Natural Awakenings Houston August 2023

LIFELONG LEARNING

Read this month’s articles for clues.

Across

1 People who continue through their lives acquiring new skills, goes with 1 down- 2 words

6 Undesirable skin condition

10 Treatment for a joint injury swelling

12 Eureka! - word of discovery

13 Study of the movement of celestial bodies in relation to potential effects on human affairs

15 Short sleep

17 Spoil

19 “The Lord of the Rings” bad guy

21 Source of solar power

22 Walking casually and easily

24 Lead symbol26 Organization advocating comprehensive modifications that make going green easy, abbr.

27 Rose-___: fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C

30 Perhaps

32 Part of the brain crucial for longterm memory and spatial navigation

34 Seriously overweight

35 Liquid topical treatment that can help reduce acne, 2 words

Down

1 See 1 across

2 Healthy physically

3 Light tan

4 Zodiac sign

5 New, as a prefix

7 Emissions being cut back to protect the ozone layer

8 Concord’s state, abbr.

9 It cuts out noise when sleeping

11 Skin abnormalities analyzed by dermatologists

14 Green meadow

16 “The Office” character

17 Landmark event in your life

18 Scope

20 Flow as a liquid

23 Spot caused by excess oil clogging pores

24 ____therapist: one who uses physical exercises to handle injuries or pain

25 Necessity for a baby when eating

26 One a day keeps the doctor away, in a saying

28 Flower part

29 Buckeye state

31Gold symbol

33 ___ Arbor, MI

Answers on page 29.

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Hello dear readers,

Natural Awakenings Houston is the city’s only sustainability and health publication, and one of the few local magazines that still prints monthly. Our goal is to help you live a healthier, happier, more environmentally friendly life with professionally written articles, recipes, news about local events and information about local businesses that can help our reader reach their health goals.

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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 We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Doyle Ward and Helen Racz Explore The Beyond

Spiritual medium, teacher and life coach Doyle Ward and teacher, author, speaker and channeler of the Emissarians Helen Racz will present an afternoon of mediumship and channeling from 1 to 5 p.m., August 19, at the Unity of Houston Tower of Light.

They will combine mediumship and channeling in gallery readings to find connections with loved ones beyond and discuss the profound wisdom of the Emissarians at this life-altering event. There will be an open question and answer session where participants can ask questions.

Mediumship is the process of helping pepople communicate with their friends, family and loved ones on the other side, providing comfort and closure to those seeking to connect with those who have passed.

The Emissarians are a group of non-physical entities dedicated to helping us cultivate the skills and understanding necessary for fruitful, thriving lives. They offer us their wisdom and guidance on our quest for self-discovery and betterment.

Channeling is a spiritual practice in which a channel or medium enters into an altered state to receive and convey messages from non-physical entities or consciousness.

Cost is $149. Register at Tinyurl.com/MediumAndChannel. Location: 2929 Unity Dr., Houston. For more information, call 832628-4113 or email Doyle@BlissfulQuests.com. See Ad on page 7.

Wicked Good Climate Summit

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will host a climate science conference, The Good, The Bad, and The Wicked, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 7, on the San Marcos campus of Texas State University.

The conference brings together practitioners, academics, policy makers, businesses and nonprofit leaders from across the state to explore the lesser-known aspects of the complex problems, unique challenges and opportunities the state faces in the fight against climate change.

Renowned climate scientist and keynote speaker Michael E. Mann will share a special preview of his forthcoming book sharing lessons about how Earth’s past can offer guidance to help survive the climate crisis.

Climate change is a complex issue that can be managed, but not solved. This conference will set the record straight about the challenges in Texas. Meadows Center Executive Director Robert Mace says, “Challenging misconceptions and developing deeper insights into the complexities of climate change will empower attendees to take action for a resilient future.”

Registration closes Sept. 3. For pricing and more information, visit Climate.MeadowsWater.org. Location: LBJ Student Center grand ballroom, 700 Student Center Dr., San Marcos.

The 2023 CEC Greater Houston Environmental Summit, an annual networking and celebration conference of regional environmental organizations and individuals, in association with a grassroots Houston Community Climate Summit, will meet on September 29 from noon to 5 p.m. (plus happy hour) at the University of Houston downtown, with an associated community event on September (TBD) from 8:30 to 5 p.m.

Executive Director of Citizens Environmental Coalition Charlotte Cisneros says, “People in the environmental organization realm and people who care about the environment in general that wish to engage with like-minded individuals should save the date as the organizers fully develop the programming and the speakers.” Past CEC summit archives are available on the CEC website.

Location: 315 Main St., Houston. For more information, email Charlotte.Cisneros@cechouston.orgor visit cechouston.org.See ad on page 10.

Start a Career in Natural Health

Enrollment is now open for fall and winter courses at Trinity School of Natural Health, a premier resource for holistic health education, with graduates from all 50 U.S. states and more than 40 countries. Founded in 1991, the school’s diverse online curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge and skills to help turn a passion for healthy living into a fulfilling career.

Graduates often use their education in private practices, group clinics, retail stores, online businesses, public education or writing jobs.

Certifications are available for a wide range of natural health specialties, including health coaching, naturopathy, aromatherapy, homeopathy, holistic fitness, herbalism, iridology, nutritional consulting and ZYTO bioenergetics. Led by instructors with practical expertise, these online courses provide students the flexibility to work when their schedules allow, while offering interactive and structured classroom settings to keep students motivated and on the path toward graduation.

Programs begin every four weeks. For more information or to enroll, call an enrollment specialist at 800-428-0408, option 2, or visit TrinitySchool.org. See ad on page 10.

Reducing Pain With Music Therapy

Maximizing Lutein in Green Smoothies

Research indicates that lutein is essential for eye health, suppresses inflammation and offers cardiovascular health benefits. Because the human body cannot make this powerful antioxidant, it is important to include it in the diet by eating dark, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale.

A new study in the journal PAIN Reports conducted by researchers at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health, in Cleveland, looked at patient outcomes in pain reduction after music therapy. The study examined music therapy interventions provided to 1,056 adults that reported moderate to severe pre-session pain, anxiety or stress. Interventions included listening to live, music-assisted relaxation and imagery, and active music making. After a single music therapy session, the patients reported clinically significant reductions in pain, anxiety and stress. Additionally, patients receiving a music therapy session in which pain management was a goal were 4.32 times more likely to report pain reduction than those receiving the therapy without such a goal. While music therapy may be an effective, non-drug therapy for acute pain and distress management, additional research is needed to determine which characteristics of music therapy interventions influence pain improvements.

A new study in the journal Nutrients has found that coconut milk is the most effective plant-based milk to liberate lutein from spinach in green smoothies. The scientists from Linköping University, in Sweden, tested 14 liquids, and only four increased lutein liberation in spinach smoothies. Compared to blending spinach with water alone, coconut milk without additives was found to improve lutein liberation by 42 percent. Improved lutein liberation was also found with high-fat cow’s milk (36 percent), medium-fat cow’s milk (30 percent) and coconut milk with additives (25 percent). Researchers noted that soy milk with and without additives actually reduced lutein liberation by 40 percent and 61 percent,

Climate Victory Gardens

Power Walking Innovation

During World War II, an estimated 20 million Americans planted individual and community “victory gardens” to assist the war efforts by producing more than 40 percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the country at the time. As the world faces a different kind of threat today, Green America is encouraging and training people to plant “climate victory gardens” to restore soil health and draw down carbon as a way to help solve the climate crisis.

The project invites people to log their garden on an online map (GreenAmerica.org/climate-victory-gardens), showing the cumulative impact of their effort. More than 20,000 climate victory gardens have already been planted, collectively sequestering approximately 4,740 tons of carbon per year, which is equivalent to eliminating the emissions from driving more than 39 million miles.

The mission of Green America, a nonprofit, is to mobilize and empower consumers, investors, businesses and the marketplace to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Green America provides information on regenerative gardening in down-to-earth terms for beginners and seasoned pros. They also provide resources on related topics, such as organic fertilizers and pesticides, raising chickens, growing food indoors, composting, supporting pollinators and building a rain barrel.

A basic law of physics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Kinetic energy pushes us forward each time we take a step. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American takes 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day, with many aiming for 10,000 or more. That’s a great deal of energy that gets transferred to the ground unused.

As a design and technology student in London, Laurence Kemball-Cook devised a plan to collect the secondhand energy of footsteps and store it in a usable format. In 2009, a kinetic floor tile that could generate clean electricity was born. Today, Kemball-Cook is CEO of Pavegen, one of many companies looking for ways to advance sustainable energy. Pavegen has installed more than 200 projects in 37 countries.

Pavegen’s sidewalks are made of tile-like triangular platforms. When someone steps on a tile, a flywheel is activated to spin extremely fast, generating power that is sent to and stored in a battery. Although these smart sidewalks do not have the capacity to power entire cities, they can provide energy to office spaces, shopping malls, neighborhoods with streetlamps, sports games and music festivals. While the company works to lower costs and extend their application, Pavegen has been using its energy-producing sidewalks as an educational tool for sustainability awareness.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, El Niño and La Niña are the warm and cool phases of a climate pattern across the tropical Pacific. The patterns shift back and forth every two to seven years and vary in strength, causing changes in ocean temperature that lead to droughts, floods and heat waves in different parts of the world.

El Niño has the strongest influence on U.S. winter weather, but in the summer, it reduces hurricane activity in the Caribbean and Atlantic. The pattern also makes it wetter across the southern third to half of the country, including California, while regions in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Ohio Valley are dry and warm. Outside the U.S., El Niño brings drier weather to Australia, Indonesia, India, and parts of southern Africa and northern South America, and wetter conditions in Southeast Argentina, parts of Chile and Northeast Africa.

This year’s El Niño formed earlier than usual, increasing the possibility of a strong effect on the weather, which when combined with human-caused warming, could result in record high global temperatures. Experts also say it is possible that record hot Atlantic Ocean water may counteract El Niño’s usual suppression of hurricanes this year.

The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone.

– Mitch Albom

Controlling Indoor Air Pollution

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution can be as high as, or even higher than, outdoor levels. Because we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, ambient air quality can impact anyone’s health, but seniors, children and people with health conditions like asthma and heart disease are more vulnerable.

Some pollutants come from outside; others originate indoors through cooking, cleaning, smoking, building materials, consumer products and furnishings. Common contaminants include formaldehyde, mold and pollen. Consider these measures to maintain a healthy, fresh-air environment inside the dwelling.

VENTILATE THE HOME

Open non-street-facing windows for 15 minutes every day to let fresh air in. Even if it’s colder or hotter outdoors, indoor air quality will improve, and the temperature will adjust quickly. The best times to ventilate are before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m., when outdoor pollution is lowest.

Air quality alerts for particulates from forest fires or heavy smog may indicate skipping ventilation. To expel pollutants,

use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, or position a fan to blow out of a window. Ventilate rooms when painting or engaging in maintenance and hobbies that use noxious chemicals.

FILTER THE AIR

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters fitted into heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems remove pollutants throughout the house, including dust, pollen, mold and bacteria. Portable air cleaners known as HEPA air purifiers can sanitize a single room or area. For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/EPAindoorair

CLEAN SURFACES

To reduce airborne, allergy-causing agents, including dust mites, pollen, animal dander and dust (comprised of dead skin, soil, fungal spores and chemicals), houseclean regularly. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration and strong suction. Wet-wipe and wet-mop surfaces with reusable, compostable materials like washable cotton, hemp or wool. Avoid petroleum-based microfiber, which releases microplastics. Mops with bamboo or metal handles are more eco-friendly and longer lasting than plastic types.

AVOID INTRODUCING POLLUTANTS

Remove shoes at the door to prevent tracking in pesticides from green spaces and infectious bacteria from public restrooms, healthcare buildings or foodservice facilities. Replace chemical-ridden air fresheners, body perfumes and bug sprays with low-toxicity, DIY or commercial products that use essential oils and plant-based ingredients. Choose cleaning products certified or recommended by Green Seal (GreenSeal.org), EcoLogo (EcoLogo.org) or the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning (Tinyurl.com/ EWGclean).

Make sure new furnishings and remodeling materials don’t contain lead, asbestos, flame retardants, volatile organic compounds or perfluorinated chemicals. Choose Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood furniture and Global Organic Textile Standard-certified textiles. For more tips, visit Tinyurl.com/EWGhomeguide

LIFELONG LEARNING

BENEFITS OF BEING THE FOREVER STUDENT

by Linda Sechrist

It’s never too late to take an evening drawing class at the local high school, learn a language with the help of an app or get oneon-one tutoring from a piano instructor. Adults of any age can find personal and professional benefits when they engage in what is termed “lifelong learning”. It is a great way to spice up retirement, acquire skills for a coveted promotion, master new technology, express creativity or simply keep the mind sharp.

Lifelong learners are generally curious, self-motivated and passionate individuals. Their continuing educational pursuits can lead to mental and emotional benefits, including healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Brain Benefits

In a study published in the journal Psychological Science involving 200 seniors, neuroscientists at the Center for Vital Longevity at The University of Texas at Dallas found that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities—such as learning digital photography or quilting—significantly enhanced memory function in older adults. The researchers were surprised to discover that the control group, which engaged in fun, social activities without learning a new skill, did not perform as well in memory tests.

In a report published in the journal Neurology, Dr. Keith Johnson from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that people engaged in higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lives can delay the onset of memory problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, although it does not represent a cure for the illness.

The mind is a use-it-or-lose-it tool, says Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a general and forensic psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. “What better way to use our short-term and long-term memory than to engage in lifelong learning? The older we get, the less likely we are to exercise short-term memory. We program our phones with numbers we call regularly. We store passwords and usernames in our computers and never attempt to memorize credit card numbers,” she explains. “We’re not using our brains enough, leaving us open to being replaced by AI [artificial intelligence]. The brain is a muscle to be exercised regularly or like a car that you must keep tuned up.”

Susteren points to a five-year study of London taxi drivers, which found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial for long-term memory and spatial navigation, was larger than average in the brains of these cabbies. What’s more, the neuroscientists at University College London were able to show through magnetic resonance imaging that this gray-matter growth occurred over a four-year period after the drivers had memorized an intricate network of 25,000 streets and thousands of routes to tourist attractions and city hotspots. According to Van Susteren, this study suggests that intensive learning can spur the brain to grow over time.

Making Every Day Count

Ingrid Bianca Byerly, director of the Humanitarian Challenges Focus Program and senior lecturing fellow in the Thompson Writing Program, at Duke University, describes lifelong learners as audacious, curious and fun-loving people that passionately seize the day. In a TEDxStGeorge talk entitled “The New Fountain of Youth: Lifelong Learning”, she recounts the invigorating experience of being on the faculty of three Semester at Sea voyages, where she taught undergraduate students and lifelong learners world music and public-speaking advocacy for global humanitarian causes.

“Entering college, you’re asking yourself, ‘What am I going to

do for a job and a paycheck?’ and at retirement, you’re asking, ‘What is my purpose, and what am I going to do with the rest of my life for my personal fulfillment and enrichment?’” Byerly expresses admiration for lifelong learners that pursue life goals, learn to play musical instruments, take art classes, climb mountains or write memoirs, and surmises that the secret to staying young and keeping the mind alive is adult education.

Life-Altering Pursuits

For some lifelong learners, seeking new opportunities and embracing change are compelling motivators. Take Maia Toll, for example. In 2006, she followed a whim to study herbalism with a traditional healer in Ireland. For the elementary school teacher living in Beacon, New York, botanical herbs had only been a hobby up to that point.

“Apprenticing with Eleanor changed everything,” she says of her experience with her Irish-based mentor. “I had the space in my life and money from selling my house. Three months turned into nearly a year, and upon returning home, I continued studying for four more years.”

Toll left her teaching career to become a full-time herbalist and is now the co-owner of a shop called Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives. She has taught herbalism at West Chester University in their School of Public Health, led a study program in the Amazon rainforest and written several books, including her latest, Letting Magic In. As she explains, “Lifelong learning can change your life at any age.”

A Greater Commitment to Learning

For 30 years, Jim Walker was a labor representative for the California School Employees Association. He recalls teaching a labor-law class as an adjunct instructor for Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and estimates that about 80 percent of his students were lifelong learners, which he defines as adults between the ages of 30 and 45 that are interested in the subject matter for personal or professional reasons rather than satisfying a requirement for a college degree.

“It was obvious to me that these lifelong learners were more dedicated students than college students. They were like sponges and wanted to absorb everything. Occasionally during classes, it was the lifelong learners that were on their phones googling the subject and updating my facts,” says Walker, who admits that when he had more free time in retirement, he enrolled in meteorology and astrology courses to satisfy longstanding interests of his own.

The Joy of Achieving Milestones

In love with learning and the sense of accomplishment she feels whenever she masters a subject, Doreen DeStefano, of Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, in Fort Myers, Flori-

A study of London taxi drivers suggests that intensive learning can spur the brain to grow over time.

da, has been earning degrees since 1987. She holds bachelor’s degrees in nursing and exercise physiology, master’s degrees in criminology and public business administration, and doctorates in natural health and nursing practice. “In medicine, there is always something new to learn,” she says. “I think that’s why I chose this field. It’s fun to learn the latest thing.”

Resources

There are numerous opportunities for learning, in person and online.

IN-PERSON CLASSES

n For people that work full time, many cities offer evening classes at high schools, colleges or civic centers on a wide range of subjects.

n Museums and art institutions commonly host demonstrations and in-depth instruction by local artists.

n A neighborhood music store can lead to connections with musicians that tutor burgeoning rock stars.

n For those harboring thespian aspirations, a hometown improv group or regional theater may be holding auditions or offering acting classes.

n Dance studios help people step up their ballroom dance skills.

n Contact a chef or visit a kitchen supply store for cooking lessons.

n A nearby botanical garden or gardening shop may offer how-to classes for growing native or pollinator plants.

n Pick up sewing tips at the fabric store.

n If a class is not offered, create a study group that meets at a cafe or park to learn together.

ONLINE LESSONS

n To become proficient in a new language, check out apps like RosettaStone.com and Duolingo.com.

n YouTube.com is an endless source for instructional videos of every variety.

n Visit Ted.com for informative and inspiring TED talks by global experts in their respective fields.

n For students that wish to learn while taking nature walks, a vast world of podcasts awaits.

n For transformational learning, try MindValley.com, UbiquityUniversity.org and Gaia.org.

n Coursera.org offers many streaming courses, documentaries and films.

n Auditing university classes at prestigious, world-class schools is just a click away. Visit these popular sites, many of which offer courses for free: Harvard University (pll.harvard. edu/catalog/free), Stanford University (Online.Stanford. edu/free-courses), EdX (EdX.org) and The Open University (Open.edu).

Nature’s Germ Killer Copper can stop germs

before you get sick

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, flu, 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.

made a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril where viruses collect.

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 bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Soon people found other things they could use it against:

Colds and Flu

Covid

Sinus trouble from germs

New research: Copper kills bad germs in seconds.

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.” That was 2012.

Cold sores or fever blisters

Canker sores that get infected

Mold allergies

Congestion or stuffiness

Drippy nose

Hay fever worsened by bacteria

Strep throat

Pink Eye and Styes

Skin infections

Infected sores

Cuts or wounds getting infected

Thrush and Tongue Infections

Warts

Ringworm

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills germs like viruses, bacteria, and fungus 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 germs. Now we do.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Society for Microbiology vouch for the power of copper to kill germs.

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

The EPA recommends hospitals use copper for touch surfaces such as faucets and doorknobs. This cuts the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saves lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He

Now he’s gone 11 years without a cold. “I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my CopperZap right away at any sign I am about to get sick.”

After the initial success, he asked relatives and friends to try it.

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!”

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact with fingers and hands in case you touch things sick people may have touched.

Scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “The viruses started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill Keevil.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished. Easy to clean or polish.

Made in America entirely of pure US copper. Comes with Directions. 90-day Money-back Guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each with code NATA36 .

See www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements not evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Food Freedom at School

STRATEGIES FOR FOOD-RESTRICTED STUDENTS

by Veronica Hinke

It’s back-to-school season, and for students with food issues, meal planning is as important as lining up classroom supplies and extracurricular schedules. Paramount in their minds is to avoid ingredients that might cause unappealing reactions or compromise health, while not stressing about the risks or feeling cheated that they cannot eat the same things as their friends.

Diagnosis

Often, food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances are incorrectly used interchangeably when, in fact, the symptoms, treatments and safety recommendations differ. Consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and a nutritionist for dietary guidance.

FOOD ALLERGIES cause an almost immediate, potentially deadly immune response (anaphylaxis) requiring an epinephrine shot. Symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, narrowing of the airways, rashes, nausea and vomiting. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20 percent of students with food allergies will have a reaction at school. Eight ingredients account for 90 percent of food allergies: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

FOOD INTOLERANCES result from an inability to digest certain foods due to an enzyme deficiency or irritable bowel syndrome. The most common forms of intolerance are caused by lactose, histamine and gluten.

FOOD SENSITIVITIES provoke delayed symptoms (sometimes days after eating a problematic ingredient), including diarrhea, rashes, joint pain, digestive problems, fatigue and brain fog. Among children, common triggers are lactose, gluten, grains, legumes, soy, corn and yeast.

Emotional Concerns

According to Karen Raden, an Illinois-based registered dietician and certified clinical nutritionist, the goal is what she calls “food freedom”: the empowerment of students to make informed choices that feel best for them and their bodies. “Even if a child’s options are limited, it’s important to allow them to make substitutions. The less restricted, the better. It’s not just about the science; there’s a lot of emotion that goes into it, too,” she says.

Dr. Dawn Huebner, a psychologist, author and parent coach in Sacramento, California, says, “There is danger associated with allergies, and anxiety results when you overestimate the danger. In children, this can morph into anxiety about eating with other people or touching things in the classroom. Many parents are intent on making uncomfortable feelings go away, so they end up minimizing feelings, telling their children to simply not worry.”

A better approach, Huebner says, is to acknowledge the child’s reality and empathize with them. “Say to your child in a really direct way, ‘Yes, that’s hard to see your friends eating ice cream or cupcakes that you don’t get to have.’ Even though there are food substitutions, it doesn’t make up for the fact that a student doesn’t get to be a regular kid, eating what everyone else gets to eat.”

Ready-to-Eat Options

Huebner suggests that parents help their children develop skills to overcome temptation, rather than berating or punishing them for occasionally sneaking forbidden foods. At all times, delicious alternatives should be readily available. Theresa Diulus, a Texas-based nutrition coach, believes in empowering kids by keeping ready-made foods in clearly marked bins that kids can easily access. She stocks the pantry with gluten-free oatmeal and coconut or cassava flour cake mixes, and stores frozen, gluten-free waffle or pancake batter in batches to save time when a safe and delicious treat is needed.

Food Substitutions

Replacing essential nutrients that might be missing once certain foods are eliminated is another key objective. “If dairy is the problem, for example, we worry about bone health and need to make sure the child is getting calcium from nondairy sources,” Raden explains. “I like to find out what their favorite foods are and modify them. Food issues are more prevalent these days. We’re really lucky now that there are very good substitutes for eggs, dairy and gluten.”

Raden recently adapted a shepherd’s pie recipe by using gluten-free flour and almond milk. For people that cannot tolerate regular eggs, she recommends using a “flax egg” in baked goods, which combines one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water.

Family Meals Made Easy

When they were little, Caroline Somers’ two daughters developed extensive food intolerances and food allergies with inflammation, gastrointestinal bloating and digestive distress. Tasked with reimagining her family’s diet, the president of Suzanne Somers Companies created new versions of her favorite recipes, which will be featured in her upcoming cookbook, Served: From My Family Table to Yours.

“Many people deal with family members who have food preferences or intolerances to foods, and it can turn the person preparing foods into a short-order cook—no gluten for this one; vegan for that one; this one will eat fish but no dairy. It can make your head spin,” says Somers. Her Vietnamese Spring Rolls recipe addresses this predicament by serving the ingredients family-style and inviting each person at the table to assemble their own spring roll according to their food preferences and restrictions.

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style.

TURKEY BURGER BENTO BOX

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

BURGERS

1 lb ground turkey

¼ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp paprika

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp avocado oil

SWEET POTATO “BUNS”

1 large sweet potato, peeled and sliced into ⅓-inch slices

2 to 3 Tbsp avocado oil

In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey and spices until mixed well, but don’t over-mix. Wet hands and divide mixture into 8 equal portions, then form into patties. Pat down really flat, as they will plump up when they cook.

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy cooking pan over medium heat, then add avocado oil and swirl pan to cover the bottom. Add the meat patties and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165º F, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side.

For the sweet potato buns, heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy cooking pan over medium heat, then add avocado oil and swirl the pan to cover the bottom. Add the sweet potato slices and cook until golden and tender but not mushy, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.

To assemble the bento box, place two burgers in the largest compartment and add fresh veggies and fruits to the smaller compartments.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Theresa Diulus.

ASIAN GLAZED CHICKEN WITH BROCCOLI

This recipe uses gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for the glaze and rice flour instead of gluten-containing white flour to lightly coat the chicken, helping to keep the meat juicy and tender.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 to 2 chicken breasts (depending on size), cut into 1-inch pieces

¼ cup rice flour

½ tsp salt

2 grinds of fresh pepper

3 Tbsp vegetable oil

1-inch section of ginger root, peeled and chopped

1 scallion, sliced

1 broccoli crown, chopped

ASIAN GLAZE

1 Tbsp gluten-free tamari

1 tsp rice wine vinegar

½ tsp toasted sesame oil

2 tsp honey

In a bowl, combine the rice flour with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in the mixture and set aside. In a large, nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil on medium high heat and add the ginger and white part of the scallions, quickly stir frying for 1 minute. Add the broccoli and continue cooking until slightly tender. Remove from the pan to a platter.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally until lightly browned on all sides. Meanwhile, stir together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, add the glaze to the pan and cook for 1 minute to thicken it. Add the broccoli and remaining green parts of the scallions and combine to heat through. Serve over rice or noodles.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Chicago-based pastry chef and cookbook author Gale Gand.

Understanding a Highly Sensitive Child

by Suzanne Sears

Highly sensitive children (HSC) are born with a tendency to notice more details in their environment. Psychology Today reports that that approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. This temperament trait is innate and genetically determined (one or both parents being highly sensitive). Being highly sensitive is not a “one-size-fits-all” trait, as there are many gradations of sensitivity, from very mild to extreme sensitivity, among HSC.

It appears that the brain’s salience network, which selects stimuli that deserve our attention, works overtime in HSC, so they pay attention to things that others don’t notice, and can easily become overwhelmed by a high volume of incoming stimulation and often feel compelled to fix things. HSC can reflect deeply on what they are processing and thus may be empathic, smart, intuitive, creative, careful and conscientious.

This tendency to process high volumes of stimuli is not limited to the brain in HSC, as they may also have faster reflexes, are more affected by pain, medications and stimuli, and have more reactive immune systems and allergies. It seems as if entire whole body detects and understands whatever comes in through their senses.

HSC may seem to be complainers because the lights are too bright, the temperature is too cold or too hot, sounds are too loud and clothes are too tight or too itchy. Foods may be too spicy or the texture intolerable and odors too strong or weird. HSC may develop eating issues because parents don’t understand these sensations, and meals can become a battlefield.

Highly sensitive children are aware of the effects of bad behavior and understand the consequences, so they are more likely to try to avoid such behavior. However, if they become overstimulated when unable to shield themselves against excessive incoming stimuli, they can throw tantrums and have rages as a reaction. In school, they can easily become overstimulated and

become hyperactive or unable to focus, then labeled as ADD or ADHD and put on medication.

Unfortunately, that can cause them to feel as if something is wrong with them and lose confidence in themselves. Other HSC may respond to overstimulation by becoming quiet and still, so they are labeled shy or introverted. HSC need to know what to expect and require order in their environment. They cannot tolerate unpredictability.

It is often true that HSC will try to control their exposure to stimuli by enjoying quieter activities in calm surroundings, and it is important for parents to understand these preferences and encourage their HSC to pursue them in their own way. Sometimes, these children require alone time to decompress from the excessive stimulation they experience in order to recharge their batteries and quiet their nervous systems.

Suzanne Sears is a certified practicing hypnotist by the National Guild of Hypnotists and owner of Healthy Changes Hypnosis, located at 9219 Katy Fwy., Ste. 113, in Houston. For more information, visit HealthyChangesHypnosis.com.

healing ways

Acne Antidote

TOPICAL AND DIETARY ROADMAP FOR HEALTHY SKIN

by Sheila Julson

of acne in this country leads people to wrongly conclude that it is a normal part of being human. “In fact, studies of indigenous cultures throughout the world do not find any acne in their populations. Acne is a disease of the Western lifestyle,” she asserts. In essence, acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and redness. It is prompted by the overproduction of sebum, an oil produced by the sebaceous glands to lubricate hair follicles. Symptoms can be aggravated by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, excess hormonal activity or stress.

Dietary Solutions

“The pathways that trigger acne are the same pathways that trigger inflammation. If you’re having acne on the skin, that generally means there are moderate to high levels of inflammation in the body, so that should be addressed,” says Saya Obayan, a board-certified integrative dermatologist at Skin Joy Dermatology, in Austin, Texas. She recommends keeping a food journal for six weeks to identify inflammatory foods that noticeably trigger an acne response and eliminating them from the diet. Many of the culprits are part of the Standard American Diet, including animal protein, wheat and sugar— foods that can increase sebum production, and thus generate acne.

Whether it’s a wedding day or job interview, nothing puts a damper on the moment like an outbreak of acne. It can be embarrassing and compromise self-confidence, but natural treatments and lifestyle modifications can keep those breakouts at bay.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million Americans annually and roughly 85 percent of 12- to 24-year-olds. Dr. Julie Greenberg, a naturopathic doctor and founder of the Center for Integrative & Naturopathic Dermatology, in Los Angeles, notes that the prevalence

Dr. Steven Daveluy, associate professor and program director for the Wayne State University School of Dermatology, in Dearborn, Michigan, notes that dairy spurs acne, as well. “Dairy contains an amino acid called leucine, which stimulates oil production and affects the skin cells to cause clogged pores. It also influences the insulin pathway, which can affect hormones,” he explains.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hormonal acne develops when hormonal changes increase the amount of oil the skin produces. This scenario is particularly noticeable in teens going through puberty and in both perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Greenberg approaches acne like she would any other inflammatory disease—by focusing on the gut microbiome. She recommends consuming at least 35 grams of fiber per day, eating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables, limiting meat consumption to four-ounce servings and eliminating or reducing alcohol, sugar and wheat to support microbiome health.

Stress Relief

Obayan notes that stress aggravates any inflammatory disease, including acne. Meditation, exercise or regular walks can help calm the mind and lower stress. She also recommends herbs like ashwagandha to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that can trigger acne.

Topical Treatments

“The things we put on our skin can lead to clogged pores and trigger acne, including makeup and hair products. If you’re getting acne in places where your hair typically touches your face, it could be from a hair product transferring onto the skin,” Daveluy notes. He stresses that makeup should be washed off before bedtime. On the other hand, over-scrubbing or washing the face too often can dry out the skin, which also leads to clogged pores and acne.

“While acne should be addressed from the inside out, topical antibiotics can offer short-term relief and keep severe acne under control,” Obayan says. “Glycolic acid can help keep skin smooth and clear by exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging

pores. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, but it shouldn’t be used undiluted on the skin; it can be overly irritating.”

In addition, Obayan recommends topicals like retinol, a nontoxic vitamin A derivative that can help reduce acne, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. Bakuchiol, an extract from the babchi plant, along with topical green tea polyphenols, licorice extract and neem oil, can all be helpful to reduce acne.

Resist the Urge to Pop Pimples

Mom was right when she warned to leave pimples alone. “People often think that it’s helpful to manipulate your acne, but it can lead to more acne flaring, discoloration and even permanent scarring,” Daveluy advises. “Don’t believe anything on social media that isn’t posted by a board-certified dermatologist. The rest of the skin info on social media is junk and could lead to damage to your skin.”

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Freedom lies in being bold. – Robert Frost

calendar of events August 2023

Send your event information to mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com

FRIDAY AUGUST 4th

Yoga + Ceramics: Make your own Incense Burner Workshop 5:00-8:00pm. Enjoy a workshop experience delving into the ceremonial and ritual aspects of incense burning. Experience the transformational power of heat through a brief, guided asana practice. Make your own ceramic incense burner to aid in aromatherapy, cleansing, and intention-setting. Investment: $50 unionstudio.yoga

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7th

The Good, The Bad, and The Wicked. 8 am-5pm. The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will host a climate science conference on the San Marcos campus of Texas State University. The conference brings together practitioners, academics, policy makers, businesses and nonprofit leaders from across the state to explore the lesser-known aspects of the complex problems, unique challenges and opportunities the state faces in the fight against climate change. LBJ Student Center grand ballroom, 700 Student Center Dr., San Marcos, TX. Registration closes Sept. 3. For pricing and more information, visit Climate. MeadowsWater.org.

SATURDAY AUGUST 12th

Hitting the Wall- Bringing the Wall into Your Practice.2:00-5:00pm. Come play and explore the support, balance, alignment, and play the wall can add to your practice. Investment: $20. unionstudio.yoga

SUNDAY AUGUST 13th

Reconnecting with Humanity. 2:005:00pm. Come explore, rediscover, and connect to the human experience within yourself and with your community.Investment: $20. unionstudio.yoga

TUESDAY AUGUST 15th

Fresh Eyes on Green Tara. 7:00-8:30pm

The third week of the 3-wk Teaching Tuesday series at Dawn Mountain Tibetan Buddhist Temple. Come begin or refresh your connection to Green Tara. Tender as spring, swift as the wind, she is your healing friend. Online. The two previous weeks are recorded and you can watch at your leisure. tinyurl.com/FreshEyesNatural

SATURDAY AUGUST 19th

Doyle Ward and Helen Racz Explore The Beyond. 1pm-5pm. Spiritual medium, teacher and life coach Doyle Ward and teacher, author, speaker and channeler of the Emissarians Helen Racz will present an afternoon of mediumship and channeling. They will combine mediumship and channeling in gallery readings to find connections with loved ones beyond and discuss the profound wisdom of the Emissarians at this life-altering event. There will be an open question and answer session where participants can ask questions. Cost is $149. Register at Tinyurl.com/MediumAndChannel. Unity Tower of Light, 2929 Unity Dr., Houston. For more information, call 832-628-4113 or email Doyle@BlissfulQuests.com.

SATURDAY AUGUST 20th

Welcome To Dawn Mountain Event. 12:30 central time. Come learn about our Dzogchen lineage and meet our Lamas/ Founders. Learn what we have to offer and meet some of our sangha. Please join us for a complimentary one-hour event via Zoom (or YouTube), or in person at 4916 Main St #100, Houston 77002. tinyurl.com/ WecomeDawnMt

SATURDAY AUGUST 26th

Green Tara Mini-Retreat. 9:30-12:00. The mini Retreat will show us the power of sitting with Tara for a more sustained period, and also how to conduct a personal retreat on this practice. Open to all who have received instruction from this lineage on this practice, including those who have attended the Teaching Tuesday series listed above. Free, donations accepted. https://dawnmountain. app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dawnmountain/ event.jsp?event=1265&

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 29th

The 2023 CEC Greater Houston Environmental Summit. 12 noon-5pm. This is an annual networking and celebration conference of regional environmental organizations and individuals, in association with a grassroots Houston Community Climate Summit. People in the environmental organization realm and people who care about the environment in general that wish to engage with like-minded individuals should save the date as the organizers fully develop the programming and the speakers. Location: 315 Main St., Houston. For more information, email Charlotte.Cisneros@cechouston.orgor visit cechouston.org

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2nd

Connecting Across the Veil 1:30 – 3:00 pm. Online. While we grieve the loss of a loved one when they pass, we may also feel alone when we would have reached out for their wisdom or love as we did when they were living. Love is the connection that keeps our friends and family close to our hearts, thoughts, and lives; reaching out to them across the veil provides the reassurance that they are with us, and the warmth of their loving care strengthens our bonds. tinyurl.com/UnityVeil

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4th

Annual 2023 Tapestry Gala 6:30 pm. Interfaith Ministries will celebrate dialog, collaboration and service at it’s annual Tapestry Gala at Hilton Americas. Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Martin B. Cominsky and Board Chairman Randall Evans invite guests and supporters to an inspiring eventing celebrating the work of Interfaith Ministries. imgh.org

monday

Free Outdoor Zumba 6:30 pm. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside, Houston 77098. tinyfitnesshouston.com

IGNITE! Sessions. 10am-5pm. Find your purpose with igniter/artist/intuitive guide Sarah Gish in 30- or 60-minute sessions ($50 or $100). You’ll leave with a personal mantra that reinforces what the heart-centered connection uncovered. Call for appointment: 713.993.0550. Body Mind & Soul. 7951 Katy Freeway.

tuesday

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. South Community Center (The Woodlands) 2235 Lake Robbins Dr, Spring, TX 77380 houston-meditation.org

Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Medition

6:30-7:30 pm. Strengthen your body, relax your mind, find your center with this dynamic yoga flow sequence with Farinda Meduid and Saumil Manek. FREE Discovery Green 1500 McKenney St. 77010 discoverygreen. com

Qi Gong: 7pm-8pm. Learn to heal yourself using Qi Gong with Master Wong with over 40 years of experience. Qi Gong can calm & reduce stress. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston77063. Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

wednesday

Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Pocast. 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am In person and online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Katy Library 5414 Franz Rd, Katy, TX 77493 houston-meditation.org

Yang Tai Chi: 12 Noon–1 pm. Join Master Wong in this simplified Tai Chi class appropriate for beginners with emphasis on foundation. Good for maintaining health and increasing flexibility. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston 77063. Fee $25. Website: bellaireyogataichi.com

HIIT Class with FitMix 6:30-7:30 pm A fun and challenging body weight interval training class to burn tons of calories while gaining strength, endurance and empowerment. FREE Discovery Green 1500 McKenney St. 77010 discoverygreen.com

Reiki Circle 11:00 am. Reiki Holy Fire Experience healing circle, held on 2nd Saturday of every month. A chosen issue for healing will be the focus of each circle. Everyone is welcome.Location: 9039 Katy Freeway, building 500, suite 504, Houston, TX 77024. Fee: Love offering. Contact: April 713-922-3474. Website: dharmareikiacupuncture.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. Sahaja Yoga Meditation Center 4510 C Hwy 6 N, houston-meditation.org

Wednesday Night Satsang. 7-8 pm. At Unity, everyone is recognized as a true spiritual being, awakening to the truth that sets them free. Unity Pyramid 2929 Unity Dr. Houston 77057. https://unityhouston.org/

thursday

Qi Gong: 6pm-7pm. Learn to heal yourself using Qi Gong with Master Wong with over 40 years of experience. Qi Gong can calm & reduce stress. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131, Houston 77063. Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

Chen Tai Chi: 7:10pm-8:10pm. All styles of Tai Chi comes from Chen Tai Chi. This is an authentic class taught in the lineage of Chen Zhao Kui that focuses on self defense and healing. Master Wong has been training in Tai Chi for over 40 years. Bellaire Yoga Tai Chi 2537 S Gessner Rd #131,Fee $25. bellaireyogataichi.com

saturday

Free Outdoor Zumba 9am. Join the party and sweat with Tiny Fitness to rhythms from around the world! This hour-long Zumba fitness class will have you grooving, shaking, and toning to salsa, hip hop, samba, and bhangra beats - and so many more. Open to all fitness levels and recommended for ages 16+ Levy Park, 3801 Eastside. tinyfitnesshouston.com

Sahaja Yoga Meditation 10-11 am Online. A unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge. You can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes. Continue with free meditation classes. FREE. houston-meditation.org

Free Weekly Meditation 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Central time, online via Zoom or Youtube, and in person at 4916 Main St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002. Led by senior members of the Dawn Mountain sangha (community), this meditation offers a chance to take a mindful pause from your busy life, enjoy serenity and fellowship, and learn a bit more about Buddhist practice at Dawn Mountain. Free, guided meditation suitable for everyone. Come as you are – dress comfortably and plan to remove your shoes. Free monthly “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 am Central time, with the meditation following also being led by our lamas. https://www.dawnmountain.org/sunday-meditations/

Let

sunday Free Yoga on the Lawn. 8:30-9:30 am. Join Union Studio for a complimentary 60-minute all levels outdoor yoga class on the Yoga Lawn at the M-K-T every Saturday at 8:30 AM, weather permitting. This event is sponsored by Central City co-op. Enjoy a sample of tasty seasonal and local produce. FREE. unionstudio.yoga

healthy living guide

ACUPUNCTURE

DHARMA REIKI & ACUPUNCTURE

9039 Katy Freeway, Suite 504 Houston, Texas 77024 (713) 922-3474

www.dharmareikiacupuncture.com

We are a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Reiki clinic, offering alternative healing services since 2008.

• Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

• Reiki energy healing, individual sessions and classes

• Internal medicine, pain management

• Women’s health, pre-post natal, menopause

• Emotional, trauma healing

• Chakra clearing and balancing

• Stress, anxiety, mood disorders

• Hormone, energy, sleep imbalance

• Diabetes, cholesterol, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and more…

FREE CONSULTATION

Usui/Holy Fire® III Reiki Practitioner Training is offered monthly. Dates & details on website

Reiki Healing Circle on 2nd Saturday of every month. See Calendar of Events.

BATH PRODUCTS

CONNIE’S BATH SHACK

211 Midway St, Bldg E Spring, TX 77373 (281) 288-9595 conniesbathshack.com

A quaint shop in the heart of historic Old Town Spring Texas, offering unique handmade bath and body products and lots of rubber ducks. Small Batch Handmade soaps by Connie. Wonderful lather and amazing Scents. Enjoy the aromatherapy of a bath in your shower with Shower Steamers. Put little bit of heaven for your bath with Fizzies. We also have bath salts, scrubs, shampoos, lotions, creams, shaving creams & soaps, and batch accessories of all kinds. Shop conveniently on-line or drop by our store.

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

ADORE DENTISTRY

540 W 19 Street Houston, TX 77008

832-930-7844

adore-dentistry.com

Re-designing dentistry in Houston Heights by creating a personalized, comfortable, and fun experience to deliver excellent patient satisfaction. From preventative dentistry to smile makeovers, our team of dental professionals have the skill-sets to provide remarkable quality and compassionate care to give you that smile you’ve always wanted. Services include cosmetic, preventative, restorative, and a full range of family dentistry services. Lead by Drs. Emilyann Pham and Ann Blair our team provides compassionate human-centered patient care. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment. Insurance accepted. See Ad on page 9.

MARILYN K. JONES, DDS

Houston Dental Health Center

800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057

713-497-1355

houstonbiologicaldentist.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment.

See ad on page 24.

SMOKE ENVY/BETTER DAYS CBD

2524 Yale Street, #2, Houston, TX 77008

832-744-9944

18123 Egret Bay Blvd, Houston, TX, 77053 smokenvy.com/

CBD vape pens, gummies, tintures, flower,oils, apparel and accessories. We stock Better Days CBD products.

HYDROSHACK HYDROPONICS

1138 W 20th Street, Houston, TX 77008

Open 7 days a week

713-292-1921

Hydroshack.com

Hydroshack proudly carries some of the most beautiful high-CBD hemp flower and Delta 8 products in Houston! We also sell the highest quality 1.5 gram pre-rolls packed with actual bud and never trim. Our bud-tenders will be more than happy to let you experience true legal Hemp Flower from our open sample jars.While you are in check out our complete line of hydroponic growing products. See Ad page 23.

COACHING

BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113

blissfulquests.com

Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio. com See Ad on page 7.

COLONICS

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street

Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Established 1989. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions only- yours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

URBAN COLONICS

Barbara Ellis, Retired RN

5042 Briscoe St. Houston, TX.77033

713-738-8199

urbancolonics.com

Serving Houston and the surrounding area since 1979. We continue to irrigate with State Of The Art Equipment (closed colonic systems cleared by the FDA). We utilize totally disposable colonic set-ups and sterile water. A prescription is required for this procedure. Our Medical Director at a different location will make an assessment and write a prescription for OUR clients only. Visit our website to learn more details. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

See ad page 10.

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

ChiC WELLNESS

Holistic Health at Your Fingertips

Dr. Antonika Chanel LA.c DACM chicwellness.org

Concierge Intergrative medicine is a type of integrative medicine that focuses on providing individualized care to patients. One of the aspects we emphasize is nutritional therapy and food therapy to restore balance in the body and reverse wellness concerns. ChiC Wellness offers a variety of nutritional supplements, meal plans, and cooking classes that are designed to help people improve their health and wellbeing. We focus on providing individualized care to our patients. Visit our website today to book and appointment.

ENERGETIC HEALING

SOUFIANE SATTVA

7951 Katy Freeway Suite N, Houston, TX 77024

713-993-0550

tinyurl.com/SOUFIANESATTVA

Soufiane Sattva is a Certified Crystal Healer, Second Degree Reiki practitioner and Sound Therapist who shares his gift through energetic channels. Soufiane is known for using a unique combination of crystal body layouts, Reiki and sound therapy, to balance and align non-physical energy vortices along the spinal column known as Chakras.Soufiane offices at Body, Mind & Soul. Vist the website for more information or to book a session. See ad on page 10.

ESSENTIAL OILS

OILS.EARTH

Heart-Centered Wellness for every stage of your life. Houston, Texas oils.earth

We focus on keeping nature’s wisdom and power at the heart of all our products. We strongly believe in the wisdom of plants and their ability to support us in harmonizing our state. All our creations are inspired by nature using therapeutic certified essential oils, and infused and empowered by gemstones. We want to bring forth solutions that are 100% natural, simple, and efficient. Solutions that align with our nature and thus create coherace in every stage of our life. Handcrafted in Houston, TX.

Purchase online or scan the QR code for a map to the local stores where you can find our products. Use NATURAL10 for 10% off entire online order. Local pick up, custom blends, workshops and consultations available.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

ERIN THOLE, CNHP

ErinThole.com

Thole.erin@gmail.com

Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fits-all program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours

until 5 pm Fridays.

HOLISTIC INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

John D. Gonzalez DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, ANP-C 469-312-0355

info@holisticintegrativehealth.net

www.holisticintegrativehealth. net

Our Telemedicine practice, based in Texas, focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of chronic illness. We offer a wide range of services and treatments, including HIV Prep prescription, Nutrition Counseling, Integrative Health Coach sessions, and treatment for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, brain health. Visit our website for more information or to schedule a consultation.

HYPNOSIS

CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only)

281-849-4610

ca@claudiaautry.com claudiaautry.com

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax, find balance and increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call SOON to book your appointment. Let’s work together to create the life you want!

HEALTHY CHANGES HYPNOSIS

Suzanne Sears, RN, ACCH 9219 Katy Freeway, Ste. 113 Houston, TX 77024 713-562-2864

HealthyChangesHypnosis.com

Our mission is to promote wellness for the wholefamily. We have programs and services for adults, teenagers and children. If you or your child need help coping with anxiety/fear/stress, changing habits, pain management,sleep problems or weight management and more, we can help. Call today to

Strong people stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others.

– Unknown

schedule a conultation.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

PHOENIX RISING INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

3100 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77098

713-806-9927

phoenixrisingacu.com

We offer comprehensive and customized therapeutic plans that address chronic illness & autoimmune disease for patients seeking support both in-person and virtually. Phoenix Rising Integrative Medicine takes an integrative approach to addressing chronic illness and autoimmune by combining ancient healing tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern functional medicine, including evidence-based lab testing, clinical nutrition, lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine and acupuncture protocols that are customized for each patient. We also work with patients suffering from environmental and food allergies, reproductive and fertility issues, breast implant illness, and emotional health issues. Visit our website for more information or to book an appointment.

IV THERAPY

REVIVED IV DRIP SPA

3339 W Lamar St, Houston, TX 77019

855-483-7477

myrevived.com

Welcome to a relaxing way to optimal wellness:

IV drip therapy in Houston as you’ve never experienced it before. Each

IV formula is loaded with hand-selected ingredients provided by high-quality, accredited local American pharmacies. We provide two ways to bring your body back into wellness: at your home through our first-class concierge service, or while taking some time to rest and rejuvenate in our serene wellness lounge. As the premier IV drip spa in Houston, we take pride in being the top-rated experts in the Houston holistic health and wellness community. Revived provides cutting-edge remedies and innovative services catered towards an optimal you. We look forward to our journey together.

See ad page 4

KOMBUCHA

THE KOMBOCHA COMPANY

611 Jackson Street, Suite B Richmond, TX 77469 832-278-9322

Thekambuchacompany.com

Looking for a tasty and healthy beverage, kombucha is the perfect choice! This fermented tea drink is full of probiotics and vitamins that are great for your gut health. Take the short drive down to Richmond and pick up a few bottles or order a starter kit and brew it yourself, at home! Visit our website today. When you order your kit be sure to mention in the order notes that you saw us in Natural Awakenings.

KRATOM

AUSTIN ORGANIC VILLAGE

Online sales only. 833-AUSTIN-1 austinorganicvillage.online

Focused on helping others achieve greater balance in life, our high-quality kratom products combine the best in variety with affordability. Sourced directly from top-rated kratom vendors that share our vision of helping others, Austin Organic Village is proud to offer a diverse line of kratom products for sale online. We believe that nature holds the key to true wellness, and offer our high-quality kratom products in the hopes of improving the health of others, the natural way. We ship nationwide and check out our prices and our quality. Call or visit our website for more information or to place an order. See ad page 7.

KREAT DAY BOTANICALS

1973 W Gray, Suite 23 Houston, TX 77019 713-369-0946

KreatDay.com

A BBB Accredited Business

We provide the choicest healthy Botanicals garnered from some of the most exotic corners of the world. Only The BEST! We ensure quality by going to the source, checking our international vendors

1st hand, and using

USDA Certified Organic vendors when applicable. We stand by our products and our services! If you are unsatisfied with your order we will return, exchange and or refund your money. We got you covered!

See ads on pages 2, 6, and 8.

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336

joycelongwellness.com

Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs where it can and may cause blockages. Lymphatic therapy can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well – Stay well. CALL TODAY!

STAN’S HANDS MASSAGE & WELLNESS

2990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 440 Houston, TX 77098

832-526-6520

stanshandsmassage.com

Are you in pain? Well, you don’t have to live like this. We are here to heal your body and mind through massage and energetic practices. We offer a wide variety of massage modalities designed to fit your needs. We offer both onsite chair and concierge table massage. Call today to book your appointment at 832-526-6520. Our mission is to heal your mind and body. We accept both PSA and HSA cards for payment.

PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

6600 Harwin Drive

Houston, TX 77036

713-974-0360

themassageschool.com

Learn massage and holistic health. Train for a career you will love. New Program: Online classes combined with on campus classes! Open your own practice. Find employment at Luxury Spas, Fitness Centers & Rehab Clinics. Finish in as little as 5 ½ months. Join one of the fastest growing Health Care Professions. Visit our website or call today for more information or to schedule a tour of our school.

See ad page 4 and 24.

MEDICAL CLINIC

REVERSING MEDICAL DISEASE CLINIC

Dr. Mary A. Washington, FACP 2525 N. Loop West, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77008 832-306-3941 marywashingtonmd.com

Are you overweight or obese? Do you suffer from diabetes or have high blood pressure? Are you ready to take back control of your health? Dr. Mary A. Washington is Houston’s first plant-based kidney doctor and has over two decades of experience as a Nephrologist. Let her design a diet and exercise plan customized just for you. Dr. Washington doesn’t just tell you, but she shows you and motivates you to make the changes you need. Visit her website TODAY for more information about her programs and events or to schedule your first appointment.

See ad on page 21 .

MEDITATION

DAWN MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR TIBETAN BUDDHISM

Online only at this time. 713-630-0354 dawnmountain.org

In person Sunday meditation at 4916 Main St. Suite #100, Houston (within the Houston MET Dance space)

The mission of Dawn Mountain is to further the spiritual growth of our diverse community as a living bridge between traditional Tibetan Buddhist teachings and curious people everywhere. Dawn Mountain offers weekly meditation from 11am to noon each Sunday, “First Sunday” teachings on the first Sunday of each month at 10:30am, followed by our regular Sunday Meditation. Donations accepted. All sessions are archived on our YouTube channel. Please visit our website for more information and consider taking advantage of our many offerings,

METAPHYSICAL SHOPS

ODYSSEY EMPORIUM

123 Midway St, Bldg C Spring, Texas 77373 888-492-3584

odysseyemporium.com

We are a retail shop and also have an online store. We can also custom-make many of our product lines. Our products include a range of metaphysical items, clothing, books, stones, jewelry, candles, soaps, teas, incenses, herbs, blades, and accessories for spiritual work. We also have some unique renaissance festival and gothic clothing and accessories. Check out our gaming and sci-fi themed products as well. We offer daily in-house Tarot reading and conduct private Old Town Spring Ghost tours. Open 7 days a week.

Indigo Moons

1900 Blalock Rd Ste P Houston, TX 77080 281-974-1043 indigomoons.net

We serve our customers with knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity, and humor. Come visit us for a wide range of crystals and gems, fossils and specimens, silver and gemstone jewelry, sage and incense, home decor, new and used books, Tarot and oracle decks, and an ever-growing supply of handcrafted products by local artisans. Or stay informed with upcoming classes and events. Start your journey, learn something new, make new friends - it’s all possible here at Indigo Moons.

See ad on page 7.

NATUROPATH

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HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC “Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Dr. Gracie Chukwu is a Doctor of Naturopathy and a Certified Nutrition Counselor. She has been assisting people for over five years with holistic medicine, diet, nutrition and supplement support to enhance her client’s health and overall well-being. If you are suffering and cannot find relief, give Dr. Gracie a call.

See ad on page 6.

ORGANIC HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

ALL THINGS ORGANIC BOUTIQUE

By Gelcys Basulto

Helping people pursue a more mindful lifestyle. 1923 Ave G Rosenberg, TX 77471 allthingsorganicboutique.com

832-449-2600

Are your health and personal care products putting your health at risk?

Take the short trip to Downtown Rosenberg and visit A Journey To Wellness. All of our products are 100% Organic and made with natural ingredients. (You can also order online and we’ll ship our products to you.) We also offer Health and Wellness coaching. Book a free consultation and let’s get started embracing your new life in health today!

PAIN REMEDY

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream

973-715-9097

tinyurl.com/AuntAlberta

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $18 plus postage. Visit website for other options.

See ad on page 8.

PERSONAL FITNESS

TINY FITNESS

Tiny changes Big Results 832-730-3048

tinyfitnesshouston.com

Let’s make your life feel amazing! See results fast with personal training...join the Zumba Fitness party, FREE...put yourself to the test in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Kickboxing, or Beginner Bootcamp...or just let it all go in a Recovery Workshop...but whatever you do, start today for an even better tomorrow. Visit our website to sign up for a class or make an appointment for personal training.

THERMOGRAPHY

MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY CENTER

“Better Health Naturally”

Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991

HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com

Breast thermography has the ability to warn woman up to 10 years before any other procedure that a cancer may be forming; thus, allowing for prompt and timely treatment. Thermography uses no radiation and poses absolutely NO health risks to the patient. If you are a woman, over 20 years old and have not had a breast thermograph, call Dr. Gracie TODAY.

See ad on page 7.

VEGAN RESTAURANTS

THE TRAVELING CARROT with Raw Chef Renee’

3427 N. Fry Road

Katy, TX 77449

281-433-5928

thetravelingcarrot.com

Houston’s one and only fully raw, fully vegan eatery. Order online for pickups or deliveries. Walkup orders accepted. Food Truck is open Thurs. – Sat. 11:30 am-4:00 pm. Call to confirm that we are open before driving over. Discover the flavors and the health benefits from eating raw vegan today! You will be glad you did.

TRENDY VEGAN

3821 Richmond Ave. Houston, TX 77027 713-621-9488

trendyveganhouston.com

Trendy Vegan offers delicious dining and takeout to Houston, TX. Trendy Vegan is a cornerstone in the Houston community and has been recognized for its outstanding Vegetarian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our Vegetarian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

See ad on page 7.

YOGA

UNION YOGA STUDIO

600 N Shepherd Dr., #449 Houston, TX 77007 800-215-3190

unionstudio.yoga

The studio is dedicated to self-study through movement, breath and meditation, and is committed to upholding the tenets of authenticity, sincerity, inclusion, and integrity without exception. We offer a variety of classes including Vinyasa, The Rest of Yoga (™), Yin, Hatha, and Myofascial Release. Classes are in-person, streaming and on-demand. Owner and lead instructor, Kim Taurins has been practicing yoga since 2001. She is a 500 hour E-RYT level with an emphasis in yoga therapeutics, Daoism, Reiki, and bodywork. Visit our website for more informationor to sign up.