May 2024 Natural Awakenings Chicago

a “normal” phase of life, why do I feel so far from normal?

“I am so happy with the progress I have made under Dr. Meena’s care. She has helped

her care, I could not sleep. I would become emotional on the smallest of things … I was

symptoms … but this all changed when I spoke to Dr. Meena. She explained

and then she will treat my hormones. Six months into the

me

hopeful that with some more care and nurturing I can feel the way I should

Here’s where our journey together begins. The optimal balancing of all of your hormones leads to an enhanced quality of life. Testing, proper dosing and monitoring by a doctor with an expertise in BHRT are critical to managing the menopause symptoms.

A common misconception is that estrogen levels get diminished during menopause while many post-menopausal women have plenty of estrogen, but in reality, several other hormone levels are out of whack. Menopause symptoms may be a natural phenomenon, but there is no reason to believe we can’t make this phase of life as enjoyable as possible.

CHICAGO EDITION

Publisher Peggy Malecki

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Peggy Malecki

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Veronica Hinke

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CONTACT US

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© 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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It’s May! I'm always amazed how this month unfolds into a palette for our senses, inviting us to step away from our routines, observe the world around us and partake in the annual spring pageant before the calendar forwards to summer.

As early spring transforms into warmer days, I eagerly anticipate the gradual re-foliating of the Chicago area, watching weekly, daily—and in stretches of above average temperatures and sunny days, almost hourly—as tree buds thicken and gradually open. I look forward to the feel of soft, new growth on an evergreen tree and look for the return of Midwest native ephemeral plants like trillium and mayapples. In May, neighborhood fruit trees are blooming, pink and white blossoms cover crabapples and native shrubs, early lilacs are opening their fragrant buds and all around is the breathtaking beauty of new growth. And by May 12, sunset comes after 8 p.m.

While spring blooms tend to favor gentle pinks, lilacs, greens, whites and yellows, ‘tis the season of flashy colors thanks to our avian visitors. Spring migration is well under way, and the monitoring website BirdCast.info estimates May 2 to be the peak night for millions of birds passing through the Chicago area as they head for the North Woods and Canada. Warbler varieties by the dozens, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings (usually seen around May 12 at my backyard feeder), thrushes and more are a delight to the ears and eyes. Tiny, ruby-throated hummingbirds are back this month, too (track them at HummingBirdCentral.com).

In this issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we’ve included information about World Migratory Bird Day, observed this spring on May 11, and a partial list of events informing us about migratory birds and of places to join in the celebration. Spring birds are a visual and auditory delight, but picking out species and voices can be tricky. Fortunately, there are many great phone and tablet apps, one of my favorites being Merlin Bird ID, by the Cornell Lab, which identifies birds in “real time” by their song.

We’re also taking our annual in-depth look at Women’s Wellness, focusing this year on hormonal health for women of all ages, along with some of the myths that may surround hormone treatments. Plus, we look at the role vitamin K2 plays in healthy bones, the latest in treatments for Lyme disease and ways to balance gluten in our diets. In our Seasonal Kitchen section, writer Veronica Hinke shows us some sweet and savory ways to enjoy seasonal rhubarb. Plus, Sheryl DeVore explores the sights and sounds of spring frogs in the Chicago area.

As always, I encourage you to step outside at least once each day and sample the details of the 31 days of May. Let the experience envelope you in a harmony of spring. Try to listen for frogs, watch for the Flower Moon on May 23, enjoy the freshness of green lawns and yellow dandelions in this No Mow May, feel a warm rain or a cool Lake Michigan breeze and take in the once-a-year magic of the “showiest” month of spring!

Peggy Malecki

Photo by Peggy Malecki

for Adobe Stock

Courting & Vocalizing in May

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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Chicago

Water Week Features Many Impactful Community Events

Engage in Chicago Water Week—Current’s largest annual convening—which will take place from May 5 through 11 at many in-person and virtual locations. A variety of independently organized events will be hosted by partner organizations to highlight the critical role of water in our environment, communities and economy.

Most events are free and include a range of indoor, outdoor, virtual and inperson activities, spanning from ghost tours to nature walks to river cleanups to symposiums concerning critical water issues. This year’s partners include Alliance for the Great Lakes, Argonne National Laboratory, Audubon Great Lakes, Cleveland Water Alliance, Friends of the Chicago River, Kadeya, Melissa Harris & Co., MWRD of Greater Chicago, Northwestern University, Sloan, Telesto Strategy, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and more.

Since Current’s founding in 2016, they have helped bring water front and center as a critical pillar of our region’s climate and innovation strategies. They’ve raised more than $40 million for the region to support water innovation and inclusive economic development; launched nine pilot projects; supported the commercialization of more than 30 innovative water technologies; and educated more than 30,000 people through their events and gatherings.

For more information or to register for events, visit CurrentWater.org/chicago-water-week

Connect, Reflect and Grow at Women’s Circle Event in Chicago

The Northshore Healing Centre, in Chicago, is hosting a women’s circle designed and led by the facility’s founder Maria Lezniak, titled Embracing the Re-Visioned You, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on May 7. This gathering is an opportunity for connection, reflection and personal growth, allowing participants to explore and step into their renewed selves together.

Lezniak says the event is designed to inspire and support women in identifying and releasing old patterns, beliefs and habits that no longer serve them in order to implement a new vision of themselves into a re-visioned life journey.

“This is the perfect time to embrace an upgraded version of yourself and manifest the life you want,” emphasizes Lezniak. “Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a nurturing and transformative women’s group. Come and be inspired to unlock your full potential and start a fresh chapter in your life.”

Cost: Free, donations accepted. RSVP preferred but not required. Location: 6185 N. Canfield Ave., Chicago. For more information, call 847-588-0370 or visit NSHealing.com. See ad on page 17 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Holistic Health Fairs Coming to Northbrook, Naperville and Crystal Lake

The  Holistic Health Fair is presenting three upcoming expos to explore holistic health and metaphysical wonders in our northeast Illinois area. All three will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The first will take place on May 11 at the Hilton Chicago/Northbrook; the second on June 23 at the Chicago Marriott Naperville; and the third on July 28 at the Holiday Inn Chicago NW Crystal Lake Convention Center.

These fairs showcase a diverse range of modalities, from Ayurvedic therapy and herbal remedies to natural medicine and sound therapy, along with nutrition, crystals, intuitive readings, jewelry, artisans and so much more. Attendees can explore holistic health and metaphysical topics with 75-plus local vendors and a variety of speakers.

Cost: $10 online tickets, 16 and under free, $12 day of. Locations: 2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook; 1801 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville; and 800 S. Illinois Rte. 31, Crystal Lake. For more information, call 262-515-1472, email

Info@HolisticHealthFair.org or visit  HolisticHealthFair.org. Vendors can apply for any or all events at HolisticHealthFair.org/ vendors See ad on page 25.

Enter to win a free ticket at NAChicago.com/2024HolisticHFTix

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Learn About the Benefits of Reflexology

Jasmin Jahal, owner of Jasmin Reflexology, in Norridge, will give a free presentation about reflexology at 6:30 p.m. on May 6 at the Eisenhower Public Library, in Harwood Heights. She will speak about the benefits of this ancient wellness protocol, answer questions and perform a demonstration on a volunteer.

“Reflexology balances the body’s systems, encouraging homeostasis. It is based on the concept that every part of the body correlates with specific points on the feet and hands. By applying precise and alternating pressure to these reflex areas, the techniques stimulate neural pathways that support the body’s efforts to function optimally,” explains Jahal, a certified reflexologist in the Ingham Method.

According to Jahal, reflexology decreases pain, revitalizes energy, increases circulation and improves sleep. It also addresses many conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, allergies, plantar fasciitis, migraines, autoimmune disorders and reproductive issues such as fertility, pregnancy and menopause.

Jahal’s holistic approach takes into account body, mind and spirit to provide a restorative, calming and healing experience for her clients.

Location: 4613 N. Oketo Ave., Harwood Heights. To register (required), call 708-867-2299. For more information about Jasmin Reflexology, visit BloomN2Wellness.com See ad on page 17, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Chicago Fair Trade to Host Weeklong World Fair Trade Day Celebration

Each May, tens of thousands of people in more than 100 countries celebrate World Fair Trade Day. This annual celebration, always held on the second Saturday of May, raises awareness of fair trade—a business model that guarantees fair wages, decent working conditions and sustainable production—while showcasing the important role that we as consumers can play in creating a more equitable world.

Chicago Fair Trade Museum-themed cookies baked by the winner of last year’s Fair Trade Bake Off competition

For 18 years, Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) has hosted the largest World Fair Trade Day celebration in the U.S. This year, CFT is taking it to the next level with its 2024 theme, Chicago: The Fairest City of Them All—a weeklong series of events kicking off with a Fair Trade Makers Market on May 11 celebrating Chicago’s rich heritage in the labor rights movement and the city’s vibrant local fair trade community.

Throughout the week, CFT will showcase many of the outstanding local businesses and initiatives that make Chicago a truly great fair trade city.

For more information, visit ChicagoFairTrade.org See ad on page 9.

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Woodstock’s Food Shed Co-op

Food Shed Co-op—a new communityowned grocery store located in a 9,000-square-foot building at 2390 Lake Shore Drive, in Woodstock—will open to shoppers at 10 a.m., May 15. The opening day will be celebrated with brief remarks by co-op and community leaders, symbolic ribbon cutting, giveaways and door-buster deals. The store will remain open until its usual closing time of 8 p.m. and then seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Produce will be the co-op’s destination category. Another draw will be the graband-go deli, offering in-house-made items and juice bar selections made with fresh, local ingredients. Other categories include frozen, dairy, meat, cheese, bakery, bulk items, wine and beer. In addition, there will be a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free choices. The store will carry many items in each category sourced from local growers and producers.

The community-owned grocery store broke ground to build on their Woodstock property in July last year. Since its inception, the number of individuals purchasing equity shares has soared to more than 2,200. Grand opening festivities are planned for June.

For more information or to become an owner, visit FoodShed.coop.

Photo credit Bernadette Aguilar

Photo credit Christopher Clark

May 11 10am-5pm

Jun 23 10am-5pm

LAKE Jul 28 10am-5pm

• Enroll in curated & thoughtfully structured online learning

• Explore foundational courses in herbalism, mushrooms, personal growth, and many more

• Enjoy learning levels for beginners to more advanced

• Join a community of herbalists & wise women from around the world

• Be supported by monthly live Q & A’s with Linda Conroy, bio-regional herbalist and founder of the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference!

Infinity Foundation to Hold

27th Anniversary Gala

The Infinity Foundation will hold a vital fundraising event on May 17 at the Ravinia Green Country Club, in Riverwoods. A practitioner fair with minidemonstrations and silent auction from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. precedes an elegant dinner at 8 p.m. Don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and don Jose Ruiz are the 2024 Spirit Award recipients and will be the keynote speakers. They have collaborated with their father, Miguel Ruiz Sr., on several Toltec books carrying on the tradition of sharing Toltec wisdom.

A daylong in-person or Zoom workshop with don Jose Ruiz and don Miguel Ruiz Jr. will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., May 18, to share their inheritance of Toltec life lessons. The Toltecs of ancient Mexico were revered as masters, shamans or “awakened ones”.

Cost: Gala is $125, with optional VIP meet-and-greet with the Ruizes for $50. The in-person workshop (includes lunch) is $135 or $125 with payment in advance. The Zoom option (to be recorded for later viewing) is $105 or $95 with early payment. Location for both events: 1200 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods. For more information or to register, visit InfinityFoundation.org. See ad on page 21, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com

Special Savings at Integrative Dental Health for National Dental Care Month

Integrative Dental Health (IDH), a holistic dental practice in South Elgin, is offering a Dental Savings Plan for patients without dental insurance. The plan, which costs $444 for a one-year membership, includes two dental cleanings and exams per year, one emergency exam per year, routine X-rays once a year, discounted fees, 15 percent off restorative dental treatment, 10 percent off orthodontic treatment along with no maximums on discounts and frequencies of procedures.

“May is National Dental Care Month where awareness is raised on the importance of caring for our oral health. The best way to care for our oral health starts at home by making sure we stick to a hygiene routine and follow through on a daily basis. Unfortunately, neglected oral health ends up with a visit to the dentist and can quickly turn into an investment if left untreated,” says Juan Munoz, manager at IDH.

Location: 87 S. McLean Blvd., Ste. B, South Elgin. To find out more about affordable dental care and payment plan options, call 847-888-8311. For more information about IDH, visit ArtisticSmileDoctor.com. See ad on page 21, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Two New No Sugar Momma Treats Coming This June

No Sugar Momma—a local snack and dessert company that provides indulgent, nutritionally rich treats that are free of processed sugar—is building on the success of its first two products, Peanut Butter Bombz and Krazy Kookies, with two more treats that eat more like a well-planned meal than they do a snack.

The soon-to-be-released Chocolate Cheezcake goodie is made with cashew, cacao and coconut cream, sweetened with dates, on a chocolate crust made with pecans, dates and coconut. It’s loaded with good fats, protein and minerals like copper and manganese. And their new Chocolate Coconut Bliss Cookies are buttery almond with coconut, sweetened with dates, and have a rich chocolate bottom with drizzle on top. They contain protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E and several minerals including potassium, iron and zinc.

“I am proud to serve treats that are decadent and loaded with real foods,” enthuses Laurie Urbancik, owner and chief sweet officer. “Our snacks fortify with nutrition, and this is something unique in the marketplace.”

For more information or to order, visit NoSugarMomma.us. See ad on page 31, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

don José Ruiz and don Miguel Ruiz Jr.

Photo credit don José Ruiz

Photo credit No Sugar Mamma

Photo credit Integrative Dental Health

Photo credit No Sugar Mamma

Join Darien Garden Club to Celebrate National Garden Week

In a June tradition, the Darien Garden Club (DGC) will partner with the Indian Prairie Public Library for a National Garden Week program. This year’s event will be held online and in-person at the library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., June 3, and will include a social time to meet club members, the How to Fight Climate Change in Your Backyard presentation by Mike Nowak and a short meeting to learn about the club’s upcoming events.

“We sponsor a super speaker and topic of interest to many and introduce the public to our garden club,” says Cathy Streett, DGC community service and outreach chair, regarding the event. “This year, we invited Mike Nowak to educate the crowd on ways they can make an environmental difference in their own gardens and yards as we try to help reverse climate-changing trends.”

Streett says DGC has welcomed Nowak’s expertise, humor and easygoing style many times and that, “We always come away inspired and hope to inspire our guests as well.” Nowak is a former Illinois Master Gardener and has hosted garden- and environment-themed radio programs including The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki

Location: 401 Plainfield Rd., Darien. For more information or to register (required), visit ippl.libcal.com/event/12002609. For more information about DGC, visit DarienGardenClub.com.

What is this study about?

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

Learn more about the study & sign up by scanning the QR Code

Experience Connection, Self-Discovery and Fun at Three-Day AWAKE Oneness Fest

Discover a world of unity and transformation at the family-friendly 2024 Oneness Fest. Join media sponsor Natural Awakenings Chicago magazine and AWAKE: Oneness Tribe to embark on a collective yet personal journey of self-discovery and inner exploration from June 21 to 23 at Good Templar Park, in Geneva.

This second annual festival celebrating holistic health, wellness and spirituality promises to deliver an immersive experience filled with workshops, yoga, tai chi, breathwork, a sweat lodge, ice baths, live music, camping, 80 vendors, a free Kids’ Korner, an outdoor energy healing/massage spa, a community bonfire, fire spinning, additional activities and a profound sense of oneness.

Location: 528 East Side Dr., Geneva. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit AwakeOnenessTribe.org/onenessfest. See ad on page 2, in the Commnuity Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Learn to Move Past Fear

Lisa Troseth, a practitioner of Christian Science healing and an international speaker, will present a talk, Moving Past Fear – to Healing, at 2 p.m. on May 19 at Gorton Community Center, in Lake Forest, 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. Troseth will also share examples of healing from her own life and professional practice of Christian Science.

“Fear can be overcome and even healed in our lives by discovering the strong connection and relationship we have to something bigger than ourselves—God,” says Troseth. “By learning to lean and rely on this greater, higher good, we can feel moved to love beyond ourselves—and this frees us from fear and so much more.”

Troseth has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years. She travels from her home base in Rogers, Arkansas, to speak to audiences around the world as a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

Admission is free. Location: 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest. For more information, visit CSMetroChicago.org/Lake-Forest. See ad on page 13.

New VIBES ALLIANCE offers Networking and More for Area Holistic Wellness Practitioners

Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio, founder and owner of the Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, a center in downtown Arlington Heights that offers natural healing remedies and alternative healing services, has launched the VIBES ALLIANCE. This unique platform, currently home to practitioners of diverse modalities such as reiki, dance movement meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic, counseling services, dreamwork counseling, medium readings, massage stretch therapy and art therapy, is looking for more holistic wellness practitioners to become members.

“We would like to partner with practitioners to see how we can be resourceful for each other in our common approach to holistic healing,” says Gullo-Ciaccio. “The VIBES ALLIANCE’s goal is to connect with participating practitioners for an open discussion on how we can collaborate and network together to offer clients the most comprehensive and expansive alternative healing options.”

Gullo-Ciaccio warmly expresses the VIBES ALLIANCE’s anticipation for forging strong working relationships with new practitioners. “We eagerly await the opportunity to align with practitioners whose mission resonates with ours: to reach clients and offer them more holistic wellness opportunities, resources and community support. Your unique contributions are valued and appreciated,” she says.

To connect with Gullo-Ciaccio, call 224-735-2355. For more information about the VIBES ALLIANCE and the Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, visit PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com See ad on page 25, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

local food pantries NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Many families are struggling to balance budgets with good nutrition. Your donations of money, healthy food, personal care and cleaning items help area food pantries to serve everyone in our communities.

Lisa Troseth

Photo credit Lisa Troseth

Image courtesy Philosopher's Stone Apothecary

Philosopher’s Stone Celebrates Second Anniversary with Holistic Fair

To celebrate Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary’s second anniversary, the Arlington Heights-based healing, wellness and spiritual growth center will express their gratitude for the support and inspiration they have received from clients by hosting a special Holistic Fair on May 15 that features special savings.

From noon to 3 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m., attendees can receive a 20-minute service of reiki; quantum touch healing; energy clearing; card, numerology, birth angel and circle of life reading; candlelight restorative yoga and essential oils alignment for $20 per service. This anniversary special will be available for services on May 15 only.

Location: 160 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. For more information or to book online for services on May 15 (required), visit PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com. See ad on page 25 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Kudos

Congratulations to Dr. Jason Langslet for his recent purchase of HealthSmart from Dr. Marshall Dickhotlz Jr. HealthSmart has been the premier National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) chiropractic practice in Northbrook since 2000 and is proud to have taken care of patients from across the globe since its inception. It is currently the only practice in the world with three board-certified NUCCA practitioners working together.

Location: 2565 Shermer Rd., Northbrook. For more information, call 847-272-1000, email Dr.Langslet@nuccaCare.com or visit NuccaCare.com.

Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity. —Katrina Mayer

Photo credit Philosopher's Stone

The Sleep and Sex Survey: Relationships Between Sexual Function and Sleep

by Jerry Garcia, PA-C, and Raymond Wohl, BA, MA

Distress and dysfunction in sleep and sex are both very common and have been found to be related to anxiety, depression and stress. The connections between sleep and sex are largely understudied. However, there is a study, titled “The Sleep and Sex Survey,” published in the September 2018 edition of the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, that sheds light on this subject. The survey included 703 men and women in the United States between 18 and 65 years old.

According to the study’s authors, “Sexual dysfunction is experienced by approximately 10 to 50 percent of men and 25 to 60 percent of women.” In addition, the authors stated, “There is evidence that sexual dysfunction is tied to a number of factors, including chronic insomnia, medical and psychiatric conditions, as well as overall life satisfaction.”

The authors also reported that sleep disturbance and sexual dysfunction are likely correlated with three influence factors: time, place and stress.

The stress factor was said to include perceived stress that affects sleep quality, sleep frequency, duration, habitual sleep, sleep disturbance, use of sleep medications and daytime sleep dysfunction.

The study showed a significant connection between insomnia severity and sexual function.

In conclusion, given this relationship of sex, sleep and stress, it is recommended that clinicians observing dysfunction in one area should routinely assess for dysfunction in the other.

Chicago Male Clinic is a holistic health and wellness center for men’s sexual health that treats the whole person through lifestyle modifications, including better sleep for better health, and provides a natural, integrated approach to successfully diagnosing and treating erectile dysfunction.

Jerry Garcia is the medical director and Raymond Wohl is the business manager and patient care coordinator 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, medical director and Raymond Wohl, business manager

Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic

Hydrogen Reservoirs

A recent study published in the journal Science reveals the discovery of a large hydrogen gas deposit deep within the Bulqizë chromite mine, in Albania. The findings have sparked optimism among researchers that there may be substantial underground reservoirs of hydrogen capable of meeting global power demands for a low-carbon solution. Hydrogen can be burned without releasing greenhouse gases.

While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, access to it on Earth has been limited, as it tends to escape into the atmosphere. The existence of natural hydrogen seepages has been known for thousands of years, but it was believed that only small amounts of hydrogen could be found underground. This perception has been challenged in recent years, when significant hydrogen gas reservoirs were discovered in Mali, Europe and South America.

The research team believes that the Bulqizë mine holds 5,000 to 50,000 tons of hydrogen—well short of the millions of tons sought by energy-focused prospectors. Nevertheless, this discovery is confirmation that hydrogen gas can be trapped effectively underground. The technological means to efficiently extract and utilize these reservoirs are still in development.

Gray Whale Spotted in the Atlantic

The New England Aquarium reported an aerial sighting of a gray whale 30 miles off the coast of Nantucket Island. Gray whales, which lack dorsal fins, have not been seen in the Atlantic Ocean for more than 200 years, having been hunted out of existence. This is the fifth sighting in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters in the last 15 years. Scientists believe that the melting of Arctic ice caused by global warming may be at play.

According to the aquarium, “The Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean in Canada, has regularly been ice-free in the summertime in recent years, partly due to rising global temperatures.” Without the sea ice that usually limits the range of gray whales, they can “potentially travel the Passage in the summer, something that wouldn’t have been possible in the previous century.”

Orla O’Brien, an associate research scientist in the aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, said, “These sightings of gray whales in the Atlantic serve as a reminder of how quickly marine species respond to climate change, given the chance.”

Sunday, May 5, 3:00 - 4:30 pm (Onsite)

Honoring The Divine Feminine:

Crystals of Compassion and Self-Love with Janel

Friday, May 17, 6:00 - 9:00 pm (Onsite)

Sacred Self-Care Friday

Reflexology with Anna Para

Love Messages From Your Angels with Lin Boffeli

Saturday, May 18 & Saturday, June 1, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Accessing The Akashic Records Beginning Class (Zoom) with Christina Cross

Sunday, May 19, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (Onsite & Remote by Phone)

Intuitive Readings For Guidance (Onsite & Remote by Phone) with Henrietta Atkin

Experience Shamanic Healing (Onsite) with Melissa Gama

Tuesday-Thursday, May 28-30 (Onsite & Remote)

Malcolm Smith, Spiritual Healer

Tom Fisk from Pexels/CanvaPro

Gerald Corsi from Getty Images Signature/ CanvaPro

U.S. Corn a Threat to Mexico

Mexico is taking a stand to protect its ancient corn varieties from the potential contamination caused by genetically modified (GM) seeds by phasing out GM corn by 2024. The move has sparked tension with the United States. Nearly 30 percent of all U.S. corn exports went to Mexico between 2018 and 2020. U.S. officials are arguing that the ban violates the countries’ trade agreement and are demanding scientific evidence to support Mexico’s claim. There is concern among American policymakers that the ban on GM corn could lead to further restrictions in the future.

Mexican farmers and officials assert that GM corn poses risks to human health and threatens their country's agricultural traditions and cultural identity. Corn originated in Mexico nearly 10,000 years ago, and the country is home to more than 59 unique varieties. These native varietals have evolved to adapt to the local environment, with some being more drought tolerant and pest resistant. GM corn poses the risk of genetic contamination, as pollen from GM crops can cross-pollinate with native varieties, altering their genetic makeup and making them less suited to their specific conditions.

Some experts argue that banning GM corn alone will not be enough to protect native corn, pointing to the decline in small-scale farms as a greater threat. Conservation efforts, they assert, should focus on not only storing seeds in gene banks, but also supporting the vital contributions of traditional farmers.

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World Migratory Bird Day:

Celebrating Nature’s Great Journeys

by Nancy Smith Seigle

Save the date for May 11. That’s when World Migratory Bird Day “takes flight”. Created in 1993, and expanded globally in 2006, this international initiative comes under the auspices of the Environment for the Americas (EnvironmentAmericas.org), among other groups, and raises much-needed global awareness about the many challenges faced by our beautiful migratory birds as they make their remarkable journeys across the continents.

Playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, migratory birds help both natural ecosystems and human agriculture. Pollination, seed dispersal and pest control are just some of the reasons people from around the world have a shared responsibility for conservation and good stewardship of available resources.

“The theme for 2024 is a focus on insects. Many species of birds rely on insects as a food

source, both during migration and nesting,” says Bob Bryerton, program coordinator at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center, in Crete Township. “For example, the ruby-throated hummingbird; people put out nectar feeders in the hopes of spotting these birds. While the birds need and will eat nectar, insects make up a major part of their diet.”

Diminishing insect populations endanger bird survival and well-being. Vulnerable natural spaces have fallen victim to intensive agriculture and urban development. Everything from pesticides and herbicides to light pollution can cause a decline in insect populations.

“We have a wide variety of bird species that pass through our area. Going out for a short walk in a preserve, you may be able to spot 50 or more species in a huge range of colors and patterns,” adds Bryerton. “We are hosting a variety of hikes to help people get out and get to know the birds that rely on our area as a home or rest stop.”

For more information about events in Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org. For more information about World Migratory Bird Day, visit MigratoryBirdDay.org and WorldMigratoryBirdDay.org

Nancy Smith Seigle is a writer, content creator, storyteller and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines. Connect at NancySmithSeigle@gmail.com.

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages. —Jacques Deval

Photo credit Maura Carlisle Baltimore Oriole

Where to Join a World Migratory Bird Day Event

Here are some of the local World Migratory Bird Day celebrations:

Saturday, May 4

Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing –8 a.m.-noon. Plainfield. ReconnectWithNature.org/ news-events/event-calendar/lake-renwickmigratory-bird-viewing-may-4.

Monday, May 6

Park 566 Bird Walk – 7-10 a.m. Chicago. ChicagoBirder.org/new-page-2

Saturday, May 11

Morning Bird Hike – 7-9 a.m. Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org/news-events/event-calendar/ world-migratory-bird-day-morning-bird-hike.

Morning Bird Walk – 8-10 a.m. Barrington. fpdcc.com/ event/morning-bird-walk-for-world-migratory-bird-day-2.

World Migratory Bird Day Outing at Washington Park – 8-10 a.m. Chicago. ChicagoBirdAlliance.org/ new-events/2024/5/11/world-migratory-bird-day-outing-with-tykee-james-at-washington-park

Early Morning Bird Walk – 8:30 a.m. Willow Springs. fpdcc.com/event/early-morning-birdwalk/2024-05-11

Mother’s Day Eve Wildflower Walk & Why Mama Birds Like Insects Activity Stations – 9-11 a.m.

Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, Genoa City, WI. Hackmatacknwr.org/world-migratory-bird-day-2024

Bird Watching and Banding Demonstration –9 a.m.-2 p.m. Lemont. fpdcc.com/event/world-migratory-bird-day-3

Big Sit Day – 10 a.m.-noon. Barrington. fpdcc.com/ event/world-migratory-bird-day-big-sit-2

Birding Basics – 10 a.m.-noon. Northbrook. fpdcc. com/event/migratory-bird-day-birding-basics

Raptor Encounter – 1:30-2:30 p.m. Northbrook. fpdcc.com/event/migratory-bird-day-raptor-encounter.

Evening Bird Hike – 6-8 p.m. Monee. Reconnect WithNature.org/news-events/event-calendar/worldmigratory-bird-day-eevning-bird-hike

Evening Bird Walk – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sycamore. Eventbrite.com/e/world-migratory-bird-day-evening-bird-walk-at-630pm-tickets-853218358077

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Giving Back to Mother Earth

by Marlaina Donato

Most of us can remember the first time we felt soft, cool grass under our bare feet or noticed sweet ozone in the air after a wild thunderstorm. The sometimes-incompressible wonders of Gaia sustain our existence, boggle our minds and inspire us to contemplate our place in the great universal order. Our love affair with this beautiful planet begins early, but it is easy to forget this sacred partnership in the mundane whirlwind of adult life. Like any other vital relationship in our lives, it is all too easy to take it for granted and allow ourselves to put forth minimal effort.

Whether we till the soil in our backyards, pick up trash along a hiking trail, choose eco-friendly cleaning products or simply pause to witness a glorious sunset, we are all custodians of the Earth. Fighting the good fight to decrease our toxic impact, preserve our woodlands and clean up our oceans can seem overwhelming, and like most dedicated caregivers, sometimes we feel weary.

We can gain a second wind by setting aside the alarming to-do lists and focusing on what is being accomplished daily. When we choose to weave simple tasks into the tapestry of ordinary days, our children learn by example, and the chain remains unbroken. Most importantly,

fulfilling our part in the whole need not be boring, too serious or time-consuming—it can be downright joyful.

Ways to give back to the planet:

• Plant a pollinator-friendly backyard or patio flower garden.

• Buy local produce and farm products whenever possible.

• Post short, informative social media posts about our allies: the bees, bats and opossums.

• Use less plastic.

• Go paperless when paying bills.

• Nix lawn chemicals, leave a portion of grass to go to seed and opt for green lawn care.

• Plan a local family vacation and support the neighboring economy.

• Learn creative ways to reuse, recycle and upcycle.

• Get more exercise and save on gasoline by walking to local businesses when possible.

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

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The Road to Hormonal Harmony

Finding Balance and Thriving

by Marlaina Donato

Like a well-built home, the human body’s quality of life depends upon a sturdy foundation. A complex, hormonal matrix determines our vitality and impacts major areas of health, including growth and development, stamina, sleep cycles, bone health, blood sugar levels, fertility, weight and mood. Fifty hormones take turns keeping us alive, as well as impacting

lesser concerns such as hair and skin quality.

Excessive stress, certain pharmaceutical medications, hormonal contraception, autoimmune diseases and, in rare instances, tumors can throw the body into metabolic chaos. Supporting these fundamental allies through lifestyle changes that include a nutrient-packed diet, improved gut health,

supplementation and medication, when needed, can help us get back on track. Most importantly, prevention is possible with the same approach.

“Hormones are the behind-the-scenes influencers, ensuring your body operates smoothly and adjusting to the ever-changing demands of your environment and internal

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states. When this delicate balance is thrown off, the consequences can be widespread, affecting virtually every aspect of your health,” affirms North Carolina-based hormone specialist Deborah Matthew, M.D., author of This Is Not Normal: A Busy Woman's Guide to Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance.

Even a slight imbalance of certain hormones—whether a deficiency or an excess— can compromise digestion, raise low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), downgrade sex drive, foster cognitive issues, amp up anxiety and even affect heart rhythm. Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise also play a role in disturbing equilibrium. Matthew explains, “Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate many functions well beyond the realm of reproductive health. They are produced by your endocrine glands and circulate through your bloodstream, delivering critical instructions to every tissue and organ.”

Oxytocin and Other Key Players

Like orchestra players, hormones work together, but the hormone oxytocin is the conductor. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, cannot be produced or used properly without oxytocin. Good gut health also depends on it. “The most powerful hormone in our body, hands down, is oxytocin. It also happens to be an alkalinizing hormone and helps oppose the negative, chronic effects of cortisol, our stress hormone,” says Anna Cabeca, a triple-board-certified OBGYN and author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16 and MenuPause. “Oxytocin is what we refer to as the love and bonding hormone. It’s also a longevity hormone—muscle-regenerating, mood-elevating, pain-relieving and immune-boosting. It is vital to have a high level of it if we want to boost and support the other hormones.”

Cabeca recommends boosting oxytocin naturally. “It can be as simple as thinking of something that puts a smile on your face,

brings you joy and happiness, makes you laugh or gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside,” she explains, adding that cultivating a sense of gratitude “will help boost your oxytocin level and reduce your stress hormone cortisol, which, when too high, leads to inflammation and acidity.” Her other goto oxytocin allies are funny movies, being in nature, hugs, intimacy, therapeutic massage

and activities with others like yoga classes, hiking or team sports.

The symbiotic relationship between the thyroid and our stress-fighting adrenal glands is also fundamental in systemic harmony. A 2015 study published in European Thyroid Journal revealed that 5 percent of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also had

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an underlying primary adrenal insufficiency. An older study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2009 showed that 41 percent of patients with compromised adrenal function also suffered from hypothyroidism.

“In today’s high-stress environment, our cortisol production can become dysregulated. This is often called ‘adrenal fatigue’, although that term is not recognized by the conventional medicine world,” says Matthew. “This cortisol dysregulation often results in profound tiredness, cravings for salt or sugar, reliance on caffeine for energy and difficulty handling stress.” She notes that despite its widespread occurrence, adrenal compromise slips between the cracks of conventional diagnosis. Recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems is vital.

“A holistic approach to thyroid and adrenal health considers the entire spectrum of an individual’s health, lifestyle and emotional well-being,” Matthew says. “Holistic practitioners often employ comprehensive testing to uncover subtle imbalances, utilize natural supplements like adaptogenic herbs to support function and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes that address underlying causes of thyroid and adrenal symptoms.”

Fertility Factors

For many, planning a family is one of life’s high points, but according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 percent of married women under the age of 30 struggle to conceive; about 22 percent of married women between ages 30 and 39 are hit the hardest. The frustration can be agonizing. “I often say that infertility is not a diagnosis; it’s a symptom,” attests Aumatma Simmons, a double-board-certified naturopathic doctor, endocrinologist and fertility specialist at the Holistic Fertility Institute, in Berkeley, California. “When we consider infertility as a symptom, we start understanding that it is the check-engine light that our body is giving off, trying to tell us something is out of whack. Maybe it’s the

hormones or something somewhere else in the body. The root causes must be discovered and addressed.”

Common contributors to infertility include amenorrhea (absent periods) caused by physical or emotional stress, weight extremes (obesity or underweight) and age. Simmons underscores the role of diet and lifestyle in both women and men. “It is well-researched that lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol and marijuana can contribute to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, there is ongoing research about the role of sedentary lifestyles and body mass index as potential indicators of pregnancy outcomes. Even blood sugar and inflammation in the male partner can impact fertility, as well as a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy to term.”

Simmons directly attributes food habits to egg and sperm quality, asserting, “Diet is vital in the role of implantation. There are studies that have shown that gut inflammation contributes to uterine inflammation, which directly affects implantation and pregnancy outcomes.” She also connects the dots between the mental and emotional health of both parents and baby success.

Negative talk, poor self-esteem, responsibility overload and an inability to let go or ask for help can also foster infertility.

What We Can Do

Taking a few steps toward a more balanced body can go a long way. Cabeca emphasizes, “Deep, restorative sleep is essential to regenerate and rebalance. Physical activity is absolutely necessary for hormone circulation throughout the blood and lymphatic system, so doing things that make you huff and puff and sweat daily is critical.” She also recommends alkalizing the diet by amping up hydration and fortifying meals with low-carbohydrate food sources, low-glycemic fruits like berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables and sprouts. Adding intermittent fasting to the mix also packs a positive punch, especially as progesterone and estrogen levels decrease with age and we have a higher risk for developing insulin resistance.

Everyday foods for hormonal happiness include healthy, high-fat foods like avocados, raw butter, ghee, egg yolks (rich in choline and iodine for healthy thyroid function), soaked nuts and seeds, flaxseed, hemp and olive oil; clean proteins like quinoa, organic pasture-raised poultry and beef, wild-caught

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fish, lentils and beans; and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, garlic and fresh cilantro. Avoid trans fats, sugar and refined carbs, which trigger inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance.

Matthew recommends cortisol-lowering activities like meditation, yoga and breathwork, which help balance cortisol levels, improve our resilience to daily stressors and support overall hormonal health. She also stresses the importance of seven to nine hours of restful sleep by “establishing a consistent bedtime routine, minimizing exposure to blue light from screens before bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom. Many of your hormones are produced at night while you are in a deep sleep.” More shut-eye also regulates stress hormones and helps to repair the body’s cells and tissues.

Life is better when our bodies are happy, and change begins with small, inspired steps. Cabeca reminds us, “Create a life rhythm that works for you.”

Marlaina Donato is a visionary artist, composer, author of several books and long-time journalist for Natural Awakenings. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

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Identifying and Treating Lyme Disease

An Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach

by Jill Valerius, M.D., ABoIM, IFMCP, ATC

Lyme disease, a complex and often misdiagnosed illness, affects approximately 476,000 people annually in the United States. Found in all 50 states and every continent but Antarctica, it is transmitted primarily by the Ixodes tick, more commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick. If not promptly addressed, the ailment can lead to long-term health complications. Thanks to advancements in medicine, the identification and treatment of Lyme disease continues to evolve and improve.

Historical Context

The story of Lyme disease began in the 1970s with a community outbreak of facial palsy and arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut. An explanation for this mysterious illness did not surface until the early 1980s, when Willy

Burgdorfer, an investigator for the National Institutes of Health, discovered a bacterium in ticks from the area (Borrelia Burgdorferi), laying the foundation for modern testing and diagnostic methods.

Diagnosing a Complex Disease

There are several complicating factors that make a Lyme disease diagnosis difficult. The characteristic bullseye-shaped rash is present in less than half of cases and may disappear quickly. Early signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes are easily mistaken for other illnesses.

The utility of early lab testing is limited because the process takes several weeks and can lead to false negatives. This leaves

physicians to rely on observable symptoms and rule out other possible causes. A doctor will also ask if a patient has been out in the woods or grassy areas where they might have been exposed to black-legged ticks.

Tom Moorcroft, DO, the founder of Origins of Health and an investigator of medical mysteries, refers to Lyme disease as “the new great imitator and instigator,” describing its ability to mimic various other diseases, often at the same time. For people experiencing persistent symptoms, comprehensive lab testing may be needed to distinguish between Lyme and other tick-borne and nontick-borne diseases.

Treatment Options

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, including fever, rash, facial paralysis and arthritis. While conventional antibiotics remain a cornerstone for early-stage treatment, emerging research increasingly recognizes and supports the role of natural and botanical medicine.

In a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine, seven botanical agents were identified as promising treatments for Lyme disease, including black walnut, Japanese knotweed, sweet wormwood, cat’s claw and Chinese skullcap. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract caused a complete eradication of the B. Burgdorferi bacterium in their study. The

Erik Karits from pixabay/CanvaPro

scientists recommended additional research to determine dosages and extract combinations that might offer hope for those suffering long-term symptoms.

The integrative and functional medicine approach to treating Lyme disease is multifaceted and customized, taking into account an individual’s health history, environmental factors and unique physiological responses. The overarching goals are to target the infection, bolster the immune system, manage symptoms and promote overall well-being.

According to Dr. Darin Ingels, a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of The Lyme Solution, “All other therapies, no matter what they are, probably aren’t going to be as effective until you’ve really taken care of your gut health and your mental and emotional being.”

Lifestyle interventions are critical in this holistic treatment. A diet rich in whole foods, clean proteins and minimal grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods can mitigate inflammation and aid recovery. Complementary practices such as regular exercise, sauna sessions, Epsom salt baths, sufficient sleep and stress management techniques play vital roles in healing and preventing long-term complications.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is integral in combating Lyme disease. Tick repellents and protective clothing can significantly reduce bites. After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check the skin for early tick detection and removal. Upon discovering a tick, remove it promptly and monitor the bite area for signs of a rash or infection. If symptoms appear, quickly seek guidance from a healthcare professional with expertise in Lyme disease.

A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining a robust immune system and can bolster the body’s defenses, potentially reducing the risk of developing chronic Lyme disease.

Staying Informed

• International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ilads.org) is a global nonprofit that promotes research, education and policy associated with Lyme and associated diseases.

• LymeDisease.org offers support and information curated by patients.

• TickSpotters from the University of Rhode Island (Tinyurl.com/tickspot) provides tick identification information and science-based risk assessments.

• Local health departments can provide updated information and recommendations for specific areas.

Meeting Future Challenges

Lyme disease presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating a multifaceted and individualized approach to its management. Integrative and functional medicine offer an effective strategy, combining conventional medical treatments with lifestyle and natural therapies. This holistic approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey, ensuring not just the treatment of Lyme disease, but also the promotion of longterm wellness and quality of life.

Jill Valerius is a dual-board-certified physician in family and integrative medicine with an additional certification in functional medicine. Learn more at NowHealthPalmer.com

Vitamin K2 for Healthy Bones and Arteries

by Chuck Steinmann

Most people know that calcium and vitamin D are important for maintaining healthy bones. Fewer are aware of another vitamin that is essential for bone health, vitamin K2.

While vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium into the bloodstream, vitamin K2 gets calcium out of the blood and into the bones and teeth. Excess calcium in the blood can contribute to the formation of kidney stones or end up as deposits in breast tissue and arterial walls. By helping to get calcium where it belongs, K2 helps prevent calcium from ending up where it doesn’t belong. A review of 14 randomly controlled trials published in  Frontiers in Nutrition found that K2 supplementation actually reverses calcification in the arteries.

K2 can be found in red meat, aged hard cheese, egg yolks and fermented vegetables. The richest source of K2 is the Japanese fermented soy product natto. While eating foods rich in K2 is part of a healthy balanced diet, achieving therapeutic doses for bone health requires someone to eat natto or take supplements. Natto is famous for being an acquired taste, so most people decide to supplement.

K2 is most commonly available in two forms, MK-7 and MK-4.

K2 MK-7 is more common and active at lower dosages, usually from 75 to 200 micrograms. Most K2 supplements are in this form, as are most D3/K2 combination supplements. K2 MK-7 is good for bones, but K2 MK-4 may be more effective at increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures, and has several studies to back it up.

K2 MK-4 has long been used by doctors in Japan to treat low bone density. MK-4 is given in doses much higher than MK-7, from 15 to 45 milligrams per day, with the most benefits being shown at the full 45 mg per day. A meta-analysis by Cokayne et al. published in the  Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed 13 randomly controlled trials and found that 45 mg of K2 MK-4 helps maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in the vertebrae and hip.

Bone density and strength tend to decline in everyone with age. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in three women and one in five men over 50 will experience a fracture due to a decrease in bone strength during their lifetime. Taking vitamin K2 is an important part of a plan to safely maintain healthy bones and keep calcium where it belongs.

Chuck Steinmann is a health coach and manager of OsteoStrong, in Wilmette. OsteoStrong Wilmette is located at 126 Skokie Blvd. For more information, call 224487-8833 or visit Centers.OsteoStrong.me/ illinois-wilmette. OsteoStrong Schaumburg is located at 195 W. Golf Rd. For more information, call 224-487-8881 or visit Centers.

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Balancing Gluten

Making Peace With an Oft-Maligned Ingredient

by Deborah Bevilacqua

The rise in prevalence of celiac disease and related conditions, and shifts toward paleo, keto and other gluten-free diets, have driven the gluten-free products market from $973 million in 2014 to $6.5 billion in 2022. The market for these products is expected to reach $15.1 billion by 2032 according to The Brainy Insights, a market research company. However, switching to gluten-free products is not a one-size-fits-all decision.

Celiac disease affects an estimated 1 percent or approximately 3 million Americans, although approximately 60 to 70 percent of those have not been diagnosed, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. The illness is an autoimmune condition that results in tissue damage in the small intestine, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain, gas and bloating, cognitive impairment, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, anemia, skin rashes and joint pain. It is diagnosed with blood tests and confirmed by taking pictures inside of the small intestine.

The National Institutes of Health report an additional 6 percent of Americans may have a related condition known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While some symptoms of intolerance or sensitivity to gluten are similar to those with celiac disease, NCGS does not come with intestinal damage. Symptoms of NCGS also may occur outside the intestines such as heartburn, feelings of fullness, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, depression, a foggy mind and fibromyalgia-like symptoms.

For those allergic to wheat or other grains containing gluten or that have gluten-related disorders, permanently eliminating gluten is a must. This includes inhaling it, eating it and encountering it through skin or hair.

Gluten and the Gut

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, spelt, semolina, farro, barley and rye. These grains are a source of fiber, B vitamins, trace minerals and other nutrients. Many studies have associated whole-grain consumption with improved health outcomes. For instance, as part of a healthy diet, wheat has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain.

Gluten interplays with the bacteria in the gut. The journal Nutrients published a review in 2021 of various studies that evaluated the effects of a gluten-free diet on the microbiome of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found that a gluten-free diet reduced the bacterial richness and affected gut microbiota composition of patients in all three groups. In patients with celiac disease or NCGS, the gluten-free diet created a positive effect on gastrointestinal

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symptoms and helped restore microbiota population by reducing the population of pro-inflammatory species. However, in healthy patients, a gluten-free diet had a negative effect on the gut by decreasing the number of beneficial species and increasing the number of bad microorganisms.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, changes in the amount or activity of good bacteria have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.

“Changes in your diet can alter your microbiome within one to two days,” says Dr. Tom O’Bryan, an expert on wheat-related disorders, NCGS, celiac disease and their link to autoimmune diseases. “When you go on a gluten-free diet, you remove prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut. This then causes the bad bacteria to flourish and reproduce, resulting in increased inflammation in your gut, a contributor to disease.” This makes sense as 70 to 80 percent of immune cells are present in the gut.

Effective Gluten-Free Dieting

Whether a gluten-free diet is required because of a gluten-related disorder or by choice, it is essential to add prebiotic foods to replace the beneficial impacts lost when eliminating wheat and other grains. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements are a start, but consumption of vegetables is the key.

“Probiotics are most effective when they are combined with a high-fiber diet featuring a

variety of vegetables,” says O’Bryan. He recommends at least one daily serving of root vegetables, such as rutabaga, turnip, parsnip, radish, carrot and sweet potato, and two daily servings of prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, onion, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, legumes, artichoke, apples and cocoa.

“I also recommend a forkful or more of fermented foods each day. Vary it up with some sauerkraut, kimchi, miso or fermented beets, or drink some kefir or kombucha.”

“If you're experiencing digestive discomfort, give a healthy, gluten-free diet a try for at least 30 days and assess how you feel,” recommends Michelle Ross, a board-certified nutrition specialist, licensed dietician and functional medicine practitioner. “My recommendation is to stay away from the gluten-free aisle. The truth is many people that switch to a gluten-free diet often turn

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Even for those without gluten-related conditions, too much gluten can create its own health complications. In a 2015 study published in Nutrients, gliadin, a component of gluten, was administered to biopsies taken from the small intestines of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found each group experienced increases in inflammatory markers and in markers of leaky gut, with the healthy group having the greatest increase in interleukin 10, a rapidly activated pro-inflammatory cytokine that defends the body against microbial invasion.

For otherwise healthy people, finding a balance between enough gluten to feed gut probiotics but not so much that it results in gut permeability issues is important. “If you decide to continue consuming gluten, opt for whole or minimally processed einkorn wheat, rye, barley, spelt and Kamut wheat,” says Ross. “These grains have not undergone hybridization and are not typically sprayed with glyphosate before harvesting. Additionally, consider consuming sprouted or fermented forms of these grains, as they can be more digestible.”

Deborah Bevilacqua is a journalist and contributor to Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation.

Wagner Soares from Getty Images /CanvaPro

Recipes for Hormonal Health

Easy Fertility Kitchari (Quinoa and Bean Stew)

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

2 cups dried mung beans, soaked in water for 8-12 hours

1 Tbsp coconut oil, ghee or olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

14 oz spinach, kale, collards or any other greens

2 tsp Celtic sea salt

1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk

2 cups quinoa

7½ cups water

Optional: cilantro, avocado

Heat oil in a pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot); add onion, garlic and cumin. Sauté until fragrant; stir occasionally. Add greens, soaked mung beans, quinoa and water. Put the lid on, and pressure cook for 12 minutes. Once pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir in coconut milk. Top it off with fresh avocado and cilantro before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Aumatma Simmons.

Purple Cauliflower Salad

This salad is full of cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, which have a nutrient called diindolylmethane (DIM) that helps process estrogen in a healthier way. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which supports progesterone production, and magnesium, which can help with period cramps. Avocado and olive oil are rich in hormone- supportive omega-3s.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 head purple cauliflower

¼ head white cauliflower

¼ head broccoli or 1 cup Brussels sprouts

2 Tbsp canned red kidney beans (optional)

½ avocado, sliced

1-2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Pinch of salt

Dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 320° F. Cut cauliflower and broccoli into florets (or slice Brussels sprouts in half) and add them to a baking tray. Drizzle the veggies with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place into preheated oven to roast for about 15 minutes. Stir the vegetables and roast for another five to 10 minutes until fork-tender and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Combine with other ingredients.

Image credit: Courtney Ayers / Firefly.Adobe.com

Recipe courtesy of Deborah Matthew.

joshu arainey photography from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Re-Imagining Rhubarb:

This Year, Try a New Savory Recipe

by Veronica Hinke

It’s a sure sign of spring when those shimmering crimson stalks of rhubarb take hold in the ground. One of the best days of the year for rhubarb afficionados may be when they notice rhubarb’s hearty green leaves poking through the dirt in the backyard or when they find those red stalks at an early-season farmers market. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, rhubarb is one of those treasures that makes the long winter’s wait for spring produce worthwhile.

Celebrate the fleeting rhubarb season with a new recipe each year. This year, stretch outside of the classic rhubarb dessert routine and try making a savory side dish or a compote for a main dish. It’s a cinch to roast rhubarb, and it doesn’t take long to turn jammy rhubarb into a homespun accent for supper. Add roasted rhubarb to pannenkoeken (some people call them popovers) or add a spoonful of it to lentil or vegetable stews or pastas. Rhubarb is versatile enough to add a touch of spring to any plate.

While the leaves of the plant are not edible, the stalks are addictive delights when they are cooked. Rhubarb is known for its distinct flavor and deep nutritional value. It is loaded with phytonutrients, anthocyanin and lycopene. This tart, tangy perennial also provides

calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamins A and C and is a good source of folate, riboflavin, niacin, manganese, potassium and phosphorus.

This bushy vegetable (yes, it is botanically a vegetable, not a fruit) is also rich in history. Rhubarb was one of the ingredients on the spring-focused menus—for passengers and crew—when the Titanic sailed in 1912. Botanist John Bartram is thought to have brought the first seeds of rhubarb to America in the 1730s. Bartram’s Garden (BartramsGarden.org) is now a public park in Philadelphia.

Rhubarb is perhaps more popular than ever. From cocktails to compotes, there are so many new recipes. Here are recipes for savory pannenkoeken with roasted rhubarb and, of course, a classic spring dessert: rhubarb pie.

Roasted Rhubarb

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

3 cups ½-inch rhubarb pieces

¼ cup firmly packed light-brown sugar

1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free flour)

Preheat the oven to 375° F.

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, combine the rhubarb, brown sugar and flour and stir until the rhubarb is thoroughly coated. Roast in the oven until the rhubarb mixture is soft and spreadable, 15-20 minutes.

Rhubarb Pannenkoeken

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

3 cups roasted rhubarb

4 large eggs, lightly beaten (can combine egg substitutes)

⅔ cup whole milk (can substitute non-dairy milk such as almond milk)

⅔ cup all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp granulated sugar (can use less for more savory flavor)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ tsp salt

4 Tbsp unsalted butter (can substitute vegan butter)

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, milk, flour, granulated sugar, vanilla and salt on high speed. Beat until thoroughly combined, 10-15 seconds.

In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt 3 Tbsp of the butter. Let the butter bubble and turn dark brown. Pour the butter into the batter and mix well. Put the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter in the skillet, then place the skillet in the oven until the butter melts.

Photo by Veronic Hinke

Remove the skillet from the oven, swirl the butter to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet, and then pour the batter into the skillet. Gently fold in two-thirds of the roasted rhubarb. Place the remaining one-third of rhubarb in the center of the pannenkoeken.

Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375° F. Continue to bake until the pannenkoeken is puffed and golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 10-12 minutes longer.

Remove the pannenkoeken from the oven and let it cool and settle. This will allow the flavors to meld. Cut into 4-inch-wide slices and serve.

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

Rhubarb Custard Pie

YIELD: 1 PIE

Editor’s note: You may wish to substitute eggs, flour, milk and sugar custard ingredi ents with your favorite vegan custard recipe, adjusting baking temperature and time as needed.

1 stick frozen pie crust (can use gluten-free pie crust)

4 cups rhubarb, cut in ½-inch pieces

1½ cups sugar, plus extra for lightly coating rhubarb and sprinkling on top of pie before baking

2 eggs

1 Tbsp milk

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

Split the stick of pie crust in half. Sprinkle flour on counter and roll out pie crusts into two circles (top crust and bottom crust). Place the bottom crust in the pie plate. Poke a few holes in the bottom crust with a fork for ventilation while baking.

Use a spoon to toss the rhubarb in a little sugar.

Put the rhubarb in the pie plate. Make the custard using a hand-held electric mixer. Mix the eggs, milk, flour and sugar together. Pour the egg mixture (the custard) over the rhubarb. Scatter 6 to 8 tiny pats of butter around on the top of the rhubarb. Place the remaining pie crust on top. Using your fingers, scrunch together top and bottom pie crusts. Sprinkle pie with a light touch of sugar or a mix of cinnamon and sugar. Bake

Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining, and Style, by Veronica Hinke (Post Hill Press, 2023).

Veronica Hinke specializes in historical 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

½ cup all-purpose flour, plus a little for rolling out the pie crust (can use gluten-free substitute)

1 Tbsp butter, plus enough to add pats to pie filling in pie plate and coat pie plate (can use non-dairy substitute)

Let’s turn your stress to strength so you can move through in a more confident, kinder, and joyful way!

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Photo by Veronic Hinke

Photo by Veronic Hinke

Dispelling Hormonal Myths:

In-Depth Insights from Dr. Meena Malhotra

by Carrie Jackson

Hormones are small, but mighty molecules that travel through our bloodstream and act as messengers to target cells or organs. For women, the sex hormones play an integral part in overall health, from menstruation to pregnancy and beyond in menopause.

Dr. 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 fluctuations in hormone levels are normal, but they can sometimes change drastically and keeping hormones balanced is key to overall wellness. A number of myths surround women’s hormones, and better understanding them empowers women to make informed decisions about their health. Malhotra helps to clear up some common misconceptions and offers tips for optimal wellness.

Myth:

Estrogen causes breast cancer

For a long time, we thought that estrogen causes breast cancer, but that has been found not to be true. These beliefs stemmed from the Women’s Health Initiative, which began in 1991 to address major health issues in women. During the study, a number of women that were given estrogen later developed breast cancer. However, it was later shown that it was actually the synthetic hormones used in the study, and not true estrogen, that caused the rise. While synthetic and natural hormones look the same, they

are much different on a molecular level, and bioidentical estrogen is safe to take in a variety of forms. Besides genetic predisposition, the biggest risks for breast cancer are obesity, a high percentage of body fat, alcohol use, liver damage and insulin resistance.

Myth: Estrogen is the only women’s hormone that matters

Estrogen is often thought to be the prevalent sex hormone for women, but the truth is that women need all three of the main sex hormones. Testosterone, which is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries, plays a crucial role in women’s health. It helps to regulate libido, bone health and density, muscle mass, mood and energy. If a woman is low in testosterone, there are several treatment options that can provide relief. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is one such option, which involves the administration of testosterone through topical gels, creams, oils or pellets. Progesterone helps to regulate menstruation and helps with sleep and anxiety. While it is often thought that women who have had a hysterectomy do not need progesterone, this essential hormone is crucial for calming feelings and a good night’s sleep.

Myth: Hormone balancing can be done at home

Hormone balancing is key to regulating many processes in the body, including appetite, sleep, cognitive function, metabolism, mood and sexual function. While over-thecounter kits and creams do exist, proper hormone balancing should be done with the supervision of a trained medical professional. Your doctor can test your hormone levels and make the best suggestions for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if needed. The dosing of HRT is crucial and should be monitored. Hormones can be administered topically, via pellets or injected and a doctor can best make that determination. It’s also critical to use bioidentical hormones, without synthetic ingredients that the body sees as foreign molecules and may reject. Patients should discuss their goals with their medical professional in advance. Most women are looking to boost brain health and memory, maintain healthy skin and hair, strengthen

Dr. Meena Malhotra, M.D.

their libido and increase overall energy. Hormones work together like a web, and they have to be tested, treated and monitored cooperatively.

Myth:

Hormone balance is out of our control

There are a number of proactive steps women can take to optimize their hormonal balance. Food is one of the most powerful tools we have. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds and avocados help to raise testosterone levels. Plant-based foods that contain phytoestrogens, such as fruits, seeds and grains like wheat germ, naturally boost estrogen levels. It’s crucial to avoid non-organic dairy products, including cheese, milk and yogurt. These are often made with milk from animals that have been given rBST and other genetically engineered hormones and are laced with synthetic ingredients. White flour and other refined carbs should also be avoided, as they can contribute to insulin resistance. Additionally, women should strive to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular moderate exercise. While too much body fat can cause a surge in estrogen, too little can cause hormones to dip and lead to anxiety and insomnia. Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to begin hormone balancing, and small changes can make a significant difference in a woman’s overall quality of life.

Heal n Cure Medical Wellness Center is located at 2420 Ravine Way, Ste. 400, in Glenview. For more information, call 847686-4444 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

Raising Puppies to Be Heroes

How to Foster Guide-Dog Candidates

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

Fostering puppies to become guide dogs or service animals can be a deeply meaningful endeavor. Beyond being loyal companions, these special pups profoundly impact the lives of people with disabilities by offering mobility and a newfound sense of freedom. They not only assist in navigation but also pave the way for social opportunities and contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of their owners.

In a 2019 study published in the journal Animals, Austrian researchers compared the quality of life and annual medical costs of 36 blind individuals with and without a guide dog by means of a standardized questionnaire. Although no significant differences in quality of life were noted, the guide-dog owners reported lower medical costs and expressed a firm belief that their canine companions facilitated social contacts and had a positive impact on their independence and health.

Critical Role of Foster Families

Breeds known for their intelligence and temperament, such as Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds, are preferred choices. Their guide-dog journey begins just days after they are born, when foster families take them in and expose them to new experiences, sounds and surfaces, along with early tutelage in body handling, kennel training and wearing a puppy jacket.

At 8 weeks old, the pups begin to learn good

Photo by Irina Novikova for pexels.com

manners and socialization skills. This period is pivotal in preparing them for formal service-dog training. Nearly half of the canines bred to become guide dogs fail before the end of their training because they are skittish and fearful. In a 2021 study, also published in Animals, French researchers sought to understand the nature and causes of such fears by observing and measuring stress biomarkers of 5-month-old guide-dog candidates as they were exposed to unfamiliar people, visual and sound stimuli, and physical handling.

The scientists concluded that the more time a puppy spent alone, the more likely it was to be afraid, underscoring the importance of early socialization and habituation to boost confidence and adaptability by exposing them to different people, animals and environments. The researchers characterized the early development period of puppies as “a decisive phase influencing their temperament in adulthood,” thereby enhancing their chances of success as guide dogs.

Fostering Tips

• Communicate with the experts. Always seek support and advice from the training organization and document the puppy’s progress. This will help the foster family avoid missteps or make early corrections in caretaking and training. Future trainers or handlers will also benefit from the documentation.

• Stay informed. Keep up to date on new training techniques and trends in the field of service animals to enhance the fostering experience.

Training Programs and Organizations

Caring for a guide-dog candidate during its formative first months can make or break the animal’s future performance. Here are a few tips for foster parents.

• Offer positive reinforcement. Celebrate small wins, maintain a positive attitude and apply consistent commands and routines when training a guide dog. This strategy not only builds a solid foundation but also speeds up the learning process and minimizes stress for both trainers and puppies.

• Provide rewards and discipline. Treats, praise and playtime encourage puppies to repeat desired behaviors. Simultaneously, it is important to set boundaries and enforce rules to guide their behavior, ensuring they grow into well-behaved guide dogs.

• Ensure their health. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations and a balanced diet are crucial to keeping the puppy healthy and ready for training. A physically fit pooch is more capable of focusing and learning during training sessions.

• Learn to let go. Recognize that saying goodbye is part of the process when the puppy is ready to move on to specialized training or to be paired with their person. Focus on the incredible impact the dog will have on someone’s life.

After leaving their foster families, usually around the age of 12 to 18 months, guidedog candidates will enter a formal training program, such as the one offered by the nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind, the largest school of its kind in North America, with campuses in California, Oregon and Canada. Here, the young canines learn specialized skills needed to assist their future owners—a process that takes at least another year. All of the training and support is provided free of charge, made possible by donors and volunteers.

To learn more, visit Guide Dogs for the Blind (GuideDogs.com), Seeing Eye Dogs (SeeingEye.org) and Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GuidingEyes.org). There are numerous ways to help these organizations such as volunteering time, donating money, fostering puppies or assisting in awareness campaigns.

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.

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Female Environmentalists

Women Pursuing a Sustainable World

by Kelcie Ottoes

English author Virginia Woolf once said, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman,” illustrating the predicament of accomplished females that never received the recognition they were due. One example was Eunice Newton Foote, who presented her findings on the greenhouse effect at the 10th annual meeting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1856, only to be eclipsed by John Tyndall, who was credited for this discovery even though his work on the subject was carried out two years later.

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution pronouncing that “full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.” In recent years, impactful women like African American space scientist and mathematician Katherine Johnson and Hispanic astronaut Ellen Ochoa have begun to be acknowledged for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Still, many more women remain on the sidelines.

Only 30 percent of the world’s researchers and less than one-third of the STEM workforce are women. Paradoxically, women are more impacted by climate change than men, given that 70 percent of individuals living in poverty are women. Females have less access to resources and education and are often dependent on natural resources that are impacted by global warming for their livelihood.

“Climate change affects everyone. It does not discriminate, yet, sadly, women’s voices are not heard enough, and women are even invisible at times,” says Sangeeta Waldron, author of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations. “Women, particularly in vulnerable regions, are the first to be impacted by climate change, as they are the ones who will need to collect the water from distant wells or rainfall when there is a drought; or who work on farms when the male members of their families have gone to the cities to earn a living, when their crops run dry due to lack of rain or in some places have too much rain; or who fight against the big fossil fuel companies that encroach on their land, organizing their community to fight back.”

Waldron also laments, “Neither do we see enough female representation at the negotiating table when discussing climate policies. The latest data and images from COP28 [28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] reinforce this; 140 world leaders were scheduled to speak, and only 15 were women. It highlights the gender gap despite improvements from previous COPs.”

Six Female Environmental Leaders

“Many women are playing a tremendous role in the green economy and are creating a sustainable, just and resilient economy,” says Quinn Antus, the program manager of emerging markets, carbon management and carbon dioxide removal for the state of Colorado. Here are some examples of female champions.

Yohana Tesfamariam Tekeste developed a new type of insurance to help farmers in eastern and southern Africa reduce their

Courtesy Sangeeta Waldron

Sangeeta Waldron

vulnerability to climate change. Haein Shin supports international education development, curating content about the environment, digital and financial literacy, and employment readiness. Nzambi Matee, a Young Champion of the Earth recipient, created bricks made of discarded plastic waste, finding a solution for littering and the housing crisis in Kenya. Naomi Davis founded Blacks in Green, which strives to be a national network for environmental justice and economic development that closes America’s racial health/wealth gap.

Zoë Gamble Hanes is the president of CleanChoice Energy, which helps make renewable energy accessible for all through solar farms and other clean-energy solutions. She says, “Sustainable practices only benefit from bringing in diverse voices. We’ve found ourselves in the midst of a new-age industrial revolution that requires a diverse talent pool to reach success. By empowering more women to join sustainable efforts—especially within the renewable energy sector that has traditionally been a male-dominated industry—we can usher in a new generation of passionate leaders with different, and important, perspectives, all working toward the goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future for years to come.”

Girl Power Is Sustainable Power

Including women in sustainability is not just about equality, it is about leveraging human talent, insights and creativity to address climate change, food insecurity, equity and other pressing issues of our time. The facts are that the global temperature is rising, the ocean is getting warmer, extreme-weather-related events are increasing in frequency and glaciers are melting. Our best hope for addressing these issues is if everyone participates.

Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.

2 M isconceptions about Bladder Pain and Urinary Tract Infections

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.

Frogs Are Courting & Vocalizing in May

by Sheryl DeVore

On a typical May day near wetlands, and especially at night, we may hear the constant whir of American toads, the rattling comb sound of chorus frogs or even the low “varoom” of a bullfrog, all vying for a mate. It’s a key time for volunteers to foray into the night to document the presence of some of the 13 species of frogs, ranging from an inch to 8 inches long, that live in northeastern Illinois. This research is helping scientists understand what frogs need to survive and their role in our local wetland ecosystems.

Spring peepers call mainly at night and sound like tiny sleigh bells. “When there is a full chorus, their decimal level can hurt your ears,” says Susan Lawrence, co-steward of reptile and amphibian monitors for the Morton Arboretum (MortonArb.org). It’s amazing, she says, because “the sound is coming from animals about the size of the tip of your thumb.”

Frogs have vocal sacs that expand and deflate like a balloon to create their unique calls, made only by males.

As with other amphibians, frogs spend part of their lives on land and the other in water, making them particularly important to ecosystems. “They help transfer energy and nutrients back and forth from breeding ponds to uplands,” explains Allison Sacerdote-Velat, curator of biology and herpetology and vice president of conservation research at the Chicago

Academy

of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (NatureMuseum.org).

“Frogs have permeable skin which can dry out in the heat of the sun. That’s why they restrict their activities to night or times of low light,” continues Sacerdote-Velat, who runs the Calling Frog Survey in the Chicago region (FrogSurvey.org). The permeable skin also makes frogs, as well as other amphibians, susceptible to changes in water and land regimes as well as climate. For example, Sacerdote-Velat says, “Frogs breathe and drink through their skins, absorbing not only water and air, but also salt spread in winter that ends up in their wetland habitats.”

More than 150 frog species have gone extinct in the past 25 years, she says, explaining that “as wetlands are destroyed and habitat becomes more fragmented, that puts the frogs closer together, and in turn, there’s more completion, predation and disease.”

Illinois has lost 85 percent of its historic wetlands. Increased droughts and flooding also contribute to the loss of habitat for frogs.

Some of the region’s smallest frogs, measuring up to about 1.5 inches long at the most, become active in early spring as vernal pools are formed when snow melts. These are fishless wetlands where the frogs have a better chance of successfully reproducing, Sacerdote-Velat says. These include the rare wood frog, which has already mated and stopped singing by May, as well as the chorus frog and spring peepers, which start singing in March or April and can often be heard in May. Another small frog, the gray treefrog, starts singing in May into June. These frog species mate in ponds, lay eggs and then retreat to dry land to hunt for insects and other delicacies during summer.

Three larger frog species—including the northern green frog, about 2 to 4 inches long, and the bullfrog, which can grow to roughly 8 inches in length—use permanent ponds

Photo by Steven D. Bailey

Bullfrog on water lily leaf

and are more active later in the season, but they also can be heard singing in May.

Recently, biologists have noticed a decline in the number of cricket frog populations in the Chicago region. In the 1960s, it was the most common amphibian in the state, but today it has nearly disappeared from the northern third of Illinois. The decline could be due to the buildup of pesticides and heavy metals in the region, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. A survey of museum specimens collected in Illinois over the past 100 years showed that more frogs from the Chicago region displayed signs of hormonal imbalances compared with the rest of the state.

The most commonly heard frog in spring is the chorus frog, whose calling sounds as if someone were running a finger over a comb. It’s one of few small frog species in the region that can be heard during the day even when it’s sunny.

“Last year, there was a drought early in spring and it seemed there weren’t very many chorus frogs singing,” Sacerdote-Velat says. “Then we had rain in

July and the chorus frogs actually started singing again. It’s interesting to wonder if they are adapting their breeding cycles to more frequent droughts.”

Less common and usually only heard at night in appropriate habitat are the spring peepers. They have adhesive toe pads allowing them to climb up trees, she says. Individually, a spring peeper sounds like a high-pitched single “peep” on two different pitches. When many sing together, they sound like sleigh bells.

Northern leopard frogs are much less vocal, singing typically in April through early May. Careful observers may be lucky enough to actually see one during the day. This frog species is about 3 to 4 inches long and has large, dark ovals all over its greenish back.

A common amphibian song around small bodies of water in May and even in some urban areas is the whirring of American toads. “Adult toads spend a lot of time hopping around in the woods, and you can find them away from water, especially as the season heads into summer,” Sacerdote-Velat says. The American toad has one of the longest and most melodic calls of frogs in the

region. It’s a fast, mysterious-sounding highpitched trill, according to Sacerdote-Velat.

Two species of gray treefrogs live in the region, which look identical but are genetically distinct.

Gray treefrogs may hang around in suburban yards where there is appropriate habitat. “If you leave a garage light on, a gray treefrog might climb to the light to feed on moths and insects attracted to the light,” Sacerdote-Velat says. “They have a slow musical trill, which gets faster as it warms up.”

Two species of frogs that live in permanent ponds call in May, June and into summer. The green frog sounds like a banjo being plucked and the bullfrog sings “varoom, varoom, varoom.”

If one sees these frog species poking their heads out of the water, they’ll look very similar. The bullfrog has a ridge around its eardrum, while the green frog has a ridge that extends all the way down its back.

Volunteer frog monitors survey a particular route at least three different periods from March through June, so they can record species that sing at different times. In the past few years, more than 100 volunteers have observed and contributed their data. “This year, we have more than 200 monitors,” Sacerdote-Velat notes.

Photo by Reni Akande

Photo by Sheryl DeVore

Spring peeper with throat sac inflated

Two young northern green frogs

While earning a master’s degree at Northern Illinois University, Lawrence, who leads frog monitoring at the Morton Arboretum, used Calling Frog Survey data to identify habitat characteristics that promote spring peeper females to lay their eggs. In 2018, Lawrence, now an adjunct professor of biology at Aurora State University, analyzed 19 sites in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties.

She surveyed sites where spring peepers had been documented as well as places where they were not. “We found that spring peepers persisted in ponds with a more open canopy,” Lawrence relays.

“Spring peepers lay eggs singly instead of in masses like other frog species; therefore, they need plenty of submergent vegetation for egg laying.” Like other frog species, spring peepers can lay up to 900 or more eggs per season.

“Land-management decisions are taking amphibians into consideration,” Lawrence says. Biologists are girdling some trees around ponds so that the trees won’t soak up all the water the frogs need. In addition, land managers are removing invasive species in wetlands and uplands and doing prescribed fires in ways that don’t harm the amphibians.

Frogs have been on Earth for at least 200 million years, living alongside dinosaurs. Frog experts in the Chicago area hope their research and that of volunteers can keep these important species thriving.

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

Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Northern leopard frog

Photo by Steven D. Bailey

Bullfrog in a pond

Calendar of Events

ALS Awareness Month

Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Celiac Awareness Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

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Women’s Health Month

Wednesday, May 1

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Int’l Worker’s Day

Learn to Ride a Bike Day

May Day

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.

Thursday, May 2

Ridván ends

ONLINE: Essential Serenity – 9am-12pm. Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy combined together are an easy and powerful way to offer your clients the benefits of relaxation, and chronic or acute pain and inflammation relief. $75. Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

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

Crystal Energy Healings – 7-10pm. Also May 9. With Janel. Re-aligns and attunes your energy field. Helps with anxiety, sleep, weight loss and so much more. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Friday, May 3

World Press Freedom Day Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals –9am-5pm. Spend a day learning about the “special tape” that is seen all over many athletes and others. Discussion of the benefits, contraindications and precautions, as well as research and more. Work with different tensions of tape and how to target specific areas, creating desired effects on tissue. 7 CEs. $215, materials included. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Saturday,

May 4

Birds and Blooms – 9-10:30am. Walk with a naturalist to spot brightly colored warblers in the trees above and vibrant wildflowers on the forest floor. Free. McKinley Woods, Frederick’s Grove, 27110 S McKinley Woods Rd, Channahon. Registration required by May 3: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

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

Celebrate Men’s Health Cinco de Mayo –1:30-4:30pm. Join Jerry Garcia PA-C, medical director, and staff for a special Cinco de Mayo Open House. Experience our new men’s clinic dedicated to an integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. Refreshments served, door prizes for all, Mexican music, and guests who have questions about sexual health can Ask the Doc. Free. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com

Sunday, May 5

Cinco de Mayo

Easter (Eastern Russian Orthodox) Yom Hashoah begins at sundown (Judaism)

International Compost Awareness Week 2024 – May 5-11. Find compost themed events all over Lake County and the greater Chicago area throughout the whole week. Details: GoGreenHP.org

Tails on the Trails – 7am-sunset; 9am4pm, vendor expo. Enjoy a “paw”fect day out with your pup, meandering down the Arboretum’s 16 miles of hiking trails. Shop from local businesses and organizations in the pet expo. Regular admission applies, $5/dog. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Registration required: MortonArb.org

Jefferson Park Sunday Market – 10am2pm. Produce, pastas, baked goodies, soaps, candles, music and a drink at the bar. Copernicus Center, 5214 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago. JeffersonParkSundayMarket.com

Sensory Sunday – 11am-12pm. This independent program offers guests with sensory processing needs a chance to experience Four Rivers Environmental Education Center’s exhibits and trails on their own terms. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by May 4: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Meet a Beekeeper – 12:30-2:30pm. Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org

Honoring Divine Feminine: Compassion & Self-Love Crystals – 3-4:30pm. Focusing on the loving energy of Mother and Feminine Love, we will experience the nurturing circle of feelings that we give out and receive to ourselves and to others. All attendees will receive a love crystal, along with guidance on programming it with love to give as a special gift or to remind yourself of the importance of self-love and self-care. $30. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

SAVE THE DATE

Sikkil Gurucharan Divine Melodies Live Concert – 5:30-8pm Featuring classical, bhakti and fusion compositions.

M.A. Center Chicago 41w501 Keslinger Rd, Elburn. Tickets: sulekha.com/sikkilconcertchicago.

Monday, May

6

Reflexology Presentation – 6:30pm. With Jasmin Jahal. Learn about the benefits of reflexology, get questions answered and see a demonstration on a volunteer. Eisenhower Public Library, 4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights. Register: 708-867-2299. BloomN2Wellness.com.

Monday Free to the Community Game Night DND – 7-10pm. Also May 20. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Tuesday,

May 7

National Teacher Day

New Moon

ONLINE: Basics of Jaw Massage – Tuesdays, May 7-28. 10am-12pm. Learn about the anatomy, function and kinesiology of the jaw, common conditions that affect the jaw, and techniques for providing effective jaw massage. Will cover a range of modalities. 8 CEs. $200. $200. Zoom. Zen Shiatsu Chicago: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

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Adrenal, Stress and Sleep: Natural Solutions – 6-7pm. Will explore energy levels, mental clarity and focus, mood, stress resistance and improved sleep. Fruitful Yield, 1124 Douglas Rd, Oswego. 630-554-3304. FruitfulYield.com

Women’s Circle: Embracing the Re-Visioned You – 7:30-9pm. Designed and led by Maria Lezniak. This gathering is designed to inspire and support women in identifying and releasing old patterns, beliefs and habits that no longer serve them, in order to implement a new vision of themselves into a re-visioned life journey. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

Wednesday, May 8

New Moon Elemental Shamanic Meditation: Fire, Earth, Water, Air – 5:30-7pm. Practitioner Nico as she introduces the 4 elements and their interconnectedness to maintain balance and equilibrium in the natural world and within. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Thursday, May 9

Crystal Energy Healings – 7-10pm. See May 2. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Friday, May 10

Green Dreamer Day

Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals – 9am5pm. Spend a day learning about the “special tape” that is seen all over many athletes and others. Discussion of the benefits, contraindications and precautions, as well as research and more. Work with different tensions of tape and how to target specific areas, creating desired effects on tissue. 7 CEs. $215, materials included. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Celebrate Your Inner Goddess Mother’s Day Celebration – 4-7pm. To recognize and honor all mothers, we will be offering free Pure Juice drinks and a copy of the You Are Goddess book. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

EFT Circle: “The Tapping Method” –7-8:30pm. Lower anxiety, stress, regulation of emotions All ages. $25. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-7493922. ShopSacredGround.com

Saturday, May 11

Int’l Migratory Bird Day

World Fair Trade Day

World Fair Trade Day Celebration – May 11-18. Throughout the week, Chicago Fair Trade will showcase many of the outstanding local businesses and initiatives that make Chicago a truly great fair-trade city, kicking off with a Fair Trade Makers Market. May 11, 12-5pm. More info: ChicagoFairTrade.org

World Migratory Bird Day: Morning Bird Hike – 7-9am. Join us on this guided hike through the fields, woods and creeks to see how many birds we can find. All skill levels welcome. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by May 10: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Beginning Birding Hike – 8:30-10:30am. Join a naturalist to learn birding basics. Will talk about what to look for when identifying birds, practice how to focus binoculars and compare different styles of field guides. Then we’ll head out on a hike to try out our identification skills. Free. Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W Bruce Rd, Homer Glen. Register by May 10: 815-722-4121. ReconnectWithNature.org

ONLINE: Transitions with Grace, Mindfulness & Moxie – 9-10am. 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

Chicago River Day – 9am-12pm. This cherished community cleanup brings together volunteers at sites all over the region to improve the Chicago-Calumet River system for people, plants, and animals. More info: ChicagoRiver.org

Power of Women: Mother’s Day at Ancient Healing Holistic Medicine – 10am-2pm. With Dr. Violette Kolcan. Free sample of massage, acupuncture, frequency therapy, aura screening. Lottery. Main prize: Laser facial rejuvenation and acupuncture face lift (worth $500). Admission free. 9933 Lawler Ave, Unit 412, Skokie. 773-562-0734. DoctorViolette.com

SAVE THE DATE

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm

Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local natural health practitioners and service providers, energy workers, makers of natural products and a wide range of products and services. $10/online, $12/day of, free/16 & under.

Hilton Chicago/Northbrook 2855 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook. 262-515-1472. HolisticHealthFair.org.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Terry Larkin and Marjorie Steiner: authors, teachers, spiritual experiencers (NDE and After Death). 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

Chakra Balancing Hypnosis Session – 2-4pm. Join Avani Patel, a renowned Clinical Hypnotherapist, for a transformative Chakra Balancing Hypnosis Session. Through this powerful experience, you will have the opportunity to release energy blocks, fully open your chakras, and bring your entire energetic system into balance. The Gathering Lighthouse, 26 N Park Ave, Lombard. EternalAlchemists.com.

BLISS Sound Bath Meditation – 5-6:30pm. With Delamora Transformational Experiences (Marian & Gaby). Amidst this immersive experience, recline into a state of childlike wonder, while shedding the burdens of the past and future, only to reawaken to our inherent wholeness, perfection and inherent love. $40/advance, $45/at door. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com

World Migratory Bird Day: Evening Bird Hike – 6-8pm. Join us for this guided evening hike through the open fields, woodlands and wetlands of Monee Reservoir to see how many birds we can find. All skill levels welcome. Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. Register by May 10: 815-722-9303 or ReconnectWithNature.org

2024 Digestive Health Foundation Gala – 6-11pm. The Gala funds cutting-edge medical research at Northwestern Medicine’s Digestive Health Center to help prevent, treat and ultimately cure a spectrum of digestive disorders. An entertainment-filled evening, featuring a silent auction, raffle, dinner and cocktails. $600/ person, $300 for guests 35 and under. Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E Deleware Pl, Chicago. aesbid.com/ELP/DHF24

Sunday,

Mother’s Day

May 12

Mother’s Day Celebration at Monee Reservoir – 6am-7pm. Moms can enjoy their special weekend taking a pedalboat ride, kayaking or hiking the trail. Check in at the concession building to be treated to a small gift. Free. Monee Reservoir, 27341 S Ridgeland Ave, Monee. ReconnectWithNature.org

Forest Therapy – 10am-12pm. Join an interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees. Free. O’Hara Woods Preserve, 1034 W 135th St, Romeoville. Register by May 10: 815-722-9301 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Monday, May 13

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

Tuesday, May 14

Green Drinks Libertyville – 6pm. 2nd Tues. 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, 1512 N Naper Blvd, Naperville. 630-536-8265. FruitfulYield.com

Ancient Breath Chakra Balance Meditation – 7-8pm. Jared Currie’s techniques utilize breath to access the chakra system and merge the ancient disciplines of movement, breathwork, mantra and Vipassana meditation. Updated for the 21st century by incorporating a modern Western understanding of neurology and physiology. Donation. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

ONLINE: Befriending your Self – 7:158:15pm. 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.

Wednesday, May 15

Food Shed Co-op Opening Day – 9am. There will be remarks by co-op and community leaders, special deals in-store and fun give-aways. 2390 Lake Shore Dr, Woodstock. 815-315-1541. FoodShed.coop.

Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary’s 2nd Anniversary – 12-3 & 4-7pm. We would like to express our gratitude for your support and inspiration by celebrating with you. 20-min session for $20 holistic fair. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Thursday, May 16

Celiac Awareness Day

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

Plan Your Native Garden – 6-7:30pm. Learn about the many benefits of adding native plants to your yard, then put together a wish list of flowers, shrubs and trees best suited to your space. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by May 14: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Friday, May 17

Bike to Work Day

Endangered Species Day International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

Chakra & Aura Cleansing and Balancing

– 2-5pm. With Kate. Assessment and rebalancing of the chakras, includes aromatherapy and vibrational sound therapy. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Love Messages from Your Angels –6-9pm. Bring the awareness of the energy of the angels as they surround you in your everyday life. An angel reading with Lin Boffeli will provide angelic guidance on your questions as well as in matters of the heart. Choose an angel reading or an astrology reading as Lin is a professional astrologer. Bring questions. $45/30-mins.

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Reflexology For Face, Feet, Hands

– 6-9pm. Anna Para, licensed Reflexologist, provides this popular hands-on therapy by massaging pressure points for the face, feet, hands. $45/30-mins.

The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Saturday, May 18

Food Shed Co-op Plant Sale – 9am. Purchase the highest quality starter plants for your garden. Local growers will be providing heirloom plant varieties, vegetable starts, annuals and native perennial plants. 2390 Lake Shore Dr, Woodstock. 815-315-1541. FoodShed.coop.

Accessing the Akashic Records Beginning Class – May 18 &d June 1. 9am-3pm. Spiritual teacher and healer Christina Cross prepares individuals to work in their own akashic records and those of others. Edgar Cayce said that the akashic records are the Book of Life, the record of every soul’s journey throughout all time. $300, $250/ARE Members. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Transformational Spiritual Awakening –9am-3:30pm. Don Jose Ruiz and don Miguel Ruiz Jr will present a day-long in-person or zoom workshop to share their inheritance of Toltec life lessons. The Toltecs of ancient Mexico were revered as masters, shamans, or awakened ones. 5.5 CEUs available. $135, $125/10 days advance. Ravinia Green Country Club, 1200, Saunders Rd, Riverwoods. 847-945-6200. InfinityFoundation.org

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Holistic Health and Wellness Forum for MS – 10am-3pm. Features a panel discussion on brain health, and presentations on red light therapy, and maintaining hope and courage in life with MS. Individuals with MS and their care partners will gain a broad understanding of a whole-system approach to wellness. Presented by Yoga Moves MS. Free, though a $25 suggested donation is requested. Westin Chicago Northwest, 400 Park Blvd, Itasca. 248-417-5985. Register: YogaMovesMS.org/events

Barefoot Shiatsu – May 18-19. 10am-5pm. Mat work, integrating the use of feet, knees and elbows for the purpose of applying sustained pressure. Enjoy the freedom of using the whole body, learn strategies to take the burden off their thumbs and wrists, and learn deep and relaxing techniques to benefit a wide range of clients. In-person or Zoom. 12 CEs. $300. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org

Indoor Farmers Market + Free Bike Repair/Tuneup– 11am-3pm. 3rd Sat. Features a free bike repair and tuneup from Blackstone Bikes. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org

ONLINE: Life Mission Exploration – 1-2pm. 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.

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

Experience Shamanic Healing – 2-5pm. Melissa Gama, Shamanic Healer and Medium, will provide private sessions to support you on your journey. In a session with Melissa, clearing blocks, entities, attachments in your energy field will take place. Melissa can help you break out of patterns and habits that do not serve you and prepare you energtically for new experiences. $45/30mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Intuitive Readings for Guidance – 2-5pm. Intuitive readings for guidance with Henrietta Atkin are empowering. Leave feeling confident and ready to create the future you desire. She assesses the current energy in your life, as well as past, present and future energy. Aided by her guides and angels, she works with inner child cards, oracles and your astrology chart as guided. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com

Monday, May 20

Rescue Dog Day

Monday Free to the Community Game Night DND – 7-10pm. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Tuesday, May 21

World Meditation Day

Practical Self-Care – 8:15-9pm. 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//SpiritualNourishment-Chicagoland.

Wednesday, May 22

World Biodiversity Day

Breakfast with the Birds – 8-9:30am. A naturalist will give a brief talk about the colorful visitors at the feeders and will be on hand to discuss all the birds that come and go throughout the morning. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Registration by May 21: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Thursday,

May 23

Full Moon – Flower Moon, Budding Moon, Frog Moon, Planting Moon

Vesak Day (Buddhism)

World Turtle Day

ONLINE: Time To Embrace Love – 7-9pm. Current events can generate uncertainty, confusion and questions. Join Matt Kahn, bestselling author of The Universe Always Has a Plan, on a profound journey towards emotional liberation and spiritual awakening. $40, $35/10 days advance. Zoom. Infinity Foundation: 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org

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

Saturday, May 25

Veterans Memorial Trail Ride – 8-9:30am. This guided biking program will meet at Hadley Valley, Gougar Road Access and follow the Spring Creek Greenway Trail and Veterans Memorial Trail for up to 10 miles round trip. Experienced riders only please. Free. Register by May 25: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org

Turtles of Will County – 10:30-11:15am. An interpretive naturalist will give an informative presentation on the different turtle species that can be found in Will County, followed by a feeding of our resident Blanding’s turtles. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org

Full Moon Tarot Night – 6-10pm. National Tarot Day. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com

Sunday, May 26

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day

Iris Society Show – 1-5pm. Experience nearly 100 varieties of blooming irises with some available for purchase. Included with Arboretum admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. MortonArb.org

Tuesday, May 28

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Wednesday, May 29

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

Thursday, May 30

Free Sound Healing Journey – 7-8pm. With Paul Grosso aka Musical Mindset. Free live music sound healing for anxiety and stress. Let’s come together through the transformational power of music during this time of collective transformation. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

Friday, May 31

WILL-derness Women’s Weekend – May 31-June 2. Join us for a women’s camping weekend to connect with nature and friends new and old! Take time to unplug and enjoy the outdoors with camping, hiking, evening campfires, camp cooking, outdoor skills, mindfulness activities and more. $20. Hickory Creek Preserve, Cleveland Rd Access, Mokena. Register by May 28: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org

plan ahead

Saturday, June 1

Adrenal, Stress and Sleep: Natural Solutions – 11am-12pm. Will explore energy levels, mental clarity and focus, mood, stress resistance and improved sleep. Fruitful Yield, 366 W Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale. 630-894-2553. FruitfulYield.com

Reiki Practice – 12-1:30pm. Practice your reiki skills. We will be focusing on the skills within the system of Traditional Japanese Reiki, in the lineage of Usui Reiki Ryoho. Reiki students from other lineages are also welcome to attend, but we ask that you adhere to the basic principles we set forth at the beginning of class. With Teri Calandra. $10. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com

Monday, June 3

National Garden Week Program – 6:308:30pm. With Darien Garden Club. Includes a social time to meet club members, a “How to Fight Climate Change in Your Backyard” presentation by Illinois former Master Gardener Mike Nowak and a short meeting to learn about the club’s upcoming events. Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Rd, Darien. Registration required: ippl.libcal.com/event/12002609. DarienGardenClub.com

NAChicago.com

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk for pexels.com

Sunday, June 23

SAVE THE DATE

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm

Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local natural health practitioners and service providers, energy workers, makers of natural products and a wide range of products and services. $10/online, $12/day of, free/16 & under.

Chicago Marriott Naperville 1801 N Naper Blvd, Naperville 262-515-1472

HolisticHealthFair.org

Sunday, July 28

SAVE THE DATE

Holistic Health Fair – 10am-5pm

Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local natural health practitioners and service providers, energy workers, makers of natural products and a wide range of products and services. $10/online, $12/day of, free/16 & under.

Holiday Inn Chicago NW

Crystal Lake Convention Center 800 S Illinois Rte 31, Crystal Lake 262-515-1472

HolisticHealthFair.org

Saturday, August 10

SAVE THE DATE

14th Annual Veggie Fest Chicago Aug 10-11. 10am-8pm

Join us for great food at our international food court; listen to world-renowned health professionals speaking on diet, lifestyle, and environmental issues; enjoy food demos from acclaimed restaurant owners, chefs, and authors; visit our amazing children’s tent with face painting, clowns, and crafts; sit back and relax to music from some of Chicago’s best bands; and explore over 100 vendor booths. Admission free. Danada Park, Navistar Cir 2600 Warrenville Rd, Lisle VeggieFestChicago.org.

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 May. Offering a Dental Savings Plan for patients without dental insurance. The plan, which costs $444 for a 1-yr membership, includes: 2 dental cleanings and exams per year, one emergency exam per year, routine X-rays once a year, discounted fees, 15% off restorative dental treatment, 10% off orthodontic treatment, no maximums on discounts and no frequencies on procedures. 87 S McLean Blvd, Ste. B, South Elgin. 847-888-8311. ArtisticSmileDoctor.com

Migration Celebration – May 1-31. 10am4pm, Tues-Sat; 12-4pm, Sun. Festivities will include ongoing crafts, family-friendly activities and hands-on exploration of feathers, beaks and more. New station each week. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org

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

Sunday

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 – June 16-Oct 13. 8am12:30pm. Vernon Township Community Center, 2900 N Main St, Buffalo Grove. Vbg.org/farmersmarket

Kody Genowe po Polsku – May 5 & 19. 1011:30am. With Maria Lezniak & Tom Giermek. $30. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

Farmers Market+ at the Dole – May 28Oct 29. 10am-2pm. No market Jun 25 or Jul 2. Front lawn of the historic 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.

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

AWAKE: Vibe With Your Tribe Potluck – 4-7pm. AWAKE has put this weekly event together for our local Tribe members to connect and for those wishing to discover what we are all about. A very informal get-together. All welcome. Free (bring a dish if can). Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.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

Open Level Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Agnieszka Poniedzialki. In Polish and English. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

Tuesday

Woodstock Farmers Market – MaySept. 8am-1pm. Historic Woodstock Square, 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org

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. Walkins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

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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. 847-362-2724. Libertyville@Body NBrain.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.

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

Open Level Yoga – 7-8:15pm. Also Sat, 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.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

Hatha Yoga – 7:30-8:45pm. No class May 9. With Agnieszka Miskiewicz. The focus of this class is to balance strength with inner softness, by developing correct alignment of the body and awareness of the breath. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.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

Palatine Farmers Market – May-Oct. 7am1pm. Palatine Train Station, Smith and Wood sts, Palatine. PalatineSisterCities.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

Woodstock Farmers Market – MayOct. 8am-1pm. Historic Woodstock Square, 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock. WoodstockFarmersMarket.org

Open Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

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

61st Street Market – May 11-Oct 2. 9am2pm. 61st St and Dorchester Ave, Chicago. ExperimentalStation.org

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

Functional Yoga with the Pelvicore – 10:3011:30am. With Cindy Dienhart. The combination of tri-plane functional movement and yoga/Pilates using the Pelvicore PRO addresses pelvic girdle health and core stability. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com

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.

For Rent

YOUR

Visit

Community Resource Guide

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. See ad on back cover.

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

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.

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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 ad on page 11.

Community & Practitioner Hubs

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.

VIBES ALLIANCE

Vibration, intuition, body, energy, soul

224-735-2355

Info@PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com

Launched by Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary founder Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio, a retail and holistic center in downtown Arlington Heights. The VIBES ALLIANCE welcomes practitioners from all modalities and our goal is to connect practitioners in ways for all to collaborate and network together. The VIBES ALLIANCE is committed to offering our community a comprehensive and balanced holistic health approach to healing the body, mind, and soul.

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 37.

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 9.

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.

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 31.

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.

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 21.

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 16.

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. Sandy Taylor, June 15, hybrid workshop, Aligning with the Power of the Unseen; Lama Suraya Das, June 22-23, hybrid immersion, Lighting the Divine Spark Within. Call for free course guide. See ad on page 21.

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 14.

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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.

LILIYA (LEYA) ORIT

Distance energy healer and intuitive practitioner 314-568-4848

LeyaOrit@gmail.com

Whether you’re seeking relief for yourself, your relationships, or your beloved animals, Liliya’s approach to healing can be the key to a healthier, more balanced and vibrant life. The goal is to identify and correct imbalances in the energy system. Call to schedule your time at 314-568-4848.

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 23.

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 these and all other workshops, visit BloomYogaStudio.com

We Have a Choice

In times like today, when every aspect of society seems to be in chaos, one easy response is to escape—through

drugs, alcohol, comfort food, non-stop entertainment or any other convenient mind-numbing practice Many are defaulting to this “cure” for their discomfort. Others, feeling insecure, angry, and demanding change, agitate to take society back to what they remember as the “good old days ” They may not be clear about what exactly made the past better, but are more than willing to listen to people who place the blame for current troubles anywhere but where it actually belongs: on economic inequality and injustice.

A Major Transition

Most of us forget that another choice is possible. We can create a future completely di erent from the present or the past—one that expresses our most deeply felt desires to live together in peace, happiness, and prosperity In fact, this choice is being reinforced, or perhaps stimulated, by the planetary energies now at play We are currently in the midst of a major transition between two ages moving from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius, and such transitions tend to create chaos as the energies of the two constellations involved compete with each other The energies of Pisces support individuality and devotion to separate religions or causes, while Aquarian energies promote cooperation, group e orts, synthesis, and brotherhood. As our planet moves closer to Aquarius, the

polarization and divisions among people and ideas will diminish, and we will find more common ground

So, now is the time to take advantage of the energies and to put forth visions of a world that would benefit all people—not just a few. In mundane terms, we need to expand the “Overton window”—the range of ideas that voters find acceptable—to include ideas that are not currently in the public eye—ideas that might at first be considered idealistic or even impossible to attain. For politicians to support policies outside of the window would be political suicide, as they would not be seen as legitimate options by society Therefore, since it’s politicians who will be deciding the policies that will determine our future, we need to voice our desires for the kind of world we want, to make sure they are among the available options in the public discourse

The Key: A Unified Vision of Sharing and Justice

How do we bring our ideas forward?

preserving our environment. We can count on him to galvanize people of goodwill to champion these priorities when he appears publicly, but we can start now

We can talk about the future we want to our friends and relatives, call and write the president and our Congressional representatives on a regular basis about it, and spread the ideas through our social media outlets There is power in numbers, and the 99% of us non-wealthy are by definition the majority We just need to project our vision of sharing and justice powerfully in as unified a way as possible everywhere, and together we can create a future that works for everyone

Free Download!

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The key is to have a unified vision, to voice it in large numbers, and to do so powerfully Fortunately, we don’t have to do this alone. We have help in the form of the great spiritual teacher—Maitreya by name who is here to accompany our transition into the Aquarian age, and we will see him soon He has said that peace can be established and our societal ills transformed by simply sharing planetary resources more equitably, creating justice in every societal institution, and restoring and

TO DOWNLOAD: bit.ly/world-teacher or scan QR code with your smart phone camera

In The World Teacher for All Humanity, Benjamin Creme discusses the extraordinary ramifications of Maitreya’s appearance and teachings. Awaken to a world of infinite possibility if we’re all willing to share!

BEGINNING ZEN SHIATSU

10-Week Sessions

Jun 17 - Aug 19, Mondays 10am-1pm

Jun 19 - Aug 21, Wednesdays 7-10pm

Sep 10 - Nov 12, Tuesdays 10am-1pm

2-Weekend Intensive

Jul 12-14 and 19-21, Fri 7-10pm, Sat/Sun 9:30am-4:30pm

zenshiatsu.edu/ce/beginning_zen_shiatsu/