November 2017 Natural Awakenings Peace River by Natural Awakenings of Sarasota

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

Sharable Thanksgiving

PLANET

HEALTHY HOLIDAY STUFFING RECIPES

Ways to Make the Holiday Really Count

Natural Remedies for

DIABETES Pumped Up About Geothermal Homeowners Like its Eco-Friendly Cost Savings

First Aid for Dogs

Natural Home Remedies for Pain, Itches & Stress

November 2017 | Englewood • North Port • Port Charlotte • Punta Gorda • Venice | PeaceRiverNA.com

Benefitting Venue Sponsor

Benefits Manatee Memorial Foundation, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) non-for-profit organization that was formed to support health-related needs of the Manatee County Community. Supports individuals directly or indirectly who have health related situations.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017

Dr. MAC's Kid's Santa Dashes 6:00 pm; 5K Jingle Run/Walk 7:00 pm; 1 Mile Holiday Walk 7:10 pm Register online at www.active.com. For information and forms www.thejingle5k.org

Early packet & shirt pickup at Fit2Run Downtown Main Street Sarasota Friday 12/15 & Saturday 12/16 till 6:00 pm both days; and at the Fit2Run UTC mall store next to Dillard’s Sunday 12/17 through Wednesday 12/20 store hours and Thursday 12/21 till 5:00 pm. All participants receive Jingle Bells, Laces, plus Lighted Clip on flashers. First 1,800 receive a Commemorative Leslie Jordan moisture wicking shirt. Huge post-race party and holiday festival on LWR Main Street with adult beverages. (proper I.D. required) Featured entertainment “Gamble Creek Band.” Fit2Run CLUB members and local running club members receive a $5.00 discount when registering at a Fit2Run location. At the UTC Mall location also receive a FREE Smoothie (Valued at $7.00) when registering.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL (941) 932-6147 www.thejingle5k.org

LAKEWOOD RANCH RUNNER CLUB TRIPLE CHALLENGE

Hosted by

Hosted by Oct. 28

Nov. 18

Dec 22

All Triple Challenge finishers receive specially crafted medal and Gift Certificate’s to top winners.

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natural awakenings

November 2017

letterfrompublisher

Contributing Writer Juliette Jones

Design & Production Susan Jones Social Media Manager Amy Hass To contact Natural Awakenings Peace River Edition: 941-564-0885 publisher@nasrq.com © 2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

nother holiday season is here, and as we enter this festive time of year, I’m reminded to pause and express gratitude for the simple pleasures in life––the beauty of nature, the gift of wellness and the love of relationships, to name just a few. This month, in particular, is about being mindful of how enriched and abundant our lives are when we can slow down long enough to take notice. The November issue of Natural Awakenings is full of inspiration to help you become centered in each moment and reflect on your blessings as we approach this season of thanks. Our feature article for this month is on “Diabetes Prevention and Reversal” which offers both natural and practical advice for changing your lifestyle to decrease the risk of diabetes onset. Some of these suggestions include engaging in cardiovascular exercise, eating nutrient-dense whole foods and limiting sugar intake, being more conscious of environmental toxins, and practicing stress-relievers such as yoga, qigong or tai chi. These ideas are also beneficial for keeping yourself grounded in the midst of that holiday “hustle and bustle.” Speaking of maintaining inner calm during this hectic time of year, our “Healing Ways” article focuses on the value of taking a silent retreat for personal awareness, introspection and healthy stress management. Even if you’re unable to take an actual retreat, joining a local meditation group or making time for yourself on a consistent basis can help you feel invigorated, renewed and more in tune with your own peace of mind. Finally, since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, this issue would not be complete without some festive, mouth-watering recipes. Our “Conscious Eating” article for this month is all about reinventing a seasonal favorite––stuffing––with a healthier twist. So feel free to indulge in that second helping––no fear of holiday pounds here! And let’s not overlook the community aspect of this season either. Our “Shareable Thanksgiving” article is packed with creative ideas for spreading joy to our neighbors around the entire Suncoast area. As usual, that’s just a sampling of all the enlightenment and entertainment that awaits you inside this issue. Please send any comments, questions or general feedback to Publisher@NASRQ, and here’s wishing you readers the happiest of Thanksgivings!

Printed on 100% recycled paper Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled paper with soybased ink.

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contents 6 newsbriefs 8 healthbriefs 10 globalbriefs 13 ecotip 8 17 wisewords 10 18 inspiration 19 greenliving 20 fitbody 22 healingways 24 consciouseating 28 27 naturalpet 28 healthykids 29 calendar 31 resourceguide

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

14 PREVENTING, REVERSING AND MANAGING DIABETES NATURALLY by Linda Sechrist

17 LISSA RANKIN ON

MOVING FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM by April Thompson

18 SHARABLE

THANKSGIVING

Ways to Focus on What Really Matters by Marlaina Donato

19 PUMPED UP

ABOUT GEOTHERMAL Homeowners Like its Eco-Friendly Cost Savings

advertising & submissions

by Jim Motavalli

HOW TO ADVERTISE

Four Ways to Flex Our Muscles

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 941-564-0885 or email Publisher@ nasrq.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

20 TRY SOME STRETCHES 22 SACRED SILENCE Discover the Benefits of Quiet at a Silent Retreat

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@nasrq.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

STUFFING

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 941-564-0885. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

by Marlaina Donato

by April Thompson

Email Calendar Events to: calendar@nasrq.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month.

24 NOT YOUR GRANDMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Healthy Twists on Old Favorites by Judith Fertig

27 DIY FIRST-AID FOR DOGS

Seven Natural Home Remedies by Karen Becker

28 BOOKS THAT

KIDS WILL LOVE

Advice for Parents from Award-Winners by Randy Kambic

natural awakenings

27 November 2017

newsbriefs Animal Rescue Coalition Offers Free Spay/Neuter Surgeries to Charlotte County Residents

nimal Rescue Coalition (ARC) will provide free spay/neuter surgeries for income-qualified residents of Charlotte County after being awarded a $25,000 grant by Florida Animal Friend. In addition to providing vital spay/ neuter surgeries and improving the quality of life for animals, this grant will expand ARC’s current program providing free round-trip transportation to the clinic from central locations within Charlotte County. These appointments will available starting on October 11. “This award from Florida Animal Friend goes right to the heart of ARC’s mission to reduce the homeless animal population in this area by proactive spay/neuter programs,” notes Mary Dietterle, ARC’s Executive Director. “This grant allows us to ensure families have access to these surgeries that are proven to reduce shelter overcrowding. If you purchase a Florida Animal Friend plate, you are making a difference.” The main source of funding for Florida Animal Friend is the sale of its specialty license plate. A portion of every plate sold goes directly to organizations across the state that offer free or low-cost spay/neuter services. On an annual basis, Florida Animal Friends’ Board of Directors review grant applications from non-profit and municipal agencies across Florida and award grant funding to those who further its mission to help save the lives of countless unwanted cats and dogs. After receiving the grant, ARC worked closely with Charlotte County Animal Control to best determine how to extend these benefits. For more information and to make an appointment, call 941-957-1955 or email Booking@ARCSRQ.org.

New Product Alleviates Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

lendale, California, resident Joseph Nazari recently developed CarpalAID, a low-cost adhesive patch that relieves hand pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Nazari suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome on both hands which used to cause him sleepless nights. After having surgery on one hand, he decided to find an alternative method to alleviate his hand pain. “I wondered, ‘how can I naturally release pressure from the median nerve in my hand— the source of my pain?’” Nazari recalls. So I did a crazy thing. I used a small piece of wood and crazy glue to create negative pressure, pulling it out.” Pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, results in hand or fatigue and pain. Those whose work or hobbies include the repetitive motion of the hands and wrists are commonly affected by carpal tunnel syndrome. CarpalAID, an affordable and disposable plastic patch with a strip of 3M medical grade tape in the middle, works by pulling up the soft tissue of the hand, releasing pressure on the median nerve. There is no medication of any kind on the patch. Nazari found the patch to lessen his hand pain by as much as 80–90%. Clinical trials resulted in a 70% positive outcome for participants. CarpalAID is available at Rite Aid Pharmacy stores nationwide and online at Amazon. For more information, visit CarpalAID.com. 6

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Women’s Resource Center Recognizes “Wonder Women” at Fall Legacy Luncheon

he Women’s Resource Center (WRC) will honor three Venice-area “wonder women” at its annual Fall Legacy Luncheon on November 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Golf & Country Club. The honorees are Wendy Deming, COO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Liz Maggio, owner of Reflections in Gold; and Sharon Monk, former WRC board chair. The event is the principal fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Center’s south county programs. Wonder Women are “women leaders who have made outstanding contributions in volunteer and/or professional activities in the areas of business, community leadership, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, or lifetime achievement,” explains Ashley Brown, president and CEO of the Women’s Resource Center. “We’re thrilled to honor these forward-thinking women who have worked tirelessly to make their community a better place for everyone in it.” Brown adds the proceeds from the luncheon are directed to fund WRC’s life-changing programs in Sarasota’s south county including mental health counseling, peer resources advising, mentoring and more. This year’s committee members are Mary Bibus, Mary DiSanzo, Dianne Eppler-Adams, Paula Gray, Linda Mickelberg, Deborah Kostroun, Kathy Leavitt, Carrie Lewis, Sandy McGowan, Sarah Miller, Fran Potter, Madeline Ross and Kerri Sinotte. Location: 500 Rockley Blvd, Venice. Cost: $50 (individual tickets), $85 (patron tickets). Sponsorships are available. For more information, call 941-485-9724, email LMikelburg@ TheWomensResourceCenter.org or visit TheWomensResourceCenter.org.

Lisa L’s Gallery offers Thyroid Wellness Workshop

COLON THERAPY CLINIC •

n November 12, 3–6 p.m., Lisa L’s Gallery welcomes Empower Your Thyroid with Stacy Tarter Fradkin, CEPCCEPC. If you are interested in learning about thyroid health strategies, or are experiencing symptoms like weight gain, lack of energy or brain fog, this handson workshop is for you. Fradkin will introduce Thyroid Yoga™, a practice of gentle stretches and energizing flow for your endocrine system. The workshop will also include stress management through EFT/tapping, nutritional suggestions and essential oils. Fradkin is especially pleased to be offering this workshop in Lisa L’s serene art gallery space in Towles Court. Lisa L’s elevating contemporary art is translated to a versatile clothing line seen both in the gallery and online. This creative and healing environment aligns with Fradkin’s passion to empower women toward becoming active participants in their thyroid health. Location: 1975 Morrill St., Sarasota. Cost: $45. Snacks will be served. To pre-register, call 650-465-3708 or visit Stacy.Fradkin@ gmail.com. For more information, visit LisaLDesigns.com.

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The Joys of Spring! Adopt-A-Manatee® and Help Protect Them

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © Cora Berchem

natural awakenings

November 2017

Richard’s Foodporium

Onions Healthy for Heart and Kidneys

ichard’s Foodporium will present their 5th Annual Health Expo taking place at Robarts Arena in Sarasota on January 6th, 2018, featuring special guest Dr. Michael Murray. This Health Expo will feature a talk starting at 9am with Dr. Michael Murray discussing the role enzymes play in the digestion process. Doors open at 8am. The Health Expo will begin at 10am and features Supplement, Natural Food, and Health items. Also, included are local businesses and non-profit organizations. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit each booth to test and take-home samples, and watch live cooking demonstrations. Event is family friendly and free to the public. Founded in 1979, Richard’s is locally owned and operated. Today Richard’s has 17 locations. Richard’s is known for its affordable and value driven pricing, natural grocery selections, along with natural vitamins and health and beauty items. All stores are customer service focused, nostalgic, and offers a turn-of-the-century décor. The Sarasota based chain was named Best Independent Chain Retailer in the Nation by Vitamin Retailer Magazine and has won dozens of local and national awards.

DEC

Coming Next Month

Holidays Plus: Uplifting Humanity

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cientists from the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, both in Tehran, Iran, investigated the impact on leading diseases of regularly eating onion and garlic (both belonging to the genus Allium). Using data from more than 12,000 people for an average of six years, researchers assessed their onion and garlic consumption using a food frequency questionnaire and compared those measurements with blood pressure and incidences of both cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. The scientists discovered the subjects that ate more onion and garlic regularly had risk reductions of 64 percent in cardiovascular disease, 32 percent in chronic kidney disease and 25 percent in hypertension compared to those that ate less of them.

TEETOTALERS ENJOY LESS HEART DISEASE In a meta-analysis of 45 research studies covering thousands of subjects led by Canada’s University of Victoria, in British Columbia, researchers found that former and occasional drinkers have a 45 percent increased risk of heart disease than non-drinkers. This discovery contradicts the widely held belief that occasional alcohol consumption reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Overtime Hours Linked to Tooth Decay

esearchers from the Tokyo Dental College, in Japan, have discovered a link between excessive overtime work and oral health by comparing overtime hours worked per month with the rate of untreated tooth decay. Of 951 financial workers studied, 13 percent of the men with no overtime hours reported tooth decay, while 19 percent of those working up to 45 hours of overtime per month did. This increased to 27 percent for those working 45 to 80 extra hours per month and exceeded 31 percent for those logging more than 80. Workers with the most overtime hours were more likely to list “too busy with work” as their reason for leaving decayed teeth untreated. The results came after adjusting for differences in age, education, smoking, snacking, dental visits and oral hygiene.

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Presents 5th Annual Health Expo

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newsbriefs

esearchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have found that aerobic exercise increases overall brain volume and gray matter, and helps improve brain function. Thirty-five adults with mild cognitive impairment were split into an aerobic group and a stretching group. The aerobic group participated in moderate-to-vigorous exercise four times per week for six months, while the others did stretching exercises at the same rate. The researchers used magnetic resolution imaging with each participant at the beginning of the study and after six months to determine potential changes in the brain. They found that both groups showed volume increases in gray matter regions linked to short-term memory, but the aerobic group displayed a larger preservation of overall brain volume. They also had greater improvements in cognitive function.

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Cranberry Prebiotic Promotes Gut Health

esearch from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has found that the cell walls of cranberries contain xyloglucan, a complex sugar that feeds the beneficial, naturally occurring bifidobacteria, enhancing the body’s microbiome. “A lot of plant cell walls are indigestible, just like we can’t digest the special sugars found in xyloglucans,” explains nutritional microbiologist and researcher David Sela, Ph.D. “But when we eat cranberries, the xyloglucans enter our intestines, where beneficial bacteria can break them down into useful molecules and compounds.” Sela emphasizes the importance of prebiotics. “With probiotics, we are taking extra doses of beneficial bacteria that may or may not help our gut health,” he says. “But with prebiotics, we already know that we have the beneficial guys in our guts, so let’s feed them with more nutrients and things that they like.”

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Acupuncture and Herbs Ease Delirium in Patients

cientists from the Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, in Japan, examined the impact of a combination of acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine on the rate of delirium in cardiovascular patients admitted into an intensive care unit. Of the 59 patients studied, 29 were treated with conventional care and 30 were given the same care, plus herbal medicine three times a day and acupuncture once a day. In the treatment group, incidental rates of delirium were 6.6 percent, significantly lower than the 37.9 percent rate found in the control group. This group also required fewer sedative drugs traditionally used to combat aggressive behavior in delirious patients.

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Aerobics Improve Brain Function

Black Cumin Oil Helps Control Asthma

igella sativa oil (NSO), commonly called black cumin, is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. Researchers from University College London, in the UK, and King Abdulaziz University, in Saudi Arabia, studied the impact of this oil on patients with asthma. Scientists divided 80 asthmatics into two groups of 40. One group was treated with 500 milligrams of NSO twice a day for four weeks. The other was given a placebo. The researchers used an asthma control score to measure improvement, along with pulmonary function testing and the level of blood eosinophils, disease-fighting white blood cells that indicate inflammation and allergic reaction. The researchers found normal eosinophil levels and significant improvement in the average asthma control test score for those in the NSO group, plus improved pulmonary function, compared to the placebo group.

Quick decisions are unsafe decisions. ~Sophocles

natural awakenings

November 2017

Wine Worry

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Glyphosate Toxin Turns Up in Wines

Monsanto’s toxic Roundup herbicide glyphosate has been found in all 10 California vintages tested, including organic wines. While glyphosate isn’t sprayed directly onto grapes because it would kill the vines, it’s often used to spray the ground in the vineyard to be absorbed via the roots. Sometimes, glyphosate drifts from conventional vineyards into nearby organic and biodynamic vineyards. Other times, the toxin remains in the soil after a conventional farm has been converted to organic; the chemical may persist onsite for more than 20 years. Glyphosate is patented as an antibiotic. Designed to kill bacteria, it harms both soils and human health, and has been cited as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. For glyphosate-related consumer information, search Actions at MomsAcrossAmerica.com.

Renewables Hit High Mark in UK In a major marker of renewable growth, sources of energy that includes wind, solar, hydro and wood pellet burning briefly generated more electricity—50.7 percent—than coal and gas in Great Britain for the first time on June 7. When nuclear sources are added, the number increased to 72.1 percent. Records for wind power are also being set across Northern Europe.

Faster Rescues

Artificial Intelligence Helps Locate People and Wildlife

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Landfill Eulogy

Sweden Dumps its Dumps Landfills generate environmental problems such as the greenhouse gas methane that warms the atmosphere and toxic chemicals from household cleaning products that pollute soil and groundwater. Installations are smelly, noisy and can breed disease-transmitting vermin, as well as harm wildlife. Recycling helps cut the volume of waste, but the bulk of all trash continues to fill these dumps. Sweden produces about the same amount of waste as other European nations, but less than 1 percent of its household refuse ends up in landfills. Thirty-two waste-to-energy (WTE) plants that have been operating across the country for years incinerate more than 2 million tons of trash annually—almost 50 percent of all waste. The country still recycles, but anything else normally ends up in the WTE incinerators, creating steam to generate electricity distributed on the grid. This system heats close to a million homes and powers more than a quarter-million, thus reducing Sweden’s reliance on fossil fuels. Sweden also helps to clean up other countries in the European Union by importing their trash and burning it. Because specific products contain materials that cannot be recycled or incinerated, some landfills are still necessary. 10

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News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Getting Greener

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globalbriefs

Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping doctors and scientists worldwide do their jobs better. In wildlife preservation, many researchers want to know how many animals there are and where they live, but Tanya Berger-Wolf, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, states, “Scientists do not have the capacity to do this, and there are not enough GPS collars or satellite tracks in the world.” At AI-driven Wildbook.org, photos are uploaded by experts and the public and analyzed for species, age and even gender. One massive Kenyan study in 2015 prompted officials to alter their lion management program. Also, the locations of stranded victims of floods, earthquakes or other disasters can be determined via computer programmers writing basic algorithms that examine extensive footage. In flooded areas, AI technology can also find debris that harbors trapped people. AI techniques can even monitor social media sites to find out more about missing people and disasters.

Why Whales Leap High

Humpback whales are famous for their prodigious leaps from the water. A recent paper published in Marine Mammal Science proposes that breaching the surface and making a big splash serves as an acoustic telegram to communicate with far-off pods. The phenomenon may be compared to a distant drumbeat, which probably carries farther than the whales’ signature songs. Former University of Queensland marine biologist Ailbhe S. Kavanagh, Ph.D., and her colleagues observed 76 humpback groups off the coast of Australia for 200 hours between 2010 and 2011 and found that breaching is much more common when pods are at least 2.5 miles apart, with more local slapping of fins and flukes when fellow whales are nearby.

Pedestrian Power

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Window Pain

Smart Street Lights Powered by Footsteps

Birds Die Flying Into Reflective Glass One night earlier this year, nearly 400 birds migrating north from Central and South America died in the midst of a storm from slamming into the 23-story American National Insurance Company skyscraper in Galveston, Texas. Among the victims were Nashville warblers, yellow warblers and ovenbirds. The American Bird Conservancy estimates as many as 1 billion birds die annually from colliding with glass in the U.S. as they see and therefore fly into the reflection of landscapes and the sky or inside vegetation. The exterior of the Galveston building, previously lit by large floodlights, is now illuminated only by green lights on its top level for air travel safety considerations. Other widely available means to protect birds include products to make residential and commercial windows less attractive to them. Specially placed tape or mullions creating stripes or patterns can help birds identify glass and avoid deadly crashes. Awnings, shutters and outside screens can also reduce bird collisions with buildings.

Get Outside

Black Friday Alternative oliveromg/Shutterstock.com

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Humpback Holler

This year, all REI outdoor outfitter stores will close on Black Friday and join hundreds of national and local organizations and like-minded brands to ask, “Will You Go Out with Us?” For the third year, the REI #OptOutside initiative will mobilize Americans to firmly establish a new tradition of choosing trails over sales on Black Friday, including camping under the stars instead of camping out at malls. For helpful ideas, visit rei.com/ opt-outside.

Conventional street lights collectively emit more than 100 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. The city of Las Vegas, a leader in municipal sustainability, has contracted with EnGoPlanet, a New York City clean tech startup, to install the world’s first Smart Street Lights powered by pedestrians’ footsteps via kinetic energy pads and solar energy. When someone steps on a kinetic tile, energy is created and goes directly to a battery. Petar Mirovic, CEO of EnGoPlanet, says, “Clean and free energy is all around us. Urban cities have to build the smart infrastructures of tomorrow that will be able to harvest all of that energy. This project is a small but important step in that direction.” Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman says, “Through our LEED-certified buildings, solar projects, water reclamation, alternative-fueled vehicles and sustainable streetlights, Las Vegas continues to lead the way.” The company also cites Smart Street Light projects in Chicago, Detroit, Auburn Hills (Michigan), Asbury Park (New Jersey) and at stadiums such as the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, in New Orleans. View an illustrative video at Tinyurl. com/SmartStreetLights.

natural awakenings

November 2017

HELP REBUILD PUERTO RICOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NATURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY

Support Natural Awakenings publishers Luis Mendez and Waleska Sallaberry as they work to rebuild the community they have created the past 15 years. Become involved at:

GoFundMe.com/ NaturalAwakeningsPRfundraiser 12

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Oil Spoil How to Properly Discard Cooking Oil Holiday meal traditions that kick off with a Thanksgiving turkey and continue through festive meals for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can produce lots of cooking oil and grease waste. Following proper disposal procedures protects both the environment and home plumbing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that vegetable oils and animal fats share common physical properties and create similar environmental effects as petroleum spills, including coating and suffocating animals and plants; polluting food supplies and habitats; fouling shorelines; and clogging water treatment plants. Cooking oil and kitchen grease is the number one cause of stopped-up sewer pipes, according to Earth 911. Grease sticks to the lining of plumbing pipes in small particles, which catch onto each other and accumulate until

With the new day

the growing mass can block and backup sewage lines, leading to a nasty mess and sometimes costly repairs. This potential problem can be avoided simply and easily.

comes new strength and new thoughts. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

n For small amounts of kitchen grease such as lard, shortening or tallow that inevitably go down the drain, flush with cold water so that it solidifies, making it less likely to stick to pipes. n Freeze small amounts of used cooking fats, oils and grease in a container like a used coffee can with a tight-sealing lid, then place it in the trash. n Larger and unfrozen quantities of used cooking oil may be taken to an area recycling center for proper disposal year-round. No special container is required and the liquid is emptied from the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s container onsite. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t combine the contents with anything else, so it can be repurposed bycafe-ad5.pdf vendors that collect it from the centers.

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natural awakenings

November 2017

Preventing, Reversing and Managing Diabetes Naturally by Linda Sechrist

ore health practitioners today are recognizing both the mind-body connection, as well as energetic and metaphysical insights into preventing and reversing illnesses. As a result, those facing diabetes and other health challenges are accessing contemporary resources such as Louise L. Hay’s explanation of the emotional roots of disease in You Can Heal Your Life, and the medical science and natural methods explained by health researcher and author Gary Null, Ph.D., in No More Diabetes: A Complete Guide to Preventing, Treating, and Overcoming Diabetes. Applying a “both” rather than an “either” approach illuminates the importance of recognizing the ways our thoughts, emotions and lifestyle choices can impact chronic illness and long-term health.

Two Perspectives

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Hay suggests that this metabolic disorder may be rooted in a feeling of being deprived of life’s sweetness and longing for what might have been, accompanied by a great need to control deep sorrow. Such chronic unease can show up as Type 1, or insulin-dependent, diabetes; Type 2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes; latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), a slowly progressing variation of Type 1; or gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.

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Eavesdropping on our repetitive inner mind chatter and observing its impact on outer experiences can reveal faulty thinking that disrupts the mindbody connection. Hay, a firm believer in the power of affirmations to send a message to the subconscious mind, recommends them to aid healing. For diabetes, she suggests, “This moment is filled with joy. I now choose to experience the sweetness of today.” Null cites medical evidence that explains how the physical causes of diabetes are related to the pancreatic production of the hormone insulin and the body’s use of it, together with rollercoaster blood sugar levels determined by food selections, stress, sleeplessness, insufficient rest and lack of exercise. His approach for preventing, reversing or managing this debilitating condition is to raise awareness of the physical, behavioral and mental causes that lead to its emergence, and making healthy lifestyle choices that regulate blood sugar levels.

Naturally Control Blood Sugar

Glucose, the human body’s key source of cellular energy, is the end product of the digestive system breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats for absorption in the intestines. From there, it passes into the bloodstream. Glucose also supplies energy for the brain. Normal blood glucose levels vary throughout the day. For healthy individuals, a fasting blood sugar level upon awakening is less than 100 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dl) of blood. Before meals, normal levels are 70 to 99 mg/dl; otherwise, 100 to 125. Consistent readings above 126 indicate that lifestyle changes are needed to avoid eventual progression into full Type 2 diabetes. When there’s an inability to efficiently transport glucose from the blood into cells, cells don’t receive the energy they need to function properly. “Elevated glucose levels contribute to blood vessel damage, high blood pressure and inflammation among other issues. High glucose causes insulin levels to spike in an effort to draw the glucose into cells. This stresses the pancreas and causes a sugar crash, called hypoglycemia, which can lead individuals to make impulsive, poor food choices,” advises Marcy

processed foods, have a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Iankowitz’s effective, patient-centered practice follows a practical, fourmonth healing plan that includes tracking foods, moods, blood pressure, sleeping habits and exercise, all necessary to manage or reverse Type 2 diabetes.

Effective Diet Choices

Nourishing myself is a joyful experience, and I am worth the time spent on my healing. ~Louise L. Hay Kirshenbaum, a board-certified clinical nutritionist and owner of Enhance Nutrition, in Northbrook, Illinois. She notes, “Elevated sugar and insulin levels raise triglycerides, a fat that circulates in the blood, and cholesterol, specifically the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels. Triglycerides and cholesterol are important measures of heart health. Triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dl in fasting blood is a risk factor for a stroke or heart attack.”

Early Heads-Up

According to the American Diabetes Association, 8.1 million of the 29.1 million individuals diagnosed with diabetes were previously unaware of any early symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger (even after meals), unusual weight gain or loss and lack of energy. “Many individuals only learn of their condition from a doctor-ordered routine blood test such as the A1C glycated hemoglobin procedure, which reads blood sugar levels over a three-month period,” advises Dr. Nancy Iankowitz, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and founding director of Holistic and Integrative Healing, in Holmes, New York. Individuals that consume large amounts of simple carbohydrates and sugars, are overweight or are exceedingly sedentary and eat unhealthy

Making the highest-impact food choices is critical in the earliest stages of diabetes. That’s why nutritionist and holistic integrative health practitioner Saskia Kleinert, an independent practitioner who also serves as director of the Emeryville Health & Wellness Center, in California, helps patients integrate dietary changes into everyday life. “Patient education includes the necessity of eating low-glycemic index foods and reducing blood glucose levels, while increasing healthy fats with nuts, avocado and olive oil,” advises Kleinert. She notes that antioxidant-rich plant foods are another key component of an effective dietary plan for all age groups. The role of exercise is also vital for those needing to reverse pre-diabetes or managing diabetes aided by insulin injections. “Exercise increases the muscle cell’s demand for glucose, moving it out of the blood into muscle cells that use it as fuel, and so lowering insulin levels,” explains Jamie Coughlan, a naturopathic doctor who practices in Pleasanton and Pleasant Hill, California. Dr. Angelo Baccellieri, owner of Westchester Wellness Medicine, in Harrison, New York, introduces patients to intermittent fasting, an eating pattern that helps treat insulin resistance and control blood sugar. “The concept is predicated on going 14 to 16 hours without food, replicating how our primitive ancestors ate. They feasted when food was available and fasted during famines, sometimes going several days without eating,” advises Baccellieri, who notes that intermittent fasting can be done one day a week. “Our biochemistry actually does very well with this approach, which isn’t hard to do when your last meal is at 7 p.m. and you skip breakfast and delay lunch the next day until 1 p.m. You can drink water with lemon, teas

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November 2017

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and black coffee throughout. By 1 p.m., the body has been 18 hours without protein and carbohydrates, allowing insulin levels to remain at a low level. Excess insulin from too much sugar shifts the body into a storage mode. Having no sugar stores available, the body can then switch into a ketogenic state that allows the body to burn fat for fuel,” explains Baccellieri. Herbs such as turmeric reduce inflammation. Berberine can help cells use glucose efficiently. Supplements such as vitamin C, B-complex, resveratrol and pycnogenol (pine bark extract) can raise antioxidant levels, in which most pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals are deficient, according to a study published in PubMed. Cautious health professionals tailor supplement recommendations to each patient.

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In The Diabetes Breakthrough, based on a scientifically tested way to reverse diabetes through weight loss, Dr. Osama Hamdy and Sheri R. Colberg, Ph.D., explain a home-based version of the 12-week Why WAIT (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment) program offered at the Joslin Diabetes Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, in Boston. WAIT allows participants to reach their weight and blood glucose goals, along with improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and liver and kidney function. The program’s success is due to doable increases in exercising that put greater emphasis on strengthening muscles; effective ways to change bad habits; successful portion control; healthy alternatives to favorite foods; carbohydrate counting; and meals composed of the right balance of complex carbohydrates and antioxidant-rich plant foods, protein and fat, all to achieve optimum body weight and diabetes control.

No Quick Fix

Restoration of health begins with the most important lifestyle changes. n Replace processed and sugary foods in meals and snacks with nutrient-dense, whole foods. n Determine possible food sensitivities with an elimination diet. n Eat some protein with every meal. n Eliminate environmental toxins. n Perform some form of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training at least three to five times a week. n Add stress-relieving practices such as yoga, tai chi or qigong. According to Hamdy, “On average, diabetes has the potential to rob you of more than 12 years of life, while dramatically reducing the quality of life for more than 20 years through chronic pain, loss of mobility, blindness, chronic dialysis and heart disease.” Such serious consequences also include stroke, hearing impairment and Alzheimer’s, he adds. All provide good reasons to live responsibly every day, cherishing long-term goals of laying claim to the best possible health. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

wisewords

dream, ending an unhealthy relationship or leaving a toxic job can predispose us to illness. Fear is the emotional equivalent of pain in the body. Attend to it when it arises; try to understand what it is telling you and see what’s in need of healing.

Lissa Rankin on

Moving from Fear to Freedom

What are some effective ways to defang false fear?

by April Thompson

issa Rankin wears many hats: physician, mystic, author, artist, speaker and blogger. What unites her many pursuits is a passion for helping people optimize their health and understand how science and spirituality converge toward that goal. A former obstetrician and gynecologist, Rankin is the founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute, in San Francisco, which trains doctors in mind-body-spirit medicine. She’s authored six books to date, including the bestseller Mind over Medicine, The Fear Cure and The Anatomy of a Calling. She lives in California’s Marin County and blogs at LissaRankin.com.

What common signs indicate that fear is affecting our health? When people are sick, there is almost always an element of fear. Many of us have “ridden shotgun” at one time or another with a health diagnosis, and that’s scary, so even if it’s not predisposing the illness itself, it can stimulate fear. Studies from institutions such as the Harvard School of Public Health and Carnegie Mellon University have discovered strong correlations between fear, stress and anxiety and health issues. When fear is predisposing us to illness, addressing the root cause of the issue is preventive medicine.

Whether triggered by something trivial or real, fear activates the “fight-or-flight” stress response in the brain. The body has natural self-healing mechanisms, but these only operate when our nervous system is relaxed, so effectively dealing with fear is foundationally critical to wellness.

How can we distinguish between true and false fear? True fear is an actual threat to physical survival, like being approached by someone wielding a gun. However, most fear is generated by a story we make up in our minds. Our wild imaginations, the source of beautiful creativity, can be a destructive force, too, as we envision all kinds of worst-case scenarios, most of which will not come true. Modern-day humans average more than 50 stress responses a day, which indicates we’re way off track in our relationship to fear. The mind constantly strategizes how to get what it wants and avoid what it doesn’t. A spiritual practice can help interrupt the “monkey mind” constantly ruminating on what could go wrong. Paying attention to fear around practical issues like not being able to pay bills is helpful because it can keep us from being reckless, such as buying an unneeded luxury item although our mortgage payment looms. But letting false fear prevent us from following a

Ultimately, we need to come into the right relationship with uncertainty; it’s the gateway to possibility. People often think that fear provides protection, when our intuition, which typically requires a relaxed state of mind, is a far more effective protector. There have been studies about doctors following their hunches to a patient’s underlying condition, leading to life-saving diagnoses.

How can we cultivate courage, curiosity and resilience, rather than feed our fears? Cultivating a spiritual practice such as mindfulness helps put a pause between a feeling like fear and the reaction that might ensue. You learn to sit with uncomfortable feelings and recognize the story you are spinning in your mind about what’s happening. It also means letting go of expectations when things don’t go as planned. Fear is my cue to activate a practice of surrender; to turn something over to the universe. I will also ask for help to calm my heart and let go of attachments. For me, this life-changing practice means I now trust the mystery more than my mind. I trust the unknown more than science and logic. The latter may be useful tools when doing taxes or a research paper, but I don’t trust them to be the best navigation system of my life or help me in a crisis. Psychology isn’t enough to address fear, which comes with the territory if you think that we are just flesh robots programmed to maximize self-interest, alone in a hostile universe. Once you learn to see the possibilities and hand over the wheel to a greater, benign organizing intelligence, something unwinds in the nervous system and we relax into the wonder of mystery. Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

natural awakenings

November 2017

inspiration

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Ohio, author of Kindness is Contagious, observes, “We are literally created to be kind; it’s well known that feel-good endorphins are released when we do an act of kindness. I think we often hold back because we predetermine that our resources are limited. Know your talents and gifts, and build your acts of kindness accordingly.” Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist (MarlainaDonato.com).

Feed Your Soul

Sharable Thanksgiving

Ways to Focus on What Really Matters by Marlaina Donato

Thanksgiving inspires a season of appreciation for what sustains us and gives meaning to life.

Share Good Food “I think true sustenance is when our hunger for connection and belonging meet,” says Sarah Ban Breathnach, the Los Angeles author of The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude. “When my daughter was small, we would purchase a complete Thanksgiving dinner for the local food pantry when we shopped for our own, saying, ‘One for us, one for them.’” Nourishment of our emotional and spiritual selves often begins with choosing simple, whole food. Rocco DiSpirito, a New York City celebrity chef and author of Rocco’s Healthy + Delicious, reminds us, “Eat real food! Return to the basics of eating what’s produced by Mother Nature. You’ll become a better partner, parent and person.” Cooking is more enjoyable when shared; beyond partaking together, partnering in meal preparation is a fun way to nurture bonds with others any time of the year.

Bangor, Pennsylvania, has opened her doors for intimate community events through the years. “My former home, a converted church, was a perfect space for organizing and a way to give back,” says Caldara, who has hosted gatherings on local environmental issues, music performances, literary nights and annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations. Small living spaces can be just as welcoming and facilitate simple conversation, a valuable gesture. “The art of listening is such a beautiful, but rare act of kindness. I love technology, but there’s no denying that our devices have made us poor listeners,” says Michael J. Chase, of southern Maine, the founder of The Kindness Center, whose books include Am I Being Kind and Off: A Memoir of Darkness, a Manual of Hope. Each month, Chase makes it a point to visit friends and send some handwritten notes instead of using social media.

Share Life’s Happiness

Practice Kindness

Common interests lessen the chasm between our to-do lists and nurturing camaraderie. Anna Maria Caldara, of 18

Peace River Edition

Sharing our time or talent will be remembered long after the holiday feasting. Author Nicole J. Phillips, of Athens,

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n Revive a traditional weekly or monthly dinner with family or friends. n Whip up and enjoy a healthy dinner or dessert with someone not seen in a while. n Organize a healthy potluck using local ingredients and encourage invitees to bring someone that’s new to the group. n Choose a healthier version of a holiday favorite and print out the recipe for everyone at the event. n Fill a holiday basket with yummy and colorful edibles and drop it off at a local business or library to express appreciation. n Seek reconciliation by initiating a conversation with someone that may have been hurtful. n Explore ThePeoplesSupper.org to join or host a dinner to make new friends.

Offer Some Time n Offer to help clean up a friend’s yard or organize a closet or room in their house. n Host a children’s art party and donate their works to a local facility or shelter. n If in possession of a holistic, artful or practical skill, gift it. n Bring a pot of homemade soup to a friend or neighbor that’s under the weather. n Find ideas for random acts of kindness at Kindness.org.

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greenliving

How It Works The systems work by moving water through plastic pipes sunk into the ground, and using a heat exchanger to warm or cool refrigerant that then circulates throughout the house. Operating like a conventional heat pump, it needs less than half as much energy—just one kilowatt-hour of electricity— to produce 12,000 BTU (British thermal units, a standard energy measure). Its efficiency is double that of the best air conditioner and 50 percent superior to the best natural gas furnace, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Planet-friendly geothermal energy emits no pollution and reduces the need for fossil fuels.

Return on Investment

Pumped Up About Geothermal Homeowners Like its Eco-Friendly Cost Savings by Jim Motavalli

t’s an uncertain time for home-based geothermal heating and cooling, which has been increasing for years. The good news is that the cost of the technology is down and its efficiency is up. Yet a helpful 30 percent federal income tax credit inaugurated in 2009 disappeared in 2017 and may not get renewed anytime soon, even though H.R. 1090, a bill aimed at restoring the credit, has had strong support in Congress, led by New York Republican Congressman Tom Reed. While ideal spots for tapping into Earth’s energy are where tectonic plates meet and move, such as along the U.S. West Coast and in Alaska, it’s a misperception that it’s only possible in corresponding states. Anyone in the U.S. can use a geothermal heat pump, which works by accessing the constant 50-degree temperature just below the Earth’s surface. Iceland is equipped to get 50 percent of its energy from geothermal. Other countries now accessing it for at least 15 percent of their energy include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Kenya and the Philippines.

While they can cost $20,000 to $25,000 for an average-sized home, the systems are long-lasting; most provide a 10-year or longer warranty, based on having few moving parts that may break. The above-ground compressor and pump have a 20year life expectancy and the expensive underground piping system should last a lifetime, says Brian Clark Howard, a National Geographic editor and co-author of Geothermal HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning]. “Once the wells are dug and the loops are in, you’ll probably never have to revisit them.” According to Ryan Dougherty, chief operating officer of the Geothermal Exchange Organization, which represents manufacturers and installers, a typical home system costs approximately $24,000 installed, including the ground heat exchanger and all necessary ductwork. Renewable energy often makes sense without subsidies. Dougherty still sees geothermal as a good deal for homeowners, with a payback period of seven to 10 years. Dale Binkley of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, installed his home’s geothermal heat pump in 2006, before the 30 percent federal tax credit took effect. His out-of-pocket cost was $23,522, with a small federal credit and modest rebate from the local utility. Binkley is pleased. “The system is easy to maintain, cost efficient, and works well. It heats and cools better than I thought it would,” he says. Binkley saved $1,000 on his heating and cooling bill the first year, a savings he continues to enjoy every year.

Added Benefits “You’ll gain outstanding temperature and humidity control, plus a better running, more-efficient HVAC system,” Howard says. “Installing geothermal will also increase property values.” Institutional customers reap comparable benefits. As a tax-exempt entity, the Cozy Green Library, in Darien, Connecticut, uses geothermal heating and cooling, along with energy-efficient computers, LED light bulbs and storm water biofiltration, Carefully evaluating options allows homeowners and commercial landlords to make an informed decision about tapping into Earth’s free energy. Jim Motavalli, of Fairfield, CT, is an author, freelance journalist and speaker specializing in clean automotive and other environmental topics. Connect at JimMotavalli.com. natural awakenings

November 2017

fitbody

DEC

Coming Next Month Try Some Stretches Plus: Holidays December articles include: Uplifting Your Family New Year Inspirations Tips for a Peaceful and Happy Holiday and so much more!

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Peace River Edition

Four Ways to Flex Our Muscles by Marlaina Donato

hether working out at the gym or taking to the trails, stretching is sometimes an overlooked asset to any exercise regimen. Eliminating stretches or not doing them properly increases the risk of injury and deprives muscles of what they need for optimum performance. “Just because you are in shape doesn’t always mean you have good flexibility,” notes LaReine Chabut, a Los Angeles fitness expert and author of Stretching for Dummies. “If you do plenty of strength training and cardio, but you don’t do any stretching, you’re creating an imbalance in your body. Flexibility plays a big part in overall fitness.” Loosening up correctly not only fosters flexibility, but also improves muscle endurance and coordination. “Everyone should be stretching, especially as you age, to maintain range of motion and balance,” advises fitness trainer Ben Wegman, of The Fhitting Room, in New York City. “A personal workout regime can be enhanced with stretching, which also increases mobility, improves posture and performance, and reduces stress levels.”

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Four Categories, Many Variations “Different types of stretches access different muscles and different types of flexibility, but together, can benefit everyone,” says Wegman. There are many ways to stretch, but knowing what to do and when to do it can be key to optimum results and injury prevention. Warming up to different types of stretches can be a little daunting, but the basic four (sometimes combined in terminology) are passive, static, active and dynamic. In the past, ballistic stretching was common and included potentially harmful bouncing techniques, but today dynamic stretching has become a favorite among trainers, consisting of specific, controlled movements that prepare the body for the demands of both engaging in sports and an average workout. “Stretches can be confusing, so as a rule of thumb, I suggest dynamic stretching for any workout that involves movement and passive stretching for cooling down after a workout to release the muscles,” says Chabut. Stretching also plays an important role in yoga, which generally complements different stretches by adding a mind-body connection. “Breath is the key difference between yoga and regular stretching,” notes Chabut.

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Uplifting Humanity

“The use of breath allows you to get deeper into the muscle. Yoga also places particular emphasis on core muscles: the abdominals, lower back and spinal muscles. Through focus and deep breathing, yoga allows you to move beyond stretching into a deeper physical experience that both strengthens and focuses your body.”

Injury Prevention and Recovery

Nancy Whelan, a physical therapist and owner of The Physical Therapy Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, emphasizes the importance of proper technique for clients to avoid further injury, especially individuals that had a torn Achilles tendon. “Stretching is important when doing any exercise, and especially important following surgery or injury, because the body’s reaction to either one is to contract, which can cause secondary problems,” explains Whelan. “I think the body has an intelligence we must listen to. We must acknowledge our limitations and the signals our body sends us to let us know that something is harmful or painful,” she notes. “When you take responsibility to take care of your body, it will take care of you.” For injury prevention, dynamic stretching offers many benefits. “It’s the best because it ensures that all major joints have full range of motion and suf-

ficient muscle length,” says Wegman. She advises never to stretch an injured muscle or stretch too forcefully. “Introduce low-intensity stretching back into a regime only under a doctor’s supervision,” she cautions.

Daily Moderation

For Chabut, moderation is everything. “Gently warm up the body before moving into deeper stretches. Build heat in the muscles slowly to avoid potential injury,” she advises. Proper stretching is beneficial, but not doing so can foster bad habits and cause muscle or tendon tears. “Stretching cold muscles or using improper techniques such as bouncing when holding a stretch position are common mistakes,” observes Whelan. Stretching doesn’t have to be reserved for workouts, and with a little discipline, its benefits can easily be attained at home or the office. “Take 10 minutes during your favorite TV program and perform a couple of stretches,” suggests Wegman. “Make it a point to get up every half-hour and stretch for five minutes before resuming work. If you aren’t being pushed or pushing yourself, you won’t see results or make improvements. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

Stretching Guide at a Glance

Benefit: Increases flexibility in the muscles being stretched and increases strength in the opposing muscles.

STATIC What it is: Hold a stretch in a challenging, but not painful position, for 10 to 30 seconds until feeling discomfort; once this is felt, the muscle then releases and relaxes.

PASSIVE What it is: Employ an outside force such as a stretching device, strap or another’s body weight such as a trainer, physical therapist or massage therapist, which assists the stretch while the individual remains passive. The targeted muscles are not actively engaged. Examples include post-workout stretches applying pressure with a body part, towel or other prop or piece of equipment.

Benefit: Improves flexibility. ACTIVE (aka Static Active) What it is: Engage and contract the muscle group opposite the one being stretched to initiate the stretch; repeat. Many yoga poses are examples of active stretching.

Benefit: Increases range of motion, decreases muscle tension (spasm)

Helpful Resources BOOKS Dynamic Stretching: The Revolutionary New Warm-Up Method to Improve Power, Performance and Range of Motion, by Mark Kovacs Dynamic Stretching vs. Static Stretching and Their Benefits, by Jack Cascio Exercise Balls for Dummies (including safe stretches for pregnant woman) and Stretching for Dummies, both by LeReine Chabut Stretching: 20 Simple Stretching Techniques to Relieve Pain and Increase Flexibility, by Neb Notliar ONLINE VIDEOS BlackBeltWiki.com/stretching (range of stretches specific to martial arts styles and body parts) DoYogaWithMe.com/yoga-beginners (free yoga videos for all levels) ElderGym.com/elderly-flexibility (highly detailed instruction tailored to seniors) Essentrics.com/media.html (videos from the PBS series Classical Stretch) StretchCoach.com/resources/ stretching-videos (instruction specific to sports and muscle groups) StudioSweatOnDemand.com/classes/ feature/good-for-beginners (select stretching videos) and reduces post-workout soreness and fatigue. DYNAMIC What it is: Use controlled, gradual movements and stretches that involve repeated range of motion moves, especially in relation to a specific activity or sport that will follow the warm-up. Benefit: Prepares the body for activity and warms the muscles; especially advantageous after static stretches. Builds strength. Primary sources: Fitness Science; Scott White, a power trainer in Scottsdale, AZ.

natural awakenings

November 2017

healingways

Discover the Benefits of Quiet at a Silent Retreat by April Thompson

I Our Readers are Your Market. Let Us Introduce You to Them!

Peace River Edition

ndividuals seeking to escape life’s ceaseless distractions, deepen their personal spiritual practice, enhance well-being and gain fresh perspective, are patronizing silent retreats in rising numbers. “Retreats are a special opportunity to enter a healing space where your natural energy, insight, intelligence and wisdom can arise,” says Linda Mary Peacock, known as Thanissara, a former Buddhist nun, cofounder of South Africa’s Dharma-giri Hermitage and Outreach and a retreat leader at the Spirit Rock Insight Meditation Center, in Woodacre, California. Sheila Russ, of Richmond, Virginia, has participated in several retreats with silent components, hosted by spiritual traditions spanning Baptist to Benedictine. “People of different faiths all have the same need to reach inside and listen. If we don’t slow down and get quiet, we can’t hear what’s going on with us,” says Russ. “Spending time in contemplation is cleansing and freeing; I feel like mentally and spiritually I can breathe.”

Scientific Support

Attaining heightened well-being after a retreat may have a neurological basis, according to research from Thomas Jefferson University’s Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, in Philadelphia. Silent retreats appear to raise the brain’s

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levels of mood-boosting chemicals, according to Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of research there. Newberg’s team tested the brains of retreat participants before and one week after an Ignatian-based retreat, finding significant changes in their serotonin and dopamine systems. “Whether through prayers, walks or meditations, the single-minded ritualistic aspect of retreats seems to predispose the brain for peak spiritual experience,” he observes.

What to Expect

Formats vary, but most silent retreats entail extended periods of sitting meditation or prayer, often alternating with walking meditation or other mindful movement. Some may also entail a work detail, like sweeping the meditation hall or helping prepare meals. “Work tasks help bring mindfulness into everyday life,” says Chas DiCapua, a resident teacher for the Insight Meditation Society’s flagship retreat center in Barre, Massachusetts, who has led silent retreats teaching Buddhist practices for 20 years. “The community aspect is equally important; being surrounded by people that support your spiritual practice can encourage you on what can be a lonely path.” Silence doesn’t mean being static and somber or not thinking, counsels

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SACRED SILENCE

David Harshada Wagner, of Ojai, California, whose meditation retreats draw from the Indian mystical traditions of yoga, vedanta and tantra. “Silence is more than the absence of talking; it’s a powerful energy,” says Wagner. “Silent retreats are the loudest, as the energy is roaring within. It should be a joyous practice.” Yet retreats aren’t a cakewalk. Los Angeles author and mindfulness facilitator Jennifer Howd chronicles the challenges of her first nine-day silent retreat in Joshua Tree, California, in her memoir Sit, Walk, Don’t Talk. Seven retreats later, Howd says that although the journey isn’t always easy, she always gains insights about herself and the nature of the mind.

Choosing a Retreat

Retreat leaders caution that while it’s good to jettison expectations and approach the experience with an open mind, choose a retreat that fits individual needs. The level of personal attention at retreats can vary greatly, remarks Thanissara. “Some may host 100 or

The deliberate, conscientious practices of my first silent retreat made me appreciate each moment: the gifts, blessings, music, stretching, meditation, prayers and practice of stillness. ~Unity retreat feedback more people, relying largely on taped instruction without much interaction with group leaders. A small group might be better for a first retreat,” she suggests. Thanissara recommends an upfront review of instructor credentials and starting with a weekend retreat before embarking on one of longer duration. Regardless of length, retreats aren’t always for everyone. “If you’re going through emotional or psychological

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Retreats for All Faiths

difficulties, it’s best to discuss your circumstances with a teacher at the retreat center before deciding to attend. If you’re in therapy, talk with your therapist,” counsels DiCapua.

Retreat Back to Everyday Life Afterwards, ease back into the daily routine; don’t rush back into old patterns of media and food consumption, recommends Howd. “Try to build-in a day or two of down time. You may still be processing things emotionally.” DiCapua suggests finding a local community of a kindred practice to keep the momentum going, and not expect to keep it up as earnestly at home as at the retreat. Attending daylong maintenance retreats on Saturdays or Sundays can also help sustain individual practice. Above all, “Appreciate yourself for having thought to go on a retreat and follow it through,” says DiCapua. “It can be a radical thing.” Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com. (RollingMeadowsRetreat.com) offers silent retreats combining yoga and meditation. Leaders Patricia Sunyata Brown and Surya-Chandra Das take an eclectic approach incorporating multiple traditions to stimulate self-inquiry and compassion.

Insight Meditation Society:

etreat centers vary from nondenominational to those aligned with a faith, but even within a tradition, styles of meditation vary. The following opportunities highlight some of the more prevalent offerings. RetreatFinder.com and RetreatsOnline.com can be helpful tools.

Omega Institute: One of the largest centers on the East Coast, the Omega Institute (eOmega.org), in Rhinebeck, New York, offers yoga, meditation and mindfulness retreats led by notable and varied spiritual teachers. Unity: The Unity church, a Christian faith honoring all paths to God, offers an annual silent retreat facilitated by

Rev. Paulette Pipe (TouchingTheStillness. org). Held at Unity Center, in Kansas City, Missouri, the experience incorporates soulful music, labyrinth walks and meditation practice.

Tassajara Zen Mountain Center:

A working monastery for more than 50 years, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and Hot Springs (sfzc.org/tassajara), in the Ventana Mountains of northern California, offers lay meditation practitioners a sense of monastic life each summer. Retreats are mainly taught in the Zen Buddhist tradition, focused on observing the breath and mind.

Rolling Meadows: Located in rural Brooks, Maine, Rolling Meadows

Founded by Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein in the 1970s, the Insight Meditation Society (Dharma.org) focuses on the Buddhist practices of metta (spreading lovingkindness) and vipassana (insight) meditation. Silent retreats at its historic center in Barre, Massachusetts, range from two days to three months.

Jesuits: A Roman Catholic order cofounded by St. Ignatius, the Jesuit tradition incorporates prayer, meditation, self-awareness and other contemplative practices. Jesuits.org/ retreat-centers lists Jesuit retreat centers across the U.S. where seekers can deepen their relationship with God through silence.

natural awakenings

November 2017

consciouseating

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Not Your Grandma’s Stuffing Healthy Twists on Old Favorites by Judith Fertig

hanksgiving side dishes continue to evolve, even though traditional entrées still hold pride of place. New, lighter alternatives to time-honored stuffing maximize flavorful dried fruits, herbs and nuts. Healthy options may use gluten-free bread or black rice, cauliflower, chestnuts or pecans for flavor, bulk and color. A stuffing can also fill a halved acorn squash or cored apple. According to renowned health authority Dr. Joseph Mercola, pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals, including anti-inflammatory magnesium, heart-healthy oleic acid, phenolic antioxidants and immune-boosting manganese. Erica Kannall, a registered dietitian in Spokane, Washington, and a certified health and fitness specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine, likes dried fruits because they contribute antioxidants and fiber.

Intriguing Options

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, of New York City, salutes his Italian heritage

with chestnuts and embraces healthy living with millet and mushrooms in his special stuffing. His new book Rocco’s Healthy + Delicious includes healthy takes on Thanksgiving dishes such as a sugar-free cranberry sauce. Sonnet Lauberth, a certified holistic health coach, blogger and cookbook author in Seattle, created a healthy stuffing she loves. “My GrainFree Sage and Pecan Dressing is one of my favorite dishes to bring to gatherings because it works with a variety of diets,” she says. “It’s gluten-, dairy- and grain-free, paleo and vegan. The pecans can be omitted for a nut-free version.” Riced cauliflower is the base, which is available prepackaged at some groceries, but can be made at home simply by chopping the florets into rice-kernelsize pieces. “Cauliflower is the perfect base for this recipe, as it adds a nice texture in place of bread and provides extra fiber,” she says. Laurie Gauguin, a personal chef in the San Francisco Bay area, specializes

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. 24

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in gluten-free dishes that she prepares in clients’ homes. “Anything that will hold its shape and not crumble too much can work as a stuffing base,” she says. “Gluten-free, somewhat sticky grains, like short grain brown rice, Chinese black rice, millet or soft-cooked quinoa work well.” “Choose a mixture that contrasts with the texture and color of the food you’re stuffing,” advises Gauguin. “I created a stuffing that has crunchy pecans, tender black rice and chewy, dried cranberries to contrast with the creaminess of the cored squash entrée. The black rice looks striking against the golden squash.” A stuffing that everyone can eat is ideal for a holiday gathering, either to serve or bring. Lauberth observes, “While not always possible, it’s nice if the host can accommodate various dietary concerns and preferences. Bring your own hearty side dish or two so that you have enough to make a meal for yourself if needed.” Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Healthy Holiday Stuffing Recipes Rocco DiSpirito’s Stuffing Yields: 8 servings 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil ¼ cup millet 1 lb crimini mushrooms, sliced 1 large onion, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 1 medium carrot, diced 4 chestnuts, chopped 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped 1½ Tbsp poultry seasoning 3 scoops Rocco’s Protein Powder Plus (check Amazon.com) 2 egg whites 1¾ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper Place grapeseed oil in a 12-inch cast

photo by Stephen Blancett

Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed With Black Rice, Pecans, Dried Cranberries and Tempeh Yields: 8 servings

Cook a quarter-cup millet in a small saucepan on the stovetop according to package instructions. When millet is cooked through, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Roast for 40 to 50 minutes on the upper middle rack of the oven until tender when pierced with a fork.

Rice: 1 Tbsp olive oil ¾ cup finely diced onion 1 cup Chinese black rice (also called Forbidden Black Rice) ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground coriander 2 cups water

Heat a large, safe, nonstick sauté pan over high heat and use it to sauté the mushrooms until tender and golden, approximately seven to 10 minutes.

Add the chestnuts, sage, poultry seasoning, protein powder, egg whites and chicken stock to the large mixing bowl, and then use a rubber spatula to mix well, so that no lumps are visible. Carefully remove the cast iron pan from the oven, and then pour stuffing batter into it. Popping occurs as the outside batter develops a crust. Return the cast iron pan to the oven and bake for 13 minutes. Remove from oven and turn the result out onto a serving dish. Recipe courtesy of Rocco DiSpirito, Rocco’s Healthy + Delicious.

Add the onion and sauté for two to three minutes, until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the rice, salt, cinnamon and coriander. Cook and stir for 30 seconds.

Scatter crumbled tempeh over the cooked rice. Cover the pan, then take it off the stove and let it rest for 10 minutes. While the rice is cooking, combine pecans, ginger, four teaspoons olive oil, one teaspoon coriander, nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon salt.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Transfer the vegetable mix to the same mixing bowl as the millet and mushrooms.

While the squash is roasting, place a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat and pour in one tablespoon of olive oil.

Pour in the water and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over very low heat for 30 to 60 minutes, until rice is tender.

Transfer mushrooms to the same mixing bowl as the millet. Heat a large, safe, nonstick pan over medium heat and use it to sweat the onions, celery and carrots until tender and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Brush the interior, plus the cut sides of the squashes with the 4 teaspoons oil, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon sea salt. Arrange squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side down.

Squash: 4 acorn squashes (1½ lb each) 4 tsp olive oil ½ tsp sea salt

iron pan; place the pan in the oven and preheat oven to 425˚ F.

scoop out the seeds.

Pour this mixture into an eight-by-eightinch baking pan; roast at 375° F for 15 minutes on the bottom middle oven rack, stirring halfway through.

4 oz tempeh, crumbled

Stir in the sage, dried cranberries and maple syrup. Roast for another 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.

Roasted Pecans and Cranberries: 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 tsp minced ginger root 4 tsp olive oil 1 tsp ground coriander ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp sea salt 10 large sage leaves, chopped 1 cup dried cranberries 2 Tbsp maple syrup

Arrange squash halves, cut side up, on a serving platter. Combine rice with the pecan mixture and divide among the squash halves, pressing gently so the stuffing stays put. If made one day ahead, cover and reheat in a 350˚ F oven until heated through.

Preheat oven to 375° F. Cut squashes in half lengthwise, then

Recipe courtesy of Laurie Gauguin, LaurieGauguin.com.

natural awakenings

November 2017

Grain-Free Sage and Pecan Stuffing

photo by Stephen Blancett

1 cup pecans 1 Tbsp coconut oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 stalks celery, diced 4 cups raw cauliflower rice (prepackaged or via a grater or food processor shredding blade) 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped ½ tsp kosher or sea salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Add additional salt and pepper if desired. Toss with parsley and serve hot. Recipe courtesy of Sonnet Lauberth, InSonnetsKitchen. com/60-healthy-gluten-free-thanksgiving-recipes.

Preheat oven to 250˚ F.

Stuffed Apples with Fig and Hazelnuts Yields: 4 servings 2 oz dried figs, finely chopped 1 Tbsp roasted, shelled hazelnuts, chopped 1 tsp orange zest ¼ tsp allspice 4 Granny Smith apples, cored ½ cup maple syrup 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice Preheat oven to 350° F.

photo by Stephen Blancett

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and place in the oven until lightly toasted, about five minutes. Monitor to ensure the nuts don’t burn. Remove pecans from the oven and place in a food processor. Coarsely chop and set aside. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and celery and cook until onions are translucent, about five minutes. Add the pecans, cauliflower rice, sage, thyme, salt and pepper and cook for seven to 10 minutes, until the rice is tender.

Combine the chopped figs, hazelnuts, orange zest and allspice in a bowl. Place the apples in a baking dish and loosely press the fig mixture into the cavities of the apples. Combine the maple syrup, coconut oil and orange juice and drizzle it over the apples.

Bonus Recipe Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce Yields: 4 Servings ½ lb cranberries 2 Tbsp grated orange zest ¼ cup orange juice 8 packets Monk Fruit in the Raw sweetener Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Bake the apples for 25 minutes or until tender.

In a small saucepot, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, monk fruit, salt and pepper.

Set cooked apples aside for 10 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly, and then serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture becomes thick and dry, about 40 minutes.

Adapted from a recipe in Family Circle Australia.

Recipe courtesy of Rocco DiSpirito, Rocco’s Healthy + Delicious.

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naturalpet

oil into the skin all over their body, especially on dry areas. Let it absorb for about five minutes. Follow with another bath (not much lather) and a very light rinse. Also, dab it directly on hotspots, eruptions and rashes after disinfecting.

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DIY FIRST-AID FOR DOGS 6 Seven Natural Home Remedies by Karen Becker

any pet parents check their kitchen cabinets first when treating their canine companion’s minor health issues. Three helpful basics are canned, 100 percent pumpkin, povidone iodine antiseptic and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, plus apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.

Constipation, Diarrhea and Other Minor Digestive Issues Solution: Canned pumpkin. For occasional mild tummy upsets, give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight, one to two times a day, either in food or as a treat, for non-allergic dogs. Pumpkin’s soluble fiber can ease diarrhea and constipation.

Minor Skin Abrasions, Cuts, Infections or Hot Spots Solution: Povidone iodine. The gentle Betadine brand can allay staph, yeast and most common bacteria. It’s safe if a pet licks it. Dilute the povidone iodine until it looks like iced tea, soak a clean cloth and gently wipe infected skin areas. Rinse the cloth, wipe the skin, and then pat dry. Repeat twice daily for a minor issue.

Itchy, Irritated Paws Solution: Footbaths. About 50 percent of a dog’s foot licking and chewing can be alleviated by simply rinsing off allergens and other irritants from its paws. For large dogs, soak one foot at a time in a bucket. Stand small dogs in a sink or tub, or dunk one paw at a time in a small container of solution.

Dilute povidone iodine to the color of iced tea and add to the footbath. Swish it around while the dog stands in it for two to five minutes. Talk soothingly and offer treats as needed.

Fleas Solution: Apple cider vinegar (ACV). It doesn’t kill fleas, but helps deter them. Put a solution of equal parts raw, organic ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritz the pet before they head outdoors plus dog bedding. Consider adding it to a dog’s food as well; one teaspoon for every 20 pounds of pooch. During baths, pour diluted ACV of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of water over a freshly bathed dog (avoid the head) for a flea-preventive rinse. Massage the ACV solution into their coat and towel dry. Don’t rinse. Alternatively, add about two cups of apple cider vinegar to their bathwater.

Crusty Skin and Nails Solution: Coconut oil. Skin treatments using 100 percent organic, cold-pressed, human-grade coconut oil can reduce flaking and improve skin quality, especially for seniors with crusty patches of skin and funky nails. Bathe the dog, and then rub the

Skunk Encounter Solution: Skunk rinse. In a pail, mix one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda and two teaspoons dishwashing liquid. For a large dog, double, triple or quadruple the mixture, based on their size and coat. Apply the mixture to the dog’s dry coat, taking care to avoid the eyes. Massage the mixture into the coat and skin for about five minutes or until the skunk smell starts to dissipate. Use a sponge to apply the solution to the chin, cheeks, forehead and ears. Rinse thoroughly. When rinsing the head, tilt the dog’s chin upward to protect the eyes. It may be necessary to repeat the entire process up to three times. Rinse off the solution completely.

Toxin Ingestion Solution: Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and give one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of dog weight. Add a little vanilla ice cream or honey to encourage swallowing, or simply syringe it down their throat, if necessary. Walk the dog for a few minutes— movement helps the hydrogen peroxide work—which typically occurs within 15 minutes. If the dog doesn’t vomit in 15 minutes, give a second dose. If after another 15 minutes they still haven’t vomited, call a veterinarian. Don’t induce vomiting if the dog is throwing up already, has lost consciousness or can’t stand, or it’s been more than two hours since they ingested the toxin. Harsh chemicals can cause burning both as they are swallowed and come back up. For these problems, seek veterinary care immediately. Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes Mercola Healthy Pets (HealthyPets.Mercola. com).

natural awakenings

November 2017

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healthykids

Books that Kids Will Love Advice for Parents from Award-Winners by Randy Kambic

hile kids may list movies, vid- to excite kids 8 and up about math, eo games, music downloads science and engineering—cultivates and other media featuring positive role models via inspirational their favorite athlete, actor or music personal stories. She points out that star as priority holiday gifts, books will most of those depicted were not that expand their thoughts, curiosity and well known, and therefore can be emudreams by exposing them to a different lated and more readily related to. set of role models and aspirations. One of these is Katherine Coleman Reading takes kids away from tech Johnson, a black National Aeronauscreens and expands horizons in ways tics and Space Administration research that can improve their mathematician and physischool grades, maturity cist, portrayed in the recent Holiday gift and overall inquisitivefilm Hidden Figures. Mabooks can inspire rine scientist Eugenie Clark, ness. Many wise-hearted parents are recognizing lifetime readers. known as the “shark lady” the benefits, as children’s for her daring underwater book sales were up 5 percent in the research, and major pioneers in cartog12-month period ending in mid-Octoraphy, archaeology and other fields also ber 2016, according to the American stir inquiring minds. Booksellers Association. Humor, fantasy “I wanted to provide a variety and magic, classics, nonfiction, time of fields, backgrounds and ethnicitravel and participatory activities rank ties,” remarks Lawlor. “They were all among the most popular topics. determined, very smart and persistent, and made strides in opening Award-Winners’ Advice doors for women.” Lawlor’s 2012 “Children can’t be what they can’t see,” children’s book Rachel Carson and says author Laurie Lawlor, of Evanston, Her Book That Changed The World Illinois. Her 2017 book Super Womdescribes how Carson’s seminal 1962 en: Six Scientists that Changed the book Silent Spring helped spawn the World—a nonfiction account designed conservation and pro-environment

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movement by chronicling the dangers of pollution. Children’s fascination with nature and wildlife can also be met through the Dog and Bear series by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, out of Long Island, New York, and Vermonter Jim Arnosky’s scientifically sound wildlife chronicles (JimArnosky.com). Kelly Barnhill, of Minneapolis, whose latest work is The Girl Who Drank the Moon, characterizes children as quiet, yet highly active when reading. “They are encountering characters and then building, inserting themselves and more information into the stories, making it more relevant to them,” she says. The former middle school language arts teacher advocates parental reading aloud with children. “Make it a daily practice of turning to a separate book from what they may be reading on their own. You’re helping them develop cognitive structure by reinforcing and explaining. It’s a shared lens on life.”

Cultivate Reading 4 Know the child’s interests. “If they like horses or birds, you’re certain to find great related books,” advises Lawlor. 4 Lead by example. “Seeing you

reading or gardening or making things invites them to learn more about what they like,” says Lawlor.

4 Be flexible and share. There’s no clear-cut time to transition from reading aloud to having a child do it on their own. Try taking turns reading a paragraph and then a page with them. “Women tend to read more than men, so get Dad involved, as well,” says Barnhill. 4 Access quantity. “Make many

books available to kids,” advises Barnhill. “They’ll enjoy having a choice.” Thrift stores are stocked with heavily discounted used books.

4 Empower them. The interactive, hands-on format of Ellen Sabin’s new The Imagine It Book allows children to “dive in and see how they can make an impact, be innovative, play, fail and then succeed,” says Sabin. “Make them feel like they are ‘driving the bus.’” Welcoming diversity and providing a safe and reassuring community

Books Expand Kids’ Horizons

aunched in April, Reading Without Walls (ReadingWithoutWalls.com) is a national initiative celebrating and encouraging reading, diversity and appreciation for those unlike ourselves. “We feel that this will change lives,” says Shaina Birkhead, strategic partnerships director with the Children’s Book Council, one of the program’s partner organizations. Under the program umbrella, libraries, bookshops, teachers, community youth groups and parents can host “challenge” events. An online guide includes tips on setting up displays and props; fun crafts and drawing activities; how to talk about reading; writing and design contests, word games and puzzles; and bookmark prizes. “Reading opens up minds and hearts to new people, places and things,” says Gene Luen Yang, a national ambassador of the program and author of the youthful tale American Born Chinese.

space for both confident and vulnerable youngsters, the American Library Association (ala.org) provides libraries with positive, unifying resources for children and families. They include a Storytime for Social Justice Kit; booklist for Hope and Inspiration storytime events; resource list on Talking to Kids about Racism and Justice for parents, caregivers and educators; and curated media list on immigration. The Barnes & Noble bookseller groups selected children’s books— including classics such as Dr. Seuss titles, poetry, nature, sports, history and science—in five age categories from newborn through teenage years. “It’s an amazing era for children’s books,” assesses Barnhill. “The success of the Harry Potter series reminded people that kids like real stories. There’s been a boom in creativity, vigor and technical skills in story construction.” Freelance writer and editor Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

calendarofevents SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 ECK Light and Sound Service – 11am-noon. Animals Are Soul, Too! When two Souls have a bond of love, it is stronger and more enduring than eternity, whether they are human beings or if one of them is a bird, dog, cat or other animal form. Free, Charlotte County Cultural Center, Rm A, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, 941-358-0325, Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 10am11am. A spiritual exploration class based on the book by Harold Klemp. Everyone is welcome with or without the book. Ask questions, share stories and insights or just listen to learn to grow and thrive spiritually. 117 Herald Court Square, Suite 211, FGCU Conference Rm, Punta Gorda. 941-358-0325, Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Guest Reader, Deborah Chadwick - 10:30am– 5:30pm. Using a deck of regular playing cards, Deborah is able to communicate with her guides and angels, quickly receiving very specific information for her clients. Throughout her readings, Deborah brings forth humor and healing to aid her clients in achieving a higher level of understanding and focus. 15mins/$30, 30mins/$60, 45mins/$80. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Guest Reader, Margo Park - 10:30am–5:30pm. Margo Park is a warm and caring person who uses her psychic gifts to connect with your spirit guides for guidance and clearer vision in your life. She will often receive healing messages from loved ones that have crossed over to the other side. Margo is a Certified Voyager Tarot Consultant, Aromatherapist, Reiki Master and is gifted in working with animals. She loves to find the answers that you seek and share her knowledge of how you can connect with your own intuition and spirit guides.30 mins/$60. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Community HU Chant – 11am-noon. Need help in dealing with everyday or difficult situations? Singing the word HU, a love song to God, can help. Come experience it for yourself by listening or chanting HU with others for 20 minutes. It is for everyone of any background or religious belief. Light refreshments follow. Free, Jacaranda Library, Children’s Activity Rm, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd, Venice, 941-358-0325, Meetup.com/ EckankarInSarasota.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Unity of Sarasota Gratitude Concert-5pm. Join Rob Satori and many others for a lively concert and reception afterward. Tickets in advance $20/at the door $25. Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Thyroid Wellness Workshop - 3-6pm. Join Stacy Tarter Fradkin for Empower Your Thyroid! Practice Thyroid Yoga™, learn about stress relief with EFT/ Tapping, essential oils and more. Thyroid friendly snacks will be served. There are many paths to feeling better! $45 Lisa L Gallery 1975 Morrill Street, Sarasota, 650-465-3708, Stacy.Fradkin@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Rising Feminine: The Aquarian Awakening 7-8:30pm, Nov 14, 21, 28. “The Age of Aquarius” is HERE, as predicted by ancient cultures for thousands of years. Discover what changes are coming and how Feminine Energy will rise to its rightful place! Clear toxic emotions, activate your Divine Drive; Coach Stephanie international teacher of ancient prophecies. $30 each/$75 for 3. RSVP by 11/7. Point Lumineux Wellness Center, 2206 Jo-An Dr., Sarasota, 941-216-9618, Slavin911@gmail.com. Monthly Anchoring Light Channeled Meditation Charlotte County - 6:45pm. Serving the Ascension of our planet with the Ascended Realms as Anchors of Light every Monday since July 16, 2007! Port Charlotte Beach Park, Room A, Port Charlotte. Love Offering.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 6:307:30 pm. Have you had dreams of a departed loved one, an out-of-body or near-death experience, wonder about past lives? Learn more with like-minded people. Receive a CD with special techniques given as a gift to all attendees. Elsie Quirk Library, Conference Rm, 100 West Dearborn St., Englewood. 941358-0325, Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Guest Reader, Joanne Leo -10:30am–5:30pm. Join us in welcoming back our popular guest reader, Joanne Leo, who has more than 30 years’ experience as a psychic reader and life coach. Combining psychic-channeled numerology and astrology with her tarot card readings, Joanne is able to provide detailed insights about your life based on your birth date and birth name. Her candid “Readings with a Heart” provide a unique and profound guide to all aspects of your life. 15mins/$30, 30mins/$50, 45mins/$70, 60mins/$90. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Intuitive Arts Fair - 10:30am–5:30pm. Elysian Fields has been offering this long-standing Intuitive Arts Fair for over 2 decades! Come try one of our professional and seasoned readers for an intuitive reading, featuring: Catherine, Christine, Deborah, and Laura. No appointments made by phone.First come, first served. 30mins/$35. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com. Book Discussion – 11am-noon. How to Survive Spiritually in Our Times. A spiritual exploration class based on the book by Harold Klemp. Everyone is welcome with or without the book. Ask questions, share stories and insights or just listen to learn to grow and thrive spiritually. Free. Mid-County Regional Library, 2650 Forest-Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte. 941-358-0325. Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota.

natural awakenings

November 2017

Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 3pm4pm. Have you had dreams of a departed loved one, an out-of-body or near-death experience, wonder about past lives? Learn more with like-minded people. Receive a CD with special techniques given as a gift to all attendees. Free. Northport Library, Juliano Rm, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port. 941-358-0325. Meetup.com/ EckankarInSarasota. Peace Pole Dedication – 4pm. All are welcome, bring your friends, children, and neighbors. Peace is for everyone. If you wish, please bring a rock on which you have written a word affirming your intention for our world. Parking available at Prentiss French Park and in the neighborhood – carpooling is encouraged. Sponsored by Venice Peace Project. 401 Baycrest, Venice, VenicePeaceProject.org

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Charlotte Sierra Open Public Meeting - 7pm. Eva Turner will speak on the Past, present and Future of the innovative Wildflower Preserve, a former golf course gone wild. The public is invited to the Charlotte Sierra Club’s monthly meeting, always on the third Tuesday of each month (except during the summer). Meeting location - Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Bldg., 1532 Forrest Nelson Blvd., Port Charlotte. Info, call Allain Hale, Publicity Chair, 941- 423-2713

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Guest Reader, Sherry Lord - 10:30am–5:30pm. Sherry is a Reiki Master, Ordained Reverend, Teacher, Psychic Intuitive and Deeper Trance Channel. She can see angels, guides and auras as well as channel loved ones who have crossed over. Sherry is a versatile channel who can answer your questions, both business and personal, and help you on your spiritual path. 15mins/$40, 30mins/$75, 60mins/$125. *Deep Trance Channel Sessions, 50mins/$175. *Deep Trance Channel sessions, in which Sherry allows Namara, a group of non-physical beings of pure love & light, to speak through her, are 50 minutes and charged at a higher rate. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Run for Your Health Off-Road 5K – 10am. Run to take back your health at this unique adventure at the beautiful Oscar Scherer State Park in Sarasota. Oscar Scherer State Park 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, 727-489-4497, SolutionaryFestival.org. Guest Reader, Margo Park -10:30am–5:30pm. Margo Park is a warm and caring person who uses her psychic gifts to connect with your spirit guides for guidance and clearer vision in your life. She will often receive healing messages from loved ones that have crossed over to the other side. Margo is a Certified Voyager Tarot Consultant, Aromatherapist, Reiki Master and is gifted in working with animals. She loves to find the answers that you seek and share her knowledge of how you can connect with your own intuition and spirit guides. Pre-registration is required, $25. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com. Sarasota’s Solutionary Health Festival - 11am5pm. Featuring knowledgeable speakers, health food, live music from a variety of talented musicians, health-oriented vendors, a kids’ health zone,

Peace River Edition

a scavenger hunt, yoga, a 5K race, and more, Sarasota’s Health Festival is fun for all age groups and welcomes diversity! Free. Parking, $5. Learn more about the event at SolutionaryFestival.org or SolutionaryEvents.com. Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 11amnoon. Have you had dreams of a departed loved one, an out-of-body or near-death experience, wonder about past lives? Learn more with like-minded people. Receive a CD with special techniques given as a gift to all attendees. Free. Mid-County Regional Library, 2650 Forest-Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte. 941-358-0325. Meetup.com/EckankarInSarasota. Have You Had a Spiritual Experience? – 11amnoon. Come share and/or learn about spiritual experiences such as coincidences, guidance from departed ones or angels, dreams, past lives, soul travel. These topics come from the Spiritual Experiences Guidebook which will be given as a gift to attendees. Free, Nokomis Community Park Art Room, 234 Nippino Tr., Nokomis. 941-358-0325, Meetup. com/EckankarInSarasota.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 “How to Connect with the Ascended Beings of Light and Forge a Personal Connection”Class with Indira - 7–9pm. In this interactive and lively class, we’ll learn how to connect with the Ascended Beings of Light, our elder Brothers and Sisters who’ve grappled with many of the same issues we are facing. Jesus, Gautama Buddha, Mother Mary, Kuan Yin and Saint Germain are but a few of the Ascended Hosts who desire to help us along our spiritual paths. Learn how these Light Beings can assist you to move through challenges quickly and discover which Being is offering to personally mentor you. Indira will lead a beautiful, deep meditation to the 5th Plane of Existence and each attendee will receive a personal and timely message. Please bring a notepad, pen, water bottle and a crystal of your choice. Pre-registration required, $25. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Guest Reader, Deborah Chadwick - 10:30am– 5:30pm. Using a deck of regular playing cards, Deborah is able to communicate with her guides and angels, quickly receiving very specific information for her clients. Throughout her readings, Deborah brings forth humor and healing to aid her clients in achieving a higher level of understanding and focus. 15mins/$30, 30mins/$60, 45mins/$80. Elysian Fields, Midtown Plaza, 1273 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota. 941-361-3006, ElysianFieldsOnline.com.

plan ahead DECEMBER 1, 2017 Experience Inner Peace through Music and Meditation with De Luna – 7-8:30pm. De Luna will guide us through an evening of peaceful, celestial music of harp, flutes and other otherworldly instruments while gently helping us discover our inner peace and radiating it out to the community, our nation, and our world. If you wish please bring a journal or notepad and pen or pencils to capture your intention for peace. You are welcome to bring a mat and blanket if you wish to lie down. Venice Gardens Community Center, 406 Shamrock Blvd., Venice, VenicePeaceProject.org, DelunaHarps.com.

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ongoing events sunday Sunday Services Cosmic Center – 10am Hands on Spiritual Healing. 10:30am Open Arms Metaphysical Spiritualist Service: Inspirational lectures and messages from your loved ones and friends on “The Other Side”. Reverends Thomas & Mary Linn Clarke. The Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Mdw, Bldg G-2, Sarasota. 941-371-9333. ccosl.com. Unity of Sarasota-10:30am. 3023 Proctor. Rev Elizabeth Thompson shows the expressions of God we are. Music: Rob Satori. 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota 941-350-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Sunday Worship Service – 10:30am. Start your week renewed and encouraged. Join the CMF for a morning of inspiration, spiritual healing, inspirational talk, special music and Spirit messages. Fellowship period follows the service. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 2044 Bispham Rd, Sarasota. 941-266-8435. cmfSarasota.org. Chess – 11am-3pm. The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte. Info & sign-up 941-625-4175. A Cosmic In-Service Gathering of Lightworkers – 12:15pm. A call to Planetary World Servers to Anchor Light and work with our Family of Light to bridge Heaven and Earth. Reverend Dr. Sharon-Elizabeth James. The Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Mdw, Bldg G-2, Sarasota. 941-371-9333. ccosl.com. Open Heart Divine Healing Service – First Sunday. 12:15pm. Through the Gathering of the faithful, experience and co-create the Anchoring of Powerful Divine Healing Energies within the Sacred Circle. Expect miracles! Reverend Dr.Sharon-Elizabeth James. The Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Mdw, Bldg G-2, Sarasota. 941-371-9333. ccosl.com. Buddhist Wisdom for Everyday Life, Meditation, and Dharma Talk - 4-5:30pm, first 3 Sundays. Venice Holistic Community Center, 714 Shamrock, Venice, 941-323-8033, Vvhcc1@ gmail.com, VeniceHolisticCenter.org.

monday Gentle Mixed Yoga – 9:30-11am. Gentle mixed level yoga. All levels and bodies welcome. $10. 238 W Tampa Ave, Ste 250, Venice. 941-468-0403.

tuesday Gentle Mixed Yoga – 9:30-11am. Gentle mixed level yoga. All levels & bodies welcome. $10. 238 W Tampa Ave, Ste 250, Venice. 941-468-0403. Transformative Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. The literal translation of Nidra is sleep. However, Yoga Nidra is a dynamic state, not the unconscious sleep of nighttime. It has the ability to alter your unconscious programming. You tap into creative powers beyond the ego-mind and have access to healing on physical, mental and emotional planes. First class

complimentary, $10 thereafter. Venice Holistic Community Center, 714 Shamrock Blvd, Venice. Register, Facilitator Rick Rabalais 941-539-9149. The Greater Charlotte Harbor Group of the Sierra Club – 7-9pm. 3rd Tuesday monthly. Open to the public, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to discover what your local Sierra Club is all about. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Building, 1532 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte. Info, 941-423-2713, AllainHale@hotmail.com. Anchoring Light Channeled Meditation Charlotte County – 7:45pm. 2nd Tuesday monthly. Reverend Sharon-Elizabeth James. Serving the Ascension of our planet with the Ascended Realms as Anchors of Light since July 2007. Love Offering. The Cosmic Center of Spiritual Light, 5041 Ringwood Mdw, Bldg G-2, Sarasota. 941-371-9333, ccosl.com.

wednesday Free Healing Clinic – 4-6:30pm. Our Masters tap into the Divine Source of energy to balance and heal your being. Relax and enjoy this renewing and enlightening experience. Love Donation Appreciated. Angel Ministries, 2269 S Tamiami Trl, Venice. Rev Patricia Charnley, 941-492-4995, revpat@angelministriesfl.org, angelministriesfl.org. Square Dancing – 7-9pm. The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175.

thursday Kundalini Yoga/Gong Meditation – 8-9:30am. A blend of postures, mantra & gong meditation offering a technology that aligns with the ever-evolving universe. All levels. $15; $52/4; $88/8. Moving Toward Stillness Wellness Center, Osprey. 941-812-8695. Zumba/Yoga Class with Allison – 9-10am. Feel young & energetic on Venice Beach. Dance & relax. Donations. W Venice Ave, on the Beach, Venice. VeniceInformationCenter.com. Englewood Farmers’ Market – 9am-2pm. Find a wide range of fruits, organic vegetables, fresh baked

German breads, gourmet French foods, fresh seafood, bonsai plants, orchids, garden plants, kettle corn and much more! Olde Englewood Village, W Dearborn St, Englewood,EnglewoodFarmersMarket.org. Gentle Mixed Yoga – 9:30-11am. Gentle mixed level yoga. All levels & bodies welcome. $10. 238 W Tampa Ave, Ste 250, Venice. 941-468-0403.

Awakening Spirit Kundalini Yoga – 11am12:15pm. Awaken spiritual energy with breath, movement and meditation, with Jana and Hannah. $10. Venice Holistic Community Center, 714 Shamrock Blvd, Venice. Register 941-488-1828.

Private Readings Walk-in – 6-7:30pm. End your work week on a pleasant note, and with helpful guidance from your spirit guides and angels! Come and receive a 15-minute message from a loved one or guide from one of our gifted workers. Stop anytime during 6-7:15pm on Fridays, no appointments needed. Two workers available; minimum wait time, if any. $20 donation. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 2044 Bispham Rd, Sarasota. 941-2668435. cmfSarasota.org.

Mindful Movement – Noon-1pm. Qigong with Daniele. $10. Sarasota Mindfulness Institute, 1530 Dolphin St, Studio 6, Burns Ct, Sarasota. Details SarasotaMindfulness.org/calendar.html.

Friday Night Concert – 7-9pm. Join us in Downtown Venice for our Free Friday Night Concert series at the Gazebo in Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave, Venice. Info MainStreet.com.

Deep Water Aerobics – 10-10:45am. Some swimming ability required. $3. S County Regional Park, 670 Cooper St, Punta Gorda. 941-629-0170, 941505-8686.

Open Gym Basketball – 5-8pm. Drop in & enjoy a game of indoor basketball. Shoot some hoops. Play 3 on 3, 5 on 5 or a pickup game with friends. Times subject to change. $2/player. Tringali Recreation Ctr, 3460 N Access Rd, Englewood. Gentle Restorative Yoga – 6pm. Unwind the body with this gentle restorative class. All levels. $15/ first class free. Moving Toward Stillness Wellness Center, Osprey. 941-266-6962. Law of Attraction Class – 7-9pm. Jan 12 to May 25. This class takes you to the leading edge, working with the Principles of the Laws of Cause/Effect or Sow/Reap. We are entering a study series of intention for living life as masterfully as we can, given our various quirks and preferences. $10. Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd, Sarasota. Rev Zan Benham, 941-922-7839. Zan@Woman-Spirit.com. Woman-Spirit.com.

friday Mindful Basics at SMI – 8:30-9:45am, Yoga Basics with Larisa, $10. Noon-1pm Sitting Meditation, Donation. Sarasota Mindfulness Institute, 1530 Dolphin St, Studio 6, Burns Ct, Sarasota. Details: SarasotaMindfulness.org/calendar.html.

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email publisher@nasrq.com to request our media kit.

MINERAL SPRINGS/SPA THE SPRINGS AT DAYS INN

18051 S Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers 239-267-7900 TheSpringsResortFL.com From over 1,000 feet below, warm mineral spring waters bubble to the surface and cascade from our large fountain beneath our domed pool. Even those with sun sensitivites can enjoy our local fountain of youth. Come and enjoy the healing and resorative powers of our high-mineral-content waters. Just 30 minutes away.

Astrology Fridays at the Power of One – 11am3pm. Know thyself and know what’s coming in your future. New relationship, order a synastry chart. Accurate, affordable prices. Call for an appointment or stop by the store to talk. Ask for Astrology Bob. $35/Natal or Progressed chart. The Power of One Metaphysical Shop, 238 W Tampa Ave, Venice. 941-493-6096.

ORGANIC SALONS EUROPEAN HELIX HAIR DESIGNERS

Jutta Mestas, P.H.D. The Vines , 701 JC Center Court, Unit # 10 Port Charlotte, FL 33954 941-629-0074 Discover the “Magic” of Helix. Adds Volume, Body, Curls or Waves. We do with Scissors what others do with Chemicals.

saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market – 8am-Noon. Voted the ‘Best Small Market in Florida’ and 15th in the USA, we have a large number of vendors offering fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, Italian bakery, fresh homemade pasta, kitchenware, cupcakes, beef and fresh seafood, fresh citrus, jewelry, candles and soaps, dip mixes, Florida arts and crafts, cheese, French bakery, baguettes and olives, homemade pies, orchids, organic produce, personalized pens, kettlecorn, coffee beans and drinks, native and exotic plants.Taylor St (across from Historic Charlotte County Courthouse), Punta Gorda. 941391-4856. Info@PGDowntownMerchants.com. Venice Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Every Saturday morning, local farmers, fisherman, craftsmen, bakers, artists and others gather in the heart of historic downtown for a weekly celebration of the best of Venice where you can get fresh seasonal Florida fruits and vegetables direct from local farms. You can’t find any fresher shrimp or seafood. There’s incredible tasty homemade baked goods, trinkets, crafts, soaps, flowers, plants, locally roasted coffee, and more. Tampa Ave between Nokomis & Nassau. 941-929-5304. TheVeniceFarmersMarket.com. Bradenton Farmers’ Market – 9am-2pm. Over thirty-five vendors offering locally-grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, fresh seafood, prepared foods, as well as the s of local artists, craftspeople and musicians. 1005 1st Ave W, Bradenton. 941-932-9440. RealizeBradenton.com/ our_vendors. Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market – 9am2pm. Featuring a special activity including guest chefs, raffles, arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities. Old Main St, Downtown parking/free on weekends. Dogs on leashes welcome. 941-744-7484. Psychic Fair – 10am-3pm. 2nd & 4th Saturdays. Are you searching, questioning and seeking answers? Choose from some of the best Intuitive Artists in the area! See what your future holds! Complimentary refreshments. Private Readings $1/Min. Angel Ministries, 2269 S Tamiami Trl, Venice. Rev Patricia Charnley, 941-492-4995, revpat@angelministriesfl.org, AngelMinistriesfl.org. Free Sleep Consultation at Sleep Organics – 10am-5pm or by appt. 650 Central Ave, Sarasota, 941-312-5906, Sleep-Organics.com.

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November 2017

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