April 24 Natural Awakenings Chicago

Presented By:

OUTDOOR: 30 VENDOR FARMERS MARKET & PLANT/SEED SWAP • FREE GARDENING WORKSHOPS • FREE COOKING DEMOS • FREE ENERGY HEALING TENT • FREE KIDS KORNER • TRIBE GARAGE SALE • FOOD TRUCKS

INDOOR: FREE MEDITATION CLASSES • 36 SPIRITUAL, HEALTH, WELLNESS & ARTISAN VENDOR VILLAGE

DATE: Saturday, April 13th 2024

TIME: 10am-6pm

LOCATION: Temple of Harmony Monastery

3400 Earl Dr, Joliet, IL 60431

MORE INFO: www.awakeonenesstribe.org/veggie-fest

Media Partner:

Wave Goodbye to the Double Chin

Here’s where our journey together begins. Our goal? To arm you with all the information and options you need to confidently confront this common issue head-on.

We offer a variety of non-surgical solutions, including the ground-breaking treatment EMFACE for double chin reduction.

EMFACE harnesses the power of both radiofrequency and HIFES (High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation) to reduce under-skin fat while concurrently tightening skin and contouring the jawline. It’s an innovative approach that targets every layer from muscle to skin, promising significant improvements without the need for invasive surgery.

EMFACE offers excellent, lasting results WITHOUT THE DOWNTIME and long recovery periods needed after surgical procedures.

CHICAGO EDITION

Publisher Peggy Malecki

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Peggy Malecki

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Publisher’s Letter

© 2024 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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As April unfolds in the Chicago area, we enthusiastically greet the start of spring and the beauty and wonder it brings to all of our senses. Although we’ll officially observe the 54th Earth Day on April 22 (see EarthDay.org for details), I like to think of April as Earth Month (and actually, each day of the year as a new opportunity to make a positive impact on this planet).

This month, we focus on our theme of Eco-Travel for all ages—a timely reminder of our responsibility to cherish and preserve the Earth, its inhabitants and natural features as we explore its wonders. As travelers, whether for leisure, cultural immersion, eco-volunteering or on a weekend afternoon, we have the power to tread lightly and leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. In our feature story, “Sustainable Travel, Wanderlust with the Earth in Mind,” writer Sara Kaplan explores how mindful travel near or far from home can enrich our human experience while nurturing this planet we call home.

In addition, we hope to inspire outdoor enthusiasts. From tips on preparing your body for long treks to nurturing young minds through travel experiences beyond the classroom, we aim to empower you to embrace outdoor adventure and connect with the world around you. Closer to home, writer Sheryl DeVore explores this year’s once-in-a-lifetime Midwest cicada event, Melinda Myers helps us to get our backyards ready for spring and Veronica Hinke offers tasty, seasonal recipes for enjoying spring peas.

I've been fortunate over the years to travel with family and friends. As a kid, we took to the backroads each June, stopping at small towns and regional and national parks of the U.S. and Canada (as well as visiting historical sites and museums in the big cities), leaving the interstates whenever possible. My parents sought out local diners, state park campgrounds, bird-watching ponds, antique shops, natural areas and less-crowded locales. The printed AAA TourBook led the way to unique attractions (Mitchell Corn Palace; the Nevada State Fair; a talking Paul Bunyan statue; and the "world’s largest" Easter egg, near Edmonton, Alberta, to name a few). I learned to read and properly fold maps, find our accommodations, keep a daily travel diary, document our trips with photography, and track state and provincial license plates. While our world constantly evolves, the memories of these places and adventures, and the lessons learned, are woven into my worldview and the tapestry of my life.

This Earth Month, we recall some words of wisdom that remind us of our duty to protect and cherish our planet. As Jane Goodall once said, “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Let’s try to heed these words as we embark on our journeys, remembering to tread gently, and with respect and reverence for the Earth and all its inhabitants and places.

I encourage you, as always, to set an intention to step outside daily and watch our Chicago area spring progress. Marvel at freshly opened leaves, observe the arrival of early migratory birds, look for native bees visiting ephemeral flowers, feel the chilly rain and northeast wind on a blustery day and watch for the rise of the Pink Full Moon. Wishing you a month filled with adventure, enlightenment and the joy of connecting with nature.

Happy April!

Peggy Malecki

Photo by Peggy Malecki

Cover image by Photo SunnyDays for Shutterstock. Shutterstock.com

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30 A Stress-Free 2024: Empowerment, Tech, Joy

32 Happy Spring, Sweet Pea

35 Sprouted Foods Pack a Nutritional Punch

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38 A Look at Single-Use Plastics

40 The Why and How of Shrub Pruning

42 Midwest Marvel: Millions of Cicadas Emerge in Rare Phenomenon

To advertise with Natural Awakenings Chicago or request a media kit, please contact us at 847-858-3697 or email Peggy@NAChicago.com Deadline for complete and finalized ads: the 14th of the month.

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Save on Treatments at Integrative Dental Health This Month

Integrative Dental Health, a holistic dental practice in South Elgin, helps patients replace their “silver fillings” the S.M.A.R.T way (safe mercury amalgam removal technique). And now they are offering a special incentive: 50 percent off their mercury-removal fee for new patients that visit their office during April.

“Mercury is a known neurotoxin with many long-term negative effects,” says owner Anthony R. Bennardo, DDS. “It must be removed in the safest way possible for the well-being of our patients, our team and the environment. I suffered from mercury poisoning in the past and strive to educate my patients on the importance of seeing a S.M.A.R.T-certified provider”

Location: 87 S. McLean Blvd., Ste. B, South Elgin. To book an initial appointment, call  847-888-8311. For more information, visit ArtisticSmileDoctor.com. See ad on page 10, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Heal n Cure Offers New Non-Invasive

Double Chin Treatment

Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center, in Glenview, is now offering several advanced options for non-surgical double chin reduction, including the new EMFACE treatment. This in-office procedure uses radiofrequency technology and non-invasive body contouring procedures to target fat accumulation and skin laxity that can cause a double chin.

Several factors play a role in developing a double chin, including genetics, weight changes and aging, says Heal n Cure founder Meena Malhotra, M.D. EMFACE, a groundbreaking, new method for treating a double chin, is an innovative approach that targets every layer from muscle to skin, reducing fat under the chin while concurrently tightening skin and contouring the jawline in just a few sessions. This method, she explains, is an attractive option for those looking to refine their facial contours without the long recovery, downtime and discomfort of invasive surgeries.

Through April, Heal n Cure is offering a special opportunity for clients to make a transformative change, reduce a double chin and sculpt their jawline with a 50 percent savings on a comprehensive treatment package.

Location: 2420 Ravine Way, Ste. 400, Glenview. For more information, visit HealnCure.com/ services/emface-in-chicago. To schedule a free 15-minute discovery discussion, call 847-6864444 or visit HealnCure.com/wellness-consultation-in-glenview See ad on page 3, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

The Benefits of the Best Gemstone Energy

From April 3 to 12, Joann Lysiak, owner of Joann Lysiak Gems, is offering a free 15-minute Zoom session for people to determine the best gemstone energy for them to manifest their dreams or desires. Lysiak is also a gemstone artist; energy specialist; mind, body, spirit coach; applied kinesiologist; master B.E.S.T. practitioner; and certified nutritionist.

As an applied kinesiologist, Lysiak uses energy testing to discover the right gemstone energy for her clients’ needs and desires. “We are here to create the life of our dreams and in order to do so we must raise our vibration to attract what we desire,” she explains. “Maybe you desire to reduce your stress, to be in a state of inner peace or find your perfect mate. Whatever you desire, there is a matching gemstone frequency to help you receive it. Gemstone energy helps you manifest your dreams and desires with ease and joy.”

To schedule a free energy test, email Joann@ JoannLysiakGems.com. To view her gemstones, visit JoannLysiakGems.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Joann Lysiak

Photo courtesy of Integrative Dental Health

Photo courtesy of Heal n Cure

Photo courtesy of Joann Lysiak Gems

Anthony Bennardo, M.D. (L) and dental assistant Monica (R) with a patient preparing for S.M.A.R.T. filling removal.

Many

Enjoy a Day of Fun, Food, Plants and More at AWAKE Veggie Fest

AWAKE: Oneness Tribe will present Veggie Fest, Plant/Seed Swap and Tribe Garage Sale—a free, family-friendly indoor/outdoor event—to be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 13 on the beautiful grounds of the Temple of Harmony monastery, in Joliet. Natural Awakenings Chicago magazine is the event’s media sponsor.

Visitors can tour the outdoor farmers market and sample goodies from 30 vendors showcasing fresh produce, honey, beekeeping, plants, seeds, gardening, home-cooked foods, jams, handmade delights, breads, desserts and more. Additionally, there will be interactive games, food trucks, two educational tents featuring cooking demos and gardening tips, a free energy healing tent, a garage sale tent and a Kids’ Korner.

The Vendor Village inside the monastery will feature 36 exhibitors offering items and services such as crystals, massage, jewelry, sound healing, handicrafts, artwork, tarot and psychic readers, teas, musical instruments, pottery, magic wands, singing bowls, sage, incense, essential oils, supplements and more. Guests can also attend one of the hourly free meditation classes facilitated by the Swamis of the monastery.

Location: 3400 Earl Dr., Joliet. For more information, visit AwakeOnenessTribe.org/veggie-fest See ad on page 2, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Drink Coffee, Eat Donuts … and Talk About Death

Chitown Death Cafe is holding their next meeting from noon to 2 p.m., April 14, at the Gracelend Cemetery Chapel, in Chicago. This unique event provides a safe space to discuss a topic that is often considered taboo—death. Whether one has experienced loss or simply wants to explore their thoughts on mortality, this gathering welcomes all perspectives.

Levi Welborn and Deidre Bruno became best friends while working together in the Chicagoland death care industry. Welborn has been a licensed funeral director for 10 years, while Bruno is a licensed cemeterian and has been a prearrangement adviser for more than a decade. Eager to give back to the community they serve and passionate about promoting a “death positive” lifestyle, they have worked together to bring the worldwide initiative known as a Death Cafe to the Chicagoland area.

The Chitown Death Cafe meets monthly around the Andersonville area and is always looking for businesses it can showcase in return for hosting the events.

Location: 4001 N. Clark St., Chicago. To stay informed on when and where the Chitown Death Cafe will be popping up next, visit them on Facebook or Eventbrite.

Feel Empowered at Nourish Your Wild Woman Retreat

In honor of this month's pink full moon, NourishRx and INDIGO have teamed up to present the Nourish Your Wild Woman retreat, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 20, on the Boone Prairie Farm, in northwest suburban Capron, near Rockford. There will be nourishing foods, yoga, meditation, workshops and time for personal reflection.

“If you long to live with more energy, reclaim your relationship with food and self, and be in a community with other women, you won’t want to miss this unique, love-filled and high-vibe day,” says INDIGO founder Marla Privitera, a certified yoga instructor, holistic wellness coach and reiki practitioner.

Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés is credited with having introduced the wild woman archetype in her book, Women Who Run with the Wolves, explains Privitera. Estés purports that by midlife, women are awakened to this primal, instinctual animal nature and begin to recognize how socialization, almost from birth, has taken this away from us. “It was her words that finally woke me up to the woman I wanted to be, instead of the woman I had allowed myself to become,” says Privitera.

Location: 7749 N. Boone School Rd., Capron, IL. For more information or to register, visit Indigo4Space.com/events.

Sponsored Content

Pioneering Health: How Atlantia Clinical Trials is Revolutionizing Research

In a time where healthcare innovation is more crucial than ever, Atlantia Clinical Trials stands out not just for its commitment to advancing health but for its unique approach to clinical research Unlike traditional pharmaceutical companies, Atlantia paves the way for safer alternatives to big pharma.

Atlantia’s unique approach comes from their origins at University College Cork, in Ireland, where since their inception, they have narrowed their focus on the need of international food companies These companies are investigating food extracts, probiotics & vitamins to find what health benefits they hold. Now, with a clinic based in Downtown Chicago, they are looking to cast their net wide to help future products get on the shelf. It opens its doors to a broader spectrum of health research, welcoming volunteers to partake in studies that could pave the way for groundbreaking treatments and health products.

"Our priority is the safety and comfort of our volunteers," explains Cian, Atlantia’s Recruitment Manager. "We aim to simplify the clinical trial process, ensuring participants are well-informed and comfortable throughout their journey with us. "

A New Approach to Clinical Trials

At the core of Atlantia's operations is a participant-centric methodology Atlantia prides itself on its scientific expertise, employing leading experts and cutting-edge technologies to explore the safety and potential of new supplements, and cosmetics, all leading to improved experiences for their participants What sets the company apart is its transparency and commitment to communication, ensuring that every volunteer is fully aware of what a study entails, including any potential risks

Broadening the Spectrum of Health Research

Atlantia has a diverse history in their health research with studies in a huge number of health areas. This broad focus is part of Atlantia's mission to improve overall human health and well-being Some of the company ' s notable studies have explored areas such as digestive health, immune system support, mental well-being, and women’s health

A Call to Action for Volunteers

Atlantia's efforts not only contribute to the development of new health products but also offer individuals a unique opportunity to be part of this exciting field Volunteers can gain firsthand experience in clinical research, all while contributing to the advancement of new science "Participating in a clinical trial is a way to contribute to society's greater good," says a recent volunteer "It's about being part of something bigger, something that has the potential to change lives "

As Atlantia Clinical Trials continues to break new ground in health research, its call for volunteers is an opportunity to be at the forefront of food health innovation and making an impact to future h

For more information on how to be part of Atlantia's clinical trials, visit atlantiaclinicaltrials

Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

Experience a Holistic and Spiritual Summit in Woodstock

The Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock is hosting the Woodstock Spiritual Summit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27 and 28, in the center's historic building, which will come alive with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals for a weekend of enlightenment, self-care and holistic wellness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in illuminating workshops, mini-classes, engaging spiritual talks and holistic education sessions. They can also explore the diverse vendor offerings in the spiritual and holistic fields, and discover natural ways to care for their body through activities like yoga and meditation.

Cost: $8 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. Location: The Unity Spiritual Center, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit UnityWoodstock.org/event/woodstock-spiritual-summit. See ad on page 15.

‘Where the Wildflowers Are’ Spring Hikes Series Underway

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is hosting an ongoing series of Where the Wildflowers Are hikes at multiple locations to showcase the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves. The free 90-minute hikes began in March. Upcoming ones include McKinley Woods–Frederick’s Grove, in Channahon, at 10 a.m. on April 27 and June 8 and Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, also in Channahon, at 1:30 p.m., May 4.

Scheduling the wildflower walks as a series this year is new.

“It makes sense for us to group similar programs across the county under the same name with the preserve location added for ease of use,” explains Heather Van Zyl, an interpretive naturalist at the Forest Preserve’s Plum Creek Nature Center.

Van Zyl says wildflowers can bring joy to those that view them. “The wildflowers are so special, especially in the spring when they are so fleeting. They are significant to the interconnectedness of their habitats, and have been used as important food, medicine and ritual sources throughout time.”

For more information or to register (required), go to the Will County Forest Preserve District’s event calendar at ReconnectWithNature.org.

Photo credit Glenn P Knoblock

Spring Beauties at Raccoon Grove

Attain Inner Harmony with Interdimensional Frequencies Healing

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, in Des Plaines, will be offering 30-minute Interdimensional Frequencies Healing sessions with Eve Muir-Wilson from 2 to 5 p.m., April 28, to help harmonize the fre quencies of our energy bodies. Each session includes setting inten tions, a guided meditation and energy healing.

Proponents say the energy healing works within the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy fields to clear, balance and enhance our energy fields so that we are centered, grounded and our energy is aligned.

Muir-Wilson’s clients report that she has a very strong grounding energy and has the ability to help them to feel calm, balanced and lighter. Her energy healing sessions incorporate many different techniques including Healing Touch, reiki, light and sound frequencies, Lemurian light language and light codes, frequency tools from the ascended masters and archangels, Andara crystals, the violet flame of Saint Germain, intergalactic frequencies and Arcturian energies.

Cost: $45. Location: Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E. Central Rd., Des Plaines. For more information or to register, visit HolisticCenterChicago.com. See ad on page 27, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

A TALK ON CHRISTIAN SCIENCE THE JOY OF BEGINNING WITH GOD

A better understanding that God is all- A better understanding that God is allgood, and of the good God is causing, good, and of the good God is causing, helps you experience more of that helps you experience more of that goodness: health, peace, safety, and joy. goodness: health, peace, safety, and joy.

Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m.

Eve Muir-Wilson Photo courtesy of The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center

Learn About Christian Science

at Special Talk in Deerfield

Mark McCurties, a Christian Science practitioner and international speaker, will present a talk, The Joy of Beginning with God, at 3 p.m., April 28, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Deerfield. The presentation is based on universal healing precepts taught by Christ Jesus as recorded in the Bible and discussed in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science movement.

“The world is talking nonstop right now about causation: What causes disease, inflation, crime, natural disasters? Could we ask a different question: What is God causing?” asks McCurties. “The Bible promises that God causes good. As loved children of God, we all have a right to experience all that good that God causes, including finding solutions to the problems we face.”

Sharing examples of healing from his own life and professional practice of Christian Science, McCurties will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific. He will also touch on the life of Eddy, who came to understand, confirm and teach what she felt was original Christian healing.

Free admission. Location: 155 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield. For more information, call 847-565-9555 or visit csLibertyville.weebly.com. See ad on page 11.

Feel Empowered, Energized and Renewed at Holistic Fair in Lafayette

The Absolute Light Holistic Fair 2024 will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 4, at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, in Lafayette, Indiana. Expo-goers can experience exciting programs, services and products, as well as free educational workshops and door prizes.

This transformative day-long event will feature psychic and mediumship readings; massage and energy healings; crystals; gemstones; handcrafted jewelry; aura photography; and other types of readings, services and products.

Admission cost: $10. Location: 1406 Teal Rd., Lafayette, IN. For more information, including schedule of events, visit AbsoluteLightHolisticFair.com

Mark McCurties

Photo courtesy of Christian Science

How Erectile Dysfunction Is Diagnosed and Misdiagnosed

by Jerry Garcia, PA-C

According to a November 2014 Current Opinion in Psychiatry article, titled “Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction,” this condition is very prevalent and impairs quality of life of men and their partners. The authors note that “The strategy for diagnosis of erectile dysfunction has changed, and it is important for every health professional to learn how to deal with erectile dysfunction.”

The article also states that while various types of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED), are very prevalent, they continue to be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed and that patients often expect physicians to initiate the conversation and ask about their troubles having sex.

During the extremely limited time of an annual physical examination, the clinical routine is for the health professional to identify ED and its causes. The authors point out that ED diagnosis has undergone significant changes over the last decade.

Medical providers can choose to identify ED through patient questionnaires or a complete medical and sexual history. Many clinicians will rely on a patient’s medical history, while some will also employ laboratory tests. There are supplementary tests used in special cases when there is a need for determining the medical cause of ED.

The authors summarize that sexual function must be a part of every medical consultation, as any other body function. Erectile dysfunction diagnosis is not a complex task and can be accomplished by any physician. Even when the professional does not feel secure to treat erectile dysfunction, he or she can just identify the dysfunction and refer the patient to an expert.

Chicago Male Clinic is a holistic health and wellness center for men’s sexual health, providing a natural, integrated approach to successfully diagnosing and treating ED. The clinic provides men with a complimentary consultation including a medical history and head-to-toe physical examination.

Jerry Garcia is the medical director of Chicago Male Clinic, located at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on this page, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Jerry Garcia, PA-C

Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic

County Declares Loneliness a Public Health Crisis

San Mateo County near San Francisco is the first county in the U.S. to declare loneliness a public health crisis. The resolution, which commits the county to address the issue but does not set aside funds to reduce loneliness, was inspired by the United Kingdom and Japan, which appointed ministers to tackle the problem. Future efforts by San Mateo County may include investments in infrastructure to make neighborhoods more accessible, social media posts that encourage social interaction, and the earmarking of community mental health dollars for organizations that develop or offer solutions.

Loneliness has been associated with increased risk of dementia, depression, anxiety, heart disease and stroke. A British study found that those that lived alone and had no visitors had a 39 percent increased risk of premature death compared to those visited by loved ones daily.

Treating Anxiety With Mindfulness

According to a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been found to be a well-tolerated treatment option that can be as effective as commonly prescribed anxiety medications. The study involved 276 adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders that were randomly assigned to either an eight-week MBSR course or treatment with escitalopram, a first-line anxiety medication. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scale (CGI-S).

At the end of the study, both the MBSR and escitalopram groups experienced a reduction in their mean CGI-S score, with no significant difference between the two groups. MBSR was well-tolerated, with no dropouts due to adverse events, whereas a higher percentage of participants in the escitalopram group reported adverse events. The results demonstrated that MBSR was not inferior to escitalopram in reducing anxiety symptoms.

An estimated 301 million people worldwide are affected by anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic and agoraphobia, causing significant distress, impaired functioning and elevated risk of suicide.

fizkes

Treating Diabetes With Healthy Food and Exercise

A radical new approach to managing Type 2 diabetes developed by Daniel J. Cox, Ph.D., from UVA Health, has received $3.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health for a largescale clinical trial. The approach focuses on educating individuals about making wise dietary and exercise choices to control blood sugar and potentially alter the course of the disease. Rather than prioritizing weight loss or medication, it aims to reduce post-meal blood glucose levels, which are linked to cardiovascular risk and high levels of AIC, a marker of blood sugar over time.

Known as Glucose Everyday Matters (GEM), the approach combines educated food and drink selections with physical activity to prevent blood sugar spikes and hasten recovery if they occur. A small, initial trial involving 17 recently diagnosed adults with Type 2 diabetes showed promise, with 67 percent achieving remission after three months, and only one participant requiring medication. This trial was the first testing of self-administration instead of face-to-face delivery by medical providers.

This research offers promising hope for managing Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle interventions, providing patients with new options for controlling and potentially achieving remission from the disease. Cox’s personal success with the approach, maintaining consistently low A1C levels without medication for the past 13 years, further supports its potential.

Hearing a Solar Eclipse

On April 8, millions of Americans along a 100-mile-wide path across 13 states from Texas to Maine will have an opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse. Thanks to a team from the Harvard University Astronomy Lab, people with visual impairments will be able to experience the celestial event, too, using a smartphone-sized device called LightSound, which translates ambient brightness into sound.

Users of the LightSound device will hear a piping flute for daylight that will transition to a clarinet as the light dims when the moon passes in between the Earth and sun. As the eclipse reaches its zenith, LightSound will emit soft clicks to represent total darkness. The device is designed to complement the multi-sensory event, which may include a drop in temperature and the sounds of nighttime creatures like crickets and owls.

To make astronomy more inclusive, the Harvard team plans to distribute more than 700 LightSound devices at no cost. In addition, the device and its code are open-source so those with the skills can make their own. To learn more, visit Astrolab.fas. Harvard.edu/LightSound.html.

Vchal / CanvaPro

NARRATED BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ

"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."

- Michael Bublé

Sea of Methane Endangers Planet

Deep below the icy expanse of the Arctic lies a hidden danger that could have catastrophic consequences for our planet. Layers of methane gas are trapped beneath the permafrost, and as the landscape changes, this sea of methane has the potential to be unleashed, wreaking havoc on the world.

Studying the permafrost beneath the islands of Svalbard, researchers found an immense reservoir of methane that could reach several million cubic feet. Currently, the leakage from below the permafrost is minimal, but glacial retreat and permafrost thawing could “lift the lid” on this hidden danger, according to Thomas Birchall, a geologist at Norway’s University Center in Svalbard and lead author of a study published in Frontiers in Earth Science.

Ocean currents can thin the permafrost, creating patchy and unpredictable regions. Geographical features can also allow gas produced by underlying rocks to escape. Even in areas with continuous permafrost, methane gas can migrate beneath the cold seal of the permafrost, creating the potential for escape.

A large-scale seepage would initiate a dangerous feedback loop of warming—a cycle where methane release leads to further permafrost thaw, resulting in additional gas emissions. While the focus of the study was on Norway, the researchers believe that migrating deposits of methane are likely present in other parts of the Arctic region as well.

Matthew Skubis / CanvaPro

The Genius of Empathy

by

Dr. Judith Orloff

According to New York Times bestselling author and psychiatrist Judith Orloff, M.D., empathy is a superpower that can transform your life, your relationships and the world. In her new book The Genius of Empathy: Practical Skills to Heal Your Sensitive Self, Your Relationships and the World (with foreword by The Dalai Lama), Dr. Orloff shows readers how to ignite and embody the emotional intelligence of empathy as a daily healing practice.

The Genius of Empathy demonstrates ways to tap into the gift of one’s sensitivities without being drained. Readers will learn how to soothe their nervous system and stop absorbing other people’s emotions. It’s a practical, action-driven guide for highly sensitive people and for those who want to develop empathy as a healing skill.

The book is divided into three sections. It begins with the magic of empathy to find greater self-love and healing—including from trauma. Subsequent chapters teach readers how to apply empathy to their relationships, communities and the world. Exploring each chapter’s practices, readers will learn the art of empathic listening, how to stop overthinking, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and showing loving detachment to prevent overwhelm and compassion fatigue.

Throughout the book Orloff uses insights from neuroscience, psychology and energy medicine to teach readers how to use and amplify their empathy without feeling overwhelmed. The book also offers tips on how to prevent empathy burnout, techniques to enhance self-empathy and healthy giving, how to use empathic communication and leadership skills at work and home, how to show

such as narcissists, sociopaths and bullies.

Each chapter has compelling anecdotes of how Orloff’s patients enhanced their lives with this book’s techniques. “Cultivating empathy is a kind of peaceful warrior training,” says Orloff. “You will learn to be both strong and loving, neither a pushover nor rigid. Wherever you are in your life, this book can meet you there and lift you higher.”

Judith Orloff, M.D., is a New York Times bestselling author with the NEW book The Genius of Empathy. She has also written The Empath’s Survival Guide and Thriving as an Empath, which offers daily self-care tools for sensitive people. Dr. Orloff integrates the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, empathy, energy medicine and spirituality. She will host a global online webinar about empathic healing techniques based on The Genius of Empathy on April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT. To get a free empathy eBook and empathy gift collection with purchase of book, visit DrJudithOrloff.com.

The Genius of Empathy was reviewed by Ronald Alexander, Ph.D., author of Core Creativity

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Connecting to Sentient Earth

by Marlaina Donato

Each April, Mother Nature spills blossoms from her apron as songbirds trill the songs of their ancestors and prepare for the next generation. Contrary to widespread human assumption, many animal species grieve, express empathy and form bonds that still elude our complete understanding. Trees communicate through complex root systems. Plants respond to environmental and emotional stimuli. Wolves howl their soul-song, and

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particles of desert sand emit bell-like frequencies if the wind’s provocation is just right. Our planet is alive on levels beyond our senses or scientific instruments.

To the ancient Greeks, Gaia (also known as Gaea) was a living being separate from the gods that ruled the Earth—a primordial, maternal entity from which all life springs. Through the centuries, luminaries such as Plato or 1970s scientist James Lovelock

have endeavored to define this life force, but perhaps 12th-century abbess and visionary Hildegard von Bingen came closest when she coined the word veriditas to denote “the greening power of nature”. Whether we see this innate energy as simple photosynthesis or handiwork of a higher power, sentient Earth is our all-providing, intelligent resource from cradle to grave.

Many of us can remember a moment in childhood when nature startled our consciousness, be it in a drop of pond water under a microscope or in the shocking power of a summer thunderstorm. We ran barefoot over her grassy lap, made wishes on stars and boggled our minds trying to grasp the concept of light years. This intimate relationship with the planet and her cosmic connections may dwindle in adulthood, but something deep within our souls—if we are honest with ourselves—longs to reunite with anima, Earth’s ever-present, pervasive energy.

Earth Day is an invitation to sync our hearts to Gaia’s force, feel the holy purpose of roots beneath our footsteps and witness her sanctity by planting a simple container garden or inhaling her breath of spring deeply into our lungs, exhaling gratitude.

Marlaina Donato is an author, multimedia expressionist and a cultivator of wild wellbeing. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Sustainable Travel

Wanderlust With the Earth in Mind

by Sara Kaplan

Whether travel is enjoyed for much-needed relaxation, cultural immersion or the opportunity to volunteer in an eco-program spotlighting permaculture or farming, journeying to places far and near greatly enriches our human experience. During these environmentally critical times, our travels may carry a hefty price tag that the planet can no longer afford. This does not mean we need to sacrifice adventure. Every traveler can make a difference not only for the Earth but for the local communities they visit.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 8.1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to travel and tourism. Being in the know and taking more responsibility for our environmental impact can be easier than commonly assumed, all the while inviting unexpected enjoyment.

Amanda Reiser, a global sustainable tourism specialist based in Pennsylvania, encourages her clients to consider the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environment, economy and equity. “We all can play a part in fostering sustainable tourism and creating a more sustainable world," she explains, noting that a green-minded approach benefits not only the traveler but also the destination. "Ask yourself: Does my participation in this activity create a negative impact on the natural environment? Are there any actions to help reduce my environmental impact?"

A traveler’s footprint extends to the socio-cultural fabric of the destination, too. Reiser reminds travelers, “You may be in your destination for only a week, but the people who live there year-round feel the impacts of visitors every day, for better or worse.” By respecting local traditions and engaging locals in a respectful and inclusive manner, tourists can contribute positively to the cultural integrity of the communities they visit.

Greener Horizons

Instead of hitting all the trendy, transportation-reliant sights, opt to slow down and stay in one place for a longer period. This not only invites a richer, deeper experience but minimizes the need to hop onto another plane or bus. To support the local economy of a desired destination, buy locally produced items and book small, private hotels and inns, rather than international chains. Dining at locally owned eateries supports small business while giving travelers higher-quality fare and a more authentic cultural experience.

When planning a trip, contemplate the many treasures of domestic travel or choose a location that is not drowning in overtourism. The influx of tourists can significantly strain fragile ecosystems, deplete resources and disrupt the lives of local communities. Consider destinations that can be crossed via boat, train or bus, such as the New York-Montreal border or clusters of countries in Europe or Southeast Asia.

Packing With Purpose

Making small choices even when packing a suitcase goes a long way. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and opt for brands that avoid chemicals harmful to coral reefs and tropical environments. Pack a cloth tote bag for daily excursions and a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics. Remember that by using plastic containers more than once, we reduce the amount of waste that is released over time. Try not to overpack— bring only the most necessary items, preferably those that can be recycled, reused and disposed of properly.

Sojourning With Savvy

To avoid getaway glitches, become acquainted with local laws and regulations. When planning a fishing excursion, for example, identify the legally designated fishing spots and avoid harming endangered species, which are heavily protected under national and international regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) offers an interactive map to show where legal fishing areas are by state (fws.gov/fishing/ map). Historical resources should also be taken into consideration. For instance, the Florida Keys require special permits for cultural, maritime, heritage and archeological explorations, including snorkeling expeditions of ancient shipwrecks and other unique, underwater sites.

It is always best to ask whether a destination is a naturally protected sanctuary or requires special permits. The FSW is a good reference site for information on activities in national wildlife refuges and the endangered animals that live there. To enjoy these areas to their fullest, make sure to find a knowledgeable local tour guide that understands the laws of the land.

Traveling consciously involves personal responsibility toward the environment through individual actions. “You can make a difference,” says David Knight, a professor of tourism management at Colorado State University. “Regenerative travel is not just

leaving things the way you found them. It’s a matter of giving more than you take.”

Don’t Be Greenwashed

Greenwashing is a corrupt practice by companies that claim to support conscious tourism but fail to live up to their claims. Vetting businesses when planning a trip means delving into third-party research and reports to check the fine print. Before booking, make sure the ecolodge or eco-touring company being considered has a legitimate certification on their website. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sets global standards and provides accreditations for destination managers, hotels and tour operators. There are also certifying groups in specific locations, such as the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii, and others that are accredited by the GSTC, like Preferred by Nature.

For tourism operations that have not been certified, the onus is on the traveler. “Check with the local chambers of commerce. They should know who is working toward sustainability and can direct you to those aligned with what you are looking for,” says Claudia Gil Arroyo, an agricultural agent for the Rutgers University Cooperative Extension, in New Jersey. “If a tour operator or destination does not have a clear goal on how they’re contributing to the environment, it is unlikely that they are actually green.”

For tourism to be truly sustainable, it must also be economically viable for local communities. Economic sustainability ensures that tourism dollars benefit the local economy, creating fair wages, local sourcing and community empowerment, and allowing communities to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage. When traveling, support local, eco-friendly businesses that provide sustainable products.

A good example is agritourism—a vacation stay at a participating local farm—which can provide exciting, hands-on learning experiences. “Get out there. Look for your local

growers and check out the services and activities they offer,” says Gil Arroyo. “People have this idea that agritourism is just picking your pumpkins and that’s it, and there’s so much more that can be done at a farm.”

Eco-Friendly North American Parks

North America is home to many national parks—63 in the United States and 48 in Canada. Here are five exceptional examples that provide a sustainable, eco-friendly vacation experience.

Yellowstone National Park is known for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser. It also has a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves and herds of bison. This U.S. park has implemented sustainable practices such as renewable energy installations, waste management programs and educational initiatives to promote conservation.

Great Bear Rainforest is a temperate locale on the central and northern coasts of British Columbia, Canada. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear. The park works closely with First Nations communities, implementing conservation measures to protect biodiversity and support eco-conscious businesses.

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Everglades National Park is a unique wetland ecosystem in Florida known as the “River of Grass”. It provides habitat for numerous endangered species, such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee. The park employs restoration efforts to preserve the natural water flow and conserve wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for eco-friendly recreational activities like kayaking and hiking.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located on the northern tip of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs and stunning hiking trails. The park implements waste reduction, energy conservation, ecological restoration and educational programs to promote environmental stewardship.

Redwood National and State Parks, in California, are home to the tallest trees on Earth, the majestic coast redwoods. Sustainable eco-practices include trail maintenance and restoration, wildlife protection, interpretation programs to educate visitors about the delicate ecosystem, and conservation efforts to combat climate change and preserve redwood habitat.

Sara Kaplan is an environmentally conscious freelance writer and eco-traveler from Fort Collins, CO.

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Get Fit and Get Outside

How to Prepare for Outdoor Treks

by Marlaina Donato

Hitting the trails offers something for everyone, whether it’s hiking for the day or backpacking and roughing it overnight in remote areas. According to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, getting up close and personal with Mother Nature is more popular than ever in the States, with 58.7 million hikers and 10.3 million backpackers in 2021.

With health benefits like stronger heart health, a lower risk of respiratory ailments and a boost in mental health, hiking is a fun way to stay fit, but prepping for the physical demands of local trails or wilderness is essential for both endurance and injury prevention. “A strong, well-conditioned body is your best ally when crossing rough terrain and overcoming unexpected challenges,” says Larry Pringle, a certified fitness trainer and founder of Perfect Fit Training and Nutrition, a holistic training hub for busy entrepreneurs.

A Trail Plan for Any Age

With great diversity of trail challenges to choose from, hiking is doable for most people. “If you're generally healthy, no matter your age, you can complete any hike you’ve always wanted to do,” says Fit for Trips hiking coach Marcus Shapiro. “I have had the privilege of working with many individuals who are over 70 years old, and they have successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the base camp of Mount Everest.”

Shapiro estimates an eight-to-12-week training regimen for younger hikers and 12 to 16 weeks of preparation for older enthusiasts. For the best fitness outcome, he underscores the importance of choosing the right exercises for the sport, explaining, “Every recreational activity requires a unique training approach for best results. It’s called ‘specificity of training’.” His Fit for Trips training includes inclines, stairs, lunges, distance and high-intensity interval training.

To meet the challenge of walking for hours at a time, cardiovascular conditioning like jogging, brisk walking, time on the

treadmill or cycling is a good place to begin. Adding a heavy backpack of survival supplies to the equation requires extra strength in the legs, core and upper body and is best achieved through squats, planks, lunges and push-ups. Full body stretching with emphasis on hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and back are also essential.

Make It a Lifestyle

To avoid weekend warrior injuries, it is wise to adopt a hiker’s mentality in everyday life. “Start slow and find ways to incorporate more movement into your daily life,” advises Maggie Peikon, communications director of American Hiking Society. “Skip the escalator or elevator and opt for taking the stairs instead. You’ll be glad to have gotten those extra steps in when you’re taking on uphill climbs out on the trail.” She also hails the perks of biking to the store with a backpack or walking to the park for a lunch break if it is safe and feasible. Most of all, Peikon stresses the value of going slow and listening to the body.

The benefits of getting outdoors goes beyond physical health and spills over into

Jacob Lund / CanvaPro

positive impacts on the environment. Peikon muses, “When we hike, our connection to the places we explore grows. When we feel connected to a place—whether a trail or a favorite spot outdoors— we are more likely to step forward to protect the environment and change our behavior to lessen our negative impacts.”

For Pringle, having a strong body carries over into other areas of living. “Getting ready for the trails means getting ready for life. Before you hit those paths, hit the gym. It’s not just about reaching mountaintops; it’s about reaching for your best self.”

National Trails Day

June 1 is National Trails Day, a day of service for hometown trails and the people that love them. Promoted by the American Hiking Society, public events throughout the country offer opportunities for tens of thousands of participants to come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain and clean up public lands and trails. To learn more and find a nearby event, visit AmericanHiking.org/ national-trails-day.

Finding a Nearby Trail

Check out these sites for detailed information about hometown trails that match the hiker’s level of ability.

• AllTrails.com

• FaroutGuides.com

• HikingProject.com

What to Pack on the Trail

• Sturdy, appropriate footwear—from trail shoes for moderate terrain to heavy hiking boots for strenuous climbs

• Nutrient-dense food

• Rain gear and dry-fast layers for changing weather

• Means to start an emergency fire

• Whistle

• Flashlight

• First-aid kit

• Multi-tool or knife

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing

• Lightweight protection from the elements

What is this study about? Feeling

We are looking for volunteers to participate in our research study to help understand the effect of a novel food supplement on people feeling down and with a low mood.

Participants will receive up to $1000 for completing this study.

Who is eligible?

Adults aged 18-65

BMI between 18.5-30.0

Suffer from low mood regularly

What is involved?

5 visits to our downtown clinic

Wear a sleep watch for sleep tracking

Receive 2 DXA scans for body composition

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

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Exploring Beyond the Classroom

Nurturing Healthy Minds Through Travel

by Megy Karydes

When Desiree Miller and her daughter visited Rome, they met a couple from Ukraine celebrating their honeymoon. There was talk of a possible war, so they chatted about what that might mean for the newlyweds. Later that day, her daughter asked their Italian driver his thoughts about the impending conflict in Ukraine with Russia, and he said he didn’t like it because it was going to raise gas prices.

“Traveling feels like it shrinks the world,” says Miller, an Atlanta-based travel writer, vlogger, digital streaming producer, co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast and mother of four. “So many children these days only know what’s in their backyard or their general neighborhood or community, the school they go to, and that’s the extent of their communication with other people. But when I take my daughter to other countries, she gets to experience people from those countries and beyond.”

According to the 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey released by the Family Travel Association, 80 percent of the respondents indicated that travel helps children see the world from a broader perspective, and 67 percent said their children have become more interested in other cultures because of their travel experiences.

Nasreen Stump agrees that travel expands a child’s worldview. “I want my kids to be curious, because curiosity leads to lifelong

learning,” says the mother of four, a content creator and co-host of the “Time to Talk Travel” podcast. “When you’re in different places, and you see something that’s different, you think, ‘Oh, what’s that?’ and want to learn more about it. It’s the same with similarities.”

Managing Expenses

Families need not break the bank to enjoy meaningful experiences away from home. Here are a few money-saving travel ideas suggested by Stump and Miller.

• Take shorter trips. As they’ve grown older, each of Stump’s children have developed different interests, so instead of traveling as a family all the time, she takes each of them on one-on-one trips based on their interests. When the family does come together for an excursion, a day trip or weekend getaway is a more affordable option.

• Hop on the internet. Miller’s youngest daughter, now 18 years old, loves using TikTok as a jumping-off point to research

travel destinations, local restaurants, activities and events. Other kids rely on YouTube to get ideas or travel virtually.

• Enjoy a staycation. For families that can’t afford multiple plane tickets, closer-to-home experiences offer fun learning opportunities such as attending a multicultural fair to watch live performances or trying a new cuisine at a nearby restaurant or in a cooking class.

• Take advantage of free or discounted deals. Some libraries offer free passes to museums for library card holders. National parks have free entrance days throughout the year. Check nps.gov for upcoming dates. Flights and hotels are often discounted during the shoulder season—the period between a region’s peak season and offseason. Some credit cards allow members to use their reward points for travel-related discounts.

Preparing for Travel

• Research destinations. Bookmark areas of interest on a Google map or add them to a Pinterest board. Read books, magazine articles and travel blogs about different locales.

• Sample the cuisine. Much can be learned about a culture through food. Experiment with new ingredients by visiting specialized grocery stores that cater to different cultures, or join a snack subscription with selections from around the world.

• Learn a new language. Check out apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone.

Traveling Is Empowering

Life is full of challenges, and traveling, especially to foreign ports, can test anyone’s patience. Some of Miller’s children don’t love to travel because of flight delays or other unexpected mishaps. Her youngest is more adaptable. According to Miller, dealing with adversity is part of life, and travel is a great teacher.

Traveling allows kids to get out of their comfort zones, and for many, that sense of adventure is powerful. Whether exploring historical landmarks, taking part in

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hiking excursions, trying new foods, hearing different languages and dialects, or meeting new people, family travel can help children feel more comfortable, less isolated and see the world in a new light.

Making Memories

Children love to collect souvenirs on their travels as a way to remember their experiences. Miller and her daughter usually buy a piece of jewelry because it is small and doesn’t take up any suitcase space. Stump’s family likes to take lots of photographs and bring home candy from the culture. Rocks or shells, if permitted, also make wonderful keepsakes.

Memories go beyond objects. Multi-generational travel allows children to see their grandparents from a fresh perspective. Kids will remember travel experiences long after they return home. “Travel gives you a real appreciation of the world beyond what you see every day,” Miller says, adding that her daughter has befriended other travelers with whom she still stays in contact.

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress: Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Boost Your Mental Health Using Your Five Senses.

Saturday, April 13, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (via Zoom)

Akashic Records Advanced Practitioner Class with Christina Cross

Sunday, April 14, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (Onsite & Remote by Phone)

Astral Energy Readings with Richard Popp & Cheryl K.

Saturday, April 20, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (Onsite)

Amazing Gong Journey with Sound Healer Andre Peraza, Shaman

Sunday, April 28, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (Onsite)

Intuitive Readings with Bobbi Williams

Interdimensional Frequencies Healing with Eve Muir-Wilson

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Relief for Parkinson’s Patients

How Traditional and Complementary Interventions Can Help

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide and nearly 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Every year, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this ailment, which causes the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Symptoms that develop slowly over years include tremors; stiff muscles; a slow, shuffling gait; and difficulties with movement and speech.

There is no cure for PD, and by the time a patient is diagnosed, they may have already lost 60 to 80 percent of their dopamine-producing cells. According to Kenneth Sharlin, a board-certified neurologist and certified functional medicine doctor, the first line of defense for PD is levodopa (L-Dopa), a pharmaceutical that is converted to dopamine in the body. “Unfortunately, natural strategies don’t get a lot of research, so no supplement has been shown to

effectively treat the disease,” he asserts. “Mucuna pruriens, a tropical legume that grows in Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands, naturally contains levodopa, but studies have shown it to be unreliable.”

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration and movement. “If the car doesn’t have gas, then you can’t drive it,” explains Sharlin. Once a patient is taking levodopa to bring dopamine levels up, complementary strategies can be employed to help manage PD symptoms by as much as 73 percent, according to a panel of doctors participating in The Parkinson’s Solutions Summit. Exercise, sleep and even intimacy with a partner can all be managed well once the car has “gas” to drive it.

Exercise

According to Sharlin, the number one strategy for PD patients to maintain their motor function is exercise such as bicycling, chair yoga, movement classes in warm water pools, Pilates and dance. A meta-analysis published in Gerontology and Geriatrics analyzed 15 randomized controlled trials involving 498 participants in several countries to investigate the health impacts of self-directed physical activity (SDPA) on patients with early and mid-stage PD. The study examined the effects of moderate-intensity exercises, including aerobics, dance, strength training, flexibility exercises and Nordic walking. The researchers found that the SDPA significantly enhanced gait function, balance, mobility, function and postural control.

Gut Health

Monitoring gut function is very important for patients with PD, as constipation

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is very common,” states Trupti Gokani, a board-certified neurologist, health and mindset coach, and Ayurvedic expert. Improving gut function with the help of key nutrients from vegetables, fruits, clean protein, nuts and seeds, olive oil, herbs and spices has been shown to slow the progression of the disease. It is best to choose organic when possible, as that will decrease the exposure to brain-toxic chemicals. A gluten-free diet has also been found to improve PD symptoms.

Sharlin recommends an antioxidant-rich diet packed with polyphenols, along with green tea that contains catechins called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant with neuroprotective properties.

Stress Reduction

Anxiety linked to PD can worsen the symptoms,” Gokani points out. Chronic stress is a risk factor for PD, because it elevates the hormone cortisol, which can interfere with neuronal plasticity and damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Incorporating deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques is integral to improving the patient’s quality of life. According to Sharlin, “Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to self-regulate have a positive impact in regulating Parkinsonism.”

New Test to Confirm Diagnosis

When a patient comes to his office exhibiting PD symptoms, Sharlin

now has a new way to confirm a PD diagnosis by taking a small tissue sample and sending it to the lab to look for a neural protein called alpha synuclein, which is associated with PD. In a 2023 National Institutes of Health study involving 428 people with PD and 120 control volunteers, this skin biopsy was found to be very accurate, with 92.7 percent sensitivity.

Deep Brain Stimulation

According to Sharlin, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-researched and well-developed treatment for PD. The surgical therapy involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain to interrupt irregular signals that cause movement-related symptoms. A 2019 retrospective study of 400 patients that underwent DBS implantation found that 75 percent of the participants felt the procedure provided symptom control.

Focused ultrasound is another PD tool, using ultrasound beams to destroy areas in the brain cells that are causing movement problems. This procedure is permanent and can be done on only one side of the brain, so it helps symptoms on only one side of the body. Treatment to both sides could cause speech, swallowing or memory problems. Sharlin notes that the results from focused ultrasound are no better than DBS and involve more intense intervention. Also, not all Parkinson’s patients are good candidates for this procedure.

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, IL, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

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A Stress-Free 2024: Empowerment, Tech, Joy

by Rita Hickman

As we tiptoe through the wild days of 2024, our emotions may be running high. So, let’s pause for a moment, take a breath and learn about a three-step post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) hack—Trigger. Regulate. Reflect.—to help us achieve the inner peace so vital to navigating the choppy waters of life more gracefully and happily.

Step 1: Identify Triggers Using Havening

Picture triggers as intrusive thoughts or images that sneak up and cause stress, like shocking headlines or sarcastic texts. Enter stage right: Havening, a touch-based PTSD tool that helps calm the nervous system.

Havening, recognized in the Journal of Traumatic Stress (2019), works by affecting our brain’s electrical activity, reducing delta waves associated with painful memories so our brain can process and let them go. For more information, check out Dr. Ronald Ruden’s book When the Past Is Always Present and visit the Havening website Havening.org.

Here’s a simple Havening technique:

Identify the trigger: We think about something that is stressful, like the news or an argument, and then we rate our stress level between one and 10.

Haven: Gently start stroking both arms 20 times from the shoulders to the wrists. Pay attention to the steady stroking rhythm and imagine waves of warm light washing over.

Think positive affirmations: While Havening, choose a happy thought, feeling or emotion to focus on. Use words like “safe,” “peace” or “calm” to coax the body to relax.

We then rate our stress level again.

Repeat when needed: Instead of stressing out, stroke the arms, legs or hands during a trigger response or panic attack. By doing so, we let the touch calm and soothe our system quickly.

Step 2: Regulate with Brainwave Entrainment

Now, let’s address the nervous system and the “fine-tuned violins of stress”. Picture the nervous system as a symphony in need of a conductor—the conscious mind.

By using brainwave entrainment, we’re being proactive: The knots in our stomach unwind and the headache goes away now instead of later.

Photo by Mat Umar for pexels.com

As we wade through sad news, we can slip on some headphones and let the high-tech meditations help to smooth things out.

A study published in the Journal of Neurotherapy (2005) suggests that brainwave entrainment can reduce anxiety and enhance mood by influencing the synchronization of neural oscillations.

These little “sound healing rituals” coax the body to kick back, relax and groove to inner peace. It’s a fast way to feel calm without any effort.

To learn more about brainwave entrainment, try IAwake ( IAwakeTechnologies.com ) and Sacred Sound Healing (SacredSoundHealingSystem.net) to start.

Step 3: Reflecting with Tapas Acupressure Technique

Ahhhhh, it’s time to reflect with an ancient tool for today’s unrelenting stress. To understand Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), imagine it as an easy “relax button”.

Look for resources like Tapas Acupressure Technique: A Quick Guide, by Tapas Fleming, and YouTube for guided TAT sessions. They offer step-by-step guidance to relax quickly.

All that’s involved is touching certain acupressure points and closing our eyes while reflecting on the day, especially the parts that caused anxiety or felt overwhelming. It’s a proven way to come back from this calm reflection grounded and happy.

A study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress (2006) shows that TAT eases PTSD symptoms. In addition, using TAT during a panic attack or triggering event has been shown to physically change the brain for the better.

Using this simple but highly effective three-step process can help us build courage and strength and achieve calm and centeredness, so we can make 2024 a healthy and peaceful year.

Rita Hickman, an international woman’s mental health coach, helps women regulate their nervous system and develop new skills, habits and tools to let go of chronic stress. Using cutting-edge and ancient PTSD tools, she’s helped women break long-term generational trauma for more than 20 years from her McHenry County practice. For more information, visit RitaHickmanCoaching.com

The Natural D-Hist® formula provides optimal support for nasal and sinus passageways for individuals who anticipate seasonal changes.

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Natural D-Hist® is a targeted blend of flavonoids, antioxidants, proteolytic enzymes and botanicals designed to provide comprehensive support for seasonal challenges caused by common environmental allergens. The formula includes quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf, and N-acetyl cysteine. The powerful combination actively promotes healthy nasal and sinus passages for individuals with elevated histamine and respiratory irritation

Happy Spring, Sweet Pea

Fresh Recipes for Spring Celebrations

From English spring peas to snow peas, to sugar snap peas and more, those tiny pops of vivid green color and earthy flavors are truly spring on a plate. What’s more—frozen or fresh—sweet peas provide vitamins B6 and C, calcium, iron and magnesium while naturally satisfying the most demanding sweet tooth.

Because they are so versatile, sweet peas can be incorporated into seemingly endless recipe ideas. Keep it simple by mixing peas into casseroles and stews, or go fancy by making a brilliantly colored soufflé or soup. Whip up an easy pea pesto in the food processor to replace a traditional side dish of peas for holiday meals or evening suppers. Drop a dollop of pesto into the middle of soup or nestle a small dish of it into a charcuterie board or veggie tray.

Perhaps even best of all, that old bag of frozen peas tucked way back in the freezer can nurse an injury even better than an ice pack. The peas in the bag conform to an injured area almost perfectly.

Spring Pea Pesto

YIELD: 12 SERVINGS

12-oz fresh peas (use your fingers to remove peas from the shells) or one bag of frozen peas, thawed

4 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)

¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

Juice of 1 lemon

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute vegan Parmesan cheese)

½ clove garlic, finely chopped

¼ cup water

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp salt

In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients and pulse until well blended. Add oil as needed to reach the desired thickness and consistency. Use right away or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Recipe adapted from Titanic: The Official Cookbook, by Veronica Hinke (Weldon Owen, 2023).

English Spring Pea Truffle Soufflé

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Editor’s note: Although not part of the original recipe, vegetable stock may be substituted if desired.

English Spring Pea Purée

8-oz fresh English spring shelling peas (blanched in heavily salted water and chilled immediately in ice water)

5-oz chicken stock

⅔ tsp salt

⅛ tsp ground white pepper

½ cup loosely packed, fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, sliced

½ cup diced white onion

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Photo by Veronica Hinke

Soufflé

3 egg yolks

2-oz English Spring Pea Purée (recipe above)

1 tsp truffle purée

(purchased from your favorite gourmet shop is perfect)

½ tsp fine cognac or armagnac

4 room-temperature egg whites

1-oz granulated sugar

⅛ tsp cream of tartar

Gently cook, with no color, the onions and garlic in butter until soft. Season with salt and white pepper. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

In a blender, place the blanched peas and parsley leaves, pour hot stock mixture over peas and blend on high until smooth. Chill immediately over ice and store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 2 days. CAUTION: Be certain the top is secure and covered with a heavy cloth before blending hot liquid. Also, be sure not to fill blender beyond half before blending. Blend in batches if necessary to avoid danger of being scalded by hot contents.

Combine yolks, pea purée, cognac and truffle purée in an oversized bowl. In a separate stainless steel, copper or glass bowl, whip egg whites to a light froth. Add cream of tartar and continue to whip until soft peaks are formed. Add sugar around edge of bowl and continue to whisk until just before whites form slightly less than stiff peaks and take on a sheen.

Fold one-third of whites vigorously into base, add remaining twothirds of whites to base and fold gently.

Place in a buttered and Parmesan cheese-coated soufflé dish and bake at 375° F until soufflé creeps up the sides of the dish. Time will vary based on oven and size of dish. If cooked all in one dish, approximately 14 minutes; if placed in 4 separate dishes, approximately 8 minutes. Reduce cook time by one third if convection is used.

Recipe by Chef Michael Lachowicz, George Trois Group, Winnetka, Illinois. Published in The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style (Post Hill Press, 2023).

Photo credit Michael Lachowicz, George Trois Group

English Spring Pea Soup

Editor’s note: Although not part of the original recipe, reduced vegetable stock may be substituted if desired.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

12-oz English spring shelling peas, blanched in salted water for 30 seconds and ice shocked

8-oz well-seasoned and well-reduced roasted chicken stock

1 medium Spanish onion, sliced, sautéed and lightly caramelized

3 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped coarsely and added to onions before sautéing

1 large sprig fresh mint

Kosher salt and finely ground white pepper, to taste ½ cup crème fraiche

Place chilled, blanched peas and mint in a blender. Heat chicken stock to a rolling boil and add cooked onions and garlic. Season stock mixture. Carefully, while just off of the stove, pour boiling stock into blender with peas and blend on high for 30 to 40 seconds.

CAUTION: Be certain the top is secure and covered with a heavy cloth before blending hot liquid. Also, be sure not to fill blender beyond half before blending. Blend in batches if necessary to avoid danger of being scalded by hot contents.

Quickly remove hot soup to a chilled bowl over ice and stir to cool in order to preserve color. When cool, strain through a finemesh sieve and adjust seasoning. Finish with crème fraiche just before serving.

This soup can be served hot or chilled.

Recipe by Chef Michael Lachowicz, George Trois Group, Winnetka, Illinois. Published in The Last Night on The Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style (Post Hill Press, 2023).

Veronica Hinke specializes in early 20th-century cooking and entertaining. She is the author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style; Titanic: The Official Cookbook; Harry Potter: Afternoon Tea Magic: Official Snacks, Sips, and Sweets Inspired by the Wizarding World; and The Great Gatsby Cooking and Entertaining Guide. Learn more at  VeronicaHinke.com

Photo credit Michael Lachowicz, George Trois Group

Photo by Pixabay for pexels.com/255469

Sprouted Foods Pack a Nutritional Punch

by Carrie Jackson

People in Asian cultures have been sprouting food for thousands of years to maximize its nutritional and medicinal qualities. A study by the National Institutes of Health shows that sprouting is an effective technique to boost the nutritive profile of grains, and the Western world is seeing sprouted grains, beans and legumes becoming mainstream in stores, restaurants and at home. Meena Malhotra, M.D., is the medical director at Heal n Cure, an integrative facility in Glenview that specializes in functional medicine. She says that sprouting is an efficient and delicious way to maximize the nutritional benefits of common foods.

“Grains store energy so that seeds can turn into a plant. Sprouting is the process of germinating these seeds, making them easier to digest and more efficient for the body to absorb the nutrients. As the seedling is growing, it uses up all the starch as an energy source but leaves behind all the beneficial fiber-rich covering and other goodness. This lowers the carbohydrate value, but maintains the healthy nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene and other minerals,” Malhotra explains.

A number of common foods can be sprouted. Malhotra recommends mung beans, rice, legumes and wheat for ease and taste. While many products, such as sprouted grain bread, are commonly available in stores, it’s easy to sprout foods at home. Malhotra says seeds need the right combination of water, sun and air to germinate. “The moisture and temperature have to be controlled in order for the seeds to thrive. You can buy germinators or other gadgets that help to regulate conditions, or you can monitor them yourself. It’s important to start with a whole grain, because if the covering is broken the nutrients get lost. Put the grains or beans in

a glass container and fill with water just to the level, so they are not fully submerged. Move the container into direct sunlight and let the seeds soak for approximately 48 hours. Once the grains start swelling, drain the extra water, cover with a moist towel and let them rest. The sprouts will start coming out and then they are ready to use.”

The total time will depend on the actual seed. Beans typically require two to three days for sprouting, whole grains like quinoa may only take one and beans such as chickpeas may take five.

Malhotra recommends steaming the sprouts, blending into a paste or even eating them raw. “The finished product is a powerhouse of nutrients that is rich with vitamins and minerals, easy to digest and delicious,” she assures.

Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center is located at 2420 Ravine Way, Ste. 400, in Glenview. For more information, call 847-686-4444 or visit HealnCure.com. See ad on page 3, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at  CarrieJacksonWrites.com

Photo by charlottelake for Adobe Stock

Taking Pets on Family Trips

Holistic Tips for Stress-Free Traveling

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Pets are part of our family, and ensuring their comfort during travel speaks volumes about our bond with them. Travel, whether by car, train or plane, can significantly affect pets, leading to symptoms of anxiety such as excessive barking, whining, pacing and, in some cases, aggression or withdrawal. To address a pet’s anxiety, it is critical to understand their perspective. Travel disrupts their feeling of safety. Mitigating this disturbance with natural and comforting interventions ensures that such journeys can evolve into harmonious and enriching adventures.

Holistic Remedies and Techniques

Holistic veterinary medicine offers a range of solutions that address travel-induced anxiety in pets. By focusing on natural remedies that promote calmness, we can avoid the side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals.

• Hemp Oil: Anecdotal reports from dog owners suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), which is abundantly found in hemp oil, can significantly aid in managing anxiety. These observations are supported by a study conducted at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in which 83 percent of participating dogs demonstrated a decrease in stress or anxiety-related behaviors after consuming CBD chews prior to a stressful event.

• Herbal Supplements: Herbs like chamomile, valerian root and passionflower have been used for centuries to relieve anxiety in humans, and are equally as effective in pets. They can be administered in the form of treats or capsules. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) have been reported to enhance relaxation behaviors such as resting and sleeping, and to diminish dog barking in rescue shelters.

Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com

• Aromatherapy: When diffused in a pet’s travel space, essential oils such as lavender and frankincense can create a serene environment and significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Choose therapeutic-grade oils and verify with a veterinarian that they are safe for pets, as certain essential oils can be harmful to our furry friends.

• Acupressure: By applying pressure to specific points on a pet’s body, we can help release tension and encourage a calm state. It is especially useful for pets that are less amenable to oral supplements, offering a noninvasive path to relaxation. Pet owners can be trained in this modality by a veterinarian or acupressure therapist that specializes in treating pets.

Managing Travel Anxiety

Dr. Mary Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist, emphasizes the value of taking preparatory steps as early as possible before the family embarks on a journey. Introducing a dog to the car well before a trip, for example, can significantly help make them more comfortable. This method involves gradually acclimating the pooch to the vehicle in a series of steps—from simply spending time in a parked car to taking short drives. Such preparatory measures allow pets to become familiar with the environment of a vehicle, associating it with positive experiences and rewards, thereby easing their anxiety and making travel a more enjoyable experience for all.

Practical Tips for Pet Owners

• Start early. Gradually acclimate a pet to their travel carrier and intended mode of transportation.

• Maintain a routine. As much as possible, stick to the pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule to provide a sense of normalcy.

• Stay calm. Pets often pick up on their owner’s emotions; maintaining a calm demeanor can help reassure them.

• Consult a holistic veterinarian. Before introducing any new supplement or remedy, consult with a professional to ensure it is appropriate for a pet’s health status and needs.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

– Will Rogers

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A Look at Single-Use Plastics

Understanding the Challenges and Solutions

by Sheryl DeVore

We might be tempted to bring plastic forks to a picnic or succumb to the expediency of prepackaged chips for our kids’ lunches, but single-use plastics wreak havoc on the environment and human health. Although marketed as disposable, most of these fossil fuel-derived, non-biodegradable items are not being recycled, so they languish indefinitely in landfills or pollute our waterways in the form of microplastics. “Plastic pollution has been linked to everything from infertility and cancer in humans to severe injury and death in wildlife,” says Veena Singla, senior scientist for the National Resources Defense Council, in New York.

Plastic Use Is Rampant

"Roughly 30 percent of garbage in the U.S. comes from single-use plastics,” says Shawn Flood, a partner and vice president of operations and customer care at SBC Waste Solutions, a waste collection company based in Broadview, Illinois.

Marketed for their inexpensive, lightweight, flexible and impermeable qualities, we have come to rely on plastic grocery bags, shrink wrapping, drink bottles, stickers, K-cups, straws, gloves, takeout containers and other throwaway products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 380 billion plastic bags and wraps are used

annually, which require 12 million barrels of oil to make.

Recycling Is Not Happening

Many plastic products that could be recycled are still getting tossed into the landfill. “The biggest problem is contamination,” Flood explains. “When someone puts a plastic milk jug into the recycling bin and there’s still milk inside of it, that ends up getting trashed. Those products become single-use plastics when consumers don’t do the correct job of washing recyclables.”

Banning Single-Use Plastics

Over the past few decades, countries including Costa Rica, France and Italy, as well as some U.S. states, have introduced

McLittle Andranik Hakobyan / CanvaPro

laws that prohibit or tax single-use plastics. “They are banning single-use plastics in California,” Flood notes. “Everything is paper. Basically, you cannot find a plastic straw,” Flood notes.

Other states following the trend to ban certain plastics include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, New Jersey and Vermont. The U.S. Department of the Interior is phasing out single-use plastics on public lands, including national parks, by 2032. A Los Angeles County public works study reports that a ban on plastic bags in San Jose has led to reductions of plastic bags found in storm drains (89 percent), rivers (60 percent) and residential areas (59 percent).

Some states, however, have chosen to protect the continued use of these items. For example, Indiana passed a bill in 2016 prohibiting city and county officials from taxing or restricting the use of disposable plastic bags by certain retailers. Similar laws have been enacted or proposed in Wisconsin, Idaho, Florida and Arizona.

Beware of Greenwashing

New single-use products are continually being introduced that claim to be better for the environment, but consumers need to be cautious of such promises, says Brandon Leeds, co-founder of SOFi Paper Products, based in Miami, Florida. “There’s a tremendous amount of greenwashing going on,” he explains. “They stamp the products as eco-friendly. For example, some agave straws are predominantly made with plastic and just mixed with agave.”

SOFi manufactures straws and drinking cups that are 100 percent paper, 100 percent plastic free and 100 percent compostable. They sell to 4,000 businesses in the U.S., including mom-and-pop coffee shops, highend restaurants, convenience stores and popular food chains. Leeds remarks, “Our company mission is to educate people.”

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Choosing Better Options

Alternatives to plastic, such as cotton or paper bags, also have environmental impacts, and the jury is out on whether single-use plastic bans can really improve the environment, according to Enhesa, a company that helps businesses with regulatory compliance.

A study commissioned by the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance, a group that represents U.S. manufacturers and recyclers of plastic bags, found that New Jersey’s ban resulted in a 60 percent decline in bag volume. However, the study also found six times more woven and non-woven polypropylene plastic was used to produce reusable bags, which are not widely recycled. The non-woven bags consume 15 times more plastic, and their production generates five times the greenhouse gas emissions per bag than the thin plastic bags.

Flood says one solution may be “to go back to the early days when glass was used for everything, and it could be used over and over.” Several states have created container deposit laws related to glass and plastic. In Oregon, for example, nearly every business that sells certain beverages in redeemable sealed containers is legally required to accept returned containers that can be recycled or reused.

The bottom line, Flood asserts, is that people need to move away from a throwaway mentality and stop using single-use plastics. “The consumer has the power to do anything,” he says. “When I go on vacation and I’m walking on the beach, I’m picking up pieces of plastic everywhere.”

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com

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The Why and How of Shrub Pruning

by Melinda Myers

Spring is filled with many gardening tasks including pruning shrubs. But before starting, be sure to have a good reason (and a plan), other than a date on the calendar, before making the first cut with the pruners.

Pruning is an effective way to bring overgrown shrubs down in size and remove dead, damaged, crossing or rubbing branches. It can also be used to increase flowering and fruiting and intensify bark color.

Always use the best tool for the job. Use bypass hand pruners and loppers that make clean cuts, allowing the wounds to close quickly. Pruning saws are the best option for larger stems. Be sure to wear safety glasses when pruning to protect the eyes and gloves to protect and support hands.

Late winter/early spring, before growth begins, is a good time to prune summer-flowering shrubs like spirea, potentilla and Annabelle-type hydrangeas. It is easier to see what needs to be shortened or removed before the leaves sprout. Wounds also close more quickly and fewer insects and diseases are present, reducing the risk of infection.

Avoid pruning when buds break and leaves are expanding, as the bark is more subject to damage. Pruning as leaves emerge, or right after, wastes energy the plant stored and used

to start a new season of growth. Also, avoid late summer or early fall pruning that can stimulate late-season growth which can be damaged over winter.

Wait until right after flowering to prune spring flowering shrubs like lilac, forsythia and bridal wreath spirea for maximum bloom. These can be pruned during the dormant season but some or all the flower buds will be removed, diminishing the spring floral display.

Match the pruning method and timing for evergreens. Avoid late summer and fall pruning that exposes inner needles and leaves that have been previously sheltered from harsh weather conditions. For pines, remove one-half to two-thirds of the expanding buds, known as candles, to limit new growth. Prune spruces above outward-facing healthy buds and junipers by removing or cutting back individual branches to healthy adjoining branches as needed. Yews can be pruned in early spring and lightly again in midsummer to remove any wayward branches.

Winter-damaged arborvitaes may need some pruning this spring. Remove broken branches but wait for bent branches to return upright. What also can help is loosely tying the stems upright and together with old nylon stockings, strips of cotton cloth or similar materials. Avoid topping arborvitaes, as that can increase the risk of future snow load and ice damage.

Shorten stems with heading cuts made one-quarter of an inch above an outward-facing bud or where a branch joins a shorter healthy branch. Prune damaged and diseased stems back to healthy outward-facing buds and branches or the soil surface on suckering shrubs.

Proper pruning can help renew or rejuvenate overgrown suckering deciduous shrubs like lilac, forsythia and red twig dogwoods. Start by removing one-third of the oldest

Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

and largest stems, including those that are damaged or diseased, back to ground level. Red twig dogwoods make it easy, as the older stems are brown and the new growth is bright red. This type of pruning stimulates new leafy growth. Repeating over the next two years will result in a shorter shrub with newer growth covered with leaves from the ground up.

More severe pruning is an option for suckering shrubs tolerant of that type of pruning or those that are declining or in need of major rejuvenation. This is done by pruning all stems close to ground level. This type of pruning often results in an even taller plant than before. The following year, remove as much as three-fourths of the new growth to ground level and reduce the height of the remaining stems as needed. Then prune as needed in subsequent years to maintain the desirable size and health of the plant.

Adjust the pruning method to reduce floppy growth on Annabelle-type hydrangeas, summer-blooming spireas and potentillas. Prune all the stems back halfway in late winter or early spring. Prune half of these to ground level. The

older stems help support the new growth. Lightly shear summer-blooming spireas after flowering to encourage a second and third flush of blooms.

Pruning hydrangeas is based on flowering. Big leaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood and repeat bloomers, like Endless Summer, bloom on old and new growth. These often die back to the ground over winter in colder climates. Remove the dead branches and then pruning is complete for the season.

Oakleaf hydrangeas also set their flower buds the previous season. These need minimal or no pruning. If needed, prune right after flowering.

Learn more about the why and how of pruning hydrangeas and other shrubs with Melinda Myers at 11 a.m., April 20, at Pasquesi Home and Gardens, located at 975 N. Shore Dr., in Lake Bluff.

The event is free and no registration is required.

Panicle and Annabelle-type hydrangeas flower on new growth, so these can be pruned during the dormant season. Prune Annabelle-type hydrangeas back to ground level or as previously described.

Panicle hydrangeas, like limelight and Bobo, need minimal pruning. Remove damaged, rubbing and thin stems. Shorten side branches, if needed, leaving three to five buds on each stout stem. Severe pruning results in distorted and floppy growth.

Proper pruning can help boost the beauty and health of our backyard landscapes and shrubs. Make the right cuts at the right time for the best results.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit MelindaMyers.com.

Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

Photos courtesy of MelindaMyers.com

Midwest Marvel: Millions of Cicadas Emerge in Rare Phenomenon

by Sheryl DeVore

They’re not due to emerge until May, but ecologist Carl Strang is so excited about the arrival of millions of periodical cicadas in the Chicago region that he’s searching in April for signs they are coming. Little holes or miniature chimneys in the ground mean the cicadas that have lived as nymphs beneath the earth for 17 years are checking things out, such as soil temperature and other weather conditions, to prepare for their grand entrance, explains Strang, a Warrenville resident, retired Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (DuPageForest.org) naturalist and author of a blog covering singing insects (NatureInquiries.wordpress.com/category/singing-insects).

Sometime in mid-to-late May, these 1.5-inch-long creatures will come out of the ground after dusk to crawl up trees, shed their skins and begin three weeks of frenzied mating, with lots of critters like birds waiting in the ready to eat them. In some places, the sound of their courtship singing will be nearly “deafening.”

These aren’t the annual, or dog-day, cicadas heard droning in mid-to-late summer each year. Rather, these are special broods that live underground for many years before emerging for one big show.

In parts of Illinois, two broods will emerge concurrently this year, the 13-year cicadas and the 17-year cicadas. This is a special year because it’s been 221 years since both broods came out at the same time. The last time was in 1803, the year of the Louisiana Purchase.

“The two broods will not overlap in the Chicago region, but only in a small part of central Illinois,” Strang says. Those in the Chicago region will witness the 17-year cicadas.

“Because there are so many of them, it can be something some people just plain don’t like,” Strang admits. “Some people will take a vacation just to get away from it.”

Nonetheless, Strang, who has studied singing insects in the Chicago area for many years, says when the periodical cicadas emerge, folks should plan to see them.

D. Bailey

Natural Wonder of Eastern North America

“They have a story that’s unique, odd and interesting,” Strang relays. “It’s a phenomenon that really sets the historical forest part of eastern North America apart from the rest of the world.

Photo by Steven

Annual, or dog-day, cicadas are larger than periodical cicadas and lack the red eyes.

They’re native. They’re colorful. They’re orange with red eyes. They have an amazing lifestyle. They live all this time under the ground in the dark, then all of a sudden here they are. They all come out and then they’re done until another 17 years.”

Scientists hypothesize that periodical cicadas may have evolved to emerge all at once as a means to overwhelm predators and not all get eaten. They also think they may have evolved at the end of the Ice Age and retreated underground during cold-spell years.

Periodical cicadas this spring will be seen and heard from southern Wisconsin south through parts of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas. They won’t be everywhere. “But they’ll be heavy in the parts of suburbs where forests weren’t cut down for agriculture or in areas where people planted lots of trees years ago,” Strang says.

“In DuPage County, for example, they’ll be thick in the less-developed eastern part, but not the western part,” he predicts, adding he’s read newspaper accounts from the mid-1800s stating that periodical cicadas were once prolific in the western part of the county, but then they vanished, likely due to development.

They’ll especially be present in forest

preserves with large, undisturbed old trees such as Ryerson Woods, in Lake County, and Fullersburg Woods, in DuPage County, among many others.

Seventeen years ago, Strang visited Fullersburg Woods to search for the tiny holes in April that meant the cicadas were coming in May. “They come to the surface two or three weeks before they actually emerge,” he explains. “They do that to monitor conditions;

Cicada Facts

n Cicadas do negligible damage to plants and no harm to humans.

n If handled, an adult can slowly attempt to pierce skin with its proboscis, thinking it’s sucking on a tree, but that causes no harm.

n No disease has ever been known to be transmitted by a cicada.

Source: University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse (uwlax. edu/currents/cicadas-2024). For more information, visit CicadaMania.com.

Photo by Carl Strang

Photo courtesy USDA Forest Service/map

Map of the periodical cicada broods and years of emergence.

Periodical cicada nymphs emerge at dusk in Fullersburg Woods 17 years ago.

they don’t want to come out if it’s too dry or too cool. These are nymphs that have lived for almost 17 years underground, using little beaks to suck sap from tree roots. They come out at night and need time to climb up onto something, usually a tree, where they attach their exoskeleton and an adult can emerge.”

Observing the Emergence

Strang says in mid-to-late May 17 years ago, he visited Fullersburg Woods for several nights to observe the emergence. “One relatively cool night, I started hearing scratching and rustling sounds and thought, ‘Oh boy, here they come.’ But the sounds faded away and they didn’t come out.”

A few nights later, he heard the scratching sounds again. “And there they were, climbing up on tree trunks or herbaceous plants,” Strang recalls. “They’re not sprinters; they go slowly until they find some place to latch their claws on and shed their skin, revealing a new, soft exoskeleton beneath. You’ll see a split down the back. It takes quite an effort—a couple of hours. It’s as if you had a super-tight piece of clothing on, so tight that it’s almost part of your skin and it’s all over you and you can’t use your hand and you have got to wiggle out of it,” he explains.

They don’t all come out at once. It will take a few weeks for all of them to emerge and build up to the peak of numbers when they’re seemingly everywhere screeching loudly, flying at the tree tops and getting snatched by birds and other wildlife.

“They can collect in certain trees, and if you’re standing under one of them at the peak midday, it can be deafening,” Strang relays. “I started carrying earplugs when I went to the woods 17 years ago.”

After mating, the female uses a saw-like structure on her abdomen to create a little slit underside a twig on the tree or shrub. She lays her eggs and then eventually dies, as do all the other adults, which live for about four to six weeks.

Tree Care

Fredric Miller, senior scientist in entomology at The Morton Arboretum (MortonArb. org), in Lisle, says mature and healthy trees where cicada eggs have been deposited may show some terminal branch damage called flagging, likely in early August. “This will only result in some natural pruning and is not harmful to the plant,” he says.

However, he suggests waiting to plant young trees and woody shrubs that are less than 2 inches in diameter this year until fall. He also suggests covering vulnerable small trees and woody shrubs with netting. “Make sure to gather the netting around the trunk as near to the ground as possible,” he advises. “Once the emergence event is over, be sure to remove the netting.”

Miller and Morton Arboretum senior writer Beth Botts will present the program Cicadas Are Coming at 6:30 p.m., April 3, at the arboretum (preregister at MortonArb. org/explore/activities/adult-programs/ cicadas-are-coming).

Strang and the arboretum do not recommend homeowners use pesticides to control the cicadas.

Those living in neighborhoods with large cicada numbers may have to do some sweeping up and cleaning at the end of the cycle, but Strang says studies show the dead cicadas add important nutrients to the soil. In addition, when the nymphs emerge, they aerate the soil.

Meanwhile, few will notice that millions of miniature eggs are hatching and dropping to the ground as nymphs where they’ll find a crack or hole in the soil to head for their new home for 17 years.

Then in 2041, they’ll take their parents’ places in the trees above the ground to perpetuate their species.

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.WordPress.com.

Periodical cicadas have red eyes.

Photo by Steven D. Bailey

Calendar of Events

Arab American Heritage Month Earth Month

Nat’l Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Monday, April 1

ONLINE: Trauma-Informed Bodywork – Thursdays, Apr 4-25. 10am-1pm. Trauma-focused pedagogy and practice equips healthcare practitioners with the tools they need to safely and effectively work with survivors of trauma. Course counts as an Ethics course for those with Ethics education requirements. 12 CEs. $300. Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130 or ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Leaky Gut – 6-7pm. Discover the causes, symptoms, and solutions for this common digestive disorder. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com

The Periodical Cicada Is Coming and It Will Be Noisy – 6:30-8:30pm. The 17-yr periodical cicada will emerge soon throughout northern IL. Learn about this unique invasion from Dr. Fredrick Miller, an entomologist with Morton Arboretum. Darien Garden Club’s April General Meeting will follow the presentation. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. Tinyurl.com/4dxh4afu.

Tuesday, April 2

Adrenal, Stress and Sleep: Natural Solutions – 6-7pm. Will explore energy levels, mental clarity and focus, mood, stress resistance and improved sleep. Fruitful Yield, 2378 Essington Rd, Joliet. FruitfulYield.com

Wednesday, April 3

Joann Lysiak Gems Special – Apr 3-12. Receive a free 15-min Zoom session to determine the perfect gemstone energy for one to manifest one’s dream or desire. For appt: Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com JoannLysiakGems.com

Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. In-person & Zoom. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake

Cicadas Are Coming – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn about this spring’s periodical cicada emergence from 2 experts. This program will arm you with knowledge to help you and your garden not only survive but thrive during this amazing natural phenomenon. $17/member, $24/nonmember. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle.  630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Guided Meditation to Cultivate Joy –7-8pm. Inspired by the beauty of nature, this meditation empowers you to anchor your roots into your authentic self, just as seeds find firm ground in fertile soil. Explore not only self-discovery but also self-transformation, equipping yourself with the courage and clarity to plant and nurture the seeds of your choosing. $10/ person. The Peaceful Healing Place/Inner Essence Shiatsu, 1700 E Algonquin Rd, Ste 218, Algonquin. 847-877-4230. PeacefulHealingPlace.com

Thursday, April 4

Beginning Astrology Level 2 – Thursdays, Apr 4-May 9. 7:30-9:30pm. Learn transits in-depth, progressions, synastry, composite charts, solar arcs, and solar returns. Requires basic astrological knowledge and a knowledge of interpretation. Online Webinar via Life Force Arts Foundation: 773-327-7224. LifeForceArts.org

Friday, April 5

Shrub Care and Maintenance – 9am-12pm. Keep shrubs healthy and attractive year after year. $42/member, $49/nonmember. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Planting Natives in the Spring – 6-7:30pm. Learn which plants are best to plant in the spring so you can have beautiful blooms in every season. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Apr 4: 815-7229470. ReconnectWithNature.org

Saturday, April 6

Reiki Play Day – 9-11am. Introduces traditional Japanese reiki practices to those that may never have tried them. All levels of experience and lineage welcome. Unlike at a reiki share, there is no hands-on healing among participants. $20 suggested donation. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. Registration required: 312-796-3965 or CalandraAcupuncture.com

Craniosacral Therapy, Facial Bones and Sutures – Apr 6-7. 9am-4pm. This 2-day course builds on the first two levels of Craniosacral Balancing. In this class, we integrate Levels 1 and 2 and move deeper into our understanding and experience of the various subtle rhythms expressed in the body. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Cosmic Compass Game Night – 1-5pm.

The Cosmic Compass is a Soul-Strategy Game that helps facilitate self-awareness and self-realizations for ultimate clarity and heart openness. $60, $50/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828.

InfinityFoundation.org

Sunday, April 7

Talk With Your Animals – 11am-12:30pm. Learn the steps to accurately see, hear and feel your animals. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922.

ShopSacredGround.com

Monday, April 8

Hanamatsuri (Buddhism)

New Moon

Leaky Gut – 6-7pm. Discover the causes, symptoms, and solutions for this common digestive disorder. Fruitful Yield, 229 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard. FruitfulYield.com

Tuesday, April 9

Eid Ul-Fitr (Islam)

New Pathway Circle: Working With Patterns – Tuesdays, Apr 9-30. 9-10:30am. Patterns are ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to others that are consistent and particular to each individual. Join Jennifer Friedman, MD, LCPC, in this 4-session, live course to participate in the magic that occurs in a group setting as one sees themselves in others’ stories. 6 CEUs available. $80, $75/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org

ONLINE: Glow Up Challenge – Apr 9-11. 1111:30am. Are you a woman ready to break free from limitations and embrace your authentic self? Don’t miss this free challenge to help you shine brightly from the inside out. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, career advancement, or a renewed zest for life, you are sure to ignite your inner glow. Zoom. bit.ly/glowupwithAvani

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6pm. 2nd Tues. Eden Restoration Project by Michael J Brankin. Cafe Pomigliano, 13860 Rockland Rd, Green Oaks. More info: Facebook.com/ greendrinkslibertyville

Adrenal, Stress and Sleep: Natural Solutions – 6-7pm. Will explore energy levels, mental clarity and focus, mood, stress resistance and improved sleep. Fruitful Yield, 425 N La Grange Rd, La Grange Park. FruitfulYield.com

What about naming trees? … If we have a tree in our name, we want that tree to live.

—Jane Goodall

Wednesday, April 10

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Thursday, April 11

Int’l Day for Maternal Health and Rights ONLINE: Heart Healing – 1:30-4:30pm. Through a guided group hypnotherapy-based meditation, we will do some healing to begin to restore the sense of self-worth that is your birthright. $75. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Songwriters Circle in the Round – 5:307:30pm. With Host Noah Plotkin live. Free. Madame Zuzus, 1876 1st St, Highland Park. LifeRhythmsInc.com

Friday, April 12

Medical Intuitive Training – Apr 12-14. 9am-5pm. Tap into your innate natural intuition and go beyond sharing your perceptions with your clients; give them your perspective as a medical intuitive. With Tina Zion. 19 CEUs available. $295, $285/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org

Saturday, April 13

Practical Self-Care – 9-10am. In this time of unrelenting changes, we can easily forget to re-find center and ground. Join us for TLC and self-care so you can discover a kinder, calmer version of you. In as little as 45 mins you can make major progress. With Sarah Karnes. Suggested donation: $15-$25. Meetup.com//Spiritual-Nourishment-Chicagoland.

Akashic Records Advanced Practitioner Class – 9am-3pm. With Christina Cross. Prerequisite: Accessing the Akashic Records Beginning Class. Spend the day intentionally elevating in consciousness to the altitude of the Akashic Records. As we intentionally focus on the good and the Light, the darkness fades. $100. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Where the Wildflowers Are Hike – 10am. See the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves. Free. Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve, 5851 W Pauling Rd, Monee. Registration required: ReconnectWithNature.org

Spring Cleanup – 10am-12pm. Celebrate Earth Day early this year by making a difference and cleaning up the shoreline of the Des Plaines River. Cleanup instructions and safety equipment provided. Free. Rock Run Rookery Preserve, 23065 S Youngs Rd, Jolie. Register by Apr 12: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org

Chicago Male Clinic at Wellness Trends Healthy Living Expo – Apr 13-14. 10am5pm. Consultations, treatment and service giveaways for those that come and visit our table. Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1939 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg. 773-414-9900.

ChicagoMaleClinic.com

SAVE THE DATE

Wellness Trends Healthy Living Expo –Apr 13-14. 10am-5pm. Participate in expert-led seminars, receive guidance on health and wellness and discover the latest health-forward trends. Embassy Suites by Hilton, 1939 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg. 773-339-2928.

WellnessTrendsChicago@gmail.com Facebook.com/TargiZdrowia2022

Veggie Fest, Plant/Seed Swap and Tribe

Garage Sale – 10am-6pm. Tour the outdoor farmers market sampling goodies from 30 vendors. Also includes interactive games; food trucks; 2 educational tents featuring cooking demos and gardening tips; a free energy healing tent; a garage sale tent; and a Kids’ Korner. Free. Temple of Harmony Monastery, 3400 Earl Dr, Joliet. AwakeOnenessTribe.org/veggie-fest

Spring Holistic Fair – 12-6pm. Twelve practitioners. See website for details. $40/25-min session. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Randy Rogers, 2 NDEs, author, past-life regressionist, photographer, journalist, President of Telefilm. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org

Sunday, April 14

Chitown Death Cafe – 12-2pm. This unique event provides a safe space to discuss a topic that is often considered taboo, death. Whether one has experienced loss or simply wants to explore one’s thoughts on mortality, this gathering welcomes all perspectives. Graceland Cemetery Chapel, 4001 N Clark St, Chicago. Facebook.com/chitowndeathcafe

Astral Energy Readings – 2:30-5pm. With Richard and Cheryl Popp, professional clairvoyants. While you are lying on a massage table, they will be going into a semi-sleep trance and scanning your body and energy systems looking for, and helping clear, stuck and charged energy. $70. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Monday, April 15

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Tuesday, April 16

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Wednesday, April 17

Life Rhythms Community Drum Circle –6-7:30pm. Sign up on TAC website. The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park. LifeRhythmsInc.com

ONLINE:

Life Mission Exploration –8-9pm. Uncover clues and insights so you can move forward with more purpose and meaning. Why am I here? What am I here to do? Who am I here to become? Each session is custom created for, and with, those in attendance. $15-$25 suggested donation. More info & registration, Sarah Karnes: 262-745-8362 or Meetup.com/spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland

Thursday, April 18

Spring Wildflower and Ethnobotany Walk – 9-11am. Also Apr 27, May 2. Wander through the ever-changing array of native wildflowers on a guided walk. $25/ member, $32/nonmember. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle.  630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Acupuncture & Reiki Stress-Reduction Hour – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Thur. Curious about acupuncture and/or reiki? We invite you to join us for this informational and experiential event. Discover for yourself the deep relaxation that is possible with these modalities. $10 suggested donation. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com

Friday, April 19

Introduction to Trager – 10am-5pm. You will be delighted to learn how your own body intelligence can effortlessly and pleasantly drop into an enlivened presence using the principles of soft, light and connecting touch. With the somatic skills of informed touch, open inquiry, curiosity, and comfort you will meet your partner so they can meet and feel themselves. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Saturday, April 20

Ridvan begins at sundown (Baha’i) Where the Wildflowers Are Hike – 8am. See the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves. Free. Hammel Woods, Rte 59 Access, Shorewood. Registration required: ReconnectWithNature.org

NAChicago.com

SAVE THE DATE

Nourish Your Wild Woman Retreat –10am-4pm

With Indigo and Nourish Rx. Do you want to live with more energy? Reclaim your relationship with food and self? Be in community with other women? Together we’ll debunk common nutrition myths, create 3 self-designed changes, flow together in practice and release limiting beliefs. We’ll enjoy nourishing foods, a 60-min yoga practice, guided meditation, workshops and time for silent personal reflection.

Boone Prairie Farm, 7749 N Boone School Rd, Capron.

For more info & to register: Indigo4Space.com/events

Cupping Part Two: Silicone Moving Cups – 10am-5pm. Silicone Moving Cups are a versatile and natural extension of the therapist’s hands. This class will review silicone moving cup methods and protocols for soft tissue dysfunction of the neck, shoulder, hip and scars. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Indoor Farmers Market + Spring Organics Collection – 11am-3pm. 3rd Sat. Celebrate Earth Day by bringing in your food scraps and take home some finished compost. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org

ONLINE: Transitions with Grace, Mindfulness & Moxie – 1-2pm. Change and transition are constants in our life. Join us for a guided meditation and creative exploration that help you feel more courage, energy and clarity as you move forward. Optional donation via paypal. Zoom. Sarah Karnes: 262-745-8362 or Sarah@SarahDKarnes.com Meetup.com/ spiritual-nourishment-chicagoland

Before Earth Day After Market Party – 2-4pm. Join us before Earth Day but after our farmers market to celebrate. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org.

Healing Touch/Reiki Energy Sessions with Channeled Frequency Energies – 3-6pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Amazing Gong Journey – 6-7:30pm. Immerse yourself in a sound healing shamanic gong journey with Sound Healer Andre Peraza. The gong is a powerful instrument that works on many levels to heal the listener. Andre uses a variety of sound instruments along with the gong: drums, chimes, bells, rain makers, etc. $50. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Sunday, April 21

Fish Migration Day

Free Community Drumming Circle –3-5pm. 3rd Sun. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Monday, April 22

Earth Day

Passover begins at sundown (Judaism)

Tuesday, April 23

Full Moon – Pink Moon

Full Moon Guided Hike – 8-9:30pm. Hike the Arboretum under the light of a full moon. $17/member, $24/nonmember. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle.  630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org.

Wednesday, April 24

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Thursday, April 25

Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day

Arbor Day Plant Sale – Apr 25-27. Shop the Arbor Day Plant Sale at The Morton Arboretum for an exciting variety of plants chosen by experts for success in your Chicago-area garden. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Details: MortonArb.org.

Friday, April 26

Arbor Day

Night Tarot – 6-10pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Saturday, April 27

Traditional Japanese Shoden Reiki Level 1 – 8:30am-6pm. Whether you are new to reiki, or already certified in other reiki styles, this lineage of Shoden Japanese Reiki helps you on a path to self-discovery. It is through self-discovery and self-healing that healing of others happens. $375; $300 early bird. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com

EV Car Show – 9-11am. See various EV models in one place and talk with their owners about the experience of driving an EV. Ravinia Festival, 301 Ravinia Park Rd (off Green Bay Rd), Highland Park. GoGreenHP.org

Spring Wildflower and Ethnobotany Walk – 9-11am. See Apr 18 listing. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle.  630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Cruise the County: Celebrate Trails Day –9am-12pm. Join us to check off one of the four rides featured in our Cruise the County challenge and stay for a presentation from Midewin staff before riding back. Experienced riders only. Free. Wauponsee Glacial Trail, Sugar Creek Preserve Access, 17540 W Laraway Rd, Joliet. Register by Apr 24: 815-727-8700. ReconnectWithNature.org

Where the Wildflowers Are Hike – 10am. See the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves. Free. McKinley Woods, Frederick’s Grove, 27110 S McKinley Woods Rd, Channahon. Registration required: ReconnectWithNature.org

The Peaceful Healing Place at the Woodstock Spiritual Summit – Apr 27-28. 10am6pm, Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun. Offering workshops on self-acupressure and decoding our energetic body clock according the teachings of ancient Eastern Medicine, in addition to cupping/acupressure and gua sha/acupressure mini-sessions. $8/day, $15/ weekend pass. Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock. 815-337-3534. UnityWoodstock.org

SAVE THE DATE

Woodstock Spiritual Summit Holistic Fair – Apr 27-28

10am-6pm, Sat; 10am-5pm, Sun

Immerse yourself in a wide range of workshops that will teach you how to nurture your body, mind and soul. Explore our diverse vendor offerings in the spiritual and holistic fields and discover natural ways to care for your body through activities like yoga and meditation. $8/day, $15/weekend pass.

Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock. 815-337-3534

UnityWoodstock.org

Trashy Hacks – 1-2pm. Check out different ways to deal with our household waste. Discover fun and interesting ways to upcycle broken, used and old items. See examples to give you ideas for home and get a chance to create your own. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Apr 25: 815-772-9301. ReconnectWithNature.org

Sunday, April 28

Workers Memorial Day

Interdimensional Frequencies Healing – 2-5pm. With Eve Muir-Wilson. Session includes setting intentions, a guided meditation and energy healing. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

The miracle is not to fly in the air or to walk on water, but to walk on the earth. —Chinese proverb

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Intuitive Readings – 2-5pm. Bobbi Williams’ intuitive readings speak to your soul’s journey to provide guidance and understanding. She opens portals for communication from loved ones in Spirit (mediumship reading), and provides spiritual guidance on the earth plane (psychic reading). $45. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

SAVE THE DATE

The Joy of Beginning with God – 3pm With Mark McCurties, practitioner of Christian Science healing, international speaker and member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. Hosted by the Christian Science churches in Deerfield, Glenview and Libertyville. Free.

First Church of Christ Scientist, 155 Deerfield Rd, Deerfield. For more info: 847-565-9555 or CSLibertyville.weebly.com

ONLINE: Befriending Your Self – 4-5pm. We are kinder, much more generous and forgiving with others than we are with ourselves. Join us for a lighthearted and deeply supportive exploration into befriending your Self. Create a more compassionate and loving relationship with You, in all your goodnesses and quirks. Guided by Sarah Karnes. Suggested offering $15-$25. Meetup.com//Spiritual-Nourishment-Chicagoland

Monday, April 29

Int’l Dance Day

Tuesday, April 30

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

plan ahead

Thursday, May 2

Spring Wildflower and Ethnobotany Walk – 5:30-7:30pm. Wander through the ever-changing array of native wildflowers on a guided walk. $25/member, $32/nonmember. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Register: MortonArb.org

Saturday, May 4

SAVE THE DATE

Absolute Light Holistic Fair 2024 10am-6pm

Includes exciting programs, services and products, as well as free educational workshops and door prizes. Features psychic and mediumship readings; massage and energy healings; crystals; gemstones; handcrafted jewelry; aura photography; and other types of readings, services and products. $10 admission.

Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Rd, Lafayette, IN. AbsoluteLightHolisticFair.com.

Where the Wildflowers Are Hike – 1:30pm. See the bounty of beautiful flowers that bloom in the preserves. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Registration required: ReconnectWithNature.org

Sunday, May 19

SAVE THE DATE

Moving Past Fear to Healing – 2pm

With Lisa Troseth, CSB, a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. Sponsored by the Christian Science Society of Lake Forest. Gorton Community Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest.

More info: 847-284-0204 CSMetroChicago.org/lake-forest

Friday, May 24

SAVE THE DATE

Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend – May 24-26 Keynote speakers include Tieraona LowDog, MD, Mimi Hernandez and Lisa Ganora, with opening and closing ceremonies led by Angela Smith. Conference provides more than 60 workshops and plant walks focused on herbs, plants, trees, mushrooms, the Earth and personal growth.

Camp Helen Brachman, 9341 Asbury Dr, Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.com

Ongoing Events

Daily

Cruise the County – Thru May 31. Grab your bike and hit the trail for our annual spring preserve challenge. We’re welcoming the change of seasons with rides along some of our most beloved bikeways, plus a partnership with our neighbors at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. More info: ReconnectWithNature.org

Integrative Dental Health Special – Thru Apr. Offering a special incentive: 50% off their mercury-removal fee for new patients. 87 S McLean Blvd, Ste B, South Elgin. 847-888-8311. ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Healing Music Sessions – 1-6pm, Sat/Sun; 9am-6pm, Mon-Thurs. Life Rhythms helps those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level 7 days a week. The 1-hr sessions, inclusive of all instruments, improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate cognitive abilities and promote wellness. LifeRhythmsInc.com

Earth Month

Recycle Your Bicycle – Tues-Sat, Apr 13-28. 7am-6pm. The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes. Monee Reservoir, Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. ReconnectWithNature.org

Fishing for Trash – Sat & Sun, Apr 6-28. 8am-6pm. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth). Staff at The Tackle Box bait shop will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your part. Pick up litter around the forest preserve, contribute to a cleaner environment and earn a gift. Free. Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve, 475 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. ReconnectWithNature.org

Sunday

Wicker Park Winter Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 9am-2pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. The Robey, 2018 W North Ave, Chicago. WickerParkBucktown.com

Cary Winter Farmers Market – Thru May 19. 9am-1pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. 3900 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake. Facebook.com/Caryilfarmersmarket.

Buffalo Grove Indoor Winter Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 10am-2pm. 2nd & 4th Sun. Vernon Township Community Center, 2900 N Main St, Buffalo Grove. Vbg.org/farmersmarket

Indoor Farmers Market+ at the Dole –10am-2pm. Apr 14, 21, 28. Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal Lake. TheDole.org

Jefferson Park Sunday Market –May 5. 10am-2pm. Copernicus Center, 5214 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago. JeffersonParkSundayMarket.com

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for pexels.com

Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. Also Sat. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

Live Music at The Fat Shallot – 3-6pm. $10 suggested donation. The Fat Shallot, 2902 Central St, Evanston. LifeRhythmsInc.com

Monday

Meditation at Solstice Sanctuary – 6:307:30pm. 4th Mon. With Sarah Karnes, certified life changes coach for 25 yrs. Dress for the barn and warmly. Come early to make a cup of tea. Love offerings to Solstice Sanctuary. Solstice Sanctuary, 29211 41st St, Salem, WI. SolsticeSanctuary.org

Tuesday

Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health, following our intuition, herbalism and functional medicine to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. Tinyurl.com/CultivatingG

Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847-207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Different topics each week. Facilitator changes weekly. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Wednesday

Green City Market: Lincoln Park – MayOct. 7am-1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Meridian Stretching – 10-11am. Develop strength, flexibility, breathing and energy. You may notice that our yoga classes offer a variety of exercises and poses, helping to keep your practice fun and dynamic while consistently covering the basics. In-person & online. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. 847362-2724. Libertyville@BodyNBrain.com BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

Farm on Ogden Market – 11am-5pm. WedSat. Indoor year-round market. 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago. ChicagoBotanic.org/ urbanagriculture/farm_on_ogden

2 M isconceptions about Bladder Pain and Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI s )

If you suffer from bladder pain or reoccurring UTIs, you’re probably doing all the things to avoid the next painful onset: drinking enough water, and consuming cranberry juice or cranberry extract. Bladder discomfort can happen when bacteria enters the urinary system by way of the urethra. Most commonly, this bacteria comes from the bowel. But could something else be causing the issue?

Misconception 1 : Bladder irritation is always a UTI . People experiencing bladder urgency or pain may think that they have a UTI. However, bladder irritation often occurs when the body is taking in food that cannot be digested properly.

Misconception 2 : Taking antibiotics will rid the pain or discomfort. Looking at the issue scientifically, this is what we know: Cultivating a healthy gut balance through proper nutrition can get to the source of what is causing the irritation, and may be a helpful therapy for reoccurring or chronic issues.

Get Expert Help.

If you experience bladder irritation, you can identify what’s really going on and establish an effective therapy plan. I take a science-based approach to understanding your unique digestive needs. Developing a healthy gut balance by identifying food irritants and optimizing digestion can have a big impact on reducing chronic symptoms and boosting overall health and vitality.

The Tummy Whisperer is here for you. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

Let’s get you feeling better.

Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Introduction to yoga for men; all levels welcome. Benefits: increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center, overall better health. $25; discounted class cards available. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Thursday

Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Friday

St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market – Thru May. 9am-12pm. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave, St. Charles. BakerMemorialChurch.org

Saturday

Green City Market: Lincoln Park – Thru Nov. 7am-1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Evanston Farmers Market – 7:30am-1pm. University Ave at Oak St (behind Hilton Garden Inn, Evanston. CityOfEvanston.org

Green City Market: West Loop – May-Nov. 8am-1pm. Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S Sangamon St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org

Batavia Indoor Market – Thru May 11. 9am12pm. Batavia Farmers Market, 131 Flinn St, Unit C, Batavia. DowntownBatavia.com

Huntley Indoor Farmers Market – Thru May. 9am-1pm. 2nd Sat. Fellowship Hall 1st Congregational Church, 11628 E Main St, Huntley. Tinyurl.com/5n7hnb8d

Woodstock Indoor Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 9am-1pm. Select Saturdays. Along with our usual farm market offerings we will have several Artisans at each market. McHenry County Fairgrounds, Bldg D, 11900 Country Club Rd, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org

61st Street Indoor Market – Apr 13. 9am-2pm. Experimental Station, 6100 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago. ExperimentalStation.org

Palatine Winter Farmers Market – Thru Apr. 10am-12pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. Palatine Train Station Parking Lot, 137 W Wood St, Palatine. PalatineSisterCities.org

Garfield Park Neighborhood Market – Apr 13, May 11. 10am-2pm. The Hatchery, 135 N Kedzie, Chicago. gpcommunitycouncil.org/ programs/neighborhood-market

Free Aura Reading – 12:30-1:30pm. See Sun listing. Body & Brain, 860 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. RSVP: 847-362-2724. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville

Classifieds

Classifieds can help you find a renter for your space or employees for your business.

Akashic Consultation

AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate. Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com

Astrology

ASTROLOGY – Understand yourself, your motivations, your feelings. Recognize your talents, strengths, successes. Overcome difficulties and confusion. Astrology can help pull it all together. Relationships. Career. Plan the future. Serious astrology for serious seekers. Private, personal consultations. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com

Channel Healing & Medium

CHICAGO’S CHANNEL HEALER MEDIUM –Sheryl A. Noday started the first channeling and personal growth class in the Midwest, 20 years strong. Known internationally. Channelling Siria for 4 decades, she brings voice to high-frequency Beings to touch your heart and Soul. Learn your purpose in being here, find true meaning, heal yourself and live the life of your dreams. Visit SherylNoday.com

For Hire

“A VOICE YOU CAN TRUST” TIM SOMERS VOICEOVER – Somers Productions can provide the voice for your commercial, narrate your YouTube or documentary video, personal story or audiobook. Communications experience in business and nonprofit sectors include: Health Care, Entertainment, Television, Spiritual, Religious, Hindu, Yoga, Meditation, Media, Business Development. Demos reels can be heard at SomersProductions.com/vo. For additional recording samples and to discuss your project, just send Tim a note at: Tim@SomersProductions.com

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 Peggy@NAChicago.com to request our media kit.

Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine

CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT

830 E. Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg

312-515-9492

Facebook @CalandraAcuChi

CalandraAcupuncture.com

We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless. Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders,  digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.

NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Lana Moshkovich, LAc, ND, MSOM 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, Deerfield 60015

847-715-9044

NirvanaNaturopathics.com

We use acupuncture to help you get immediate relief from acute or chronic pain. Combining Western and Chinese Medicine, we can treat and resolve insomnia, anxiety, fertility and women’s health issues, plus chronic conditions. Certified NAET. Preferred MeiZen Provider. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Major insurances accepted. Schedule your initial appointment on  NirvanaNaturopathics. com Get a healthier and alternative approach to your chronic health conditions.

Animal Communication & Reiki

INNERGIZING REIKI & SOUL HEALING

Mary Walters, RN, RMT 708-703-0110

InnergizingReiki@gmail.com

InnergizingReikiAndSoulHealing.com

Healing for you and your pets. Distant reiki sessions for humans and animals plus online reiki classes. Animal communication is offered to unlock the mysteries of your pet’s feelings, desires, and the lessons they are here to teach us. Communication/Reiki combo sessions are also available. See website for much more information and to book a session.

Bodywork

MAGIC HANDS THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK

Deb Lawrence

Wheaton and Bartlett

630-202-3641

MagicHandsBirth.com

Helping adults, children and babies to release pain and tightness and find comfort through the Craniosacral Fascia Therapy/Gillespie Approach. Deb Lawrence, LMT, offers effective, light touch therapy by identifying the tightness and assisting it to safely release, including tight, fussy babies with nursing challenges as well as children and adults with tightness and pain.

THE PEACEFUL HEALING PLACE/ INNER ESSENCE SHIATSU

Ninetta Keenan, AOBTA-CP

Practitioner of Classic Asian Medicine 1700 E Algonquin Rd, Ste 218, Algonquin 60102 847-877-4230

PeacefulHealingPlace.com

We offer shiatsu, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, group guided meditations (first Wednesday of every month), and individual and your private group guided meditations. Or, if you need time to chill during your lunch hour or any time, we invite you to visit, sip tea, listen to soft, soothing music and chill.

ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO

825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130

ZenShiatsuChicago.org

You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available. See ad on back cover.

Bookstores

THE GREEN READ

61 N Williams St, Crystal Lake 60014 779-220-4945

THE GREEN SPOT

110 S Johnson St, Woodstock 60098 815-527-7122

TheGreenReadBookstore@gmail.com

mcdef.org/bookstores

The Green Read and The Green Spot bookstores are committed to providing high-quality, gently used books to our communities. The Green Read also carries new, hand-crafted and sustainable puzzles, gifts and stationery products. The bookstores are run by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. All purchases support their environmental projects.

Clinical Trials

ATLANTIA CRITICAL TRIALS

Stacey Boetto

142 E Ontario, Ste 1200, Chicago 60611 312-535-9440

AtlantiaClinicalTrials.com

Atlantia Clinical Trials are looking for volunteers for their research studies to help improve health and wellness. We work in many health areas so there is something suitable for everyone, plus you will be paid for your time on the study. Check out our current studies on our website. See ads on pages 9 and 25.

Community Hub

AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE

Suburban Chicagoland

AwakeOnenessTribe.org

A nonprofit hub where seekers in the local community can come together, be heard, be seen, and be valued. AWAKE is a place where people can communicate freely, without fear of judgment, and participate in events to improve all aspects of health: physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual. AWAKE acknowledges the value of being part of an open-minded community of people who are eager to learn and grow together. See ad on page 2.

Digestive Health Specialist

RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

Telehealth and In-Office

847-207-2034

DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis?

Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/ enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7 and 49.

Education

MIDWEST COLLEGE OF ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE

Racine, WI and Skokie, IL

800-593-2320

MWC2010@aol.com • Acupuncture.edu

Start your path to a more rewarding career as an acupuncturist! Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (TCM) combined with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. License available in 46 states. Call today to learn more. See ad on page 19.

Energy & Mind Spa

SOLFLO LIFE

1834 W North Ave, Fl 2, Chicago 60622

Call/Text: 773-383-6237

SolFloLife.com

Experience cellular rejuvenation, mind recalibration, physical body revitalization, alignment and energetic spiritual connection. Create your best life with our unique approach which combines energy, sound, light, color, aromas, herbs and plants. Featuring the Energy Enhancement System, the most robust form of energy medicine that utilizes modern-day technology. Take the next step in your journey toward well-being.

Float Therapy

FLOTSTONE

57 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff 60044 847-482-1700  •  Flotstone.com

Flotation Therapy cradles you in its graceful healing waters optimizing your body’s ability to do what it does best, heal and recover. Floating effortlessly in over 1,250 lbs of Epsom salt, our premier float rooms allow the world to be fully shut out while providing an expansive setting to let all your stress drift away. See ad on page 12.

Functional Medicine

DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND Antalee Wellness

1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com

If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your whole-body health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.

HEAL N CURE MEDICAL WELLNESS

Meena Malhotra, MD, ABIM, ABOM

2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025

847-686-4444 • HealNCure.com

Heal n Cure specializes in personalized wellness, focusing on metabolic health, medical weight loss, hormone imbalances, incontinence, feminine health and non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Our functional medicine approach targets the "why" behind your symptoms which allows disease prevention, enhanced vitality and wellness. We provide effective care utilizing traditional and innovative tools delivering comprehensive health solutions in a supportive environment. See ad on page 3.

Healthy Food Products

NO SUGAR MAMMA

Delectable Sugar-free Treats

Online and in stores

NoSugarMomma.us

Tasty treats. Real food. No sugar. Rich and nutritious. No processed “scientific” sugars, glutens, allergens, binders and eggs. Treats that elevate well-being and delight taste buds. Sold at Fruitful Yield health food stores, retail locations and online. Save $5 at NoSugarMomma.us, code EATCLEAN. We donate $ for good! See ad on page 35.

Holistic & Airway Dentistry

THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING

Dr. Alla Aver, DDS & Dr. Irina Ganzman, DMD

2400 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025 847-998-5100 • GlenviewSmiles.com

Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards, partials.

A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.

—Franklin D. Roosevelt

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH

(formerly Bennardo Defining Smiles) 87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177 847-737-9109

ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From bio-compatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings. See ad on page 10.

K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES

1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069 847-884-1220

1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A, Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 | KBoehmDDS.com

Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.

JOEL SANDERS, DDS & SIMONA BAREKET, DDS

489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035 847-432-6501

JoelSandersDDS.com

We are a holistic dental team focused on whole person wellness rather than just your teeth. Dr. Sanders and Dr. Simona work with empathy, care and a gentle touch. Services include cleanings and comprehensive exams, material biocompatibility testing, safe amalgam removal, ozone therapy, BPA-free restorations, non-metal crowns and implants, and more.

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC 3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657

773-975-6666

WrigleyvilleDental.com

Chicago’s premier biological holistic dentists. Offering the latest technology, we provide ozone, lasers, same-day-crowns and BPA/fluoride-free nontoxic products. Several dentists on staff with unique specialties provide safe amalgam removal, PRF facials, orthodontics, TMJ, sleep/airway, children’s dentistry and countless other treatments. One home for all your dental needs. Free garage parking.

Holistic Health Practitioner

BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods

BioEnergy Center

815-933-6236

KankakeeNaturalFoods.com

Our BioEnergy Center brings together state-of-the-art machines in one location for an integrative wellness experience. Our approach to healing meets each client’s unique needs through personalized testing and therapies. Come as you are, no appointment needed. Kankakee Natural Foods Wellness under One Roof.

Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy

AVANI PATEL

Eternal Alchemists

Hypnotherapy - Regressions Avani@EternalAlchemists.com

EternalAlchemists.com

International hypnotherapist specializing in past lives and between lives regressions, with a focus on deep healing at the subconscious level. With extensive experience, I guide individuals through transformative journeys, unlocking insights from their past to empower their present and future.

Integrative Medicine

THE EISENSTEIN CLINIC

Jennifer Eisenstein, APN, DNP

415 W Golf Rd, Ste 2, Arlington Hts, 60005

847-329-2020

EisensteinClinic.com

We are a nurse practitioner-owned and -operated clinic, offering comprehensive family care for everyone from newborns to adults. We share our passion for health care, overall wellness and parental rights in guiding their children’s care, using natural alternatives when possible. Clinic director Jen is double-board certified as a family nurse practitioner and a doctor of nursing practice. Most insurance accepted.

Integrative Psychotherapy

ELLEN KATZ, MS, LMFT

Clinical Director, Inner Balance Chicago, Palm Springs 847-224-0244 • EllenKatz.net

Ellen’s 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist integrates a conscious approach to healing old patterns through a mix of trauma and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, HMR, Lifeline, The Work (Byron Katie), energy medicine and somatic awareness. Join Meetup.com “Inner Balance Meditation” for updates on her events, and visit her at EllenKatz.net

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth

THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE

At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535

AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com

Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 27.

INFINITY FOUNDATION

1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-831-8828 • InfinityFoundation.org

Many courses now live in-person, hybrid or on Zoom, some are recorded to watch later. Total Solar Eclipse Sound Healing, April 8, Live. CEUs available. Medical Intuitive Training with Tina Zion, April 12-14, Live. Call for free course guide.

Men’s Health & Wellness

CHICAGO MALE CLINIC

Jerry Garcia, PA-C; Rishard Lekkas, ND 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago 60646

773-414-9900

ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Chicago Male Clinic (CMC) is a holistic health and wellness center for men providing a natural integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. CMC offers therapeutic massage, exercise and stretch therapy, men’s yoga classes (started in March), patient coaches and trainers, and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine on staff.  CMC offers a natural approach to treating erectile difficulties (ED) with its Acoustic Wave Therapy. Call for your complimentary in-person consultation (valued at $225.). Book your first appointment at ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 13.

Music Wellness

LIFE RHYTHMS INC.

Noah Plotkin

224-558-7429

LifeRhythmsInc.com

We work with individuals in assisted living, memory loss facilities and private residences to participate in making and sharing music on individual and group levels. Life Rhythms helps connect families and their loved ones through the awesome therapeutic power of music. Our program improves hand-eye coordination, stimulates cognitive abilities and promotes wellness. Call for group and individual custom programs.

Nutraceutical and Supplements

FUFLUNS’ FOODS

Perry Galanopoulos, Owner Info@FuFlunsFoods.com

FuFlunsFoods.com

FuFluns’ is a Chicago-based, family-owned, provider of mushroom and botanical supplements. We utilize pre-industrial, astrologically influenced, farming and extraction practices, which are better for both people and planet. Offered online and by discerning healthcare practitioners.

Reflexology

JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY

773-979-5351

JJahal@hotmail.com

BloomN2Wellness.com

Reflexology is a wellness protocol that stimulates the nervous system by applying precise, alternating pressure to the feet or hands. It helps your body relieve stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, balance hormones, and reduce chronic pain. Jasmin is nationally certified and a recognized educator. Call for a free consultation. See ad on page 17.

Reiki and Energy Medicine

JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST

Joann Lysiak Gems

847-596-0274

Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com

JoannLysiakGems.com

Visit the online store for high vibration gemstones and handcrafted jewelry with intention. Benefit from the gemstone energy properties to attract love, abun-dance or protect your energy from EMFs. Let me intuitively find the perfect gemstones for your needs or fine tune your energy to thrive.

LEYA (LILIYA) ORIT

Remote Healing Practitioner

314-568-4848 • LeyaOrit@gmail.com

Emotion and Body Code Practitioner with a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Allied Health. With more than 20 years’ experience in health and wellness fields, Liliya’s combined knowledge of the human body with a variety of energy healing techniques creates an optimal physical, mental and spiritual state to help you heal most effectively from conditions including anxiety, headaches, low energy, gastrointestinal concerns and sleep issues.

Skeletal Strengthening

OSTEOSTRONG

126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091

224-408-2369

195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195

224-208-8616

OsteoStrong.me

OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled, movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 17.

Yoga

BLOOM YOGA

4663 N Rockwell St, Chicago

773-463-9642 (YOGA)

Info@BloomYogaStudio.com

BloomYogaStudio.com

Bloom is a welcoming community for yoga and massage for all ages and stages. We offer daily drop-in yoga classes for all levels and workshops including Yoga 101, kids yoga, plus-size yoga, yoga therapy and more. To register for this and all other workshops, visit BloomYogaStudio.com

700+

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