February 2021 Natural Awakenings Sarasota by Natural Awakenings of Sarasota

E R F

HEALTHY

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PLANET

SPECIAL EDITION

HEART-CENTERED LIVING plus earth-friendly weddings Check out our NEW Online Business Directory

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BECOMING HEART-MINDED

TOOLS FOR INNER PEACE

Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation

SHEFALI TSABARY ON

CONSCIOUSLY LOVING February 2021

| Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte Edition | nasrq.com February 2021

White Sands Dentistry Holistic | Biological Dentistry

Dr. Martina Mallery, DDS, AIAOMT

941.748.9393 www.WhiteSandsDentistry.com

Conscious Sedation Dentistry Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Huggins Protocol • Metal Free Dentistry • Dental Revision Ozone Therapy • Biological Extractions • Dental Material Biocompatibility Testing • Biomimetic Dentistry

$350.00 New Patient Package*

A Comprehensive Exam with a Holistic & Biological approach to Treatment Planning your dental needs, Digital Radiographs, Dental Cleaning with Ozone**, Microscopic Bacterial Analysis, Holistic Home Care Strategies Nutritional Counseling *offer expires 03/31/2021, $557 value. **in absence of periodontal disease

White Sands Dentistry • 520 48th Street Court E. • Bradenton, FL 34208 2

Accredited by International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Active members of International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine and Holistic Dental Association Sarasota/Manatee Edition www.nasrq.com

NK YOU FO R

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Transforming Lives Through Holistic Care

Christina A. Captain, DAOM, MSHN, AP

2650 Bahia Vista St, Suite 101, Sarasota, Florida 34239

941.951.1119

3 2021 |February SCANsrq.com

READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE? Personalize Your Energy Medicine!

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CHAKRA & INTENTION

The OM Shoppe & Spa | 941-706-3257 4801 S. Tamiami Trail #5, Sarasota FL 34231 TheOMShoppe.com | TheOMShoppeandSpa.com

GentleBay Chiropractic Dr. Eric Winder Fascia, a fibrous connective tissue, is the “structural fabric” of your body. It houses the position sense nerve endings which allow for coordination, muscular balance, and joint stability. Restrictions in fascia can cause a wide range of pain problems from tendinitis to back pain and from chronic headaches to joint arthritis. Fascia therapy relieves this pain and restores flexibility. We are open and accepting new patients, while adhering to strict hygiene protocols in light of COVID-19.

Feel your best. (941) 957-8390 3131 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 618 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey More info at www.gentlebay.com 4

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Longevity Wellness Clinic Will Get You Healthy and Keep You Healthy Lifestyle Wellness “Because you’re not sick.”

Let’s keep it that way! And let’s go one step further, to really power-up your body, energy and mind. Did you know of the 5 LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH up to 40% are preventable? That includes 34% OF CARDIAC CASES & 33% OF STROKE DEATHS Lifestyle Wellness is a ground-breaking program of holistic functional wellness management, with integrated modalities that steadily improve every aspect of your health and wellness. We go right to work on the physical diseases that manifest, we purify and balance the energies in your biofield, and reframe the mindset in which you experience life. Our team will guide you respectfully on a 100% personalized journey incorporating leading edge healing techniques from mindful nutrition to energy medicine software. Your unique treatment program is a systems-based approach to ensure your step-by-step experience is bespoke, relevant and effective, including: • physical health • energetic health • spiritual health

Specializing in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Energy Medicine, Medical Qigong, and Chinese Herbology for the recovery and reversal of: • Acute and Chronic Pain • Anxiety & Depression • Traumatic Stress • Stroke • Digestion • Cardiovascular Concerns • Sports Injuries • Memory • Stress • Dermatology • Respiratory Issues • Diabetes and Metabolism • Mold

A highly skilled and award-winning acupuncturist, Applied Clinical Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Cynthia has successfully treated clients with a wide range of health issues including musculoskeletal, reproductive, psychological, respiratory, digestive and nervous system disorders. Dr. Cynthia is a NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and is licensed to practice acupuncture by the Florida Medical Board.

NATALIA GARCIA RDN, LDN

DR. CYNTHIA CLARK, AP ACN Medical Qi Gong Nutrition and Herbs Energy Medicine Acupuncture

Functional Nutrition Health Coaching

CHUCK PISA

ELIZABETH WILSON

Esoteric Healing Philosophy Meditation Ontological Healing

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February 2021

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Dr. Kristopher Hamwi, MD Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Now Offering Free Consultations at Our Office

2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 303 | Sarasota wildlilymedspa.com www.facebook.com/wildlilymedspa

MARCH

COLON THERAPY CLINIC Marsha Menard Accepting New Clients

Coming Next Month

Plant Medicine for Mental Health Plus: Indoor Kitchen Garden

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colontherapyclinic.com • 941.922.7744

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Virtue Of Health™ Functional Medicine & Hormone Clinic

Advanced Integrative Testing

Functional Medicine

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Treating the cause, not the symptom

Customized IV Therapies

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Sarasota, FL

February 2021

Contents

The Integrated Path RELIEVE STRESS Let us guide your mind and body to

DR. KORMAN?

18 THUMB

JOINT RELIEF

RESTORE BALANCE

19 BECOMING

Dedicated to helping you and your family achieve health

20 TEETH, EMOTIONS

Our Services Include:

• Acupuncture • Oriental Medicine • Energetic Emotional Release • Bloodwork Analysis • Clinical Nutrition Assessments • Weight Management • Reiki Master • Occupational Therapy • ZYTO Elite

(Computerized Bio-communication Technology)

Caryn L. Young, DOM, AP, OT • Over 30 years of clinical experience • Board-Certified Acupuncture Physician • Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine • Acupuncture Diplomate NCCAOM Favorite Acupuncture Physician Favorite Energy Healer

The Integrated Path, PA 3148 Southgate Circle Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.8833 8

17 WHAT’S THE PROBLEM,

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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HEART-MINDED AND SPIRITUALITY

22 AN INTEGRATIVE PATH TO HEALING

24 LIVE A HEART-HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

28 SAYING 'I DO' TO THE PLANET

30 HEARTFELT EATING 36 HALTING HYPERTENSION 32 VEGGIE TRICKS 38 SHEFALI TSABARY 34 TOOLS FOR INNER PEACE 40 BIG LOVE FROM SMALL

ANIMALS

DEPARTMENTS 11 news briefs 13 eco tip 14 health briefs 15 global briefs 19 inspiration 22 community spotlight 28 green living

30 conscious

eating 32 healthy kids 34 healing ways 36 fit body 38 wise words 40 natural pet 42 calendar 42 classifieds 44 resource guide

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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your first visit 3808 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234

(800) 883-5528

EAST WEST COLLEGE CLINIC The East West College clinic has grown over the years and now provides services by highly trained and licensed natural medicine professionals and also serves as a hands-on training facility for our Oriental Medicine students.

for more info https://www.ewcollege.edu/clinic

Balance Life and Health Naturally

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE 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 Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@nasrq. com. Deadline for editorial: the 12th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Please submit all listings through nasrq.com. Deadline for calendar: the 12th of the month. 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 239-530-0885. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

3808 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234

Becoming a Primary Healthcare practitioner of Oriental Medicine including acupuncture and Chinese Herbology, will empower you to facilitate health and well being in today’s health care environment. East West College of Natural Medicine will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference in this dynamic health care field.

ABOUT US The East West College of Natural Medicine (EWCNM) was established in 1994 as the Academy of Chinese Healing Arts to provide training in the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Located on the southwestern coast of Florida in Sarasota, the program now attracts students from around the country and the world for their Master of Science in Oriental Medicine program.

for more info https://www.ewcollege.edu/

MISSION East West College of Natural Medicine holds to following core values: - To provide high level Healthcare education. - To Prepare our students for certification by National and State licensing boards in their profession. - To support the professional development of our graduates and other healthcare professional by offering advanced studies.

PROGRAMS - MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ORIENTAL MEDICINE - BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE - CLASSES ARE 2 ½ DAYS EACH WEEK FOR 40 MONTHS

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February 2021

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

SARASOTA /MANATEE EDITION PUBLISHER Janet Lindsay

MANAGING EDITOR Mary-Elizabeth- Schurrer DESIGN & PRODUCTION Susan Jones SOCIAL MEDIA Amy Hass

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Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

letter from publisher

ello, readers! Welcome to another issue of Natural Awakenings—I hope this season finds you in vibrant, healthy spirits. From the designation of American Heart Month to the celebration of Valentine’s Day, the theme of our February issue is all about heartcentered living. This holistic, balanced, conscious way of life can benefit everything from relationships to nutrition and exercise to mindfulness to emotional resilience. So join me as we unpack what it means to live with heart-centered intention this month. To kickoff the issue, our feature article explores how to maintain a “Heart Healthy Lifestyle.” Cardiovascular disease kills an estimated one in four Americans each year, but there are simple and effective lifestyle changes all of us can make to prevent around 80% of those deaths. Some of these include consuming mostly plant-based foods, taking nutritional supplements, exercising on a daily basis, allowing a cardiac specialist to screen your heart for inflammation and other risk factors, and practicing mindfulness, gratitude and forgiveness. These shifts not only strengthen heart function, but can also reduce stress and uplift your mood. On the topic of mental and emotional impacts of heart-centered living, this month’s “Healthy Ways” article delves into the nuances of mindfulness and meditation. While these two practices are often viewed as interchangeable, in reality, there are different approaches and philosophies associated with each of them. This article examines the distinctions between mindfulness, which is used to create awareness in the present, and meditation, which focuses on accessing deeper levels of consciousness. While they are not the same, both methods naturally complement each other, and are equally beneficial for mind-body-spirit wellness. Of course, it would be remiss not to mention all the various ways that balanced, wholesome nutrition can bolster the heart, and our “Conscious Eating” article has this covered. A plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, healthy oils and whole grains is the most beneficial for optimal cardiovascular function. Whereas processed, artificial foods with refined sugars can lead to serious cardiac issues over time. For some heart healthy cooking inspiration, this article also includes recipes such as Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing; Blueberry and Pumpkin Seed Yogurt Bark; and Lentil, Raisin and Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash. Are your taste buds salivating yet? I am so grateful for your continued support of Natural Awakenings, and I hope this issue fills you with enlightenment and enjoyment as we look ahead to the month of February. Please email comments, questions or feedback you might have to Publisher@ NASRQ.com, and here’s to a year of heart-centered living!

© 2021 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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news briefs

Eliminate Stubborn Fat or Tighten Crepe-y Skin with Cryoskin™

ryoskin works by using sub-zero temperatures to eliminate body fat. We utilize this science to provide slimming, skin tightening, toning, cellulite and facial treatments with non-invasive results. Cryoskin slimming helps our customers loose inches off their stomach, love-handles, thighs and other areas. Toning sessions help to diminish cellulite, tone the body and tighten the skin. Toning is effective on the face, neck and cleavage areas because it reduces the look of crepe-y skin. Our treatments are neither painful nor invasive. Sessions average about 40 minutes, and there is no downtime, so you can even come in during a lunch break or before or after a workout. Why should you pick Cryoskin at Cryo Studio Sarasota? Besides New York, where the Cryoskin headquarters are located, we are the only location in the Eastern United States that has a Master Elite Certified trainer on staff. This means you will not find any other studio with more knowledge and experience for your treatments than Cryo Studio Sarasota. Visit our website and read the reviews. We are so confident you will love your results that we want to give you $100 off your first body treatment or $50 off a facial just for coming in to learn more and trying one of our Cryoskin™ treatments. Location: L’Core Spa, Suite 24-25, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-241-7358 or visit CryoStudioSarasota.com.

Anti-Aging Seminars on Zoom with Dr. Anna

r. Anna Baker, DOM, invites you to join her Faces by Dr. Anna Acupuncture Facelift interactive anti-aging seminars via Zoom Age 40 on February 10 and 19, 1:30 p.m. She will showcase her Faces by Dr. Anna acupuncture facelift and her muscle retightening Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna. Please contact the Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna store at 941-921-2662 to access the meeting ID number. Dr. Anna performs a unique type of acupuncture facelift that she invented. The muscles of the face and neck are progressively Before After 10 retightened to retrace the steps that aging took. An initial package of 10 treatments is required, Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna Results and the results last for 18 months before a oneAge 58 treatment touchup is needed to maintain the lift. In this seminar, Dr. Anna will show photographed results on people of all ages. In addition, she will discuss her proprietary Pearl Cream by Dr Anna that offers the same muscle retightening as her acupuncture facelift in a slower, more gradual process. Her Pearl Cream is an anti-aging serum made from real pearls Before After 5 Bottles and Chinese herbs without any preservatives. Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna is also available as a muscle tightening body lotion, men’s antiaging line and sports performance line. Pearl Cream by Dr. Anna location: 2721 Mall Dr., Sarasota. Temporary COVID-19 store hours: Monday–Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To access the meeting ID, call 941-921-2662. For more information, visit FacesByDrAnna.com and PearlCreamByDrAnna.com.

February Events Announced at the Sarasota Center of Light

n February, the Sarasota Center of Light will continue to spotlight individuals who are an important part of our metaphysical community. We are delighted to announce that Rev. John White and Brenda Viola will both share in a spiritually uplifting talk, followed by messages, in our Sunday service on February 21. Also starting in February, we welcome Rev. Tom Newman who will teach four workshops via Zoom on “Getting to Know Your Spirit Guides.” By the end of these workshops, you will know the names of your six Primary Guides. These workshops are broken down as follows: “Guide Overview and Doorkeeper” on February 4, 7:30–9:30 p.m.; “Spirit Doctor and Indian Guide Protector” on February 18, 7:30–9:30 p.m.; “Chemist and Healing Sister” on March 4, 7:30–9:30 p.m.; and “Master Teacher” on March 18, 7:30–9:30 p.m. In addition, the Center’s ministry team will conduct the services in February to offer heartfelt spiritual guidance. There is a possibility for surprise guests, teachers, and talented musicians who are eager to see this beautiful Center thrive and grow. We continue to prioritize your well-being, so our services and classes will be offered online. Please let us know how we can support you in this period of challenge. We will immediately email any Facebook changes that occur at the Center. We humbly and graciously ask for your support. Contributions can be submitted on the “Donate” page on our website, by calling the office or by mailing a check. All contributions would be greatly appreciated. In addition, questions are encouraged and welcomed. Mailing address: 2710 Browning St, Sarasota, 34237. Location: 852 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-953-6620, email ChurchOffice@SarasotaCenterofLight.com or visit SarasotaCenterofLight.com February 2021

news briefs

What Can We Do About Fibromyalgia?

ccording to NIAMS, around five million adults in the U.S. experience fibromyalgia, most of whom are women. This chronic disorder is characterized by soft tissue pain, fatigue and mood disorders. Other symptoms such as restless leg syndrome, IBS, headaches, sleep disorder, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, sensitivity to temperature and painful menstruation can also be present. Currently, there is no known cure, but medication, exercise, acupuncture and behavior therapy can help manage symptoms. However, many people do not accept the “chronic” nature of this illness and look to other modalities to identify the root causes and explore holistic care to address the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual implications. Dr. Michael J. Lincoln, Ph.D., wrote a useful book on emotions and their connection to illness, titled Messages from the Body. In this book, he offers insight into scenarios, unprocessed emotions and possible unresolved histories for people who suffer from Fibromyalgia. Lincoln’s philosophy is that illness is the voice of our soul, and if we could only listen to that voice, we would have a much easier time healing ourselves. To realize that chronic illness is caused by a host of other issues— emotional, mental, spiritual and environmental— the next question can then focus on assessment. Biofeedback Evaluation is one of the quickest and most affordable methods of finding data. This device records energetic signatures and runs a full scan on the entire human energy field. Beata Molnar Energy, healer and Biofeedback technician, uses one of these technologies in the Healing Room in Sarasota. After an assessment, which is done through human voice, she will look into the Fibromyalgia Solution Panel and locate a host of remedies for each client. Some of the picks on these panels to create balance for the individual are 5HTP, Boswellia, Capcaisin lotion, COQ10, Infrared Sauna, B6, SAMe, Macuna, Curcumin, Melatonin, Enzymes and Chromium, just to name a few. Molnar also uses PEMF, High-Powered Red Light Therapy, Rife Application, Sound Healing and Energy Work in these sessions. If you have questions about her scans and modalities, please contact her office in Sarasota. Location: The Healing Room, Aaron Ct., Sarasota. For more information, call 941-586-9539 or visit Facebook.com/CreateBalanceAndHealing. 12

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

Tune Up Your Happy at The OM Shoppe & Spa

f you are looking for a haven of both ancient and modern natural wellness products and services, the crystal-gridded space of The OM Shoppe & Spa is where you want to be. This serene environment is half-retail shop, half-luxury spa and fully amazing. Every item and treatment here is intentionally offered with the highest attention to detail. With a revolving array of fair-trade products from local artisans across the globe, it’s difficult to run in and out of this store quickly as your senses are captivated in a mix of allure and serenity. Do you want to expand your knowledge of sound healing? The OM Shoppe offers classes with Sound Healing Academy for a path to become a Certified Sound Healer. Do you want to get the most out of your crystal singing bowl? Then, Crystal Singing Bowls for Personal Wellness is the class for you. Do you just want to relax into a professional level sound bath or sound journey? Then, join The OM Shoppe on the second Wednesday or fourth Sunday of each month for a sound experience like no other. Location: 4801 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on these classes and events, call 941-706-3257 or visit TheOMShoppeAndSpa.com.

Coming Soon: Personalized repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS)

our brain contains billions of nerve cells, known as neurons. These neurons are arranged in patterns throughout the brain which correspond to different functions such as emotion, memory, and physical activity. Neurons communicate with each other electrochemically which results in rhythmic or repetitive patterns called brainwaves. Irregular brain activity, or brain arrhythmia, is believed by some to be at the root of many neurological and mental health conditions, and we believe that brainwaves can be harmonized which might help people feel better. Personalized repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS) was developed to help restore harmony to brainwaves. PrTMS is an approach designed to offer a personalized, gentle and more sophisticated method, unlike traditional TMS where all patients receive the same treatment therapy. PrTMS incorporates brain function analysis for a more personalized treatment plan that is designed to provide optimal results. PrTMS can be effective on its own. However, continued research has shown that when it is combined with traditional therapies such as neurofeedback, counseling or self-help techniques, the outcomes are typically superior. If you have questions, we always provide a free consultation beforehand. PrTMS therapy could improve the quality of life for patients with brain and mental health conditions, including those who have not responded to medication in the past. To get on our waiting list, or for more information on this cutting-edge approach, call 941-552-4500 or visit BrainWaveCenters.com.

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eco tip

ax Against Leukemia is a pre-season high school lacrosse tournament at Premier Sports Campus of Lakewood Ranch on Saturday February 13, at 9 a.m. to benefit the Joey Powers Leukemia Project. Joey Powers played lacrosse at Cardinal Mooney High School before losing his fight with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia a day before his sixteenth birthday. Joey had a profound impact on many people in his short 15 years of life. His dying wish was to help other families whose children are diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., about 3,500 children are diagnosed with Leukemia each year. The Joey Powers Leukemia Project was founded by his family in 2010. This non-profit organization supports families battling pediatric leukemia by providing financial, educational and emotional support. 2021 will be the seventh annual tournament and largest to date, with 20 girls teams and 16 boys teams. Donations may be made at LAXAgainstLeukemia.org/Donate.

And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make. ~Sir Paul McCartney

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Help Support LAX Against Leukemia

Shoes Off!

Keep Germs Outside It may take some getting used to, and some friends may think it odd, but banning shoes in the house is a good idea. Research has shown that when we’re out and about, our shoes come into direct contact with a variety of microbes, including viruses and bacteria. If we walk around our homes in these same shoes without disinfecting them first, we can track in some of those germs and spread them throughout our living spaces. Pollen and mold can also come into the house on shoes. Upping the gross factor, think about picking up fecal matter left by pets on lawns, driveways and sidewalks, as well as the human kind from public restroom floors. Keeping the indoor sanctuary as clean as possible should be job number one, especially if one or more people in the house are allergy sufferers, immunocompromised individuals or small children that play on the floor and regularly stick things into their mouths. Organisms survive longer in carpets, which are harder to clean and disinfect than hard floors, but the easiest solution is to leave shoes by the front door. Setting up a seat and shoe storage area at the entrance makes the transition much easier. Designate one or two pairs

as indoor shoes—they could be slippers or comfy loafers that never go outdoors. Socks or good-oldfashioned bare feet are also options. Some people swear by antimicrobial doormats, wiping their feet two or more times on the treated mat before crossing the threshold. Periodically cleaning shoes is a good idea, too. The first step is to check the shoe manufacturer’s instructions. Some shoes, like canvas sneakers, can be placed in the washing machine and air dried. Most rubber or leather soles can be scrubbed with soapy water using an old toothbrush or a washcloth. Avoid detergents or cleaners with bleach unless the shoes are white. Thoroughly rinse off the soap to avoid making the shoes slippery. Asking guests to remove their shoes before entering the abode may feel awkward. Be kind and gentle when making the request, explaining that it will help preserve the family’s health. And if they seem uncomfortable, be flexible. When hosting a gathering, it may be wise to give invitees advance warning of the no-shoe preference so that they can bring slippers or socks. A proactive host might even have fresh socks or house shoes available for guests. February 2021

health briefs

Use Glass Baby Bottles to Avoid Microplastic Particles Polypropylene baby bottles—which comprise 82 percent of the global baby bottle market— release an “extraordinary” number of microplastic particles, reports a new study by Trinity College Dublin. In a study published in Nature Food, which covered 48 regions worldwide, researchers found that flexible plastic baby bottles release as many as 16.2 million particles per liter. “A study last year by the World Health Organization estimated adults would consume between 300 and 600 microplastics a day—our average values were on the order of a million or millions,” study co-author John Boland told The Guardian. He called for more studies to understand the implications, saying the researchers were “absolutely gobsmacked” by the numbers. The microplastics are released when heated liquid is used to sterilize the bottles and to dissolve powdered formula and when the bottle is shaken to dissolve the powder. The higher the water temperature, the greater the release of particles. Polypropylene bottles have a “5” on the recycling symbol on the bottom.

Government Updates Risks of Amalgam Fillings

Melatonin, a hormonal sleep aid that can be purchased for a few dollars at local pharmacies, appears to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 30 percent, report researchers from the Cleveland Clinic. Among African Americans, a group disproportionately impacted by the virus, the risk was reduced by 52 percent. For the study, published in PLOS Biology, researchers used artificial intelligence to compare the host genes and proteins of the novel coronavirus to those of 64 other diseases across a range of categories. They found 34 drugs for possible repurposing, then combed through 27,000 patient records to find which drugs had in fact lowered the risk of contracting the virus. “We’re excited about these results and to study that connection more, but large-scale observational studies and randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm what we’ve found here,” says lead researcher Feixiong Cheng. 14

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Consider Melatonin to Lower COVID-19 Risk

In updated guidelines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that dental amalgam fillings may cause health problems for some high-risk groups because of mercury vapor leaks. Among those advised to avoid amalgams, which contain mercury, silver, copper and tin, are pregnant women; women that plan to become pregnant or are nursing; children, especially those under the age of 6; and those with kidney problems or preexisting neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Over time, amalgams can release small amounts of mercury vapor, depending on how extensively people grind their teeth or chew gum and how old the filling is, studies show. It’s a more cautious tone for the FDA, which along with the American Dental Association, has long maintained that amalgams are safe, a finding disputed by health advocates. Mindful of health and aesthetics, patients are increasingly opting for toothcolored resin composites. Nearly half of all U.S. dentists no longer use mercury, and its use is being legally phased out in more than a dozen countries.

global briefs

materials to make cement. In 2018, the Global Cement and Concrete Association, which represents about 30 percent of worldwide production, issued the industry’s first sustainability guidelines, a set of key measurements such as emissions and water usage intended to track performance improvements and make them transparent. A variety of approaches are being explored and implemented to lower these worrisome carbon emissions. For example, CarbonCure, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, stores carbon dioxide captured from other industrial processes in concrete through mineralization, rather than releasing it into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Solidia, in Piscataway, New Jersey, uses a chemical process licensed from Rutgers University that has cut 30 percent of the carbon dioxide usually released in making cement. It uses more clay and less limestone and heat than typical processes.

America Last

Europe Tightens Methane Emission Monitoring, But U.S. Does Not

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The United Nations reported that atmospheric levels of the greenhouse gas methane reached a record high, and 62 oil and gas companies acting as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) have adopted a new framework to report methane emissions. None of the participating oil and gas companies in the OGMP are in the United States. The initiative, managed by the U.N. Environment Programme, asks companies to report methane emissions from both core operations and joint ventures. The OGMP represents about 30 percent of global oil and gas production and seeks to deliver a 45 percent reduction in the oil and gas industry’s methane emissions by 2025. Approximately 60 percent of methane emitted into the atmosphere comes from manmade sources such as fossil fuels, landfills, biomass burning and agriculture. For the first time, companies are committing to regularly measure their methane emissions using strict, sciencebased standards, as opposed to engineering estimates, which have historically understated emissions. This newly adopted method involves field measurements and ongoing monitoring with drones and satellites.

Hard Knocks

Low-Carbon Cement Offsets Climate Change

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The manufacture of cement creates up to 8 percent of the total global carbon dioxide generated by humans, according to the Chatham House, a London-based think tank. Four billion tons of cement are produced every year, but that figure is expected to rise to 5 billion tons in the next 30 years. The emissions result from the fossil fuels used to create heat for cement formation, as well as the chemical process in a kiln that transforms limestone into clinker, which is then ground and combined with other

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Stress Responses

Disaster Fatigue Influences Decisions

Extreme levels of stress from wildfires, hurricanes, floods and the pandemic can induce “disaster fatigue”, a form of emotional exhaustion that may reshape how people make choices. Tara Powell, a behavioral health expert at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, states that there isn’t a single strategy for combating disaster fatigue, but current studies could help researchers and emergency planners customize interventions to aid specific communities and individuals, helping them prepare for impending disasters and recovery afterward. The condition can have major implications for emergency planners trying to encourage people to get out of harm’s way. Jennifer Collins, a severe weather scientist at the University of South Florida, and her collaborators received more than 7,000 responses to a survey sent to Florida residents before the last hurricane season began. Nearly 75 percent of respondents perceived the hypothetical risk of evacuating to a shelter and potentially exposing themselves to COVID-19 as more dangerous than sheltering in place. But after September’s Hurricane Laura, Collins saw shifting perceptions in 300 responses—some that said they had sheltered in place during the storm admitted they would not do so again the next time. February 2021

Outdoor Fun

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Big Blow

Childhood Immunity Enhanced by Natural Environment

A study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University published in Nature predicts that hurricanes will remain stronger and persist longer after making landfall, causing greater and more widespread destruction, because of ocean waters heated by climate change. In the 1960s, hurricanes lost 75 percent of their energy in the first day after making landfall, but more recent hurricanes lost only about 50 percent of their energy in that same time. Hurricanes feed off heat energy from the sea and rapidly lose strength once they reach land. Pinaki Chakraborty, a senior author of the study, and its lead author, Ph.D. student Lin Li, analyzed data on storms that made landfall after forming in the North Atlantic between 1967 and 2018. They found that how slowly the storms weakened closely matched changes in sea surface temperatures during the same period. From computer simulations of hurricanes, they discovered that hotter temperatures allowed the hurricanes to hold on to more moisture, which they could continue to use as a source of heat energy once they reached land.

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Climate Change Makes Hurricane Destruction Worse

At the University of Helsinki, in Finland, a new project recorded in the journal Science Advances found that switching a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground from gravel to natural forest floor could foster a better immune system within a month by exposing them to a greater variety of skin and gut bacteria. The researchers studied 75 children between 3 and 5 years of age at 10 daycare centers in two Finnish cities to see how a change in their playing environment altered their skin and gut microbiota, as well as immune markers in their blood. Four centers turned their gravel playgrounds into fields of forest floor, soil and grasses, while three already had that setting. Three others kept their existing gravel playground. One month after the changes were made, scientists collected samples of skin, blood and feces from the children. In just a few weeks, microbiota of the children at the renovated daycare centers quickly shifted to become more like the microbiomes of children that attended centers that already had more natural play surfaces. The children at the renovated daycare centers developed a higher ratio of the anti-inflammatory proteins to proinflammatory proteins in their blood, indicating that their immune systems were in better shape.

Tiny Invaders

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Plastic Particles Ingested in Food and Water

Researchers at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, estimate people that drink bottled water ingest an additional 90,000 microplastic particles annually compared to 4,000 microplastics for those that drink only tap water. Food is contaminated with plastic as well, which we also ingest. The researchers took data from 26 studies that measured plastic in salt, beer, sugar, fish, shellfish, water and urban air, and combined it with U.S. dietary guidelines to calculate how many particles people likely consumed annually. The results are 50,000 particles per year for adults and 40,000 for children. When inhalation is included, the estimate rises to between 74,000 and 121,000 particles per year for adults. Even these figures are likely underestimated, because the foods in the studies make up only 15 percent of the typical American caloric intake. The particlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; effect on the human body is not yet understood. Another study revealed that some plastic is expelled from the body in feces. But there is also evidence that it gets absorbed, and that the tiniest particles can enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system, which could affect immune response and aid transmission of toxic chemicals. 16

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

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What’s the Problem, Dr. Korman? by Dr. Laura Korman

Q: Why can’t I lose weight on this low-calorie diet? I hardly eat anything! A: My first response usually focuses on the concept of a “diet” to begin with. In itself, this word implies something short-term—you’re either on or off a diet. You might initially make changes that start to move you in the right direction, but nine times out of 10, you will return to the easy and comfortable habits that produce the same results you want to avoid. Most diets are not sustainable. Whether they involve eating pre-packaged foods, taking stimulant drugs or supplements, injecting unnatural hormones, or eating “low-calorie” foods that leave you unsatisfied and undernourished, they don’t address the changes in lifestyle that are necessary in order to achieve permanent weight loss. Second, I want to address the reality that all calories are not created equal. A 100-calorie cupcake is metabolized completely different than a 100-calorie avocado. Most people who restrict calories are consuming frequent amounts of food

that contains carbohydrates, while excluding foods that contains fat since, gram for gram, fat has more calories. At face-value, this makes sense, right? However, what many people don’t understand is that carbohydrates—especially processed ones such as breads, baked

goods, cereals, crackers, chips, rice and pasta—turn to sugar in the bloodstream. The body will then respond to this elevation of glucose by secreting a hormone called insulin in order to drive this sugar into cells to be utilized for immediate energy. Insulin also signals the body to store fat. This occurs when glucose frequently remains elevated without the simultaneous need to burn off this excess energy. The cells eventually become resistant to the effects of insulin, and the body has no other choice but to store excess glucose as fat for its “future” energy needs. When we continually signal the body to produce more insulin, we also signal it to store more fat. This is how sugar leads to weight gain— and also increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. For more information on how lifestyle programs can help you achieve permanent weight loss, call Dr. Korman at 941-6296700 or visit DrLauraKorman.com/LearnMore.

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February 2021

Thumb Joint

Relief by Eric Winder, D.C.

eak, painful thumbs can cause a serious cramp in your lifestyle. Opening jars, writing, driving a car and other simple tasks can become difficult or painful. Fortunately, thumb joint pain and arthritis can often be relieved by treating restrictions in the connective tissue called fascia. The first place to look for fascia restrictions related to thumb pain is around the thumb and wrist, as well as muscles in the forearms. Thumbs undergo wear and tear because we depend on them so heavily. In fact, the base joint of the thumb is the most common joint to develop wear and tear arthritis. The largest muscles that move the thumb are in the forearm, so fascia stiffening or restriction here can also be a source of pain when gripping or pulling an object. 18

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In many previous articles, I have discussed how fascia restriction in one part of the body often causes pain somewhere else. The patterns of pain referral can be unusual or even unique to an individual. But one pattern that is common connects thumb pain to the fascia of the pectoral muscles in the chest. Time after time, I find that people with pain or arthritis at the base of their thumbs have chronic tension and restriction of the fascia (fibrous connective tissue) that covers these muscles. However, properly and thoroughly releasing restrictions can help to dramatically improve thumb pain and grip strength. Anyone with thumb pain has their own set of restrictions, but the restrictions of the fascia of chest muscles, wrist, forearm and thumb itself are the most typical problems. With fascia release therapy, I have seen patient after patient regain the ability to use their thumbs for normal daily activities in all but the most severe cases of thumb pain or arthritis. While the problem affects both men and women, in my practice I generally see

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more women suffering thumb pain. In fact, research shows that women have thumb arthritis 10 times more frequently than men, so this comes as no surprise. A recent patient, whom I will refer to as Marjorie, is an excellent example of this. While most women do not develop thumb pain or arthritis until their 40s or later, Marjorieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems began in her late 20s. Her pain developed gradually over many months and affected both hands. It was reaching the point that she had to stop doing several different types of exercise that involved the use of her hands. On examination, she had the typical sharp tenderness at the base joints of the thumbs. She felt weakness when extending or flexing her thumbs, and she could not hold her thumb and index fingers pinched together against resistance. Her posture gave an immediate clue to the problem. When the pectoral fascia is tight, it pulls the shoulder blades forward, creating a rounded or slumped shoulder appearance. Marjorieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulders were visibly rounded and forward. I confirmed this connection to her thumb pain with a simple test. I pulled back her shoulder blade and applied finger pressure to stretch the pectoral fascia. While holding this pressure, I tested her thumb strength with my other hand. Compared to no stretch or pressure, there was an immediate improvement in thumb strength with a decrease in pain. How is it that thumb pain can be caused by restriction of the fascia at the front of the chest? The answer lies in how fascia works in the body. One of its most important functions is to give us position sense, or proprioception, which helps us to know where all the parts of our body are located in physical space. The nerve endings in fascia that give us this sensation can deliver confused input in areas where the fascia is abnormally restricted. This can cause muscle weakness or tightness in nearby or at distant parts of the body. In the case of restricted pectoral fascia, there is a strong tendency to cause weakness of the thumb muscles. This weakness, in turn, probably makes the thumb joint less stable and more prone to developing arthritis. The thumb pain was not Marjorieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief complaint. She had actually come to

Eric Winder D.C. uses gentle manual therapy and rehab techniques, without forceful manipulation, to help patients with a wide range of pain and injury problems. For more information, call 941-957-8390 or visit Gentlebay.com. Dr. Winder’s offices are located in Sarasota and Osprey.

inspiration

BECOMING HEART-MINDED

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my office for treatment of lower back and foot pain but mentioned the difficulties with her thumbs as a side note. Over the course of several treatments, I made sure that we treated the problems which caused tension in the pectoral fascia, while also treating the areas of fascia restriction related to her other complaints. She experienced noticeable improvement in her thumb pain with just two treatments, and by her fifth treatment, her thumb pain was 90% better. When treating thumb pain and arthritis, the amount of improvement will vary from person to person. However, even when there is advanced joint arthritis, there can still be significant improvement in the pain. This is because strength restoration through proper treatment can better stabilize the joint. A more stable joint will become less painful, even when there is arthritis. Thumb problems caused by restricted fascia do not happen immediately. Over time, shoulder muscle imbalances develop as well, as a result of the restrictions, and these also need to be addressed. My patients learn to perform specific stretches for certain tight muscles and strengthening exercises for other muscles that have weakened. If done properly, these stretches and exercises make an enormous difference in how thorough and lasting the improvement will be after fascia therapy has been completed. When treating many types of pain in the body, the fascia connections can be quite complicated. However, in the case of thumb pain, the majority of cases involve a simple connection with the fascia of the chest, thumb, wrist and forearm. Treatment is usually straightforward, and the success rate is high. There is some homework involved, but most patients find it worth the effort to restore strength and function to their aching thumbs.

by Sarah Blondin

e already know what it feels like to be in our hearts. Although we may feel disconnected from it and at times doubt ourselves, most often all we need to do to awaken it is to become still and quiet, and it will do the rest. When we draw our attention inward and focus on our heart center, it will calm and reassure us, often instantly. This may sound too good to be true, but this is exactly what happens when we invite and allow it. When we inhabit the heart, we awaken to our aliveness. We spontaneously arrive like a bolt of lightning in the present moment and all of our arguments against ourselves and life go quiet. Goodness pushes up through the chaos of our internal world and we feel lit from within by a light we had no idea was there. At any time, no matter where we are, no matter what we are doing, we can touch this place in ourselves and activate the benefits of the heart space. Try practicing now by placing a hand on your heart, breathe in and notice how this small act sends a message to soften and disarm. It is that simple. It’s about shifting and moving ourselves into this place of love and acceptance, allowing ourselves to be

infused with the consciousness of our heart. If we look within, most of us can identify a vision we have, an image of who we want to become, an enhanced version of ourselves— something like You 2.0. This image is often kinder, more loving, openhearted, accepting, inspired and creative; it’s often less self-conscious and more gallant. This self doesn’t succumb to fear, anger or hardship and rises above everything with ease. This vision we have in our mind’s eye is the best representation of our heart-minded selves. It is the call of our heart. When we see this version as our potential rather than a reminder of our shortcomings, we can use it as a way—a tool—to help us move in the direction of our light. Take time throughout the day to bow our head and take three conscious breathes into our heart. Let its current feed us. Remember we are wise. We are soft. We are brave. Let all other noise stop. Re-enter the kingdom of our heart. Sarah Blondin is among the top three popular meditation teachers on InsightTimer, and the author of Heart Minded: How to Hold Yourself and Others in Love. Visit SarahBlondin.com. February 2021

Teeth, Emotions and Spirituality by Dr. Martina Mallery

id you know that emotions and thought processes can impact your dental health? Our spiritual, mental and emotional bodies are entrained with the physical body through a system of particleaccelerator centers called chakras. Oral cavity and its associated structures such as teeth, gums, lips, tongue, tonsils, TMJ, maxillary sinuses, cervical spine and thyroid gland all draw their vital life force through the so-called throat chakra. Unimpeded flow of this life force is critical for optimal health of these physical structures, and blocked flow will over time result in disease. What blocks the flow of this vital life force? Discordant emotions resulting from chronic discordant thoughts which, in turn, are rooted in untrue core beliefs.

Belief systems are thus in charge of our reality and our health. Each chakra is connected to its own unique set of emotional patterns. Throat chakra is connected to soul expression, namely the soul’s desire to fulfill its mission and to express itself authentically and truthfully. However, since we live on Earth, we inhabit an extremely polarized and dualistic collective where societal programming instills untrue beliefs about ourselves. This is seen most profoundly in belief systems connected to a soul expression. From a young age, society teaches that our creative endeavors, or desire for play and curiosity are frivolous and must take the backseat, while yielding to the

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responsibilities and duties demanded by this society. By the time we are teenagers, we don’t know anymore what our purpose is and what makes us excited. Throat chakra is the most highly blocked chakra, and if we suffer from protracted gum disease, high tooth decay rate, TMJ disorders, teeth grinding, chronic tonsillitis, or thyroid disease, we must ask ourselves where we have been suppressed or where we have denied our creative needs. Are you afraid to speak for fear of being rejected or hurting someone’s feelings? Are you afraid to play and be called lazy for it? Do you block your desire to paint or experiment with colors? Do you suppress the urge to dance, sing and work on exciting projects? Or have you even forgotten completely what makes you excited? Do you remain in relationships that are stifling and no longer serving you? Are you convinced of the belief that you don’t matter? A primary emotion that blocks the throat chakra is fear to express oneself. Until this fear and the core belief of not being worthy of full soul expression are released, the disease in the associated structures such as teeth and gums will be difficult to manage. At White Sands Dentistry, a private holistic practice, we strive to address all possible causes of dental disease including nutrition, home-care practices, or spiritual and emotional needs. We also provide gentle, conservative and preventative care. Our hallmark procedure is the safe removal of mercury “silver” amalgam fillings for which we have been certified by International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. In addition, we utilize ozone therapy which has many applications in dentistry, and is non-toxic alternative to antibiotics and pharmaceuticals commonly used in mainstream dentistry. Dr. Martina Mallery is the owner and lead dentist at White Sands Dentistry. Her practice is located at 520 48th Street Court E, Bradenton. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 941-748-9393 or visit WhiteSandsDentistry.com.

February 2021

community spotlgight

An Integrative Path to Healing:

Q&A with Dr. Fred Harvey by Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer

f there ever was a time for a thorough, in-depth lens into the full spectrum of our health, this would be it. For the past year, our bodies have weakened beneath the pressures of anxiety, fear, stress, loneliness, depression and other mental health concerns that can harm our physical wellbeing too. Now combine these stressors with existing chronic pain, medical issues or the threat of COVID-19 itself, and we are in desperate need of healing at the root level. That is why I have chosen to focus this month’s Community Spotlight around the topic of integrative medicine. This form of healthcare merges the advanced research and technology of the West with the ancient wisdom and intuition of the East to develop a full-body treatment plan for each individual. In a season, when health can feel tenuous and inaccessible, it’s a relief to know there are practitioners in our own community who are devoted to our wellness. So this month, I want to shine a light on local integrative and functional medicine physician Dr. Fred Harvey for a deeper look at the benefits of these modalities. Natural Awakenings: Could you summarize integrative and functional 22

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medicines’ approach to healthcare, and what does this entail in your practice? Dr. Fred Harvey: Integrative medicine takes a healing-orientated approach which includes the use of both conventional and alternative healthcare methods. We combine Western medical testing and interventions, along with Eastern medicine philosophies which facilitate the body’s innate aptitude to heal itself when the obstructions to healing are removed. Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically, but uses the best of both worlds. My career began in internal and geriatric medicine when I was drawn into advanced training in alternative medicine after learning from biochemist Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, through his ability to synthesize complex scientific ideas. As a result, the Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine (HCIM) in Sarasota is a primary care and consultative practice focused on both integrative and functional medicine which allows for multi-modality treatment options. My goal is to prevent disease rather than just to treat random symptoms by template

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matching a set of medical insurance codes. HCIM does not accept insurance due to their restrictive limitations of coverage. In my practice, the team customizes an individualized treatment plan for each unique client. This wellness plan takes into account all physical needs including nutrition, exercise, hydration, sleep and emotional stressors. Due to our thorough attention to detail, a first-time consultation will often require between 90 and 120 minutes. During an integrative medicine visit, we discuss detoxification, testing for metal and petrochemicals, and treatments for allergies or sensitivities. Often, I see patients with advanced dis-ease, so I work to bolster their systems with a combination of lifestyle changes, nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic, psychotherapy, nutritional supplements, or in some cases, medications and other interventions like surgery. Functional medicine is a patientcentered, science-based approach that focuses on revitalizing human function rather than just attacking the symptoms of a disease. Therefore, functional medicine trained physicians identify the root causes of an illness such as poor nutrition, stress, toxins, allergens, genetics and the human microbiome. Many clients are drawn to my practice from out of state with complicated or misdiagnosed conditions. The increased acceptance of telehealth second-opinion consultations has been extraordinarily successful. As a result, I can review an out of town or isolating client’s lab results and medical records, then advise them on various concerns through a telehealth call. It is common for a loved one or caregiver to participate in the call too. NA: I understand you have been using this telehealth model extensively in the past year. How has it benefited patients during COVID-19? Dr. Harvey We have a mixed model at the Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine. The regulations on telemedicine have become less restrictive due to the pandemic. This allows me to advise patients remotely for chronic illness maintenance follow-ups, lab reviews and new health concerns that might arise. With clients who are sheltering at home to limit their virus exposure, telehealth enables them to continue scheduling their necessary follow-up visits and remain conscientious about their healthcare. In-person visits are necessary for new patient consultations, primary

care annual physicals and accurate diagnostic tests. To this end, my office team has also done an exemplary job of following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety precautions. As I mentioned, clients who are challenged by their current illness or treatment protocol can also book a telehealth secondopinion consultation to review their history and functional medicine options. In most cases, this is done in collaboration with the primary care physician or another specialist such as a cardiologist, as I often work together with a client’s current practitioners to expand on their beneficial course of action. A second-opinion MD consultation utilizes a second set of experienced eyes and ears to evaluate all options. NA: What specific treatment modalities do you offer, and what are the most common issues or concerns that you see in patients? Dr. Harvey: We offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options here. Standard functional medicine operates in a similar fashion to the traditional Western model with office visits, history taking, extensive physical evaluation, and laboratory and imaging analyses. With this data, we can then make a treatment plan for each individual based on their own needs. We offer in-house intravenous therapies, as well as a large Nutripharmacy, with premium vitamins and supplements. Some common health problems we treat are digestive issues or colitis, leaky gut, chronic fatigue, diabetes, high blood pressure, hormone imbalances, weight difficulties, arthritis, brain fog, sleep disturbances and allergies. NA: February is designated as American Heart Month in the U.S.— what lifestyle shifts do you recommend in order to maintain healthy cardiac function?

Dr. Harvey: One of the main foundations of cardiac health is daily movement, so a brisk 30-minute outdoor walk each day provides excellent cardiovascular stimulation and can help to manage stress levels too. Adequate daily water intake is crucial too, as one half-ounce of water for each pound of body weight helps to flush out toxins. A diet of organic, whole foods low in saturated fats can reduce stress on the vascular system as well. The Mediterranean Diet is an optimal choice for cardiovascular health. It includes 80% fruits and vegetables, with only 20% animal products. For the majority of adults, this equals five to seven vegetable servings and two fruit servings on a daily basis. Chelation therapy is the most helpful intervention that we offer in our office for cardiac health. If someone has experienced a heart attack, it is shown that 40 treatments over the course of a year will reduce death rates by 20%, and in those with diabetes, by 50%. No other treatment intervention yields these same results. The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine is located at 3982 Bee Ridge Road, Suite J, Sarasota. For more information, call 941929-9355, visit HarveyCenter.com or follow on social media at Facebook.com/HarveyCenterForIntegrativeMedicine. Mary-Elizabeth Schurrer is the Managing Editor of Natural Awakenings Sarasota–Manatee. She also works as a freelance writer, blogger and social media marketer. Her personal blog HealthBeAHippie.Wordpress.com features tips for embracing an active, nutritious, balanced and empowered lifestyle.

What are your Health Goals for 2021? Detoxification? Destress? Dietary? Start today by calling Fred Harvey, MD. Telehealth consults available! Listen to Dr. Fred Harvey on WMNF radio 88.5FM bi-weekly radio show “Health & Nutrition" Mondays, 10-11am. Taking your calls and email questions on February 1st and 15th Phone 813-239-9663 or dj@wmnf.org

THE

HARVEY CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

The Harvey Center for Integrative Medicine 3982 Bee Ridge Road, Suite J | Sarasota 34233 Ph 941.929.9355 www.harveycenter.com

February 2021

Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Integrative Cardiologists on Preventing Heart Disease

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by Ronica O’Hara

ardiology has made mind-boggling advances in efficiently repairing everything from clogged arteries to floppy mitral valves and even replacing the entire failing heart itself. Yet the stubborn fact remains that almost half of all Americans suffer from cardiovascular disease, killing one in four of us, and those numbers are rising. Research shows that simple lifestyle changes can prevent 80 percent of these deaths, but many cardiologists typically reach for a prescription pad rather than explore diet, exercise and other prevention options with their patients. “Medicine can be life-saving, but optimal heart health can’t come from medicine alone,” says cardiologist Stephen Devries, co-author of Integrative Cardiology. “There is a common belief among many physicians that patients generally don’t want to make lifestyle changes—an assumption that is often dead wrong and refuted by surveys of patients that show that the majority are looking to do exactly that.” Los Angeles restauranteur and musician Gianni Neiviller, 54, is such a case. When he found holistic cardiologist Cynthia Thaik three years ago, he had already endured four major surgeries for gut illnesses; was suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, 24

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anxiety and depression; and was heavily abusing alcohol and marijuana. Thaik ordered tests that uncovered sleep apnea, and she encouraged him to turn to an all-organic diet, take vitamin and mineral supplements, exercise and practice mindfulness and meditation. “At first it was all fairly hard, but as I started losing the pounds, my mind became more clear, and little by little, it all started getting a bit easier,” Neiviller says. He lost 86 pounds within a year, got sober and ceased taking blood pressure medication and using a sleep apnea machine. He now walks six miles a day; practices a hybrid

regimen of qigong, yoga and meditation; and is switching to a holistic health career. “When people try to push my buttons, they rarely succeed these days,” he smiles. Rebounding into vibrant health is what integrative cardiologists like Devries and Thaik strive for. Also known as preventive or holistic cardiologists, they focus on guiding patients to change long-held, harmful, physical and emotional practices. Although they are comparatively few in number—probably no more than 100 nationally—these doctors are vocal and influential, imparting valuable advice about preventing and reversing heart disease through daily lifestyle choices.

Heart-Happy Eating Substantial research affirms that one major line of defense against heart disease is what we put into our mouths every day, yet only 8 percent of cardiologists consider themselves capable to give nutritional advice, a survey showed. To counter that, Devries co-founded the Gaples Institute, a Naperville, Illinois, nonprofit that offers

free nutritional training online to the public and nutritional accreditation for medical clinicians. Devries, who trained at Dr. Andrew Weil’s Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, lectures internationally and recently authored What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Cholesterol. “People have a lot more power over their heart health than they realize,” he says. According to Devries, the name of a diet is not as important as the antiinflammatory foods it should contain, such as “a wide variety of vegetables and fruit, plenty of beans, whole grains in place of refined, minimizing or eliminating meat (especially processed meat like bacon and sausage), minimizing added sugar (especially from sugar-sweetened beverages) and using small amounts of the most healthful oils, like extra-virgin olive oil.” And the evidence is increasing, he says, of “minimizing or eliminating animal products and getting most or all of your protein from high-quality plant sources like beans, tofu, whole grains and nuts.

Fish is one exception for which there is good evidence.” He’s backed up by a November 2020 study of 220,000 adults published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. It concludes that those with diets high in red and processed meat, refined grains and sugary beverages had a 46 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 28 percent higher risk of stroke compared to those consuming anti-inflammatory diets rich in green and yellow vegetables, whole grains, coffee and tea. Devries suggests that gradual, incremental changes to the diet may be easier than abrupt and dramatic choices. For example, he might recommend switching from sugary soda to flavored seltzer first, then trying lemon water and black tea with milk before opting for plain, green tea. Sipping a cup of green tea at least every other day reduces the risk of heart attacks and dying of heart disease by one-fifth, Chinese researchers report in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

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2415 University Parkway Dr.FLORIDA David Cifra, D.C. Dr. David Cifra, D.C. FLORIDA FLORIDA Dr.University David Cifra, D.C. FLORIDA Fl 34243 2415 Parkway 2415Sarasota, University Parkway Dr. David Cifra, D.C. Dr.University David Cifra, D.C. 2415 Parkway 315-345-7390 Sarasota, Fl 34243 Dr. David Cifra, D.C. 2415 University Parkway Sarasota, Fl 34243 2415 University Parkway 2415 University Parkway Sarasota, Fl 34243 315-345-7390 2415 University Sarasota, Fl Parkway 34243 Sarasota, FlFL 34243 WASHINGTON Sarasota, 34243 315-345-7390 315-345-7390 Sarasota, Fl 34243 315-345-7390 315-345-7390 WASHINGTON 941-358-2224 Dr. Steven Thain, D.C. 315-345-7390 WASHINGTON 14700 NE 8th St. #D.C. 115 Dr. Steven Thain, WASHINGTON WASHINGTON Dr. Steven Thain, D.C. Bellevue, WA 98007 Dr. Steven Thain, D.C. 14700 NE 8th St. # 115 WASHINGTON Dr. Steven Thain, D.C. Dr. Steven Thain, 14700 NE8th 8thSt. St. # D.C. 115 425-644-8386 Bellevue, WA 98007 14700 NE # Dr. Steven Thain, 14700 NE 8th St. #D.C. 115 14700 NE 8th St. #115 115 Bellevue, WA 98007 425-644-8386 14700 NE 8th St.98007 # 115 Bellevue, WA 98007 Bellevue, WA Bellevue, WA 98007 NEW MEXICO 425-644-8386 Bellevue, WA 98007 425-644-8386 425-644-8386 425-644-8386 NEW MEXICO Dr. Brian Hesser, D.C. 425-644-8386 NEW MEXICO 3850 E. Lohman Ave. Dr. Brian Hesser, D.C. NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO NEW MEXICO Dr.NEW Brian Hesser, D.C. MEXICO Las Cruces, NM 88001 3850 E. Lohman Ave. Dr. Brian Hesser, D.C. Dr. Brian Hesser,Ave. D.C. 3850 E. Hesser, Lohman Dr. Brian D.C. 575-521-0793 Las Cruces, NM 88001 Dr. Brian Hesser, D.C. 3850 E. Lohman Ave. 3850 E. Lohman Ave. Las3850 Cruces, NM 88001 575-521-0793 3850 E. Cruces, Lohman Ave. E. Lohman Ave. Las 88001 Las Cruces, NMNM 88001 VIRGINIA 575-521-0793 Las Cruces, NM 88001 Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-521-0793 575-521-0793 VIRGINIA Dr. Chris Lauria, D.C. 575-521-0793 575-521-0793 VIRGINIA 4915 Brambleton Dr. Chris Lauria, Ave. D.C. VIRGINIA VIRGINIA Dr. Chris Lauria, D.C. Roanoke, VA 24018 4915 Brambleton Ave. VIRGINIA Dr. Chris Lauria, D.C. VIRGINIA Dr. Chris Lauria,Ave. D.C. 4915 Brambleton 540-725-9501 Roanoke, VALauria, 24018 D.C. Dr. Chris 4915 Brambleton Ave. 4915 Brambleton Ave. Dr. Roanoke, Chris Lauria, D.C. VA 24018 540-725-9501 4915 Brambleton Ave. Roanoke, 24018 VAVA 24018 OHIO 540-725-9501 4915Roanoke, Brambleton Ave. Roanoke, VA 24018 540-725-9501 540-725-9501 OHIO Dr. Carey Girgis, D.C. Roanoke, VA 24018 540-725-9501 OHIO

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383Carey West Girgis, Main Street Dr. D.C. OHIO 540-725-9501 OHIO Westerville, OH Street 43081 Dr. Carey Girgis, D.C. 383 WestOHIO Main Dr. Carey Girgis, Dr. Carey Girgis, D.C.D.C. 383614-890-3500 West Main Street Westerville, OHGirgis, 43081 Dr. Carey D.C. 383 West Main Street 383 West Main Street Westerville, OH 43081 614-890-3500 383 WestOH Main Street Westerville, OH 43081 43081 Dr.Westerville, Carey Girgis, D.C. 614-890-3500 ILLINOIS Westerville, OH 43081 614-890-3500 614-890-3500 383 West Main ILLINOIS Dr. Richard Lohr,Street D.C. 614-890-3500

OHIO

ILLINOIS N. Main Westerville, OHStreet 43081 Dr.3090 Richard Lohr, D.C. ILLINOIS ILLINOIS Decatur, ILLohr, 62526 Dr. Richard D.C. 3090 N.ILLINOIS Main Street 614-890-3500

Dr. Richard Lohr, D.C. Dr. Richard Lohr, D.C. 217-706-5551 3090 N. Main Street Decatur, IL 62526 Dr.3090 Richard Lohr, D.C. N. Street 3090 N. Main Street Decatur, IL Main 62526 217-706-5551 3090 N.ILMain Street Decatur, IL 62526 Decatur, 62526 ILLINOIS 217-706-5551 February 2021 Decatur, IL 62526 25 217-706-5551 217-706-5551 Dr. Richard Lohr, D.C. 217-706-5551

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Powerful Supplements As a young cardiologist frustrated by the revolving-door nature of his patients, Stephen Sinatra came upon an obscure 1982 study of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) that he realized could have saved the life of a favorite patient. This catalyzed his intensive studies into nutrition and bioenergetics that produced 17 books, including the bestselling Reverse Heart Disease Now and The Sinatra Solution. He helped formulate the new field of metabolic cardiology that proposes preventing and treating cardiovascular disease with nutraceuticals to improve energy production in heart cells. In addition to suggesting a high-potency, multi-nutrient, fish oil, magnesium and vitamin C for prevention, he recommends four key nutrients that produce and use adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s basic cellular fuel:

YCoQ10 is synthesized in the body, but declines with age

and statin use. It protects from the free radical damage linked to inflammation. Dosage: 90 to 250 milligrams (mg) daily for prevention, 180 to 360 mg for hypertension and 300 to 600 mg for heart failure.

YL-carnitine ferries fatty acids to be oxidized to make ATP

and moves toxic metabolites out of heart cells. Dosage: 1,000 to 1,500 mg in divided doses to prevent deficiency and up to 3,000 mg for heart disease.

YMagnesium, required in all reactions involving ATP, is

depleted by some gastrointestinal medications and diuretics. Dosage: at least 400 mg.

YD-ribose is a naturally occurring sugar derivative of ATP that hastens energy regeneration. Dosage: five to seven grams (gm) daily as a preventive, seven to 10 gm daily for heart failure.

In other nutrient news, adults that took glucosamine/chondroitin every day for a year or longer had a 65 percent reduction in cardiovascular-related deaths, reports West Virginia University researchers that analyzed 16 years of data from 16,686 adults.

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Smart Testing Preventive cardiologist Joel Kahn, the author of Your Whole Heart Solution and The Plant-Based Solution, says that lab tests typically prescribed by cardiologists and other doctors are inadequate. “Standard lab tests have not changed in 30 to 40 years, but science has,” he says. “For example, inflammation is now understood to be a fundamental process for most chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. A simple lab test, hs-CRP, is available to measure inflammation. Very few doctors add this to their panel. When it is high, it leads to a search for why there is inflammation and diet, lifestyle and other measures to resolve it.” After 25 years as a cardiologist treating heart-attack emergencies, Kahn, who is vegan, went back to college to study preventive cardiology and set up the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, in Bingham Farms, Michigan, which focuses on dietary counseling and preventive screenings. His list of “must have” tests includes:

YAdvanced cholesterol panel for a breakdown of LDL-

cholesterol particle number and size, which is highly predictive of cardiovascular problems.

YLipoprotein(a) cholesterol to detect a risk-elevating genetic

form of cholesterol that’s present in about 20 percent of those tested.

YHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to identify inflammation of blood vessels.

YHemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) to obtain the three-month

measure of sugar in hemoglobin, a marker of both diabetes and heart disease.

YVitamin D to identify deficiencies linked to a higher risk of hypertension, heart failure, angina and heart attacks.

Move It or Lose It

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (brisk walking, water aerobics, gardening, tennis, dancing) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (running, jumping, swimming laps), as well as musclestrengthening activity (weights) at least two days a week. Only 20 percent of adults exercise for the full 150 minutes per week, which may be why physical inactivity is a major factor in an estimated one-third of heart disease deaths. “I like to frame it as ‘being active’, because exercise sounds onerous,” Devries says. “Even a small amount of activity goes a long way—walking at a gentle pace 30 minutes a day confers very significant benefits. Up to a point, more can be better, but only for some people, and only to a point.” Even moving a few minutes daily can add up. Doing 12-minute bursts of vigorous exercise favorably impacts 80 percent of the metabolites that govern such functions as oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular reactivity, reports a new study in Circulation. Just one hour a week of strength training significantly lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease death, another study found. And simply holding thigh and calf stretches for 45 seconds for a total of five minutes daily improved arterial blood flow, reports a study in the Journal of Physiology.

The Emotional Heart

As a child in Myanmar, Thaik witnessed hands-on healing at a clinic she visited with her physician mother, but holistic care only entered her life after 20 years of practice as a frustrated cardiologist, when she was laid low by severe anemia that required transfusions and surgery. Today, the Harvard-trained cardiologist is the author of Your Vibrant Heart and founder of the Holistic Heart Healing Center, in Los Angeles, which integrates the medical model with lifestyle strategies and approaches like homeopathy and acupuncture. “I very much believe that we are both physical beings and energetic or spiritual beings. Our physical makeup is closely intertwined with our mental and emotional makeup,” Thaik says. She counsels patients to practice the following:

YMindfulness. “A mentor of mine, (life coach) Mary Morrisey,

taught me to avoid the three Cs—complaining, comparing or criticizing. If you attempt to do this for even an hour, you will find that it is actually a hard task. Practicing this allows us to be acutely mindful of our thoughts.”

YGratitude. “I wake up every morning and before my feet hit

the floor, I make this statement five times and fill in five different answers: ‘I am so happy and grateful now that ...’”

YReleasing. “I believe the most important ingredient to health

and healing is the ability to release—to forgive self and others, to let go and abandon all of our negative thoughts, our self-limiting beliefs, our notions of right and wrong, our feelings of injustice and being wronged.” She advises, “When we can abandon all these beliefs and allow ourselves to float or drift unimpeded—imagine yourself on a tube in a lazy river—that is when healing within our bodies begins, when our parameters of stress and the hormones and neurotransmitters associated with stress start to down-regulate, and we can literally feel a wave of relaxation passing through our bodies. This will lower our heart rate, blood pressure, adrenaline and cortisol levels, thereby mitigating our risk of a heart attack or stroke.” Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

More Heart-Healthy Strategies take long soaks. Middle-aged Japanese adults that took a daily bath in warm or hot water had a 28 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 26 percent lower risk of stroke than people that didn’t bathe in the tub more than twice a week, concludes a study in the journal Heart. outdo each other. People that competed with each other to walk more steps ended up walking about 100 miles more in nine months than people that simply walked on their own, reports the JAMA Internal Medicine. consider cannabidiol. This non-psychoactive form of cannabis has been shown in small lab studies to lower inflammation and ease arrhythmia. “CBD can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve anxiety and depression, reduce inflammation, improve glucose regulation, diminish pain and thereby lower our adrenergic (fight-or-flight) tone,” says holistic cardiologist Cynthia Thaik. brush a lot. In a 10-year Korean study, people that brushed their teeth three or more times a day had a 10 percent lower risk of atrial fibrillation and a 12 percent lower risk of heart failure. sidestep pollution. Stay away from traffic and industrial areas when exercising. Even a few hours of exposure to the ultrafine particles generated by emissions may potentially trigger a nonfatal heart attack, reports research in Environmental Health Perspectives. February 2021

green living

Saying ‘I Do’ to the Planet Green Weddings Embrace Sustainability by Sandra Yeyati

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rom advising couples about Earth-friendly menus to reducing and reusing plastic in her business operations, wedding planner Erica Jill Razze, of Capiche Custom Events, in Wilmington, Delaware, is dedicated to environmentalism. When designing her own wedding last year, she wanted it to serve as a portfolio example of sustainability. “Our parents are a little more traditional, so there were certain aspects that we tried to respect and uphold for them, while still finding our happy place from an environmental standpoint,” she says. Although no wedding can be totally zero waste, there are always greener options, starting with the invitations. The most ecofriendly choice is email, which Razze’s parents declined to use, so she opted for the next best thing: biodegradable, non-toxic paper directly benefitting women in India. In lieu of a response card, which would have required more paper and another mailing, she created a website for RSVPs. Bridal shower invitations were printed on botanical paper embedded with seeds. Invitees that followed the planting instructions were delighted to welcome blooming flowers in their yards. “Find a venue that already fits your theme, so that you’re not trying to transform a space or shipping in plastic decorations that add to the carbon footprint and end up in landfills,” says Razze, who prefers horticultural centers or outdoors spaces. “The beauty and simplicity of what’s around you is what makes it so wonderful,” she says. “Don’t try to turn a ballroom into a forest and vice versa.” Flown-in, farmed flowers are a big no-no. “The transportation is a huge carbon footprint. If they’re growing one particular flower, they’re treated with pesticides,” Razze says. Sustainable alternatives are locally harvested, organic wildflowers; dried flowers that haven’t been sprayed or painted with toxic chemicals; silk blooms; and rented potted plants. Some local florists collect flowers after the event for composting. Heart-shaped confetti made of dried leaves is a clever swap that begins composting once it hits the ground. Razze’s vegan meal offered another planet-saving opportunity. While real stoneware and silverware gets expensive because it requires hiring staff, single-use plastics that are gold-decorated to simulate real china betray the Earth and believability. “You’re not fooling anybody with that stuff,” she says, recommending less costly alternatives like biodegradable bamboo and palm-leaf disposables. “Instead of fake-impress, show people something new. Thankfully, taking care of the environment has become trendy, so it’s an easier sell.”

Instead of wedding favors, most of which come from China and are wrapped in plastic, donate meals to people that don’t have access to food, advises Emily Raezer, director of weddings at Global Gourmet Catering (GGC), in San Francisco. “A lot of times, guests don’t even take those favors home. Why not make a donation that’s going to have a social impact?” GGC also donates all event leftovers to food banks in local communities. As the first green-certified caterer in Northern California, GGC educates wedding clients about sustainability, helping them

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

Earth-Friendly Engagement Rings

mong environmentally and socially conscious couples, traditional engagement rings purchased at Tiffany’s that feature the largest diamond three month’s pay will buy are not so cool when more ethical, sustainable and meaningful options are available. One goal is to use conflict-free or ethical diamonds that are not associated with civil wars, unfair pay, unsafe working conditions, human rights abuses and unsavory environmental practices. Earth-friendlier choices include rings inherited from family members or purchased at estate sales, as well as lab-generated gems and custom-designed, one-of-a-kind rings. According to jewelry designer Amanda Jaron, of Naples, Florida, there’s a trend in the younger, first-time wedding market toward alternative gems. “It might be a lab-created diamond like a moissanite, or what they call a salt-and-pepper diamond, which has many black and white inclusions [imperfections], giving the stone a speckled or smoky look.” Gemstones and jewelry handed down by family members or acquired at an estate sale are also popular and represent the bulk of Jaron’s creative work. “There’s nothing more special than a gemstone that has two or three decades worth of life to tell,” she says. “I love being able to create fabulous, modern pieces that my clients can wear proudly. What’s better than a sparkly treasure that also has sentimental value?”

Servings for the Heart Blueberry and Pumpkin Seed Yogurt Bark

courtesy of laura flippen

choose menu items that are in season, organic, locally sourced, sustainably farmed and drought-friendly. Raezer explains the reasoning behind these principles: “We don’t want things traveling very far and having CO2 emissions. Growing things out of season costs the environment water and other resources, and some products are more drought-friendly—which explains choosing avocados over cucumbers. Sustainable fishing really impacts our oceans, so we won’t source any fish that’s on the Monterey Bay watchlist, and a lot of couples are cutting out red meat from their weddings because of the methane emissions.” GGC goes to extraordinary lengths to minimize impacts caused by their events, including reclaiming and repurposing used vegetable oil for San Francisco’s alternatively fueled vehicles; serving filtered tap water to avoid using plastic water bottles; opting for biodegradable and reusable utensils and decorations; recycling whenever possible; partnering with local farms to compost efficiently; and using non-toxic dishwasher detergents. For every event, they donate a portion of the proceeds to Terrapass for carbon offsets. Despite all preparations, couples must be ready for the unexpected. When the COVID-19 shutdown hit last March, just two months before Razze’s May wedding, she decided to legally marry in a small gathering of fewer than 10 people and postponed her larger green reception for a year. “We want to celebrate with everybody,” she says. “In a year, it could be a vow renewal. How cool is that?”

This dessert is for lovers of froyo, ice cream or frozen treats. Plain yogurt is blended with refreshing mint, sweet blueberries and a hint of honey—all topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. This bark can also be an easy breakfast alternative that balances high-quality protein, dietary fiber and heart-healthy fats. Eat this delicious snack in a bowl to catch the yogurt bark liquid goodness as it melts. Add a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra decadence. Yield: 6 servings 2 cups nonfat plain yogurt 1¼ cups blueberries, divided 1 Tbsp coarsely chopped fresh mint 1 tsp honey ¼ cup raw, unsalted, pumpkin seeds Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the edges are covered. In a medium-size bowl for a food processor, combine the yogurt, 1 cup of blueberries, the mint and honey. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, evenly spread the yogurt mixture over the parchment paper. Evenly add the remaining blueberries along with the pumpkin seeds on top of the yogurt mixture. Freeze for 2 to 4 hours until the bark is fully frozen. The best way to check is to poke the middle of the pan with a fork to see if it has hardened. Once fully frozen, the edges should easily lift, as well. Break the bark up into 12 pieces and freeze in an overnight container or a freezer-safe, zip-top bag for up to one month.

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conscious eating

Heartfelt Eating Best Foods for a Heart-Healthy Diet by April Thompson

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ypertension affects nearly half of all Americans, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death. We can help mitigate that risk and have a healthy “change of heart” by revamping our diets. While food fads are constantly changing, the basics of a heart-healthy diet have not,

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says Cheryl Strachan, a registered dietitian in Calgary, Canada, and founder of SweetSpotNutrition.ca. Strachan notes the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been used to help lower blood pressure and with other heart disease risk factors since its development in the 1990s. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy foods. While it includes lean meat, fish and poultry, it limits sugary foods and fatty meats. The Mediterranean diet, says Strachan, is another proven regimen for heart health, citing a five-year Spanish study in The New England Journal of Medicine that found the incidence of cardiovascular events was 30 percent lower among participants on this diet, supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, compared to those assigned a reduced-fat diet. A Mediterranean diet doesn’t necessarily mean eating dishes specific to that region. “It’s the type of foods that matters: a largely plant-based diet focused on whole grains such as the bulgur in tabouli, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil and some animal products like fish, poultry and dairy,” says Strachan. Michael Greger, a Seattle physician and author of the bestseller How Not to Die, disagrees that meat-based proteins have a place in a heart-healthy diet. “Only one way of eating has ever been proven to reverse heart disease in the majority of patients: a diet centered around wholeplant foods,” says Greger, adding that the most critical risk factor is elevated LDL cholesterol. “To drastically reduce LDL cholesterol levels, we need to drastically reduce our intake of trans fat, which comes from processed foods and naturally from meat and dairy; saturated fat, found mainly in animal products and junk foods; and playing a lesser role, dietary cholesterol, found exclusively in animal-derived foods, especially eggs.” Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian and owner of Entirely Nourished, a nutrition counseling practice in New York City, likes to meet clients where they are rather than trying to force a drastic switch they can’t maintain. “Often, people get very broad advice, like ‘Adopt a plant-based diet,’ but when it comes to the

heart, you have to find a way of eating you can commit to long term. I start by asking what foods bring them joy, as well as their food dislikes, history and culture.” For Routhenstein, an optimal diet for the heart includes a healthy balance of good fats, lean protein and the complex carbs that are important sources of fiber. “Research has shown that every additional 10 grams of fiber per day can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 25 percent,” by helping the body remove excess cholesterol, says the dietitian and author of The Truly Easy Heart-Healthy Cookbook: Fuss-Free, Flavorful, LowSodium Meals. While fatty foods are sometimes scapegoated for poor health, unsaturated fats are “really good for blood vessel health,” she adds.

Nutrients for Heart Health

Servings for the Heart Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing Edamame are whole, young, green soybeans that are mildly grassy in flavor. They have about five times the folate—a highly important cardiovascular nutrient—of mature soybeans. Edamame’s flavors pair well with fluffy quinoa, crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, and combine seamlessly with the spicy, toasty notes of the gingersesame dressing.

Potassium is a key mineral for heart health, as it can help the body remove excess sodium, lower blood pressure and improve blood flow and blood vessel health. Yet research shows less than 2 percent of Americans get enough. Beans, sweet potatoes, lentils, beets and avocados are among many potassium-rich foods with multiple heart benefits. There is a growing awareness of the importance of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, particularly in fish like wild salmon, arctic char and sardines. Routhenstein also advocates omega-9 fatty acids such as in tahini and avocado. Omega-9s have been shown to help increase HDL “good” cholesterol and decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol while protecting blood vessel health. Heart attacks often seem to occur suddenly simply because the damage happens gradually and quietly, warns Routhenstein. “Heart disease is progressive, so over time a poor lifestyle and diet can damage blood vessels and accelerate hardening of the arteries that lead to heart attacks,” she warns. “Some damage may not be entirely reversible, but it’s never too late to optimize heart functioning.”

Yield: 2 servings

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Flavor tip: For added heat, add ½ teaspoon of hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of lime juice to balance it out.

courtesy of laura flippen

½ cup quinoa 1 cup water 1 cup edamame, fully cooked and chilled 2 Tbsp ginger-sesame dressing 1 cup shredded carrots 2 cups shredded cabbage In a small pot, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Lower the heat to low, cover and simmer for 8 minutes. Add the edamame to the pot and cook for an additional four minutes, until the water in the quinoa pot has been absorbed and the edamame is tender. In a medium-size bowl, combine the quinoa and edamame with the dressing, shredded carrots and shredded cabbage and serve. Tip: There are three ways to make this easier: batch-cook the quinoa; thaw, cook and shell the edamame and keep overnight in the refrigerator; and buy prepackaged slaw. Just assemble.

Ginger-Sesame Dressing Typical sesame dressing is high in sodium from the soy sauce; even the low-sodium varieties are high in salt. This dressing is well-balanced, low in sodium and adds flair to just about any dish. Toasted sesame oil is aromatically pleasing and adds immediate flavor that is balanced by tangy rice vinegar, zesty ginger and crunchy sesame seeds. 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 2 tsp rice vinegar

2 tsp fresh grated ginger 2 tsp unsalted sesame seeds

In a small bowl, mix the sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger and sesame seeds until well combined. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.

February 2021

healthy kids

VEGGIE TRICKS How to Get Kids to Eat Better by Ronica O’Hara

t’s the rare parent that doesn’t have to plead and plot to get a child to eat vegetables. That’s not surprising; almost no one is born with a natural hankering for broccoli, and being wary of strange new foods may be hardwired in us so we can survive as a species. Happily, clever workarounds can help move a child past exclaiming, “Yuck!” as these parenting bloggers, nutritionists and other grown-ups have learned in the veggies-are-good-for-you trenches. SERVE SMOOTHIES. “The combinations are endless. Pack it full of spinach, kale, frozen zucchini or cauliflower. Then add a frozen banana or other fruit, plus your milk of choice (like cashew milk) then blend. Bam! You have a naturally sweetened, veggie-filled, delicious drink for your child, and they don’t even know they’re drinking their vegetables,” writes Emily Lesh, at ExperiencedMommy.com.

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USE SPRINKLES. “Everyone loves sprinkles! You can use chia seeds, microplaned broccoli head, flaxseed, grated carrots or even frozen yogurt dots. It transforms the food into something much more exciting,” writes Danielle Zold, at PickyEatingDietitian.com.

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GET THEM COOKING. “My kids love to help in the kitchen, and I have found that they are much more likely to try foods that they have helped to cook. We made our cranberries from scratch for Thanksgiving. My kids loved watching the cranberries boil and pop in the pot and seeing them change colors as they cooked. When dinnertime came, they were excited to try the cranberries, and my daughter ended up loving them!” writes Sarah Miller, at HomeSchooling4Him.com. www.nasrq.com

ROTATE FAMILY CHOICES. “Everyone in the family gets to choose one meal on one night of the week. We all commit to eating whatever the family member has chosen. This has helped our kids to try meals that aren’t on their favorite list, as they know that they’ll get their turn to writes Sophia Nomicos, at MasAndPas.com. TEMPT THEM. “When I’m making dinner, I like to have carrots or cucumbers available on the counter. They always come in to try to get snacks and if they see those, they will ‘sneak them away’ to eat them, since I tell them no more snacks or food til dinner,” writes Heather Hoke, at EmbracingChaosWithLove.com. REWARD MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. “Just because a kid hates a veggie the first 10 times you offer it doesn’t mean they’ll hate it forever. I try to make it fun by having kids track veggies they’ve tried and the number of times they’ve tried them with stickers on a veggie discovery table, which means even foods they dislike feel rewarding to try,” writes Jess Dang, at CookSmarts.com. BE SNEAKY. “Take something kids already like and make it with healthier ingredients. For example, if your kid loves meatballs, start by making them homemade, then adding in healthy things like frozen chopped spinach. I’ll grate zucchini and carrots and put them in about any pasta, meatloaf, burgers. I used to think sneaking in veggies was a bad thing, but honestly, it’s been great for our family,” writes Stephanie Rapone, at PantryToPlate.net. TALK UP THE BENEFITS. “I have found that when my son doesn’t want to eat something,

he is much more likely to eat it if I tell him its benefits. For example, I told him, ‘When you eat carrots, they make your eyes stronger, and they help you see in the dark.’ He loves to eat carrots now. He says, ‘Now I will be able to see in the dark!’ I am learning a lot this way, too. We Google the benefits of food at least once a day,” writes Elizabeth Manly, at DiscoveryPlayShop.com.

Actual Fat Loss in 40 Minutes

REINFORCE. “Explain that when a child feels good, she can attribute it to eating healthy. For example, if we managed to get our daughter to eat an apple—her favorite fruit that she now eats every day—I would say, ‘Wow, you sure ran around a lot at the playground. That apple you ate gave you a lot of energy,’” writes Kirsten Schuder, author of Schooling Your Kids Through a Pandemic.

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Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. Seeing is believing

What the Research Shows BE PERSISTENT. Don’t give up too soon. Researchers have found that it can take toddlers five to 10 times in tasting a new food before enjoying it; and for 3-to-4-year-olds, up to 15 trials. PUTTING ON AN APRON HELPS. A study of Canadian fifth-graders in 151 schools found that those that helped with meal prep and cooking were more likely to eat vegetables and fruit. GIVING KIDS A CHOICE WORKS. Australian kids that were offered a choice of broccoli, cauliflower or green beans for five weeks ate twice as many veggies as children offered only one vegetable. THINKING A FOOD IS RARE MAKES IT SPECIAL. In a recent study, 5-year-olds that were told there weren’t many more carrots than were on a plate ate 50 percent more carrots; 96 percent of those kids rated the carrots as yummy, compared to 67 percent in a no-limit carrot control group.

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For healing arts practitioner Evelyn Hall, in Santa Cruz, California, mindfulness is a lifestyle choice. “When my mind runs off into the future, it can create not only anxiety because I fear the unknown, but also worry about all the ‘what ifs’. When I find myself lost in the past, it can bring me sadness and regret. I have learned from mindfulness that these are just mental habits.” Cara Bradley, a mental fitness coach in Philadelphia and author of On the Verge: Wake Up, Show Up and Shine, says, “To be mindful is to show up to experience the moment as it is, with all your senses— when we eat, when we walk, whatever we are doing.”

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Diving Deeper

Tools for Inner Peace

Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation by Marlaina Donato

he practices of mindfulness and meditation, although closely related, offer individual, science-backed benefits for both body and psyche. Mindfulness has been shown to amp up immunity and increase gray matter in the brain, and 2018 research published in Experimental Biology shows that just an introductory hour of meditation using breathwork and awareness of thoughts significantly reduced anxiety. The study indicates that when applied regularly, mindfulness minimizes arterial pressure and cardiovascular health risks associated with long-term nervous system stress.

Immersion in the Moment Mindfulness—cultivating present-moment awareness by noticing body sensations, thoughts and details in our environment—not only makes life more enjoyable, but enables us to acknowledge life experiences and emotions without aversion and judgement. Mindfulness techniques are now being used in psychotherapy for insomnia, eating disorders and addictions. Physiological benefits are also significant. Harvard Health Publishing, referencing the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, highlights mindfulness for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions, as well as clinical depression. 34

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While mindfulness can be the simple act of noticing the geometric design of a flower or the variety of tastes on a dinner plate, meditation brings awareness to the deepest levels of consciousness through a variety of focused techniques, including breathwork, chanting, visualization or gazing at a candle flame. Contrary to common assumption, meditation need not be associated with religious structure. Neuroscientist Tony Nader, who heads the global Transcendental Meditation (TM) organization in 100 countries, underscores, “When you say meditation, there are numerous kinds of meditation with different origins. It can’t be assumed that just because meditation involves the mind that it involves dogma, or that meditation is religious because it has its roots from the Eastern traditions. Over time, some traditions integrated aspects of these ancient techniques into their own religions, yet not all meditations are religious.” Meditation can bring us into the eye of the storm. “The ocean is a great analogy for understanding different approac hes to meditation. Just as the ocean can be turbulent on the surface with innumerable waves and quiet at its depth, so, too, the mind is active on the surface with innumerable thoughts, but it is also naturally, profoundly quiet, deep within.” TM, taught in personal, one-to-

Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and composer of visionary music. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Meditative Approaches to Try Cara Bradley: There are times in life, during a busy workday or after watching the news, when you can feel that your mind has gotten very small and fixed. One of my favorite, super-simple practices is called Tibetan sky-gazing. Go outside or look out your window and look up into the sky. Use your inhale to help you expand your breath, but also your mind; allow your mind and your eyes to widen to the peripheral, and as you exhale, you just let go of any fear, worry or control. Inhale—expand up and out; exhale, let something go—tension, struggle, expectation. Evelyn Hall: Close your eyes, take a couple of nice belly breaths and relax. Send waves of relaxation through your entire body, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. As you do this, just listen to the sounds around you, both near and far. Then notice what you smell, both near and far. How does the air feel on your skin? Expand all your senses to experience what is present in this moment. Once you are deeply relaxed, just rest within the present environment, doing nothing. Unplug, reset. Try three to five minutes to reboot. Tip: It’s helpful to remember a time when you were totally relaxed—in nature or on vacation. The mind and body love to work together; think it and the body will respond.

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February 2021

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one instruction by a certified instructor, is one of the most thoroughly studied approaches and does not involve breathwork or repetition of chants. “There are 600 scientific research studies about the effectiveness of the Transcendental Meditation technique to develop the full brain—actually, the full potential of the human nervous system,” says Nader. Today, meditation has moved into the mainstream, with more than 2,500 digital apps offering quick, convenient access to every type and tradition. With names like Calm and Headspace, they were downloaded by more than 52 million first-time users in 2019—and that was before the anxiety-inducing pandemic. Most can be easily customized: InsightTimer, for example, offers 45,000 free meditations that can be sorted by need, duration or style. By practicing meditation, mindfulness is also cultivated. “You can think of it as a workout for your mind, a way of becoming familiar with our mind and training our mind,” says Bradley. Meditation can simply help to lower blood pressure or boost memory, yet it can bring mindfulness to a more spiritual level. “In a meditative state, I can feel how everything around me is alive and communicating with their own tongue and song,” says Hall. “I feel peace, no longer lost in wishing, praying or pleading that things be different. I am free from the burden of having to do something.”

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You always gain by giving love. ~Reese Witherspoon

Halting Hypertension Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure by Marlaina Donato

n estimated 75 million American adults have blood pressure high enough to require management, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For people with hypertension, tempering stress responses and limiting consumption of sodium, caffeine, alcohol and sugar can make a difference. Fortifying these lifestyle changes with aerobic exercise, yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also help prevent and manage worrisome blood pressure readings. Integrative cardiologist Jack Wolfson, in Paradise Valley, Arizona, points out that the development of hypertension is multicausal. “We are not genetically programmed to develop high blood pressure. Studies over the last 50 years confirm that physically active people have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure. For those with high blood pressure or people with a condition known as pre-hypertension, there is a blood pressurelowering effect of physical activity.” Aside from the value of strength training, walking, cycling and jogging, the Mayo Clinic recommends everyday movement in the form of household chores such as raking leaves, tending a garden or pushing a lawnmower. Cross-country skiing, skating and swimming also pack an aerobic punch. Experts agree that an active lifestyle strengthens the heart, demanding less systemic effort to pump blood, and healthier blood pressure is a result.

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Lifestyle Emphasis, Targeted Fitness “It’s been fascinating to watch clients come in extremely anxious about their high blood pressure number. A few months after consistent training and maintaining a healthier diet, there is a significant change within the body,” says Los Angeles fitness trainer Dominic Kennedy, creator of the new wellness app Dominic Effect. Kennedy recommends beginning with a brisk walk outside or on the treadmill and according to comfort level, bumping up the time each day. He underscores weights for those ready for strength training. “For many of my clients with high blood pressure, I superset their exercises so their heart rate is pumping. You will be surprised how aerobic weight training can be.” Wolfson testifies to the benefits of HIIT, which alternates short periods of intense aerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods. “I recommend my patients get 30 minutes of HIIT four to five times per week. The design of a HIIT program must meet the person where they are at in their level of fitness. Whatever physical activity you choose, try to do it outside,” he says. “This way, we get the synergistic benefits of exercise and sunshine to lower your blood pressure. I’ve always told people that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Yoga for Stress Management Wolfson is also an advocate of yoga for its parasympathetic nervous system support. Research published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2018 shows that yoga, breathwork and stretching all positively impact blood pressure, with the greatest improvements evident from yoga and deep breathing. “Yoga, no matter the type, is known to promote a sense of calm in the body and mind. A regular practice will help to reduce the effects that stress causes. It may or may not be the only step necessary,” says New York City yoga instructor Gail Grossman, author of Restorative Yoga for Life. She emphasizes personal preferences and staying within your comfort zone, noting, “If you feel stressed because it’s difficult, it won’t benefit you. I personally think restorative yoga, breathwork and meditation are the best practices for high blood pressure.” For Grossman, there is no such thing as too much yoga, but she recommends not getting overwhelmed with the commitment and having professional guidance for pranayama, or breathwork. “Do what you can. A practice does not have to be a full class, especially in restorative yoga. If you can commit to 20 minutes a day, you will see results, if you are consistent.” Kennedy underscores that investment pays off. “Many clients have come to me months later when they are in a more normal range and say, ‘We wish we would have started this sooner in life,’ but it’s never too late to start a fitness program. A good personal trainer or coach will help you do it in a safe way and get your body back in shape and healthy.”

For Wellness Living, Joy & Empowerment Universal Service, Sun. Feb. 21 at 10:30AM May The Divine Will and My Will Be One On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/812208049\ Password: RTI2020. Celebrating all Humanity On One Altar Private Sessions: Counseling, Energy Work, Reiki, Hypnosis, Past Life Regression, Soul Retrieval, Intuitive and Oracle Card Readings Rev. Zan Benham (Butterfly Deerwoman) www.woman-spirit.com • Zan@woman-spirit.com • 941-922-7839 Visionary • Intuitive Counselor • Shamanism • Reiki Master Teacher • Ceremonialist • Reader

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Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. February 2021

wise words

Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Relationships by Sandra Yeyati

ffering innovative approaches to mindful living, Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, international keynote speaker and bestselling author of The Conscious Parent, Out of Control and her latest, The Awakened Family. She has presented talks at TEDx, the Kellogg Business School, The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education, and SuperSoul Sessions with Oprah Winfrey, who has endorsed her work as revolutionary and life-changing.

Why do we have so much trouble with our romantic relationships?

Because we enter relationships without having entered a relationship with ourselves. We look to the other person and the relationship to fill us up, to give us what we are missing from within, and what we don’t realize is that the other person is there for the same reason. After the initial chemical, hormonal lust phase, we realize that the other person cannot be our parent figure and that they cannot fulfill our unfulfilled inner child needs. The disappointment is so great and the anger so livid that we spiral into hurt, disappointment and unmet expectations without realizing that the other hasn’t done anything. We typically attract people who are going to 38

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be mirrors that show us how we need to reparent ourselves and force us to repeat childhood patterns. If we have an issue of unworthiness, that’s going to show up. If we have fear of rejection, that’s going to show up, and all fingers point to the imperative that we do our own inner work.

What does that inner work look like?

The first step is realizing that what’s happening in the relationship is really a reflection of the inner state of being, and therefore isn’t the other person’s fault that I’m feeling rejected, hurt or unworthy. We stop trying to change, fix or blame the other. We then hire a therapist or join a self-development course and begin to understand our inner wounds from childhood that are being repeated in this current dynamic. We have to do the work. It’s not easy. It’s not going to happen just because we made an intellectual decision. It’s a quest, a constant unfolding, unlayering, evolving and becoming more. The goal is your arrival into your most authentic self—into your whole, free self.

How do we remain in a relationship while doing this work?

We become more honest, more up front, more candid and ready to meet the other at our new place of growth. If the other doesn’t

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want to grow and cannot do this inner work because of their own inner demons and resistance, then maybe you won’t be able to continue on, but you will be conscious enough to be able to release the other of the expectation to continue on. A healthy relationship is a relationship where each person takes responsibility for their own inner growth and their own inner wounds, doesn’t project their needs on the other, parents themselves into a state of wholeness and then releases the other to be free.

How do you define love?

Most of us love egoically, which is loving the other because they make us feel good about ourselves, and the moment they stop making us feel good about ourselves, we actually leave them. That’s why there’s so much divorce. That’s not love. Egoic love is possession, ownership and control. Most of us are mired in those kinds of relationships; the institution of marriage actually supports ownership, possession and control. True, or high love, is the understanding that the other is with you and you are with them to encourage each other’s growth and to see each other be their most authentic, free selves. If that includes being with us, we’re happy. If that includes not being with us, we’re as happy. That’s true love, because you’re in love with the other person’s essence and you’re more invested in the other person’s whole self rather than the self that you want to own and possess.

What is conscious intimacy?

Conscious intimacy starts with how intimate and honest you are with yourself— how sexually connected you are with your needs and your desires. The more unabashed, bare, spontaneous and transparent you can be with yourself, the more you will seek and be around partners who can hold that space with you. For more information, including online courses, visit DrShefali.com. Her Free to Be course specifically addresses conscious relationship issues. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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February 2021

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Big Love From Small Animals

The Joy of Furry Little Companions by Julie Peterson

eople think rabbits are quiet carrot-munchers, but they’re much more. Like many other small furry mammals, pet rabbits are expressive, intelligent and enjoy spending time with their humans. Shana Cobin, a veterinary technician from Foster, Rhode Island, points out that just like dogs and cats, each rabbit is unique. Having had four house bunnies at different times, Cobin enjoyed getting to know each one. “They can be quite entertaining with their playful antics. My first rabbit, Koko, would come to me and lick my face,” says Cobin. “She also made a purring sound for me, which they actually make by grinding their teeth.”

and very smart, which can be both terrific fun and problematic,” says Cobin, noting that “house-bun” curiosity, coupled with an intense need to chew, can wreak havoc on cords and other items within reach. “They always have to chew to keep their teeth filed down, but that’s why you give them appropriate things to chew.” Ferrets, members of the weasel family, are also intelligent, and like rabbits, can be trained to use a litter box.

Buyer Beware Just because small animals seem simpler to care for, it should be noted that their

For first-time pet owners, veterinarians often recommend pets smaller than dogs or cats. These can include a variety of rodents such as hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice, although guinea pigs usually top the list for their general durability, especially with children. Smaller pets can be the furry friend that a family may long for without posing the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat. For those that prefer a small furball that isn’t a rodent, a rabbit may be appropriate. “House bunnies are curious 40

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Small and Sweet

health depends on specific diets, bedding, housing, exercise and grooming. Rabbits, for example, have delicate digestive systems. “Feeding the right diet is extremely important,” advises Cobin. “A bunny’s primary diet should be hay, which helps grind down their teeth and is good for their digestion. Dark, leafy greens are also good.” As for carrots, Cobin says half of one is the most one rabbit should have in a day. There is more to consider. “People need to think beyond the cute fluff ball,” says Jennifer Miller, a former volunteer with the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota. “Small animal cages need regular cleaning, and ferrets have a natural musky odor to begin with. People start out wanting the cuteness, then they get tired of the work and get tired of the smell. Surrendered animals can be difficult to rehome.” Before adopting a small animal, it’s wise to research the species’ specific care requirements and other information at HumaneSociety.org. Annual veterinary checkups are something else to plan for, because many animals hide illness symptoms as a survival instinct. Having a small-animal veterinarian in place is important in case emergency care is required. “Zoological companion patients are unique and delicate. Their anatomy, physiology and behavior

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is vast-

ly different from dogs and cats, yet they require the same or more expertise and care,” says veterinarian Scharlet Kelly, medical director at the VCA Acacia Animal Hospital and Pet Resort, in Escondido, California.

Health Helpers In 2019, the journal Aging & Mental Health published a survey that

Love at First Sight

Adopt - A - Manatee® This Valentine’s Day

concluded pets benefit older adults by “providing companionship, giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing loneliness and increasing socialisation.” According to Jeremy Barron, M.D., medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, in Baltimore, “Owning a pet provides an amazing array of health benefits.” Indeed, numerous studies have shown that petting an animal can lower blood pressure and heart rate, soothe PTSD, decrease stress hormones and boost serotonin. Simply put, petting animals is not only good for people, it feels good, too. “Love can come in small packages,” says Liz Warner, a retired teacher in Richmond, Virginia, who adopted Laverne and Shirley, two Peruvian guinea pigs, to keep her company during the isolation of the pandemic. “I enjoy brushing their long coats and giving them their necessary haircuts. When I hold them, they kind of purr. It’s comforting.” Cobin agrees that pets provide comfort and add joy to the home. “Bunnies do this thing called a binky. My most recent

rabbit, Vivian Bucket, would just be hopping around and then she would dart, jump up and twist in the air. It’s what rabbits do when they are happy and playful, and it’s adorable.” Julie Peterson writes about health and wellness from rural Wisconsin. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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February 2021

calendar of events

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 12th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email publisher@nasrq.com for guidelines. No phone calls or faxes, please. Visit nasrq. com to submit online.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

“Embracing the Creativity of Love.” A celebration of Valentine’s Day as Love flows unceasingly through many forms. On Zoom: https:// zoom.us/j/812208049\ Password: RTI2020. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all of humanity’s on a single altar. For Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, RisingTideInternational.org. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

Empowered Transitions Support Group – 5:307pm, Feb 3-Mar 10. In Empowered Transitions™ you’ll have the support you need in order to prepare yourself for-and embrace- the changes you seek to make. Facilitated by Dr. Laura Weber Garrison, the groups meet weekly for two hours and are part group-therapy, part Mastermind, part personal work, and part interactive. The Program is structured and confidential. All the work is positive, private, nonjudgmental, co-creative, and completely supportive. Program Includes: six, ninety-minute group meetings, program workbook with weekly handouts, email access to your facilitator, discounts for private Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy Sessions. Certificate of Completion for RYT and C-IAYT professionals. $297. Better Wellness Naturally, LLC, 8051 N Tamiami Tr, Suite F2, 941-260-2941, La-Alza.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

The Universal Service -10:30am, with Rev. Zan Benham, “May The Divine Will and My Will Be One!” This service asks, can my will truly align with the Divine Will? What is the criteria? How close is that Divine Will to me? And always, so much more… On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/812208049\ Password: RTI2020. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all of humanities on a single altar. For Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, RisingTideInternational. org. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

The Universal Group Service -10:30am, with Rev. Tara Muir. “Return to the One: A Celebration of Love, Harmony and Beauty.” This service will include several Reverends in honor of the day Hazrat Inayat Khan passed from this world to the next. On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/812208049\ Password: RTI2020. This weekly egalitarian service celebrates all of humanity’s religions on a single altar. For Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, RisingTideInternational.org. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Being Love in Life - 7pm. With Jim Toole. Discover how to tap into and BE the unconditional and boundless Love of Loves that you are brings healing, freedom, inspiration and transformation to your life. Learn how living “In Love” creates a meaning in life that allows you to experience deeper Fulfillment, Peace and Joy. Explore the powerful changes that occur on physical, emotional, mental and Spiritual levels as you open into the Love that transcends the limitations of life. $10, presented online on Zoom. Please contact Jim at RevJimToole@gmail.com or 941-330-5031 to attend.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 The Universal Service -10:30am, with Rev. Tara Muir and Rev. Aisha Carol Rosenbaum,

Gallery by Advanced Student Mediums – 7-8:30pm. On this night, a number of our advanced student mediums will present a Spirit Messages Gallery, supported by two Certified Mediums. Each attendee will have the opportunity to receive information from their spirit loved ones or guides, by the different styles of each student. Come and enjoy this fun and informative evening. $10 donation is requested. We are providing separated seating and all CDC requirements are being met. Reservations required. Call or text Susan Houliston at 941-2661696. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-266-8435, CMFSarasota.org. Facebook: CMF of Sarasota.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The Spirit of Life - 7pm. With Jim Toole. Discover pathways to your deepest and highest connection to Your Spirit within, the Spirit of Life as you know it, and the powerful inspiration, clear guidance and profound transformation it brings to your life. Learn to access, experience and BE the Freedom, Fulfillment and Joy that you are as an expression of the Spirit of Life in all you are and do. $10, presented online on Zoom. Please contact Jim at RevJimToole@gmail.com or 941-330-5031 to attend.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Viva La Breathing - Feldenkrais with Bonnie K – 6:30-8:30pm. 2-hour class to use breathing to enhance your Posture - and look at posture to enhance breathing. Friday evening only $55. Register with Bonnie at: TouchToInform.com/product/core/ Moving from your CORE CEs for LMTs - Weekend of February 26-28. Includes Viva La Breathing, Moving your CORE from the inside and then reaching the CORE from the outside - distal areas of hands and eyes. 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. $340 for full weekend. Register with Bonnie at TouchToInform.com/product/core/

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 The Universal Service -10:30am with Rev. Ackbar Chris Miller, “Ceremony of the Elements.” We will turn to honor the sacred elements within and without, through wisdom, songs, prayers, offerings, and scripture of the world’s sacred traditions. On Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/812208049\ Password: RTI2020. Also, connecting in person, social distancing with mask. TBA either at Red Bug Slough or outside Rising Tide under the Ear Tree. molten.ink@gmail.com. For Rising Tide, 5102 Swift Rd. Sarasota, RisingTideInternational.org. For info Rev. Zan, 941-922-7839.

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classifieds CLEANING, ORGANIZING, PACKING. Serving Sarasota and Venice. Every job is different, every client is special! Please contact Profira at 941-735-3479. HOUSECLEANING. Enjoy your free time and let us do what we do best: Housecleaning to your healthy satisfaction. Call Paula for a free estimate 941-320-4052. ADVANCED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPY. Advanced Clinical Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy is available in Sarasota. Specializing in healing trauma and coping with life transitions. La-Alza.com.

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sunday Unity of Sarasota- 9am. Live service at the labyrinth. Bring your chair and wear a mask. social distance is in place. Check website for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-9553301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Christian Spiritualist Sunday Morning Services - 10am. Old time camp meet style service, guided meditation, healing, presentation of truth and mini spirit message for each person. Private or group readings available daily by appointment. Contact Rev Shari. Church of Light, 2408 43rd Ave. West, Bradenton, 941-751-5683. Sunday Service at CMF - Each Sunday morning service we are offering spiritual healing, an inspirational talk, messages from spirit, and an ever-important environment of fellowship. Leave refreshed and inspired to start the new week. We feature a variety of speakers and spirit message bearers throughout the year. We are providing separated seating and all CDC requirements are being met. Our Board of Directors is monitoring local health data, so please check our website for any UPDATES to schedules before visiting. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Dr., Suite 204, Sarasota, 941-266-8435, CMFsarasota. org, Facebook: CMF of Sarasota. Unity of Sarasota- 10:30am. Services available on the Web and Facebook Live. The Sunday Celebration service includes a message and lively music. Check website for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Sunday Morning Celebration Service, Facebook Live - 11am. Join us as we come together as a spiritual family and community, sharing our love and light for ourselves, for each other, and the world. Be a part of sharing the energy and illumination of our hearts and souls together through conversation, music, meditation, a talk and an affirmation. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterOfLight.com. Center for Spiritual Living Cultural Coast 11am. Virtual Gathering Via FaceBook & YouTube Live. Join us the first Sunday each month for a contemplative/meditative experience. The rest of the

month is a bit more lively - always an inspiring message based on the Science of Mind (New Thought) philosophy, featuring local & internationally known musicians. Contact Rev. Theresa Fieberts 941-3760177, CSLCulturalCoast.org.

– the ABCs for Walking. Sign up for free – Ebook, The ABCs for Walking, https://www.feldenkraisinsarasota.com/sarasota-classes-feldenkrais/ For more information and registration, https://www. feldenkraisinsarasota.com/event/lightness-ofwalking-program-online/2020-09-22/

monday

Living Spiritual Circle - 3:30pm. Circles via zoom with Rev. Suzi. Check website to sign up and for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

Living Spiritual Circle - 11am and 5pm. Circles via zoom with Rev. Suzi. Check website to sign up and for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 5:45pm. Online! Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes $65/4 movement lessons w/ replays. 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota. com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/ Pub Theology - 6:30-8pm, the 2nd Mon. of the month available on Zoom. With Rev. Amy Zehe. Bring your Spiritual questions. Contact Rev.Amy@UnityofSarasota.org for Zoom meeting instructions. Go to website for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Learning to Connect Classes at CMF - 7-9pm. Join Susan Houliston and guest instructors every Monday & Tuesday to learn techniques for connecting with Spirit. Students are given the opportunity to practice lessons to develop their skills and each class will end with healings by the “WE” for all attending. Discussions will follow. $10 donation is requested. Please refer to the CMF website CMFSarasota.org for description of the programs offered for each weekly class. Reservations needed, so call or text Susan at 941-266-1696. We are providing separated seating and all CDC requirements are being met. Center for Metaphysical Fellowship, 3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota. A Taste of Feldenkrais, Class on Essentials 7:15pm online. The mindset of Feldenkrais Essentials is to Inquire and ask questions. This is a TIME for NO striving. We simply ask you to be quiet and notice, BE and discover, how much more potential you have when you learn to ‘move with attention’, and, with the purpose to learn and expand! 941360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Online - first two complimentary. Offer yourself TIME to be with yourself in your own HOME - Perfect! Sign up directly through Zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/v5ctc-mqqTMsdXEmqjQYrd0SYcgZwZv2CQ

tuesday

wednesday Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 9:45 or 11am. Online! Awareness Through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes $65/4 movement lessons w/ replays. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/ 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, 941-492-4995, AngelMinistriesfl.org. Unity of Sarasota - 7pm. Weekday service with music and inspiration. Services available on the Web and Facebook Live. Check website for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Healing, Intention and Meditation Facebook Live - 7pm. Join us for a time of healing, connection and meditation. Let us all come together and experience the energy and inspiration that can make such a powerful difference in our individual lives. Will be offered as Facebook Live. Sarasota Center of Light, 852 S Tuttle Ave. 941-953-6620, SarasotaCenterofLight.com.

thursday Living Spiritual Circle - 4pm. Circles via zoom with Rev. Suzi. Check website to sign up and for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org. Bentleys House - 7pm, 3rd Thurs of the month. A safe place to express your grief from loss of a pet. Contact Rev.Amy@UnityofSarasota.org for Zoom meeting instructions. Reservations required. Unity of Sarasota, 3023 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, UnityOfSarasota.org.

friday Living Spiritual Circle - 11am. Circles via zoom with Rev. Suzi. Check website to sign up and for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

saturday Sarasota Farmers Market - 7am-1pm. Rain or shine. Established in 1979, the market continues its tradition of serving the community with local produce, plants, prepared foods and artisans. They currently have a full market that includes 70 vendors and 5,000 sq ft of produce and plants. 1592 Main St from Lemon Ave to Selby Five Points Park, Downtown Sarasota. Central Sarasota Year-Round Farmers Market - 8am-1pm, rain or shine. Every agriculture vendor at the market (fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, etc.) is a grower or farmer, not just a reseller. The Florida House, 4454 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota. CentralSarasotaFamersMarket.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. Features 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. 2 nd & 4th Sat. 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 Tamiami Trail, Venice, 941-492-4995, AngelMinistriesfl.org. The Third Testament? - 11am. Introduction to the life work of Martinus. Live Stream with chat questions. Free. 941-462-3177, TheThirdTestament.info. Living Spiritual Circle - 1pm. Circles via zoom with Rev. Suzi. Check website to sign up and for other classes available on Zoom. 3023 Proctor Rd., 941-955-3301, UnityOfSarasota.org.

The Lightness of Walking, for Better Balance and a Pain Free Walk, Online - 11am-1pm, Sept 22-Oct 27th. Twelve Feldenkrais’ Awareness Through Movement lessons chosen to help YOU RE-DESIGN your walk. Over the years injuries, habits and illnesses have moved us away from that youthful, well-balance walk. Learn to re-embody the basic elements for walking in your own home every Tuesday for 6 weeks. You will need a chair and carpeted or padded spot on the floor and a computer, or mobile device with a camera. Learn to fine tune your alignment, balance and coordination

February 2021

community resource guide

LONGEVITY WELLNESS CLINIC

CHECK OUT OUR NEW ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY AT NASRQ.COM/BUSINESSES ACUPUNCTURE/ CHINESE MEDICINE CARYN L. YOUNG, DOM, AP, OTR

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Energy Medicine, Medical Qigong, Chinese Herbology for the treatment of physical, energetic and spiritual disease. Dr. Ernesto Fernandez 528 48th Street Circle East., Bradenton 941-923-9355 Office@LongevityWC.com LongevityWellnessClinic.com

Medicine with integrity: with Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy medicine, medical Qi Gong and herbs, we help to restore vitality and full functioning to your body, mind and spirit. We do this through education, treatment and healthy methods. With safe, effective and personally tailored programs, our clients experience Health Freedom!

Board Certified Acupuncture Physician The Integrated Path, P.A. 3148 Southgate Ci, Sarasota 941-924-8833 • IntegratedPath.com

The Integrated Path to Health and Wellness for the whole family utilizing Trad i t i o n a l C h i n e s e Medicine,Acupuncture, Energetic Medicine, Bloodwork Analysis,Clinical Nutrition Assessments and ZYTO Elite to restore balance. Over 30 years of clinical experience!

ACUPUNCTURE FACELIFT FACES BY DR ANNA

FAMILY HEALING CENTER, PA

Dr. Christina Captain, DAOM Nationally Board Certified Dipl.Ac Complimentary Meet & Greet The Medical Complex 2650 Bahia Vista Street, Suite 101, Sarasota, 941-951-1119 •FamilyHealingCenter.com

Family Healing Center, an integrative wellness practice. Addressing all health issues we will find the key to unlock your highest level of health and wellness. Complimentary Meet & Greet

Anna L. Baker, D.O.M. Nationally Board Certified Acupuncture Physician 941-924-2723 • FacesByDrAnna.com

Unique muscle-tightening acupuncture facelift and necklift done with 12 hair-thin needles, none of which are on the face. Results documented p h o t o g r a p h i c a l l y. O n l y o n e maintenance treatment needed every 18 months. Free consultation includes facial analysis. Monthly seminars, call for schedule.

APOTHECARY

WILD GINGER APOTHECARY

6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

LONGEVITY WELLNESS CLINIC

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Energy Medicine, Medical Qigong, Chinese Herbology for the treatment of physical, energetic and spiritual disease. Dr. Cynthia Clark 528 48th Street Circle East., Bradenton 941-923-9355 Office@LongevityWC.com LongevityWellnessClinic.com

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

Community for health + wellness. Offering hemp CBD, health remedies, metaphysical gifts and tools, crystals, cards, essential oils, jewelry and more! Classes and drop-in tarot and psychic readers daily. Open Tues -Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Closed Sun + Mon

BOOKSTORE/GIFT SHOPS THE OM SHOPPE

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-706-3257 • www.theomshoppe.com, www.theomshoppeandspa.com

Unique and one of a kind gifts, products, and spa services. The luxury spa includes services such as S o u n d W a v e AttunementTM, Crystal Alchemy Energy AttunementTM , and massages that incorporate the ancient healing sounds of singing bowls & crystal gridding. We offer an array of healthful and personally empowering products. Enjoy a visit to our showroom and discover the largest selection of crystal singing bowls in Florida. We invite you to stop in and mention code Natural10 to receive 10% off any single item.

www.nasrq.com

COLON HYDROTHERAPY COLON THERAPY CLINIC

Alain Menard • Allaesia Menard 7733 Holiday Drive • Sarasota, Fl 34231 941-922-7744• ColonTherapyClinic.com

Cleansing for digestive disorders. Licensed 42 years. Developed gentle technique. Foot bath and ear candling.

CHIROPRACTORS DR. AMY TAFEEN, D.C.

Mobile Chiropractic Or in Sarasota/Bradenton Offices 941-447-2041 • DrAmyTafeen.com

Dr. Amy provides exceptional and compassionate chiropractic care for pregnancy, infants, children, and adults! She has over 40 years of experience providing both long-term wellness and acute injury care. She loves working with babies and kids, and also specializes in athletic care. Dr. Amy is now offering mobile chiropractic! She’s excited to either come to you at your home or office (using COVID safety protocols), or to see you at one of her Sarasota or Bradenton office spaces. Dr. Amy has a cash practice and is not currently accepting insurance. Contact Dr. Amy TODAY to discuss scheduling and pricing. She is offering complimentary phone consultations to talk about whether chiropractic is for you!

GENTLEBAY SARASOTA CHIROPRACTIC

Residual Strain Therapy Eric Winder DC Offices in Sarasota and Venice, FL 941-957-8390 • eric.winder.dc@gmail.com

Professional care with a personal focus. Feel better through proper alignment, and get back to work and play! See our website for more information.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY AND LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

TERRY SCHIBLER, LMT MA11621

Fusion Therapy 7069 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-921-7900 • FusionTherapySarasota.com Terry Schibler has 30 years experience in advanced bodywork. He has a singular ability to trace, recognize and treat complex pain patterns through numerous modalities such as CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Visceral and Fascial manipulation. Terry’s hands-on work is effective for a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction such as Migraines, Chronic neck/back pain, Concussions, TMJ, Post-surgical dysfunction...and more.

CRYSTALS THE OM SHOPPE

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-706-3257 • www.theomshoppe.com, www.theomshoppeandspa.com

Unique and one of a kind gifts, products, and spa services. The luxury spa includes services such as S o u n d Wa v e A t t u nementTM, Crystal Alchemy Energy AttunementTM , and massages that incorporate the ancient healing sounds of singing bowls & crystal gridding. We offer an array of healthful and personally empowering products. Enjoy a visit to our showroom and discover the largest selection of crystal singing bowls in Florida. We invite you to stop in and mention code Natural10 to receive 10% off any single item.

DENTISTRY FLORIDA INTEGRATIVE DENTISTRY Dick Chapman 2401 University Pkwy # 204, Sarasota 941-893-5968 DickChapmanDDS1@gmail.com

Our Holistic practice is committed to achieving optimal health using the highest standards in professional care and safety working together with our integrative modalities. Our approach to dentistry is based on honesty, integrity and respect.

WHITE SANDS DENTISTRY

Dr. Martina Mallery 520 48th Street Court E. Bradenton 941-748-9393  WSDentalManager@gmail.com  WhiteSandsDentistry.com

Our holistic & biological dental practice offers fluoride-free, mercury-free and mercury-safe procedures, Huggins Protocol, biological extractions, jaw-bone cavitation/NICO revisions, Ozone Therapy, holistic dental hygiene protocols, phase-contrast microscopy, homeopathic support, metal-free restorations, dental material biocompatibility testing, detoxification protocols and nutritional counseling all the while taking highly conservative and preventative approach.

ENERGY HEALING HEALING ROOMBLUE LIGHT ENERGY HEALING

HEALING ROOM, ENERGY HEALING, BIOFEEDBACK STRESS MANAGEMENT, PEMF Treatments to balance over a thousand conditions! Infrared Inversion, Sound Immersion with the Singing Bowls  718-791-3797 • PureFieldForce@gmail.com   Energy Healing helps the body with a long list of conditions, aches, pains and imbalances. Biofeedback Scanning locates the imbalances and it also corrects them. PEMF (Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy) reenergizes damaged cells, it is a powerful tool to MANAGE PAIN! 941-586-9539, Facebook.com/CreateBalanceandHealing

LONGEVITY WELLNESS CLINIC

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Energy Medicine, Medical Qigong, Chinese Herbology for the treatment of physical, energetic and spiritual disease. Chuck Pisa, BS, LMBT, LMT, CPEH 528 48th Street Circle East., Bradenton 941-923-9355 Office@LongevityWC.com LongevityWellnessClinic.com

Chuck Pisa, BS, LMBT, LMT, CPEH is an energy worker with a unique blend of Esoteric Healing, reconnection therapy and coaching that facilitates multi-layered healing and powerful paradigm shifts in his clients’ approach to life.

FELDENKRAIS METHOD® THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD®

Lessons for Children (ABM), Adults, Classes, Prof Seminars Bonnie Kissam, M.A., Feldenkrais® Practitioner, LMT, CE Provider 941-360-2248 Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com FeldenkraisInSarasota.com

The Feldenkrais® Approach , ‘Movement with Attention’, helps one ‘sense easier, improved posture and ways of moving. Clients optimize their musical, athletic or everyday activities through heightened ‘awareness’. They find unique ways to recover from injury, surgeries or illness. Call for appointments, classes or for weekend TOUCH TO INFORM seminars 941-360-2248 , Bonnie@FeldenkraisInSarasota.com.

FUNCTIONAL & LIFESTYLE WELLNESS

KORMAN RELIEF & WELLNESS CENTER Laura Korman, DC, DACBN Chiropractor, Diplomate in Nutrition 16954 Toledo Blade Blvd, Port Charlotte 941-629-6700 • DrLauraKorman.com

Dr. Korman specializes in helping peri-menopausal women eliminate pain, fatigue and unwanted belly fat through functional medicine, lifestyle strategies and regenerative therapies so they can reclaim their vitality and stay engaged in the life they love. We offer PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy), Class IV Deep Tissue Laser, Near & Far Infrared Sauna, Decompression Therapies, Whole Body Vibration and carry a professional line of supplementation.

HEALTH COACH LONGEVITY WELLNESS CLINIC

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, Energy Medicine, Medical Qigong, Chinese Herbology for the treatment of physical, energetic and spiritual disease. Tatiana Thompson, CHC, Health Coach 528 48th Street Circle East., Bradenton 941-923-9355 Office@LongevityWC.com LongevityWellnessClinic.com

Tatiana Thompson, CHC, is a health coach and physical therapist with a groundbreaking approach to revolutionizing her clients’ use of food for healing, impacting their health and happiness beyond measure.

HYPNOTHERAPY HEART CENTERED SOUL-UTIONS

Colleen Keegan Certified Transpersonal Hypnotherapist Eye Movement Desensitization, NLP, Reiki Master Life & Wellness Coach Releasing Trauma; Creating vitality and resiliency in Mind, Body, Spirit 808-224-6164 Colleen@ColleenKeegan.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BREAK FREE OF ANXIETY and negative thought patterns? Colleen is a highly skilled Certified Transpersonal Hypnotherapist, NLP, EMDR Practitioner and Life Coach. She can help you remove blocks to better sleep, improve your health, gain life balance, create satisfying relationships, enhance work performance and more! Call for a FREE Consultation. Colleen is based in Sarasota and works by phone and Zoom.

MEDICAL SPA AND WELLNESS WILD LILY MED SPA

2650 Bahia Vista St, Suite 303, Sarasota 941-702-8694 • WildLilyMedSpa.com Facebook.com/WildLilyMedSpa

M e d s p a specializing in n o n - s u rg i c a l micro needling face and neck lifting, Cryoskin fat freezing, facials and chemical peels. Also offering anti-aging, cosmetic injectables (Botox and Fillers), lash extensions, fat freezing body contouring and non-invasive treatments. Call today for your free consultation.

February 2021

MEDIUMSHIP & SPIRITUAL READINGS

PAIN MANAGEMENT NECK AND BACK PAIN

INTERNATIONAL MEDIUM, SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE & CLAIRVOYANT

Caroline Crawford Messages from the spirit world with clarity and compassion. 941-402-9595 • CarolineCrawford.org CarolineCrawfordorg@gmail.com

Highly gifted, British Medium Caroline Crawford brings messages from your loved ones, human & animals with a profound wisdom and insight. Her deep connection to the Spirit world will light your path forward to greater peace, confidence and optimism. Touching hearts and souls for over four decades now, Caroline is currently based in Sarasota. By appointment only. CarolineCrawford.org

DISC CENTERS OF AMERICA/SARASOTA

Dr. David Cifra, DC Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Specialist Office: 941-358-2224 • Cell: 315-345-7390 DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Medical Breakthrough Technology! Non-Surgical Spinal Decompress i o n S p e c i a l i s t , D r. D a v i d Cifra,DC. Advanced procedure for patients who have back and neck pain and want to avoid narcotics, epidural injections, and unnecessary surgeries. Over 90% effective. No pain, No drugs, No surgery, NO Injections. Call today 941358-2224. FREE CONSULTATION.

NATURAL FOOD

PSYCHIC READERS

CAFE EVERGREEN

SKYE SAMUEL READINGS

801 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 941-412-4334 • CafeEvergreen.net

Cafe Evergreen is a natural, organic restaurant. Our menu consists of many organic recipes designed to not only taste delicious, but also enhance your health. Open 7 days a week 11am-9pm.

NATURAL PET FOOD HOLISTIC FOR PETS

5411 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, 941-378-4367 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd, East Bradenton, 753-7297 • HolisticForPets.com

Specializing in Hypo-allergenic Foods, Frozen Natural Raw Foods, Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies, Detergent & Soap Free Shampoo, Natural Flee Preventatives Skin Care Products, Healthy treats, Toys and gifts.

NEUROFEEDBACK THE BRAINWAVE CENTER

640 S. Washington Blvd., Suite 150 941-552-4500 • BrainwaveSarasota.com

We offer Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback Training. Non-drug, Non-invasive relief for anxiety, depression, ADHD, Trauma, and more. Free consultation. Retrain Your Brain & Enjoy Life!

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

at Wild Ginger Apothecary 6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

Fourth-generation Psychic Intuitive Tarot Reader, Skye Samuel, is now available full time for readings Tuesday-Saturday at metaphysical and health boutique, Wild Ginger Apothecary. Skye has over 35 years’ experience and specializes in direct question answering for all matters of love, health, money, and life. Inperson, virtual video or phone available. Book online or drop-in. Tues - Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm.

PET SUPPLIES HOLISTIC FOR PETS

5411 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota 941-378-4367 5770 Ranch Lake Blvd. East Bradenton, 753-7297 HolisticForPets.com

SHAMANIC PRACTICES SPIRITUAL COUNSELOR, SHAMANIC AND REIKI PRACTICES Rev. Zan Benham, BSL, BD, CHT 941-922-7839

SPECIAL NUTRITION DISCOUNT PRICES

1882 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota 941-929-0884 • SpecialNutrition.net

Offering the largest selection of all major supplement brands and natural products in the Sarasota area at discount prices. Special orders are our pleasure.

Sarasota/Manatee Edition

www.nasrq.com

Spiritual counselor, shamanic practitioner, Reiki healing, breath, and energy work, hypnosis, soul retrieval, past life regression all to empower and help you move into the Divine flow of the joy and power within you.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS CENTER FOR METAPHYSICAL FELLOWSHIP

3231 Gulf Gate Drive, Suite 204, Sarasota 941-266-8435 CMFSarasota.org • Facebook: CMF of Sarasota

10:30 Sunday worship with inspired talk, music, spirit messages and healing. Weekly classes, special events, monthly message gallery. Come to engage, be enriched and enlightened.

CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING CULTURAL COAST Rev. Theresa Fieberts 941-376-0177 CSLCulturalCoast.org Info@CSLCulturalCoast.org

Sometimes meditative, sometimes rockin’ ~ always inspirational. Our Sunday services on-line via FB or YouTube, meditation group, prayer support, on-going enrichment and Science of Mind classes, networking and community building! Sign up for our e-newsletter at CSLCulturalCoast.org.

SARASOTA CENTER OF LIGHT

852 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota 941-953-6620 • sarasotacenteroflight.com

Experience the peaceful energy, love and light of our metaphysical spiritual community. Join us for the inspiration, healing and connection to Spirit in our services, classes and social gatherings.

THERMOGRAPHY FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@TampaBayThermography.com

727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com

JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Prevention is better than early detection. Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

YOGA WILD GINGER APOTHECARY

6557 Superior Avenue (Gulf Gate Shopping Village), Sarasota 941-312-5630 WildGingerApothecary.com

Community for health + wellness. Offering hemp CBD, bulk herbs, remedies, sage, gifts, cards, metaphysical tools, essential oils, jewelry and more! Classes and drop-in psychic readers daily. Open Tues - Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm, Closed Sun + Mon

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Sarasota/Manatee Edition

February 2021 Natural Awakenings Sarasota

Articles inside

BIG LOVE FROM SMALL

AN INTEGRATIVE

SHEFALI TSABARY

VEGGIE TRICKS

HEARTFELT EATING

BECOMING

HALTING HYPERTENSION

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM

THUMB