Natural Awakenings June 2021

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SUSTAINABLE WAYS TO TRAVEL THE WORLD

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FIREWORKS Greener Ways to Light Up the Sky

HEALING DEPRESSION

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North Central FL Edition

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Do you suffer with Candida, chronic digestive, thyroid or immune system issue?

Are you tired of being prescribed one dangerous drug after the other with little or no improvement?

Dr. Biamonte has been doctor to celebrities and political figures. He is a world-recognized authority for his treatment methods, a published author, and has helped tens of thousands of patients recover from their chronic illnesses…even when other drugs, surgeries and therapies have failed!

The Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition

"Dr. Michael Biamonte is the ONLY doctor who has actually cracked the code on how to heal the digestive tract and balance the mind and body without using prescriptions.

Dr. Michael Biamonte

The proof is in the thousands of patients he has successfully treated, including my son and I. His book is life-changing and I strongly recommend it to anyone who suffers from candida, chronic fatigue or imbalances that cause illness." ~ Jenny McCarthy

VISIT:

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June 2021

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

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elcome to June! Summertime is here and I hope you are taking advantage of the beautiful weather NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA with a morning walk, a run around the neighbor Publisher Sheila Mahan hood, a morning horseback ride, or just sitting outside watch Editor Martin Miron ing the butterflies, birds and other critters scurrying around

Events Dana Malans

Design & Production Martin Friedman forging for food. A few weeks ago, I set up a bird feeder that

Chelsea Rose holds a variety of seeds, nuts and fruits to satisfy just about

Sales & Marketing Angela Durrell every type of bird for our region. It’s literally a buffet for birds.

The butterfly garden I planted is in full bloom and seems to be CONTACT US doing its job well, given all the butterflies fluttering around it every day. I hope to add Ph: 352-366-0088 GoNaturalAwakenings.com more flower varieties throughout the summer.

Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com Angela@GoNaturalAwakenings.com

Did you know that gardening is a great workout? Author Marlaina Donato highlights the benefits of gardening in “The Fit Gardener.” The bending and squatting, carrying and SUBSCRIPTIONS 12-month print subscriptions available for lifting, digging and reaching high that gardening involves makes for a great full-body $32. Call or mail in form found in each issue.

Digital subscriptions are free visit our website to sign up.

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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.

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

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North Central FL Edition

workout that engages every muscle while lifting your spirits. I find flower gardening very relaxing and a great de-stressor. We have a lot of nurseries within our community that can help you start a garden and set you up with everything you’ll need.

Are you traveling this summer? After being inside most of the year, many of us are ready to hit the road. Have you ever thought about sustainable traveling? Eco-friendly planning strategies include booking hotels, transportation and restaurants with sustainable practices. Before you start packing, check out “Traveling for the Planet,” by Sandra Yeyati, to get some tips to make your next vacation and eco-vacation.

This month, we celebrate Father’s Day and men’s health. “Integrative Health for Men,” by Ronica O’Hara, provides insight into their health issues and suggests integrative approaches to help regain control of their health. You may know someone that refuses to see a doctor, eats terribly, drinks more than they will admit, exercises less or not at all and may not let on that they’re not feeling so great. There’s no better time than now to make your health a priority. It can become a family affair. so that everyone in the household supports each other in the journey toward better health.

In addition to the print issue, be sure to check out our website, GoNaturalAwakenings.com for more information on healthy living and to find practitioners in your area. As you plan your summertime activities, I encourage you to check out summer programs offered by our local libraries and support local businesses, including farmers’ markets. We are thankful to all the local businesses that make this publication possible. Enjoy our June issue and Happy Father’s Day!

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time. ~John Lubbock

Follow us @GoNaturalAwakenings

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.

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Contents 14 VEGAN ROAD-TRIPPING Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eaters

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17 SIMPLE ACTS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

18 TRAVELING FOR THE PLANET

Sustainable Ways to Explore the World

20 INTEGRATIVE

HEALTH FOR MEN

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Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality

24 BEAT THE BLUES NATURALLY

Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

26 THE FIT GARDENER Backyard Workouts Good for Mind and Body

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28 RELAXED KIDS 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.

Simple Ways to Calm Anxious Children

30 CREATE A

DOG-FRIENDLY YARD

Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 9 health briefs 12 global briefs 13 business

24 healing ways 26 fit body

spotlight 28 healthy kids 14 conscious eating 30 natural pet 17 inspiration 32 calendar 18 green living 35 classifieds 19 eco tip 36 resource guide June 2021

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

news briefs

Citrus County Library Summer Reading Program

T Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and let the turmoil and strife slip away.

Great new gis from the Earth just arrived!

• Shungite pyramids, spheres and carvings • Marvelous malachite • Natural rose quartz • Geodes • Labradorite Lab • Moldavite jewelry

Solstice Sidewalk Sale June 19-20.

Under the tent outside minerals, crystals and jewelry 50-75% off!

Wholesale flats, too. 12-5pm both days.

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Crystal gi for all fathers plus homemade cookies.

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19765 NW US Hwy, 441 High Springs, FL 32643

HighSpringsEmporium.net 386-454-8657

he Citrus County Library System Tails & Tales summer reading program is designed to get children excited about books and libraries so they will continue to improve their reading skills over the summer. To participate from home, all five library branches will have Tails & Tales activity bags available after June 1 for each child that contain an activity book and some of the materials to be used in the virtual programs.

Citrus County Libraries offer adult literacy services; early childhood literacy; kids and families programs, events and services from crafts to games; technology education and programs on-demand. Digital resources include links to the Florida Electronic Library; a law library and links to geneology sites.

For a complete schedule of events for each theme of this year’s summer reading program, visit CitrusLibraries.org/summer-2021.

Florida Staycation Webinar

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ildlife biologist Jeanne Murphy will host a webinar, Sensing Nature, from 7 to 8 p.m., June 1, online via Zoom. Participants will learn about some of Florida’s enthralling natural areas to staycation for a few hours, a full day or even camp overnight in each region of Florida; be safe and stay within a budget. At Sensing Nature, ecotourism is about ethically connecting people with outdoor learning experiences, conservation, communities and sustainable travel.

A senior wildlife biologist with more than 20 years of wildlife ecology experience, Murphy co-founded Sensing Nature, a Florida environmental education, ecotourism and nature products company, with her husband Brian to provide interactive indoor nature education and ethical ecotours throughout Florida for conference groups, the public, schools, teachers, government staff and youth or adult organizations.

Register at Tinyurl.com/SensingNatureWebinar. For more information, call 727-397-2306, email Info@SensingNature.com or visit SensingNature.com.

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North Central FL Edition

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Free Art at The Appleton

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he Appleton Museum of Art, in Ocala, offers free admission to both members and nonmember on the first Saturday of each month, including from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 5. The permanent collection and special exhibitions are included. Beautiful outdoor spaces feature large-scale sculptures.

Opened in 1987, the Appleton is home to an extraordinary permanent collection of more than 18,000 objects and a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year. The 81,610 square-foot museum is both classical and contemporary, with clean lines and stately Italian travertine marble.

The original building surrounds an idyllic interior courtyard and fountain. The Appleton Cultural Center includes the Ocala Civic Theatre, and is one of six College of Central Florida campuses.

Location: 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.. For more information, call 352-291-4555 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Free Music Series at Webb Field

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he Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series, a partnership between the Marion Cultural Alliance and the city of Ocala, continues every Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. through June 25, featuring family-friendly concerts to the public at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will move indoors to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center.

Each concert will spotlight a local nonprofit organization which will conduct a special activity or performance during the intermission. Every year, the series features, 10 shows with 20 artists, 10 cultural arts nonprofit intermissions and one public art project in a 10-week period. For some, this series is the only opportunity to access cultural arts programming.

Celebrating Our 5th Anniversary!

Crystals THANK YOU for your support during these past years!

Books Tarot decks Jewelry Candles Essential Oils Unique gifts Metaphysical 352.693.4592 Reiki Sessions and Spiritual Classes & Meditation FairyDustCrystals.com Supplies Like us on Facebook Readers

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

Admission is free. Location: 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala. For more information, call 352-629-8447 or visit OcalaFl.org/levittamp.

June 2021

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Butterflies on Parade

news briefs

Mister Rogers’ Legacy Lives On

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he How People Make Things exhibit, opem every Friday from noon to 5 p.m. through September 5 at the The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, tells the story of how everyday items are manufactured and brings to life the people, ideas and technology that transform raw materials into finished products.

Children today can feel removed from how common items in their lives such as their toys, clothes and more are made.

This exhibit, created by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, is inspired by the Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours. Through his factory tours, Fred Rogers took complex issues and made them understandable, relatable and fascinating to children. It helps children appreciate that the objects in their lives were made through human ingenuity.

Admission ranges from $7.50 to $12, with children under fie and memberd free. Location: 11 S. Main St. Gainesville. For more information, call 352-371-8001 or visit cademuseum.org.

Rockhounds Rejoice

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he High Springs Emporium is having a Summer Solstice Sidewalk Sale. Crystals, mineral specimens and jewelry under the big tent are 50 to 75 percent off.

Walk the labyrinth and welcome in the summer.

High Springs Emporium is the only rock and mineral shop in north central Florida.

Their mission is to create a sacred space where all who enter can discover the beauty of the mineral kingdom. Everyone that loves rocks will find something to delight the eye and lighten the heart.

Rare minerals, quartz crystals from all over the world, unusual gemstone spheres and geodes are on display for customers to enjoy in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Location: 19765 NW US Hwt. 441, High Springs. For more information, call 386 454-8657, or visit HighSpringsEmporium.net. See ad, page 6.

News to share?

Submit information to Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com.

Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

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North Central FL Edition

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he Florida Museum of Natural History Butterfly Rainforest exhibit is open. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the exhibit has limited entry, a mask requirement and follows a one-way path. Daily Butterfly Spotlights are temporarily paused. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/ButterflySafetyProtocols.

The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience.

Wander through a unique and ever-changing living ecosystem showcasing butterflies, birds, turtles, fish, bromeliads, orchids and hundreds of other vibrant flowering plants.View a variety of tropical butterflies up close as they feed on trays of fresh-cut fruit. Discover great design ideas and plant selections for a home landscape.

Butterflies are important pollinators of flowering plants, much like bees. All life stages of a butterfly may serve as food for a wide range of other organisms including birds, lizards, spiders, small mammals and other insects.

Admission is: $14 for adults, $12 for Fl. residents/college students, $12 for seniors and $7 for ages 3-17. Location: 3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, For more information, call 352-846-2000 or visit FloridaMuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/butterfly-rainforest.

Budding Scientist Learn about Insects

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t the GhostBUGsters University of Florida (UF) Entomology Field Camp 2021, campers will collect and curate insects from aquatic and terrestrial habitats, see how honey bees are managed and learn from UF scientists. The Bug Club will convene from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 21 through 25 to venture outdoors on collecting trips, learn how to trap and curate insects, build pest resistant structures, plant butterfly gardens and meet scientists that spend their career learning about the insects that impact our lives.

This camp includes a set of insect collecting equipment and by the end of camp, participants will have the start to a nice insect collection.

Campers will collect data, make observations and communicate the information to others. They will also participate in field experiences and museum visits. Campers provide their own lunches. Safety protocols require masks to be worn indoors, in vehicles with distancing and windows down, and outdoors if not distanced from others.

Cost is $175. Location: 1881 Natural Area Dr., Steinmetz Hall, Room 2218, Gainesville. Register at v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. For more information, call Dr. Rebecca Baldwin at 352-273-3974 or email baldwinr@ufl.edu.

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health briefs

NATURAL AWAKENINGS IS

Why We Have Candida Symptoms Although All the Tests are Normal

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In addition to our direct mailed copies and local businesses, Natural Awakenings magazine can be picked up at the following locations: ALACHUA COUNTY

by Michael Biamonte, CCN

his is a very common complaint that we hear from new patients coming to us. “I have all the symptoms of Candida and my doctor did all these tests, and yet he said everything was normal!” Well, the first question would be, “Did your doctor even test you for Candida?” Most mainstream doctors don’t know anything about testing for Candida. When the average person goes to their doctor and tells them all their complaints, symptoms and says, “I must have Candida”, the doctor will do standard blood and urine tests and never explore Candida testing.

Testing for Candida is very precise and specific. Candida testing is not included in standard blood and urine tests; they must be special ordered, which requires the doctor to have some preexisting knowledge of Candida. Also it is totally normal and expected that standard lab work will look normal in the case of the Candida patient. The disruption that Candida causes in the body rarely will show in standard blood and urine tests.

If someone was to do a test for Candida and it showed negative, it could easily be because Candida is an organism that can hide and be dormant. Its metabolic rate changes depending on whether it’s being fed or not, therefore its activity changes as its rate of growth changes.

The best way to detect Candida is by a provoked or challenged test.

Provoked or challenging testing is typically done when testing for toxic metals or any substance which can hide in the

EVERYWHERE

body. This type of test is accomplished by taking a substance which has the ability to disturb or dislodge the Candida and other organism from the gut lining. This will cause a release of antigens and other chemicals from the Candida cells that then can be detected. In my method, we measure these chemicals in the urine, as urine is the most accurate sample one can use. Doing a provoked test dramatically increases the chances of finding the exact level of Candida overgrowth that one has, it greatly reduces the chances on having the Candida overgrowth going undetected.

So when the doctor tells us all our tests are normal, ask, “Did you actually test for Candida, and if so, what type of test did you use?” If he says no, ask, “Why not?” If he did test you for Candida and didn’t use something to provoke or challenge, we’d better get the right testing done.

Michael Biamonte, CCN, is a certified clinical nutritionist and the founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition. He uses BioCybernetics “Blood Detective” software that can determine exactly where the body is imbalanced— vitamins, minerals, hormones or absorption problems—and which systems in the body are a priority to address. For more information, visit FloridasCandidaDoctor.com or Health-Truth.com. See ad on page xx.

Testing for Candida is very precise and specific. Candida testing is not included in standard blood and urine tests; they must be special ordered, which requires the doctor to have some preexisting knowledge of Candida.

Bambi’s Café 18592 High Springs Main St, High Springs Earth Origins 1237 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville Sunflower Health Foods 3424 W University Ave, Gainesville Wards 515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville

MARION COUNTY

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

THE VILLAGES & LADY LAKE Winn Dixie 820 Old Camp Rd, The Villages Lady Lake Library 225 W Guava St, Lady Lake Green Apple Health Food 175 Rolling Acres Rd, Lady Lake Almost Perfect Furniture 15004 US 441, Summerfield Winn Dixie 11310 US Hwy 301, Belleview Fairy Dust Crystals & Such 11781 SE Hwy 441, Belleview Belleview Library 13145 SE CR 484, Belleview Deb’s Natural Source Health Food 3490 W. Dunnellon Rd, Dunnellon Dunnellon Public Library 20351 Robinson Rd, Dunnellon Winn Dixie 10051 S. US Hwy 441, Dunnellon

CITRUS COUNTY

Center Ridge Library 425 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Beverly Hills Citrus Springs Library 1826 W. Country Club Blvd, Citrus Springs Coastal Region Library 8619 W Crystal St, Crystal River Homosassa Public Library 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa Rutabagas Health Food 335 S. Croft Ave, Inverness Museum Café 10466 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa

DIGITAL EDITION AVAILABLE @

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health briefs

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Nix Sweeteners to Avoid Spreading Antibiotic Resistance

Cultivate Satisfaction to be Healthier and Happier Older people with high levels of life satisfaction—a favorable attitude toward life—have healthier habits, less depression and pain, better sleep and a longer life, reports researchers from the University of British Columbia. They studied nearly 13,000 U.S. adults older than 50 for four years and found that higher life satisfaction was linked to 26 percent reduced mortality and a 46 percent lower depression rate. People that felt good about their lives had fewer chronic conditions and pain, exercised more often, were both more optimistic and likely to be living with a partner and experienced less hopelessness and loneliness. However, such positive feelings were not associated with fewer health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis or obesity; were not marked by less alcoholic binging or smoking; and were not affected by frequency of contact with children, family and friends.

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Four widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium—promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in both environmental and clinical settings, report researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, in The ISME Journal. They found that these four nonnutritive sweeteners promote horizontal transfer of the genes between bacteria, furthering the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes in the intestine. The researchers say the findings provide insight into the spread of antimicrobial resistance and point to a potential risk associated with ingesting the artificial sweeteners.

People that struggle to eat the often-recommended nine servings of fruit and vegetables each day can relax: The latest research from Harvard, based on 26 studies of 2 million people from 29 countries, found that two and three daily servings of fruit and vegetables, respectively, were linked to the most longevity. Compared to only two servings of produce per day, five servings lowered the risk of death overall by 13 percent, cardiovascular disease by 12 percent, cancer by 10 percent and respiratory disease by 35 percent. Green, leafy vegetables, including spinach, lettuce and kale, and fruit and vegetables rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries and carrots, showed benefits.Starchy vegetables, like peas and corn, fruit juices and potatoes, did not appear to reduce the risk of death.

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North Central FL Edition

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Eat Five Veggies and Fruits Daily to Live Longer

Naturally Defeat Depression for Life

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t may be surprising to learn that a global increase in depression has been associated with our Western diet, and so there has been much investigation into treating mood through nutrition. The results are in, and research has demonstrated that simple changes to our diet and lifestyle offer tremendous hope for defeating depression. Here are eight research-proven ways to naturally defeat depression for life.

by Laura Varich

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Eat More Tomatoes. The odds of suffering depression are cut in half by eating lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and tomato products.

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Eat a Diversity of Veggies. The odds of developing depression are reduced by 62 percent if we regularly include vegetables in our diet.

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Turmeric for the Win. Five hundred milligrams (two-and-a-half teaspoons) per day of curcumin (from turmeric) significantly decreases depressive symptoms, and adding a small grind of pepper increases the body’s absorption of curcumin by 2,000 percent.

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Get More Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Our brain contains high levels of polyunsaturated fats (mainly omega-3 fats) that surround and insulate the brain cells. Our Western diet’s high levels of saturated fats and trans fats (found in meats, butter and processed foods) and low levels Sleep It Off. Adequate sleep is critical of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats for mental health. Make sure to regulate (found in nuts, fish and olive oil) are a major the sleep-wake cycle with exposure to bright cause of depression. To ward off depression, it’s light in the morning and having the room is recommended to eat one gram of omega-3 fatty as dark as possible at bedtime.

Laura Varich, M.D. acids (found in fish, walnuts, fish oil, algae oil, flax seeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds) daily, but this Regular Exercise is associated with 25 percent lower odds of amount can be difficult to consistently take in through diet alone. depression. Simply building 30 minutes of moderate physical A daily algae-based omega-3 supplement can supply get the fat activity into our schedule five days per week has been shown to straight from algae, without the worry of the unhealthy heavy metsignificantly improve both mood and sleep. als found in fish sources (fish get their omega-3s from algae).

Step Outside. Communing with nature is good for our mental Eat High-Quality Proteins. Brain cells communicate using health, as it significantly improves life satisfaction and feelings neurotransmitters, and low neurotransmitter levels cause depresof well-being and decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety. sion. High-quality proteins provide the building blocks and can Try gardening or walking in nature. Even stepping outside and therefore improve mood. Although proteins can be found in many putting our feet in the grass can lift our mood. animal products, the risk of depression is increased by eating foods containing arachidonic acid (highest in egg yolks and poultry) and Laura Varich, M.D., is the owner of Fresh Physician. For quessaturated fats (found in all types of meat, cheese and milk products). tions about health through nutrition and lifestyle, email Varich Focusing on eating healthy proteins found in fish and legumes and see the question answered at FreshPhysician@gmail.com, or (beans, peas and lentils) is a great approach to reducing depression. visit FreshPhysician.com.

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Summer Season Projected to Last Longer

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A new study by scientists at the State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography, in China, and published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, predicts that if emissions of greenhouse gases go unchecked, summers in the Northern Hemisphere could last nearly six months by 2100.

The impacts will be felt on human health, agriculture and ecology, such as the timing of animal feeding, breeding and migration, as well as promoting more heat waves, droughts and wildfires.

The research analyzed six decades of historical daily climate records and employed climate models to project future trends. Summer was defined as the onset of temperatures in the hottest 25 percent of the year and winter as temperatures in the coldest 25 percent. The number of summer days in the Northern Hemisphere increased from 78 to 95 between 1952 and 2011.

Burn Notice

Sunscreens Harm Hawaiian Reefs

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Bill 132, banning sunscreens containing the chemicals avobenzone or octocrylene, has progressed through the Hawaiian House and Senate.

If it passes, the bill will go into effect January 1, 2023, to prohibit the sale or distribution of any sunscreen containing the targeted chemicals unless the buyer has a valid prescription. The outlawed chemicals can make corals more susceptible to viral infections and bleaching. Octocrylene can disrupt human hormones and harm marine animals. Avobenzone is an endocrine disruptor and can make coral less resilient to high temperatures.

Maxx Phillips, Hawaii director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, says, “This is great news for our imperiled coral reefs and marine life. People can protect their skin without harmful petrochemicals while Hawaii protects public and environmental health.” For those needing to protect themselves from the sun without harming ocean life, scientists and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommend products containing non-nanoized titanium dioxide and non-nanoized zinc oxide.

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North Central FL Edition

Wild Birds Trained to Pick Up Litter

Crows, capable of complex thought and skilled problem solvers, can also make and use tools. Now, several projects aim to enlist crows and other wild creatures as volunteers to keep the environment tidy. A Dutch company, Crowded Cities, has a device called the CrowBar (Tinyurl.com/Crow BarInvention) that trains birds to collect discarded cigarette butts in exchange for food, creating a low-cost solution to a problem that is labor-intensive for humans.

The machine presents a piece of food next to a cigarette butt on a platform, training the crow to expect food there. Then it starts dispensing the food only after the crow arrives, teaching the crow how the machine operates.

Next, it presents only the cigarette butt, with no food. The crow starts looking around for the food and accidentally knocks the butt in, which releases a treat. The last step is to scatter a few cigarette butts on the ground around the CrowBar. When the training is complete, the crow will start collecting butts from the surrounding area and bringing them to the machine for a reward.

Leftover Love

Olio App Prevents Food Waste

Uneaten food often ends up in the trash, but Olio, an app created in 2015 by English entrepreneurs Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One, allows people with extra food to post a picture online. Anyone that wants the food can respond and pick it up as a gift. There is no money exchanged, and no swapping or bartering. Almost 3.5 million people use Olio in 50 countries. The app claims to have prevented “3,775 tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere and eliminating 12,171,045 car miles from the road.”

Nonprofit Project Drawdown notes, “Almost 1.4 billion hectares of land; close to 30 percent of the world’s agricultural land, is dedicated to producing food that is never eaten; and the carbon footprint of food wastage makes it the third emitter of CO2 after the U.S. and China, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways of tackling the global climate crisis.”

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Calendar Conundrum

Avian Assistants

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global briefs

business spotlight

Crone’s Cradle Stewards the Land

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he Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation (CCCF) became a nonprofit business in 2010 and added the word foundation to the name.

Two conservation-minded women initially purchesed 80 acres in 1986 in northeast Marion County, and planted the first organic garden in 1987.

Today, the Conserve totals 756 acres.

The Crones’ Cradle Conserve (CCC) name has symbolic meaning: “Crone - to honor elder folk who are often ignored, neglected, and forgotten; Cradle - because of our commitment to nurture the Earth, its wildlife, and people in physical, emotional, and spiritual need and recovery; and Conserve - because the land is conserved, as are foods and values.”

CCCF identified two areas needing restoration when they began. One, is wetlands restoration in a first-time privatepublic partnership with a state agency, enabling the return of more then 200 acres to original water flow and wetlands habitat. This project is 85 percent completed. The second restoration area is the removal of almost 400 acres of planted pine and restoring native Southern Yellow Pine, thus improving gopher tortoise and dozens of other native wildlife habitat.

This project is 65 percent completed. The CCC received recognition as a Florida Stewardship Forest in 2010 from the Florida Department of Forestry.

CCCF is a natural farm, raising more than 50 vegetables, 25 herbs, and nearly one dozen fruits for sale to people, many of which have chosen to take responsibility

for their food and health.

Many wild fruits grow on the farm and are used in food dishes, jams, jellies and wines. CCC grows produce naturally and chemical-free. In the greenhouse, they propagate seeds and then sell them as seedlings or transplant into the fields to become excellent produce. CCC sells produce at a Country Store open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.;·the Farm to Fare subscription basket program; and by delivery to local restaurants. Guided tours visit the gardens, the greenhouse, a bee demonstration and a worm/composting demonstration.

CCCF works to honor the early pioneers and demonstrate the usefulness of their skills by presenting abilities workshops that may enable higher current living standards if adopted. Sustainability is the underlying theme of all the Conserve’s endeavors.

Sustainability, conservation, prudence and frugality is practiced. The ultimate priority of the Conserve is protecting and respecting the Earth. They work to enable people to become aware and committed to the Earth through farming, conservation, restoration, activities and philosophy.

Now offering vegetable and herb seedlings, CSA farm-to-fare program and an extended tour for $15 per person and kid’s groups are $5 per student. Cost for a tour (minimum of 10) is $10 per person/tour with lunch is $20. Location: 6411 NE 217th Pl., Citra. For more information, call 352-5953377 or visit CronesCradleConserve.org.

See ad, page 27.

Crone - to honor elder folk who are often ignored, neglected, and forgotten; Cradle - because of our commitment to nurture the Earth, its wildlife, and people in physical, emotional, and spiritual need and recovery; and Conserve - because the land is conserved, as are foods and values.

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conscious eating

Vegan Road-Tripping Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eaters

by Carol Sanders

T

syda productions/AdobeStock.com

o maximize health and minimize our impact on the planet, a whole-food, plantbased diet reigns supreme. Cooking at home ensures quality-controlled ingredients, but when traveling, extra measures are needed to enjoy healthy options while avoiding the allure of diet-busting, processed foods. The key to success is a combination of planning and resolve.

Much can be done before the trip begins. Research the destination and road trip stops, says Julieanna Hever, registered dietitian and author of Plant-Based Nutrition (Idiot’s Guides). She recommends reviewing online menus, calling ahead to clarify options and using apps like Yelp.com and HappyCow.net to scout for restaurants and grocery stores.

Her favorite places are Thai and Mexican eateries, as well as steakhouses for their plantbased side dishes. Upon arrival at her destination, she hits a grocery store to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies.

“We live in an extremely difficult food environment, with a lot of triggers and inputs that don’t go away even if you’ve been eating a healthy diet for a long time,” says Micaela Karlsen, Ph.D., senior director of research at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of A Plant-Based Life. “For people that are transitioning into this new lifestyle, the highly refined foods they are used to eating are kind of low-grade addictive substances 14

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and what researchers call hyper-palatable foods like added fat, sugar and salt that stimulate the brain in a similar way as addictive drugs like cocaine or alcohol, so it’s really a process of withdrawal for people initially.”

To combat the temptations, especially when away from home, Hever advises writing down and clearly understanding dietary goals and the reasons for eating this way. “I work with people that are very sick and with elite athletes. Their goals may be different from everyday people that want to have a vacation,” she says. “Do you want to have another heart attack or reactivate your diabetes? No. Are you totally healthy and consciously deciding to splurge once in a while? That can totally fit into a healthy lifestyle. What matters most is choosing to eat whole food, plant-based foods most of the time.”

Karlsen recommends always carrying snacks. “Don’t let yourself get too hungry or too tired, because when people are extra hungry or run-down, the reward experience of eating goes up and willpower goes down,” she explains, adding that dried fruit, nuts, rice cakes, individually packaged nut butter and fresh fruits are good portable snacks to carry. At the hotel, microwaveable popcorn, as well as oats and shelf-stable, single-portion almond or soy milk, will help stave off the munchies.

“I love granola, not only for breakfast, but also as a snack in the mid-afternoon,” Karlsen says. “Most store-bought granola, however, is akin to food crime. Oats are whole, healthy and cheap, but once oil, sugar and other stuff are added, the commercial product is high in fat, way too sweet and really expensive. The first time I made granola myself, I was amazed at how I didn’t even notice that the oil and sugar weren’t there. It was delicious and so satisfying.”

According to both experts, a cooler in the car or a refrigerator at the destination hotel expands the kinds of home-prepared foods that can accompany travelers, including hummus spread over crudités or sprouted, whole-grain crackers, as well as any kind of leftover dishes. They both

tout the convenience and tastiness of nori rolls—a wide variety of ingredients wrapped in a sheet of dried seaweed. Among Karlsen’s favorite nori fillings are tempeh baked with tamari and a little maple syrup, topped with tomato and kale; peanut butter and pickles; avocado rubbed with umeboshi plum vinegar; and sweet potato, avocado, red pepper and thinly sliced carrots.

“Food is intertwined in our culture with entertainment, but thinking about food that way doesn’t really serve our biological potential for wellness,” says Karlsen. “People are so accustomed to these highly rewarding, intense foods like buffalo wings, pizza or chocolate cake that they actually don’t know what it feels like to enjoy something that’s simple and unrefined.

There’s a lot of enjoyment in healthy eating. The longer you do it, the more it becomes enjoyable.”

Carol Sanders is a professional writer and can be reached at GoodEyePress@gmail.com.

Japanese Noritos 2 sheets nori 1 tsp low-sodium miso paste ¼ cup cooked brown rice ½ small Persian cucumber, julienned 1 ½ Tbsp shredded carrots (chard, dandelion greens, kale and/or spinach) 1 tsp low-sodium tamari 1 tsp sesame seeds Place nori sheets on a flat surface. Gently and evenly place miso paste on half of each nori sheet. Add brown rice, Persian cucumber and shredded carrots on top of miso paste. Drizzle with tamari and lightly sprinkle sesame seeds over top. Tightly roll the nori sheets like a burrito from ingredient-filled side. Slice into pieces to make them easier to eat.

Courtesy of Julieanna Hever. For more information, visit PlantBasedDietitian.com.

Almond Cinnamon Granola 1 12-oz jar unsweetened applesauce 10 dates, pitted 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cinnamon 6 cups plus 2 Tbsp thick rolled oats 1 cup sliced raw almonds (optional) 1 cup raisins (optional) Blend the applesauce, dates, vanilla, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of oats in a blender until smooth. In a large bowl, combine the applesauce mixture with the remaining oats. Spread mixture evenly onto dehydrator racks or baking sheets. Cook in a dehydrator set on high (160º F) for 7 to 8 hours or in an oven set at 225º F for 1½ hours until slightly brown and crunchy.

If using an oven, make sure to break up the granola and turn it every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, add almonds and raisins, if desired.

Courtesy of Micaela Karlsen.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins 1 medium banana, mashed 15-oz can sweet pumpkin puree ¼ cup 100 percent pure maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups gluten-free, all-purpose, whole-grain flour blend ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground ginger 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (grain-sweetened) Preheat oven to 375° F. In a large bowl, combine mashed banana, pumpkin puree, maple syrup and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Transfer dry mixture to large bowl and mix together gently until well combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent toughness in the final product. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into silicon muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are lightly browned. Remove muffins from the oven and let cool for five minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Courtesy of Julieanna Hever. For more information, visit PlantBasedDietitian.com.

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guide to area 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

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

North Central FL Edition

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

Frog Song Organics

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Citrus County

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

Harbison Farm Cattle and Produce

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

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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

inspiration

Simple Acts Can Change the World

by Julie Peterson

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t’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better.

BE THE CHANGE. If the park needs more shade, ask permission to plant a tree. If there is trash on the sidewalk, pick it up. An eyesore building could be a community art project.

The possibilities are endless. Sometimes the very things that we complain about can be turned into action items, improving conditions for everyone. Fix something.

leszek glasner/AdobeStock.com

CHOOSE GRATITUDE. It’s difficult to miss the news as it pops up on phones, computers and TV. But media outlets can offer a repetitive loop of negativity and conflict. When exposed to this for hours, it can erode faith in humanity and hope for the future. To prevent feeling a sense of soul-crushing doom, we must tune out of the constant chatter. Select 30 minutes every other day to read news. We will become more positive if we spend the former news time listening to music or writing in a gratitude journal. Appreciate the good.

done anonymously: pay the toll for the next car, deliver a care package, donate supplies to a local nonprofit or simply smile at strangers. Give freely.

Every time we fix, appreciate, respect and give with a genuine heart, there is a ripple effect. Everyone we touch feels better.

Moving forward, these people likely will be kinder to others.

Envision each genuine act pouring forth like a wave of light, gathering momentum as others add their light. Imagine it can wash over the Earth, touching everyone. We can make a difference. Start now.

Julie Peterson is a Random Acts of Kindness activist (RAKtivist.com), an assistant to the Wisconsin Kindness Angel and an advisor for Kindness Bank, a nonprofit invested in improving community health and well-being.

FIND COMPASSION. When there is no shortage of road rage, angry customers and political divisiveness, don’t engage.

We never know what another person has gone through in life or earlier that day. Don’t be a judge; be a vector to peace. Let the driver merge, let others be right, let our buttons get pushed without escalating the situation. Loving kindness for others involves wishing them health, happiness and safety. It doesn’t need to be outwardly expressed; it can be an internal thought.

Respect everyone.

BE KIND. Perhaps there is someone that would appreciate a meal or help with chores. Offer time without expectation of a reward. Random acts of kindness can be June 2021

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green living

Traveling for the Planet Sustainable Ways to Explore the World

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by Sandra Yeyati

A

fter more than a year in social isolation, many of us are ready to hit the road, meet new people, fly to exotic locations and enjoy the sights and flavors of anywherebut-here. Although the travel industry is raring to serve pent-up demand, this unprecedented respite can be an opportunity to reset priorities. When choosing hotels, modes of transportation, places to shop and dine, and other activities, consider their sustainability.

Tourism need not harm the planet. With proper planning, it can enrich it while benefiting the people living in the places we visit.

Fly Direct and Economy “Flying is the most carbon-intensive thing we can do in our lives,” says Holly Tuppen, author of Sustainable Travel: The Essential Guide to Positive Impact Adventures. To reduce emissions, she recommends flying direct in space-saving economy seats; taking longer, less frequent vacations; and using trains or other overland transportation whenever possible.

Take it Slow In 2010, Tuppen travelled around the world without flying for 20 months. “We walked, biked, sailed across the Atlantic, got on a container ship across the Pacific, took trains, hitchhiked—a whole heap of transport cobbled together,” she recalls. “It’s not that 18

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bucket-list idea of flying into a place, doing everything quickly and ticking off experiences. With slow travel, you’re letting the journey be part of the experience and inevitably, you meet more people along the way.”

Don’t Overdo It In another eco-friendly aspect of that excursion, Tuppen visited places that weren’t tourism hotspots. “From Venice to Bali to Mexico, there are examples of places that before the pandemic had too many visitors—more than the infrastructure could handle,” she says. “That’s a massive problem, because it harms the life of local people. When the cruise industry started to stop in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for example, local amenities like hairdressers and grocery stores became souvenir shops.”

Keep it Local According to Tuppen, the needs of locals should take precedence over those of tourists. A related problem is tourism economic leakage. “If you spend $2,000 on a trip to Thailand, my hope would be that I’d be contributing $2,000 to the economy in Thailand, but in reality, the way that the tourism supply chain is set up, a huge proportion of that money will end up in the hands of international companies,” she explains. “Ideally, we should be looking

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for accommodations, experiences, stores, restaurants that are all locally owned rather than being part of an international chain. If you’re booking a hotel, 70 percent or more of the workforce should be local.”

eco tip

To help travelers express their gratitude to a community for their hospitality, Rebecca Rothney founded PackForAPurpose.org, which lists items locals need and the accommodations and tour companies that deliver them to more than 450 community projects worldwide. Travelers dedicate a portion of their luggage space to carry in-kind donations and drop them off when they arrive at their hotel or meet their tour guide. Common items are medical and school supplies, as well as crafting materials for women to make and sell items like jewelry and trinkets, providing money to pay for their children’s education. “A stethoscope weighs less than a kilo, but it can touch 10,000 hearts,” she says.

Book Kind Hotels Finding sustainable accommodations can be challenging and time-consuming, but KindTraveler.com is helping to change that.

Recognized by Travel + Leisure as a 2020 Global Vision Award recipient, the hotel booking platform offers exclusive rates and perks from vetted, Earth-friendly accommodations when travelers make a nightly donation to a local charity that positively impacts the community visited.

“A $10 donation will provide care for a rescue kitten for one month in Belize, clean 250 pounds of trash out of a waterway in Sonoma, California, or provide 40 nutritious meals to individuals in need in New York City,” says co-founder Jessica Blotter.

There are hundreds of participating hotels in 22 countries benefitting 70 global charities with an emphasis on fighting poverty, advancing environmental sustainability and reducing inequalities in communities.

“It’s a way to connect, feel good and have meaningful experiences, knowing that your travel dollars are leaving the destination better than before you arrived,” Blotter says.

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

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

THANANIT/AdobeStock.com

Pack for a Purpose

Rethinking Fireworks

Greener Ways to Celebrate the Fourth Synonymous with American Independence Day, fireworks have been around for thousands of years.

Earliest versions originated in China, where people tossed bamboo stalks into a fire to ward off evil spirits, which exploded as the hollow areas of the stalks heated up. Later, a Chinese alchemist invented gunpowder—a mixture of potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal—that when poured into bamboo sticks, created the first fireworks.

Environmental and Health Impacts Today, most fireworks are made of non-biodegradable plastics and harmful chemicals. When set ablaze, they release smoke and particulate matter, polluting the ground, air and water. Viewing fireworks poses health risks, particularly to people with preexisting ailments. It’s best to watch them from far away and upwind of the launch site or indoors through a closed window. Pet owners lament the noise pollution these pyrotechnics produce, and every year injuries and fires result when people unsafely light their own rockets at home.

Greener Fireworks While climate-neutral fireworks don’t exist, some products are more ecofriendly. The Walt Disney Company has patented a new technology to replace gunpowder by using compressed air to launch fireworks—a potentially safer, quieter and less polluting alternative. European fire-

works manufacturer WECO Feuerwerk (weco.de) is gradually replacing plastic components with compostable, plant-based fibers.

A particularly troublesome compound is perchlorate, which helps fireworks burn longer, but inhibits thyroid function after repeated exposure. A cleaner alternative is nitrogen, which produces less smoke and fewer dangerous byproducts. With less smoke, smaller amounts of toxic metal salts are needed to produce the brilliantly colored flames. For now, nitrogen-based fireworks are much more expensive and not widely used in outdoor settings. Indoor, low-smoke pyrotechnics are available through DMD Systems at AngelFire.com.

Planet-Friendly Alternatives Drone light shows involve the launching of hundreds or even thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with powerful LEDs that light up the sky. The drones are reusable, silent and do not release chemicals. Because they are controlled digitally, an almost infinite combination of movements, colors and artistic expressions are possible.

Lasers can also paint the night sky.

The most compelling displays are done professionally, but a colorful and exciting light show can be created at home with a portable projector.

To add red, white and blue charm both indoors and out, solar-powered or LED string lights or lanterns can decorate the home.

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INTEGRATIVE HEALTH FOR MEN Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality

by Ronica O’Hara

S

tatistically speaking, living long and well is an uphill battle for most American men. Compared to women, they eat worse, smoke more, drink harder, exercise less and suffer more injuries. They live on average five fewer years than women. At birth, they outnumber women 105 to 100, but by age 60, it’s flipped to 95 to 100. Of the 15 leading causes of death, the only one men don’t lead in is Alzheimer’s, because many of them don’t live long enough to develop it.

Men are markedly slow to consult doctors. Seventy-two percent would rather do household chores like cleaning toilets, one survey found, and 37 percent admitted that they withheld information from doctors to avoid hearing a bad diagnosis. When more serious symptoms arise like chest pain or painful urination, they can turn to medical specialists and the latest technology to get heart stents inserted, kidneys flushed out and pain lowered with pharmaceuticals. By then, however, disease can be advanced and the prognosis dimmer.

But that “macho man” approach is ebbing as men—especially millennials—increasingly adopt proactive integrative strategies to take control of their health. “As traditional gender roles continue to fade with the times, there will be less of a stigma around men’s health care and we’ll start to see more and more men placing greater importance on their health,” says integrative internist Myles Spar, M.D., co-author of Integrative Men’s Health and chief medical officer of Vault, a men’s health care organization. By dealing head-on with not just a condition’s symptoms, but also with its physical, mental and emotional roots, men can become better equipped to enjoy long years of robust health.

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North Central FL Edition

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HEART DISEASE The leading cause of death for men in the U.S., heart disease kills one in four men. Half of those that died suddenly exhibited no previous symptoms. Men develop heart disease 10 years younger than women on average, possibly because estrogen has a protective effect on coronary arteries. Stress, especially in economically beleaguered occupations and areas, takes a toll, as evidenced by rising drug abuse among men nationwide.

“Overall, it appears that men’s coping with stressful events may be less adaptive physiologically, behaviorally and emotionally, contributing to their increased risk for coronary heart disease,” concludes a State University of New York at Stonybrook study.

hampered by such conditions as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, insomnia and alcohol use. Although a quarter of new patients with ED are under age 40, mild and moderate ED affects approximately 50 percent of men in their 50s and 60 percent in their 60s.

Integrative medicine offers potent strategies such as exercise, weight loss, good sleep and a varied diet, factors that can reverse ED, according to Australian researchers. “Men aren’t ever going to stop eating hotdogs in the name of ‘wellness’, but if you tell a man that eating hotdogs will impact his ability to get erections, he’ll never eat a hotdog again,” says Spar.

SYMPTOMS: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, sensations in arms and legs such as pain, swelling, weakness or tingling.

SYMPTOMS: repeated difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, reduced sexual desire.

NEW RESEARCH: Active, 40-ish men that were able to do 40 pushups had a 96 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years than men doing less than 10 pushups, a Harvard study concludes. A 10-year study of 134,297 people from 21 countries found that eating six ounces or more each week of processed meat like bacon, sausages and salami was linked to a 46 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 51 percent higher risk of death.

NEW RESEARCH: In a survey of 12 studies involving 8,300 participants, the longer-lasting erection drug Cialis (tadalafil) beat out Viagra (sildenafil) as the drug of choice by a three to one margin. Cornell researchers found that of the 48 percent of older men in one study with ED, only 7 percent had tried an erection drug, and fewer than half refilled the initial prescription, partly due to unpleasant side effects.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: “An integrative model for heart disease, when done properly, hunts down chronic inflammation in the body wherever it is and attempts to remedy it naturally, which is why we have had so much more success and significantly fewer side effects than conventional medicine,” says naturopathic cardiologist Decker Weiss, of Scottsdale, Arizona, a pioneer in the field. Typically, integrative cardiologists will interview a patient to determine the root causes of inflammation, including diet, physical activity and emotional stress. After targeted lab tests, they may prescribe botanicals along with pharmaceuticals like diuretics and beta blockers to manage fluids and vital signs. They often focus on repairing the gastrointestinal tract with specific probiotics and restoring the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) with nutrients like magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid. They’ll encourage patients to switch to healthier, plant-based diets; perhaps to undergo a colon, liver or lymph cleanse; and exercise and use stress-reducing practices like meditation or martial arts.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: An integrative strategy typically involves a doctor checking and increasing a man’s testosterone levels if necessary; a thorough checkup and lab tests to detect and treat causes such as diabetes and high cholesterol; and vetting and replacing medications such as antihistamines and blood pressure drugs that might cause ED. For relationship problems, anxiety or depression, a cognitive behavioral therapist might be recommended and mindfulness meditation might be encouraged to reduce stress.

A weight-loss plan featuring more produce and less meat is typically suggested: men with a 42-inch waist are 50 percent more likely to have ED than men with a 32-inch waist. Some foods like arginine-rich oatmeal and antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice, as well as supplements like DHEA, L-arginine, zinc and panax ginseng have also proven helpful in studies.

Effective exercises include Kegels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, Pilates to build core strength and aerobic workouts to strengthen blood vessels. Just 30 minutes of walking each day was linked to a 41 percent drop in risk for ED, Harvard researchers found.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

PROSTATE CANCER

Erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex, often drives a man to seek medical care. An erection—a complex interplay among the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels—can be

Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, 60 percent of which are over age 65. African American men get prostate cancer younger, have more severe cases and are twice as likely to die from it. Although it’s not as virulent as most other cancers, it

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requires monitoring, sometimes for decades, which compels some men to get serious about diet and exercise. “If you hear you have cancer, the rug is pulled out from underneath you and you feel you’ve lost your locus of control to surgeons and other doctors,” says integrative oncologist Donald Abrams, of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. “But lifestyle changes are important, useful and have an impact, and they’re something patients themselves have control over and can decide to do.”

DEPRESSION

SYMPTOMS: They may be silent or involve frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, urinary leaking, needing to urinate frequently at night, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction or discomfort when sitting.

SYMPTOMS: Besides anger and irritability, depressed men are more prone to lose weight rather than gain it, become obsessive-compulsive rather than anxious and experience physical problems like headaches, stomach ailments and chronic pain.

Up to one-third of men may experience depression, but it’s marked more by bravado than tears. “Rather than appearing sad, men with depression are more likely to react with anger, self-destructive behavior, self-distraction, or numbing of pain with substance use, gambling, womanizing and workaholism,” concludes a major University of Michigan study in JAMA Psychiatry. Irritability, blowing up at minor annoyances, sudden spells of aggression and risky behaviors are other hallmarks. Men are far less likely than women to seek treatment and four times as likely to die by suicide.

A patient receiving NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy.

NEW RESEARCH: The more faithfully that men with localized prostate cancer followed a Mediterranean diet, the better their disease fared, report University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers. Drinking several cups of coffee every day may be linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer, suggests a pooled data analysis in the online journal BMJ Open. A new urine test for prostate cancer is so accurate it could have eliminated the need for one-third of biopsies in a recent study of 1,500 patients in the Journal of Urology.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: In a 2018 comprehensive review of prostate cancer studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Abrams recommends a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet that emphasizes cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, soy, pomegranate, green tea and fish-based omega-3s; limiting meat, sugary drinks and saturated fats; supplementing with vitamin D3 and omega-3s while avoiding selenium and vitamin E; exercising daily, with yoga and tai chi especially providing mind-body benefits; and using acupuncture to manage the side effects of conventional treatments. To combat the anxiety that can arise during the period between a diagnosis and surgery, Abrams suggests stress-reducing therapies like mindfulness training, reiki and support groups.

NEW RESEARCH: Men with moderate to high levels of what Russian researchers call “vital exhaustion”, marked by excessive fatigue, demoralization and irritability, are 16 percent more likely to have a heart attack within 15 years. The risk doubles for men that never married, were divorced or became widowed.

INTEGRATIVE APPROACHES: “First, it is important to get a lab screening to rule out low testosterone, vitamin deficiencies, anemia and thyroid problems,” says holistic psychiatrist W. Nate Upshaw, M.D., medical director of NeuroSpaTMS, in Tampa. He also checks for sleep disorders, treats with cognitive behavioral therapy and after getting lab results, suggests such supplements as vitamins B12, D3 and methylfolate. His lab focuses particularly on transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, which a 2020 Stanford study found to be 90 percent effective in relieving drug-resistant depression. “It restores healthy brain function without medications, and with essentially no side effects,” says Upshaw, adding that the approach is particularly good for men that want to avoid the sexual side effects of antidepressants.

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

TO LEARN MORE Integrative cancer care: A four-part video lecture series by integrative oncologist Donald Abrams, M.D., of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. Osher.ucsf.edu/patient-care/patient-careteam/donald-abrams.

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North Central FL Edition

Health self-quiz: Myles Spar, M.D., co-author of Integrative Men’s Health, offers a simple quiz that helps identify health problems and proposes integrative strategies. Tinyurl. com/DrSparHealthQuiz.

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healing ways

Beat the Blues Naturally Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression

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by Julie Peterson

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ack of interest, low energy, changes in weight, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness are some of the symptoms that can occur in varying degrees with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 17.3 million adults in the U.S. experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2017. With the pandemic, the rate tripled, with 27.8 percent of adults reporting symptoms, according to a September 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open.

Mainstream medical doctors typically prescribe antidepressant drugs, but the plethora of adverse effects such as anxiety, digestive disturbances, headaches, weight gain and sexual dysfunction can cause additional woes. In addition, efficacy is in question. In The 24

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Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth, Irving Kirsch, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the UK University of Hull, declares, “The belief that antidepressants can cure depression chemically is simply wrong.”

Antidepressants may merely mask symptoms. “Covering over symptoms is a missed opportunity to resolve the root cause of the problem,” says Manhattan-based holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, author of A Mind of Your Own and co-editor of the textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression.

Further, because many depressed people do not receive treatment due to financial, cultural or personal reasons, effective alternative therapies are necessary for improving public health.

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Nature’s Medicine Before starting any treatment, it’s important to verify that depression exists and rule out potential conditions like nutritional deficiencies, low thyroid function, food allergies or other issues.

Many people find that herbs provide gentler action and fewer adverse effects than conventional antidepressants. Even some conventional health practitioners are beginning to get on board. Women’s health expert Nicole Galan, RN, wrote in a 2019 article in Medical News Today, “Medications and counseling are conventional ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression.

However, some herbs and supplements may also help.”

Common herbs include St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), which has been shown to work about the same as antidepressants for mild and moderate depression; American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), which improve mental clarity and energy, and reduce the effects of stress; and saffron (Crocus sativus), which is safe and effective, although expensive. While herbal medicines are available over the counter, it’s important to consult with a doctor or herbalist, as some are not safe in conjunction with other medications or during pregnancy.

Homeopathic remedies are more complex, personalized and diluted, but have no contraindications. Lone Pedersen, a certified classical homeopath in Seattle, says that homeopathy treatments are “gentle, safe, non-toxic and side-effect free.”

Clean Food Improves Mood Several studies have found that eating a poor-quality diet high in processed meat, sweets, fried food, refined cereals and high-fat dairy leads to a higher likelihood of depression. “The single greatest thing anyone can do for their health is to eat whole foods, including organic vegetables, fruits, high-quality proteins, whole grains and healthy fats,” says Dorothy Calimeris, an author and wellness coach in Oakland, whose cookbooks promote anti-inflammatory diets for optimal health.

Inflammation has been linked to numerous health issues, including depression. To start an anti-inflammatory diet, eliminate

foods that commonly trigger inflammation, starting with gluten, soy, corn and the biggest culprit of all, sugar. A 2019 study by University of Kansas researchers and other studies indicate that sugar itself is a trigger for mental health issues.

Don’t forget about the “food” the skin absorbs. Switching to organic body care and home cleaning products minimizes exposure to biology-disrupting toxins that have been linked to depression.

Set the Endorphins Free Many studies have shown that exercise reduces the symptoms of depression.

Extra boosts come from getting outside to increase levels of vitamin D and exercising with a friend to enhance social support.

Just 20 to 30 minutes of activity several times each week improves well-being. The

best news is that any movement helps— walking, tai chi, gardening, dancing—anything that feels good.

“Taking a yoga class helps to relieve depression by increasing focus and attention, releasing endorphins and oxytocin, stretching the body, relaxing tension, creating community and adjusting breathing patterns,” says Rose Kress, owner and director of LifeForce Yoga Institute, in Lebanon, Oregon, and author of Awakening Your Inner Radiance with LifeForce Yoga. She recommends determining one enjoyable pose and practicing it every day: “Five minutes a day is enough to make a change.”

Julie Peterson writes about wellness and environmental issues and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade.

Next Steps “Mental health requires the ‘whole enchilada’, as the saying goes. Bring it all in! I use crystals, music, meditation, chanting, massage, painting, images, vitamins, essential oils, prayer, food, exercise, nature, friends and psychotherapy to remind me that I am already whole. Yoga is just one ingredient in the enchilada of mental health,” says Rose Kress, owner and director of the LifeForce Yoga Institute, in Lebanon, Oregon, and author of Awakening Your Inner Radiance with LifeForce Yoga. “If it brings you a sense of ease around your feelings of depression, use it. If you are not sure, ask your support network for help.”

Psychologists, support groups and counselors can be found through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America or by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357), the national helpline of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Both are free, confidential referral and information services.

Depression can become severe and warrant intervention. If someone is suicidal, stay with them and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, a 24/7 national network of local crisis centers, providing free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress.

Alternative modalities for depression could fill volumes, and they have. Check these out for more information: n Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety: Nourish Your Way to Better Mental Health in Six Weeks, by Drew Ramsey, M.D. n Ayurveda for Depression: An Integrative Approach to Restoring Balance and

Reclaiming Your Health, by L. Eduardo Cardona-Sanclemente

n How Come They’re Happy and I’m Not?: The Complete Natural Program for

Healing Depression for Good, by Peter Bongiorno, ND

n How to Heal Yourself from Depression When No One Else Can: A Self-Guided

Program to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t, by Amy B. Scher

n Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieve Suffering Through Yoga,

by Amy Weintraub “While it may take dedication to embody the peace you seek, the glimpse of that peace can be enough to fuel you through the times you want to give up,” adds Kress.

June 2021

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fit body

The Fit Gardener

Backyard Workouts Good for Mind and Body

visivasncAdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

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oth gardeners and researchers know that tilling the soil can lower stress and uplift the mood, and gardening can also foster fitness, burn calories and support heart health. By offering an opportunity for moderate intensity exercise, it provides a challenging workout with aerobic benefits. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, light yardwork can help burn 330 calories an hour, so using a trowel, pruning bushes and putting down some mulch can go a long way toward realizing this benefit. Heavy yard work, like hauling buckets of dirt and moving rocks, burns 440 calories an hour.

Time spent in the garden can be a dynamic fitness investment, whether it’s for 10 minutes or two hours. “Gardening is a full-body workout that uses every muscle. There’s bending and squatting, carrying and lifting, digging, walking and reaching high,” says Pollyanna Hale, the British author of The Fit Mum Formula. “Another benefit to gardening is that you can go at your own pace.”

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Power Up Outside Staying active fortifies the immune system, and gardening provides a way to work out while working the earth. Cynthia Miller, a seasoned bodyworker and passionate gardener for 30 years in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, attests to the fitness challenge. “Gardening can involve many forms of physical activity, including carrying plants, hoeing, shoveling, lugging buckets of compost, pulling weeds, bending, kneeling and constantly getting up and down. Initially, in the spring, there may be

a lot more intense physical labor involved to get a garden started, especially if you need to break ground. Keeping up with the weeding can be a good workout in and of itself.”

Hale emphasizes working within the scope of our personal fitness level and taking advantage of outdoor perks. “The fresh air and sunshine you get in your garden are benefits not found in a sweaty gym,” she says. “Many people are deficient in vitamin D, which we get primarily from sun exposure. Even if it’s cloudy outside, you’ll still be getting some benefits.”

Aerobic Gardening With mindfulness, gardening can be a self-paced power workout, especially when muscle groups are treated equally. “Incorporate some stretches when you’re raking and cleaning up before your session. Engage your core and pull your abs in tight during your movements,” recommends Chicago-based Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS health and fitness show Step It Up with Steph.

Mansour highlights the power of raking and underscores that any gardening session can become more aerobic by adding quicker movements. “Move quickly with your upper body to get in cardio. Moving faster will get your heart rate going and will help you burn calories. Another strategy to incorporate cardio into your gardening is to encourage yourself to stand up after each flower you plant or run in place for 10 seconds with each task completion.”

Yoga in the Garden Incorporating some asanas adds another dimension to garden fitness, offsetting potential bodily discomforts from hours of work. A yoga mat can be used outside to protect from wet or muddy ground. “Additionally, you may find yourself in uncomfortable positions while gardening. Kneeling or squatting can cause aches and pains,” explains Mansour. “I suggest transforming these positions into yoga movements. You can garden in a modified low lunge position, with one leg behind you and the other foot forward, resting on the knee of your back leg while getting a hip flexor stretch in the front leg. While on your knees, put one leg out to the side so that you’re resting just on one knee and stretching the inner thigh and hamstring of your extended leg.”

Depending upon climate and personal ambition, garden workouts can nourish in other ways, as well. “Once you feel the physical and mental benefits of an hour outside in nature, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it more often,” says Hale.

Miller agrees. “There is nothing like getting your hands in the soil to literally ground you. Nature calms our nervous systems.

Watching the tiny seeds you planted burst forth and grow into something you can harvest is a miracle like none other.”

Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

June 2021

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healthy kids

home settings where impressionable kids will naturally learn to chill out. “Babies are continually sensing their environments,” she says. “Just speaking in a calm voice or slowing down the pace of life, taking time to connect or practicing infant massage can prime their little minds and bodies for learning how to self-regulate, cope with life and default to relaxation mode just as soon as they feel stressed.”

Relaxed Kids Simple Ways to Calm Anxious Children

Benefits of Kid Relaxation Techniques

by Sandra Yeyati

From breathing games and animal-like yoga positions to meditative art activities and mindful nature walks, child-friendly relaxation techniques are limited only by our imagination. When practiced consistently, they offer numerous benefits, including increased awareness, attention, empathy, resilience and generosity; less emotional reactivity; and improved memory, according to Whitney Stewart, meditation teacher and author of Mindful Kids: 50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus and Calm (BarefootBooks.com/ mindful-kids).

kornnphoto/AdobeStock.com

Getting Started

I

t doesn’t take a full-on tantrum for children to experience or exhibit stress. According to licensed school psychologist and spiritual counselor Zemirah Jazwierska, anxiety is a child’s natural response to not having consistency or predictability in their environment. During the pandemic, with school closings, social isolation and associated challenges, childhood angst is on the rise, says the Boulder, Colorado, blogger at KidsRelaxation.com.

Setting a Calm Example Jazwierska believes that it’s never too early to expose kids to relaxation practices. She invites moms to incorporate meditation even while they’re pregnant, “to bathe their little babies in lots of good-feeling hormones and chemicals.” After birth, while an infant may be too young to learn how to meditate, she recommends that parents create relaxing 28

North Central FL Edition

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Stewart recommends that parents and caregivers consider adopting their own mindfulness or meditation practices before introducing them to their children.

“The next step could be to invite children to practice with you,” she advises. “With toddlers, this may be an invitation to sit or lie down with hands on their tummy or chest to let them feel their breath coming in and going out of their body. Young children don’t always have an awareness of their breath. Parents and caregivers can help them understand how we breathe in different situations; how breath can speed up or slow down in response to our physical and emotional state.”

Making Relaxation Fun According to Stewart, small children respond best to mindfulness exercises that are both physical and fun. Her Animal Antics is one example, in which kids explore movement meditation by pretending to be different animals. Another is Shake

the Sillies Out, which involves “happyshaking until you finally flop on the floor with a deep exhalation, followed by three mindful breaths. This one really helps work out kids’ excess energy,” she says.

On her website, Jazwierska offers myriad examples of fun and creative activities to calm and awaken children. She teaches breathing techniques by offering imagery kids can understand, like smelling a flower to learn deep inhalations and blowing out a candle for the exhalations.

When kids are overcome with strong emotions, she offers a snow globe. “It’s a great tool for seeing how things start to swirl when our emotions are too strong and our minds too worried. As you take a deep breath and stop moving the globe, the snow settles. We have to stop moving, or move very slowly, for everything to settle for ourselves.”

Jazwierska’s Rock and Floppy Sock exercise instructs a child to make a tight fist— the rock—when they feel anger or another strong negative emotion, and then release their grip, turning it into a floppy sock. “It’s related to progressive muscle relaxation where you provide tension in the body and then you provide the contrast and let go, training the mind. Next time they feel tension, they’ll know how to relax,” she says.

Planting Seeds for Inner Happiness As children grow older, they can add visualization to their repertoire, like Stewart’s Heart Garden exercise, in which the child sits mindfully while relaxed, takes three mindful breaths and then thinks of a word that makes them smile. “That can be anything—like butterfly, rainbow or watermelon,” she explains. “Imagine planting that word like a seed in your heart. Repeat the word and imagine watering the seed in your heart garden. Repeat the word and imagine the seed opening and growing in your heart. What does it become? See it blossom. True happiness comes from inside. Everyone can plant their own inner happiness.”

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

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

June 2021

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natural pet

Create a Dog-Friendly Yard Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

by Karen Shaw Becker

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ackyards can be sanctuaries, filled with gardens and landscaping. For homeowners with dogs, consider “dogscaping”. It’s a term coined by landscape designer Maureen Gilmer of Palm Springs, California, who wrote the e-book The Dog-Scaped Yard. Gilmer points out that nobody asks Fido his opinion on how to landscape the yard, “yet he spends more time there than anyone else.”

The yard should be a safe and secure place for the family dog, so fencing may be necessary to give ample room to roam. Lawn chemicals on grass are linked to cancer in dogs, so those are best avoided.

Some people choose to go beyond grass to create a rich environment for the dog to explore. Gilmer recommends planting a meadow, complete with tall grasses and perennials, where the prized pet can investigate the terrain. Low troughs of wheat grass are good for a dog to nibble on and may discourage him from chewing on ornamental flowers and plants. Some dogs also enjoy rose hips from Rosa rugosa plants.

Flea-Repelling Herbs Many herbs were once known as “fleabane” because they could repel fleas. Plant a fleabane garden to discourage these pests from moving in and finding the dogs. “When my dog Dot rubs against them, I can smell the aromatic oils on her fur,” Gilmer notes.

Suitable plants for this garden include pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), fleawort (Erigeron canadense), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) and eucalyptus. The plants can also be dried and added to a dog’s bedding for a more natural flea repellant.

When choosing the best locations for herbs and flowers, consider keeping about 18 inches around the border of the yard free from plants. Because dogs regularly tend to patrol the boundary of their territory, any plants on this trail may get trampled.

ke magoon/AdobeStock.com

Provide Thoughtful Areas for the Dog

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Dogs love to dig, but if it has become a problem, it could be because the dog is trying to uncover a cool spot to rest. Gilmer recommends being proactive by digging a shallow pit where a dog can comfortably fit in a shady spot. Line it with sand to prevent it from turning into a mud pit and keep it damp. In warm weather, a dog can retreat to this cooling-off spot.

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Let Us Guide You to Better Health

Come in and let our friendly and helpful 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. We can special order many products!

We offer Senior Discounts everyday and ask about our Frequent Buyer Program.

A plastic kiddie pool can be a welcome addition for dogs to escape the summer heat. To incorporate it into the landscape, dig out an area and set it into the ground.

Another thoughtful addition is a post where a dog can mark his territory to his heart’s content. A large piece of driftwood or an upright log works well for this purpose. Logs are also useful as borders along planted areas where the dog is meant to stay out.

Pathways for the dog to run through are also important, as dogs will create their own routes if they are allowed to. Turn the walkways into proper paths by widening them to three feet. Consider creating a designated area in the yard for the dog to relieve himself.

When planting flowerbeds, put sturdier plants such as ornamental grasses at the edge, while putting more fragile plants in the middle, where a dog is less likely

to run over them. Choose plants that are sturdy, but soft, without thorns or spines that could scrape a pet.

A doggy play area will also be much appreciated by a pup. Define it by using logs or stone blocks, then set out a few of the dog’s favorite toys for him to discover.

For dogs that like to dig, teaching him that this is his play spot where it’s acceptable can save the gardens. Many four-legged diggers enjoy having a sand pit or designated dig spot where they can express this natural behavior.

By paying careful attention to the plants and features in the yard, the perfect petfriendly environment can be created.

You Can Make A Difference In Your Health

(352) 854-4577

8449 SW Hwy 200 #139, Ocala Fl 34481 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6:30pm Saturday, 8:30am-6pm

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

Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards An outdoor area for pets must be free of hazards that could cause illness. This includes cocoa bean mulch, which contains the chemical compounds theobromine and caffeine, which are highly toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Specific plants can also be poisonous to pets and can cause a variety of conditions, including diarrhea, vomiting, internal bleeding, respiratory distress, seizures, organ damage or failure, coma or death.

Research any plants in the yard for safety, and be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants, as compiled by the Pet Poison Helpline, to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets: Autumn Crocus Azalea Cyclamen Daffodils Dieffenbachia

Kalanchoe Lilies Lily of the Valley Oleander Sago Palm June 2021

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calendar of events

Newberry Farmers Market, 25370 W Newberry Rd, Newberry. 352-472-2112. NewberryMainstreet.com.

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.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1 Samm Wehman Art 2021 – 11am. Free. Hundreds of pieces of new artwork will be available to view and shop to help support both a local artist and small business. Satchel’s Pizza, 1800 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville. 352-335-7272. SatchelsPizza.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 3 Painting and Pottery Social Mixer – 6:30-8:30pm. $20-$35. Canvas painting with other local business owners. Hot appetizers and drinks will be served.

Prizes will be awarded to winning Artists in each category. Picasso’s Palette, 106 SW 17th St, Ocala.

352-789-6670. PicassosPalette.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 Running of The Donuts Fun Run – 8am-Noon. $10. Kids and family welcome. The fun run features a donut break at the halfway point. 3 Mile novelty run and 5k. Run one or both. Baseline Road Trail Park, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala. RaceThread.com.

Summer Horse Trials – Jun 5-6. 8am-5pm. Free for spectators. Preliminary, modified, training, novice, beginner, novice. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. Ocala. 352-307-6699. FlHorsePark.com.

Alachua County Farmers Market – 8:30amNoon. Free. Fresh and local vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs and dairy. Open rain or shine. Alachua Farmers Market, 5920 NW 13th St, Gainesville.

352-371-8236. 441Market.com.

Ranger Led Tour – 8:30-9:30am. $5. Pre-registration required. Arrive 15 minutes early then begin a guided tour through Florida’s wetlands.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Gainesville. 352-5545871. SweetwaterWetlands.org.

Little Sparks Story Time – 12:15-12:50pm.

Free with museum admission. Hear friendly and enthusiastic educators bring to life stories that are both colorful and educational in addition to other fun stuff. The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville. 352-3718001. CadeMuseum.org.

Why Should I Study Psychic Mediumship Skills When I Don’t Want to be a Medium – 3-5:30pm.

Remember,

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

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$36. Online class. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. Call to register. 407-247-7823. Ifsk.org.

Legacy Park Concert Series – 4-9pm. Free. Funk and soul series with concessions and vendors. No pets. Smoke free campus. Legacy Park Amphitheater, 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua. 386-462-1610.

CityOfAlachua.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

equine event SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Cowgirl’s Horsemanship Specialty Camp – Jun 6-13. 8am-5pm. $695. This camp is a 7 day, overnight camp at Camp Kulaqua. Tack, helmets, and horses are provided to the campers. Campers should pack extra pairs of riding jeans, closed toed shoes, and comfortable shirts / riding attire.

This camp is for females only. Camp Kulaqua, 23400 NW 212 Ave, High Springs. 386-4541351. CampKulaqua.com.

Granville Plantation Wedding Expo and Fashion Show – 2-5pm. $10-$15. Featuring some of Gainesville’s top vendors for weddings and events.

The fashion show will exhibit an exclusive line of Wedding dresses from Gainesville’s own The Wedding Cycle with live music. Granville Plantation, 760 SW 202nd St, Newberry. 352-672-7537.

GranvillePlantation.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8 Maker Night – 5-7pm. $5-$15. Think open mic night but for inventors and creatives of all types using computers, 3D printers, laser cutters and an assortment of craft supplies and materials instead of a microphone and stage for circuit building and robotics. Open to all makers over the age of 10.

Open experience meaning they can work on any project they wish. The Cade Museum for creativity and Invention, 811 S Main St, Gainesville. 352-3718001. CadeMuseum.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 High Springs Farmers Market – 3-7pm. Free.

Local produce, plants, meats and seafood, beef, dairy and eggs as well as desserts, honeys and canned goods and much more. High Springs Market, 23517 NW 185th Rd, High Springs. 352-375-6346.

HighSpringsFarmersMarket.com.

The Florida Vintage Market Gainesville – Noon-5pm. Free. Curated styles of vintage clothing, sustainable fashion, street wear, custom clothing, sneakers, makers, artists, food, craft beer and more. High Dive, 210 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville. TheFloridaVintageMarket@gmail. com. TheFloridaVintageMarket.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 14 Fish Camp 2021 – Jun 14-18. 8am-5pm. $200. Fee includes gear and before and after care. Ages 9-15.

Youth will learn bank/boat fishing, boating safety, handling a small boat, types of tackle, casting tips, knot-tying, fish identification, cleaning and preparing fish and fishing rules and etiquette. All campers will receive a rod and reel, tackle box and tackle for the duration of camp. Participants meet at Brick City Adventure Park. Marion County Parks and Recreation, 111 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-629-2489. OcalaFl.org.

Fish Camp 2021 – 7:30-8am. $200. Ages 9-15.

Youth will learn bank/boat fishing, boating safety, handling a small boat, types of tackle, casting tips, knot-tying, fish identification, cleaning and preparing fish and fishing rules and etiquette. All campers will receive a rod and reel, tackle box and tackle for the duration of camp. Brick City Adventure Park, 111 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-671-8560. MarionFl.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

equine event SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Western Dressage Show – 8am-5pm. AQHA approved, USEF Local Licensed and WDAA Licensed so horses can earn double points.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala.

352-307-6699. FlHorsePark.com.

Why Should I Study Psychic Mediumship Skills When I Don’t Want to be a Medium – 10:30am-1pm. $36. Online class. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. Call to register. 407-247-7823. Ifsk.org.

Water Sports Day – 11am-5pm. Free. Water sports day chalked full of fun for Military families. Enjoy tubing, water skiing, swimming, paddle boarding and everything water. Lunch is provided. Register online.

Cowpen Lake, 120 Pt Louisa Rd, Hawthorne. 800875-0309. SoldiersFreedomOutdoors.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20 Fathers’ Day Special – 9am-7pm. Free admission to fathers of all ages. Walk the gardens with your father. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Dr, Gainesville. 352-372-4981. Kanapaha.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

MONDAY, JUNE 21

Ocala Farm Market – 9am. Free. Rain or Shine.

Featuring a diverse array of farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks come together to sell their products to customers from Ocala, Marion County, and beyond. Corner of SE 3ed St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-629-8051. OcalaDowntownMarket.com

Super Smart Summer Camp 2021 – 8am-5pm. $375. Award winning theater program teaching children theater skills, violin, piano, drumming, dance, visual arts and academic enrichment. Young artists will spend the afternoons rehearsing for a Broadway Jr style show. Star center Theater, 11 NE 23rd Ave. Gainesville. 352-222-3699. StarCenterTheatre.org.

Newberry Farmers Market – 8am-Noon. Free.

Classic farmers market featuring fresh, local produce, beef, seafood, breads, flowers, plants, soaps and more. Located in Historic Downtown Newberry.

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UF Entomology Field Camp – Jun 21-25. 8:30am4pm. $175. Students will learn how to collect insects in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They will

SATURDAY, JUNE 26 Alachua County Farmers Market – 8:30amNoon. Free. Local farmers with seasonal and local farmed foods such as veggies, fruits, eggs, meat, dairy, honey, edibles and nursery plants. Alachua County Farmers’ Market, 5920 NW 13th St, Gainesville. 352-371-8236. 441Market.com.

take part in a Linnaean Game to test their knowledge of insects, complete an insect collection they get to keep, learn to cook with insects and meet a scientist. Entomology and Nematology Dept, 1881 Natural Area Dr, Gainesville. 352-273-3974.

EntNemDept.ufl.edu.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25 Marion County Friday Market – 9am-2pm. Free.

Well known vendors with a variety of products such as fresh produce, seafood, olive oils and vinaigrette, pastries and more locally made items. McPherson Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala. 352-438-2360.

MarionCountyFl.org.

Playlist at the Pointe 2021 – 7-9pm. Free. An eclectic mix of music from a variety of genrescountry, rock, soul and more. Celebration Pointe, 4901 SW 31st Pl, Gainesville. 352-204-9136.

CelebrationPointe.com.

Concert Under the Stars – 7-10pm. Free. Dynamic professional 5 piece Classic Rock and Blues Band, Cap Smith and his Hogtown Slayers. Tioga Town Center, 13085 SW 1st Ln, Newberry. Info@TiogaTownCenter.com. TiogaTownCenter.com.

Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am. Local farmers sell fresh produce, groceries, prepared food and handmade gifts directly from their farm to your table. Haile Village Center, 5213 SW 91 Terr, Gainesville. HaileFarmersMarket.com Market of Marion Car Show – 9am-1pm. Free.

Shopping at the Market of Marion is like taking a step back in time. It’s the old town square, the trading post and the local mercantile all rolled into one with a friendly community environment unique to a flea market. Family and pet friendly. Over 1,100 booths with more than 400 dealers. The Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Hwy 441, Belleview. 352245-6766. TheMarketOfMarion.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 28 Camp Wildlands Junior Historians Summer Camp Week 2 – 8am-5pm. $175. This program will directly correlate with Fort King National Historic Landmarks goals of bridging nature and history together. Throughout these week-long summer programs the Junior Historians will learn a large amount of skills such as; archeology, sewing, cooking, history, artillery, domestic skills, conservation, gardening, foraging, quill writing, and wet felting. Ages 11-17. Co-Ed. Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St, Ocala. 352-368-5517. OcalaFl.org

Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgments of others. ~Oprah Winfrey

June 2021

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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

tuesday

Get More From Your Core Hatha Yoga – Starts Mar 14. 9-10am. $12. Beginner level for those who have an existing yoga practice and are familiar with basic poses. Intended to strengthen every part of your core with focus on strengthening muscles from your thighs to your sternum. Online and in-studio.

Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required.

Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.org.

Every BODY Hatha Yoga with George – Starts Feb 16. 10:30-11:30am. $12. Learn to Yoga your way! Class for those who want to start a practice, who have limited flexibility or mobility or who just want to enjoy a gentler practice in a positive, energy-filled space to experience all the benefits of yoga at the appropriate level. Online and in-studio.

Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required.

Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.org.

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

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. BackToBasicsLiving@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.

Galactic Glyph Gallery – 11-4pm. Free. Experiential art classes and energetic healing sessions available. Galactic Glyph Gallery, 518 SE 2nd St, Gainesville. 720-258-5879. BalaGlyphs.com.

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.

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.

wednesday 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.

Technology Help Center – 2-4pm. Free. Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Hwy 484. 352-438-2500.

monday

Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517.

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.

Game Night – 7:30pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.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.

thursday

ACA Meeting – 6pm. Adult Children of Alcoholics. Unity of Ocala, 101 Cedar Rd. 352-687-2113.

Mail@UnityOcala.org. UnityOcala.org.

A Morning Cup of Joe Hatha Yoga – Starts Mar 18. 9-10am. $12. Beginner class with a slowvinyasa-style flow for those who have an existing yoga practice and are familiar with base poses.

Intended to build heat, boost energy and conclude by leaving you feeling balanced, calm and ready to take on the day. Online and in-studio. Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-5250247. NadiOmWellness.org.

Stand By Me Yoga – Starts Mar 15. 6-7pm. $12.

Beginner class with an opportunity to “level up” for intermediate practitioners who would like to participate in a gentle but active stretch for the entire body with an emphasis on standing poses. Online and in-studio. Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.org.

A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org.

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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.

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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.

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.

Partner Yoga – Apr 9-23. 6:30-7:30am. $20 per couple/partners each week. $50 for all three weeks.

Enjoy an hour of supporting each other on the mat.

Includes seated, standing and reclined poses in which you truly lean on, support and stand by each other’s side. Livestream and in-studio. Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-5250247. NadiOmWellness.org.

Galactic Glyph Gallery – 7-10pm. Free. Cool hang-out space for locals to visit for a cultural experience. Music, wine and off-the-wall visual art.

Galactic Glyph Gallery, 518 SE 2nd St, Gainesville.

720-258-5879. BalaGlyphys.com.

saturday Alachua County Farmers’ Market – 8:30amnoon. Open rain or shine. A grower’s only market.

5920 NW 13 th 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.

Bend and Extend Yoga – Starts Mar 6. 9-10am. $12. This beginner’s level, gentle practice will start with a full body warm-up and proceed to bending our bodies to help improve balance, flexibility and mobility. Online and in-studio. Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247.

NadiOmWellness.org.

Farmstead Saturday – 9am­-3pm. Free. Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352-­595-­ 3377. CronesCradleConserve.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.

ABC Yoga Workshop – May 8-29. 10:30-11:30am. $45 for all four weeks. Absolute beginner yoga,

4-week class series. Workshop is an introduction to basics so participants will feel more comfortable as they begin their yoga journey. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247. NadiOmWellness.org.

Total Body Fitness Workshop – Apr 3-24. 10:3011:30am. $45 for all four weeks. Beginner level for those interested in improving their strength and flexibility. The first three weeks will focus on strengthening a different area of the body, upper body, mid body and lower body. The final week will focus on strengthening the total body.

Livestream and in-studio. Space is limited in studio. Pre-registration required. Nadi Om Wellness, 6118 SW St Rd 200, Ocala, 352-525-0247.

NadiOmWellness.org.

Galactic Glyph Gallery – 11-4pm. Free. Experiential art classes and energetic healing sessions available. Galactic Glyph Gallery, 518 SE 2nd St, Gainesville. 720-258-5879. BalaGlyphs.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.

classifieds 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.

ADVERTISING

FOOD CODES

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.

DEVELOP A 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.

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

Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free.

Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 401-3920.

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.

The Food Connection

The Happiness Issue

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.

SUPPLEMENTS F R EE E X C L U S IV E P L AN T B A S E D SUPPLEMENTS – Try Terra Power Greens for Free! Just pay shipping. TerraLifeStore.com, click free sample set or Amazon. 954-459-1134.

Inspired Living Issue

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Food as Medicine Plus:

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

Creativity in Health & Healing Plus: Integrative Pain Management The Healing Power of Art for Kids National Yoga Awareness Month

Better Sleep The Ethics of What We Eat Benefits of Urban Gardening

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS | THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

352-366-0088 June 2021

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community resource guide

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

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

ENERGY BALANCING

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.

CHIROPRACTOR DR. RANDY BRYANT

352-694-7700 The first combined Holistic, Family Practice Clinic 1315 SEAnti-Aging, 25th Loop, Suiteand 103, Ocala in Central Florida and The Villages Info@DrRandyBryant.com

352-750-4333 Dr. Bryant’s holistic approach and SERVICES OFFERED: natural solutions for many common ✦ Chelation and IV Nutrient ✦ Peptides Urinary Incontinence ✦ Exosomes:health The Next issues ✦have improved the ✦ Femlift Vaginal Tightening Generation in Regeneration lives ofTherapy many from around the ✦ Soundwave for ED Therapy and Stem Cell ✦ Laser for painto the ✦ Amniotic world. Services areTherapy tailored ✦ Spectravision (Full Body ✦ Adipose needs of each unique patient. You Analysis Test) ✦ Bone marrow ✦ Nutritional Counseling ✦ PRP-platelet Rich Plasma will not experience any of the ✦ Weight Loss ✦ Prolo Therapy ✦ Pulse Magnetic ✦ Prolozone snapping, cracking or Wave popping ✦ Antioxidant Evaluation ✦ Neural Therapy usually associated with chiropractic Dr. ✦ Mineral treatment.

Evaluation ✦ Bio-Identical Hormone ✦ Heavy Metal Evaluation Therapy Bryant has Replacement been involved with the sport of rodeo as Individual responses may vary a treating physician since 1995.

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.

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 the diagnostic phase through Nelson Kraucak, MD, FAAFP the treatment and follow up, from simple issues to the “We are committed to aid and chronic conditions, Dr. Kraucak most complicated promote the body’s innate and his team assure you and your family have mechanisms to heal andwill achieve homeostasis for optimum health comprehensive, innovative and the latest therapeutic by introducing and using natural support.with See ad, page 2. approaches innovative and cutting-edge technology.”

FARMERS MARKET HARBISON FARM CATTLE AND PRODUCE

COLONICS GENTLE Jaclynn WATERS HEALING CENTER Sola, LMT Karin Panyko

MA56771 Licensed Aesthetician 352-374-0600 Over 10 years experience Specializing In: Over 13 years experience Gainesville Specializing In: • Raindrop Therapy – • Cupping for • Micro Derm Abrasion Aromatheraphy Pain Relief and Info@GentleWatersHealing.com • Spa Facial/Galvanic (tightens Lymphatic Drainage utilizing essential oils

4686 NE County Road 329 Anthony, Florida Gretta Ellis, ARNP 352-239-3552 Over 10 years experience Specializing In: GVTHarbison@embarqmail.com • Chronic Disease • Gastro-Intestinal Disorders • Alternative Medicine • SIBO/Leaky Gut • Bio Identical Hormone Replacement - BHT • ER and Internal Medicine Experience

Locally grown, whole, organic food from working Florida farms. The The therapists at Gentle Waters Harbison family’s daily market Healing Center assist each offers fresh produce, grass-fed beef, individual with detoxing using eggs, Amish products, and local colon hydrotherapy and/or far honey, plus a variety of jams, jellies, infrared sauna. Call Dawn Brower Healing Central Florida, One Stem Cell at a Time!

On-Site Financing Available and preserves. Our mission is to for more information or Partners visit Family Medicine Healthcare Call to Schedule 1501 HWY 441, Suite 1704, The Villages, FL, 32159 food to the community and help those provide healthy G e n t l e Wa t e r s H e a l i n g . c o m . www. HealthcarePartnersFL.com Your Appointment: in need. Call us to inquire about our Food Relief Fund MA41024, MM15426.

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 352-750-4333 Friday: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and we may be able to help you with groceries.

• Myo Fascial Release • Deep Tissue Massage • Cranial Sacral SpectraVision • Reiki Master Tuning Forks • Colonics

• Sports Massage/ Golf • Hot Stone Massage • Body Scrubs/Wraps • Reflexology/Foot Massage • Cellulite Reduction Massage

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.

Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me … Anything can happen, child.

Anything can be. ~Shel Silverstein 36

North Central FL Edition

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JAMES LEMIRE, MD

Lemire Clinic 9401 SW Hwy 200, Suite 301 352-291-9459 LemireClinic.com D r. L e m i r e i s b o t h B o a r d 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.

LEIGH STEINBERG, M.S., FMCHC NBC-HWC 352-462-3033 HealthCoachingByLeigh.com LeighSteinberg@outlook.com

Having worked in the medical field for over 25 years, Leigh recently became a health and wellness coach in order to provide support and accountability for clients trying to achieve their own health goals or ones recommended by their practitioner. With a background in Functional Medicine, she will work with you in all areas of health including sleep, nutrition, movement, stress and purpose with a focus on what helps you to find the perfect balance. Virtual and phone appointments available.

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 33.

HEALING AND WELLNESS MICHAEL BIAMONTE, CCN

The Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition All Appointments via phone and video.

352-290-3959 NewYorkCityCandidaDoctor.com Michael Biamonte has been in practice for over 30 years, is the author of “The Candida Chronicles” and is a World Recognized Candida elimination expert. His office has proprietary software developed for NASA that help identify and treat all nutritional deficiencies. Offering both phone and video appointments. See ad, page 3.

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. We can special order many products. We offer senior discounts everyday. Ask about our Frequent Buyer Program. See ad, page 31.

HOLISTIC HEALTH DEBORA DONAHUE, ARNP-BC Symphony Healthcare, Inc 1317 SE 25th Loop, Suite 101, Ocala 352-629-5939 SHCOcala.com

Let’s work together to get to the root cause of your health condition. Debora will listen to your concerns and provide a holistic treatment plan. We will use your insurance plan for visits and testing whenever possible. We specialize in autoimmune, thyroid, digestive and hormonal disorders. Call for your free 10 minute consult.

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 27.

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.

BAMBI’S CAFÉ

18592 High Springs Main St, High Springs 386-454-1600 or 954-907-9759 Facebook.com/100PercentPlantBased We u s e f r e s h l o c a l a n d 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 29.

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 29.

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.

June 2021

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