a hole or tear with embroidery is a great way to add whimsy and creative expression. By incorporating colorful threads and fancy stitching techniques, as well as beads, decorative buttons, ribbons and appliqués, we can turn off-therack items into unique, wearable art. To cover stains, consider using fabric paint to add a pretty flower or bold political slogan.

on a daily basis. Look for alternatives as things run out. Determine if it can be made at home, bought in larger quantities or even in bulk, thereby using less packaging. The most important question is whether we can live without it, because sometimes adopting a plastic-free lifestyle simply means we don’t buy certain items anymore. Setting purchasing boundaries based solely on the packaging will inherently save tons of money every year. When the plastic just can’t be avoided, dispose of it properly. Some of it can be recycled, and for the things that aren’t, rinse and use them for storage of food and other things around the house.

We Don’t Need to Take Plas- 2 tic Pollution for Granted

by Joy Hughes

lastic is so popular because it is durable and cheap, but there is an extremely high environmental cost that we should all be aware of and make our consumption decisions armed with that knowledge. The plastic crisis (and it certainly is a crisis) is not our fault. Plastic producers and sellers, pumping out insane amounts of plastic simply because they can make so much money off it, have been hugely successful in protecting their business by convincing consumers that it is our responsibility to dispose of plastics properly via “recycling”. However, because of the sheer volume and the many different types of plastic, that is simply no longer feasible. For instance, a lot of people think that the number on the bottom determines a plastic product’s recyclability, but that is a misconception. All #1 plastics are not created equal. All #2 plastics are not the same. The bottom line is that it is solely up to (1) the market/demand for recycled goods and (2) the local municipality to

determine what is needed/can be accepted. Unfortunately, the market is sparse and the majority of municipalities do not have appropriate funds or infrastructure in place to handle the amount we collectively discard up and down the waste stream. To illustrate this point, world production has increased exponentially from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 162 million tons in 1993, 448 million tons in 2015 and is forecasted to increase another 40 percent over the next few decades. The plastic pollution these numbers produce today is equivalent to one garbage truck of plastic waste being dumped into the ocean every minute. In 2050 it will be equivalent to one garbage truck every 15 seconds. Conversely, the devastating reality is that only about 10 percent of plastic is actually recycled. Here are some tips to remember and practice.

Know what is waste and reduce consumption. Take mental notes or write down what we are throwing away

Recycle right. If we aren’t sure it can be recycled in the county, throw it away and try to avoid purchasing it again, if possible. When we recycle incorrectly, costs increase because of the extra labor and maintenance, and sometimes the only solution for a municipality is to end their recycling program altogether. Alachua County has an excellent resource (AlachuaCountyRecycles.com/ residential) for what is and isn’t recyclable locally. For those that live in an apartment complex that doesn’t recycle, there are recycling drop-offs all around the county or collect and take it to the main recycling center. It is an extra effort, but worth it.

Compost food waste. Keeping food waste out of the landfill allows it to turn back into soil and contribute directly, in an incredibly impactful way, to a greener planet. Check local program such as Beaten Path Compost (BeatenPathCompost@gmail.com), in Gainesville, if it is not possible to compost at home. Paper and clean cardboard are very recyclable for businesses. Going digital whenever possible also reduces waste. Cleaning up employee break rooms or ordering corporate lunches from restaurants that avoid plastic and Styrofoam are all steps in the right direction. Joy Hughes is the owner of Life Unplastic, located at 2441 NW 43rd St., Ste, 24B-1, in Gainesville. For more information, call 352225-3116 or visit LifeUnplastic.com. January 2021

CLIMATE ANXIETY Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes by Sandra Yeyati

ollowing a record-breaking hurricane season, out-of-control wildfires and a deadly prolonged pandemic, many of us are anxious and fearful, prompted by the growing realization of being in a state of environmental insecurity. These inklings of impending doom are nothing new for members of the youth climate movement—kids in their teens or younger—succumbing to hopelessness, anger and rage as they learn the science and watch leaders do nothing to address it. Hardest hit are “marginalized communities, including indigenous people, climate refugees, farmers struggling with drought and communities of color, who disproportionately suffer from the health effects of polluting industries,” says Jennifer Atkinson, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Washington-Bothell. Some of us are affected in more subtle ways. Perhaps we’re noticing slow-moving changes around us, like the gradual loss of bees or a disappearance of trees, and we develop a sense of loss the philosopher Glenn Albrecht coined “solastalgia”, which plays on the concept of nostalgia—a longing for a time or place we can’t go back to. 20

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Or, we’re standing in front of a package of blueberries at the grocery store feeling confusion and ambivalence. A desire to be healthy and adopt a sustainable, vegetarian lifestyle is playing tug-of-war with the fact that these blueberries were flown in from South America, are wrapped in plastic and were grown in a monoculture that depletes the soil. It’s hard to know whether to eat or boycott them. “The greater this dissonance grows, the more likely we’ll tell ourselves that the problems are too big. We decide that we can’t make a difference, so why try? We check out,” says integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport, author of Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change. The first step to alleviate this anguish is to validate and normalize the dark feelings. “It’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with you. What’s happening is actually painful and difficult; there’s a lot of loss involved. Eco-anxiety is a natural response to having your heart and mind open, being an attentive and caring person, if you tune in to what’s happening in the world,” says Davenport, adding that good self-care, including mindfulness practices, will expand our tolerance for

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dealing with tough times. Another powerful antidote can be found in community, according to Sarah Jaquette Ray, associate professor of environmental studies at Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. “People feel like they can’t impact the world because they’re only one person. But when they start to shift the lens toward the collective, it allows them to realize that the positive things that are happening in the world are actually happening at scale, and it allows them to feel like they’re part of some larger purpose,” says Ray. As we accept climate-related anxiety and seek the company of like-minded people to affect change, surprisingly positive emotions will arise, including joy, laughter, dancing and camaraderie at street protests. “Those positive feelings help us process grief and anger, engage us in the work long term and help us maintain the stamina we need for sustained work,” Ray says. “Think of climate anxiety as a kind of superpower, a signal that goes off to tell us something’s wrong and needs to be addressed,” says Atkinson, the creator and host of the climate-anxiety podcast Facing It. She points to grief as a compelling motivator. “You can’t feel grief without love,” she explains. “Grief is an expression of compassion and connection to others and to the pain we feel when those lives are destroyed. Love is far more powerful in motivating us to fight than any other affect. There’s no limit to the lengths we’ll go to protect what we love.” We are only limited by a lack of ecological imagination, Davenport proposes. “Our contemporary Western culture emphasizes the rational, cognitive way of thinking, which is linear and analytical. But another part of the brain—the imaginative, creative and intuitive part—views the world synergistically and holistically. If we open up to this ecological imagination, we can have a visceral knowing of interconnectedness, making it simpler to act in a way that’s beneficial to all of us.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

FRUGAL WELLNESS Healthy Living on a Tight Budget

by Yvette C. Hammett

iving healthy on a tight budget may seem like a daunting task, but by setting up a self-care plan, prioritizing and shopping smart, the barriers can seem not quite so tall. With so many people unemployed or under-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for workable options is more important than ever. A sports and nutrition company, My Protein, did a study that shows the average American spends $155 per month on health and fitness. That’s $112,000 over a lifetime. There are, however, strategies that can lower these costs. Jen Smith, a financial writer and co-host of the podcast Frugal Friends, often talks about ways to spend less, save money and be in control of our spending. “You may spend more up front or more on the things you really care about, but cutting out the waste or things that are not so necessary can be a huge cost savings. This is not just for a pennypinching, stay-at-home mom. Being frugal doesn’t mean you are a cheapskate, but being wise with the limited resources that you have.”

Smith says she had a pricey membership to a cross-fit gym, but in the long run, staying in shape can greatly reduce the costs of health care and prescriptions. “Any way you can stay active is what you need to do. Spending money in any way that gets you to commit to and consistently move your body is the answer.” Focus on eating good food and moving your body, Smith says. “When emphasis is placed more on that and on selfcare, you save more money.” The National Institute on Aging recommends several ways to eat healthy on a budget: use coupons, consider purchasing store brands, know that convenience costs more, focus on priority foods, buy storebrand organics and forgo fresh for frozen organics. Sotiria Everett, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine at the Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, in New York, agrees. “One thing to consider is seasonality. If out of season and organic, that will increase the cost. If you want clean living and healthy eating for the planet, that

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healing ways

doesn’t make sense either, because of the cost of fuel and the pollution involved.” Everett recommends frequenting farmers’ markets because they offer seasonal, fresh, local, organic produce that is easier on the wallet and better for health. Her favorite tip is, “Learn how to plant foods. You don’t need a lot of space, but do need sun and water access. You can keep it organic. A couple of seeds can give you a whole season’s worth of produce.” Jody Gatewood, assistant state nutrition program specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and a registered dietitian, works with people on tight budgets through the university’s Spend Smart Eat Smart program. “We do a lot with families with young children,” she says. “They are on a budget and concerned about having enough food to eat. One thing we teach a lot, and it helps with a budget, is to plan your meals. Look and see what is on sale at the grocery store. If there’s a big meat sale, buy it then and use it throughout. I think what happens is if we don’t plan, we go to a restaurant or get convenience foods which can really add up.” Fresh, frozen, canned and dried foods can all have a part in our diet, she says. “I use a lot of frozen vegetables. If you use frozen, you just heat it up and it is ready to go. Protein can be expensive, so have some meals where black beans or lentils are the source of protein. Have that balance.” As for healthcare costs, Smith recommends to those that cannot afford typical insurance or costly prescriptions in their budget to consider using manufacturer discounts and a service like GoodRx.com, which details how much prescriptions will cost at different pharmacies. Consider using a “sharing ministry” for other costs, Smith says. With Liberty HealthShare, for example, people pay in every month and are billed like a cash payer when they have a medical bill while Liberty pays the cash. “When a doctor or hospital is billing an insurance company, they try to get as much as they can, but cash payers pay a lower amount,” she says. Yvette C. Hammett is a freelance writer from Valrico, Florida. She can be reached at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com. January 2021

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natural pet

Healing Pets Holistically Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes

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by Julie Peterson

mma, a mini-schnauzer mix, was 4 years old when she started acting like a senior lacking zest for running or playing. After being treated by an integrative veterinarian for one month, she regained vibrancy. “She’s 6 years old now, and she’s her normal, barky, running, zig-zagging self,” says Yvonnda Agent, a volunteer with animal transport rescue operations, near Rockvale, Tennessee. Agent’s practitioner determined Emma had kidney issues that were slowing her down. Upon deeper investigation, these problems were found to be the only visible symptom of a tick-borne illness. Once given immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and liver-detox herbs, the dog made a full recovery.

tend to treat the symptoms, versus treating the root cause of disease, which is why a majority of the time, the symptoms return when the drug is finished,” says veterinarian Katie Woodley, in Fort Collins, Colorado, who blogs at TheNaturalPetDoctor.com. “With a holistic approach, we look at the nutrition, gut health and how all the systems are connected … and resolve the imbalance.” Holistic veterinarians may specialize in acupuncture, herbal medicine, kinesiology, chiropractic, laser therapy or any of many other natural modalities as an adjunct to conventional medicine. They first must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree and then may pursue optional holistic training. Following this path can take a great deal of time.

Expanded Options

Natural Nutrition

Getting to the root cause of the condition is what integrative veterinarians are known for. They combine both conventional and holistic medicine, may use fewer drugs and limit vaccinations. “With conventional medicine, we

At the Franklin Road Animal Hospital, in Brentwood, Tennessee, Mark C. Ingram, DVM, has found inadequate nutrition from low-quality foods at the root of most health problems. High-quality food helps animals absorb nutrients needed for

optimal well-being. “The first ingredient should always be meat, and we like limited-ingredient foods due to the numerous allergies we see,” says Ingram. “Every case of cancer that we have seen in the last 20 years has food allergies. Every torn cruciate and every paralyzed dog with disc problems has food allergies. It is also the most underlying cause for ear infections and cystitis.” This was the case with Gabby, a 3-year-old mini-schnauzer that Agent rescued about a year ago. “She came to us with a bottle of ear solution and a history of green pus in her ears,” says Agent. Gabby’s medical history indicated that the ears, in addition to digestive problems, had been unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics and changes in diet. “Our holistic vet recommended a raw diet with no grains and no starchy vegetables. Gabby hasn’t had a single instance of ear irritation since,” says Agent, who believes that whole foods served as medicine and now serve as prevention for her pets.

Vexing Vaccinations There is ongoing debate whether pet vaccination boosters that may be required by law or strongly recommended by vets provide increased protection or are harmful. Mounting evidence says that they are often overdone: for example, both five-pound and 100-pound dogs receive the same dosage. Yet vaccinations do prevent some serious diseases. “We do not like to over-vaccinate, but provide appropriate protection by minimal vaccination and encourage titers,” says Ingram. Titers are blood tests used to determine if a pet’s antibodies are high enough from a previous

vaccination to warrant a booster shot for the specific disease. “Many of the core vaccines that your pet needs to be protected from diseases like parvovirus and distemper actually provide lifelong immunity with one vaccine,” says Woodley.

Choosing a Veterinarian Commonly, people seek holistic veterinarians after they have had success with human integrative medicine. But finding such a provider isn’t simple. “My clientele regularly travels one to four hours for a consultation,” says Ingram, who fully understands that demand is outstripping supply for integrative veterinary care. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, which has 1,500 members, has a search-by-state feature that also lists the modalities practiced by each veterinarian at ahvma.org/find-aholistic-veterinarian. In addition, Woodley, Ingram and others offer telehealth or long-distance consults. In lieu of finding a vet that is listed as holistic, pet parents can call clinics to ask questions about alternative treatments. Some facilities are more flexible than others. Choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision for owners. “I feel that traditional versus holistic care is simply sick care versus well care,” says Agent. “Their quality of life is so important to me and they’re solely dependent on the choices I make for them. I’m going to choose well care.” Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

January 2021

Integrative Hospital Care Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities by Marlaina Donato

hirty years ago, hospital patients were treated for symptoms based on the Western medical model, and holistic modalities were excluded, largely due to a lack of reliable scientific studies. More recently, because of promising research, the traditional template is expanding. The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health encompasses 75 university health centers and health systems that offer integrative approaches—a remarkable seven-fold increase in 21 years. America’s top hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, the Duke University Medical Center and the Yale New Haven Hospital, now offer therapies such as acupuncture, reiki, homeopathy, touch therapy, yoga, clinical aromatherapy and chiropractic. 24

According to a report in Advances in Medical Education and Practice, nearly half of Americans receiving medical care use alternative medicine (although 80 percent don’t inform their doctors) and physicians agree on the importance of further research and training in such modalities. A 2017 University of California survey published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that hospital patients of all ages were willing to pay out of pocket for healthier food, therapeutic massage and energy work.

Disease: The Big Picture

“Research has repeatedly shown that even with full medical access and optimal medical treatments, a population’s health improves by only about 15 to 20 percent. The rest comes from lifestyle, environment and

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the social and personal determinants of health. Even factors like emotional health, what you feel is your purpose in life and what motivates you to be healthy plays a role,” says physician Wayne Jonas, in Alexandria, Virginia, a clinical professor of family medicine at Georgetown University and former director of the World Health Organization Center for Traditional Medicine. As executive director of Samueli Integrative Health Programs, which aims to make integrative health regular and routine, Jonas emphasizes that patients become healthier and medical costs are reduced when they are engaged in the healing process. For Jonas, the shift toward integrative health care has become most evident during the current opioid crisis and the search for non-pharmacological ap-

proaches like acupuncture and therapeutic massage therapy for pain management. “The evidence body for many of these approaches has grown tremendously over just the past five years, and has shown a spotlight on what works and what doesn’t. These approaches are now recommended in national guidelines as mainstream for chronic pain.” Denise Millstine, integrative physician and internal medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, concurs: “The opiate crisis is an example of the need to broaden our clinical toolbox to incorporate care strategies that are less risky. I believe this change has been multifactorial, based on patient demand and more awareness of the importance of lifestyle management.” Patient demand is also fueled by a desire to avoid medication side effects. In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 106,000 hospital deaths take place each year from adverse reactions to prescription drugs. With more than half of Americans already taking a pharmaceutical drug, and three being the average, adverse side effects can easily mount in a hospital setting. For Millstine, integrative medicine offers many solutions. “We might recommend the best medication or provide cutting-edge therapies, but without considering stress management, resilience, movement and what people ingest, it’s hard to get optimal results. Integrative medicine expanded my approach to include nutrition, exercise, mind-body (connection), spirituality and other medical philosophies like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the patient’s therapeutic plan.”

of soft lighting and music, and performed by trained doctors, as well as licensed acupuncturists with a firm TCM foundation. Integrative health care addresses the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, and patients undergoing conventional treatment now have access to not only acupuncture but therapeutic massage, meditation, movement therapy, clinical aromatherapy, herbal applications, biofeedback and yoga. Millstine says of theMayo Clinic, “We have oncology-trained massage providers who are comfortable with what is and what isn’t safe after someone has had a cancer diagnosis and/ or treatment.” Jonas highlights that when given under the supervision of a doctor and with conventional cancer care, complementary therapies may help people to manage cancer symptoms, boost overall well-being, better handle side effects of treatment and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. “Integrative cancer care can help by activating one’s ability to heal and feel better physically and emotionally,” he says. “Lectures on nutrition, yoga classes and support groups for cancer patients are now common.” The Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, launched by American fashion designer Donna Karan in 2009 after her husband died from cancer, partners with heavy hitters such as the American Cancer Society and the Beth Israel Medical Cen-

ter, in New York City. In many hospital settings, Urban Zen is creating “Zen dens”, calming nooks where staff can discuss cases with colleagues, take a break for selfcare or talk to their patients in a nurturing environment. Urban Zen’s dedication to healthcare integration is international and promotes therapeutic applications of reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and other contemplative care.

Energy Medicine Goes Mainstream

“Alternative therapies are no longer considered ‘alternative’ when conventional medicine adopts them—for example, using calcium and vitamin D supplements, which are a standard consideration,” says Millstine. “With high-deductible plans, many patients are accustomed to paying out of pocket for care, thus making payment for alternative providers possibly more palatable.” Reiki, a Japanese form of energy medicine once considered alternative, is now offered at major hospitals like Yale New Haven, where it’s given free of charge to cancer patients. Many hospitals are also offering classes in energy work to families of patients, hospital staff and the community. “A medical doctor introduced me to the practice when my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer,” says Denise Baron, a Philadelphia-based reiki practi

Whole-Patient Cancer Care

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A 2016 meta-analysis by Taipei Medical University published in the journal PLOS ONE concluded that certain applications of acupuncture reduce pain and opioid use on the first day after surgery. Acupuncture—an ancient modality based on the concept of energy meridians in the body—is also offered in many major hospitals to offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Acupuncture treatments at the Mayo Clinic are given in a calming atmosphere January 2021

tioner who works with referrals from clients and wellness professionals. “A hospital does not hire me directly, but the staff know I am available. I’ve worked on patients post-surgery, during and after births, people with cancer and people in hospice. I would say 96 percent of clients walk away with a deep experience of peace, harmony and lower stress levels.” Most recently, she has seen an increase in nurses asking for support during stressful times, with many wanting to learn how to practice reiki themselves. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is more effective than a placebo and activates the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve. Results include lower blood pressure and less anxiety and depression. Other research shows that the modality also reduces nausea, improves appetite and lessens fatigue.

Holistic Nursing’s Role

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Collaborating with physicians and holistic practitioners, nurses play a key role in integrative hospital care. “We all work together to facilitate the client towards a higher level of well-being. Each profession brings something to the table,” says Margaret Erickson, in Cedar Park, Texas, CEO of the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. The nurse’s role in a patient’s healing journey is an intimate one, and holistic nurses ensure that the whole patient is

tended to. “The roots of holistic nursing, grounded in holism, were verbalized over 150 years ago by Florence Nightingale,” says Erickson. “She believed in the mind-body-spirit-emotion connections and that all aspects need to be nurtured in order for people to heal.” Due to increased demand, more nursing schools are creating educational programs grounded in holistic philosophy, she says. “What makes a nurse holistic is not the skills or alternative therapies she/he/they do, but rather how they show up in their interactions with others. They value and recognize that they are gifted with sharing a person’s most vulnerable moments, and that this shared space is sacred.” Some holistic nurses may use healing therapies such as guided imagery, aromatherapy, energy work, bodywork, deep breathing, mindfulness and meditation to help both their clients and other healthcare providers. Those in the field of integrative medicine agree that the future of medicine is now. “People are becoming more self-aware and taking responsibility for their health and life. Consciousness is growing [by] leaps and bounds,” says Baron. Jonas, drawing on 40 years of experience, agrees. “By working as partners with our patients to help find the care that works for them, we can help them achieve better health and quality of life.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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NaturalAwakenings.indd 1

The Bridge Between Western and Eastern Medicine

by Janice C. Brown

wo hundred years ago there were no MRIs, CT scans, genetic testing, blood tests, etc. People relied on observation and examination. Nature was their medicine cabinet, as it was all they had access to. Enter the 18th century when manufacturing began, as well as the age of scientific exploration. The pharmaceutical industry was always present in that the local apothecaries prepared the botanicals that were used to cure various ailments. It made sense that once medications could be manufactured, the apothecaries would sell them. It became more acceptable to get a pill as opposed to an herb or recipe. The world of medicine began to separate. We now have two approaches to health: one that believes in the pharmaceutical industry and objective testing, and the other that is still rooted in nature. Healthcare is personal. We often want to take care of our health issues before going to a provider. When we do go, we want them to listen and provide us with a solution. But we also may not be upfront about those natural remedies we tried at home, either because we forgot or are embarrassed about talking about them

in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health care environment. But things are changing. It is becoming more acceptable for disease processes to be treated with both Western medicine modalities and Eastern medicine interventions. The treatment of cancer is one such example. For years, cancer patients have used acupuncture to temper the adverse effects of chemotherapy. For the patient coming in with low back pain with radicular features, an M.D. trained in Western medicine, but raised with the principles of Eastern Medicine that practices functional medicine and acupuncture can order an MRI to assess for nerve impingement. They can prescribe a nerve-stabilizing agent and refer a patient to a surgical colleagues if need be, but may also inquire about their diet and lifestyle to see where changes can be made to decrease their inflammatory response. The doctor can provide acupuncture as a tool to modify their pain signals, prescribe herbs and supplements that support their nervous system, suggest stress-relieving modalities that are not interruptive of their lifestyle and work with the patient to determine the etiology of their pain so that true healing can begin. We need both approaches to health care. Western medicine is about fixing the problem as it arises. We need this for injuries that are acute and unexpected, and many people have benefited from the technology that is available to make this possible. However, it does not focus on prevention. Eastern medicine is about finding the etiology of an ailment as it pertains to that individual. And for those that are healthy, it focuses on prevention and maintenance of health. Ultimately, we all want good quality of life. We want to be able to be there for our loved ones and do the things that we enjoy most; this requires having good health. So whatever camp we gravitate to, be sure to find a provider that aligns with a belief in the same approach to maintenance of health. Janice C. Brown, M.D., MPH, is the owner of Better Health And Rehab, LLC, located at 2275 SW 22nd Lane, Ste. 210, in Ocala. For more information, call 352-433-9292 or visit BetterHealthAndRehab.com. See ad, page 29.

January 2021

FEBRUARY

fit body

Coming Next Month

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Staying Fit in 2021 Workout Trends Bend to the Times by Marlaina Donato

or 2021, fitness will be more about better health and inner peace rather than weight loss. Gyms and studios will be on the top of their game adhering to hygiene standards and offering safer environments with smaller class capacity and vitamin D-enhanced outdoor sessions. From remote coaching to cost-effective wellness apps, the workout will get a fresh makeover.

High-Tech Wellness

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

352-366-0088 28

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Pandemic repercussions in 2020 amped up client demand for alternatives and also inspired trainers to get more creative. “I’ve enjoyed working with private clients virtually through FaceTime and Zoom. It has required me to create more precision with my training programs depending on what each client has at their home or home gym,” says Hollywood, California, fitness trainer Ridge Davis. “Results have been going through the roof because my clients are more likely to dive into healthy routines and meal plans with my daily guidance.” For those that cannot find local, inperson fitness provisions, subscriptions to streaming-fitness websites like DailyBurn. com and OnePeloton.com provide plenty of

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Plus: Heart Health

guides to workouts from yoga to musclebuilding. Health apps can tailor individual wellness strategies for the new year. “Fitness and health apps are becoming more popular, and trainers are able to interact with clients all over the world. If you are like me, you need accountability if you cannot meet your trainer directly,” says Dominic Kennedy, a personal trainer in Los Angeles and creator of the newly launched fitness and nutrition app Dominic Effect. “Nutrition is also going to be key now more than ever. Apps will help keep you in check and on track with your food and goals, helping to set up monthly meal plans, as well as recipe suggestions.” Wearable tech in the form of watches and smart clothing will be another hit in 2021, providing accurate readings on calories burned, number of daily steps and even heart rate and blood pressure.

Virtual Variety, No Pressure Having the option to work out at home might motivate more people to begin a fitness routine without the pressure of comparing with others. Sampling classes online can help them find what they like before they sign up at their local gym or

studio. “Virtual fitness classes provide an opportunity for people to test out different instructors at different times all around the country and even the world,” says Paris Alexandra, co-founder of the BK Yoga Club, in New York City. “People are now realizing the things we can control is our breath and our bodies. Because of this, there’s an appreciation of our capacity, challenging ourselves to try something new.” Even with gym cutbacks, there is a silver lining. “One of my private weight-loss clients has loved our FaceTime workouts so much that she swears she will never go back to in-person training with a coach,” says Chicago-based Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS show Step it Up With Steph. “Even on vacation or while traveling, people can still get in their workout because everything is virtual. Trainers also win because they can still do their job, but at a distance.” Me-time with a private virtual coach will offer a tailored regimen for those that prefer a one-on-one experience. Mansour muses, “Private fitness and health coaching sessions will be the hottest trend in 2021. By now, many people’s excitement toward their ‘pandemic workout’ is waning, and they’ll be looking for a totally customized approach to kickstart their motivation and goals.”

Crystals Books Tarot decks Jewelry Candles Essential Oils Unique gifts Metaphysical and Spiritual Supplies

Reiki Sessions 352.693.4592 Classes & Meditation FairyDustCrystals.com Like us on Facebook Readers

Your Holistic and Spiritual Healing Center 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview, FL 34420 (at the Almeida Plaza)

Allies for Body and Mind Davis predicts there’ll be greater appreciation for stress-recovery tools such as massage guns for percussive self-treatments, foam rollers to release muscle tightness and stretching apps, noting, “There’s so much noise, uncertainty and anxiety that has come with this pandemic; on-demand meditation classes will be huge.” Mansour concurs, “Focusing on finding inner peace, meditating and positive programming are all huge trends that have emerged due to COVID. By getting your head in the game, you’re 75 percent of the way to your goal.” Mostly, 2021 will be a year for self-care. “I think growth mindset is everything right now,” says Kennedy. “We need to fill our minds with positive affirmations, thoughts or whatever it is that makes you light up inside.”

LOVE THIS FIND TRUE

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

Other Fitness Trends on the Rise n Outdoor classes from yoga to strength training n Boutique and micro-studios with specialty clientele n Safer small groups, especially for seniors n Broga yoga, with a focus on strength training, cardio and muscle toning for men n Less-crowded yoga classes with BYO mats and props n Mind-body fitness

JOIN THE LARGEST HOLISTIC, CONSCIOUS SINGLES SITE ONLINE Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com January 2021

conscious eating

Start the New Year Fresh With Healthy Eating

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

at your veggiesâ&#x20AC;? is made easy and delicious with this example of a healthy meal plan. The recipes are based on the principles of a whole-food plant-based diet that checks all the boxes when it comes to health, sustainability, environment and crueltyfree eating. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, greens, berries, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds is most beneficial for our bodies. The ingredients of these recipes are vibrant foods that are recommended daily and include all the items from Dr. Gregerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily dozen checklist, which includes the healthiest foods that are known to aid in weight loss, support the immune system and help fight diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Starting the day with a green smoothie, berries and pancakes made with oat flour is great for fueling up healthy carbs, protein and fiber while providing the body with lots of needed vitamins, minerals and 30

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antioxidants. Oat flour is more nutritious than wheat flour and provides protein and minerals and soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar and is beneficial for heart health and hormone balance. Using ground flaxseed mixed with water instead of eggs provides cancer-fighting compounds and essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids without the cholesterol. For lunch, we have fresh mushrooms and white bean hummus on whole grain bread, and a kitchen sink salad topped with nuts and whatever veggies are at hand. The veggies, salad greens and whole grains provide minerals, vitamins and fiber. The nuts add healthy fats, the white beans add lots of protein, fiber and iron, and the mushrooms add cancer-fighting properties, anti-inflammatory compounds and immune-boosting antioxidants. For dinner, we have the mighty buddha bowl (macro bowl), which usually consists of whole grains, veggies, greens, a source of protein plus other toppings,

and a dressing of choice. This recipe substituted cauliflower rice for whole grains because we already had grains for breakfast and lunch, plus it makes the buddha bowl a lighter meal. For the vegetables, it uses asparagus, golden beets, acorn squash, red cabbage and a mix of beet greens and red Russian kale, but of course, any of the vegetables can be substituted with another favorite choice. We add pan-fried marinated tofu for the protein source, and for the toppings, pumpkin seeds and a delicious tahini-ginger-maple-miso dressing. Cauliflower, cabbage and kale belong to the group of cruciferous vegetables that provides cancer-fighting compounds. It is recommended to eat a minimum of one serving of cruciferous veggies per day. Pumpkin seeds provide healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, plus minerals, including zinc, which is important for immune health, metabolism and nerve function. Tofu counts as a serving of beans and legumes, as

it is made from soybeans, and while its raw version is quite bland and boring, it turns into a delicious option when marinating before frying or baking. Other options of plant-based protein sources are beans, chickpeas, lentils, seitan or tempeh. The joy of the buddha bowl is that the options are endless as any type of vegetables and other ingredients can be combined. Use whatever is at hand and try different toppings and different dressings, as well. Tahini is a great base for many flavors when creating a dairy-free dressing. Favorites include chipotle, cilantro, dill, basil, garlic, jerk, Thai peanut butter and curry variations. Using seasonal vegetables that are grown locally is always recommended, as they are most fresh and nutrientdense, such as acorn squash, cabbage and cauliflower in the buddha bowl, mushrooms, radishes and lettuce for lunch, and strawberries for breakfast, which all are in season in January in Florida. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a fruit or two for a snack as needed.

Green Smoothie: Yield: 2 servings

1 ripe banana 1 cup frozen fruit (mangoes, peaches or pineapples) 1½ cups fresh spinach, kale or other greens 1 cup water

1 cup fresh berries Maple syrup or agave syrup Non-dairy vanilla yogurt Coconut oil or vegetable oil for cooking In a bowl, add the ground flax seeds and water and mix well, then let stand for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes slimy.

Add 1 cup of water to the blender, wash the spinach, peel the banana, and add both to the blender and the frozen fruit.

In a blender, add the rolled oats and pulse until the oat flakes turn into flour, then add it to the bowl.

Blend on high speed for a couple of minutes until a smooth consistency is reached. Fill into a glass and enjoy.

Add baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and non-dairy milk and whisk until the batter has a smooth consistency. If the batter is too thin, add more flour. If it is too thick, add more milk. The batter should drip down slowly from the whisk when lifting up.

Oat Flour Pancakes: Yield: 2 servings

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed 5 Tbsp water 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats or 1½ cups oat flour 1 cup almond milk 2½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1 pinch salt

Put a non-stick frying pan on the stovetop, add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and set to medium-high. Add the batter with a spoon to form small to medium-sized pancakes, let it fry until lightly brown, then turn over and let fry until perfect. Add more oil as needed. Stack the pancakes, add a couple of spoons of vanilla yogurt onto each layer, decorate

January 2021

with berries, and drizzle with a little maple syrup. Serve and enjoy!

Mushroom Tartine with White Bean Hummus Yield: 2 servings

4 slices whole-grain bread 4-6 mushrooms (crimini or baby Portobello) ¼ cup vegetable broth 1 can white beans 1 garlic clove 1 lemon, juiced ¼ cup water Fresh thyme (or other herbs like rosemary, tarragon, oregano or sage) Salt and pepper to taste Open the can of white beans, drain all liquid, and then place it into a food processor or blender. Peel the garlic clove and juice the lemon and add both to the blender. Add salt and pepper and half of the water and blend, then slowly add more water until the desired consistency is reached.

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Wash and drain the mushrooms, then slice, or cut into bite-sized pieces. In a non-stick frying pan, add the vegetable broth (just enough to coat the bottom) and put heat to high, then add the mushrooms and thyme and saute while frequently stirring, until the broth has evaporated. In the meantime, put the bread into the toaster until both sides are lightly browned. Put the toast on a plate, add a generous layer of white bean hummus, top with mushrooms, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve with the salad.

Kitchen Sink Salad and Herb Vinaigrette Yield: 2 servings

2 bowls of mixed salad greens Any veggies at hand 1 handful pecan nuts 1 tsp tahini 1 tsp mustard 4-6 Tbsp water ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 garlic clove minced

fresh herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro, basil) salt and pepper Wash and drain the lettuce and add to a bowl. Wash and cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces, add to the lettuce in the bowl, and then add the pecans. In a smaller bowl, add mustard, tahini, and water and whisk well until smooth, then add vinegar, salt, and pepper. Wash and drain the fresh herbs and chop into small pieces, then add to the dressing and mix well. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix all well, then serve.

Cauliflower Rice with OvenRoasted Vegetables, Marinated Tofu Buddha Bowl Yield: 2 servings

2 cups cauliflower rice (minced raw cauliflower) 1 bunch asparagus 1 large golden beet

½ acorn squash 1 handful purple cabbage ½ shallot or small onion 3 cups of greens (beet greens, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, spinach) 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds 1 firm tofu ¼ cup soy sauce 3 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 small garlic clove hot sauce or cayenne pepper ¼ cup vegetable broth Salt

Ginger-Maple-Tahini Dressing: ¼ cup tahini paste 1 tsp miso paste 1 lemon juiced or ¼ cup rice vinegar 2 Tbsp maple syrup, agave or honey 2 tsp fresh ginger, diced 1 garlic clove Water Salt Take the tofu block, put it on a plate, cover

with another plate, add some weight (i.e., a big can or medium jar), and let stand for about 5 minutes to let the tofu expel its liquid. Drain the liquid and repeat a couple of times until no more liquid is expelled from the tofu. Gently take the tofu and cut it into slices, then cut those slices into triangles. In a flat bowl, combine the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, minced garlic clove, and hot sauce or pepper and whisk the marinade until smooth. Add the tofu to the marinade and coat evenly, then set aside. In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini paste, miso paste, lemon juice or rice vinegar, maple syrup, peeled ginger, and garlic clove and blend until smooth. If needed, add a little bit of water until a creamy consistency is reached, place it into a gravy boat or serving dish, and set aside. Wash and drain all vegetables and greens. Peel the beets and cut them into bite-sized

pieces, then put them on a baking sheet. Cut the acorn squash and add to the baking sheet, then drizzle the beets and squash with 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil, salt, and pepper and bake in the oven 475F for about 30-40 minutes. Turn the veggies halfway so both sides will get tender and lightly browned. (To forgo this step, all veggies can easily be steamed instead of roasting them in the oven). Fill a pot with ½ cup of water, add a steaming basket, chop the cabbage and greens into bite-size pieces, then cut the hard ends off the asparagus and add all to the steaming basket, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Set the pot on one of your stove top burners, ready to go, but don’t turn on the heat yet. Put a non-stick frying pan on a second burner on the stovetop and set the heat to high. Add two tablespoons of vegetable oil and fry the tofu on both sides until lightly browned. Add more oil as needed during the process to prevent it from sticking. Once the tofu is about halfway done, put January 2021

the pot with the steaming basket on high heat and let the veggies steam for about 3-5 minutes, but don’t overcook to keep the bite a bit crunchy. Add the chopped onion to a frying pan with 2 tbsp of vegetable broth and stir-fry until fragrant, then add the cauliflower rice to the pan together with a couple more spoons of vegetable broth and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the cauliflower is slightly tender but still has some crunch to it. Make sure to use only a little vegetable broth, just enough so the cauliflower does not stick to the pan when stir-frying. Once all is done, serve all the veggies in a bowl, placing the cauliflower rice on the bottom, then placing the steamed and roasted veggies, greens, and tofu on top. Sprinkle the buddha bowl with pumpkin seeds and serve together with the miso/ ginger dressing and enjoy! Eliane Baggenstos, RN, LMT, is a certified health coach, and plant-based diet expert. For more information, visit PlantBased.expert.

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Heart Health

Plus: Eco-Friendly Weddings

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restaurant spotlight

Only Healthy Fare at Bambi’s Café

ambi Liss, the owner of Bambi’s Café, is a vegetarian and macrobiotic chef who specializes in whole foods cooking. She grows vegetables and fruit on a small farm using organic methods and drip irrigation to save water. She says, “We support and use local organic farmers’ produce, too. I have two certificates for studying Permaculture 1 and 2. At Bambi’s Café, folks come in for lunch and are surprised at the deliciousness of our 100 percent plant-based menu, where we have no animal products in our food.” The café will celebrate its fourth anniversary in March, but Liss started on her path long before then. She recalls, “I have always found myself in the natural foods businesses from starting a macrobiotic delivery service back in the 1990s in the Philadelphia area. I discovered then the difference that whole foods cooking can have on our health. Competing with mainstream dining establishments has proven successful, as Liss notes, “We are a small business with a commitment and dedication to educating folks by serving delicious food free of harmful animal proteins and toxins. For those looking to eat super clean whole grain, bean and vegetable-

based, we do have a five day a week meal plan that supports those wishing to eat to really enhance energy and digestion. “It takes an incredible amount of water and land, leaving many nitrates in our water and air, to raise beef and poultry. Also, these products are loaded with cholesterol and fat that are very difficult to digest, wreaking havoc on your organs and digestive system.” Keeping offerings updated is important, too. “Our menu is seasonal, and as winter greens come in, we love to serve our southern comfort and marinated salads,” says Liss. “We stay true to our core values of fresh and organic produce, grains and beans and use organic oils, sweeteners in our baked goods and meals.” Liss will be attending the Critter Creek Farm Market with hot soups such as local cream of shitake mushroom and local cream of broccoli, their own Meyer’s lemonade and local organic Sweetwater coffee. Bambi’s Café is located at 18592 High Springs Main St., in High Springs,. For more information, call 386-454-1600 or visit BambisFarm.com. See ad, page 41.

this month’s guide to farmers’ markets

Alachua County

Alachua County Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 5920 NW 13th Street, Gainesville 352-371-8236 441Market.com

Frog Song Organics

Place an online order for pick-up or home delivery. 4317 NE U.S. Highway 301, Hawthorne 352-468-3816 FrogSongOffice@gmail.com FrogSongOrganics.com

Gainesville Market at Heartwood Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 619 S. Main St, Gainesville 352-448-4849 GNVMarket.com

Grove Street Farmers’ Market

Mondays, 4 to 7 p.m. Located at Cypress & Grove Brewery 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville GroveStreetFarmersMarket@gmail.com GroveStreetFarmersMarket.com

Haile Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 5213 SW 91 Terrace, Gainesville 352-639-0446 HaileFarmersMarket.com

High Springs Farmers’ Market

Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m. 23517 NW 185th Rd, High Springs 352-275-6346 Highsprings.us/FarmersMarket

Citrus County

Sumter County

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1996 North Florida Avenue, Hernando 352-419-4833 HernandoFreshMarket.com

Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 524 N Market Boulevard, Webster 352-569-1220 SumterCountyFarmersMarket.com

Hernando Fresh Market

Sumter County Farmers’ Market

Snow’s Country Market

Brownwood Farmers’ Market

Tony’s Produce Market

Brown’s Country Market

Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 6976 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills 352-489-4933 Facebook.com/SnowsCountryMarket Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 454 NE 3rd St, Crystal River 352-228-4119 Tonys-Produce-Market.com

Marion County

Crone’s Cradle Conserve

Call in orders and receive a pick-up time. For Saturday or Sunday pickups, orders must be placed no later than 2 p.m. Friday. 6411 NE 217th Place, Citra 352-595-3377 CronesCradleConserve.org

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2726 Brownwood Boulevard, Wildwood 352-750-5411 SumterCountyFarmersMarket.com

Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 13992 N U.S. 301, Oxford 352-303-1550 BrownAndBrownFarms.com/pages/ browns-country-market

The Villages

Brownwood Paddock Square

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2705 W Torch Lake Dr, The Villages 352-753-6655 TheVillagesEntertainment.com/markets

Harbison Farm Cattle and Produce

Harbison Farm Cattle & Produce, 4696 NE County Road 329, Anthony 352-239-3552 GVTharbison@EmbarqMail.com Tinyurl.com/HarbisonFarm

January 2021

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Lose Weight Without Dieting How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best

by April Thompson

ne of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, and to that end, millions of Americans go on a diet each year. As we look to reset after holiday indulgences, nutrition experts say it’s a great time to cultivate healthy, long-term eating habits rather than unsustainable diets that lead us in circles. “A ‘live it’ is better than a diet: small, manageable changes you can live with over time,” says Lisa Mallonee, a registered dietician and professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, in Dallas. “People get focused on losing 15 pounds, but once they get to the finish line, they don’t have a plan for after and often end up regaining the weight.” While navigating the labyrinth of nutrition information can be tough, eating better is actually simple, says David Katz, M.D., founder of both the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center and the nonprofit True Health Initiative, and co-author of How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered. “There are two general shifts to make: first, to less processed foods, and second, to more plant-based foods,” says Katz. In making such shifts, Mallonee suggests applying the 80/20 rule to food. “If 80 percent of the time you are making healthy choices, and the other 20 percent of the time you allow splurges, you’re less likely to feel deprived and revert to old ways.” 36

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Katz agrees that small shifts are more likely to stick, in part because of our adaptable palates. “If you commit to improving your diet little by little, you will find that taste buds are adaptable fellas that will learn to love the foods they are with. For example, try something as simple as switching from regular soda to diet to seltzer to water over time.” The good news for dieters with questions, suggests Katz, is there is no one superior diet. “You can have a high-quality diet whether you are flexitarian, pescatarian or vegetarian, low-carb or high-carb,” he says. For Jill Weisenberger, a registered dietitian nutritionist, in Yorktown, Virginia, and author of The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition, a healthy diet comes down to three meals a day, each with a good source of protein and fiber. “When losing weight, it’s especially important to eat enough protein so you don’t lose muscle mass with the fat,” she says, suggesting a target of 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, achieved through a diverse diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and legumes. Katz, Mallonee and Weisenberger all caution against a diet like keto that restricts many nourishing foods only because they contain carbs. “There is no evidence of long-term safety or benefit of keto,” says Katz. “A truly keto diet cuts out a lot of highly nutritious foods like fruit, grains and beans, all associated with better health and longer life. I think a diet excluding these foods would be a colossal mistake.”

Weighing In While it’s not healthy to obsess over numbers on the scale, it is important to understand the health risks of carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle. “Belly fat is a concern for co-morbidities like pre-diabetes, diabetes, increased blood pressure and even sleep apnea,” says Mallonee, stating that women should aim for a waist circumference of less than 35 inches and men of less than 40. Katz advises that the effects of abdominal fat can vary. “Certain ethnicities are extremely vulnerable to excess weight around the middle, which can result in insulin resistance and metabolic mayhem. However, many people can gain considerable amounts of weight and show no metabolic effects,” he says, suggesting that a comprehensive health checkup can clear up any doubts. Physiologically, it is hard to keep weight off, says Weisenberger, but people should not get discouraged if they fall short of their goals. “If you are overweight, you will get an enormous boost from the first 5 to 10 percent of weight loss—it’s much more important than that last 5 to 10 percent.” While weight loss is an exercise in delayed gratification, the power of high-quality food is immediate, advises Katz. “You can improve the quality of your immune response with a single meal. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, too, as those positive health benefits accumulate over time.” Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

January 2021

North Central FL Edition

ADVERTORIAL

The Awakening of Humanity By Lynne Girdlestone

oday we are all experiencing one or more of the negative effects of an incredibly destructive ‘agent of change.’ Although horrific things happen every day on this planet, they usually affect other people elsewhere. COVID-19, however, can potentially reach anyone, anywhere, upending our lives in a multitude of ways. The obvious questions—how do we stop this virus, will a vaccine help, will the global economy recover—are all unknowns. They occupy our thoughts and emotions with every newscast. For some, the crisis is merely an inconvenient interruption in their ‘business as usual.’ For others it has created new ways to profit at the expense of others. But for most, it’s an amplified survival issue. We know that nothing happens by chance: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” and “As you sow, so shall you reap.” What is happening today has its roots in everything that has gone before. When dysfunction reaches a tipping point, something extraordinary happens to get our attention. This pandemic may be saying “STOP... NOW ... look at the world you’ve built ... untold suffering amidst obscene excess ... all life forms and the planet itself in mortal danger!” The slowing and isolation are giving us the opportunity to consider these issues deeply and emerge with a better Plan B. That so many people are getting the message is an incredibly hopeful sign. Neighbors are helping each other; service organizations are expanding their roles and methods; scientific organizations around the world are sharing their research findings on possible treatments and vaccines; governments are trying to lift the financial burden of their citizens.

What would happen if this behavior were to continue post-Covid-19? Could it lead to treating a recovering planet as a ‘global village’ and its citizens as the one human family it is? It would take time, but we can start by demanding of our ‘leaders’ that we all push the ‘reset’ button and begin to move in that direction! Fortunately, at this very time, a little-known cosmic event is also taking place. As we move into the Aquarian age, characterized by energies of synthesis, unity and cooperation, the spiritual custodians of human evolution—the Masters of Wisdom—have once again sent one of their great ones into the world to act as a teacher for the coming time. Some of the past teachers we have known historically as Confucius, Krishna, Buddha, the Christ and Mohammed. Major world religions all expect another great teacher at some future time, and his imminent appearance has been foreseen by some writers since the late 1800s. For more than 40 years, British esotericist and lecturer Benjamin Creme informed the world of a coming change— of the collapse of our old structures to make way for the new. He served as a herald for the World Teacher for this age, Maitreya—the one expected by many and longed for by millions (consciously or not), who has come now to guide us through this perilous time and into a cleansed and transformed new world. Maitreya has advised humanity to make the needed changes to put our world on a saner, fairer path: “He [Maitreya] will show that essentially men are one, no matter the colour or the creed, that the bounty of Earth belongs to all, and that sharing of that

bounty is the key to man’s future. Only sharing, and the justice which it will bring, offers hope to man. Only justice wrought out of sharing will end the plagues of war and terror. Only sharing and justice can bring men to that Brotherhood which is their true inheritance. When men see this they will rise to the challenge and tackle one by one the many problems which daunt us now.” (Benjamin Creme’s Master from ‘Transformation,’ Share International magazine) Maitreya and his group have worked behind the scenes for millennia to guide our human family. Now, with these powerful, incorruptible allies openly in the world for the next 2,000 years and beyond, we have the opportunity to build a new world that works for everyone. Will we take it? In response to today’s injustices, we are marching. We are protesting. We are sharing resources and helping others. We are agitating for change. We are on the right track! Let’s not even consider returning to ‘business as usual.’ For free information: Share-International.us 888-242-8272 info@share-international.us

In The Awakening of Humanity, Benjamin Creme leads us on a journey of hope for the joyful world-changing events that are on the way. Free download at: https://share-ecart.com/ the-awakening-of-humanity-pdf/ January 2021

calendar of events NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted via our website by the 10th of the month and must adhere to our guidelines. Visit GoNaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1 Marion County Friday Market – 9am-2pm. Free. Well known vendors throughout Marion County will be selling a variety of products such as fresh produce, seafood, olive oils and vinaigrettes, pastries, beef jerky, freeze dried candies and fruit snacks. McPherson Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360. MarionCountyFl.org.

Sound Bath New Year New You – $25.7-8pm. Sound bath is an ancient sound-healing practice whereby the practitioner leads the clients into a relaxed, reclining position - often supported in savasana (corpse pose) - and allows the healing sounds of instruments to bathe the client. METTA Thai Bodywork and Yoga, 2206 NE 8th Rd, Ocala. 352-299-5549. MettaBodyWork.com.

Marion County Friday Market – 9am-2pm. Free. Well known vendors throughout Marion County will be selling a variety of products such as fresh produce, seafood, olive oils and vinaigrettes, pastries, beef jerky, freeze dried candies and fruit snacks. McPherson Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360. MarionCountyFl.org. for all levels of practitioners. This practice encourages grounding, internal focus, and meditation. Join us for the most relaxing way to end your week. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 4

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

Yin Yoga with Renee – 6-7pm. $10. In studio and on Facebook Live. Explore the relaxing side of Yoga through the practice of Yin. In this class, we hold postures and target the fascia of the body. Gentle yet challenging, you can begin to loosen up your joints and create a healthier spine through stillness and soaking stretches. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com

Haile Farmers Market - 8:30am-Noon. Enjoy live music while you stroll the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center. Shop for seasonal produce, fresh dairy, pastured meat, artisan wares, handmade gifts and more. Hailes Farmers Market, 5213 SW 91 Terr, Gainesville. 352-639-0446. HaileFarmersMarket.com.

Yin and Yang – 7:30-8:30pm. Free in-studio and live streaming. Free weekly class given weekly as a way to give back to the community. Learn Yin Yoga, the steady and still and Yang Yoga focusing on body movement and flow. Wildflowers Yoga, 205 NW 10th Ave, Gainesville. 352-283-6760. WildflowersYoga.com.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Tour – 10am-Noon. $5-$10. Guided tour of 24 major plant collections through a mile and a half walkway. Children under 5 are free. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58 Dr, Gainesville. 352-3724981. Kanapaha.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3

equine event

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 Sunday Polo Winter Polo Season – 1-3pm. Free. Families can enjoy a polo match and tailgating. Lessons available for those interested in getting into the saddle. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala. OcalaPolo.com. Mantra and Meditation with Calli – 5-6pm. $10. Be immersed in a wave of sound and vibration that leads deep within. Calli will introduce a Sanskrit chant with its English translation. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352694-9642. BlissOcala.com. Weekend Wind Down Yoga – 6:30-8pm. Donation based. In-studio and on Facebook Live. Join Tracy for a relaxing, stress-releasing flow class intended

North Central FL Edition

The Circus Comes to Whispering Oaks Winery – 6-8pm. $20-$25. Thrilling and death defying acts packed with performances throughout the entire month of January. Bring your own lawn chair for seating or reserve a VIP table. Whispering Oaks Winery, 10934 County Rd 475 Null, Oxford. 352748-0449. WinesOfFlorida.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

Holiday Light Display – Jan 1-2. 5-10pm. Free. Dazzling holiday magic with twinkling lights. Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St, Ocala. 352854-3670. CircleSqaureCommons.com. Destress and Stretch with Calli – 5:30-7pm. $10. In studio and on Facebook Live. Bring relaxation into your body by gently moving through squeezeand-release sequences along energy lines, incorporating breathing techniques and stretching. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com.

of your choice included. Whispering Oaks Winery, 10934 County Rd 475 Null, Oxford. 352-748-0449. WinesOfFlorida.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5 Free Yoga Under The Oak – 8:45-9:45am. Free. Flow under the large oak tree located in the West Gardens at the Thomas Center. All levels offering, no experience required. The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville. 352-888-4669. FlowSpaceGNV.com. Level 1 Beginners Vinyasa – 7-8pm. Free. In studio and on Facebook Live. Perfect class for those newer to yoga or those wanting a basic flow class that introduces foundational yoga postures and teaches you how to breathe and feel more comfortable in the yoga practice. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6 Music Bingo at The Black Sheep on Broadway – 8-10pm. Free. Music bingo combines your favorite tunes throughout the decades with a classic game in a great atmosphere. Play to win prizes. The Black Sheep on Broadway, 128 SW Broadway St, Ocala. 352-622-1207. BlackSheepOnBroadway.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 An Evening of Yoga & Wine – 6-7pm. $15. Yoga led by Jessica Kinnee with a glass of wine or beer

Ayurveda, Yoga immersion and Teacher Training Module One – Jan 8-10. 6pm. $650. Online event. Three weekend module format. Learn how to tailor individual sessions to help people develop a personal yoga practice suited to their unique Ayurvedic Constitution, circumstances, goals and conditions, the Ayurvedic Diet, panchakarma, rejuvenation and subtle therapies for ideal outcome ChayaVeda integrative Ayurvedic Healing Arts, 2631 NW 41 St Ste E6, Gainesville. ChayaVeda.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9 Citrus U-Pick – 9am-4pm. $35. Pick your own citrus on 66 acres of organic groves, walking paths and cypress swamps. Included with admission is a 100% cotton Wonderfield Farm and Grove tote bag to fill up with citrus. Stay and play and enjoy your fruit. WonderField Farm and Grove, 10777 East Gobbler Drive, Floral City. Info@WonderfieldFarm. com. WonderFieldFarm.com. Smoking Cessation Hypnotism – 10am-4pm. $250. Full day intensive to diminish smoking dependency and gain control over your emotional needs for cigarettes and successfully move past cravings with less effort. All About Health Chiropractic, 7133 Maricamp Rd, Ocala. 352-687-2800. CassaraHealth.com. Making Predictions Using Mediumship – 3-5:30pm. $36. Online class. Hosted by International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407247-7823. Ifsk.org. Ocala Sisterhood Tribe Monthly Women’s Circle – 6-8pm. Free. Join other women at a circle meeting where they sit in a circle with an altar in the center, creating a sacred space. They share, support, drum, sing, dance, craft, and have games, ceremonies, etc. Each meeting is different. The only rules are respect, confidentiality, and to not establish differences, we do not discuss religion or politics. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352694-9642. BlissOcala.com French Country Cookin’ and Jazzy Blues – 6-9pm. Free. The Mudds Band live performance and authentic French Country cooking. La Cuisine French Restaurant, 48 SW 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-4332570. LaCuisineOcala.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10 Kayaking with Manatees – Jan 10-16. 3pm-10am. $200. Go with the flow and kayak while looking for manatees and other wildlife down the crystal clear

spring fed river. Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, 5297 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa. 352-628-2474. FloridaCrackerRiversideResort.com. Mantra and Meditation with Calli – 5-6pm. $10. Be immersed in a wave of sound and vibration that leads deep within. Calli will introduce a Sanskrit chant with its English translation. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352694-9642. BlissOcala.com. Weekend Wind Down Yoga – 6:30-8pm. Donation based. In-studio and on Facebook Live. Join Tracy for a relaxing, stress-releasing flow class intended for all levels of practitioners. This practice encourages grounding, internal focus, and meditation. Join us for the most relaxing way to end your week. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

equine event FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 Nature Coast CAC Driving Trial and Combined Test – Jan 15-21. 8:30am-5pm. $195$295. Combination driving event with some of the top driving competitors. Volunteers welcome. Black Prong Equestrian Village, 450 SE County Rd 337, Bronson. 352-486-1234. AmericanDrivingSociety.org. Marion County Friday Market – 9am-2pm. Free. Well known vendors throughout Marion County will be selling a variety of products such as fresh produce, seafood, olive oils and vinaigrettes, pastries, beef jerky, freeze dried candies and fruit snacks. McPherson Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360. MarionCountyFl.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 2021 Florida Manatee Festival – Jan 16-17. 9am5pm. $5, 12 and under free. Spanning over both sides of Citrus Avenue with live music on three stages, two food courts, beer and wine gardens, manatee boat tours, a fine art walk, craft vendors and a kids zone. Citrus Avenue, Crystal River. 352795-3149. GoManateeFest.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17

equine event

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Sunday Polo Winter Polo Season – 1-3pm. Free. Families can enjoy a polo match and tailgating. Lessons available for those interested in getting into the saddle. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala. OcalaPolo.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 Free Yoga Under The Oak – 8:45-9:45am. Free. Flow under the large oak tree located in the West Gardens at the Thomas Center. All levels offering, no experience required. The Historic Thomas Center, 302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville. 352-888-4669. FlowSpaceGNV.com. Backyard Citrus – 4-5:30pm. Free. Please register through Zoom. Limited to 100 partici-

January 2021

pants. Join an Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer to learn to maintain delicious oranges tangerines, lemons and grapefruit trees in your backyard. UF IFAS Extension Alachua County, 106 SW 140th St, Ste 3, Newberry. 352-955-2402. Alachua.Ifas.ufl.edu.

to yoga or those wanting a basic flow class that introduces foundational yoga postures and teaches you how to breathe and feel more comfortable in the yoga practice. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21

Ayurveda, Yoga immersion and Teacher Training Module Two – Jan 29-31. 6pm. $650. Online event. Three weekend module format. Learn how to tailor individual sessions to help people develop a personal yoga practice suited to their unique Ayurvedic Constitution, circumstances, goals and conditions, the Ayurvedic Diet, panchakarma, rejuvenation and subtle therapies for ideal outcome ChayaVeda integrative Ayurvedic Healing Arts, 2631 NW 41 St Ste E6, Gainesville. ChayaVeda.com.

Quilting Retreat – Jan 21-24. $200. 9am-5pm. Fee includes three nights and nine meals. A two day retreat is also available. The Retreat at Silver Springs, 6455 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs.352-236-2302. TheRetreatAtSilverSprings.com. Jams and Jellies Food Preservation Gift Ideas – 9:30am. Free. Online event. Food preservation, techniques to prepare canned and freezer jam and jellies. Led by hosts Martha Maddox, LuAnn Duncan and Melanie Thomas. Hosted by UF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master Gardeners, 106 SW 140th St #3, Newberry. 352-955-2402. Park After Dark: Smores and More – 6-7:30pm. $15. Roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire with an acoustical performance by local musician Mark Smythe from Gypsy Sparrow. Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala. 352-8730848. SholomPark.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Marion County Friday Market – 9am-2pm. Free. Well known vendors throughout Marion County will be selling a variety of products such as fresh produce, seafood, olive oils and vinaigrettes, pastries, beef jerky, freeze dried candies and fruit snacks. McPherson Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360. MarionCountyFl.org. Rainbow River Drift Dive and Manatee Snorkeling Weekend – Jan 22-24. 10am-8pm. $28. Snorkel, dive, or kayak down the spring fed river. Fee includes the park fee, a locker and water taxi fee per dive. Hosted by the Caloosa Dive Club. KP Hole Park, 9435 SW 190th Ave Rd, Dunnellon. 980-253-9458. DiveClub.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29

food, arts and crafts and handmade items. Gainesville Shrine Club, 8100 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville. 352-376-7334. GainesvilleShrineClub.org. Flanders Foal Auction in Ocala 2021 – 9:30am11:30pm. Free. New embryo auction, Belgian Show Jumping horses and more. World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8300 NW 31st Lane Rd, Ocala. 352369-6969. WEC.net. Survival of the Slowest Exhibit Opening Day – 10am-4:30pm. Free. Take a look at animals that are slow, small or weak and how they use these traits to survive and thrive. Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville. 352-846-2000. FloridaMuseum.ufl.edu. Making Predictions Using Mediumship – 3-5:30pm. $36. Online class. Hosted by International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407247-7823. Ifsk.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Basti Therapeutic Oil Applications for the Back, Knees and Heart – 9am. $225. Online event. Learn how to perform Ayurvedic modality, Basti, and the accompanying adaptations and contraindications for each Ayurvedic constitution and condition for optimal practice. ChayaVeda Integrative Ayurvedic Healing Arts, 2631 NW 41 St, Ste E6, Gainesville. 352-358-5005. ChayaVeda.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25

Destress and Stretch with Calli – 5:30-7pm. $10. In studio and on Facebook Live. Bring relaxation into your body by gently moving through squeezeand-release sequences along energy lines, incorporating breathing techniques and stretching. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352-694-9642. BlissOcala.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28

Gainesville Shrine Club Community Market – 8am-2pm. Free. Local vendors with a variety of

Level 1 Beginners Vinyasa – 7-8pm. Free. In studio and on Facebook Live. Perfect class for those newer

Practical teachings to help you lead a healthy, prosperous, and meaningful life. 101 Cedar Road Ocala, Florida 34472 www. unityocala.org Sunday Celebration & Youth Program 10 a.m.

A Positive Path for Spiritual Living 42

North Central FL Edition

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 2021 Thai Massage Certification – Jan 30-31. $250-$1500. 9:30am-4:30pm. Premiere Thai Massage Certification offered both in person and online. Seven phases with a Bonus Phase. 14 hour weekends once a month. Emphasizing on the art of being a witness and healing touch with core movements, stances, hand techniques an d rooted breath awareness necessary for a strong foundation in the Thai Massage practice. Led by Ariela Grodner. Flow Space, 117 NW 16th Ave, Gainesville. 352888-4669. BodhiSangha.com. NEA Big Read Children’s Book Meetup – 1011am. Free. Online event. Children grades 1-5 are invited to enjoy the reading of Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist by Christine Evans. Hosted by the Florida Museum of Natural History and Alachua County Library Distract. 352-846-2000. FloridaMuseum.ufl.edu.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 Mantra, Meditation and Breathwork – 4-5:30pm. Suggested donation $7-$21. Peace and Serenity Sanctuary and Madhavi Glick Breathwork are hosting meditation groups monthly. Learn simple meditation techniques. Vegan snacks will be provided. Space is limited to seven people. Madhavi Glick Breathwork & Wellness. Address will be provided once space is confirmed. 818-927-3284. RelaxGville.com. Mantra and Meditation with Calli – 5-6pm. $10. Be immersed in a wave of sound and vibration that leads deep within. Calli will introduce a Sanskrit chant with its English translation. Blissful Life Corporation, 2100 SE 17th St, Ste 110, Ocala. 352694-9642. BlissOcala.com.

Remember, PLANS CHANGE! Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

ongoing events NOTE: All calendar events must be submitted via our website by the 10th of the month and must adhere to our guidelines. Visit GoNaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday

wednesday

A Course in Miracles – 9:30am. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

Spiritual Service – 9:30am. Let the spirit guide you with hands-on healing, meditations, messages and more. Conscious Awakening, 301 SR26, Melrose. 352-262-0078. BackToBasics Living@gmail.com. Sunday Spiritual Service – 10am. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd. 3526872113. Mail@UnityOcala.org. UnityOcala.org. Guided Meditation and Sunday Service – 10am (meditation); 10:30am (service). Rev. Cindy Grimes, Senior Minister. Awaken and live. Center for Spiritual Living Ocala, 1009 NE 28th Ave. 352629-3897. CSLocala.org. Meditation and Book Discussion – 10:30am-noon. Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org. Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude – 1-2pm. Bring your own mat for yoga in the warehouse. All experience levels. Suggested $5 donation. First Magnitude Brewing Co, 1220 SE Veitch, Gainesville. 352-727-4677.

monday Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920. Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517. ACA Meeting – 6pm. Adult Children of Alcoholics. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd. 352-687-2113. Mail@UnityOcala.org. UnityOcala.org. A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

tuesday Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920. Newberry Farmers Market – 4-7pm. A local producer only market focused on food with additional vendors. Located on the corner of Newberry Road and 254th St. 352-472-2112. nmsoinfo@gmail.com. NewberryMainStreet.com. Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517. Meditation Instruction and Orientation – 7-9pm. Meditation, book discussion, refreshments to follow. Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org.

Technology Help Center – 2-4pm. Free. Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Hwy 484. 352-438-2500. Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517. Game Night – 7:30pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

Ocala Farm Market – 9am-2pm. Locallygrown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, crafts and plants. Corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-629-8051. OcalaDowntownMarket.com. Starlab Planetarium Shows – 11-11:30am, 1-1:30pm. Tour our solar system and learn about the stars and constellations. $3/person/session plus exhibit admission of $6/person or $22/family of four. Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. Ocala.org. Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 401-3920.

classifieds

thursday

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

A Course in Miracles – 10am. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

ADVERTISING

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920. Alachua Farmers Market – 4-7pm. A local producer only market where most foods have been picked or made that day. Behind the Chamber of Commerce office. 14801 Main Street, Alachua. 386-462-3333. AlachuaFarmersMarket.com. Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517. Embodiment 101 – 6:30-8pm. Body awareness movement followed by meditation. Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352-214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org. Karaoke – 8-11pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

friday Health Happens Farmers’ Market – 9am-2:30pm. Shop for fresh produce, seafood, honey, baked goods, gluten-free snacks and prepared meals for lunch. McPherson Governmental Complex field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360. Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

saturday Alachua County Farmers’ Market – 8:30am-noon. Open rain or shine. A grower’s only market. 5920 NW 13th St, Gainesville. 352-371-8236. 441market.com. Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am-noon. Open rain or shine, heat or cold. Haile Village Center in Haile Plantation, SW 91st Terr, Gainesville. HaileFarmersMarket.com. Farmstead Saturday – 9am-3pm. Free. Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352595 3377. CronesCradleConserve.com.

ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ads section. To place an ad, email Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

CHIROPRACTOR Re.A.L. CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS – Dr. Randy Bryant, one of a few chiropractors in the nation doing these types of adjustments. Chiropractor to individuals including rodeo riders. Schedule your appointment by calling 352-694-7700. DrRandyBryant.com.

FARMERS MARKET LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE, EGGS AND BEEF – Find the best the region has to offer from our co-op of farmers and growers. Harbison Farm Cattle and Produce market is open Monday-Friday 8-5pm, Saturdays 8-4, and Sundays 10-3. 4686 NE County Road 329. Anthony. 352-239-3552.

FOOD CODES DEVELOPA FOOD PLAN UNIQUE TO YOU USING FOOD CODES–Your subconscious knows which foods are best for you for energy, for weight loss, and to avoid. For more information visit SandraWilsonPositiveChange.com or email EFTSandy@yahoo.com.

OPPORTUNITIES S TA RT A C A R E E R Y O U C A N B E PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise.

January 2021

community resource guide

FARMERS MARKET

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 Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

BIO ENERGETICS

COLONICS

ALEX TERRERO, LMT (MA60219) Lemire Clinic 9401 SW Hwy 200, Suite 301, Ocala 352-291-9459 LemireClinic.com

Alex is the primary operator of their bio-energetic technology including, but not limited to; all aspects of the Zyto program, the Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field therapy, and the Heart Rate Va r i a b i l i t y d e v i c e s . T h e combination of his technical background and massage therapy allow him to assist his patients find the best method of reducing their pain, increasing their ability to bounce back from an injury and most importantly shed some light on the questions they have along the way. See ad, back cover.

GENTLE WATERS HEALING CENTER 352-374-0600 Gainesville Info@GentleWatersHealing.com

The therapists at Gentle Waters Healing Center assist each individual with detoxing using colon hydrotherapy and/or far infrared sauna. Call Dawn Brower for more information or visit G e n t l e Wa t e r s H e a l i n g . c o m . MA41024, MM15426.

ENERGY BALANCING SANDY WILSON

EFT, Emotion Code, Body Code, Hypnosis 352-454-8959 EFTSandy@yahoo.com SandraWilsonPositiveChange.com With balanced energy, you feel better, make better decisions, and have better relationships. Sandy will help balance your energy so you can achieve your health, wealth, and relationship goals. See website or call to start achieving your goals.

CBD PRODUCTS DR. HEATHER HARDIN Halo Health 352-359-5518 Pharmie@cox.net HaloHealthCBD.com

Board certified, clinical pharmacist sells p h a r m a c i s t formulated, organic CBD products. Clients receive a free initial clinical pharmacist consultation as they begin using the cannabidiol (CBD) products and are continually monitored as they continue treatment. CBD products include CBD broad spectrum oil, vegan CBD gummies, CBD topical intensive rub cream, CBD bath bombs and CBD (cannabigerol) oil. See ad, page 41. The first combined Anti-Aging, Holistic, and Family Practice Clinic in Central Florida and The Villages

CHIROPRACTOR 352-750-4333

SERVICES OFFERED: DR. RANDY BRYANT

✦ Chelation and IV Nutrient ✦ Peptides 352-694-7700 ✦ Urinary Incontinence ✦ Exosomes: The Next th ✦ Femlift Vaginal Tightening Generation in Regeneration 1315 SE 25 Loop, Suite 103, Ocala Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy ✦ Soundwave for ED Info@DrRandyBryant.com ✦ Laser Therapy for pain ✦ Amniotic ✦ Adipose ✦ Bone marrow ✦ PRP-platelet Rich Plasma ✦ Prolo Therapy ✦ Prolozone ✦ Neural Therapy ✦ Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

✦ Spectravision (Full Body

Analysis Test) Dr. Bryant’s holistic approach and ✦ Nutritional Counseling natural solutions ✦ Weight Lossfor many ✦ Pulse Magnetic Wave common health issues have ✦ Antioxidant Evaluation Mineral of Evaluation improved the✦lives many from ✦ Heavy Metal Evaluation around the world. Services are Individual responses may vary tailored to the needs of each unique patient. You will not experience any of the snapping, cracking or popping usually associated with chiropractic treatment. Dr. Bryant has been involved with theSola, sport a treating Jaclynn LMT of rodeo asKarin Panyko MA56771 Licensed Aesthetician Over 10 years experience Specializing In: Over 13 years experience physician since 1995.

• Raindrop Therapy – Aromatheraphy utilizing essential oils • Myo Fascial Release • Deep Tissue Massage • Cranial Sacral SpectraVision • Reiki Master Tuning Forks • Colonics

• Cupping for Pain Relief and Lymphatic Drainage • Sports Massage/ Golf • Hot Stone Massage • Body Scrubs/Wraps • Reflexology/Foot Massage • Cellulite Reduction Massage

Specializing In: • Micro Derm Abrasion • Spa Facial/Galvanic (tightens and tones cheek muscles) • High Frequency Therapy • Light Therapy • Facial Massage – Deep Tissue My passion is to assist others in achieving their balance with inner and outer beauty.

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FAMILY MEDICINE NELSON KRAUCAK, MD, FAAFP

Healthcare Partners Family Medicine 1501 Hwy 441, Suite 1704, The Villages 352-750-4333 HealthcarePartnersFL.com The first Holistic Medical Practice in Central Florida. Dr. Kraucak has been practicing holistic medicine since 1995 and is passionate about caring for his patients around The Villages, throughout Florida and visiting patients around the world. From Nelson Kraucak, MD, FAAFP the diagnostic phase through the treatment and “We are committed aid and follow up, to from simple issues to the most promote the body’s innate complicated chronic conditions, Dr. Kraucak and mechanisms to heal and achieve homeostasis for optimum health his team will assure you and your family have by introducing and using natural comprehensive, and the latest approaches with innovative and innovative cutting-edge technology.” therapeutic support. See ad, page 2.

Gretta Ellis, ARNP

Over 10 years experience Specializing In: • Chronic Disease • Gastro-Intestinal Disorders • Alternative Medicine • SIBO/Leaky Gut • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement - BHT • ER and Internal Medicine Experience

Healing Central Florida, One Stem Cell at a Time!

Healthcare Partners Family Medicine 1501 HWY 441, Suite 1704, The Villages, FL, 32159

HARBISON FARM CATTLE AND PRODUCE 4686 NE County Road 329 Anthony, Florida 352-239-3552 GVTHarbison@embarqmail.com

Locally grown, whole, organic food from working Florida farms. The Harbison family’s daily market offers fresh produce, grass-fed beef, eggs, Amish products, and local honey, plus a variety of jams, jellies, and preserves. Our mission is to provide healthy food to the community and help those in need. Call us to inquire about our Food Relief Fund and we may be able to help you with groceries.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE JAMES LEMIRE, MD

Lemire Clinic 9401 SW Hwy 200, Suite 301 352-291-9459 LemireClinic.com Dr. Lemire is both Board Certified in Family Practice for 40 years and is an Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioner. Some of the common protocols Dr. Lemire works with are: Thyroid conditions, Chronic Fatigue, MS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Leaky Gut, Cancer, Hormone Unbalances, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Inflammatory and Auto Immune Conditions, Lyme Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Weight Management. Dr. Lemire sees children and adults. See ad, back cover.

GOURMET MEATS FLORIDA FRESH MEAT COMPANY 13770 S. Hwy 475, Summerfield 352-307-8400 FloridaFreshMeat.com Info@FloridaFreshMeat.com

“Feeding Our Community From Within Our Community” Florida Fresh Meat Company produces local sustainable hormone and antibiotic free a n d o rg a n i c a l l y r a i s e d , gourmet grass fed Angus beef, grass fed lamb and goat, and natural pastured pork. Also available through our network of local ranches and farms is pastured duck and chicken as well as farm raised, phosphate and preservative free Florida farm raised gator. Our gourmet meats are USDA inspected. See ad, page 3.

HEALTH AND REHAB DR. JANICE C. BROWN

Better Health and Rehab 2275 SW 22nd Lane, Ocala 352-433-9292 BetterHealthAndRehab.com Dr. Janice C. Brown is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and medical acupuncture. Personalized services include pain management, spasticity management, gait analysis and prosthetic m a n a g e m e n t . D r. B r o w n ’s approach to healthcare combines knowledge of functional medicine as the basis. This includes massage therapy and extensive training in physical medicine and rehabilitation. See ad, page 41.

HEALTH COACHING BODONO HEALTH SERVICES 352-559-9355 Bodono.com Info@bodono.com

Certified Health Coach, Registered Nurse and Plant-Based Expert offers motivational coaching, personalized meal planning, exercise programs and practical tools to improve your health and boost the immune system. Contact Bodono for more info and to get help with weight loss and prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

HEALTH FOOD B-HEALTHY

8449 SW Hwy 200, #139, Ocala, 352-854-4577 BHealthyOnline.com Facebook.com/BHealthyNaturalFoods Come in and let our staff guide you through our large selection of supplements, healthy foods and skin care products. We have one of the largest selections of gluten-free foods in the country and we can special order. We offer senior discounts everyday. Ask about our Frequent Buyer Program. See ad, page 18.

DEB’S NATURAL SOURCE

3490 W. Dunnellon Rd, Dunnellon 352-586-0754 Facebook.com/DebsWholeFoodNutrition At Deb’s Natural Source you’re surrounded by all natural, local foods and produce, medicines, and other products that will help you be healthier. You’ll be immersed in a relaxing shopping environment with organic non-GMO foods, quality wholefood supplements, skin care items, essential oils, and more. See ad, page 22.

HEALTH SPA IMMUNITY HEALTH SPA

480 N. US Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake 352-750-9909 • ImmunityHealthSpa.com Using 100% natural and organic products, Immunity Health Spa offers highquality healing services to improve the health of our clients and community. Our immune boosting IV Therapy enhances your energy, improves mood and is an excellent preventive boost for your overall health. Each 45-minute session delivers vital nutrients of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly to the bloodstream, where the body will absorb 100% of the nutrient directly to the cells to improve your health and boost hydration. Call for a consult and to answer questions about this and other treatments, including Salt Therapy, Facials, Massages, and Waxing. See ad, page 23.

LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE CRONES’ CRADLE CONSERVE FOUNDATION 6411 NE 217th Pl, Citra 352-595-3377 CronesCradleConserve.org

The conserve is an ecological preserve, retreat center and organic farm. Local fresh produce can be bought at The Farm Store on property, through Farm to Fare weekly Baskets or delivered to your restaurant. The Farm Store is open 7 days a week. Certified kitchen honey house and event space available. See ad, page 3.

PLANT-BASED RESTAURANT

REAL ESTATE NANCY SHEAR, BROKER ASSOCIATE, CRB, CRP, SRS

Premier Sotheby’s International Realty 407-608-2097 Nancy.Shear@PremierSIR.com NancyShear.PremierSothebysRealty.com Having managed thousands of transactions as a managing broker, coach and trainer over the past two decades, Nancy has a wide range of experience in the field and can offer her customers a vantage point and expertise that few other associates can. Additionally, she brings her years of experience in sales, management and asset disposition to her clients looking to sell/buy or invest in residential or commercial real estate.

THERMOGRAPHY JUNE DRENNON

Lemire Clinic 9401 SW Hwy 200, Suite 301, Ocala 352-291-9459 LemireClinic.com June is the owner of Florida Medical Thermography and has been certified as a Clinical Thermographer since 2008. She has certifications in Colon Hydrotherapy and Electro Lymphatic Drainage Therapy but now only sees patients for thermography. Working in the holistic field of thermal imaging is her true passion. She has done thousands of thermography reports and has often seen the value it offers in identifying risk factors and helping to prevent and monitor developing pathology. See ad, back cover.

BAMBI’S CAFÉ

18592 High Springs Main St, High Springs 386-454-1600 or 954-907-9759 Facebook.com/100PercentPlantBased We use fresh local and organically grown produce for our homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Some of our items include; vegan chicken artichoke melt, cheddar lentil burgers, Asian dishes, organic coffee, fresh brewed teas, matcha lattes, smoothies and many gluten free items. Catering available. See ad, page 41.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DRAGON RISES COLLEGE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Gainesville, FL 32601 800-606-6685 • DragonRises.edu Our comprehensive 10semester ACAOM-accredited Master’s degree program enables students to become competent, confident and successful acupuncturists. Graduates help people achieve genuine healing and their highest sustainable level of health and wellness. See ad, page 12.

DIRECTORY Find local businesses with ease at GoNaturalAwakenings.com January 2021

North Central FL Edition

NAFL360 NAFL3300

January 2021

North Central FL Edition