January 2023 Natural Awakenings Chicago Magazine

Dr. Meena, MD

A pill is not an answer to all ills, and surgery doesn’t cure all problems. We are fortunate to live in times when we can adapt the best practices from Western and Eastern medicine, and this is one area where Western medicine has provided a great solution. When Emsella is integrated with optimization of hormones and lean versus fat mass in the body, results are awesome!

“I had years and years of urinary incontinence, even as a youngster. I had bronchitis and asthma, so bad that I would cough so hard that I would lose control and just urinate, and as you get older, you know, things get worse. So when I read about Dr. Meena’s protocol, I think what she does for people’s sex lives is amazing, but what she’s done for my life is amazing in terms of not wetting my pants. Immediately, I noticed a difference. So, thank you very much. ” ~Jennifer G.

Pelvic floor weakness is the most common cause of urine leakage and experiencing a frequent need to pee. It’s two times more common in women than in men due to pregnancy and trauma to the pelvic floor during childbirth. Menopausal women (even if they didn’t give vaginal birth) lose tone of pelvic floor muscles due to imbalance of hormones, which can cause incontinence.

Treatments for urinary incontinence:

Emsella: This state of the art technology utilizes High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscles and restore neuromuscular control. A single Emsella session of 28 minutes is equivalent to 11,200 Kegel exercises.

V Tone: A gentle, nonsurgical FDA-cleared technology designed to provide intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and neuromuscular re-education to rehabilitate weak pelvic floor muscles and improve the symptoms of stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence.

Morpheus 8-V: A fast, effective and yet simple in-office procedure that utilizes radio frequency technology to remodel vaginal tissue. The tightening action of Morpheus8 V strengthens the anterior vaginal wall, which in turn lifts the bladder & urethra. This results in a dramatic improvement in urinary incontinence.

Hormones: Vaginal estrogen can be used as an adjunct to Emsella.

Surgeries: Invasive

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FROM

New Year’s Greetings!

As we head into one of our coldest, cloudiest months, it’s very tempting to stay inside as much as possible, curled up with a good book, a movie or a nap. That gets old quickly for many of us, especially for younger family members and pets, and it’s time to get creative and either head outside for a brisk or lingering walk (depending on the weather) or start a new project. I recently read a 2020 article on the University of Colorado Boulder’s website titled “3 Epic Ways to Avoid Boredom This Winter” and wanted to share some of the school’s tips with you while adding in some of my own.

Enjoy the outdoors. Walk, jog or run at your own pace. Look for actual and virtual races (offered via apps and many organizations), as well as step or mile challenges that you can sign up for and complete during the month. Take a hike to get fresh air every day whenever and wherever you can. Be sure to check out Sheryl DeVore’s article this month for some great winter hiking destinations in, “Winter Hikes Provide Exercise and Nature Exposure.” Play with nature by building a snowman, going sledding or skating, or in some way interacting with the snow, wind, ice and winter sun.

Spend time with loved ones and friends in a new way. Try camping in your living room or basement, learn some board games or start/participate in a new club (perhaps a local gardening or cooking club). Join a community group or get active in a cause.

Finally, take time to focus on you. Learn a new skill or craft. Focus on an area that’s always interested you, but to which you’ve not devoted time. Hone a skill to prepare for your work or personal future. Clear some clutter. Practice self-care skills to recharge in the winter months. Journal, meditate, reflect on the coming year, hike in nature, observe the night stars or whatever works for your personal style.

In this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago, we’re prioritizing taking charge of health and wellness as we start a new year. Our feature article, “Brain Power Boosters, Tips to Preserve Memory at Any Age,” offers insights for boosting cognitive wellness, and Dr. Meena Malhotra discusses ways to avoid environmental toxins that affect brain health. We’ve also included some tasty recipes that help to reduce overall inflammation, look at the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms and investigate some of the hidden dangers lurking in many pet foods.

Be sure to check out our News Briefs and Calendar listings and business partner ads for inspiration. These sections may be brief by design, but they provide ways to improve yourself and learn about the natural world. This month, our News Briefs suggest ways to see and learn about bald eagles and birds of prey, create your personal 2023 vision as a key to implementing new activities, immerse yourself in wellness and herbal knowledge, enhance professional skills, improve sleep and rejuvenate skin, and find the best path to traverse while enjoying local forest preserves.

As always, I ask you to please make time every day to get outside and enjoy the natural world. Look to the winter sky and watch the full moon rise. Listen for ice cracking on a pond or lake. Watch for winter birds and the occasional Canada goose or sandhill crane formation on a crisp January day. Observe the pattern of frost on your windows and enjoy winter’s beauty. Happy New Year!

Publisher Peggy Malecki

Sales & Marketing Peggy Malecki Carrie Jackson

Heidi Hetzel

Dee Bayro

Operations Amy Hass

Editors Marty Miron

Theresa Archer

Randy Kambic

Writers Carrie Jackson Megy Karydes

Sheryl DeVore

Design & Production Suzzanne Siegel

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Chicago

P.O. Box 72, Highland Park, IL 60035 Ph: 847-858-3697 • Fax: 888-858-3107

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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.

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Peggy Malecki

Photo credit Peggy Malecki

D igestive S truggle? Uncertainty?

End your suffering now.

Is your body telling you it needs help?

Do new symptoms creep up on you too fast?

Have dietary modifications failed to provide relief?

Help is a phone call away.

Reneé Barasch, Certified Digestive Health and Detoxification Specialist, has been helping clients achieve nutritional balance and enhance quality of life for more than 17 years. Reneé’s individualized plans help clients re-boot their digestive tracts and increase absorption of needed nutrients—creating the environment for detoxification of all organs and the pathways between them.

Working with Reneé, you will:

• Identify digestive triggers. (Some may surprise you!)

• Understand which foods agree with you— and those that don’t.

• Create a detoxification and digestive plan.

Digestion is one of the main ways the body detoxifies and cleanses.

If the food you consume isn’t thoroughly broken down, your body cannot work as efficiently as it should. Poor digestion causes stress for the entire digestive system and leads to gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea and even insomnia, psoriasis, eczema, chronic pain, and anxiety. Undigested food can seep

Let’s

into the bloodstream through a condition called “leaky gut syndrome,” which often leads to more serious conditions like Crohn’s Disease, colitis, and other autoimmune disorders.

Environmental irritants also affect digestion.

The environment can also produce irritation and inflammation. Everyday, airborne toxins perfumes, cleaning products, smoke, automotive exhaust, indoor dust, and springtime pollen find their way into our bloodstream (in less than 20 seconds!) and cause digestive organs to work overtime. A runny nose, itchy eyes, and red and blotchy skin often result in a trip to the allergist, when a digestive imbalance may be contributing.

Stay strong and healthy with a gut ‘reset.’

• Effectively and efficiently digest food.

• Reduce inflammation.

• Nourish your gut—and ensure your whole body is balanced.

• Regulate the processing and digestion of food and the elimination of waste by incorporating foods that lead to better absorption and detoxification.

Dig e stive H e alth Solutions

thetummywhisperer. com

Reneé S Barasch , LDHS Certified Digestive Health Specialist

Learn About Birds of Prey at Will County Eagle Watch

Now that winter’s colder temperatures have arrived, eagles will be gathering near the open waters at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, in Channahon. Furnishing a great opportunity to view these magnificent birds and informing more about them and others, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will present Eagle Watch 2023 at the site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., January 14.

Milton, Wisconsin-based Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center will present live bird sessions with an adult bald eagle, snowy owl and screech owls. Eagle Watch includes guided hikes, Talon Talks, family activities and more.

Ongoing events include campfire stories, family crafts, Eagle Eye scavenger hunts and food truck fare from Lil’ Deb’s Mobile Eats.

Location: 25055 W. Walnut Lane. For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Create a Personal Vision for the New Year at Workshop

Cheryl Koronkowski, MBA, BMsc, ORDM, will present a workshop, New Year Empowerment: Creating a Vision for 2023, from 2 to 5 p.m., January 22, at the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, in Des Plaines, and online via Zoom.

Koronkowski says, “In this workshop, we will review 2022, completing unfinished business and making space for the new year. From this space, anything is possible. Wishes, wishes, wishes ... What do you want for 2023? We will connect to our heart’s desire, providing an opening to create with intention. Following your inspiration is a gift to yourself and the world. Let’s create!”

The workshop will include guided meditation, tools and techniques, writing exercises and group sharing. Participants will leave feeling centered and grounded, lighter, relieved, calm with a relaxed mind, inspired, reconnected to their dreams, focused and energized, awakened to hope and restored to authenticity: their true self.

Cost: $55. Location: 259 E. Central Rd. Register at HolisticCenter Chicago.com. For more information, call 847-299-6535. See ad on page 16 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

NAChicago.com

Unlock Mediumship Secrets with Thomas John

Psychic medium Thomas John will present a daylong workshop on how to further existing psychic and medium abilities for readings for other people from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 28, at Infinity Foundation. Participants can deepen and expand their intuition using advanced intuitive techniques such as discovering platform mediumship, building evidential messages, experiencing trance mediumship, using chakras in readings and holding the link in mediumship. ($120 or $100 with payment 10 days in advance for this live or Zoom class.) Five CEUs will be available.

He will also present An Intimate Night with Spirit from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., January 27, and channel messages from the people that are most meaningful to individual participants. ($65 or $60 with payment 10 days in advance for this live class.)

Cost: For more information and registration, visit InfinityFoundation.org. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference in Wisconsin

The 12th annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference, Germinating Regenerative Wisdom, will be held in person on May 26 through 28 at Camp Helen Brachman, in central Wisconsin, celebrating 12 years of women gathering in the Wise Woman Tradition. Keynote speakers are Robin Rose Bennett, Linda Black Elk and Rev. Judith Laxer, with opening and closing ceremonies led by Venice Williams. The conference offers more than 60 workshops and plant walks focused on transforming our relationship to herbs, plants, trees, mushrooms and the Earth.

This is an opportunity to be nourished, enjoy local and traditionally prepared food, preconference immersions and a venue of more than 200 acres. The event offers a unique experience for the expected 400-plus women, children and teens attending in a village environment.

Register early as the event tends to sell out. Early registration rates apply. For more information, visit MidwestWomensHerbal.com. See ad on page 19 and in the Natural Awakenings Chicago e-newsletter.

Cheryl Koronkowski, MBA, BMsc, ORDM

Thomas John

Photo credit Forest Preserve District of Will County Staff, Chad Merda

Photo courtesy of Infinity Foundation

Photo courtesy of Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference

Photo courtesy of the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center

Advanced Rehabilitation with Facemodeling Therapy

Paulina Iannotta, founder and owner of Holistic Skin Expert, in Naperville, is providing Facemodeling therapy, a combination of advanced techniques such as transbuccal massage, osteoplasty or myoplasty. She says, “Thanks to this combination in one treatment, we can achieve spectacular effects of aesthetic rehabilitation and achieve a long-term result of biological rejuvenation of our face and body, even by several years.”

The treatments efficiently prepare tissues for plastic surgery of the face and breasts, and also provide exceptional support in post-treatment recovery.

She explains, “Facemodeling provides immediate rejuvenation effect and improvement of skin quality, lifting the entire oval with lifting the lower part of the face, corners of the mouth. Restoring the radiance and tension of the skin of the face, neck and cleavage. Stimulation of collagen and elastin, supporting regeneration and renewal of the skin, eliminating furrows, puffiness and shadows under the eyes, as well as the release of tensions and blockages in the area of muscles and fascia.”

Location: 24W788 75th St. For more information or to make an appointment, call 708-769-5351 or visit HolisticSkinExpert. com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Life Changes can be Bumpy,

even Turbulent!

Paulina Iannotta

New Path Signs at Forest Preserve Trailheads

New trailhead signage will pertain to all 134 miles of paved and natural surface paths located within the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The information presented on the 1,980 signs, which are being installed at 396 locations by the operations department, will enhance safety and enjoyment with hikers being better able to select paths that suit them the most.

Sensors were used to record trail grades, cross slopes (change in elevation from side-to-side), distances and obstructions. Chronicling obstructions is important for anyone that cannot physically handle more challenging trails. The lengths, widths and surface materials of paths will also be provided.

For instance, someone with a small child or a person that just had knee replacement surgery may seek a flat, easy trail, and some people want to know which trails have stairs, roots or other obstructions that stick out into the path. By listing the grade of each path, trail distances will be more accurate than they have been in the past.

Trail rules and emergency contact information are more clearly featured on each sign. Green icons are used for activities that are allowed and red icons for those that are prohibited, and the emergency information is designed to stand out.

For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.

Better Digestion Improves Sleep

Certified Digestive Health Specialist Reneé Barasch, LDHS, the “tummy whisperer”, helps people resolve poor digestion and related symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation, stiff sore joints and cravings.

Barasch, the founder and owner of Digestive Health Solutions, says that there is a direct connection between food cravings and poor sleep because the stomach may be sending mixed messages to the brain. The stomach is also a factor in how well we sleep. “When your digestive system is out of balance, the volume on your cravings turns up and sleep is disrupted,” says Barasch.

She recommends that those that struggle with food cravings or the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep determine which foods cause their issues. Barasch’s programs help clients connect the dots between health issues and the foods they eat, providing dietary answers that will enable a lifetime of better health.

Location: 112 Lake St., Libertyville. For more information, call 847-207-2034 or visit TheTummyWhisperer.com. See ads on pages 7 and 49, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

Reneé Barasch, LDHS

Photo courtesy of Forest Preserve District of Will County

Ketamine for Pain Management and Psychotherapy

Over the past several years, ketamine has come into use as a physical and mental health intervention for the pain patient who has tried everything and for those with treatment resistant depression. Currently, ketamine is the only legal psychedelic medicine available to mental health providers to help patients with a wide variety of diagnoses when administered with psychotherapy. It shows promise for pain relief, too.

Many studies throughout the last decade have demonstrated safe use and efficacy of ketamine. Ketamine is a derivative of an anesthetic that was initially approved for use in 1970. Most of the stigma of ketamine comes from the idea that it is a tranquilizer, that it is a drug of abuse, or that only anesthesiologists will use it. Not such a rosy picture thus far…but here is the good news.

There is strong evidence-based research to support the use of ketamine at doses lower than those used for anesthesia, both topically and orally, for pain relief. A one-year follow up study published in Pain in 2022 demonstrates positive effects of ketamine for both chronic as well as acute pain relief.

Ketamine also can help with anxiety and depression, as well as PTSD and developmental trauma, due to its impacts on cholinergic, monoaminergic, kappa opioid, and GABA neurotransmitter systems. A systematic review published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research in 2021 found that ketamine may offer rapid treatment for treatment-resistant depression and was well-tolerated in adolescents and older adults.

Ketamine may be a solution when other current medications are often not well tolerated. The most common reasons people stop taking medication prescribed for anxiety and depression are side effects such as nausea or sexual dysfunction. Ketamine, meanwhile, can be administered frequently or intermittently. Thus, it can be used for both acute and chronic mental health treatment. Furthermore, ketamine used in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has not been shown to produce any physical dependence.

Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy and Pain Management is a new and unique methodology with a rapidly growing group of practitioners participating in its development and practice.

Contact Welltopia Pharmacy and we will recommend your healthcare provider to prescribe it if necessary.

For more information, call Welltopia Pharmacy at 262-429-9429 or visit WelltopiaRX.com See ad on page 9.

Two Cups of Tea May Avert Early Death

A few cups of black tea a day might help to avoid an early death, a study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests. Among nearly half a million adults ranging from 40 to 69 years old, those that consumed two or more cups of tea a day saw a modest, but lower risk for all causes of mortality over a median follow-up of more than 11 years. Participants of the large cohort study, called UK Biobank, self-reported tea intake from 2006 to 2010, while researchers noted mortality from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease. The researchers concluded that drinking more than two cups of tea per day can be part of a healthy diet.

Multiple Benefits for Early Rising Active Seniors

Older adults that consistently get up early and stay active throughout the day are happier and perform better on cognitive tests than those with irregular activity patterns, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The researchers studied 1,800 adults 65 or older and divided them into four subgroups of activity patterns: earlier rising/robust, shorter activity duration/ less modellable, shorter active periods/very weak and later activity offset/very weak. Both groups with weak rhythms had twofold odds of clinically significant depression symptoms and cognitive performance deficits. As we age, disruption in activity patterns may be common. More research is needed into why earlier and robust patterns appear to be protective and whether modifying disrupted patterns improves health outcomes.

Parental Depression May Affect Childhood Development

According to a new study funded by the Welsh government, children that live with a parent that has depression are more likely to also develop depression and not achieve educational milestones. Information on children born in Wales from 1987 to 2018, as well as their parents, was used in the study.

The researchers found that living with a parent with depression is detrimental to a child’s outcome, but having a parent that has had a history of depression, even prior to the birth, increases the risk of depression and lowers the educational attainment of the child. The highest level of childhood depression risk was associated with exposure to a mother that had depression both before and after the birth of the child.

The risk of failing school exams was highest when the child was exposed to either a mother or father (or another stable male figure) with a history of depression, both before and after the child’s birth. These results suggest that exposure to a chronically depressed parent(s) is important in determining if the child will develop depression and have trouble with schoolwork.

Other findings included: having no father figure in the child’s life resulted in a higher risk of childhood depression and poorer results in school, and having a father with depression was associated with poorer results in school.

Depression is an issue that impacts the entire family, not just an individual. Taking a whole-family approach to addressing mental health will help ensure positive outcomes for both parents and children in the long term.

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Sea Soundscapes Help Regrow Oyster Reefs

In new research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology , Australian scientists amplified the natural sounds of the sea via underwater speakers, inducing baby oysters to swim toward desirable locations for regrowing oyster reefs. Thousands more larvae swam to those locations than to control areas to settle on bare rocks. Oyster reef restoration in Australia and globally is viewed as a way to re-establish healthy ecosystems. Shellfish filter and clean large volumes of water as they feed, and shell piles provide habitat for fish.

Many marine animals use sound to communicate over long distances, because it can carry more information than sight or smell underwater. Healthy reefs emit crackles and pops from shrimp and fish as they feed, and that makes oyster larvae aware of a healthy habitat for them to settle on a rock and begin growing their shell.

The researchers recorded sounds from the healthy Port Noarlunga Reef and played them underwater near two large reef restoration sites offshore from Adelaide and the Yorke Peninsula. They attracted up to 17,000 more oysters per square meter to these sites and close to four times more large oysters grew in the test areas over the next five months, further accelerating habitat growth.

Mechanical Devices Inefficient at Removing Ocean Plastic

A new study led by researchers from the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the UK University of Plymouth suggests that while mechanical devices like Seabin do remove plastics and other items of marine litter, the quantities can be comparatively low and they may trap marine organisms. Scientists have been studying the issue of marine microplastics for more than 20 years.

The Seabin device continuously takes in water via a submersible pump that is then filtered, returning clean water to the area while leaving the litter in a catch bag. Hundreds around the world are said to have captured more that 2.5 million kilograms of litter from calm, sheltered environments like marinas, ports and yacht clubs.

The study found that the equivalent to 58 items a day were collected, mainly comprised of plastic pellets, polystyrene balls and plastic fragments. The Seabin also captured one marine organism for every 3.6 items of litter, or around 13 a day, including sand eels, brown shrimp and crabs. Around 60 percent were found dead.

During the study, five manual trawls were conducted at the same marina using nets from pontoons or vessels which collected an average of 19.3 grams of litter during cleaning periods of up to five minutes. The Seabin only captured the equivalent of 0.0059 grams in the same time. The researchers say that based on their findings, the device was of minimal benefit at this location.

School Districts Getting Electric Buses

A $1 billion effort to electrify school buses will provide renewable fuel vehicles for around 400 school districts, including Indigenous tribal lands, Puerto Rico and American Samoa. At present, fewer than 1 percent of the country’s 500,000 school buses are electric or run on low-emission fuels. The government grant program wants to reduce children’s exposure to harmful exhaust from diesel buses as part of a broader effort to address climate change and environmental justice by making it easier for communities to have access to zero-emission vehicles. The funds come from $5 billion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency received to purchase around 2,300 electric buses. Many will be available to select school districts by the start of the next school year, with the rest by the end of this year.

A 2021 study found that even brief exposure to air pollution, including wildfire smoke and car exhaust, can alter a child’s DNA and increase their risk of heart and lung problems as adults. Seventy percent of students from low-income families take a bus to school, increasing their exposure to diesel exhaust. Children of color, in particular, are more likely to live near heavy transit routes, industrial facilities and other sources of vehicular and industrial pollution. This is in large part due to historic housing, zoning and transit policies that leave Black and Brown communities with few options.

Image from: https://www.natureaustralia.org.aunewsroom/

Robert PeakAdobeStock.com

Our Helium Is Running Out

Liquid helium, the world’s coldest element, is needed to operate the magnets in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. The high-resolution, 3-D images generated by this critical medical tool allow doctors to see details in the body that might not show up on X-rays, so that they can diagnose brain tumors, strokes, spinal cord injuries, liver disease and cancer.

Helium is a nonrenewable element found deep underground, and supplies are becoming harder to find for the Federal Helium Reserve, in Texas. Russia was gearing up to supply nearly a third of the world’s reservoir, but the war in Ukraine has halted trade. Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, says that four of five major U.S. helium suppliers are rationing the element, prioritizing the healthcare industry over less essential customers. Donna Craft, a regional construction manager for Premier, Inc., which contracts with helium suppliers for about 4,000 hospitals, says, “Helium is on allocation, for sure.”

Inside an MRI magnet, helium lets the current travel resistance-free. Harvard University physicists Amir Yacoby and Philip Kim shut down about half of their projects. Kim says, “There’s only a finite amount of helium in the Earth’s crust. Once it evaporates off, it’s completely lost into outer space.”

END THE MAILING MADNESS

Junk mail is wasteful. In our digital age, email and the internet have become the preferred modes of communication. When a shiny, multipage magazine or catalog arrives in the mail, we must view it as an unsustainable practice and take action to curb it.

SQUANDERED RESOURCES

According to Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, “More than 100 million trees are destroyed each year for junk mail plus 28 billion gallons of water and enough energy to power more than 9 million cars! When we stop junk mail and catalogs, we keep trees in the forests doing what they do best—providing oxygen for us to breathe and absorbing CO 2 to keep our planet cool and healthy.”

ADDED LANDFILL BURDEN

Junk mail also adds 1 billion pounds of waste to landfills each year. U.S. Postal Service Senior Director of Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability Jennifer BeiroReveille says, “We buy over $392 million worth of products containing recycled material every year and reduce waste by recycling 277,000 tons of material annually,” at more than 4,000 postal paper recycling stations around the country. But the post office cannot control what is being mailed.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Almost all magazines have an online edition, and companies likely prefer shoppers to visit their websites rather than go to the expense of designing, printing and mailing

bulky catalogs that cannot be updated as inventory and prices change. It is usually a simple matter to contact a company by email, phone or even via a website and request the mailings to be stopped. All it takes is a little time and effort to make a big, cumulative difference.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Taking matters a step further, the Ocean Futures Society has partnered with 41Pounds to offer a membership plan (866-417-4141 or 41Pounds.org) to stop junk mail. They will contact 20 to 35 direct mail companies to remove a name from their distribution lists, including almost all credit card applications, coupon mailers and magazine offers, plus specific catalogs.

REGULATORY OPTIONS

The Sierra Club wants to ban junk mail outright, reporting, “An estimated 44 percent of junk mail is thrown away unopened.” Margaret Klein Salamon, founder and director of The Climate Mobilization, likens the idea of banning junk mail to bans on plastic straws. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Canada already enforce junk mail restrictions.

Sunday, January 8, 2:00-5:00 pm (Onsite) 2023: What’s Ahead For You? with Lin Boffeli, Astrology; Andre Peraza, I-Ching Oracle Cards; and Philip Clark, Numerology. 30-minute session, $40 Sunday, January 22, 2:00 -5:00 pm (Onsite and via Zoom) New Year Empowerment: Creating A Vision For 2023 with Cheryl Koronkowski, $55 Saturday, January 28, 4:00-7:00 pm (Onsite) Astral Energy Healing with Richard Popp and Cheryl Koronkowski 30-minute session, $50

Finding Comfort

Bras Provide Support and Empowerment

by Carrie Jackson

From a sports bandeau to a lacy underwire, the modern bra has evolved since its patent in 1893. More than just shapewear, a proper bra protects breast tissue, offers comfort and support and keeps the girls in place. Besides their physical benefits, bras can help give women body confidence that translates into an overall feeling of assurance and peace of mind. Many factors go into choosing the right bra, including proper fit, adequate coverage, and social and environmental responsibility.

Ultimately, maximum comfort and support begins with the right fit. Studies estimate that more than 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Dr. Angie Skokos, founder of Chiro Care Clinic (ChiroCareWellnessClinic.com), in Addison and Westmont, says a properly fitting bra is essential, and provides more than just comfort. “A tight-fitting bra causes compression of the nerves, which can lead to numbness, pain and other issues in the overall area. This will not only affect the woman’s physique, but can also create a sense of self-consciousness,” she explains. Tight bras around the ribcage can also alter breathing, as well as cause back and neck pain. Conversely, too large a bra doesn’t provide the proper support, leading to potential tenderness and swelling in the breasts. If a bra band fits correctly and is firm, the weight of the bust will be evenly distributed and the major muscle groups in the back, neck and shoulders won’t be put under any strain.

While the choices of sizes and styles can be overwhelming, specialty shops such as Busted Bra Shop (BustedBraShop.com) can help people make an informed purchase. The retailer maintains six locations in Chicago, the Detroit area and Ann Arbor, Michigan, each staffed with expertly trained bra fitters. Owner Lee Padgett, who founded the store in 2013 after not being able to find a bra retailer in her area, strives to make proper fitting bras accessible to everyone. “A bra is a basic accessory that most women wear every day, like a pair of socks. The taboo stigma our society has about lingerie is sad and harmful,” she says.

Part personal shopper and part confidante, a bra fitter can help take the guesswork out of lingerie shopping. In addition to a detailed understanding of how different bras are made, they are trained to be sensitive to nuances and body language. “Our fitters recognize that picking out a bra is a deeply personal experience. They work with the client to explore different cuts and styles while finding a bra that best fits their individual frame. They take measurements, analyze posture, look for pinching and access the client’s overall comfort level,” Padgett explains.

Busted Bra carries a large variety, including underwires, bralettes, sports bras, strapless and backless bras, molded cup bras and nursing bras. Their collection ranges in band sizes from 28 to 56 and cup sizes A through P. “The emotional and physical effects of an ill-fitting bra are myriad. When women don’t feel comfortable with the shape of their breasts, they’re prone to slump or arch their shoulders, which will have a big effect on how the back muscles affect their posture,” Padgett explains.

She stresses that it is especially imperative for teens and young women to have a positive experience with their first bra. “At a time when they are receiving mixed messages about their development, it’s important that the bra fitter ensures that her concerns are being heard and that her opinion is the most important one in the room.”

Even a properly fitting bra might not provide the coverage a woman wants, leading them to be self-conscious and embarrassed. Haunted by an adolescent photo with her nipples showing through her shirt, Becky Connelly searched for a bra that would hide her nipples without adding bulk, but couldn’t find one that met her needs. Frustrated, she decided to make her own nipple-concealing bralette, and Non-Disclosure Apparel (NDApparel.com) was launched in 2022 to give other women options, as well.

Non-Disclosure’s patented line of bralettes are free of padding, foam and underwire, but instead have a discreet concealing petal permanently centered inside the cups for nipple coverage. They are stretchy, soft, forgiving and made of 92 percent nylon and 8 percent Spandex, so they don’t lose their shape. The bralettes come in four sizes from junior to large to fit D cups. “These are the perfect first bra for teens and tweens, who are especially self-conscious about their breast devel -

Photo Credit: Caroline Knopf

opment. We get letters from parents thanking us for creating a bra that helps their daughters feel more confident in school and other activities,” says Connelly.

Not all women have equal access to bras, and an astounding number go to waste while countless women are in need. The Bra Recyclers (BraRecycling.com), an Arizona-based social enterprise, works to reuse and recycle bras that would otherwise go to a landfill and distribute them to women without access to one. “An estimated 11 billion pounds of underwear go to the landfill every day, largely from retail returns and overstock. Our mission is to inspire retailers and consumers to make more informed choices and extend the lifecycle of their preloved and new underwear,” says founder Elaine Birks-Mitchell.

Since its inception in 2008, the organization has donated more than 4 million bras to over 120 nonprofits around the world that support women and girls in need, including those escaping human trafficking and domestic violence. “Women often flee to shelters from abusive situations without basic clothing, and that includes bras. Our partner organizations distribute to women in 29 states and eight countries, including places in Africa where girls are not allowed to go to school without a bra. Having access to a bra can help give them a boost on their path to self-sufficiency, while at the same time saving the bras from the landfill,” Birks-Mitchell explains.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

Welcoming the Unknown

by Marlaina Donato

Ushering in a brand-new year can be filled with hope, but it can also feel as daunting as a blank sheet of paper. We might pause at the threshold with pen in hand, recounting past mistakes and failures, hesitant to make our mark. The unforeseen is like a stranger, easy to mistrust. Dreading the unknown can be a self-sabotaging habit that obstructs the view and keeps us wishing instead of living.

Nature’s great gift is her constancy of seasons, but she thrives on change. Despite the human propensity for clutching what is familiar and predictable, we do best by leaving the door ajar for the unexpected. If we are fortunate, we will have 12 more months to have another go at it.

Setting a place at the table for delight shifts our frequency from resistance to receiving our highest good, and swapping anxiety for excitement can be a spiritual practice during our most uncomfortable moments. Instead of making a resolution, what if we made the simple decision to not believe our fears?

With no concept of limitation or worry of scraped knees, we once learned to walk, happily undiscouraged when we stumbled. That first spark of eager curiosity

remains deep in our memory, not confined to youth. Embracing possibility this year can be a subtle, mantra-in-motion as we go through our days, a cellular willingness to expect an outcome tailored specifically for us. Here are some prompts for embracing possibility:

n On scraps of paper, write down 12 things you have postponed doing or trying and keep them in a special canister. Pull one out each month and follow through with joyful anticipation.

n Witness the sunrise once a week and designate it as an opportunity to open your heart and mind to the new and glorious.

n Change things up in the kitchen: Buy new dishes and donate the old to a local thrift store. Try a new food every week and explore herbs and spices not usually in the cupboard.

n Notice something in your daily surroundings that might have gone unnoticed before.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

BRAIN POWER BOOSTERS

TIPS TO PRESERVE MEMORY AT ANY AGE

by Sheryl Kraft

Although it is completely normal to feel like our memories are failing us as we get older, this is not the time to panic. Regardless of age, it is always possible to learn, store and recall information, and there are numerous practices we can adopt to nourish and optimize our brains. Whether we’re looking for the car keys in all the wrong places or experiencing way too many tip-of-the-tongue moments, it may be high time to adopt the brain-boosting recommendations by these four experts.

EATING FOR COGNITIVE POWER

“Having a better memory now and in the future means taking care of your brain and making the right lifestyle choices to slow

down the aging process,” says Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of BrainHealthKitchen.com, who believes that what we choose to eat is one the most significant decisions we make each day.

Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium have been shown to slow age-related memory loss. Think berries, grapes (which contain resveratrol, a memory-enhancing compound), beets, broccoli, almonds, avocados, carrots, eggs, salmon, onions and dark, leafy greens.

Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. Studies find that high cholesterol diets can increase the risk of memory loss, among other cognitive

functions.

Whole grains and legumes like cracked wheat, whole-grain couscous and lentils are complex carbohydrates that boost the brain by providing a steady, sustained supply of glucose, and are high in folate, the memory-boosting B vitamin.

Finally, don’t forget to include culinary herbs like curcumin, rosemary, saffron, oregano and mint. They all help support brain health, especially saffron, which contains a potent constituent called crocin that is associated with slowing cognitive decline in human and animal studies.

BRAIN-NOURISHING SUPPLEMENTS AND STRESS REDUCTION

Wendy Warner, M.D., the founder of Medicine in Balance, an integrative healthcare practice in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, recommends Ginkgo biloba (one of the oldest living tree species in the world) and ginseng, which have both

Tijana/AdobeStock.com

HAVING A BETTER MEMORY NOW AND IN THE FUTURE MEANS TAKING CARE OF YOUR BRAIN AND MAKING THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE CHOICES TO SLOW DOWN THE AGING PROCESS.

~ANNIE FENN, M.D.

been found to help enhance memory with their neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. Noting that the brain works best with adequate nourishment, she asserts that these supplements can play a role in increasing blood circulation to the brain, thus improving its function.

Also on her list are Bacopa monnieri for its antioxidant capacity, Rhodiola rosea for its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects and licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra) for its ability to increase circulation in the central nervous system.

Warner recommends regular stress management techniques like yoga, qigong and tai chi as well, noting, “These all help lower inflammation and cortisol (an inflammatory stress hormone) and have been shown to improve memory.”

MEDICINAL HERBS FOR MENTAL CLARITY

Heather Houskeeper is a certified herbalist, long-distance hiker and author. When venturing out into the wild, she is able to spot and identify hundreds of medicinal herbs, including her favorite, top five memory boosters, starting with Ginkgo biloba, as well as:

ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) supports healthy blood flow to the brain. It can be enjoyed through food, tea or diffused as aromatherapy.

ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera), traditionally ingested as food or tea, can support mental alertness, focus and clarity of mind. Mix ashwagandha powder with warm milk, hot water or broth.

HOLY BASIL (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is rich in antioxidants and supports cerebral circulation. Enjoy this delicious and fragrant herb as tea up to three times per day, use in cooking or take as a tincture.

GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) is a restorative herb that can support alertness and mental clarity. It is also popularly used as a tea, tincture or extract for up to 14 days at a time.

SLUMBER SAVVY

Insufficient sleep can result in a variety of cognitive problems, including memory loss. Those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder condition that affects breathing, should not ignore it.

High-quality sleep is key to reactivating memories, especially recalling the names of people we’ve recently met, according to Northwestern University researchers. Other experts have reported a strong association between sleep and the formation of memories. Strive for uninterrupted and deep sleep, as follows:

n The ideal amount for most adults is between seven and nine hours a night.

n Wind down before bed with a consistent routine like reading, stretching or meditation.

n Keep the bedroom cool—somewhere around 65° F—and dark.

n Shut off all electronics.

n Avoid late-day caffeine, alcohol and spicy, heavy meals too close to bedtime.

Treating OSA is important to improve both sleep and brain health, says Thomas M. Holland, M.D., of the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, explaining, “Impaired sleep can lead to biochemical processes that can impact memory and cognition.”

Sheryl Kraft writes about health and wellness for Sage by Gaia and a variety of print and online media sources. Visit SherylKraft.com and SageByGaia.com to read more of her work.

Cooling the Fire Within HEALTHY EATING TIPS TO EASE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

by Tom O’Bryan, DC CCN, DACBN

P utting more thought into what we eat and why may be among the most important factors in determining how long we live. Researchers in Norway recently compared the long-term effects of a typical Western diet to an optimal one, and their findings can be a source for inspiration. The optimal diet had a substantially higher intake of whole grains, legumes, fish, fruits, vegetables and a handful of nuts, while reducing red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and refined grains.

According to their results, a sustained change from a typical Western diet to the better plan can make a big difference on life expectancy. Here are their predicted impacts on longevity for people after starting—and sticking to—an optimal diet:

Start at age 20—women add 8.4 to 12.3 years; men add 9.4 to 14.3 years

Start at age 60 —women add 6.2 to 9.3 years; men add 6.8 to 10 years

Start at age 80 —women and men add 3.4 years

So, it is never too late to start a positive activity.

This improved diet gets to the underlying causes of most of the reasons Americans die. According to the National Institutes of Health, 14 of the top 15 causes of death in 2019 were chronic inflammatory diseases. This means it is more than likely that the cause has existed for a long time under the surface (chronic), with too much inflammation for too long (inflammatory), affecting the brain, cardiovascular system, blood sugar system or wherever there is a genetic weak link (disease). Rather than ask what the ailment is, ask, “Where is the long-term, hidden inflammation coming

from that is fueling this disease?”

Dr. George Slavich, founding director of the Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research at the University of California in Los Angeles, says that understanding when inflammation promotes either good or poor health and how and when to intervene to reduce inflammation-related disease risk, “should be a top scientific and public priority.” Identifying and reducing individual triggers of inflammation opens a path to regenerating a healthier, younger individual.

Not all inflammation is bad. Time-limited increases in inflammation are critical for promoting wound healing and recovery, as well as reducing the spread of communicable infections. Humans would not have lived very long without a well-developed internal protection from threatening environmental triggers such as bugs, parasites, viruses, mold, fungus and bacteria. For better health outcomes, we need to address excessive systemic inflammation. There are many likely contributors to the fueling of inflammation, but one of the most common sources is what is on the end of our fork. Begin there.

LIFESTYLE HACK 1: If there is one prime directive for better health, it is to focus on living as much of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle as possible. Become more aware of the daily environmental exposures that ramp up inflammatory genes. Know, for example, what chemicals are used on the soil in which the food is grown or sprayed with before it is harvested. Then, armed with this knowledge, choose a better alternative, like organic and regenerative organic foods. As enough anti-inflammatory messages are accumulated, a reversal in the direction of health is possible.

LIFESTYLE HACK 2: Food is the most common source of gasoline on the fire of inflammation. Dr. Deanna Minich, president of the American College of Nutrition, recommends the Rainbow Diet, which acts like a fire extinguisher to put out the excess inflammatory fire in the body. Selecting multiple colors of fruits and vegetables at every meal tempers the inflammatory cascade. Strive over time to eat 50 different fruits or vegetables per week. Begin today. Just bringing up to awareness the question, “Is this food inflammatory or anti-inflammatory?” will feed our health habits, and over time, healthier habits equal a healthier life.

KnoWEwell Chief Health Officer Dr. Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN, is an internationally recognized expert on gluten, bestselling author and speaker focused on food sensitivities, environmental toxins and the development of autoimmune diseases. He is a chiropractic doctor, certified clinical nutritionist and the founder of TheDr.com

ZUCCHINI PASTA WITH SALMON AND ARTICHOKE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

6 zucchinis, medium to large, firm and straight, cut into “noodles”

2 lb fresh, wild salmon fillets, skin removed

Sea salt and pepper

2 Tbsp high-heat cooking oil (avocado or grapeseed)

3 Tbsp olive oil

4 Tbsp shallots, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

8 artichoke hearts (in water), quartered

1 lemon, zested and juiced

4 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Pinch of cayenne

6 slices crumbled, crispy turkey bacon; crispy bacon; or crispy pancetta

Zucchini can be fashioned into noodles one of two ways. For “fettuccine”, use a potato peeler to produce long, flat noodles or lengthwise ribbons. Peel off several from one side, then turn the zucchini and peel off more. Continue to turn and peel away ribbons, until reaching the seeds at the core of the zucchini, which can be discarded. For “spaghetti”, use a spiralizer, mandolin or knife. The spiralizer is the easiest option. With a mandolin, hook up the julienne attachment for perfectly formed noodles. If using a knife, cut the zucchini into thin slices, stack them up and cut again lengthwise into thin strips. Discard the core.

Salt the zucchini noodles, let sit for a few minutes, then massage and squeeze the water out. Drain any excess liquid.

Season the salmon with salt and pepper. In a large pan, heat the avocado oil over medium to high heat. Add the salmon, top sidedown, and sear until golden and crispy, then turn over to finish cooking. Cover only with a splatter screen, or it will not get crispy.

In a wok or large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and shallots, and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the zucchini noodles, increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes. Add the artichokes and lemon zest, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and add the parsley, lemon juice and cayenne; stir to combine. Add the bacon and adjust seasonings to taste.

Distribute evenly on 4 plates or low bowls. Place the salmon on top and serve with extra lemon.

Recipe courtesy of Dr. Tom O’Bryan, DC CCN, DACBN

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

10 eggs

1 cup chopped artichoke hearts, packed in water

1 large tomato

4 oz fresh baby spinach, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

⅔ cup green olives, chopped

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp coconut oil

In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the oil. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pour the mixture into the skillet. After 1 to 2 minutes, when the omelet has begun to brown, fold it in half and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the center is cooked through. Serve immediately.

CURRY CHICKEN SALAD

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

4 organic, boneless, chicken breasts

1 to 2 bay leaves

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup chopped walnuts

⅔ cup avocado mayonnaise

2 tsp gluten-free Dijon mustard

1 tsp curry powder

Sea salt and black pepper

Wash and pat dry the chicken. Add water to a steamer (per manufacturer’s instructions) and add bay leaves. Place the chicken in the steamer basket and steam for 45 to 50 minutes. Do not overcook.

Allow to cool, then shred or chop.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, walnuts, mayonnaise, mustard, and curry. Blend well with a fork, taste and season with salt and pepper.

Add the salad greens to plates and mound with the chicken salad. Garnish with parsley, avocado and pomegranate arils (seeds). If desired, drizzle salad greens with juice of a lemon and extra-virgin olive oil.

ARTICHOKE AND SPINACH GREEK OMELET

Liudmyla Chuhunova/Shutterstockcom

Lesya Dolyuk/Shutterstockcom

MOROCCAN CHICKPEA SOUP

by Gwen Eberly

This flavorful vegan soup is bursting with nutrition. Rich in fragrant anti-inflammatory spices of cinnamon and turmeric and packed with protein thanks to the quick-cooking red lentils and chickpeas, it’s sure to satisfy. Add rice or rice vermicelli noodles and to make it an even heartier meal.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

3 Tbsp Olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 small celery rib (including leaves), finely chopped

1 large carrot, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp black pepper

½ tsp cinnamon

1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

1 (16 oz) can chickpeas, drained*

⅔ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup red lentils

2 cups kale, thinly sliced

½ cup fresh flat-leafed parsley, chopped

Sea salt to taste

Lemon wedges (optional)

Heat oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven or heavy saucepan. Cook chopped onion, celery and carrot over moderate heat until soft, stirring occasionally. Add turmeric, pepper and cinnamon and cook for three minutes.

Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, cilantro, vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until lentils are tender; about 35 minutes.

Stir in kale and cook an additional five minutes, or until kale is wilted. Stir in parsey and salt to taste.

Serve with lemon wedges and leftover chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired.

*Option: Use dried chickpeas to replace the canned. Soak 1½ cups dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain, rinse and cook in about eight cups of water until tender, about 1½ hours.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Gwen Eberly, a Lancaster, PA-based Montessori art teacher and chef who teaches cooking to kids and teens at Zest! Cooking School in Lititz, PA. Connect on Instagram or at EberlyG@comcast.net

Modern Mediterranean catering made from scratch to support your journey to a stronger, more energetic body. Our ingredients are responsibly grown, locally sourced, and organic whenever possible.

Photo Credit Gwen Eberly

from the gluten-free kitchen…

Gluten-Free Eclairs Are a Delectable Treat

by Tiffany Hinton

The celebration does not have to end because New Year’s Day has come and gone. January can continue to be a time to gather friends and family on the weekend. This gluten-free eclair recipe is perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch. Eaten warm or at room temperature, these treats are delectable.

YIELD: APPROXIMATELY 12 ECLAIRS

Pastry Flour Blend for 1 cup

⅓ cup white rice flour

3 Tbsp cornstarch

2 Tbsp plus 3 tsp brown rice flour

3 Tbsp tapioca starch

2 Tbsp plus 2 tsp gluten-free dry milk powder

1 tsp potato starch

1½ tsp xanthan gum

Choux Paste

½ cup almond milk

½ cup water

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

½ cup unsalted butter (Note: Do not use vegan butter)

1 cup gluten-free pastry flour blend

5 large eggs

Glaze

½ cup bittersweet chocolate chopped

1 Tbsp light corn syrup

½ cup canned coconut milk

Filling

French Cream (see recipe)

Preheat oven to 425° F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat mat.

Make the Pastry Shells

In a heavy saucepan, combine the almond milk, water, salt, sugar and butter and place over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture come to a full boil.

Add flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring for 3 minutes (set your timer). The mixture will form a smooth mass and pull away from the sides of the pan, forming a film on the bottom of the pan.

Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a heatproof bowl if using a handheld mixer. Add eggs one at a time and mix on medium-high speed, incorporating each egg before adding the next. When all the eggs have been added, the mixture will be thick, smooth and shiny. Mix for 3 minutes to ensure mixture is smooth.

Note: You cannot break down gluten-free dough by overmixing.

Transfer the contents of the bowl to a pastry bag fitted with a ½-inch plain tip, adding only as much to the bag as you are comfortable working with. Pipe out fingers about 5 inches and 1 inch wide, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you end up with a bulge or a tail at the end of piping, you can smooth it over with a damp fingertip. (When piping choux paste, every little bump and mistake is exaggerated when the pastries are baked. This is a forgiving dough to work with. You can scoop up your mistake and add it back into your piping bag and try again. You can also smooth out any tiny bumps with a wet finger.)

Bake until puffed and starting to show some color, about 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375° F and continue to bake until shells feel light and are hollow inside, about 12 minutes longer. They should be nicely browned all over. Remove from the oven and using a metal skewer or wooden chop stick, poke a small hole in each end to allow for steam to escape. This keeps the shells from collapsing. Let cool on wire racks. They should be used as soon as they are cool enough to fill. You can also wrap them up airtight and freeze for 3 weeks.

When ready to fill them, recrisp them directly from the freezer in a 450° F oven for about 10 minutes and then let cool before filling.

Photo credit Tiffany Hinton

Make the Glaze

To make the glaze, combine the chocolate and corn syrup in a heatproof bowl. Bring the canned coconut milk to just under a boil in a small saucepan. Pour the coconut milk over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for about 2 minutes without stirring until the chocolate melts, and then stir gently with a rubber spatula (to incorporate as little air as possible) until smooth and shiny.

Let cool until just warm.

Fill and Glaze

To fill and glaze the eclairs, stir the cold French Cream pastry cream until smooth and then spoon the cream into a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip for filling. It is easier to start with a hole in each end of the shell and to fill from both ends if necessary. Sometimes pockets inside the shell prevent the pastry cream from filling the entire shell form a single hole. Fill the shells until they feel heavy. To glaze the eclairs, dip the top of each filled eclair into the glaze, shaking gently to allow the excess to drip off, and then place upright on a wire rack and allow the glaze to set.

Serve the pastries at once or refrigerate up to 6 hours before serving. They should be eaten the same day they are filled.

French Cream Recipe

2 cups canned coconut milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

3 Tbsp cornstarch

½ cup plus 1 Tbsp sugar

2 large eggs

4 Tbsp unsalted butter (Note: Do not use vegan butter)

Have a bowl ready for cooling the pastry cream with a fine-mesh sieve resting in the rim.

Pour the coconut milk into a heavy saucepan. Add salt and vanilla, place over medium-high heat, and bring to just under a boil, stirring occasionally and making sure that the milk solids are not sticking to the bottom of the pan.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.

When the coconut milk is ready, slowly ladle about one-third of the hot coconut milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Pour the egg-milk mixture back into the hot coconut milk and continue to whisk over medium heat until the cream is as thick as lightly whipped cream, about 2 minutes. In order for the cornstarch to cook and thicken properly, the mixture must come just to boiling point. You want to see a few bubbles slowly rise. However, if you allow the cream to boil vigorously it will curdle.

Remove from heat and immediately pour through the sieve into the bowl. (If you let the cream stay in the pot it will continue to cook.) Let cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to release the heat and prevent a skim from forming on the top.

Cut the butter into 1 Tbsp pieces. When the pastry cream is ready (it should be about 140° F), whisk the butter into the pastry cream 1 Tbsp at a time, always whisking until smooth before adding the next Tbsp.

To cool the cream, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the top of the cream. (This will prevent a skin from forming on the surface.) Be careful whisking the cream once it is cold. Over mixing will break down the starch and thin the cream. Pastry cream will keep when well covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipes courtesy of Tiffany Hinton, founder of Cultivating Guts. Connect online at @iamtiffanyhinton and listen to her podcast, Cultivating Guts, on Spotify or iTunes.

from the plant-based kitchen…

TOMATO NUTRIENTS HELP TO Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk

by Maya Eylon

Slice ‘em, dice ‘em, turn ‘em into paste. Raw or cooked. Canned or fresh. There is no wrong way to eat the tomato, a nutrient-packed superfood. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Availability and Consumption data report, tomatoes are the second-most commonly consumed vegetable in the United States, second only to potatoes. Interestingly enough, this is due to Americans’ high intake of pizza sauce, which accounted for 56 percent of the tomatoes consumed by Americans. While pizza is probably not the best way to get your daily dose of tomatoes, it is important for you to find a way to fit tomatoes into your diet, and here’s why: as a superfood, tomatoes are packed with micronutrients and natural plant chemicals known as phytochemicals. From a nutrition perspective, tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium, folate, and vitamins A, C and E. From the phytochemical perspective, tomatoes contain polyphenols and carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes their bright red color. Lycopene also happens to be a very powerful antioxidant.

Because of the tomato’s unique nutritional profile, research has indicated that eating this superfood may help reduce your risk for prostate cancer.

In 2002, scientists conducted a study with 47,000 participants which found that men who enjoyed two or more servings of tomato sauce per week had a 23 percent lower risk for prostate cancer incidence. That is a pretty powerful finding, but if you are like me, you are now thinking, “That’s great, but those findings are so 2002,” and you are right—in some cases, newer data

can be better data. So let’s take a look at a second study that was conducted more than a decade later. In this study, researchers found that from their nearly 50,000 participants, the men who had the highest intake of lycopene (a strong antioxidant in tomatoes) had up to a 28 percent reduction in their risk for prostate cancer incidence. What’s more, these findings were even stronger when it came to the men’s risk for lethal prostate cancer incidence. In other words, eating the lycopene in tomatoes not only decreased participants’ likelihood of getting prostate cancer but also even more strongly decreased their likelihood of dying from prostate cancer. The findings from these two studies support that tomatoes, and the lycopene found in tomatoes, have the potential to significantly decrease your risk for prostate cancer.

Here is a simple and delicious physi -

cian-approved nutritional recipe with this superfood.

FIVE-INGREDIENT MEDITERRANEAN SALAD

YIELD: 3-4 SERVINGS

4 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 large English or Persian cucumber, diced 1 red onion, diced

1½ Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly squeezed juice from ½ lemon (about 2 Tbsps)

Salt and ground black pepper

Place the tomatoes, cucumber and onion in a large salad bowl.

Add the olive oil and lemon juice and toss until evenly distributed.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, toss again gently and serve.

Maya Eylon is currently in medical school at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. A clinical researcher, she has conducted research with Hadassah Medical Center and Sanford School of Medicine.

Recipe excerpted from Preventing Prostate Cancer: Reduce Your Risk With Simple, Proactive Choice, by Benny Gavi and Maya Eylon. ©2022 Healthy Living Publications.

Photo by annie1961 for Adobe Stock

Photo by medium.com

Farmer Wellness Matters

by Devin Cornia

By now, many of us have likely seen or heard the phrase “No Farms, No Food”. It’s simple, true, and in just four words, emphasizes support for local farms in a culture more connected to phones than to the folks that produce our food. Recent years have been exceptionally trying for agriculture, with record drought, lack of labor and skyrocketing costs for farm supplies. Further, erratic weather patterns and two years of supply chain disruption have thrown wrenches into farmers’ bottom lines. Most of us feel the pain in the checkout line, but we should take a moment to consider the cost to our farmers’ well-being.

Here are some (not-so-fun) facts:

n The average age of farmers in New Jersey has risen to 55-plus

n 96 percent of farmers rely on off-farm income to pay the bills

n On average, farmers and ranchers receive a return of only eight cents out of every dollar spent on food

n According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates in agriculture are six times higher than the national average

n Bureau of Labor Statistics data suggests that agriculture is statistically the most dangerous industry in America, yet over 10 percent of U.S. farmers lack health insurance

It’s no surprise that farmers are struggling to work through the stress, anxiety, injury and exhaustion that comes with running a farm business. To make matters worse, farming can be an isolating profession, requiring long hours that cut into farmers’ social lives. Livestock, field crops and farmers markets don’t have weekends or holidays off and neither do the farmers that tend them.

Currently, there aren’t many resources to keep our farmers healthy and happy. Organizations like Farm Aid and the American Farm Bureau Federation have comprehensive online resources available, but we need to address these issues at a community level. To do so, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey is excited to launch the Farmer Wellness Initiative.

Through this program, we’re working with community partners to establish New Jersey’s only farmer wellness effort, ensuring our farming community has the support and resources needed to stay well. We aim to establish a peer-to-peer farmer support network, develop a network of wellness care providers to offer lowcost/subsidized care for farmers in need, host wellness-focused educational and community-building events and advocate for increased affordable health insurance for New Jersey farmers.

Interested individuals can visit nofanj. org/farmer-wellness for more information. We’d be remiss not to acknowledge what prompted this initiative: the loss of a New Jersey farmer, great community member and close friend. I wish these resources had been available when he needed them. Dan, thank you for continuing to provide inspiration and support for us all. You are missed!

P.S. The term should more accurately read “No Farmers, No Farms, No Food”.

Devin Cornia is the executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey and can be reached at 908-371-1111 or Devin@nofanj.org.

Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape and inspired us with a powerful work ethic.

~James H. Douglas, Jr.

More than Skin Deep

HEALING THE HEARTBREAK OF PSORIASIS

by Lorraine Maita, MD

Psoriasis affects approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of the Institute of Functional Medicine, the condition involves terrible suffering from scaly, itchy, inflamed and peeling skin; aching joints; burning genitals; broken nails; and the resulting depression that inevitably comes from such conditions—all of which explains why it is often referred to as “the heartbreak of psoriasis.”

The Cleveland Clinic describes psoriasis as an autoimmune condition of the skin. The immune system of people with psoriasis overreacts, causing inflammation and an overly rapid growth of new skin cells, which in turn causes a buildup on the surface that creates the appearance of scaling, but the effects are much more significant than cosmetic.

Psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, lymphoma and cardiovascular disease. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) describes a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome known as the “march of psoriasis”. Widespread inflammation may cause insulin resistance that triggers cells lining the blood vessels to malfunction, potentially leading to atherosclerosis and heart attack or stroke. The ailment also increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

Traditionally, psoriasis is treated with steroids and immunosuppressive drugs that can be harsh on the body and quite expensive while failing to address its root cause. Alternatively, the functional medicine approach is to treat the disease’s underlying causes: inflammation and triggers.

“I have psoriasis,” says Dr. Brad Shook, a chiropractic physician and member of The Institute of Functional Medicine. “I worked hard, and I ’ ve had my psoriasis and my autoimmunity under control and in remission. Through functional medicine, we can identify these drivers and help you to unwind this process, heal your body and then through that process of healing, you learn what the triggers were.”

PSORIASIS TRIGGERS

Functional medicine practitioners use the acronym STAIN to categorize five triggers that activate inflammation and psoriasis: stress, trauma or toxins, antigens or adverse food reactions,

inflammation or infections and nutrition. Removing these triggers allows for healing.

STRESS

Psoriatic patients report worsening of symptoms with stress. Modulating the reaction to stress and adding relaxation techniques can calm the inflammatory response. Practicing relaxing activities such as deep belly breathing, yoga, tai chi, prayer, meditation, visualization, Heartmath, massage, acupuncture or biofeedback can relieve stress. Exercise can also release endorphins that reduce pain perception.

TRAUMA OR TOXINS

The NPF states that physical trauma can induce the development of psoriatic plaques. Toxins such as smoking and alcohol have been shown to increase the risk and severity of the disease. Obesity may also play a role in worsening symptoms because toxins are stored in fat, which emits inflammatory cytokines. It’s recommended to maintain ideal weight, abstain from smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoid trauma. Detoxifying and removing heavy metals can decrease the inflammatory response, as well.

ANTIGENS OR ADVERSE FOOD REACTIONS

Studies show that a Western diet rich in sugar and fat leads to an imbalance in gut bacteria known as dysbiosis. These harmful bacteria may contribute to psoriasis. Allergens or reactions to food can cause increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut. The most common triggers tend to be wheat and dairy.

The Chopra Center recommends the 4 R Gut Healing program. Removing foods patients are sensitive to is key to calming down the immune system, as well as avoiding sugar, wheat, dairy and processed foods. To improve the gut, replace digestive enzymes, replenish healthy bacteria with a probiotic and repair the gut lining with butyrate or L glutamine.

INFLAMMATION OR INFECTIONS

To diminish inflammation, modify the diet to include more anti-inflammatory omega-3

fats found in fish, avocado, nuts, seeds and olives, and fewer inflammatory omega-6 fats found in wheat and dairy. Look for and eradicate hidden infections. Decrease inflammation with a high-quality fish oil, curcumin, probiotics and a whole foods diet free of food sensitivities.

NUTRITION

Studies show that having adequate amounts of vitamins A and D, fish oil, probiotics and zinc are important for maintaining both a healthy gut and a healthy immune response. Supplementation can be helpful in maintaining appropriate levels of these vital nutrients. Some patients using topical vitamin D products found they had effects similar to topical corticosteroids.

“When I started working at the Ultrawellness Center, I learned about how to address the root causes of a problem, not just the symptoms, and have found a new way of approaching psoriasis,” says Adonica Nichols, a psoriasis patient and a licensed practical nurse at the center, in Lenox, Massachusetts. “Living with psoriasis is still an everyday struggle for me, but I have implemented many of these changes in my diet and lifestyle over the past several months, and I am feeling better than I ever have.”

Psoriasis is a multifaceted, complex illness that may require a deeper look at the triggers. A functional medicine physician can offer a systematic approach to uncover and remove these triggers, helping patients heal from the heartbreak of psoriasis.

Board-certified in integrative, anti-aging and internal medicine, Lorraine Maita, M.D., is an award-winning functional medicine specialist and author in Short Hills, NJ. For more information, visit HowToLiveYounger.com.

THE BENEFITS OF Medicinal Mushrooms and Fungi

by Perry Galanopoulos

Fungi have their own biological kingdom alongside animals, plants, protists and single-celled monera. They are commonly encountered as mushrooms, yeast, mold and truffles, and play a vital role on our planet as a recycler of dead organic material. Similar to plants, their lifecycle has three primary stages, not all of which are easily visible to the eye.

Mushrooms are the fruiting body of the fungi, and they contain reproductive spores (seeds), which are distributed into the ecosystem either through the air or when eaten, and later excreted by an animal. When these spores grow together, they form an underground mycelium network (the vegetative stage). The mycelium grows through soil looking for dead organic matter such as animals, logs and leaves, and then secretes an enzyme that breaks down the organic matter, creating fertile, new soil and helping to support plant and animal life. Many green plants have a symbiotic relationship with a type of fungi called mycorrhizal. They trade energy-rich carbons, sugars or lipids in exchange for minerals from the soil.

MUSHROOMS AS MEDICINE

Mushrooms have been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years in Asia and elsewhere. Today, they are quickly becoming a popular addition to our diets for their health benefits, not only in the form of fresh or dried mushrooms, but in tinctures and capsules, as well as in powders and other forms as additions to coffee, other beverages and more.

Medicinal mushrooms typically do not taste good, so popular drinks cover it up with flavoring and the dose is often too low for any measurable benefit. Traditional alcohol-based tinctures are effective, but they are an acquired taste, as well. A multi-mushroom capsule which does not contain grain or rice is a good place to start when buying a medicinal mushroom product.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING MEDICINAL MUSHROOM PRODUCTS

When purchasing any medicinal mushroom product, determine where and how the in-

gredients were grown. About 70 percent of raw product for the U.S. mushroom market is imported from China, where growing practices are often not verified. Also ensure there are only fruiting bodies and no fillers such as mycelium/fermented brown rice biomass or myceliated grain. These include the growing substrate (grain or rice) that also acts as a filler.

Research how the products are manufactured. Mushroom cell walls are made up of tough chitin which needs to be broken down to access the beta-glucans and other beneficial compounds. A double extraction using alcohol and then hot water is acceptable. Ideally, a third extraction using fire is performed to capture the minerals.

BENEFITS OF COMMON MEDICINAL MUSHROOM VARIETIES

These are some of the most widely studied and used medicinal mushroom varieties commonly available.

LION’S MANE: Commonly used for cognition and nerve support. Studies show

T urkey Tail Mushrooms

Photo by James for AdobeStock

that Lion’s Mane is a good source of hericenones and erinacines, which accelerate the growth of brain cells. It is also rich in nerve growth factor which is essential for the brain, according to The National Library of Medicine study, “Nerve Growth Factor: Early Studies and Recent Clinal Trails.”

CORDYCEPS: Commonly used for energy and athletic performance. It has been found to boost adenosine triphosphate, which delivers energy to the muscles, and boost maximal aerobic capacity, a measurement to determine fitness levels.

TURKEY TAIL: Commonly used for immune and cancer support, and widely studied in China and Japan for immune-stimulating polysaccharides, it contains high levels of polysaccharide krestin which has been extracted and used as a pharmaceutical cancer treatment for 30 years.

CHAGA: Commonly used for digestion and anti-aging, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers and diabetes (prevents absorption of glucose), it has been researched for anti-tumor and cancer properties, and as an antioxidant powerhouse 25 to 50 times more potent than blueberries.

REISHI: Reishi is known as ling zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which considers this mushroom highly valuable for replenishing qi (energy) and promoting longevity. It is commonly used for longevity, muscle relaxation, central nervous system relaxation, cardiotonic activity, general immune potentiation and liver and bronchial protection.

Perry Galanopoulos is the founder or FuFluns’ Foods, which produces artisanally crafted, small-batch organic mushroom, botanical and hemp extract (which contain CBD plus and more) supplements. For more information, visit FuFlunsFoods.com. See ad on page 21. and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Protecting the Brain

FROM ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN RISKS

by Meena Malhotra

Globally, people over 65 are the fastest-growing segment of the population, and identifying the connection between environmental toxins and neurodegenerative disease is more important than ever. Memory impairment like Alzheimer’s and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis are some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases where environmental exposures to heavy metals like lead, cadmium and manganese contribute to disease process by increasing neuronal oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation.

CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METALS CAN ACCUMULATE IN THE BODY

Chronic exposure to metallic compounds in seafood, pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and hormones found in many dairy products lead to an overloaded detoxification pathway, increased systemic inflammation and clinical patterns such as immune dysfunction or endocrine disruption.

Lead is a known neurotoxicant which readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Cadmium promotes deteriorated learning and memory abilities, as well as senile plaque depositions in the brain. Excessive manganese is neurotoxic, and high levels may cause accumulation in the brain.

EARLY DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS IS THE KEY

New methods of assessing these heavy metal concentrations in tissue is helping practitioners identify the patients at risk early and taking action. Not too long ago, the window of opportunity for treatment was often missed, as blood, hair or nail levels did not reflect the tissue concentration as accurately as spectroscopy.

WAYS TO SUPPORT COGNITIVE FUNCTION

n Therapeutic diets with increased fiber and antioxidants like fruits, nuts, vegetables, spices, low consumption of alcohol and reduced caloric intake may lower age-related cognitive decline and lessen the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

n B vitamins, vitamin D, folate, polyphenols and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids offer neuroprotection in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

n Chelation enhances glutathione production in the body.

n Use of saunas increases elimination of certain toxicants through sweat and urine.

n Probiotics strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus possess antimicrobial abilities and produce antimicrobial metabolites like SCFA, which reduce pathogenic toxins.

Do not assume treatment for heavy metals is done without multiple retests.

Meena Malhotra, M.D., is the medical director of Heal n Cure. For more information, call 847-686 4444, email DrMalhotra@ HealnCure.com or visit HealnCure.com. See ads on page 2, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.

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Hidden Dangers in Pet Food

THE SCARY TRUTH ABOUT TOXIC INGREDIENTS

by Karen Becker

Among the many reasons to switch from ultra-processed diets to fresh food for our furry family members, unwanted toxins are high on the list. Because pet food manufacturers are not required to conduct quality control testing, consumers never know exactly what toxins their dogs and cats are inadvertently ingesting. According to PetFoodIndustry.com , “Some level of contamination is unavoidable.” Here is a look at the most common toxins found in many popular pet foods.

ARSENIC is used in herbicides, insecticides, wood preservatives and insulation,

as well as in chicken feed in factory farms. According to Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., associate professor and pet food program coordinator at Kansas State University, “The measured presence of arsenic in pet foods does not equate to toxicity for this naturally occurring earth element.” While this may be true, bioaccumulation can do significant damage over time if sublethal doses are consistently consumed. The gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and skin are most vulnerable to arsenic damage, which interferes with hormones and causes cancer and death.

To help pets with elevated arsenic lev -

els, try iodine- and selenium-rich foods, including sea vegetables and Brazil nuts; sulfurous foods like garlic; alpha lipoid acid; and N-acetylcysteine.

MERCURY is released into the air and waterways primarily through burning coal, and seafood is the most common route of exposure. It is best not to feed pets an exclusive diet of fish protein. On the other hand, seafood contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to a pet’s well-being. Consider feeding them low-mercury options like wild-caught salmon, sardines packed in water, mussels or rainbow trout in rota-

Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com

tion with other proteins, or supplementing their diet with krill oil or an omega-3 fatty acid that is third-party validated as contaminant-free and sustainably sourced. Mercury detoxification can be achieved by using chlorella and cilantro.

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) and POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHER (PBDE) are used as fire retardants and can bioaccumulate at high levels in large, predatory fish at the top of the food chain like tuna, tilefish, king mackerel, shark and swordfish. Research suggests that cats are especially sensitive to PBDEs and PCBs found at high levels in both canned and dry pet foods. Although PCBs were banned in the U.S. in 1979, they are still used elsewhere in the world and continue to pollute the oceans. These fat-soluble toxins can be cleared through the bowels, so add fibrous veggies and chlorophyll-containing foods or supplements to the pet bowl.

BISPHENOL A (BPA) is used in plastics and coatings inside pet food cans. It imitates the body’s hormones, especially

estrogen, in ways that are damaging to the health of both humans and animals. A 2017 study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri concluded that even a short-term (two-week) feeding of canned dog food resulted in a three-fold increase of BPA in dogs. Avoid canned pet foods and #7 plastic food and water bowls and storage bins. Provide ongoing BPA detoxification support by offering foods rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus (kefir and yogurt) and glutathione-rich foods, including culinary and medicinal mushrooms.

DIOXINS, a byproduct of industrial processes, can disrupt the signaling of both male and female sex hormones in the body. They’re found in much of the U.S. food supply, including factory-produced meat, fish, milk, eggs and butter. Offer pets organic food whenever possible. Because dioxins are fat-soluble, they are stored in adipose tissues. Try the Ayurvedic practice of lipophilic-mediated detoxification, which uses healthy fats, including ghee, coconut and MCT oil, to pull out fat-stored toxins.

AFLATOXIN contamination has been the

cause of several pet food recalls and major disease outbreaks for more than 20 years. Known to cause acute toxic illness and cancer, they are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by fungi in agricultural crops. Corn, peanuts and cottonseed have the highest rate of aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxicosis is more common in dogs than cats because commercial dog food more often contains corn. Many animal studies demonstrate the efficacy of using ginger, thyme, broccoli, turmeric and carrots for aflatoxin detoxification.

The only way to know exactly what a pet is eating is to buy the ingredients and prepare nutritionally complete meals at home. When choosing a commercial pet food, make sure that it contains human-grade ingredients and that manufacturers employ quality control steps in their operations to test for contaminants.

Veterinarian Karen Becker, DVM, has spent her career empowering animal guardians in making knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com

THE PERILS OF PLASTIC CLOTHING

EMBRACING SLOW FASHION AND SUSTAINABLE FABRICS

by Sandra Yeyati

M ost clothes made today contain plastic. The non-biodegradable polymer is a major component of elastic waistbands and nylon sneakers. But by far, the largest fossil-fuel culprit is polyester, commonly used in shirts, pants, hoodies, dresses, jackets, underwear, socks, blankets and hats, according to Sewport, an online marketplace serving the garment industry.

In 2021, polyester comprised 54 percent of all new fabrics, according to Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit of fashion insiders promoting sustainability. Because it is inexpensive to make, this synthetic fiber is the darling of fast fashion which entices consumers to wear cheap garments a few times, throw them away and promptly buy replacements. Every year, an estimated 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills worldwide; and in America, 85 percent of all textiles get discarded, according to Earth.org

ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS OF PLASTIC CLOTHES

Plastic produces greenhouse gases at every stage of its long life—from extraction, refining and manufacturing to transportation and waste management. Researchers have found that washing polyester releases tiny synthetic microfibers into the water supply, harming marine life and contaminating human drinking water. It also breaks down into

micro-plastics while languishing in landfills for hundreds of years.

The manufacture of polyester has social costs, too. According to Sewport, the vast majority of producers worldwide exploit uneducated people in impoverished countries, where workers are regularly exposed to highly toxic chemicals.

RECYCLED PLASTIC TEXTILES

Among conscientious environmentalists, there’s an aspirational trend toward textiles made of recycled plastic, such as Econyl. Patagonia promotes NetPlus material made from discarded fishing nets. Repreve transforms reclaimed water bottles into yarn that is used to make various garments. Currently, these eco-friendly textiles make up a tiny fraction of the global market; only 14 percent of all polyester was recycled in 2020.

Textile Exchange and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action have launched an initiative to shift the market toward recycled polyester. But even recycled plastic garments shed micro-plastics when washed. Consider using a washing bag like Guppyfriend, which keeps micro-plastics from escaping, or choose items that aren’t washed as often, such as sneakers.

BETTER FABRIC CHOICES

Made from mushroom mycelium, this textile is a sustainable alternative to animal leather.

“Organic and more sustainable counterparts from almost all types of natural fibers, including cotton, linen, down and wool, are becoming available at retailers

across the globe,” says La Rhea Pepper, managing director of the Textile Exchange. Here are notable fabric options that are kinder to the planet.

LYOCELL: Trademarked as Tencel, lyocell is made from sustainably sourced wood cellulose and used in denim, dress shirts and underwear. Less water and lower-impact chemicals are used in manufacturing this material. It’s biodegradable and easily recycled.

ORGANIC OR RECYCLED COTTON: While conventional cotton is a natural fiber harvested from plants, it consumes an inordinate amount of water and involves the use of toxic chemicals. The better choices are organic cotton certified by the Global Organic Textiles Standards (GOTS), which requires less water and doesn’t use chem icals, or recycled cotton, which repurposes already existing fibers.

PLANT-BASED LEATHER: Companies making these animal-free alternatives using mushrooms, pineapples, bananas, apples, cacti and other vegetables are highly innovative and represent an excit ing, emerging sector.

PEACE OR AHIMSA SILK: Silk is biodegradable and requires much less water and chemicals than cotton, but it’s traditionally made by boiling or gassing silkworms. The cruelty-free approach behind peace or Ahimsa silk is that moths are allowed to emerge naturally before their cocoons are harvested. Look for GOTS-certified silk to ensure humane manufacturing.

WOOL: Made from the fleece of sheep and other animals, wool is naturally biodegradable, regrows continually and can be harvested without harming animals. Still, industry players have been known to abuse animals, land and workers. Certifiers like the Responsible Wool Standard encourage better stewardship.

ORGANIC LINEN: Made from flax, linen requires little water, is biodegradable, moth-resistant and considered more eco-friendly than cotton.

ORGANIC HEMP: Humans have been harvesting hemp for thousands of years. It’s considered one of the most sustainable fibers because it requires very little water and no toxic chemicals to produce.

LIVING WITH THE COMPLEXITY OF ENVIRONMENTALISM

As the annual global textile market nears $1 trillion in value, the environmental stakes are enormous, and sustainable choices aren’t always easy to make. Ultimately, it’s the new clothes we don’t buy that will help our planet the most. Vow not to purchase fast fashion. Invest in well-made, longer-lasting clothing. Mend clothes to extend their lives. Shop at secondhand stores. Wash clothing less often to reduce the release of micro-plastics. Choose brands committed to responsible fabrics and transparent labeling.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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WINTER HIKES

Provide Exercise and Nature Exposure

by Sheryl DeVore

Lisa Maier finds solace in hiking outdoors in winter. “An early morning hike in the cold is a great way to slow down, decompress and reflect without distractions,” says the McHenry resident, who volunteers for wildlife projects in the Chicago region. “There is a special kind of magic that happens in the winter and not during any other season.” Finding that magic is one of many reasons, including sustaining physical and mental health, to hike in winter.

Forest preserves and natural lands in the region are less crowded in winter compared with other seasons. “The forest preserves tend to have fewer visitors in the winter,” says Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “That means there are calm, quiet spaces to walk and sit.”

“Hiking in winter is great,” agrees Brian Arnoldt, program coordinator for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “It gets us out of the house and it provides us with exercise. “Your body is working that much more to keep you warm.”

Some studies suggest that hiking outdoors in winter burns more calories than it does compared with doing similar exercise in warmer weather. Studies also say that metabolism spikes to deal with the cold. One study showed people that hiked in temperatures ranging from 15 to 23 degrees burned 34 percent more calories than those that hiked in temperatures in the mid-50s.

“People really need to make a point in the Chicago and Midwest to get outside, especially while it’s sunny in the winter,” Arnoldt says. “It can have a dramatic impact on your physical and mental health. In winter, especially, taking a hike outdoors positively affects your well-being, especially people with seasonal affective disorder [a type of depression that some people experience during the winter months].”

Winter hiking also provides an opportunity to enjoy nature in a new way. “In spring, summer and fall, the trees have foliage, but in winter, the leaves are gone, and that opens you up to new experiences,” Arnoldt says. “All the leaves on the trees and branches full of foliage muffle sound. In winter, when the trees are bare, you can hear things much farther into the woods (for example, an animal scurrying or woodpeckers tapping on trees). Some of our nature centers offer an evening owl walk in early winter, so you can hear the nighttime calls of owls and also coyotes off in the distance.”

Maier particularly enjoys listening for nature in winter. “Last year, I was leading a small group on a night hike in McHenry County in mid-January looking for owls,”

Coral Woods in McHenry County in winter

Photo by Lisa Maier

Photo by Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger with the Forest Preserve District of Du Page County, enjoys winter hiking at Churchill Woods

she recalls. “We got a real treat as we stepped into a pine stand and heard this strange call that sounded like someone running their finger along the teeth of a small, plastic comb.” They determined it was a northern saw-whet owl, a species that visits the region in winter. “The owl was close, so the whole group got to hear it well. I had read about and listened to recordings of the ‘plastic comb’ call before, but had never actually heard it from a wild bird. It was so cool to get to hear that bizarre sound. It’s one I’ll never forget,” says Maier.

She notes, “While the overall quantity of birds is low in winter, this is the time for northern-dwelling birds to visit us. Every year is different, with some species irrupting south in huge numbers one year and absent the next. It is prime time to look and listen for owls and other raptors. Birds are also concentrated in areas of open water or food sources, and there is no foliage to make spotting birds difficult.”

There are a lot more animal tracks to see while hiking outdoors in winter, according to Arnoldt and Rosenberg. “The Cook County Forest Preserve has led winter hikes seeking animal tracks at Deer Grove West,” Arnoldt says. “We identify the tracks and talk about what kind of animal it can be and what they eat in winter. To see some great deer tracks and rabbit tracks is great, especially for the little ones who may have never seen that before.”

Rosenberg adds, “After the leaves fall, you have unobstructed

BE PREPARED FOR WINTER HIKES

Dressing properly and planning ahead can make a winter hike safer and more enjoyable. “Always check the weather before heading out, and look for maps of the trail system, either online or by taking a picture of a map in the parking lot, especially if the area is new to you,” suggests Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “Wear breathable, wicking layers to keep you comfortable and bring extras just in case. Wear shoes that will allow you to layer socks underneath. A polyester layer close to the skin helps wick away moisture. Wear sturdy boots, not your canvas or leather tennis shoes.” Rosenberg also suggests wearing cleats on shoes when walking icy trails. Bring water. “You need to drink, even when you’re not thirsty, in winter,” Rosenberg says.

A frequent winter hiker from McHenry County, Lisa Maier, offers, “Weather in our region can be erratic so you want to be prepared for anything. That goes for trail conditions as well, which can be hazardous in sections. Also, keep a basic winter emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, water bottle) and keep your phone charged and on your person.”

Photo by Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Photo by Lisa Maier

Photo by Lisa Maier

Left: West Ridge Nature Preserve in winter.

Right: Sunrise at Cricket Creek in winter in DuPage County

Right: Boone Creek Nature Preserve in winter.

views of birds and mammals still active in winter, as well as their nests.” Squirrels, for example, build large leaves of nest in trees for roosting during cold winters. She enjoys watching snow on a winter hike. “I like seeing snow on the tree branches, the red flash of a cardinal flying past, even the chunk of snow that falls and lands on the back of my neck.”

Maier says the scenery in winter is a good reason to hike outdoors. “The landscape covered in a fresh blanket of snow or frost is stunning, with different types creating different effects. Snow, being highly reflective, can create dramatic washes of colors, splashes of light and intense shadows,” she relates.

Rosenberg thinks hikers might also enjoy snowshoeing in winter. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers pop-up snowshoeing programs when conditions allow. “Last year, I led a snowshoe scavenger hunt at Churchill Woods in perfect conditions,” she says. “It was a sunny day with temps in the 40s and at least six inches of snow. All 20 participants were new to snowshoeing. It’s an easy activity to learn, and it was nice to see everyone’s confidence rise as we hiked around.”

Both Maier and Rosenberg said one reason to hike outdoors in winter is because there won’t be mosquitoes. Insects overwinter in protected places such as the crevices of tree bark as either adults, eggs or larvae. Woodpeckers can stick their long tongues in bark crevices to snatch them for a meal.

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.

SELECTED WINTER HIKES IN THE CHICAGO REGION

For a good winter hike, Brian Arnoldt recommends the nine-mile Tinley Creek Loop, in southern Cook County. “It takes you to some frozen lakes that the district is managing,” says the program coordinator for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. “The way that sun touches ice and comes down at a different time. It can be lovely and inspiring. Be prepared for the long hike or consider doing just a part of it,” he suggests.

McHenry County resident Lisa Maier enjoys hiking lakefront parks from Indiana to Wisconsin during the cold season. “They take on a different personality in winter, but be prepared for the wind,” she says. “Wooded areas like Daniel Wright and Van Patten Woods Forest Preserves, in Lake County, or Crabtree Nature Center and Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, in Cook County, are beautiful in winter. I also enjoy areas along rivers like LaBagh Woods (Cook), Ryerson Conservation Area (Lake), Buffalo Park Forest Preserve (Kane) and McHenry Dam (McHenry). My personal favorite place to hike in winter is a tie between Glacial Park Conservation Area and Boone Creek Conservation Area, both in McHenry County.”

The Forest Preserve District of Du Page County grooms several trail systems for cross-country skiing, including the trails at Meacham Grove, Fullersburg Woods, Greene Valley, Waterfall Glen, Blackwell, Danada and Herrick Lake forest preserves. Hikers there are asked to avoid walking on the set trails to keep them well-groomed, according to Sarah Rosenberg, a ranger for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Hikers can find ungroomed trails at Cricket Creek, Maple Grove, Oldfield Oaks, McDowell Grove, West DuPage Woods and Springbrook Prairie forest preserves, in DuPage County.

The Lake County Forest Preserves offers two lit trails during the winter for night hiking. A 1.3-mile trail at Old School Forest Preserve, in Libertyville, and a 1.65mile trail, which includes a one-mile loop, at Lakewood Winter Sports Area, near Wauconda, are open to hikers, cross-country skiers and those with snowshoes until 9 p.m. through mid-March.

Photo by Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Rocky Glen at Waterfall Glen Preserve in DuPage County

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CALENDAR DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

Call

First: Events or services may be cancelled, postponed or are now offered online. Call and check websites for up-to-date information.

Lin Boufelli Angel Communication & Astrology

– Call for date & appt. $35/30-min Angel Communication; $60/60-min Astrology. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. Appt required: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SAVE THE DATE

ONLINE: Women’s Wellness Series: In Our Own Hands Begins – Saturdays, Jan-Apr. With world-renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and a dynamic star lineup. Produced by Midwest Women’s Herbal. Workshops covering a wide variety of topics spread over the winter months every other Sat. Be supported and inspired to work with herbs, archetypes, magic and healing in their own lives and communities. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

New Year’s Day

Last Day of Kwanzaa New Year’s Day Hike: Deer Grove West –11am-2pm. We’ll hike the yellow trail loop from shelter 5. Park in Grove 5 and take orange trail to purple, then yellow. 6-mile and 4-mile options. Free. Deer Grove West, N Quentin Rd, Palatine. Details & to register: Meetu.ps/e/LjB8c/TpHK/i.

MONDAY, JANUARY 2

ONLINE: Birding in the Land of the Thunder Dragon – 7-8:30pm. Presenter Donna Kenski recently returned from a 2-week birding tour of Bhutan and will share highlights, including some mammals (humans included) and cultural sites. Via Zoom. Register: LakeCountyAudubon.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

Wellness Mushrooms – 11-11:15am. Prized in ancient wellness traditions, the benefits of mushrooms are being rediscovered. More than 600 studies have been conducted worldwide and numerous human clinical trials have been published about their health benefits. Let’s chat about these prized wonders. Can’t join us live? Don’t worry. Find the Livestream on Fruitful Yield’s Facebook event page. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Full Moon - Wolf Moon

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Eastern Russian Orthodox Christmas New Year, New Nature Journal – 1-2pm. Nature journaling is a great way to get motivated to spend a little time outdoors every day. Keeping a journal throughout the year will help you track seasonal changes as well as document those “I can’t believe I just saw that!” moments. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. Register by Jan 6: 815-722-4121 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

Rivers of Color: Redheads and Goldeneyes – 1-2:30pm. Join a naturalist and other passionate birders on the chilly trails and uncover the special adaptations that allow these waterfowl to make Four Rivers their winter home. All welcome. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Jan 6: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Bonne Année : A New Year Celebration –2-3:30pm. Ring in the New Year French-Canadian fur-trader style with stories and games of Illinois Country. Enjoy a warm drink around a toasty fire and make a vintage French craft to take home as a keepsake. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Jan 5: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Crystals for the New Year – Are you ready to learn what crystals will benefit you in this upcoming year? Learn how to use these crystals to attract what you want to bring into your life: abundance, spirituality, love, Divine Light, focus and more. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Hike DuPage: Fullersburg Preserve – 11am1pm. This is a popular preserve and features many trails and routes. The one we will explore hugs Salt creek most of the way. Meet at the Graue Mill Parking lot by the information sign. 3-4.5 miles. Optional lunch at York Tavern. Free. Graue Mill, 3899-3711 Spring Rd, Oak Brook. Tinyurl.com/mrn373c9.

2023: What’s Ahead for You? – 2-5pm. In today’s world of change, transformation, ascension, you may be asking yourself and others what changes will 2023 bring. You can become aware of the possibilities and probabilities with our 3 practitioners. Choices: Lin Boffeli, Astrology; Philip Clark, Numerology; or Andre Peraza, I-Ching Oracle Cards. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Darien Garden Club Planning for Spring with Tips for the New Gardener – 6:30-8:30pm. Learn all you need to start your garden off right, and get your questions answered. If you are starting a brand-new garden or renovating an established one, learn tips and skills that have been passed down for many years from gardener to gardener. In-person or via Zoom. Free. St John Lutheran Church, 7214 S Cass Ave, Darien. Eventbrite.com/e/479889621777.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10

Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Tuesdays, Jan 10-Mar 14. 10am-1pm. Also held Tues & Wed, Jan 10Feb 8, 1:30-4:30pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Mission SLIMpossible – 5:30-6:15pm. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Fruitful Yield, 2378 Essington Rd, Joliet. Register: FruitfulYield.com.

Go Green Highland Park Monthly Meeting –7-8pm. Have a Green New Year! Join GGHP for our monthly meeting and share your ideas. Find out how you can get involved in event planning or help with other group activities. Register: GoGreenHP.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Fruitful Yield and Irwin Naturals Pair Up for a Facebook Livestream – 11-11:25am. Join us live for an exciting and informative discussion on health and wellness with Irwin Natural’s National Brand educator. Don’t worry about not making it to the livestream. Just catch it on our Fruitful Yield Facebook Events page. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield.

Beginning Zen Shiatsu – Wednesdays, Jan 11Mar 15. 7-10pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Morning Bird Hike – 8-10am. Kick off the new year with a hike to get your 2023 bird list started. Join other birders as we learn, explore and search for winter residents in the preserve. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by Jan 13: 708-946-2216 or ReconncetWithNature.org.

Eagle Watch – 11am-3pm. Join us as we celebrate these exceptional birds of prey with guided hikes, live bird presentations, Talon Talks, family activities and more. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Little Witches Moon Gardening Club –1-3:30pm. Club members learn how to start seeds and a planting log. We’ll create seed trays together and plan gardens together within different monthly sessions. $50. Cultivating Guts, 1011 W Wildwood Dr, Prospect Heights. 773-234-6636. CultivatingGuts.com.

ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, out-ofbody and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Jack Bonczyk, NDEr, was paralyzed from the neck down and learned how to release the paralysis until he could walk again. Amazing story. 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.

Clear & Joyful Meditation: Silent Retreat –2-5pm. This month, we’ll focus on methods to become more focused, confident, and joyful in meditation, so that it naturally becomes the best part of our day. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, each session will include practical instruction and guided meditation. $30. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Wicker Park, 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org.

Gong Sound Bath – 6:30-8pm. With Andre. Have family in town and looking for something to do? Want to just get away from the holidays and bliss out? Come and join Andre for an exceptional experience. $35. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

World Religion Day

The Path to Enlightenment Retreat: Refuge & Liberation – 10am-4:30pm. This guided meditation retreat offers an ideal opportunity to gain experience of the Stages of the Path meditations, or “Lamrim,” which is a special arrangement of all Buddha’s teachings that is easy to understand and put into practice. $35/ advance, $40/at door. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, Oak Park, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park. 708-763-0132. MeditateInChicago.org.

Let’s Hike Waterfall Glen During the Off Season – 11am-2pm. From where we park, the first visit to the waterfall is only about 1/2 mile. We will then continue on the main trail to a scenic area, Sawmill Creek Bluff Overlook. 5.4 miles or 9 miles, optional lunch. Meet at the information sign. Free. Waterfall Glen Bluff Rd Entrance, Willowbrook. Directions & to register: Tinyurl.com/2s4yzmws.

Chicago NAChicago.com

Menopause Introductory Workshop – 1-2pm. With Marla Privitera. Learn about ways you can build a healthy lifestyle that brings out your best in body, mind and soul during this period of life. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Digestive Solutions for Gut Health – 5:306:30pm. Many people experience discomfort after meals: gas, bloating, and food intolerances, but are left baffled as to what the cause could be. Could it be environmental? What we ate? Stress? Digestive imbalance? We’ll explore digestive enzymes, probiotics and more. Fruitful Yield, 155 N Randall Rd, Batavia. FruitfulYield.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

Fruitful Yield joins Probulin Probiotics Live on Facebook – 11-11:25am. Where does one start with their probiotic journey? We hear about prebiotics and may wonder what that means. What’s a prebiotic? What can this potentially do for my health? Is it all about gut health, or are there other benefits as well? Fruitful Yield’s Sandhya Matthews joins Probulin’s Educator and Founder to discuss the benefits of pro and prebiotics. Facebook.com/thefruitfulyield.

Celebrate The Chinese New Year of The Hare – 7-9pm. The Hare is the fourth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Join Yvonne Lui Wolf to experience some of the rites, activities, symbols, and foods associated with this festive occasion. $30, $25/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

New Moon - Disgonah - Moon of Great Long Night

River of Colors: White as Snow – 11am12pm. Enjoy a winter hike as we chat about this glistening white wonder, then head indoors to watch snow crystals form in real time. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Jan 20: 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Tarot Reading – 11am-5pm. By appt. With Andre. $35/30-min session. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Make a Snowflake – Jan 21-22. 12-4pm. Celebrate the snow and create a wintry decoration for your home with this self-guided craft. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. ReconnectWithNature.org.

Track and Scat Hike – 1-2:30pm. Lace up your winter boots and let’s figure out what animals have been hanging around Isle a la Cache. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Jan 19: 815-886-1467 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Gemz & Boardz Pop-Up Shop – 1-6pm. Join us and shop crystals, skateboards and products by local vendors. Will have a food vendor and free coffee. 3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago. 872-218-0307.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

Lunar New Year (Year of the Rabbit)

Dog Admission Day at the Arboretum –7am-sunset. Hit the trails, at The Morton Arboretum, with your canine friend. $5/dog. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Reservations required: MortonArb.org.

Hike Lake County Van Patten Woods & Sterling Lake – 11am-2pm. If you like hiking next to water then you might really like this hike. At least 75% of the hike will have views of either the Des Plaines River, a creek or Sterling Lake. 4 or 6 miles, optional lunch Free. Van Patten Forest, 15838 IL-173, Wadsworth. Details & to register: Tinyurl.com/3j4ct8ct.

Finding Vocational Direction: The 10th House and More – 1-4pm. Astrological indicators can help to determine what vocational directions best suit us. Workshop uses practical stepby-step techniques to bring our attention to the signs and qualities that rule the vocational houses while considering the entire horoscopic picture of the native in order to help an individual find a happy and fulfilling career/vocation. $55, $45 by Jan 15. Zoom & Live at Life Force Arts Center, 1609 W Belmont Ave, Chicago. 773-327-7224. LifeForceArts.org.

New Year Empowerment: Creating A Vision

For 2023 – 2-5pm. Create a fresh view, a clean slate to enter 2023. In this workshop, led by Cheryl Koronkowski, we’ll review 2022, completing unfinished business, and making space for the New Year. We’ll connect to our heart’s desire, providing an opening to create with intention. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

Mission SLIMpossible – 5:30-6:15pm. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Fruitful Yield, 229 W Roosevelt Rd, Lombard. Register: FruitfulYield.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

Mission SLIMpossible Facebook Livestream – 11-11:20am. Weight loss can be a revolving door for many of us. From the foods we eat to detoxing our bodies, we can all make some lifestyle changes. Jessica will offer a discussion on individualizing your weight loss journey with detoxing and nutrition tips. Facebook.com/ thefruitfulyield.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

UN Int’l Holocaust Commemoration Day

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Unlocking The Secrets to Mediumship –9:30am-4pm. In this day-long workshop with psychic medium Thomas John participants can further their existing psychic and medium abilities for readings for other people. They can deepen and expand their intuition using advanced intuitive techniques. 5 CEUs available. In-person or Zoom. $120, $100/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org.

Meditative Mandalas – 10-11am. Join Crystal Simpelo, who is truly an artist at heart and the author of The Colorful Expressions of Your Soul: A Mandala Coloring Book and Meditative Creative Journal. Free. Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W Laraway Rd, Joliet. Register by Jan 26: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org.

Astral Energy Healing – 4-7pm. With Richard Popp and Cheryl. While you are lying on a massage table, they will enter into a semisleep trance and scan your body, aura and chakras. Stuck and charged energies will be identified and cleared. There will be time for questions and comments. $50/30-min session. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

MONDAY, JANUARY 30

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

Digestive Solutions for Gut Health – 5:306:30pm. Many people experience discomfort after meals: gas, bloating, and food intolerances, but are left baffled as to what the cause could be. Could it be environmental? What we ate? Stress? Digestive imbalance? We’ll explore digestive enzymes, probiotics and more. Fruitful Yield, 168 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg. FruitfulYield.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 26

SAVE THE DATE

12th Annual Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend: Germinating Regenerative Wisdom– May 26-28. Keynote speakers are Robin Rose Bennett, Linda Black Elk, Rev. Judith Laxer, with opening and closing ceremonies led by Venice Williams. The conference offers more than 60 workshops and plant walks focused on transforming our relationship to herbs, plants, trees, mushrooms and the Earth. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.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.

photo credit tgwint.com

ONGOING EVENTS

To ensure we keep our community calendar current, ongoing events must be resubmitted each month. DEADLINE: All listings must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Calendar events must be submitted online at NAChicago.com/Calendar.

DAILY ALL MONTH

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden – Thru Jan 8, special events on select dates. Features music, light, fire and color in an outdoor illuminated trail to make spirits bright with new, light-filled installations. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe. ChicagoBotanic.org/lightscape.

Who’s Prepared for Winter Scavenger Hunt – Jan 4-29. 10am-4pm, Wed-Sat; 12-4pm, Sun. Start inside the nature center to receive your scavenger hunt checklist. You will have to look inside and out to find every one. Bring back your observations to be awarded a prize. Free. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook. ReconnectWithNature.org.

SUNDAY

Time to Dance: Ballet – 10:30am. Also 1:30pm, Tues & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Intro to Aikido – 11am-12:30pm. An open invitation to anyone interested in trying out the Japanese martial art of aikido. Learn some of our basic techniques and exercises and give you an opportunity to learn a little about our community. Walk-ins welcome. Free. Chicago Aikikai, 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312-880-7357. ChicagoAikikai.org.

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.

MONDAY

See NAChicago.com for latest events.

TUESDAY

Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health and following our intuition. She ties modern suburban homesteading to our ancestral roots. Hinton blends herbalism, functional medicine and green witch practices to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. open.spotify.com/ show/0NAS66nfqGnsi9Fy46yzYH.

NAChicago.com

Time to Dance: Ballet – 1:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 5:30pm, Thurs. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

ONLINE: Guided Meditation for Inner Balance & Quieting the Mind – 6:50-8:10pm. 3rd Tue. With Ellen Radha Katz. Donation. Via Zoom. Register: Meetup.com/Inner-Balance-Meditation.

Shiatsu Student Clinic – 7 & 8pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston. Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Community Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. For the planet and humanity. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

WEDNESDAY

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@BodyNBrain.com. BodyNBrain.com/Libertyville.

Shiatsu Student Clinic – 2-4pm. Receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. $35/45-min or $90/3 treatments. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 825A Chicago Ave, Evanston. Availability limited; for appts: 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org.

Akashic Records & Angel Card Readings –7-9pm. By appt. Have questions about your spiritual life? Ask for guidance from your angels and guides with an Akashic Record Angel Card Reading. What questions are on your mind now? $35/30 mins, $60/1 hr. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

THURSDAY

Time to Dance: Fitness – 9:30am. Emphasizes low-impact, high-intensity, cardio dance and fitness routines accompanied by music. Alternate dance with resistance routines to build and maintain muscle and bone density. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Numerology – Times differ from 12-3pm or 3-6pm. Call for appt; walk-ins taken when available. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Time to Dance: Modern – 1:30pm. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

Time to Dance: Ballet – 5:30pm. Also 10:30am, Sun & 1:30pm, Tues. Although not beginner classes, dancers of all levels of experience welcome. In-person & Zoom. CBG Institute for Dance and Health, 505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park. To register: CBG-Institute.org.

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

FRIDAY

St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market – 9am12pm. Baker Memorial Church, 307 Cedar Ave, St. Charles. BakerMemorialChurch.org.

SATURDAY

Green City Fall Market: Avondale – 8am-1pm. Jan 7, 21 Feb 4. 3031 Rockwell St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org.

Deerfield Indoor Winter Farmers Market –Thru Apr. 9am-12:30pm. 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat. St Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Rd, Deerfield. Tinyurl.com/56wdee4n.

Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.

~Germany Kent

Intro to Aikido – 10-11:30am. An open invitation to anyone interested in trying out the Japanese martial art of aikido. Learn some of our basic techniques and exercises and give you an opportunity to learn a little about our community. Walk-ins welcome. Free. Chicago Aikikai, 1444 W Chicago Ave, Chicago. 312-880-7357. ChicagoAikikai.org.

Shamanic Healing Sessions – 11am-3pm. $60/60 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. For appt: 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.

Akashic Records & Angel Card Readings –12-4pm. Walk-ins welcome. $35/30 mins, $60/60 mins. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.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.

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds.

HELP WANTED

YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds.

PETS

HERBS FOR DOGS – Herbs and vitamins could help your dogs live a healthier and happier life. Learn more: HolisticHerbsForDogs.com.

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.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community.

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.

CHIROCARE CLINIC WELLNESS CENTER

693 N Cass Ave, Westmont 60559 721 W Lake St, Ste 201, Addison 60101 630-601-6932

ChiroCareClinic2@gmail.com ChiroCareWellnessClinic.com

At ChiroCare Clinic Wellness Center we strive to get to the source of the problem, address the issue naturally, and restore proper body function for health and wellness. We not only help you get out of pain, but we also help you regain your life.

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 page 15.

50 Chicago NAChicago.com

Allergies

MIDWEST ALLERGY RELIEF CENTER

3365 N Arlington Hts Rd, Ste D, Arlington Hts 60004 847-392-7901

MidwestAllergyRelief.com

Dr. Amanda Thiry, DC, BSN, uses Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT), a non-invasive alternative technology that’s effective and safe for all ages, to identify and treat specific allergen elements that affect your quality of life. Discover how you can eat foods, be near pets and use products again that you now avoid, and experience a new lease on life. See ad on page 37.

Anti-Inflammatory Meal Services

CHEF BEAU’S KLEAN KITCHEN

Serving the Chicago area 26 Calendar Ave, La Grange 60525 708-354-4844

ChefBeausKleanKitchen.com

Chicagoland’s only Personal & Private Chef service focused on using the Kleanest food! Do you have inflammation? Do you have an autoimmune disease that you are trying to manage with food? Chef Beau’s meal service is available for pickup & delivery 2x a week. See ad on page 9.

Artisanal and Specialty Food Products

LIVE OIL BY LESNA 773-739-4857

LesnaOils@gmail.com LiveOilByLesna.com

Offering exclusive organic oils from nuts and seeds, pressed whole and raw—100% natural, cold-derived and carefully pressed by hand in unique wooden barrels. No chemicals, preservatives or additives. Unique room temperature extraction ensures oils are fresh, never bitter and always maintain high-level nutrition. See website for complete line of LIVE oils, flours and skincare products.

Bodywork

ROTH STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

Diane Roth, BCSI Highland Park, 60035 847-533-3213 • RothSI.com

Structural Integration (SI) realigns, rebalances and re-educates the body through manual therapy and movement education. Chronic pain, bad posture, tired and achy bodies are signs that the body is out of balance. SI benefits include decreased pain, injury rehabilitation, improved posture, ease in movement, and increased flexibility and stamina.

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.

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.

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit.

~B.K.S. Iyengar

Catering Service

WHOLESOME 360

324 N Leavitt, Chicago 60612 773-857-0230

Info@Wholesome360.com Wholesome360.com

Serving our Chicago community clean-healthy food since 2017. Modern Mediterranean catering, made from scratch, only with freshest ingredients. At Wholesome 360, we are committed to a healthy and sustainable future. See ad on page 27.

CBD Products

BOTANICA CBD

No high… just health

1306 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60201 847-905-0391 Botanica-cbd.com

We research and vet every organic, third -party, lab-tested brand that we carry for effectiveness and purity. Our focus is on education and personalized customer service. We have the best selection of cbd products and gift boxes. Free local and nationwide shipping. See ad on page 37.

NATURAL REMEDEE HEALTH SOLUTIONS

Dee Bayro, CHHC

NaturalRemedee.com HempHealthTalks.com

Your hemp health coach. Too many people are living with daily pain and chronic conditions, without much support. Many have not heard or know how cannabis works in the body, and that it is essential to maintain homeostasis (balance of all the body systems) or that it is involved in a number of physiological processes, including pain sensation, mood, memory and appetite, and more. As your health advisor, I will help guide you and find answers. We get to the root cause and see if cannabinoid therapy is right for you. Over thousands of studies support the therapeutic benefits for over 250 health conditions. Visit our website or attend an online free informational Zoom (register on website) to learn more.

Chiropractic

CHIROCARE CLINIC

WELLNESS CENTER

693 N Cass Ave, Westmont 60559 721 W Lake St, Ste 201, Addison 60101 630-601-6932

ChiroCareClinic2@gmail.com

ChiroCareWellnessClinic.com

At ChiroCare Clinic Wellness Center we strive to get to the source of the problem, address the issue naturally, and restore proper body function for health and wellness. We not only help you get out of pain, but we also help you regain your life.

Coaching & Counseling

DEW HEALTH COACHING

Elizabeth Lynch 312-504-8754

ElizabethGLynch@gmail.com

Using evidence-based techniques, the certified coaches at Dew Health Coaching provide talkbased and whole-person support for individuals looking to optimize their well-being.

Dance for Health

TIME TO DANCE WITH CBG

INSTITUTE FOR DANCE & HEALTH

North Shore School of Dance

505 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035

DanceForJoy16@gmail.com CBG-Institute.org

SUSAN CURRY

InteriorWerx 312-479-7893

Info@InteriorWerx.us InteriorWerx.us

Feeling anxious or scared? Are you seeking solutions to regain emotional balance and clarity? Susan Curry of InteriorWerx can assist, using her intuitive energy coaching skills. 15-min complimentary phone consult available using promo MYFIRSTSESSION. See ad on page 35.

Compounding Pharmacy

WELLTOPIA PHARMACY

136 N Main St, Thiensville 262-429-9429 WelltopiaRX.com

Discover the healing art of dance through ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+. Dance is proven to have both physical and psychological benefits. Taught by dancer teachers Lisa Gold, Lynne Chervony Belsky, MD, and Lorraine Chase. See ad on page 41.

Digestive Health Specialist

RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS

Telehealth and In-Office 847-207-2034

DigestiveHealthSolutions.com

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

Your neighborhood compound pharmacy puts you first, every time.

We provide specialty custom-made medications, unique compounded medications, high-quality vitamins & supplements and consultations. Call today to speak with our pharmacist and wellness team for all your health needs or ask your doctor about Welltopia Compound Pharmacy. See ad on page 11.

Crystal and Rock Stores

GEMZ AND BOARDZ

3101 W Montrose Ave, Chicago 60618 872-218-0307

GemzAndBoardz.com

Retail and online 90s-themed crystal and skateboard shop with an amazing selection of rocks and crystals, handmade jewelry, local products, boards and more at great prices. We’re also an internet café for work and relaxing with coffee and tea available. Check out our events, pop-ups, game nights and facility party rental options.

Energy Gemstones & Jewelry

JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST

Joann Lysiak Gems 847-596-0274

Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com JoannLysiakGems.com

Gemstones have energy properties that you can benefit from when wearing them or displaying them. Using the energy properties, you can attract love, abundance or increase your intuition and Spiritual Consciousness or strengthen your energy. View my collection with purpose or let me intuitively find the perfect gemstone for you.

Float Therapy

FLOTSTONE

57 E Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff 60044 847-482-1700

• Flotstone.com

Floatation therapy is quickly being recognized as a very safe and effective way to shift into the parasympathetic state of total relaxation. Floating cradles you in its graceful healing waters optimizing your body’s ability to do what it does best, heal! Float effortlessly in over 1,250 lbs of Epsom salt. See ad on page 29.

Functional Medicine

HEAL N CURE MEDICAL WELLNESS

Meena Malhotra, MD, ABIM, ABOM 2420 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025 847-686-4444 • HealNCure.com

Specializing in medical wellness, weight loss, hormone balancing, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and anti-aging using integrative and functional medicine. We find and resolve the root cause of medical conditions and achieve outstanding, lasting results for our patients, many of which had almost given up on wellness goals. Free educational seminars. PPO insurance and Medicare accepted for covered services. See ad on page 2.

Holistic Dentistry

DR. ALLA AVER, DDS

2400 Ravine Way, Suite 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. See ad on page 19.

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.

WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL

Dr. Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, PC 3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657 773-975-6666 WrigleyvilleDental.com

In addition to state-of-the-art technology and methods offered by most holistic dentists (microscopes, ozone therapy, etc.), we treat you as a partner. We thoroughly explain your unique situation, provide treatment options and keep you comfortable with Netflix, music and paraffin wax treatments. Now offering reiki treatments. Located off the Brown line. Free garage parking. See ad on page 33.

Holistic Health Practitioner

BIO-ENERGY CENTER

Kankakee Natural Foods BioEnergy Center 815-933-6236 KankakeeNaturalFoods.com

Our BioEnergy Center brings together stateof-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.

Holistic Skincare

HOLISTIC SKIN EXPERT: PAULINA IANNOTTA 24W788 75th St, Naperville 60565 (within Estuary Center for Living and Healing Arts) 708-769-5351 • HolisticSkinExpert.com

Paulina has been a holistic-licensed esthetician since 2010. She believes in balance and treats the body as a whole, and that the skin should be nourished and nurtured with love and not abused with harsh chemicals and treatments. Every treatment is about 2 hours and it’s customized to meet the needs of every individual.

Hypnosis-Hypnotherapy

BRUCE G. SKEDD, MS, CI, CHT, CT.NLP, CM.NLP, CHLC NGH Certified Instructor Vm/text: 630-778-0899 Hypnocat10@gmail.com

Professional Consulting Hypnotist & Hypnotherapist Certification Trainings. Still time to catch the last suburban National Guild of Hypnotists 100-hr certification training of the summer. A Meet and Greet a National Guild of Hypnotists Certification Instructor, will be held on the last Sunday of every month. Reservations required. Call Bruce Skedd for more information or to make a reservation.

Integrative Medicine

BROOKFIELD HEALTH & WELLNESS, LLC

150 S Sunnyslope Rd, Ste 148, Brookfield, WI 262-395-4023

BrookfieldHealthAndWellness.com

Our passion is helping patients maximize their health, allowing you to live life to the absolute fullest. We approach each patient as an individual by assessing the body with state-of-the art, bio-energetic technology to identify underlying root cause issues. See ad on page 41.

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 healthcare, 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.

thriveMD – OPTIMAL HEALTH

Dr. Greg Seaman

1355 Remington Rd, Ste I, Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070

Info@thriveMD.org

Using IV therapies, PRP, weight management and other natural programs, we help conditions like fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalance, pain, injury, weight gain, decreased performance, tickborne disease and more. After an initial consultation, we design your custom program to obtain true optimal health, which includes living a healthy lifestyle and being committed to yourself.

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.

NAChicago.com

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 on Zoom, some are recorded to watch later. CEUs available. Angels & the Afterlife with Sunny Dawn Johnston, January 22, Zoom. An Intimate Night with Spirit with Thomas John, January 27, Live. Unlocking the Secrets to Mediumship, with Thomas John, Live & on Zoom, Hybrid, January 28. Call for free course guide.

Meditation Center

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER

CHICAGO

13 Harrison St, Oak Park 60304 2010 W Pierce Ave, Chicago 60622 708-763-0132 • MeditateInChicago.org

Meditation and modern Buddhism. Everyone welcome. We offer an array of drop-in classes, weekend events, and retreats open to everyone and suitable for all levels of experience. A nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we’re dedicated to sharing the practical wisdom of Buddha’s teachings with Chicagoland through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Naturopathic Consultation

DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND

Associate Professor, Rush University Med. School Antalee Wellness 1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com

If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your wholebody 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-ofthe-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.

Nutritional IV Therapy

thriveMD 1355 Remington Rd, Ste I Schaumburg IL 60173 312-600-5070 • thriveMD.com

Thrive MD offers a way to deliver vital fluids, vitamins, electrolytes and nutrients directly into the bloodstream which can restore hydration, support the immune system and aid in faster recovery. Offerings include nutritional immune support, weight loss, vitality and stress relief.

Nutritional Supplements

STANDARD PROCESS

Kathy Kiss Sr Account Manager

KKiss@StandardProcess.com

Standard Process is a Wisconsin-based, family-owned, wholefood-based nutritional supplement company that partners with healthcare practitioners to address issues related to health conditions. See ad on page 5.

Thermography, Thermometry & Ultrasound

NORTHWEST MEDICAL SCREENING

(formerly known as Northwest Medical Thermography)

Locations across Chicago area 224-600-3216

Facebook: @northwesthealingcenter NWMedicalScreening.com

Erica Cody is a certified thermographer and works with a team of technicians and doctors together focusing on women and men’s health. Our scans help to indicate issues throughout the body, including head, breast, abdominal and pelvis. Women’s Health Check half-body scans can also detect dysfunction and provide indications for further investigation. Multiple locations: see website for schedule and to make an appointment. See ad on page 17.

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast. Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?” “One of the best presents ever.” “Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

Colds

Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds Styes Warts Ringworm

Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA34

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.