Natural Awakenings July 2020

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Stephen Dinan on a

Sacred Vision for America

Beyond Factory Farms ‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost

Rethinking the Lawn Eco-Friendly Tips for Organic Greens

Help for Anxious Kids

Strategies to Help Them Cope

July 2020

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

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North Central FL Edition

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July 2020

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

letter from publisher

Hi Everyone!

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA

Summer is here, shops and restaurants are open, kids are out of school and that typically means lots of outdoor activities Publisher Sheila Mahan like dining out, going to the beach and spending time with Editor Martin Miron family and friends. If you’re mindful of the still ongoing Design & Production Martin Friedman coronavirus pandemic, this year’s summertime fun may mean Chelsea Rose fewer trips, limited interactions with friends and family and Sales & Marketing Angela Durrell working from home if possible. Given our state’s surge in positive cases in June, that might be a smart move. I urge you CONTACT US to continue healthy habits to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Ph: 352-366-0088 Our July issue highlights various health, GoNaturalAwakenings.com Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com environmental and societal issues surrounding Angela@GoNaturalAwakenings.com factory farms. Our nations mom and pop animal farmers are dwindling while factory farms are SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available for $32 getting bigger which means more pollution for the (for 12 issues) email the address above. air, soil and water. Within our own community Digital subscriptions are free we have many independent farms and farmer’s visit our website to sign up. markets from which we can buy sustainable meats and produce. I had the great pleasure to take a NATIONAL TEAM tour of three local farms with Jan Costa, director of Florida Fresh Meat Company, in CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman Summerfield, that process and sell pasture raised, hormone and antibiotic free meats COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne from local farms who participate in his family of farms program. From the angus beef National Art Director Stephen Blancett to the chickens, pigs and lamb, it was wonderful to see these animals thriving in a free Art Director Josh Pope range, grass-fed and healthy environment. Remember, you are what you eat. I encour Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert age everyone to buy locally to not only eat healthier but to strengthen and support our Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs community. Read this month’s article to find out more about Jan and his company. Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy Speaking of grass, how do National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell you keep your lawn green? In Julie Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Peterson’s article, “Greener Green Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation Grass,” she discusses why organic 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 lawns are better for the environPh: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 ment. If you’re using pesticides, NaturalAwakeningsMag.com weed killers and other chemicals to treat your lawn and to keep it © 2020 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be green, did you consider where else reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior those pesticides are going such as permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed in our streams, aquifers and in the locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please air. Why not opt for an organic lawn instead? I haven’t used any commercial products on my call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. lawn in years and it’s doing just fine, weeds and all. Many varieties of weeds have very pretty We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in flowers that are adorned by bees and butterflies. Consider bringing wildflowers into your the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. landscape. A wildflower bouquet makes a great centerpiece for any picnic table. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment. Are you going to be grilling this summer? Consider some healthy grilling and picnic dishes by checking out this issue’s recipes consisting of fire-roasted gazpacho, grilled romaine hearts and carrot dogs BBQ by local resident and health coach Eliane Baggenstos. Grilled Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in veggies are very flavorful. Once you try it, you may not go back to traditional steamed veggies. CISION’S 2016 Top 10 Health & What is your favorite summertime dish? Send us your recipes and pics so we can share them. Fitness Magazines ®

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

North Central FL Edition

Please enjoy the these articles and all the others while you stay safe and healthy.

Sheila

Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 14 GREENER GREEN GRASS Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

17 DOULAS USHER IN

BEGINNING AND END OF LIFE

18 CALMING KIDS

Ways to Turn Anxiety Around

20 BALANCING ACT

Exercises for Strength and Stability

22 BEYOND

FACTORY FARMS

‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost

25 LOCALLY SOURCED

SUSTAINABLE CLEAN MEATS

26 OUTDOOR FEASTS

Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills

32 GUT TALK

Tips for a Healthy Microbiome

33 CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT

The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

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.

34 STEPHEN DINAN

on a Sacred Vision for America

36 EARTH-FRIENDLY PETS Our Animals Can Go Green, Too

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 9 health briefs 10 global briefs 13 eco tip 14 green living 15 community spotlight 18 healthy kids 20 fit body 26 conscious eating

31 business

spotlight 32 healing ways 33 inspiration 34 wise words 36 natural pet 38 calendar 41 classifieds 42 resource guide July 2020

news brief

Learn to Make Pasta with a Pro

spiring gourmets can learn to make and roll their own fresh, pasta from scratch with St. Augustine’s chef Miles Burnett from 3 to 5 p.m., July 25, at Saporito Oil Vinegar Spice. Burnett is well-known for his unique culinary creativity and resourcefulness with nontraditional ingredients. He was an Iron Chef competitor at the 2017 Taste of Greater Gainesville and has worked at Dragonfly and Paramount Grill. He is currently a private chef and regular fish vendor at the Haile Farmers’ Market. His experience rolling pasta includes tagliatelle, cavatelli, fettuccine and agnolotti. Location: 4401 NW 25th Pl., Ste. D, Gainesville. Make reservation at 352-745-7886.

Patriot Service Dogs Puppy Crop

crapbookers, card makers quilters and those that just like to sew will enjoy the Puppy Crop, supporting Patriot Service Dogs (PSD) and the Women Offering Obedience and Friendship (WOOF) program at Lowell Correctional Institution from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 17 through 19, at the Holiday Inn University Center, in Gainesville. There will be games, raffle prizes and like-minded people having fun. Nonprofit Patriot Service Dogs is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping disabled military veterans gain a sense of independence through partnership with a well-trained service dog. PSD, founded in 2009 by Susan Bolton and Julie Sanderson and five other dedicated volunteers, has grown to over more than active volunteers, with offices in Jacksonville and Belleview. Individually trained Patriot Service Dogs perform tasks to assist disabled active military or honorably discharged veterans with PTSD, mobility disabilities, traumatic brain injuries or loss of a limb. After two years of extensive training and exposure, the dogs’ abilities are matched with the applicants’ disabilities. Cost is $75 for the weekend or $75 worth of donations for the raffle. Special room rates are available. Location:1250 W. University Ave., Gainesville. To register, email Lori@PatriotServiceDogs.org for the form. For more information, call 352-514-9903 or visit PatriotServiceDogs.org.

News to share? Submit information to Sheila@GoNaturalAwakenings.com. Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month. 6

North Central FL Edition

Safe Creative Summer Outlet for Kids

orks & Colors Studio will launch their weekly art camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between July 6 and 10 for children 7 to 12 years old. Kids can enjoy food and creativity, get their hands messy and their creativity flowing with art projects inspired by food and the great times it can create. Unique projects will be made using mediums like clay, painting, drawing and more. Following state and county safety guidelines, summer camp will only be offered by the week with just six kids per session. There is a 10 percent discounts for registering multiple kids or weeks at the same time. Gainesville native Erika Tonnelier, owner of Corks & Colors, says. “We’re an independent art studio giving Gainesville a place to create since 2010. We’re here to have fun, learn new things, make a mess and maybe make something beautiful. We’re a great place for anybody to embrace their artistic side—no matter what age or skill level. Create on your own or come to a class!” Cost is $350 per week. Location: 3415 W. University Ave., Gainesville. To register, call 352-373-8847.

Enjoy Live Rock Concerts Safely at The Villages

he inaugural Villages Open Air Concert Series which debuts on July 20 at the Polo Club will allow the audience to pull up in their golf cars and enjoy the music in comfort and safety at 7:30 p.m. A different act will rock out under the stars each night. July 20: Absolute Queen July 2: The Atlantic City Boys July22: California Transit Authority July 23: The Australian Bee Gees Show July 24: Clint Black July 25: 38 Special With a ticket and golf cart rental package, guests will park their car and pick up a golf cart. Outside food and beverage is not permitted. Food trucks and beverage carts will be onsite for concessions. Walking around for purposes other than using the restroom or purchasing concessions is prohibited. Location: 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages. Attendees should wear a mask at all times and follow CDC guidelines. More than two persons in a car will not be permitted entry. For tickets, visit TheVillagesEntertainment.com/open-air-concert-series. For more information, call 352-750-5411.

Silver Springs Paddle Adventure

dVantures on the Daily is hosting a five-mile mile Silver River Fun Paddle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 18, at Ray Wayside Park. Silver Springs is one of the largest artesian springs known. Participants will see Florida’s wildlife in their natural habitat, including monkeys, native Florida birds, manatees, alligators and other aquatic life. The tour includes board or kayak paddle, life preserver, safety instruction, entrance into the park, launch fees and a shuttle from the exit point back to vehicle. Rental options include Bote inflatable stand up paddle board $65; Single kayak $55; and BYO floatation $25 per person. Location: 9560 NE 28th Ln., Silver Springs. For more information call 352-431-4339.

LifeWorks Ranks Among Top Medical Clinics

r. David Minkoff and his wife Sue Minkoff, RN, founded LifeWorks Wellness Center, in Clearwater, Florida, in 1997, as a healing haven where people could obtain the best medical care possible in an environment where they would be treated like family. Since then, they have continued to strive to provide David Minkoff the highest-quality natural medicine treatments and services for their clients. LifeWorks is fast becoming one of the leading alternative medical clinics in the U.S., offering more treatments under one roof than many others, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV therapy, ozone therapy, enhanced external counterpulsation, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and more. LifeWorks is especially suitable for those with undefined and unresolved underlying health issues, or for anyone just not feeling right. They have been successfully treating patients with a variety of stubborn conditions, including Lyme disease, cancer, chronic fatigue, inflammation, thyroid issues and cardiovascular disease. They conduct research to discover what has changed in the patient’s body and mind, revealing the root causes of health issues, and then treat them naturally with life-enhancing supplements and healing modalities. Location: 301 Turner St., Clearwater. For more information or to make an appointment, call 727-466-6789 or visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com. See ad page 35.

Shop Locally, Eat Wonderfully

ur North Florida farmers have a plethora of healthy, sustainable offerings to share that won’t be fond in any supermarkets. Buying direct from the source re ally gets to the heart of the slow food movement and living close to the land. The products are not bred and raised to accommodate extensive shipping or shelf-life concerns. They are the real thing, usually organic and always fresh and delicious. Produced On The Farm can be found at Alachua 411 Farmers’ Market, Gainesville and Haile Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and the Celebration Point Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays, selling, “more of what we already make for ourselves and provide it to you,” say the owners. They provide fresh, raw, Jersey cow and brown Swiss cow milk, homemade ice cream, kefir, Greek yogurt, Turkish yogurt, tzatziki sauce, farmer’s feta, buttermilk, cacao milk, cream, farmer’s cheese, mozzarella cheese, Florida cracker cheese, mountain cheese, fresh butter, Creole cream cheese and more. They say, “Our family’s goal was to become more aware of the things we were putting into our bodies, and eat and live healthier. Along the way, we learned to do a lot more things for ourselves. We learned to cook healthier, and ‘homemade’ not only saved money, it tasted better and was better for you. As we continued our journey, it occurred to us that we could share some of the basic homemade things we make or grow for ourselves by just increasing the batch size or yield.”

Frog Song Organics is a diversified, family-owned, community supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Co-founders John Bitter and Amy Van Scoik started Frog Song Organics in the fall of 2011. “Our mission is to produce nutritious food for our community and create meaningful employment opportunities. We also aim to demonstrate that farming can be accomplished with the triple bottom line with respect to our human, ecological and economic resources,” says Bitter. With help from family, friends and neighbors, they have grown from two planted acres to managing more than 60 acres in eastern Alachua County about 30 minutes from the University of Florida. They grow more than 80 types of produce, herbs, fruits and flowers, mainly in the field, and also in several greenhouses/ hoophouses. “Everything is grown in soil for real flavor, we do not use any hydroponics. We also raise laying hens for eggs and have recently started a pastured pork program for our CSA members,” says Bitter. “We also produce value-added goods such as jams and fermented foods like kimchi and pickles. Our farm, and all of our fresh produce, is certified organic by Quality Certification Services. We have been certified organic since 2012.” Their online ordering system lists pickup and delivery locations in the Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville and surrounding coastal areas, as well as farmers’ markets, fine restaurants, grocers, distributors and buying clubs. July 2020

Long-term goals include adopting solar power, improving their fertility and composting program, and opening a farm stand for retail customers to purchase produce and enjoy family-style farmhouse cooking. Archer Market Garden provides a wide variety of quality microgreens, or baby greens, to Gainesville, and the surrounding area for culinary needs. Baby greens are typically available in the fall and spring. Microgreens are offered all year-round. They operate at the Haile and Alachua County farmers’ markets from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For those that just want to eat more salads, explore new culinary possibilities or need ingredients for a novel appetizer, all products are grown without pesticides using organic seed and soil. The selection includes arugula, amaranth, basil, cilantro, kale, leek, mustard, radishes, sunflowers and pea shoots. Captain Caliente Gourmet Hot Sauce bottles each handmade 10-pound batch of hot peppers by hand. The recipe remains the same because “the captain” is very particular about the flavor of every bottle. Each pepper used has a specific flavor profile that adds to the unique blend of super hots. There is a fruity, salty, tangy, sweet, smoky and powerfully tempered heat in the formula. Captain Caliente hot sauce can be purchased at The Olive Oil Market and Market of Marion, in Ocala, and Haile Farmers’ Market, in Gainesville. The delicious pesticide- and fungicide-free super hot peppers are all grown by a natural process in an aquaponic garden. It uses fish poop as fertilizer and continuously recirculates water to the roots of the plants around the clock in grow beds full of river rocks. Red worms add the benefits of vermiculture to the system. The worms wrap around the roots to eat fish poop solids and other fungal debris that could otherwise promote pathogens. Ladybugs and other natural predators are used in lace of pesticides. Each sauce is made with all natural ingredients using 10 different peppers for a variety of flavors, each created with a specific purpose in mind without water, powder or anything apart from fresh hot peppers and fresh ingredients. None of them should be considered mild. For more information about Produced On The Farm, call 352-7271377 or visit ProducedOnTheFarm.com. Frog Song Organics is located at 4317 NE U.S. Hwy. 301, in Hawthorne. For more information, call 352-468-3816 or email FrogSongOrganics@gmail.com.

Farmers’ Markets Alachua County

Alachua County Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 5920 NW 13th Street, Gainesville. 352-371-8236. 441Market.com. Frog Song Organics – Place an online order for pick-up or home delivery. 4317 NE U.S. Highway 301, Hawthorne. 352468-3816. FrogSongOffice@gmail.com. FrogSongOrganics.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, noon to 4 p.m. Located at City Hall. Parking at the museum. 23718 W. U.S. Highway 27, High Springs. 352-275-6346. Highsprings.us/ FarmersMarket.

Citrus County

Hernando Fresh Market – 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. Hernando FreshMarket.com. Snow’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.

Marion County

Crone’s Cradle Conserve – Call in orders, pay via credit/debit card and receive a pick-up time. For Saturday or Sunday pickups, orders must be placed no later than 2 p.m. Friday. No orders can be taken on weekends due to the office being closed. 6411 NE 217th Place, Citra. 352-595-3377. CronesCradleConserve.org. Harbison Farm Cattle and Produce – Harbison Farm Cattle & Produce, 4696 NE County Roadd 329, Anthony. 352-239-3552. GVTharbison@EmbarqMail.com. Tinyurl.com/HarbisonFarm.

For more information about Archer Market Garden, call 352-2199614 or visit ArcherMarketGarden.com. For more information about Captain Caliente, call 352-789-6093 or visit CaptainCaliente.com. 8

North Central FL Edition

health briefs

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OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock.com

Reduce Cognitive Decline with Tai Chi In good news for the 10 to 20 percent of people over age 65 that suffer with mild cognitive impairment, research from China’s Central South University, in Hunan, shows that practicing the gentle ancient martial art of tai chi can significantly improve memory, learning, mental speed and attention, the ability to formulate abstract ideas, mental flexibility and visuospatial perception. The research analyzed data from 10 studies that included 1,061 people with symptoms such as forgetting conversations and names, and having difficulty with complex tasks. “As it emphasizes mental concentration, physical balance, full-body stretching and relaxation, and relaxed breathing, tai chi has a great potential for becoming widely integrated into rehabilitation interventions for various medical and psychological conditions,” write the study’s authors.

Eat More Citrus for a Thinner Waistline Research published in the Phytotherapy Research Journal analyzed 13 studies from around the world involving 921 people. The studies showed that eating citrus fruits or their extract can significantly reduce body weight. The research data found that citrus and its extracts reduced body weight by an average of 2.8 pounds per person and almost an inch of waist and hip circumference. It also reduced body mass index among those studied.

Reduce Artery Plaque Risk with Berberine Berberine, an alkaloid compound found in goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry and other herbs, can potentially reduce artery plaque, concludes a new study from the Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. Researchers studied the metabolic pathways for atherosclerosis using protein interactions developed from drug research. The databasedriven research confirmed that berberine reduces artery inflammation and the thickening of blood vessel walls that can lead to atherosclerosis—the hardening of the arteries. Previous studies have found that berberine reduces blood sugar levels, accelerates weight loss and lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Try Turmeric, Ginger and Black Pepper for Osteoarthritis For people suffering from the crippling pain and disability of osteoarthritis, the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug naproxen, marketed as Aleve and other products, is a common prescription or over-the-counter medication, but it comes with side effects that can include gastrointestinal distress and higher blood pressure. In a study of 60 patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis, researchers at Iran’s Isfahan University of Medical Sciences compared naproxen in a double-blind trial with a turmeric extract, ginger and black pepper combination. After two doses a day of each for four weeks, the levels of prostaglandin in patients taking the herbs matched the improvements in those patients taking naproxen. Prostaglandin levels gauge joint inflammation in osteoarthritis. July 2020

A new Stanford University study published in Landscape Ecology reveals viruses like COVID-19 that jump from animals to people will likely become more common as people continue to transform natural habitats into agricultural land. Researchers found the loss of tropical forests in Uganda put people at greater risk of physical interactions with wild primates and the viruses they carry, with implications for the emergence and spread of infectious animal-to-human diseases in other parts of the world. People have converted nearly half of the world’s land into agriculture. Tropical forests have suffered the most, with some of the highest rates of conversion occurring during the last few decades. Study co-author Tyler McIntosh says, “At the end of the day, land conservation and the reduction of forest fragmentation is our best bet to reduce human [to] wild animal interactions.”

Healthy Glow

Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Skin Inflammation

In research that could help target new treatments for skin cancer, British scientists have identified how human skin suppresses inflammation after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). In the study at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, healthy volunteers agreed for their skin to be safely exposed to a single, inflammation-causing dose of UVR. Skin samples were taken and researchers examined their immune profile and skin composition over time. Results showed that the T-cells CD4+GATA3+ and CD8+GATA3+, which help the skin repair itself after UVR exposure, altered skin composition for 14 days. “They could be there to prevent abnormal skin growth or potentially to act as gatekeepers against further inflammation,” says lead author Nathan Hawkshaw, Ph.D. 10

North Central FL Edition

More of our time is spent indoors than ever before. One of the ways by which nature may improve cognitive function (i.e., the acquisition of and goal-oriented use of knowledge) is by improving memory formation and recall, specifically that of short-term or working memory, and goal-oriented or directed attention; the kind that requires focused effort. By comparing and contrasting 13 studies, a team of researchers has shed light on this complex interaction in research published in Frontiers in Psychology. The studies used the backward digit span task, which requires participants to invert a series of numbers and repeat them back. All demonstrated significantly improved cognition in nature as compared to urban environments. The benefits of studies like this are two-fold: not only are we learning more about how the brain interacts with its environment, but also how to leverage this interaction to lead healthier, more productive and happier lives.

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Forest Loss Leads to Spread of Human Disease

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Tree Believers

Spending Time in Nature Increases Cognitive Performance

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Natural Thinking

global briefs

Sweet Serenade

COVID Kids

A simple strategy–listening to music for 30 minutes a day–can lower post-heart attack anxiety and significantly reduce future cardiac risks, reports a new study from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine, in Serbia, presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session and World Congress of Cardiology. The researchers recruited 350 patients diagnosed with heart attacks and early post-infarction angina at a medical center. Half were randomly assigned to receive standard treatment while half were assigned to regular music sessions in addition to standard treatment. In a follow-up seven years later, the patients with music therapy on average had anxiety scores one-third lower than those on standard treatment and reported lower angina symptoms by about one-quarter. They also had an 18 percent reduction in the rate of heart failure; a 23 percent lower rate of subsequent heart attack; a 20 percent lower rate of needing coronary artery bypass graft surgery; and a 16 percent lower rate of cardiac death.

Prolonged fear and anxiety brought on by major stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic can not only take a toll on a person’s mental health, but may also have a lasting impact on a man’s sperm composition that could affect future offspring, reports a new study in the journal Nature Communications. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that the effects of paternal stress can be transferred to offspring through changes in the extracellular vesicles; small, membranebound particles that transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids between cells and interact with maturing sperm. They are produced in large amounts in the reproductive tract and play an integral role in sperm maturation. “Connecting with our friends and loved ones by hightech means or through simple phone calls can help us maintain ties during stressful days ahead,” advises Joshua Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Music as Medicine

Happy Thoughts

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Mindfulness and Meditation May Promote Longevity

In addition to reducing stress and improving general health, mindfulness and meditation techniques have been linked to longevity, as marked by longer telomere length, a biomarker of human aging. In a new research paper in Scientific Reports, Spanish researchers at the Navarra Institute for Health Research, in Pamplona, reported that aging, which typically shortens telomere length, showed no association with that marker in a group of long-term meditators. They theorized that long-term meditation could be related to epigenetic mechanisms, in particular, gene-specific DNA methylation changes at distinct sub-telomeric regions. Lead author Maite Mendioroz, M.D., Ph.D., suggests that yoga practice and meditation are related to longer telomere length in blood cells, writing, “Leukocyte telomere shortening has been associated with several age-related conditions such as cardiovascular events, including stroke, myocardial infarction and cognitive performance.”

Stress Can Impact Sperm and Future Offspring

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North Central FL Edition

eco tip

NATURAL AWAKENINGS IS

Eco-Friendly Beach Tips

Maximizing Sun and Surf During Crises

EVERYWHERE

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

Pick up your next free copy:

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In addition to medical offices and local businesses, Natural Awakenings magazine can be picked up at the following locations: Earth Orgins 1237 NW 76th Blvd, Gainesville Sunflower Health Foods 3424 W. University Ave, Gainesville The Bagel Bakery 4113 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville Wards 515 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville

Flocking to beaches is a normal urge with summer in full swing. While practicing social distancing due to the coronavirus crisis, don’t neglect regular health precautions. It’s more important now than ever to soak up vitamin D to bolster the immune system, and it can also reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease or diabetes, according to the UK University of Warwick Medical School.

Sun Protection

MotherEarthNews.com says we can augment the body’s natural sun protection by increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins C and B, which are depleted when exposed to the sun. It also recommends natural tanning creams such as a combination of sesame nut oil, anhydrous lanolin and water; the liquid of one large cucumber added to rose water and glycerin; or a blend of fresh mint leaves, water, sesame or coconut oil, one egg yolk, wheat germ oil and lemon juice. Natural sunscreen innovations are emerging: the European Journal of Organic Chemistry reports that synthesizing discarded cashewnut shells holds promise. Effective UV protection can be attained by donning hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, including

neck-to-knee swimsuits for children. Seek shade, cover up and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Be extra careful when the UV index is high; check the daily National Weather Service forecast assessing the risk of sun overexposure at Tinyurl.com/ EPAUVWidget, which offers a widget for smartphones.

Respect Wildlife

Respect wildlife that may be present. Be cognizant of designated turtle hatching areas; their prime nesting season continues through October. Also, tell kids not to disturb shorebirds and other winged friends that may be on the sand; some may be resting or eating after flying many miles on a long migratory journey.

Leave No Trace

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Don’t leave any trash behind, especially plastic straws or bags; it’s best to use metal or bamboo straws and cloth bags. With a stiff breeze, plastics can end up in the water to entangle and choke marine life or break into toxic microplastics that pollute drinking water supplies. The online journal PLOS ONE estimates there are 5 trillion pieces, or approximately 269,000 tons of plastic, already in Earth’s oceans. July 2020

sequester carbon,” says Diana Carpinone, president of Non Toxic Communities, a pesticide reform nonprofit, and founder of Non Toxic Dover, in New Hampshire.

green living

Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

by Julie Peterson

ith its dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, America’s 63,000 square miles of lawns rely on fossil fuels, put pressure on water supplies and devastate soil, watersheds, animals and people. Fortunately, green turf can be attained organically, with important benefits. “In addition to protecting public health, eliminating our use of pesticides and fertilizers will allow us to build healthy soil and sequester more carbon as we face climate chaos,” says Mackenzie Feldman, executive director of HerbicideFree Campus, a San Francisco organization working to transition colleges nationwide to organic lawns.

The Harm Done

Homeowner desire for lush swaths of monoculture grass has been fueled by lawn chemical ads equating model families with flawless lawns. Unfortunately, the “green grass of home” isn’t an ideal dream, it’s a nightmare. Research shows that it exposes people to cancer-causing, reproductiveharming and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, many of which are deemed safe by

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government agencies. The Pesticide-Induced Diseases database at BeyondPesticides.org holds myriad studies linking chemicals to asthma, diabetes, autism, lupus, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxins due to their developing organs. Exposure to lawn chemicals also comes through the air, on indoor surfaces and in water. A U.S. Geological Survey report found pesticides in 99 percent of urban streams. In mixed land use areas, 100 percent of major rivers and 33 percent of major aquifers were tainted. While the culture around the aesthetics of landscapes is strong, the tipping point has arrived. “People are becoming more aware that their children are at elevated risk and that there are deficiencies in the laws that govern toxic chemical use,” says Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, in Washington, D.C. Lawn chemicals are also feeding climate change. “Not only are they fossilfuel intensive to produce, they harm the biology in the soil and destroy its ability to

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Greener Green Grass

Recent lawsuits and climate change have given activists more power to effect sweeping changes in policy. “This isn’t just a niche idea. We have a mandate, given looming environmental crises, to transform our current chemical intensive systems to organic,” says Jay Feldman. Organic turf experts have devised methods to grow monoculture grass. According to Ryan Anderson, a community outreach specialist at the Integrated Pest Management Institute of North America and leader of Midwest Grows Green, “Homeowners can keep their lawns organic by increasing cultural controls.” These include aerating, over seeding and mowing high to build the soil, turf and plant system. While pristine lawns are possible, reconsidering aesthetics is another option. “We could let native plants grow and embrace plant diversity as fundamental to ecosystem resilience,” says Mackenzie Feldman. Indeed, “weeds” are beneficial. Clover feeds nitrogen to grass, benefits soil organisms and stays green long after turf. Dandelions were once considered a source of food and medicine, and all parts of it are edible, including flowers, roots and leaves. Instead of living with weeds, some homeowners are choosing to tear out lawns and put in indigenous plants to attract pollinators and other wildlife. But it takes time for society to adopt new views and front yards can be polarizing. “You can’t go from zero to hippie in a day. People need realistic goals,” says Carpinone. Whether someone rents, owns or only has access to shared green spaces, Shaina Rico, founder of The Generation Ground, an Austin-based organization helping farmers launch regenerative businesses, feels everyone must “take ownership of our green spaces. If you are not the one managing the land, ask questions of those

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Front Yard Activists

that are. What are we doing to support the soil biology? Can we achieve the goal without using chemicals? How can we increase soil organic matter?”

community spotlight

Greener Communities Concerned citizens are asking local governments and school districts to eliminate chemical turf management protocols at parks and schools. Nonprofit campaigns such as Beyond Pesticides, Non Toxic Communities and Herbicide-Free Campus can sometimes send a spokesperson and provide ample data to overcome common objections. “We can show that organic is viable and economical. Organic systems end up reducing costs over time,” says Jay Feldman, who helps install community pilot sites. Transitioning to organic practices requires a focus on soil health, building up microbial life and organic matter, understanding the ecosystem and creating a balanced ecology. Once in place, it’s a functioning system that doesn’t need much management. “You can have a beautiful, organic, green lawn that’s safe for all living things,” says Carpinone. Julie Peterson writes about wellness and environmental issues from rural Wisconsin. Reach her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Make a Difference Offset climate change and improve health for people and the planet by reaching out to the community or finding helpful experts to assist with local efforts. Non Toxic Communities (NonToxicCommunities.com) offers resources to create healthier schools, lawns and landscapes throughout the country. Beyond Pesticides (BeyondPesticides.org) has a database of pest management and lawn service companies that don’t use dangerous pesticides, lawn signs for the organic yard and a sign-up for The Action of the Week to contact elected officials about current issues. The Integrated Pest Management Institute of North America (ipminstitute.org) provides low-risk pest management solutions for farms, greenhouses, facilities and homes. Herbicide-Free Campus (HerbicideFreeCampus.org) is working to transition every campus in the country to organic. The Great Healthy Yard Project (tghyp.com/downloads) has downloads on how to grow without gunk and encouraging others to do the same.

Survival Gardening in Florida by David Goodman

espite the complaints about Florida being too hot and sandy, the Sunshine State is a great place to grow food during uncertain times. Decent rainfall and an almost tropical climate allows growing year-round if need be. Just avoid getting too fancy and plant the plants that love, or at least tolerate, the climate. First, don’t worry about building proper raised beds, just pick a spot and remove the grass and weeds, then loosen the soil. A spading fork is good for this, but we can also turn over shovelfuls of sand to get things loose and let moisture go deep. A good bed size is four feet wide and as long as desired. Two-foot pathways in-between beds allow a wheelbarrow through. If compost is available, dig it in. Just a quarter-inch to a half-inch or so on top of each bed, raked or dug in, is needed. Compost may be found in the woods under leaf litter. Other good amendments include wood ashes, coffee grounds, chicken or rabbit manure, alfalfa pellets or meal, or even some chicken feed or dog food. Just dig some into each bed. Otherwise take a drum or a few five-gallon buckets and stuff some weeds and grass in them, then top them off with water and let it rot down into a tea. Add a few quarts of urine per five-gallon bucket to provide nitrogen and other nutrients. A cup of Epsom salts, moringa leaves, alfalfa, fish guts, mimosa leaves and many other ingredients can also be added to this tea and will help feed the plants. Most cow or other ruminant manures are contaminated with long-term herbicides such as look up Aminopyralid used to control weeds; they will often kill a garden before it even gets a good start. Use the compost tea to feed plants. Dilute it at least half-and-half with water and don’t use it on maturing leaf crops like lettuce that will go immediately to the table. Urine is also usable diluted about six parts water to one part urine. Grow calorie crops first, then nutrition crops. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, true yams (Dioscorea spp.), beans, maize/grain corn, Seminole pumpkins, calabaza, sunflowers and turnips are highcalorie allies. After those, plant high-nutrition plants like moringa, July 2020

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longevity spinach, kale, chaya, collards, etc. We are late in the season already by Florida standards, so most leafy greens will have to wait until October to be planted. In the heat of summer, crops are mostly limited to chaya, yard-long green beans, black-eyed peas, okra and sweet potatoes. True yams are sold at Publix sold as name yams. When planting, pay attention to spacing. Too close and we have to water more. If spacing is wider, plants compete less for resources. Mulching with grass clippings, leaves or wood chips keeps the ground cool and moist, however, it can be hard to find enough mulch for a large garden. Water deeply every few days if it doesn’t rain. Rain or well water is better than city water. Dip into the stinky bucket of tea with a watering can and feed in the morning or evening every week or two, and it will help keep plants happy. Also feed with commercial fertilizer such as MiracleGro or a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 if need be. Organic is better, but food production is our top priority. Use a hoe to knock out weeds or hand-pull. Throw weeds in the tea barrel or

compost pile. Attack pests by hand-removing insects. Carefully spray off aphids with the hose. Neem oil is a good all-around pest deterrent, as is slightly soapy water. Sevin works well if we go non-organic. For fire ants, Amdro bait is not particularly toxic and wipes out the colonies that destroy potatoes, spread aphids and bite feet. Don’t be afraid. Plant the yard and spend lots of time learning and growing. For more information, find more than 2,000 gardening posts online at TheSurvivalGardener.com and Instagram @TheSurvivalGardener. David Goodman is the author of seven gardening books, including Grow or Die: The Good Guide to Survival Gardening, Compost Everything: The Good Guide to Extreme Composting and Totally Crazy Easy Florida Gardening.

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Doulas Usher in Beginning and End of Life

doula describes the role of a woman that provides emotional, physical and educational support to an expectant mother before labor, during the birthing process and immediately afterwards. The term is now also used in association with end-of-life care. Since 2003, with a growing trend toward a positive death movement, these doulas are being trained to provide emotional, educational and spiritual support to individuals and their families before, during and after death. End-of-life doulas approach death as being a natural part of life and encourage individuals to maintain the option to make decisions about their own death care and experience. Doulas encourage individuals to talk with family members about their end-oflife wishes and to have open communication about this often taboo subject. Doulas advocate for clear communication with medical providers, palliative care teams and hospice care teams. They will assist in activities such as planning for memorial services or writing an obituary, and are available to discuss options for after-death care such as home funerals, green burials, cremations or traditional funerals and burials. Along with these practical issues, end-oflife doulas focus on providing emotional support to the individual and family during this transitional period. They initiate sometimes difficult conversations and provide emotional support as the dying person makes decision about their care. Doulas can work with them to create a legacy project that reflects the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, experiences, work and spiritual beliefs. They are available to sit vigil with them during the time period leading

to death if the family wishes. In Gainesville, several end-of-life doulas are available to provide these services. Lis Cherr is a retired crisis counselor who holds a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in crisis, grief and loss. She is also a registered nurse, and worked for Haven Hospice until April 2020 as an RN hospital liaison. She is experienced and comfortable with the three phases of end-of-life doula work: advance planning, legacy, and unfinished business; vigil during the last 24 to 48 hours of life; and after-death reprocessing and early grief work with loved ones. Cherr works with clients and their loved ones to encourage communication, advocate for the client and serve as a calming and reassuring presence for the client and family as the end of life nears. She offers a free initial consultation. Anna Schwait has been a registered nurse since 1981 and a Gainesville resident since 1990. She retired after working 14 years as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing. Schwait is bilingual in English and Spanish, and a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. In 2018, she completed end-of-life doula certification with the Conscious Dying Institute and started Compassionate Care Now to provide doula services. She has ex-

perience in providing doula care and brings a calm reverence to honoring life and death. Her doula work focuses on preparation and planning, emotional and spiritual support, vigil arrangements and grief work. Shanti Vani, a Gainesville resident since 1979, has organized healing arts events, owned a family child care home and worked as a respiratory therapist. In 2018, after five family members died in five years, she trained as an end-of-life doula with the International End of Life Doula Association and became a volunteer at Haven Hospice. Her home-based Roots and Wings End-of-Life Doula Services provides a range of practical, emotional and spiritual support, including advanced care planning, legacy/life review, memorials and grief work. Lee Wilberschied relocated to Gainesville from northern Ohio two years ago to be closer to family. She is a lifelong educator and has earned three certificates for end-of-life doula work. Her work in Ohio included volunteer work with two hospices and a private group practice with several clients, and active membership in an end-of-life choir. Her fluency in Spanish has helped her to connect with clients and their families. She is working to establish herself in Gainesville, and her doula work focuses include vigil, public relations, and memory/legacy work. Lis Cherr, Day is Done Doula, LLC: 352477-1211, DayIsDoneDoula@gmail.com Anna Schwait, Compassionate Care Now: 352-538-7161, Anna.Schwait@gmail.com, CompassionateCareNow.com Shanti Vani, Roots and Wings End-of-Life Doula Services: 352-225-1385, ShantiVani@cox.net Lee Wilberschied: 216-316-4454, L.Wilberschied@csuohio.edu July 2020

CALMING KIDS Ways to Turn Anxiety Around by Ronica O’Hara

t is difficult for children to make sense of what’s happening in response to COVID-19 as schools close, sports and extracurricular activities stop and many people wear masks. Before these unsettling circumstances took place, one in eight children experienced anxiety disorders, but now parents are reporting that even happy-golucky children that skipped through life have turned clingy; regressing to playing with old toys or becoming withdrawn. “The dramatic change in schedules, reduced social contact and worry about the illness itself can all contribute to the anxiety,” says Eli Lebowitz, Ph.D., director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. “Some children will also have relatives or friends directly impacted by the virus.” As the situation improves, so should children’s emotional well-being, but if anxi-

ety lingers, parents can take heart in new research from the center that shows how childhood anxiety can be reversed before it becomes a crippling adult condition. The study of 124 children aged 7 to 14 with anxiety disorders found that when parents made simple behavior changes, their kids’ symptoms sharply decreased 87.5 percent of the time and disappeared completely 60 percent of the time. Parents drew closer to their children and felt less stressed themselves, and the kids continued to improve even after the study ended. According to Lebowitz, lead author of the study, the key is to reduce parental accommodation—actions that parents take to soothe and protect their anxious children, like texting to provide constant reassurances, speaking for a child with social fears or staying with a child that

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

fears separation until they fall asleep. These actions may not be a problem in the short term or in tough times, but when used repeatedly, the child often becomes more fearful, less confident and unable to function in a normal manner. In a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, parents learned in 12 weekly sessions how to slowly pull back from accommodating actions while validating the child’s emotions and conveying confidence in their ability to handle challenges. Notably, a parent-focused program, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, produced better results than the control group, in which the children underwent 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy learning to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. More information on this program for parents and therapists can be found at SpaceTreatment.net.

Everyday Anxiety-Busters Here are some other straightforward strategies that can lower childhood anxiety.

Getting physical. “Encourage your

child to do any kind of exercise: jumping, swinging, running, catch, tag, hopscotch, biking, hiking, skateboarding. These activities are all considered weight-bearing because they place deep pressure on the joints and muscles, which calms their sensory systems that help regulate emotions,” advises Brittany Ferri, a Rochester, New York, occupational therapist specializing in pediatrics and mental health.

Getting outdoors. Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D and moodboosting serotonin, and studies show that even brief nature walks can lower anxiety and improve focus in kids.

Giving them seeds and a shovel.

Planning and working in their own garden give kids a healthy dose of fresh air, physical activity and a sense of accomplishment, and growing their own vegetables makes them more likely to enjoy eating them.

Breathing deep. “Parents can teach

children coping skills such as relaxing their 18

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healthy kids

body or taking slow deep breaths to help them regulate their anxiety,” says Lebowitz. For example, a child can lie on their back and pretend to blow up a balloon. Or using a fresh flower, a child can breathe in the scent through the nose for a count of four, hold the breath for the same amount of time and then breathe out slowly through the mouth.

Playing it out. “Parents can help a

child role-play what they could do in a situation that they’re nervous about,” says Leigh Ellen Watts Magness, a clinical social worker and play therapist, in Athens, Georgia. “They can create a puppet show where the characters have a similar problem, create a poster about some strategies they might use to relax or have their figurines talk to other toys about how they feel. All of these things help kids process feelings of anxiety.” Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Words Have Consequences

ome words don’t help anxious kids, says University of Minnesota psychology professor Abigail Gewirtz, author of When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids. “These kinds of statements dismiss, minimize or even punish children for their anxiety, and they teach children that anxiety isn’t important, or worse, is damaging and should be ignored or stuffed away,” she says. Amanda Walker, a Los Angeles clinical psychologist, advises, “It is important to try and respond to the anxiety with loving kindness, with compassion and openness. Asking ‘What happened?’ instead of ‘What’s wrong?’ changes the way that a challenge is viewed. Other approaches are, ‘I can see why you might feel that way’, or, ‘It’s okay to be scared; lots of kids feel that way.’” To reinforce a child’s confidence, “The key is reminding a child of past

things they were afraid of that never came to pass or bringing to the attention of a child the ways that the child was able to face their fear and overcome it,” says Bruce L. Thiessen, a San Diego clinical psychologist. “Past reminders can increase selfefficacy and build self-confidence, which are powerful anxiety buffers. “Children find it all the more difficult to cope with anxiety if they feel that they are alone in their struggle,” he adds. “It is important to reassure them by saying something like, ‘We are in this together. I am here for you.’ It may be important to add, ‘No matter what happens, you and I are going to find a way to be okay.’” Statements to avoid: “You don’t need to worry. You have nothing to worry about. I’m the adult, let me do the worrying. When I was your age, I had much bigger things to worry about.”

July 2020

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and Stability

by Marlaina Donato

ood balance is something we may take for granted until an unexpected fall brings our attention to a brewing problem. Slower reflexes, unconditioned muscles and changes in eyesight can all compromise balance. Statistics show at least one in three people over the age of 65 suffer from injuries related to falls, but regular core-strengthening balance training, yoga and tai chi can lower the risk considerably. Marching in place and simple exercises added to a customary after-dinner walk on summer evenings can also go a long way. According to a 2013 study of senior women published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, exercising not only reduces the likelihood of falls by 37 percent, but also the severity of injuries such as broken bones by 61 percent. “Balance is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice,” says Mike Ross, a Chicago-based performance enhancement

specialist and author of The Balance Manual. “The problem is people gradually spend less and less time standing and moving around— chasing kids or doing yard work—and spend more time watching television or sitting in front of the computer.”

Whole Body Equilibrium Balance training for all ages helps the body to move fluidly as a singular, balanced unit. Stephanie Mansour, a Chicago fitness expert and host of the PBS weekly Step it Up with Steph show, says, “Some people who have hip or back pain may have an imbalance: One side is more developed than the other. Other people may feel wobbly during workouts or walking upstairs, or less agile while getting in and out of cars; doing everyday movements. Balance training will help improve those everyday activities.” Full-body exercises engage core muscles to stabilize movement. “You’ll be

Balance into Summer

n Practice walking on stable logs while hiking in the woods or walking in a straight line on the beach. n Take a balance-boosting paddleboard yoga class. n Take a few moments to breathe deeply while balancing on the balls of the feet in the yard or on the balcony each morning.

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BALANCING ACT Exercises for Strength

Everyday Tips and Recommendations From Stephanie Mansour, some things to do every day: n When you’re walking to the restroom, do it slowly in a straight line, as if you’re on a tightrope. n If you’re cooking in the kitchen and standing in place, try balancing on one leg while you’re lifting the other one. n Press down through the heel and pull your navel in toward your spine to engage your core. Unstable blood sugar levels, nutritional deficiencies, blurred vision, inner ear infections and side effects from medication can also contribute to poor balance. It’s important to find the source of balance issues with a physician. From Kollins Ezekh, here’s a basic exercise that anyone can do at any age: n Start by simply balancing on both legs, using support if needed. By doing this, you can work on reducing relying on your support and placing your feet closer and closer together with your eyes closed. n When you’re ready, try balancing on one leg. You can do this for 30 seconds at a time and repeat this three to five times. Don’t forget to make sure you give both legs the same attention. As you get more advanced, you can step it up and balance on one leg with your eyes closed while performing an activity, like hopping in place. In whatever you do, make sure to always work each leg evenly. surprised by some muscles that are triggered that are otherwise less engaged during traditional exercises. No matter where you start, it only takes a few minutes of balance work a day to make a difference,” says Los Angeles fitness trainer Kollins Ezekh, emphasizing the added benefit of improved posture that naturally reduces lower back stress and resulting chronic pain. Balance training also packs a positive punch for brain health by focusing the mind and improving cognitive function while lowering stress levels.

Everyday Activity Being proactive throughout the day and adopting simple habits have far-reaching effects. “Start in the morning when you’re getting dressed for the day and pay attention to which foot you balance on first to put your legs in your pants. Consciously do the opposite. When you’re drying your hair or brushing your teeth, balance on your tip toes,” suggests Mansour. Ross recommends staying active in the daily routines. “Make a point of breaking up long periods of sitting like desk work and [watching] television. Get up and play with the kids instead of watching them. If you can, do your own housecleaning and yard work instead

of hiring someone. Find a sport that you can engage in as you age. For instance, you might play tennis in your 20s and 30s and then pickleball and Ping-Pong in your 50s.” No matter what type of training we choose, there’s a way to fit in balance elements. “You can try yoga, where the different poses really challenge your balance strength,” says Ezekh. “When doing weight training, you can do lateral exercises with dumbbells on your shoulders or even squatting movements. You need to use your balance strength to prevent yourself from swaying or toppling over. Even exercises like walking down steps require proper levels of balance.”

A Steady Diet Vitamin B12-rich foods, including whole-grain cereals, plantsourced milks, eggs, sardines and nutritional yeast, as well as resveratrol-rich fruits like grapes or blueberries, can help improve coordination and motor function. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science reveals that women over 60 with higher serum vitamin D levels exhibit better stability and strength in their lower extremities. Overall, fostering good balance pays off in the long run. Ross notes, “Ideally, the time to start proactively doing activities that stimulate your balance is way before that first fall in your 50s and 60s.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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BEYOND FACTORY FARMS ‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost

High Cost of Cheap Meat

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a push toward greater efficiency created the shift to industrial livestock production. However, attempts to maximize production for higher returns at minimal cost come at a price. For example, a growing body of evidence

shows that CAFO leads to the social and economic decline of rural communities. “Research has consistently found that living near a CAFO is associated with an array of negative health impacts, including respiratory disease, mental health problems and certain types of infections,” says Keeve Nachman, Ph.D., director of the CLF Food Production and Public Health Program. Everett Murphy, M.D., a retired pulmonologist from Kansas City, concurs, “Not only are the odors from factory livestock farms offensive, but individuals living within three miles of industrial animal operations are at risk for serious, life-shortening illnesses and permanent disabilities.” Concrete reservoirs designed to hold manure present a problem as well, he adds, “They always leak into the groundwater, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria and making the source of water to neighboring communities unusable and toxic.” Joan Olive says she is living proof that exposure to air pollution from factory farms is every bit as harmful as scientists and

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health experts have warned about for years. On one fateful December day 16 years ago, Olive was outdoors on her family farm near Spencer, Iowa, when she noticed a strong, sickening odor. Feeling nauseous, she went inside, but later that evening, her tongue swelled, she became disoriented and began shaking and sweating profusely. Olive’s symptoms subsided over the next few days, but since then she has experienced multiple chemical sensitivities, transient symptoms of brain fog, muscle twitching, migraines, and respiratory and circulatory problems. Health experts at the University of Iowa identified the source of the sickening odor as toxic hydrogen sulfide from liquid CAFO waste that had been sprayed on farmland one mile from Olive’s home. In addition to the region’s concentration of hog CAFO, her home sat two miles from 1.5 million chickens. Today, Olive drinks filtered water and eats organic food to protect her health, but she notices that her symptoms return when triggered by exposure to CAFO air pollution and pesticides. In March, Olive moved to Spearfish, South Dakota, where she’s breathing easier and enjoying time outdoors. But she believes she left behind “thousands of rural residents who are having their lives and health destroyed by Big Ag.”

SaimonSailent/Shutterstock.com

evin Walker, a Michigan State University professor and author of The Grand Food Bargain and the Mindless Drive for More, says, “Meat is the poster child of industrial food gone awry.” Independent animal farmers are disappearing while factory farms are getting bigger, causing more air, soil and water pollution in rural communities nationwide, reports the Center for a Livable Future (CLF) at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Large industrialized farms known as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) rely on the routine use of antibiotics to both prevent the spread of disease and promote animal growth and weight gain—a practice known to fuel antibiotic resistance and compromise human health.

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

There Ought to be a Law

“Government oversight and policies designed to safeguard the health of individuals and the environment from these operations have been inadequate,” says Bob Martin, director of the CLF Food System Policy Program. Citing environmental and public health hazards, the American Public Health Association issued a new policy statement last November calling for a precautionary moratorium on all new and expanding CAFO. It advises a complete halt until additional scientific data has been collected and public health concerns addressed.

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Bypassing Industrial Eating

Many consumers don’t realize that the majority of beef, pork and chicken sold in supermarkets, served in restaurants and distributed to institutions nationwide comes from the industrial food system. According to the Public Justice Food Project, 85 percent of the meat Americans consume is produced by four corporate giants—Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill and JBS—each accused of hiding labor, animal or environmental abuses behind folksy brand names and packaging images. To shed light on abuses and steer consumers away from industrial meat, the Center for Food Safety created a website that pulls back the curtain on CAFO. It recommends replacing half of the meat we eat with humane, sustainably raised, grass-fed and organic meat, while replacing the other half with plant-based sources of protein such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds—a dietary approach that benefits our gut microbes and protects us against a host of chronic diseases.

Meat Alternatives

As concerns mount about the health, ethical and environmental impact of animal products, the food industry has responded with more plant-based, lab-grown meat

practices. “Industrial agriculture is absolutely harmful,” reports A Greener World, a nonprofit certifier of the trustworthy Animal Welfare Approved label. But thinking we have to go vegan or purchase fake meat to protect our health or the planet is misguided.

Once you learn how our modern industrial food system has transformed what most Americans eat, you become highly motivated to eat something else. ~Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation, Chew on This and co-producer of Food, Inc. alternatives. Yet, according to the Food and Technology 2019 report by the market research firm The Hartman Group, many meat replacements rely on highly sophisticated technologies that hardly meet consumers’ definitions of “natural”. “It’s all about what isn’t on the label,” says Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., chief science advisor of the GRACE Communications Foundation. According to Rangan, many plant-based and fake meat products are actually ultra-processed foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients and rely on petroleum-based chemicals that are not required to be listed on the label. “The Impossible Burger introduces over 48 new proteins to the human diet without a thorough safety investigation,” warns Rangan. She questions whether these new meat alternatives are better than meat from animals raised on pasture without routine drugs and synthetic fertilizers. There’s a big difference between the health and environmental impact of meat from animals raised in feed lots versus those raised with regenerative agricultural

Eating Less, But Better Meat

“Our bodies are designed to be omnivores, and animal products are part of a diverse, real food diet,” says Rebecca Thistlethwaite, director of the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network at Oregon State University. Thistlethwaite, author of Farms with a Future and The New Livestock Farmer: The Business of Raising and Selling Ethical Meat, believes in ancestral eating and eating as close to nature as possible. She is mindful of portion size and eats only organic and pasture-raised animal foods to avoid synthetic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Will Harris, owner of White Oak Pastures, in Bluffton, Georgia, declares, “It’s not the cow, it’s the how.” Harris transitioned his livestock operation from the industrial model to certified humane animal husbandry and sustainable practices that emulate nature. The switch to a pasturebased system yields healthier animals, he explains, and helps take carbon out of the atmosphere and back into the soil. In Cows Save the Planet and Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth, author Judith Schwartz describes how grazing animals play a key role in restoring soil health, and therefore human health. “Well-managed pastures and grasslands with ruminant animals can sequester more carbon than they emit, improve soil health and increase groundwater recharge,” explains Thistlethwaite. Plus, both livestock and poultry can make use of inedible feeds that humans don’t consume, such as grass and sagebrush.

Critical Questions to Find and Support Good Food Where does my food come from? Who produced it and under what conditions? Were workers treated fairly and animals humanely? What’s in or on my food? Were pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, genetically modified ingredients or additives used in producing it? Is it rich or poor in nutrients? What might be the unintended consequences of my food and farming choices? How might those choices affect our environment and future generations? July 2020

Rangan and Harris emphasize that the power of consumer spending can shift the market. However, Thistlethwaite says, “We cannot just vote with our forks, as many people don’t have that luxury.” She urges change at both personal and political levels, favoring incentive-based approaches with fewer subsidies going to the industrial system. “We need more farmers raising high-quality animals in a humane, ecologically responsible manner,” says Thistlethwaite. But we also need more small-scale slaughterhouses and meat processors throughout the country to get quality meat to more of our tables. In addition to farmers’ markets, cooperatives and community supported agriculture, organizations such as the American Grassfed Association and Local Harvest connect consumers directly to farmers using sustainable practices to help rebuild regional food hubs and networks. “Start with small steps,” suggests Thistlethwaite. “Buy milk from a local creamery, eggs from a farmer in your community or one-quarter cow to fill your freezer from a local, grass-fed beef producer. Reward the farms and ranches that are doing it right by purchasing from them, promoting them, supporting them.” Melinda Hemmelgarn is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com. Tune into Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.

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The COVID-19 health crisis highlights inequalities in how we produce and distribute food. A new bill, the Farm System Reform Act (FSRA), will help to create a more healthy, sustainable and equitable model, by placing a moratorium on new Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (commonly known as factory farms), cracking down on the monopolistic practices of multinational meat corporations and supporting farmers to transition to healthier, pasture-based models and organic farming. To support the FSRA, the Sierra Club has made it easy to contact members of Congress at Tinyurl.com/ BlockFactoryFarms.

Power To the People

Learn More, Eat Smarter Center for Food Safety: EndIndustrialMeat.org Consumer Reports: Tinyurl.com/MeatGetsMakeover Food Print: Tinyurl.com/WhatIsFoodPrint Friends of the Earth: foe.org/resources/from-lab-to-fork A Greener World: AGreenerWorld.org 10 Things You Can Do for the Planet Instead of Giving Up On Animal Agriculture: AGreenerWorld.org/ a-greener-world/10-things-you-can-do Humane Society Food Industry Scorecard: HumaneSociety.org/resources/food-industry-scorecard Keep Antibiotics Working: KeepAntibioticsWorking.org Public Justice Food Project: Food.PublicJustice.net/ communityresources Right to Harm film and resources: RightToHarm.film One Hundred Thousand Beating Hearts film: Tinyurl.com/100000BeatingHearts

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Take Action to Stop Factory Farms

Locally Sourced Sustainable Clean Meats

he Florida Fresh Meat Company produces and distributes a full line of local, humanly raised, sustainable and chemical-free gourmet meat products. Their motto is, “Feeding Our Community From Within Our Community.” Owner Jan Costa started a kosher meat company in 2009, and after a year of trial and error, decided to go into sustainable, grass-fed and chemical-free meats. So in 2010, with a pickup truck, a freezer of farmraised and grass-fed beef and a George Foreman grill, Costa handed out samples at a local farmers’ market. The business has since grown into a network of local, family-run ranchers and farmers that supply the meat and Costa’s company does the processing, packaging and distribution. Gourmet, grass-fed cattle are a result of a partnership with third- and fourth-generation cattlemen Danny Cowart (Cowart Ranch), John Tilton (JK Farms), Jackie Fields (Big Country Ranch) and more. The cattle are raised on a variety of gourmet grasses; clover, wheat, oat and rye grass, millet, perennial peanut and a variety of legumes, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Once harvested, they are hung in an air-ventilated refrigerated locker for up to 28 days for a traditional dry-aging process that naturally tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor. The meat is ground and cut into gourmet roasts, steaks and burger by master butchers. Heritage Berkshire and Mangalitsa pigs are bred at Dennis and Robin Walton’s Farm, in Summerfield, then birthed and

raised without boar interference at Bill and Annie Knox’ Stoneage Ranch, in Dunnelon. Pasture-raised lamb and goat are also from the Walton Farm, as well as support for local 4H clubs come county fair time. The Wholesome Conversion Farm in Wiersdale, owned by Pastor Scott Moore, who runs the farm with his wife Melanie and daughter Samantha, produce pasture-raised heritage white chickens, Pastor Scott Moore and Jan Costa pekin duck, broad breasted white turkey and brown pasture-raised eggs from their hybrid breed of ISA brown egg layers. These gourmet chickens start in in brooders, then mobile hoop houses for four to five weeks. Costa sources and partners with many local ranchers and farmers throughout north central Florida, who pass the interview process. This insures a steady year round supply of high-grade gourmet quality meats for customers and distributors. The Florida Fresh Meat Company supplies gourmet meats to individuals and restaurants, including free-range grass-fed and finished Angus beef, pastureraised pork, lamb, goat, chicken, duck, gator and rabbit. All participating farms operate chemical, hormone and antibiotic-free as well as free-range and grass-fed. Florida Fresh Meat Company is a certified USDA processing facility and is open to the public, the master butcher will butcher meat to order. Costa continues to sell his gourmet meats at Haile Farmers’ Market, in Gainesville, every Saturday morning. His team goes to other markets across the state and he ships throughout the state. Visit Pi On Broadway and Feta Mediterranean Cuisine, both in Ocala, to try the gourmet meat. The Florida Fresh Meat Company is located at 13770 S. Hwy. 475, in Summerfield. For more information, call 352-566-8586, email Info@ FloridaFreshMeat.com or visit FloridaFreshMeat.com.

July 2020

OUTDOOR FEASTS Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills by Marlaina Donato

othing defines the summer season quite like firing up the grill or escaping with a picnic basket to a favorite hideaway. From luscious fruits to gorgeous greens, enjoying a meal outdoors inspires us to eat what is in season and invites us to sip the moment. Most of all, it gives us special time with loved ones or with ourselves. Ashley English, of Candler, North Carolina, author of A Year of Picnics: Recipes

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for Dining Well in the Great Outdoors, sees picnics as a delicious excuse to eat healthy and in sync with the seasons. “No matter what time of year you’re picnicking, there’s always going to be something ripe and in season to showcase. We all know that foods eaten at their peak time of ripeness simply taste better, so use your summertime picnic as an opportunity to bite into a ripe watermelon or your autumn picnic as the ideal time to bake an apple crisp.”

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Thinking outside the box can jazz up the ordinary. English sings the praises of picnicking not only in woodlands and on beaches, but on rooftops. Being open to different times of the day welcomes a shift in mood. “I’m particularly fond of breakfast picnics. They’re an excellent way to clear your head and get motivated, as they’re an activity fully engaging all of the senses. Twilight picnics are another favorite. As the sun begins to set, the light is less harsh and the mood outdoors becomes decidedly quieter. I find picnics during this time of day to be especially relaxing,” says English. Simple tasks like washing salad greens or whipping up a quick hummus dip the night before a picnic can save considerable time. Traditional picnic baskets are not required, and English recommends vintage suitcases, wooden crates or a backpack, especially if the picnic destination involves an uphill trek. She also emphasizes simplicity: “While a lavish spread with myriad options is quite fun, a simple picnic can be equally enjoyable. A grazing board to-go is quite easy. Pack up a medley of fruits, veggies, charcuterie or cheeses, crackers, spreads and pickles and a little something sweet, and you’ve got all you need to create a memorable meal outdoors.” Robyn Lindars, of Fort Myers, Florida, author The Healthy Electric Smoker Cookbook: 100 Recipes with All-Natural Ingredients and Fewer Carbs, says, “I love grilled veggies paired with goat cheese and fresh herbs on French or Italian bread. You can add capicola or just stick to veggies for tasty sandwiches that do well in a cooler.”

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Portable Pleasures

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Great Grilling

Grilling “adds a ton of flavor to food without needing to add additional fat or calories. Cooking over fire is also the oldest method of cooking,” says Lindars. Happily, the health risks associated with barbequing meat over hot coals can be reduced by using flavorful marinades or opting to go vegan. Reducing temperature decreases carcinogenic compounds associated with grilling meats and can be best accomplished by waiting until charcoal turns to embers or turning the gas grill down a notch or two. Grilling further from the flame on an elevated rack is also a good option. Citrusy or balsamic vinegar-based marinades naturally minimize toxic potential by reducing the formation of unhealthy compounds, studies show. “You are what you eat and what you eat was eating. Opt for the highest-quality protein possible—grass-fed beef, organic, humanely raised protein,” suggests Lindars. “Make your own marinades and rubs to avoid ingredients like soybean oil and corn syrup. You can easily make your own with simple ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, vinegars, sea salt and spices. Fresh rosemary, lemon zest, juice, sea salt, pepper and garlic with a splash of olive oil makes for an amazing marinade, and can even be paired with grass-fed butter to put on chicken. A basic rub of smoked paprika, sea salt, fresh ground pepper and dash of garlic powder is great on just about anything.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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Recipes for Outdoor Feasts

Fire-Roasted Gazpacho 3 lb small-to medium-size tomatoes, possibly a mixture of San Marzano and Campari tomatoes (The smaller tomatoes will get more exposure to the grill) 2 large cucumbers 1 poblano pepper 1 head of garlic 8 oz mini-bell peppers 2 tsp white wine vinegar 1 cup water (or more) Dash olive oil 1 Tbsp sea salt (preferably bourbon barrel smoked sea salt) 1 Tbsp black pepper (preferably bourbon barrel smoked pepper) 1 tsp sugar 1 large bunch basil 1 ripe avocado, diced Preheat a charcoal grill for medium direct heat—about 350° F. (Gas works, but will not produce as much smokiness as charcoal.) Prepare the veggies to go on the grill: wash everything and slice the cucumbers into thin lengthwise pieces; put the garlic cloves onto skewers. Grill the tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic and poblano pepper until char marks form on all sides. Remove the veggies and place in a big pot. Add water. With an immersion blender, mix everything together until uniform in consistency.

Add the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste; more water for a thinner consistency; and the basil at the end with one last blend with the immersion blender. Chill at least 3 hours before serving so the flavors have time to meld together. Garnish with diced avocado and fresh basil. Recipe and photo courtesy of Robyn Lindars, GrillGirl.com.

New Twists on Old Favorites Brew up delicious and colorful herbal teas for gourmet lemonades. Try hibiscus, lemongrass, lavender or fresh ginger tea, adding fresh organic lemon juice and a sweetener of choice. In a blender, whip up unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, coconut or cashew) with a ripe banana, a small handful of dates and a splash of vanilla extract, and pour into popsicle molds. Combine peanut, almond, sunflower or soy butter with cocoa or carob powder, a tablespoon of plant-based hazelnut creamer and a pinch of salt. Roll into balls and then add sesame, chia seeds, cinnamon, coconut sugar or chopped dates.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. July 2020

Grilled Romaine Hearts 1 romaine heart per person 1 Tbsp olive oil Sea salt to taste Fresh ground black pepper Parmesan cheese or another hard, aged cheese

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu

Prepare the grill for direct heat.

Fruta Picada Yields: 8 to 10 servings A combination of fresh fruit, lime juice and chili seasoning, fruta picada is served at markets and roadsides throughout Mexico. The combination of spice and salt partnered with sweet fruit is guaranteed to take the edge off of a blistering summer’s day. Spice Blend 3 Tbsp chipotle powder 3 Tbsp smoky paprika 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp sea salt 1 Tbsp cumin seeds 1½ tsp celery seeds

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Grind all of the spice blend ingredients together in a spice grinder or food processor or with a mortar and pestle until finely powdered. Transfer to a lidded container with a shaker screen.

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Place all of the fruit spears onto a serving platter. Squeeze the fresh lime juice evenly across. Let guests serve themselves as much fruit as they’d like, and then sprinkle with the spice blend.

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North Central FL Edition

Fruit 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into spears ½ watermelon, peeled, cut into spears and seeded 1 large jicama, peeled and cut into spears 1 large papaya, peeled, seeded and cut into spears Juice from 2 limes

From A Year of Picnics: Recipes for Dining Well In the Great Outdoors, by Ashley English. Photo by Jen Altman. Reprinted in arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications, Inc.

Rinse/dry the romaine hearts, drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Grill the romaine hearts on direct heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until char marks form and the lettuce begins to wilt. Remove the hearts from the grill, grate a generous amount of the cheese on the hearts and add a little more olive oil. For a crowd, chop the hearts up and put them in a bowl to serve as a large salad on the side of the main course. Recipe and photo courtesy of Robyn Lindars, GrillGirl.com.

Picnic Recipes

Picnic Safety Tips from Ashley English Use insulated coolers for perishable items. Before being stored in the refrigerator, cool any foods after preparation to room temperature to be served cold later.

Kalamata Olive Hummus-Cucumber Picnic Sandwiches

Southwestern Red Pepper-Avocado Sandwiches/Wraps

Pita pocket bread, sourdough or other bread of choice 1 can organic chickpeas/garbanzos with original water drained off just a bit ½ cup organic sesame seeds or 2 Tbsp of tahini (½ cup organic, raw, unsalted sunflower seeds can be used in a pinch) 1 tsp cold-pressed virgin olive oil (optional) 1 minced garlic clove ½ cup kalamata olives (whole or halved, drained) Conventional or English cucumber, thinly sliced Organic lemon thinly slivered with skin intact

1 jar roasted red peppers (drained and dried with a towel) or freshly made, oven-roasted peppers 2 fork-smashed avocados or 1 large Florida avocado Salsa of choice, preferably smoky chipotle or sweet varieties Chopped cilantro Bread or wraps of choice

In a blender or Vitamix, add chickpeas with original water, sesame seeds/tahini and a slice of lemon to make the hummus. Blend until smooth, but don’t over-blend until too thin. Pour into bowl, stir in olives and drizzle with olive oil. Lastly, sprinkle the minced garlic on the top of the hummus and chill for a few hours or overnight. Generously spoon hummus onto bread or into pita pockets and gently layer thinly, freshly sliced cucumbers and thin slivers of lemon. Optional additions: fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, lemon thyme or mint to add last between the slices of bread or tucked into a pita pocket. Keep in a cooler for picnics. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

To assemble sandwiches, slather bread or wrap generously with smashed avocado, then press a roasted red pepper on top. Spoon salsa of choice and sprinkle with cilantro over all before covering with other slice of bread or rolling a wrap. Keep chilled until serving. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

When ready to head out for a picnic, pack ice into the bottom of the cooler and cover it with the food containers. To make ice last even longer, first place a bag of dry ice on the bottom of the cooler, cover it over with wet ice and place the food atop of it. Keep the cooler lid closed whenever not in use and store it in a shady location upon arriving at the picnicking destination. When returning home, if there is any ice left in the cooler, leftover items are considered safe to consume; if the ice is all melted, the food isn’t safe to eat. Reusable ice packs are also nice to use because they forgo the need to purchase new bags of ice each time. consistency. Pour into bowl and serve immediately with an array of dippers, including organic healthy chips and sliced vegies, as well as outside-the-box options like bok choy, squash or peppers. Recipe and photo courtesy of Marlaina Donato, AutumnEmbers.com.

Green Garden-Basil Dip for Chips, Bread and Veggies 1 package thawed, raw, frozen peas Handful of basil 1 or 2 handfuls unsalted roasted or raw pumpkin seeds ½ tsp sea salt ¼ cup water In a blender or Vitamix, add all ingredients and blend until smooth. If peas need a bit more water for blending, add a tablespoon of water at a time until reaching the desired

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July 2020

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Plant-Based Barbeque for Gut Health

uly and barbecue go together like hot dog and bun. For this BBQ season, change it up a little to create a meatfree option that is not only delicious, but healthy and nutritious. There is truth to the quote by Sherry A. Rogers: “The road to health is paved with good intestines!” Gut health has been researched for decades and studies have shown that the way we eat influences not only the health of our gut, but all of our other body systems. Eating a plant-based diet rich in fiber, fresh produce, whole grains and legumes, and adding foods with probiotics while reducing processed foods, animal products and sugar and staying hydrated have all been shown to improve gut health. This recipe is created with all those principles in mind. Whole wheat buns, potato skin and baked beans provide lots of fiber plus B vitamins and minerals. Potatoes and beans are also a great source of protein, and by using fresh carrots instead

of meat dogs, we eliminate unhealthy processed foods and saturated fats and add vitamin A and antioxidants. Serving vegetable skewers with fresh herbs as a flavorful side dish adds more fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that helps the gut and immune system. Using plant-based yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the potato salad adds probiotics while eliminating saturated fats, and topping the dogs with sauerkraut adds another dose of healthy natural probiotics to the plate. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep things moving through the intestines, as well.

Carrot Dogs with Potato Salad, Grilled Vegetable Skewers and Baked Beans Yields 4 servings

In a bowl, mix the yogurt, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika and maple syrup, add the washed and chopped scallion, chives, and herbs. Add the potatoes to the bowl and mix well.

Baked Beans 1 can pinto beans or navy beans ¼ cup vegetable broth 1 onion 2 loves garlic ½ jalapeno 1 can tomato paste ¼ cup maple syrup 2 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp chili powder Salt and pepper Peel and chop the onion and garlic, wash and chop the jalapeño. In a pan, add 2 Tbsp of water, onion and garlic and sauté until it starts to brown. Add jalapeño, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and chili powder, stir well. Drain the cooked beans, add to the pan, mix well then transfer to a baking dish. Cover the beans with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until sauce has reduced to perfection.

Potato Salad 4-6 potatoes, unpeeled 4 Tbsp plain non-dairy yogurt (choose soy or almond milk with active live cultures) 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp maple syrup 2 scallions 1 bunch chives Fresh herbs ½ tsp paprika Salt and pepper Bring water in a pot to boil, wash and drain the unpeeled potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and add to the boiling water. Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes or until soft, then drain.

Carrot Dogs 1 cup vegetable broth ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 3 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp maple syrup 2 tsp mustard 1 Tbsp smoked paprika ½ tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 Clove fresh garlic minced, 4 Carrots, washed and peeled 4 Whole-wheat hot dog buns 1 Jar of sauerkraut In a bowl, combine the mustard, apple cider, soy sauce, maple syrup, vegetable

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November 2015

broth, paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, pepper and minced garlic. Wash and drain the carrots and cut them to size to fit the buns, then boil in water until just about done, but make sure they are not too soft. Place the carrots into a baking dish and pour the marinade on top. Let marinate for a few hours or overnight. Grill the marinated carrots for a few minutes and rotate for even browning.

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Option: Instead of grilling the carrot dogs, they can be prepared in the oven. Don’t boil the carrots but cover them with the marinade in an oven dish and bake at 450° F for about 90 minutes or until just tender. Cover the baking dish for 45 minutes with foil, then remove the foil for the rest of the time while baking. Flip from time to time and spoon the marinade over the carrots a few times. Serve the carrot dogs on whole wheat buns with sauerkraut and add mustard, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, BBQ sauce or other favorite toppings.

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Grilled Vegetable Skewers Favorite veggies (squash, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower) Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) 1 Tsp olive oil Salt and pepper Wash and drain veggies, cut into bite-sized pieces and put them on skewers. Wash the herbs and chop them into tiny pieces. Brush the veggies lightly with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs and grill to perfection. Serve the dogs together with the potato salad, grilled vegetable skewers and a side of baked beans. Recipe courtesy of Eliane Baggenstos, RN, LMT, certified health coach and plant-based diet expert. Please see ad, page 42.

aporito Oil, Vinegar, Spice is Gainesville’s extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room, with more than 60 delectable, nutritious flavors for patrons to sample and enjoy. Located next door to the original 43rd Street Deli, Saporito offers Ultra Premium (UP), a new category of olive oil that distinguishes the highest quality olive oil in the world (UpExtraVirginOliveOil.com/what-is-up) and authentic balsamic vinegar. They conduct group tastings, as well as private (after hours) cooking classes, kids’ foodie classes, chef demonstrations, educational workshops, Date Night and more. Keith and Katrine Dunn opened Saporito in July 2015. “We’d visited an olive oil shop while visiting family in Virginia many years prior and became huge fans of such high-quality, healthy EVOO [extra-virgin olive oil] and balsamics.” Says Keith. “We decided to open our own small business so that we could work together as a family and offer superior condiments to our hometown community, where health and wellness are valued and prioritized.” The Dunns are regular vendors at the Saturday Haile Farmer’s Market from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and love to participate in local events, health fairs and community

affairs. Their seven children also contribute to the success of Saporito. “We like truly being one of Gainesville’s mom-andpops and thoroughly enjoy the friendships we’ve made,: says Keith. Katrine explains, “Traditional supermarket olive oil brands are often adulterated or rancid, since the standards for EVOO are not enforced, and there is much fraud in this industry. We like to educate individuals on the health benefits and allow them to taste the difference for themselves before making a purchase. As a small business, we are frequently able to accommodate customer requests. We love being able to hand-pick our products so that our shoppers are pleased.” Local health practitioners say they are excited to have such high-quality olive oil available, and many refer clients to the shop for polyphenol-rich EVOO and balsamic vinegar, an antioxidant “brain food”. “Our products are a game-changer when it comes to salad, yet they can also be used in cooking, roasting, baking, grilling and sautéing,” says Katrine. Saporito Oil, Vinegar, Spice is located at 4401 NW 25 Pl. across from Thornebrooke Village, in Gainesville. For more information, call 352745-7886 or visit SaporitoOVS.com.

We decided to open our own small business so that we could work together as a family and offer superior condiments to our hometown community, where health and wellness are valued and prioritized. ~Keith Dunn July 2020

wreak havoc on our microbiota, leaving us susceptible to disease-causing organisms.

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GUT TALK

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY MICROBIOME

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

t’s hard to imagine surrendering control of our minds and bodies to trillions of microorganisms, but an ever-growing body of research from the Human Microbiome Project shows how microbes living in and on our bodies affect and even predict our physical and mental health. The majority of these microorganisms, or microbiota, live within our large intestine. According to Kelly Tappenden, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and head of the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois–Chicago, we have more microbial cells within our gut than we have human cells in our body. These microbes help digest food, regulate appetite, produce certain vitamins, synthesize chemicals such as serotonin, metabolize carcinogens and regulate our immune system. She suggests that we think of them

collectively as an organ that develops and changes as we age. “A huge proportion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract,” says Dan Peterson, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Taking care of our gut microbes is paramount during times of stress and risk of infection. In their book, The Good Gut: Taking Control of Your Weight, Your Mood, and Your Long-Term Health, Stanford researchers Justin and Erica Sonnenburg explain how healthy gut bacteria are essential for both metabolic health and strong immunity, adding that the chemicals our gut microbes synthesize behave like drugs—they are absorbed into our bloodstream and influence our biology. Seattle-based biologist Ann Bikle refers to the colon as an “onboard medicine chest”. Unfortunately, warns Sonnenburg, physicians too often prescribe antibiotics, which

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The Sonnenburgs define a microbiotafriendly diet as rich in plant-based, high-fiber foods and limited in meat and saturated animal fats. Low-fiber diets contribute to a decline in gut microbe diversity, resulting in a weakened immune system. “Fiber is fuel for the gut,” says Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. It’s naturally found in fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Fermentable fibers such as fruit pectin, beta-glucans in barley and oats, and oligosaccharides in beans are metabolized by gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide energy to cells in the colon. Many fermentable fibers are called “prebiotics” because they promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Inulin, for example, is a prebiotic fiber found naturally in onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, wheat and oats. Teresa Martin, a registered dietitian based in Bend, Oregon, who researches gut health and disease prevention, recommends 35 to 50 grams of fiber per day to promote diverse, abundant and resilient gut microbes. For those over 50 years of age, the Institute of Medicine recommends 30 grams of dietary fiber per day for men and 21 grams for women. Most Americans get half the recommended amounts because highly processed, low-fiber foods are ubiquitous. Plus, popular gluten-free, keto and paleo diets limit whole grains. When buying packaged foods, check labels carefully and choose those providing at least three grams of fiber per serving.

A Healthy Microbiome for Life Martin shares the following strategies for developing and preserving gut health: n Choose a vaginal birth, if pregnant; and breastfeed to help establish a healthy microbiome in the baby. n Choose an organic, plant-based diet.

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Fiber for a Strong Defense

Aim for a variety of different plant species each day.

n Limit “microbial assassins”. Artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80, carageenan and carboxymethylcellulose, typically found in processed foods, can lead to bloating, irritable bowel and inflammation.

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n Enjoy fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut, but be cautious with probiotic supplements. Only use those with proven safety and effectiveness.

inspiration

n Enjoy physical activity; avoid sitting for more than 30 to 60 minutes.

CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT

n Go outside, enjoy fresh air and play in the dirt. n Reduce stress. Try yoga, meditation and mindfulness. n Sleep six to eight hours each night. n Think about gut microbiota every day, advises Martin. “Anything you can do to help fuel healthy microbes, no matter how small, will make a difference to your health.” Melinda Hemmelgarn, the Food Sleuth, is an award-winning registered dietitian, writer and nationally syndicated radio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com.

LEARN MORE n The connection between both soil and human health: Dig2Grow.com n Comparing the human digestive system to plant roots in the soil: Tinyurl.com/SoilHealthAnd HumanHealth n Human Microbiome Project: hmpdacc.org/hmp/overview n The Microbiome Report Podcast: TheMicrobiomeReport.libsyn.com n WorldMicrobiomeDay.com n Best sources of dietary fiber: Tinyurl.com/FoodSourcesOfDietaryFiber n Best probiotics: USProbioticGuide.com

The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

by Marlaina Donato

ur four-legged friends—from pampered pooch to stray cat— have the inborn ability to seize the moment. No matter what chaotic circumstances may swirl around them, they have a knee-jerk response to spring into playful action or curl up in a patch of inviting sunlight. As humans, we tend to postpone the smallest of joys and avoid emotional self-care, opting for that extra glass of wine or spending more than usual to feel better for a brief period of time. Tending to our own happiness begins by seeing joy not as a mood dependent upon circumstances, but as a spiritual discipline like any other. Emotional well-being is a garden we must weed and water daily, and in turn, our physical health can’t help but be well-nourished by the harvest. Studies through the years have shown that certain sites and organs in the body, including the thymus, immune cells and bone marrow, have receptors for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which could explain why cultivating contentment might boost our natural defenses. Seasoned yogis and meditators often speak of an inner wellspring of joy that can be accessed through a committed practice.

Perhaps joy is less of a mood and more of a frequency that is accessible to all of us when we’re willing to align with its bandwidth. Making it a habit to step outside for 10 minutes to witness a sunset or greet the twilight while dinner cooks can be a beautiful way to advance felicity. Taking five-minute joy breaks during the workday to listen to a favorite piece of music with earbuds, read a few pages of an inspiring book or notice the clouds is another easy way to tend to happiness. Filling a “joy jar” with lovely memories written on scraps of colorful paper can prompt a spontaneous smile any time of day. Taking a half-hour drive on a pretty back road instead of scrolling through social media can reset depleted emotional reserves. Today, we can shift our thinking and see contentment as a precious, deserving loved one that needs nourishment like any other. Feeding joy in our lives can pave the daily humdrum road with jewels. In the end, perhaps fostering inner happiness by example is the greatest legacy we can leave behind. Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. July 2020

wise words

STEPHEN DINAN ON A SACRED VISION FOR AMERICA Transforming

racism A Special Shift Network Facebook Live Series

Transforming Racism features almost two dozen leaders– mostly Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)–who have important perspectives to share on this subject. It’s free and all on Facebook Live. Join us for this special, powerful Facebook live series!

Facebook.com/watch/shiftnetwork

by Linda Sechrist

tephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network, is committed to creating a healthy, sustainable, peaceful and prosperous world, as are the 200,000 members of his worldwide organization. Interested in personal growth and spirituality since his early 20s, Dinan’s core passion has been to shift society, not just the individual. In his book Sacred America, Sacred World: Fulfilling Our Mission in Service to All, Dinan harvests the world’s wisdom and his own experiences to show how humans can grow, evolve and mature psychologically and spiritually, laying out an envisioning process for what’s possible when America achieves its full potential. Positing that envisioning is not only the work of leaders but of all of America’s citizens, Dinan sheds light on a new sacred conversation and overriding vision that can guide us to finding the will and the way to midwife a new chapter in American history.

What is a sacred worldview?

We have a lot of forces pulling us into our separate identities, whether this is as Americans, Democrats, Republicans or identifying as counterculture or mainstream culture. Bifurcations, which happen when we identify with a part of reality and make the rest wrong, bad or problematic, keep us in a state of suffering. A sacred worldview means living in reverence for all humanity and all life; seeing divinity in all people and things, not 34

North Central FL Edition

just in a few people, a group or political party; seeing the higher, nobler and deeper dimension to all manifest reality that is expressed in humanity’s spiritual and religious impulses. A different way of engaging each other and designing how life works flows out of seeing life as the great mystics do; from a higher vantage point of interconnectedness.

At its heart, what is Sacred America about?

Sacred America, Sacred World is about recognizing our role within the larger whole. It’s about our unity as one human family. When we can redesign our society from this standpoint, we’re fulfilling the deepest principles upon which this country was based. Part of the fulfillment of a sacred vision for our country is building upon our most ancient principles. For example, “E pluribus unum” is a deep metaphysical concept meaning out of many, one. It’s not that all is oneness. This principle tells us that we evolve out of our “manyness” into our oneness, with each of us having a different role. Our manyness, our individuality, the unique flavors of life, different cultures and languages, is not something we want to erase. We do want to remember that we share this unitive ground and vision, as well as the powerful founding code of liberty, equality and justice for all. Our country is coded with a mission to lean toward unity, to lean toward oneness. As the melting pot for the world, we integrate more cultures than any other

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country, creating unity from a great diversity of traditions, cultures, philosophies and religions. This is our shared inheritance. Ultimately, Sacred America, Sacred World is about building a movement of awake, conscious and caring citizens who are powerfully committed to building a new era for America.

How do we do this?

America can fulfill its higher potential and promise in the way that parallels how an individual matures to his or her next level of development. I believe that Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next level of expression is within each of us, but it requires that we do some internal housecleaning, clearing out the past, letting go of our different political polarizations, being more solutions-focused and more focused on fulfilling our larger mission in service to the globe, rather than just in service to ourselves. We have to go beyond partisan warfare to embrace those with other political views as our deepest allies. They are also part of the team that is here to help America shine; yes, even the people you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand. In short, we need to open to a vision of possibility for our country, one in which we successfully navigate the crises, polarizations and political warfare of today to create a country that reflects our highest ideals and that truly serves the birth of a new, global era for humanity, one that is peaceful, sustainable, healthy and prosperous. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at LindaSechrist.com. To listen to the full interview, visit Tinyurl.com/SDinanInterview.

Why are the largest demonstrations in our history against racial discrimination not only an issue for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), but also for all of humanity?

Living in a culture that accepts oppression of others holds back the development of everyone. It increases fear, decreases compassion and leads us to think more of personal safety than the good of the whole. If we are to move toward being a global society that honors the sanctity of all life, racism and the effects of racism must stop. Doing so creates a context in which we can all raise conscious children, and black, indigenous and other people of color can have the opportunity to make their full creative contribution to the whole as well.

July 2020

play with if it is constantly stuck under the furniture or falls to pieces during the first roughhouse session. Soft toys can be salvaged. Tie them in knots, sew them together or braid them into tug toys. Make soft or tug toys by upcycling old towels or T-shirts. Stuff some catnip in an old sock and let the playing begin. Cats can have as much fun with a paper bag as with an expensive toy. Consider simplicity.

Homeopathic Remedies

Earth-Friendly Pets Our Animals Can Go Green, Too

by Julie Peterson

lthough cats and dogs don’t require much more than food, a cozy napping spot and human attention, U.S. pet owners spent $95.7 billion last year on their furry companions, according to the 2019 National Pet Owners Survey Statistics produced by the American Pet Products Association. That’s a lot of products, all of which require packaging, shipping, shopping, consumption and waste that the environment must bear. Finding eco-friendly alternatives is key to having a pet that doesn’t inadvertently harm the planet.

Proper Playthings Pet toys can be costly to the wallet and the environment. Dogs can destroy flimsy items in seconds and the growing number of cat toys under the couch is money out the window. When choosing a toy, consider the pet’s play style. Look for nontoxic natural fiber, recycled, upcycled and locally sourced products. Reject plastic and other toxic materials that degrade and leach harmful substances into the pet. Purchase toys that have minimal packaging and remember that it won’t be any fun to

Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals can be replaced with simple, natural products. Essential-oil-based insect repellants are safer for pets and people. Apple cider vinegar contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can be helpful for the treatment of allergies, urinary tract problems, hot spots, dandruff, ear discharge, eczema and stiff joints in dogs, according to Organic Pet Digest. Dr. Marc Smith, a veterinarian at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services, in Nashville, advises, “Apple cider vinegar is a good source of potassium and has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties to boost the immune system.” A veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine can often provide natural treatments and preventatives using herbs, essential oils and other natural substances. Find such a practitioner at tcvm.com.

Green Grooming Taking a bath in chemicals seems wrong for both humans and pets. Eco-friendly alternatives are available. “We use shampoos without chemicals, preservatives or phosphates,” says Kim Molnar, owner of Salon

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

A Positive Path for Spiritual Living 36

North Central FL Edition

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natural pet

Fido LLC, in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. “It keeps the dog from inhaling or absorbing hazardous chemicals and keeps the same from washing down the drain.”

equine events

Natural Nourishment A quality diet is good for the health of pets and the Earth. Many companies use local ingredients, sustainable manufacturing and recyclable packaging. Avoid artificial dyes, preservatives, fillers and chemicals. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 56 million cats and 50 million dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese in 2018. Judicious feeding will trim a pet’s waistline and reduce the amount of packaging and bodily waste a pet produces. “You can reduce the number of products you need by sharing your food with pets. Saving whole-food leftovers reduces waste and helps move pets away from processed food,” says Molnar. “There’s so much common sense involved. Feed them food.” Dogs love cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli and eggs. Cats can have cooked eggs, rice, spinach, pumpkin, salmon and chicken. Be aware of which foods are unsafe for pets. Some examples include onions, chocolate, bones, avocado and grapes.

Pooper Scoopers Poop happens. Clean it up right. Kitty’s litter can be nontoxic and kept fresh with regular scooping. Picking up after the pup keeps green spaces clean and limits excess nutrients going to waterways. “If your dog is harboring any type of intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms or whipworms, then the eggs of those parasites can be present in poo and spread worms to other dogs and people,” says Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, in Greeley, Colorado. Dogs and cats may seem to tread lightly on the Earth, but their carbon footprint can be heavy. Help them get green by evaluating what they consume and getting them in step with Mother Nature.

SUNDAY, JULY5 Polo at the Park Sunday Match - 10:30am12:30pm. Free. Enjoy a polo match with family and friends while tailgating. Polo lessons also available for those wanting to hop into the saddle. Social Distancing guidelines will be in place. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala. 352-307-6699. FlHorsePark.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 July POP Show – July 11-15. 8am-5pm. 3-phase, Jumping, Dressage Shows. XC Schooling will take place the Saturday before the show. Partners of the Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala. 603-970-0023. FlHorsePark.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Rider Assessment Clinic with Dr Joanna Frantz - 9am-6:30pm. $100. Initial assessment performed on your horse with private one on one lessons for you and your trainer if available. Evaluation and treatment will be both mounted and unmounted. You will receive an individualized assessment, treatment and follow up plan as well as reviews of your ride with video and picture analysis and a home exercise prescription to improve your performance. Lisa Hellmer Dressage, LCH Equestrian LLC, 7600 SW 140th Ave, Ocala. 603-801-2140. StriderPro.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Florida Quarter Horse Association Awards 6:30pm. Free. FQHA Exhibitor “Welcome Back” informal get together with the FQHA Year End Awards presentation and a complimentary dinner. RSVP required. FqhaSecretary@aol.com. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala. 941-3213247. FQHA.net.

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Horse Racing and Pizza Party - 5:30-9pm. $8-$13. Additional cost for each race for betting tickets. Coffee and dessert will be provided by the club. Tickets available only by email request after June 26. 5BoroughsClubNYC@ gmail.com. Rohan Rec Center the Villages, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages. 352-674-8400. TheVillages.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 31 PAC West Larsen Hay Days and McCauley Feeds - 5pm. Free. $10,000 added in Open, $2,500 added additional for Triple Crown eligible horses. Refer to the website for entry forms. Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala. 904-545-4511. PacWestBarrelRacing.com.

Julie Peterson writes about wellness and environmental issues. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com. July 2020

calendar of events

SUNDAY, JULY 5 Improv Jam – 1-2pm. Free. Free Improv session hosted by House Improv. All improvisors, new and experienced welcome. Cypress & Grove Brewing Co, 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville. 352-376-4993. CypressAndGrove.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.

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Circle Square Commons Farmers Market – 9am-1pm. Free. Fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade products and much more. Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St, Ocala. 352-854-3670. CircleSquareCommons.com. Gorillas on the Line – 9am-3pm. Free. Joining Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) and the Gorilla Species Survival Plan for Gorillas on the Line....Answer the Call. This global program aims to increase recycling of cell phones and small electronics in an effort to protect habitats for gorillas and other wildlife in Central Africa, where materials are mined. Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville. 352-955-5633. SFCollege.edu/zoo. Brick City Farmers Market – 4-8pm. Free. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, seasoning blends, oils and vinegars and more. Local vendors and foods. Brick City Farmers Market, 3400 SW 60th Ave, Ocala. 352-512-0177. BrickCityFarmersMarket.com. Florida Master Gardeners – 6-9pm. Join The Master Gardeners as July’s featured group which includes a group of volunteers serving as horticultural resources for the citizens of Florida as they celebrate their 40th year. First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St, Gainesville. 352-7274677. FMBrewing.com. 4 Week Childbirth Education Course – Free. 6:30-8:30pm. A four class series designed to prepare you and your partner feel confident for labor, delivery and birth. With emphasis on relaxation, breathing, pregnancy discomforts, proper nutrition, stages of labor and skills to utilize during and after labor. This is highly recommended for moms-to-be to attend after their fifth month of pregnancy. Bayfront Health Seven Rivers, 6201 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River. 352-795-6560. BayfrontSevenRivers.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 3 Yoga with Julie – 6-7pm. $12. Unique blend of yoga styles, best described as Soul Flow yoga. Led by Julie. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com.

Guided Meditation with Brian – 8-9pm. Peaceful practice led by Brian who has a vast knowledge and understanding of Spiritual Awareness. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com. Wynonna and The Big Noise Live – 8-10:30pm. $135-$300. Kick off Independence weekend with one of Country music’s most iconic voices. This is a live outdoor concert. Ocala Drive In, 4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala. 352-351-1606. ReillyArtsCenter.com Moonthly Drum Gathering – 8pm-Midnight. Free. Family friendly. Enjoy percussion and didgeridoos. One drink supplied like coffee, tea or water. All experience levels welcome. Muddy Lotus Tea Kava, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am-Noon. Enjoy live music while you stroll the tree-lined streets of the Haile Village Center. Shop for seasonal produce, fresh dairy, pastured meat, artisan wares, handmade gifts and more. A treasure for both Gainesville locals and visitors! Hailes Farmers Market, 5213 SW 91 Terr, Gainesville. 352-639-0446. HaileFarmersMarket.com. Full Moon Drum Circle – 7-10pm. Free. Connect to the heart beat of the Earth and feel healing vibrations soothe your soul. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com. Live Music Saturdays – 1-4pm. Free. Enjoy wine tasting, food, beer and live music from local bands. Steak night begins the following hour and live music until 9pm. Reservations suggested to be made online. Whispering Oaks Winery, 10934 County Rd 475, Oxford. 352-748-0449. WinesOfFlorida.com. Scallop, Blues and Fourth of July Fest – 7-11pm. Free. Enjoy an evening of great food, drinks and live musical entertainment provided by the Shawline Band. Mango Tangos Tropical Grill, 10350 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa. 352-621-3354. MangoTangos.com.

~Dolly Parton

North Central FL Edition

Art Camp: Foodies – 9am-5pm. $350. Ages 7-12 years old. All things food and creativity. Kids can get their hands messy and their creativity flowing with art projects inspired by food itself and the great times it can create. Unique projects will be made using different mediums like clay, painting, drawing, and more. Corks & Colors Studio, 2415 W University Ave, Gainesville. 352-373-8847. CorksColors.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 9 Downtown Alachua Farmers Market – 4-7pm. Free. farm fresh produce, meats and more. Downtown Alachua Farmers Market, 15100 NW 142 Terr, Alachua. AlachuaFarmersMarket.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 10

SATURDAY, JULY 4

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

MONDAY, JULY 6

Summer Film and Dance Workshop – 8am. $180. Ages 7-9. A full day of learning how dance films are made. Momentum Dance Arts, 15634, NW US Hwy 441, Ste E. Alachua. 352-575-3404. MomentumDanceArts.com. Guided Meditation with Susan – 8-9pm. Free. Guided Meditation group led by Susan through spiritual practices and The Healing Solutions Center. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Ocala Downtown Market – 9am-2pm. Free. Shop from a variety of vendors including produce from local farmers, goat and dairy products, meats, honey, seaford, soaps and more. Special precautions will be taken during these times of uncertainty. Ocala Downtown Market, Corner of SE 23rd St, Ocala. 352-629-8051. OcalaDowntownMarket.com. Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. $20. One full hour of restorative energy to promote healing on all levels from spiritual to emotional. Led by Susan. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com.

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

Jazz on the Green – 7-9pm. Free. Spread a blanket under the sun and catch some beautiful music while kids play on the lawn. Extra precautions are being taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the event. 4949 Celebration Pointe, Gainesville. 844-619-8400. GetGCM.com. Let It Be Beatles Tribute – 7:30-10:30pm. $15$30. Realistic sights, sounds and excitement from this extraordinary tribute. Three costume changes and actual instruments used by the Beatles will be played. Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St, Ocala. ReillyArtsCenter.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 12 Gainesville Cars & Coffee – 9-11am. Free. A gathering for automotive enthusiasts of all types from exotics and classics to imports and jalopies. Cars will be parked in the lot on the west side of the building by the covered patio. Free coffee will be provided, as well as breakfast items for sale. Whole Foods Market, 3490 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville. GainesvilleCarsAndCoffee.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 16 2020 Summer Spectacular Sale – 8:30am-5:30pm. Free. Marion County Farm Bureau, 5800 SW 20th St, Ocala. 352-237-2124. FloridaFarmBureau.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 17 Patriot Service Dogs Puppy Crop – 10am-5pm. $75. Welcome to crafters of all kinds including scrapbookers, card makers, quilters and all others to support Patriot Service Dogs and WOOF. There will be games, raffles, and more. Patriot Service Dogs, 1250 W University Ave, Gainesville. 352-514-9903. PatriotServiceDogs.org. Guided Meditation with Cree – 8-9pm. Free. All welcome to enjoy a healing journey through guided meditation. Soul Essentials of Ocala, 805 SE Ft. King St, Ocala. 352-236-7000. SoulEssentialsOfOcala.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 18 Silver River Fun Paddle – 10am-2pm. $25-$65. Have an unforgettable day trip with Stand Up Paddle boarding or kayaking down some of Florida’s most beautiful natural springs. Multiple rental options or bring your own floatation. Ray Wayside Park, 9560 NE 28th Ln, Silver Springs. 352-431-4339. Bit.ly/3hJNLoe. Online Class – “Understanding and Developing Your Psychic and Mediumship Skills” – 10:30am-

Bring Natural Awakenings home!

1pm. $36. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 19 Online Book Discussion Group – 2-4:30pm. $11. “Surviving Death” by Leslie Kean, “Section 2 – Out of Body / Near Death Experiences.” International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org.

MONDAY, JULY 20 The Villages Open Air Concert Series – July 20-25. 7:30-9:30pm. $60-$100. Get ready to rock from your seat at an entirely new entertainment experience from the comfort of your golf cart. Pull up and jam out from behind the wheel. During the series, a different act will rock out under the stars each night. The Villages Polo Club, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages. 350-750-5411. TheVillagesEntertainment.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 23 GCM Food Fest – 5-9pm. Free. Family friendly. Great food from over 50 restaurants with the region’s best food, beer, wine and kids activities including painting, bounce houses, laser tag, music and more. 4949 Celebration Pointe, Gainesville. 844-619-8400. GetGCM.com. Nourishing Our Future: Backpack Fever – 5:307:30pm. Free. Family friendly. Join the community for this new and exciting event involving the Arts and the Community to benefit Food4Kids and celebrate local artist Bob Kuperbergs 90th birthday. Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St, Ocala. 352-369-1500. MCAOcala.com.

in saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and as always the dangerous eight seconds, Bull Riding. Southeastern Pro Rodeo, 2200 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala. 888-744-8499. OcalaRodeo.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 25 Dunnellon Tractor Supply Co Farm Swap – 8am1pm. Free. Buy, sell, trade anything and everything from poultry, livestock or farm related. Farm Swaps fall under essential services when conducted outside. Social distancing guidelines will still be in effect. Tractor Supply Company, 11252 N William St, Dunnellon. HilltopFarm.info. Small Business Shopping Event in Ocala – 10am-5pm. Free. Small and local shops welcome to showcase their business. Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd, Ocala. 352-237-1223. PaddockMall.com Online Class – “Understanding and Developing Your Psychic and Mediumship Skills” – 10:30am1pm. $36. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org. Online Book Discussion Group – 2-4:30pm. $11. “Surviving Death” by Leslie Kean, “Section 2 – Out of Body / Near Death Experiences.” International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. 407-247-7823. IFSK.org. Fresh Pasta with Chef Miles – 3-5pm. $30. Learn to make and roll your own fresh pasta from scratch with Chef Miles Burnett. Saporito Oil, Vinegar, Spice 4401 NW 25th St, Gainesville. 352-745-7886. SaporitoOVS.com.

MONDAY, JULY 27

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Art in the Attic 2020 Annual Art Sale – 5-7pm. Free. Back by popular demand, the annual yART Sale, a creative spin on the traditional yard sale, only at The Brick. Old art donations gladly welcome. Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St, Ocala. 352-369-1500. MCAOcala.com. Playlist at the Pointe – 7-9pm. An eclectic mix of music from a variety of genres including country, rock, soul and more. Food and drinks will be available. Celebration Pointe, 4949 Celebration Pointe, Gainesville. 844-619-8400. GetGCM.com. Southeastern Pro Rodeo – 7:30-10pm. $18-$35. Pro rodeo action returns for two jam packed performances filled with exciting competition

Ballet Intensive at MDA – 8:30am-8:30pm. 12 hour, small class size, summer intensive ballet for intermediate/advanced students. Led by Jessie Dominguez, Principal Ballet Dancer. Momentum Dance Arts, 15634, NW US Hwy 441, Ste E. Alachua. 352-575-3404. MomentumDanceArts.com. Ayurvedic Massage and Bodywork Specialist Certification – 9am-6pm. $1,385-$1,495. Week long immersion including 11 Ayurvedic Massage and Bodywork Modalities with option to choose a weekend program specific to your specialty. ChayaVeda Integrative Ayurvedic Healing Arts, 2631 NW 41st St, Ste E6, Gainesville. 352-3585005. ChayaVeda.com.

Membership Form Join to get your print copy every month. I am enclosing a $32 check or money order. Please send my print copy to: Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City __________________State _______Zip ________ Mail to: Natural Awakenings 7797 SW 19th Avenue Rd, Ocala, FL 34476

July 2020

ongoing events

wednesday

sunday

Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920.

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. Brewery Yoga at First Magnitude – 1-2pm. Bring your own mat for yoga in the warehouse. All experience levels. Suggested $5 donation. First Magnitude Brewing Co, 1220 SE Veitch, Gainesville. 352-727-4677.

monday Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey

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

Qigong – 10am. With Dr. Neil Crenshaw and Dr. Don Mederios. Donations go to Connected Warriors. Van Ness Park Civic Center, G Ave and 7th St, McIntosh. 352-425-2975.

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

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

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

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

tuesday

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. 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.

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

thursday A Course in Miracles – 10am. Unity of Gainesville, 8801 NW 39th Ave. UnityGainesville.org. Fitness Zone – Noon-8pm. Ages 14+. Free. Cardio and strength training equipment. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 352-401-3920. 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.

AUGUST

Biological Dentistry plus: Environmental Education

THE SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEPTEMBER

Emotional Well-Being plus: Adaptive Yoga

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Holistic Dental Care Orthodontists Periodontists Dental Surgeons Prosthodontists Alternative Pediatric Physicians ... and this is just a partial list!

OCTOBER

Stress Management plus: Joint Health

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 40

North Central FL Edition

Fit In The Park: Zumba – 5:30-6:30pm. Ages 10+. Free. E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala. 368-5517. Embodiment 101 – 6:30-8pm. Body awareness movement followed by meditation. Shambhala Gainesville, 1899 NE 23rd Ave. 352-214-1334. Gainesville.Shambhala.org. Karaoke – 8-11pm. Muddy Lotus Tea, 520 NE 1st Ave, Ocala. 352-559-3003. MuddyLotusTea.com.

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

saturday Alachua County Farmers’ Market – 8:30am-noon. Open rain or shine. A grower’s only market. 5920 NW 13th St, Gainesville. 352-371-8236. 441market.com. Haile Farmers Market – 8:30am-noon. Open rain or shine, heat or cold. Haile Village Center in Haile Plantation, SW 91st Terr, Gainesville. HaileFarmersMarket.com. Farmstead Saturday – 9am-3pm. Free. Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Pl, Citra. 352595 3377. CronesCradleConserve.com. Ocala Farm Market – 9am-2pm. Locally-grown farm fresh seasonal produce, homemade jellies and jams, crafts and plants. Corner of SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave, Ocala. 352-629-8051. OcalaDowntownMarket.com. Starlab Planetarium Shows – 11-11:30am, 1-1:30pm. Tour our solar system and learn about the stars and constellations. $3/person/session plus exhibit admission of $6/person or $22/family of four. Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala. Ocala.org. The Third Testament Foundation – 11am. What is The Third Testament? Introduction to the Third Testament by Martinus. Live Stream with chat. Free. 941-462-3177. Infinite808@gmail.com.

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.

AURA-CHAKRA REPORTS WHAT’S YOUR COLOR? – Aura-Chakra Reports. $30 for a colorful 22-page report and analysis. Will travel. Lady Lake. Call Mary Rose at 352-272-9555.

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

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

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.

STEM CELL AFFORDABLE STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY – Anti-aging phototherapy patch that activates your own stem cells! – Contact Dianne Purdie, LifeWave Independent Distributor at 352-598-7319, email DiannePurdielw@gmail.com or visit LifeWave. com/abundanthealth and LiveYounger.cc for more information.

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. ~William James

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

Make your community a little GREENER…

please recycle

Support our advertisers. For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community. source: the350project.net

July 2020

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.

AURA-CHAKRA REPORTS MARY ROSE

COLONICS GENTLE WATERS HEALING CENTER

352-272-9555 Lady Lake

What’s your color? Have your aura and chakras photographed and interpreted using the Inneractive Software and a biofeedback hand plate. Mary Rose received her Master ’s degree from Atlantic University, connected with ARE, and she interprets auras according to Edgar Cayce’s teachings. $30 for a 22-page colorful report.

352-374-0600 Gainesville Info@GentleWatersHealing.com

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

ENERGY BALANCING

CHIROPRACTOR

SANDY WILSON

DR. RANDY BRYANT

352-694-7700 1315 SE 25th Loop, Suite 103, Ocala Info@DrRandyBryant.com Dr. Bryant’s holistic approach and natural solutions for many common health issues have improved the lives of many from around the world. Services are tailored to the needs of each unique patient. You will not experience any of the snapping, cracking or popping usually associated with chiropractic treatment. Dr. Bryant has been involved with the sport of rodeo as a treating physician since 1995.

BIO ENERGETICS 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, page 12.

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.

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

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, page 12.

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 and organically raised, 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 article, page 25.

HEALTH COACHING

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

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

Improve your health and strengthen your immune system! Our Certified Health Coach, Registered Nurse and PlantBased Expert offers one-on-one coaching via Zoom, Skype or Facetime. We will create a meal plan tailored to your needs and preferences and provide you with a tool kit to help you reach your goals.

I simply can’t build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again. ~Anne Frank 42

North Central FL Edition

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 19.

NATURAL MENTAL HEALTH DR. LORA COLEMAN, LCSW

810 E. University, Suite B, Gainesville 305-298-6561 DrLoraColeman@gmail.com DrLoraColeman.com As a Doctor of Natural Health and licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dr. Coleman offers traditional mental health and spiritual counseling. Dr. Coleman’s full Apothecary carries herbs, teas, essential oils, nutritional supplements and education to support natural healing. Dr. Coleman offers Reiki, meditation, Past Life Regression, Chakra Clearing, Theta Healing, crystals, stones and jewelry for healing. Insurance is accepted.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION DRAGON RISES COLLEGE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE Gainesville, FL 32601 800-606-6685 DragonRises.edu

THERMOGRAPHY

REIKI DEBI GOLDBEN, RM/T, LMT MA78069/MM37419 13722 SW 40th Circle, Ocala 352-209-0303 DebiGoldben@gmail.com DebiGoldben.com

As a House Healer and Intuitive Spiritual Teacher/Coach, Debi uses a unique blend of techniques and spiritual guidance to clear t h e c l u t t e r. W h e t h e r i t ’s Geopathic Stress or nonbeneficial energies/spirts, Debi can help reduce or eliminate physical and emotional discomfort.

SCHOOL BODHI SANGHA THAI MASSAGE AND SCHOOL OF TRADITIONAL THAI FOLK MEDICINE 813-417-6745 BodhiSangha.com ArielaGrodner@yahoo.com

Students can advance in their studies of Thai Massage and Traditional Thai Folk Medicine. Courses offered are; Thai Foot Reflexology, Double Practitioner Thai Massage, and Thai Herbal Bundle Therapeutics. The Bodhi Sangha Shala is a place to grow and learn, to build community, to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, and to deepen one’s studies of the ancient healing art of Thai Massage.

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, page 12.

VETERINARY CARE MEDICINE WHEEL VETERINARY SERVICES Shauna Cantwell, DVM Ocala 352-538-3021 ShaunaCantwell.com

Holistic veterinary medicine for small animals and horses. Arthritis, neurologic and hormonal dysfunction, skin, allergies, cancer, pain, immune and chronic disease. Certified veterinary acu-puncture, certified-AVCA animal chiropractic, herbal therapy, tui na medical massage, functional neurology, postural rehabilitation, ozone therapy, homotoxicology and nutrition. Available for workshops. See ad, page 30.

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.

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.

mission

statement

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

July 2020

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North Central FL Edition

Natural Awakenings July 2020

Articles inside

Survival Gardening in Florida

Greener Green Grass Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

Eco-Friendly Beach Tips

LOCALLY SOURCED

BEYOND FACTORY FARMS

CALMING KIDS

Doulas Usher in Beginning and End of Life