Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay December 2022 Edition

Working Together for Meaningful Change is happening in our own backyard. Transforming Our World highlights the organic paradigm shift happening now along with its many ensuing opportunities.

Teaching Children the Spirit of Giving (it is studied how true giving activates feelgood neurons and wellbeing) helps all involved–the child, the parent, the collective–in a profound domino effect, The Best Gift of All. “The spiritual piece can’t be partitioned. It animates the whole.” That alone grabbed my attention as I read with innate understanding, Jeffrey Redinger on The Science of Miraculous Recoveries, going deeper into the power of alignment and sponta neous recovery.

Turkey Jerky, Cranberry Muffins–for our furry friends–these and more recipes included in this month’s issue, all using pet-safe, nutritionally beneficial ingredients.

For balance, coordination, and overall better movement, pickleball is taking center stage as a fun, highly beneficial cardio workout as well as sharpening internal integrity. The sport has a lower net and a smaller court than tennis and is easier on joints. As an avid pickleballer, I concur!

Planning a holiday “brunch”, the idea is to use every nutri tional ingredient as you would for a dinner. This month’s Con scious Eating includes recipes for healthful Shakshuka and Home made Cranberry Juice then used to make Cranberry Mimosas.

As always, with an open heart and an open mind, may you find benefit within these pages. Happiest Holidays,

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Sun Health Expo

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Introducing the Sun Health Expo, the first-ever Polish health expo to take place in Clearwater, Florida. Open to the public, the event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 4, 2023, at The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater.

The expo will focus on all aspects of health and wellness with leading-edge vendors as well as guest speakers from Poland. Attendees get to increase and augment their awareness of natural cures and explore new therapeutic techniques at this one-of-a-kind health and wellness experience.

Sponsored by Visanto US, Infozdrowie, and Healy, this is an opportunity to immerse into the holistic.

Cost: Free admission. For more information, vis it SloneczneTargiZdrowia.com. See ad page 29..

The Grossgold Clinic

Back

in early 1994, when Dr. Andreas Grossgold graduated from medical school, his father was diagnosed with pros tate cancer. Traditional doctors gave him a couple of years to live. Things changed, however, when Dr. Grossgold and his father visited a physician who specialized in inte grative medicine: His father got to enjoy 20 more years of life and Dr. Grossgold was inspired to expand his medical knowledge in integrative medicine.

The Grossgold Clinic, in Clearwater, integrates traditional medical with the practices of internal and holistic medicines. A general practi tioner and pediatric doctor, Dr. Grossgold’s mission is to introduce his patients to a “lifestyle that engenders wellbeing for the whole person”. Shares Dr. Grossgold, “We not only provide care, but we spend most of the time educating our clients on how to manage their own health.”

Immersion in the field of cellular regeneration and gene therapy along with ongoing R&D, Dr. Grossgold brings to the clinic a panoply of therapies for recovery/wholeness, including sexual wellness; detoxi fications–physical, mental, emotional; ketamine and customizable IVs; hormone revitalization; cancer treatments; and comprehensive spa therapies for cellular healing.

Dr. Grossgold is a Commander of the U.S. Navy Reserves and bat talion surgeon in charge of a medical unit of the USMC in Florida.

Location: 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater. For more information, 727-3303844, email Info@TheGClinic.org and/or visit TheGClinic.org. See ad page 15.

Happy 10th Anniversary, Greenpoint Thermography

Established in November 2012, Greenpoint Thermography celebrates their 10th anniversary, offering a 10 percent discount on all services. Appointments must be booked by December 31, 2022, and services must be com pleted by March 31, 2023.

Thermography is a non-invasive screening technique that demonstrates thermal patterns on the surface of the skin that may be indicative of internal dysfunction. It is as simple and safe as having your picture taken. The most common use of thermog raphy is in breast imaging although it can also aid in the detec tion of other types of disease and physical injury.

Greenpoint Thermography provides thermographic imag ing services at their St. Petersburg office as well as at other locations throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties on a monthly or quarterly basis. They are unique in that their stud ies are interpreted by board-certified radiologists with exten sive experience in general diagnostic imaging, subspecialty expertise in women’s imaging, and certification by the Ameri can College of Clinical Thermology. Thermography results are available in two business days.

Location: 7901 4th St., North, St. Petersburg. For more infor mation and appointments, call 727-576-0100 and/or visit Green pointThermography.com. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram. See ad page 16.

Renowned Neurologist Offers Holistic Treatment Options

For some time now, Allan M. Spiegel, M.D., at National Hyperbaric, in Palm Harbor, has been showing the Tampa Bay area how to heal with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Upon experiencing the positive results of HBOT with his own family, he went on to create a top-notch facility providing just such care to patients worldwide.

Venturing into hyperbarics more than 20 years ago for the pur poses of internal healing of various medical conditions, Dr. Spiegel subsequently became a member of the American Academy of Neu rology, American Academy of Pain Management, and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Dr. Spiegel shares, “Many patients arrive at my practice as a last resort for healing of chronic condi tions. After hyperbaric therapy, patients leave with new hope for their future. In that lies the success of HBOT.”

With compassion, Dr. Spiegel and staff deeply listen to their pa tients and establish a synergistic relationship that promotes healing along with a custom treatment plan. Whether it’s for medical needs or for the uplift received from personal rejuvenation, HBOT might just be the needed element to feel better, heal, and restore the bloom of health.

Location: 31608 US Hwy. 19 N, Palm Harbor. For more informa tion and appointments, call 727-787-7077 and/or visit NationalHy perbaric.com. See ad page 5.

Serotonin Theory of Depression Debunked

The idea that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance specifically, a serotonin deficiency has been popular and influ ential since the 1960s, leading to the wide use of antidepressants. A recent multi-institution study led by the University of Reading, in the UK, and published in Molecular Psychiatry has debunked this theory. The researchers did a systematic review of studies on the topic and found no convincing evidence of an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations. The serotonin theory of depression has historically provided convincing justification for the use of antidepressants and may discourage people from discon tinuing treatment, potentially leading to lifelong depen dence on such drugs.

Ultra-Processed Food Linked with Cancer and Mortality Risks

Under-Appreciating the Benefits of Solitude

Getting lost in our thoughts may improve problem solving, increase creativ ity, enhance imagination and provide a better sense of self-worth. But in the digital age, with immedi ate and satisfying input at a finger’s tap, it is possible to be “solitude deprived,” says Cal Newport, a com puter science professor at Georgetown University and author of Digital Minimalism.

In a recent study in the Journal of Experimental Psycholo gy, psychologists asked a group of more than 250 univer sity students to sit and wait in a quiet room without doing anything. Researchers found that the students underappreciated their enjoyment and engagement of “just thinking” and instead favored technology-driven distrac tions like internet news-checking. The results suggest an inherent difficulty in accurately assessing how engaging just thinking can be, and may explain why people prefer keeping themselves busy rather than taking a moment for reflection and imagination in their daily lives.

These ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat commercial for mulations comprised of little or no whole foods currently contribute 57 percent of the total daily calories consumed by American adults—a rate which has been continuously rising over the last two decades.

Commonly containing high levels of added sugar, un healthy fats and refined starch, ultra-processed foods neg atively impact gut microbiota and contribute to increased risks of weight gain and obesity. Most of these convenience foods are low in nutrients and bioactive compounds; contain food additives, colors and emulsifiers; and can be poten tially carcinogenic when meats are processed with sodium nitrates and heat treatments or when the packaging leaches its harmful components (like bisphenol A) into the food.

A new study supports the public health importance of staying away from ultra-processed foods, finding a significant asso ciation with colorectal cancer in men The study, led by Tufts University and published in August in The BMJ, looked at the diets of 46,341 men and 159,907 women every four years for 24 to 28 years using food frequency questionnaires.

A second recent study in Italy involving 22,895 adults over the age of 35 compared the role of nutrient-poor foods with ultra-processed foods in the development of chronic disease and early death. Researchers found that both types of foods increased the risk of an early death, especially from cardiovascular diseases. When research ers compared the two types of food to see which contrib uted the most to the risk of an early death, ultra-processed foods were associated with poor health outcomes inde pendently of their low nutritional composition, but not the other way around.

Kids Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

kaliantye/AdobeStock.com

Expected Drops in Wind Speeds Promise Climate Disruption

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that average global wind speeds could drop by up to 10 percent by 2100. Paul Williams, a professor of atmo spheric science at the Uni versity of Reading, in England, says, “Why do we have wind at all on the planet? It’s because of uneven temperatures; very cold at the poles and warm at the tropics. That temperature difference drives the winds, and that temperature difference is weakening. The Arctic is warming faster than the tropics.” A slowing in surface winds could disrupt the Gulf Stream, translating to widespread drought and more intense winter storms.

A study published in Nature shows the Arctic has been warming four times faster than the rest of the world since 1979, much faster than scientists estimated. An increase in the number and size of urban buildings that act as a drag on winds is another contributing factor. While temperature data goes back thousands of years, climate wind change studies only have 70 years of data to work with. Substantial annual fluctuations make long-term trends difficult to detect, and conclusions leave room for doubt. Yet Gisela Winckler, at the Columbia University Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, writes, “The winds [will be] weaker and stiller.”

Charging Electric Vehicles at Night Poses New Challenge

As electric vehicle (EV) owners learn how to install home chargers, find public charging stations and avoid range anxiety, the demand for power could burden the electric grid in western states at peak times by up to 25 per cent if most charging is done at night, according to one Stanford University study. Unlike filling a car with gasoline, charging an electric car takes time. The fastest chargers on the market today can reach 80 percent in 20 to 30 min utes, but many are slower, taking be tween two and 22 hours to completion. Thus, around 80 percent of EV charging occurs overnight at home when the driver doesn’t need the car.

That charging pattern challenges the way electricity is generated and distributed. The largest need overall is in the evening from approximately 5 to 9 p.m. Photovoltaic panels produce energy during the middle of the day, so the highest electricity demand comes when solar is dormant.

“Once 30 or 40 percent of cars are EVs, it’s going to start significantly impacting what we do with the grid,” says Ram Rajagopal, a professor of civil and environmental engi neering at Stanford University and one of the study’s authors. One solution is for more EV owners to shift to daytime charging at work or public charging stations.

Tree Roots Adapt to Sequester More Carbon

At the University of Birmingham in the UK and Bergen, Norway, scientists have shown that atmospheric carbon dioxide pumped into a mature forest at levels predicted to be the norm by 2050 will cause trees to produce more and longer roots, thus absorb ing and storing more carbon. Researcher Angeliki Kour mouli says, “We usually take soil for granted, but it forms a crucial part of many eco systems and plays a signifi cant role in carbon storage.”

The study team gathered thousands of images of tiny tree roots assembled over two years at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research Free-Air CO2 Enrichment. The images were used to build a mathematical pic ture of the birth, growth and death of roots in an oak forest. Some images were taken of roots in situ using a high-resolution camera sent under the forest floor in a set of transparent tubes, and others came from soil cores.

Professor Iain Johnston, who led the study, says, “It’s obviously hard to view these processes going on beneath the ground. But a combination of innovative engineering and careful field and lab work from our team have helped us shed new light on this behavior and on how confident we can be in our findings.”

Tree Attempts to Achieve Legal Personhood

A legally autonomous black gum tree named Terra0 at the 58th Carnegie International art exhibition on the campus of the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pitts burgh, owns itself and perhaps even the few square feet of land it grows on. As the tree grows, care will be provided by the Carnegie Museum of Art in an attempt to rewrite the rules of conservation on behalf of the entire nonhuman natural world.

Paul Seidler, one of the three artists behind Terra0, says, “We’re interested in how personhood is constructed in legal terms, but also in economic terms. Corpora tions can gain the status of personhood. We asked why is there nothing like this for ecosystems or natural systems.”

They began working with Sohrab Mohebbi, curator of the exhibition, in 2018 to figure out how to realize the project, who says, “The tree has its own legal counsel, the museum has its legal counsel, our partner who’s giving us the land has legal coun sel. It’s kind of amazing.”

The tree was planted in July and Terra0 hopes that as the tree lives on, its legal autonomy will become a touchstone for other nonhuman species to gain their own form of personhood and legal protection.

Human Composting Offers Sustainable Burial

With the passage of a recent law, Cali fornians will have a new option for the final resting place of those that die begin ning in 2027. This makes California the fifth state, along with Washing ton, Oregon, Colorado and Vermont, to allow human composting, and the most populous.

The most common process for human composting, known as natural organic re duction, involves leaving the body in a container with wood chips and other organic matter for about a month to let bacteria do its work, then curing for a few more weeks before being turned over to the family. This process will save about a metric ton of CO2 per body.

Conventional burials expend approximately three gal lons of embalming liquid containing toxic levels of form aldehyde, methanol and ethanol. Cremation creates more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the burning of just one body, and burning uses up the energy equivalent of two tanks of gasoline.

Assembly member Cristina Garcia, who sponsored the bill, says, “AB-351 will provide an additional option for California residents that is more environmentally friendly and gives them another choice for burial. With climate change and sea level rise as very real threats to our envi ronment, this is an alternative method of final disposition that won’t contribute emissions into our atmosphere.”

World’s Most Dangerous Greenhouse Gas Goes Unregulated

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has de termined that one pound of sulfur hexafluoride, an electrical insulator, heats the planet as much as 25,200 pounds of carbon dioxide and remains in the atmosphere for 3,200 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled it as one of several long-lived, synthetic, fluorine-containing chemicals released by heavy industry, chemical manufacturers, semiconduc tor manufacturers and electric utilities, noting that once released, they are “essentially, permanent additions to the atmosphere.”

Duke Energy reported leaking nearly 11 metric tons of it into the atmosphere from its electric substations in North and South Carolina in 2020, according to mandatory EPA reporting. Their greenhouse gas equivalency calculator states those emissions amount to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 59,000 automobiles.

The 88 utilities that participate in the EPA emissions reduction program, nearly half of the U.S. electric grid, are looking for ways to completely eliminate sulfur hexafluo ride emissions. Unless they succeed, emissions will likely increase along with growth of the electric grid, which must increase to two to five times its current level by midcentury if the country is to meet its net-zero emissions targets.

inspirationA Feast of Light

by Marlaina Donato

Despite the whirl wind of our to-do and places-to-go lists, the wheel of the year turns once more, al lowing us to close another chapter of our lives with grace. If we take a breath, we might notice December’s invitation to kick off our shoes, curl up in our favorite chair and drop down into our heart space.

Whether we light scented can dles for ambience, drink cocoa while sitting around a bonfire or continue time-honored spiritual customs, welcoming the light can ignite hope when we need it most. By cultivating the inner sun, that place deep within us that blazes with resilience and plenty, we not only fortify our selves, but everyone around us. Throughout the year, many of us invest in making healthy choices, but neglect soul sustenance. Swap ping trivial distractions for more face-to-face conversations, answering someone’s forgotten email or bringing a homemade pot of soup to a neighbor that is busy packing for a move creates a feast of light during all seasons.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,” wrote Gautama Buddha, and perhaps we would be astounded to see how far the smallest gesture can travel. Inviting a friend that has no family to a

holiday dinner or out for coffee, spending more quality time with a child or buying a gift card for the receptionist at the dental office begets a chain reaction of small joys. When we fill our bellies with everyday magic, slow down to finish a cup of tea, turn off the news and notice the crescent moon nestled in the twi light, we become more inclined to feel blessed.

A few worthy inspirations to pass along:

n Make it a spiritual offering to choose joy today

n Close the year by letting go of a grievance or an outdated belief

n Tell someone how they bring light into your life

n Share a favorite book that is inspiring

n Acquire a new source of light—a lantern or salt lamp—for your favorite room

n Leave an uplifting quote on a loved one’s voicemail

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

Artfoliophoto/GettyImages.com

Transforming Our World

WORKING TOGETHER FOR MEANINGFUL CHANGE

by Linda Sechrist

With all the chaos occurring in the world today, it is challenging to remain centered and not feel over whelmed. Every shocking headline seems to pull the proverbial rug out from under us. Thought leader Laureen Golden explains the dilemma this way: “Psychologically, we were raised, educated and socialized in a world that no longer really exists. We have a new world that we must navigate, and we need a new psychology, a whole new way of being for that world. Reducing, compartmentalizing, separating things in order to understand them no longer works for us. It’s going to take work to get out of this paradigm.”

Drawing from her background in education and social work, Golden ponders, “How does that new psychology develop when all our institutions charged with cultivating consciousness— schools, families, religious institutions and organizations—are set in the 19th and 20th centuries? Since learning is how we go from one paradigm to another, where do we go to learn the skills and the structures we need to be successful in such a complex world? We can’t do it individually. We must learn in collectives.”

The paradigm shift envisioned by Golden offers an opportunity for us to access innovative methods of learning, discovery and connection, such as sociocracy (a self-governance system based

on the equality of its mem bers); systems thinking (an approach to complexity that looks at the whole and ana lyzes relationships, rather than splitting it into smaller pieces); permaculture (exploring natu ral ecosystems as a whole); circle methods (thinking things through as a group); and Indigenous wisdom (fo cusing on the interconnected ness of all things).

All of these methods focus on an ethos of collaboration and teach us how to discern wisdom, which is different than knowledge. By engaging in these conversations and explorations, we learn that if we tug on any one part of the web of life, we tug the whole web—an important analogy for our times.

A Beloved Community Co-Creating an Island of Sanity Through Collaboration

Instead of shouting, “The sky is falling, and the seas are rising,” in response to a world that is unraveling and expe riencing the growing realities of global warming, residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, are embracing resilience. To prove that the future is born in webs of human conversation, the city is counting on collective intelligence to emerge.

Among the tools city participants are employing is The World Café, developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaac, which allows people to host group conversations around thoughtful questions. The concept is designed to evoke deeper listening and give rise to solutions for today’s challenges in a more conscious, intentional and strategic way. Forty citizens have taken The World Café facilita tion course. Employing a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, this methodology enables participants to clarify the context, create hospitable space, explore questions that matter, encourage everyone’s contribution, connect diverse perspectives, listen together for patterns and insights, and share collective discoveries.

Other important work being applied is that of bestselling author and longtime community organizer Margaret Wheatley. Her training, which is designed to cultivate what she calls “Warriors of the Human Spirit,” arouses people’s inherent generosity, creativity, compassion and need for community. Known as a big-systems thinker throughout her 45-year career, Wheatley has concluded

that the only opportunity for change is at the local level. Ques tions that encourage collective learning became integral to creat ing cohesiveness in St. Petersburg this year.

Dr. Donella Meadows’ “systems thinking” has helped St. Peters burg participants understand that living systems begin as net works, shift to intentional communities of practice and evolve into powerful systems capable of influence. Also instructive has been “complexity theory”, which helped participants recognize human systems as organizations, families and communities.

“The city leaders felt conversations were important enough to invest $20,000 to cultivate a culture of conversational leadership in the neighborhoods. Another $25,000 was granted by the Com munity Foundation of Tampa Bay to research the outcomes. Now, the Florida Council of Churches, University of South Florida, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and The Connection Partners have received a Community Vibrancy grant of $14,500 to pilot conversations in three neighborhoods, spreading the skills in creating participatory democracy. Participants will host conversations in their own neighborhoods,” says St. Petersburg resident Sharon Joy Kleitsch, founder of The Connection Partners and a longtime catalyst for applying strategic actions based on the new sciences of complexity theory, strategic thinking and quantum science.

“Those who have used World Café as a tool know that a culture of conversational leadership offers citizens the opportunity to experience a sense of oneness and connectedness. We’ve explored what happens when we share feelings of care, compassion and appreciation toward a beloved community,” says Kleitsch. “We found that group resonance, profound personal involvement and deeply engrossing, interactive conversation sup ports a City of Compassion and an International City of Peace, which St. Petersburg was chosen to be. I want to be sure that people understand that we do not have answers. Together, we are exploring pathways and listening for the answers to emerge.”

Since 2020, a thoughtfully selected group of Florida activists—including partici pants from St. Petersburg— have been holding weekly on line Zoom conversations that matter. In 2021, they were joined by participants from Ohio to study the Capra

theworldcafe.com theworldcafe.com

Course, which is based on The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision by bestselling author Fritjof Capra

“What we discovered after only two weeks was that we were ourselves a living system connecting to itself and be coming self-organized,” says Kleitsch. “We became aware that we were learning together. We were sharing what we were learning around subjects such as honoring Indigenous peoples, local food systems, the human right to clean water, reimaging capitalism and many more subjects. We’ve also bifurcated into a Sarasota [Florida] cohort. The key is, we were not random. We were a self-selected study group learning collaboratively, which is the best way I recommend activists study the Capra Course.”

Argerie Vasilakes, who is re searching outcomes, explains that her work is dedicated to helping teams, communities and organizations become more coherent. “I start with traditional ways of thinking about our relationships with nature that native peoples have never forgotten—humans are part of nature, not apart from nature,” she explains. “To me, human organizations, com munities, families and govern ments are also part of nature and examples of natural ecosystems. So, I naturally look at things from a living systems perspective.” Vasilakes advises, “In a group that is learning together, such as those in the St. Petersburg neighborhoods, group conversations organized around questions specifically crafted for the context and desired purpose of the World Café evoke a deeper kind of listening, the most important factor determining the success of a Café. They spark learning conversations that can produce insights and innovation for meeting the challenges they face. Through practicing shared listening and paying attention to themes, patterns and insights, partici pants begin to sense a connec tion to the larger whole.”

According to Wheatley, the important work is to foster critical connections. She believes it is not necessary to convince large numbers of people to change; instead, she suggests we connect with kin dred spirits. Through these re lationships and tools like The World Café, we can develop the new knowledge, practices and commitment that lead to broad-based change.

Wheatley sometimes opens her interviews with an ancient Hopi prophecy that reads as if it were applicable to our current times: “Here now is a river flowing very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid, who will try to hold on to the shore. They are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. The elders say, ‘Let go of the shore, push off and go into the middle of the river. Keep your heads above the water. Know the river has its destination.’ The elders say, ‘See who is in there with you and celebrate.’ At this time in history, we are to take nothing seriously; least of all, ourselves. Gather yourselves. Everything we do now must be done in a spirit of celebration, for we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Seeing who is in the river of chaos with us, we can choose to re spond with, “How can I serve with what I have, where I am?” This is what any Warrior of the Human Spirit would say because in the same river of chaos, there are also the seeds of transformation. In these turbulent times when all the old boundaries are unravelling and all the old certainties are dissolving, there is a possibility for creative transformation if we work together.

Linda

Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer.

PICKLEBALL IS BOOMING

GET INTO A PICKLE FOR HOLIDAY FITNESS

by Jyl Steinback

Ron Alvey/AdobeStock.com

Forget the gherkins and dills this holiday season; there’s another pickle in town. This one offers a great way to get in shape, increase happiness and bond with family and friends. It’s pickleball: a simple-to-learn sport that requires less run ning than tennis and can be played both indoors and outdoors. Players use oversized ping pong-style paddles to hit a wiffle ball over a low net on a badminton-sized court.

The Economist, and other media, say pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport. While seniors are particularly drawn to it, it is also catching on with all ages. “The fastpaced games make it easier for kids to stay engaged, as well as socialize with their peers,” says Sarah Ansboury, director of pickleball at Palmetto Dunes, in South Carolina. “Many families do pickleball events for holidays and reunions. Pickleball enables people of all ages to participate.”

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), there are 4.8 million pickleball players in America, with 51 percent between 6 and 34 years of age. At the end of 2021, there were 9,524 pickleball courts across the U.S.

In 2020, Mecklenburg County, in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, opened the eightcourt John Stevens Pickleball Center, the eighth facility in the county where citizens can play the game. Since 2014, the number of public and private courts in the same region has soared from two to more than 100.

The SFIA says growth is happening across the country, with participation spiking 40 percent during the pandemic. In Florida, St. Lucie County unveiled four new courts at its Lakewood Regional Park in September. Even bars are getting into the act, such as Dale Z’s, in Milwaukee, which christened its pickleball court in the same month.

Being a super athlete is not a prereq uisite for playing the game, according to Mac McCullough, a pickleballer in Scotts dale, Arizona. “I used to play other sports, but running and tennis got harder on my knees,” he says. “Pickleball has a lower net and a smaller court, so you aren’t running as much. Still, it gives you a good workout and it’s easier on your joints.”

A 2016 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise c onfirms that pickleball provides a good workout. According to the researchers, average heart rate and peak heart rate were higher during pickleball than when walking. Participants burned 40 percent more calories in 30 minutes of the sport than in 30 minutes of walking. Additionally, the study concludes, “Pickleball is more enjoyable than walking at a self-selected speed.”

Dr. Dennis Pena, a podiatrist from Phoenix, says the game has improved his hand-eye coordination. “The more I play pickleball, the better my balance, coordi nation and movement get,” he says. “It’s a good cardio workout, and I just feel better overall when I play regularly.”

A study from Western State Colorado University indicates that pickleball fosters many health benefits over a wide range of ages. The study followed 15 people between 40 to 85 that played for an hour three times

per week. All participants showed im provement in cardio fitness, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Research has confirmed that exercise boosts endorphins, which reduces stress and improves overall sense of well-being. A 2018 study from a group of researchers in the U.S. and South Korea showed that pick leball can help stave off depression, too. It reported that although depression rates are increasing in the U.S., people involved in “serious leisure” such as pickleball are less prone to depression.

It’s not just older people that can ben efit from the recreational activity. Teen obesity rates have skyrocketed nation wide, much of it due to a lack of exercise. Pickleball could help combat this. It is fun, easy to learn, boosts cardio fitness and can be played just about anywhere. Some colleges are now even offering pick leball scholarships.

Holly Fitzgerald, a physical therapist from Woburn, Massachusetts, gives this ad vice on how to get ready to play the game:

Squats with body mass can help develop and stretch quadriceps and hamstrings, en abling the ability to compress leg muscles swiftly and consistently. This will help reduce gravitational pull to address the pickleball as it comes at us.

Large arm circles will stretch muscles and prepare them for the considerable movements that occur when striking a ball.

Exercises that develop the core, such as core twisting, are also beneficial.

Places2Play.org provides a search engine to help find a court anywhere in America. Pick leball is a great way to get family and friends together over the holidays and beyond. It is fun, helps nurture relationships and it is a lot healthier than grazing on holiday leftovers while scanning social media.

Jyl Steinback is the executive director of Shape Up US, creator of the Hip Hope Healthy Heart Program for Children, an author and a recipient of a Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. Reach her at Jyl@ShapeUpUS.org.

Good Vibrations

THE HEALING POWER OF SOUND

by Gayatri Bhaumik

ways Magic Bowls/Unsplash.com

For centuries, humans have employed sound in an attempt to heal and cure. The ancient Greeks believed in the power of music, using flutes, lyres and zith ers to treat illness and vibrations to allevi ate mental disorders. Even today, military battalions play music to boost morale.

“Research shows that vibrations are the lan guage of the body,” says Kyle Godfrey-Ryan, the founder of TUNE, a New York-based tech system designed to recalibrate the nervous system with sounds. “When we work with sound, we’re working with vibra tions that can rebalance the nervous system and flood the body with endorphins.”

According to Susy Markoe Schieffelin, a healing practitioner at The Copper Vessel, in Los Angeles, “Sound vibrations work on a cellular level to recalibrate the body. Sound shifts vibrations in the body, both through entrainment—a process by which the vibrations of one object transform to match the higher vibration of another ob ject—and by stimulating electric signals in the brain that support healing frequencies.”

Studies suggest that sound vibrations can unlock energy blockages, release tension and create calm and focus. For this reason, sound healing is frequently prescribed to manage conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some practitioners also report anecdotal meta bolic improvements, from lower blood pressure and decreased cholesterol levels to improved sleep.

TUNE has worked with the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic to gain scientific backing for the brand’s devices. “Our technology reduces stress by 54 percent in 15 minutes,” Godfrey-Ryan claims. “It also has a massive impact on

the circadian rhythm, so we’re able to prove better sleep quality, improved metabolism and reduced stress and anxiety.”

Sound healing can take many forms, and each type has specific applications. For example, Schieffelin explains, “Gongs and Ti betan bowls are very clearing and grounding, while crystal singing bowls feel more uplifting and elevating.” It is up to the individual to find a style that works for them and their intended results.

Singing Bowls

Originating in 12th-century Tibet, these metal bowls come in dif ferent sizes, each producing a specific sound vibration that is said to work on a particular part of the brain or body. Several-sized bowls often are used together to create a holistic healing approach. They can be placed directly on parts of the body to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. Singing bowls made of pure crystal quartz are popular for their pure sounds, and are believed to offer stress reduction, chakra balancing and mental clarity.

Gongs

Used in healing since about 4,000 B.C., gong baths, which combine different tones and melodies to fashion multifaceted vibrations, may positively influence the mind and body by stimulating the va gus nerve. Godfrey-Ryan advises, “Gongs are amazing for trauma release, but gong work is very heavy, so if you’ve never played with sound before, this will be really intense.”

Tuning Forks

While musicians use these devices to ensure that their instru ments are set to the correct pitch, they also can be held next to

specific parts of the body by individuals seeking healing vibrations, emotional balance and pain relief. “Tuning forks are fun because you can have a very strong somatic reaction within a few seconds— they’re very powerful,” notes Godfrey-Ryan.

Solfeggio Frequencies

Solfeggio frequencies are musical tunes or sound patterns de signed to stimulate the brain by syncing brain waves to specific healing frequencies. Each of the seven most popular solfeggio frequencies sets out to target a certain purpose, from improving relationships and awakening intuition to navigating change and letting go of fear.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are soundscapes that create a gap between different frequencies. For example, the tune might have a tone of 210 Hertz (Hz) in the left ear and 200 Hz in the right ear, producing an illu sory tone of 10 Hz, also known as a binaural beat. Brainwaves are thought to automatically align themselves with this auditory tone, which may be useful for improving focus and reducing stress.

Sound healing is finding a permanent place in modern wellness culture as more people experience its rewards. While there are myriad ways to use sound vibrations for healing purposes, it is up to each individual to find the style that resonates with them and achieves the improvements they seek. With regular practice, they may even find relief that is cumulative and long-lasting.

Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and editor. For more information, visit GayatriBhaumik.com.

Jeffrey Rediger on the Science of Miraculous Recoveries

by Sandra Yeyati

mind-boggling. Everything has a cause. We just aren’t asking the right questions.

From your studies, who beats the odds and why?

I broke down recoveries into four pillars of healing and well-being that were present in most cases: nutrition, healing the immune system, healing the stress response and healing identity and beliefs.

Can you describe key elements of the first pillar—nutrition?

Board-certified psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger is an assistant professor at Harvard Medi cal School and medical director of McLean Southeast Adult Psychiatry and Com munity Affairs at McLean Hospital, near Boston. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. For almost two decades, Rediger has studied spontaneous healing, pioneering the use of scientific tools like CT scans and lab tests, as well as personal interviews, to investigate surprising recoveries from incurable diseases. His findings are documented in his bestseller Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life, and have been discussed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a TEDx talk and numerous public engagements.

How do you define spontaneous healing?

Science calls these events spontaneous remissions, and doctors are taught they have no medi cal or scientific value. On the spiritual side, they’re called miracles. These terms haven’t been examined with the tools of science. The word spontaneous in this context means without cause. Most doctors see inexplicable healings. To assume that there’s no cause for remission is

People who got better when they weren’t supposed to seemed to have a common understanding of nutrition that centered around whole, plant-based foods and the elimination of processed foods and sugar. In Western countries, we’re taught that most people suffer from over-nutrition and obesity, rather that malnutrition. I believe we have massive malnutrition because of processed foods. When sugar crystals coarse through the bloodstream at high levels—as we see in U.S. diets—it causes little cuts which immune cells repair over and over, creating scab upon scab until you end up with atherosclerosis.

What about the next pillar— healing the immune system?

We need to honor the science of both Louis Pasteur, who proved that germs exist and play a role in disease, and Claude Bernard, who explained that if we take care of the inner terrain (what we now call the micro biome) we won’t get sick. We’re continu ally surrounded by millions of pathogens,

bacteria, viruses—inside and outside of our bodies—that become invaders when some thing breaks down in our terrain. We over use medicines, many of which suppress the immune system. So, we need to emphasize the magnificent 30-year research about the microbiome and take care of our bodies to avoid leaky gut and other conditions that act as entrance points for disease.

What about the pillar related to stress?

Most of the people I studied learned to eliminate certain stresses so they could maximize the quality of their remaining time. This led to healing. We have to widen our window of tolerance for stress so it doesn’t keep us in fight, flight, freeze or fawn, and to differentiate between “chal lenge stress” and “toxic stress”. Running a marathon can be a challenge stress that helps you reach your higher self, expand your understanding of what you can achieve and prompt a repair response for muscles. But if every day you’re told you don’t matter or are unappreciated at work, that toxic stress can wear down your un derstanding of your value.

The deep chasm we’ve created between mind and body doesn’t exist. Doctors are taught to find symptoms, make a diagno sis and start a medication. But whether a patient comes in for back pain, a heart at tack or an autoimmune flare-up, it’s critical to ask them what has been stressful lately and try to get the story of the illness. Usu ally, that will prompt a cathartic recount of stresses that relate to what’s going on physically. Helping people understand the deeper story of their illness and find a path to healing around that can be life-saving.

Gabor Mate says, “If you don’t know how to say no, your body will eventually say no for you.” Our hospitals are full of people who spent their entire lives taking care of everyone else and being conflict-avoidant. The body keeps the score and tells the story. We can learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us about honoring the dignity and value that we bring into the world; set up a life and boundaries that support that; and educate therapists and the public about what trauma is and how to recover from it.

Can you explain the fourth pillar—healing identity and beliefs?

This is the big one, which people said was the reason they were grateful for their illnesses. When people are diagnosed with an incurable illness, although they’re terrified, many (more than you would think) are also relieved. They’ll say, “If I only have six months to live, then I don’t have to take over the family business like dad’s pressuring me to do.” That prepa ration to die often becomes a doorway into a different life. When you decide to focus on what you need and want, that death of the false self allows the birth of a more authentic self that becomes its own journey to healing.

How does spirituality affect healing?

Spirituality has to do with how we feel about who we are, how we experience our value in the world and what kind of universe we live in. Is the universe friendly and caring or unfriendly and uncaring? If we experience ourselves and others as human beings who have value and bring beauty into the world, that’s very different from feeling alone, defec tive or not good enough. How a person feels at a deep, conscious or unconscious level about themselves and the universe is a massive factor in terms of their vitality and health.

What can people learn from your research?

Take compassionate and firm charge of your minds, bodies and life. Doctors teach patients to be passive recipients of care, but the possibilities of healing come from within. It’s not about taking a medi cation as much as understanding our value, assertively taking steps to create a community of people who care about us and developing a path towards healing that’s rooted in an understanding of our deeper story.

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

SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS

EASY TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY SEASON

by Kirby Baldwin

The holidays are upon us, and that means decking the halls, gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts and treats—and creating a lot of waste in the process. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash than at any other time of year. That’s 1 million extra tons each week, pri marily due to waste from holiday gifts and décor. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on consumption to lessen the environmental impact of the holiday season without sacrificing any joy.

Savor Local Fare

Shop for the holiday meal at a nearby family farm. By participating in the local food movement, we will not only enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting the local economy, but also sustain farms that build soil health, promote animal well-being and offer a more delicious and nutritionally superior final product.

In addition to offering fruits and vegetables for holiday pies and soufflés, regional farms can also be good sources

for locally sourced grains, holiday meats, baked goods and cheeses. Festive cocktails can be purchased from a neigh borhood distillery, brewery or winery, many of which source their ingredients from local farmers.

Ronald Mirante, founder of Bone-In Food, runs a weekly food delivery service that provides only sustainable, nutrient-dense foods sourced from local farm partners. According to Mirante, “Shopping for food locally with your farmers for the holiday helps them move offerings they have raised all season long. This empow ers the local food community and makes their operations sustain able by preventing food waste and allowing for economic prepara tion for next year’s harvest.”

For a state-by-state directory of local farmers of meat, eggs and dairy products from 100 percent pastured animals, visit EatWild. com. A directory of family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants and grocery stores that feature locally produced food, can be found at LocalHarvest.org.

Gift Greener

Instead of using unrecyclable gift wrap ping paper, switch to a recycled alternative or wrap gifts in pieces of fabric, newsprint or kraft paper that can be repurposed or recycled. To eliminate shopping and wrap ping altogether, give the gift of an experi ence, which allows loved ones to create lasting memories.

Cater experiential gifts to the needs and wants of the recipient. An exhausted new parent will appreciate a restaurant gift certificate or a coupon to pay for a babysit ter. Give the budding golfer lessons with a local pro, the theater lover tickets to an upcoming show and the selfless caregiver a spa treatment to help them feel pampered and refreshed. For the person that seems to have everything, make a donation in their name to a worthy cause that matters deeply to them.

According to publishing executive and mother Tacy Quinn, who runs the Ins tagram account @friluftslivingfamily, “As our kids get older, we love to find outdoor adventure ideas that are fun to do as a fam ily and get us off our screens. One of our holiday gift-giving traditions each year is to purchase or renew a membership to a local nature organization. Many organizations have great family programs that are included with yearly memberships, so this annual gift means we get a whole year of outdoor experiences to enjoy together. We’ve gone on full-moon hikes, tapped and harvested our own maple syrup, enjoyed solstice bonfire parties and more. Giving a membership gift helps everyone enjoy the outdoors and sustain the natural places we love.”

When it’s not possible to gift an experi ence, shop locally for gifts made of natural materials, such as a beautiful, wooden, cutting board, a cozy pair of wool socks or a piece of pottery handmade by local arti sans. Christmas stockings can create un necessary waste for the sake of filling them to the brim. Try replacing plastic odds and ends with fruits, nuts or handmade treats like cookies or granola for more sustain able—and tastier—stocking stuffers.

Deck the Halls

For the most sustainable holiday tree,

opt for a potted or locally cut, native choice. Live trees protect the soil, serve as wildlife habitats and filter the air during the six to eight years they’re growing. They also create local jobs. After the holidays are over, the potted trees can be planted. Cut live trees should either be mulched or recycled, rather than thrown in a landfill.

Merry and Bright

Making just a few simple swaps in gifting, feasting and decorating will ease holiday con sumption and lessen its environmental impacts without subtracting any of the joy.

Kirby Baldwin writes for KnoWEwell, the regenerative whole health hub and a collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Merry Brunching

PUT A HEALTHIER TWIST ON FAVORITE RECIPES

by Sheila Julson

When hosting a holiday brunch, it may be tempting to serve breakfast and lunch classics like quiche, eggs Benedict and huevos ran cheros, but many of these dishes can be full of hidden calories, unhealthy fats and too much sodium. With a few easy modifica tions, healthier versions are possible.

According to Jessica Levinson, a New York registered dietitian and author of 52Week Meal Planner, it’s important to read nutrition labels, remove empty calories and introduce nutritious alternatives. As an example, yogurt and granola parfaits may seem innocent, but are often loaded with added sugar. “A serving size of most grano las is only one-quarter of a cup, which isn’t much, so use granola sparingly,” she says, adding that parfaits made with low-fat Greek yogurt and fresh fruit instead of jam are healthier choices.

Traditional quiches are usually made with heavy cream and a buttery pie crust. Levinson recommends a crustless vegetable frittata instead, as it is naturally gluten-free. “If you don’t want to skip the crust alto gether, look for a pre-made, whole wheat crust or make your own,” she says. To eliminate dairy, consider using non-dairy milk and omitting cheese in the recipe.

For eggs Benedict, Levinson suggests skipping the hollandaise sauce, topping the poached eggs with mashed avocado and using a whole grain bread or English muffin for the base. “Instead of ham, try smoked salmon, which has beneficial omega-3 fatty acids,” she says.

Whole grain oats are a heart-healthy option, but oatmeal served brûlée-style is topped with additional sugar, notes Frances Largeman-Roth, a New York registered dietitian and author of Smoothies & Juices.

“It’s better to opt for oatmeal and fruit, with a drizzle of real maple syrup,” she says. Largeman-Roth likes mixing savory and sweet, to add variety and protein to the brunch plate. “Instead of just having a stack of pancakes, split it with your friends or fam ily, and then have a small, veggie-filled omelet. You’ll feel much more satisfied.”

Planning the Holiday Brunch Spread

When putting together a menu, Levinson advocates incorporating all of the components of a balanced meal: lean protein, carbohy drates from whole grains, fruit and veggies, and low-fat dairy or plant-based substitutes. She says, “If you’re making pancakes or waffles, use whole grain flour when possible, and serve with a side of yogurt, fresh fruit and real maple syrup.”

According to Largeman-Roth, egg lovers will enjoy a veggiepacked omelet or frittata with either potatoes or bread on the side, but not both. Watch out for fried foods and use sauces and cream sparingly or find substitutes. If the family is dining out, she cautions that brunch dishes are often served with extra sauces and syrups, adding sodium and sugar. “Try to ask for them on the side,” she advises. “It’s not about completely avoiding them, but it’s nice to be able to control the amount that you’re adding to your pancakes or waffles.”

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

This healthy dish is a crowd-pleaser any time of year. It’s also gluten-free and can be modified based on whatever veggies are on hand. Omit the feta cheese for a diaryfree option.

YIELD: 4 TO 6

SERVINGS

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup diced yellow onion

1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup diced yellow bell pepper

1 cup diced green zucchini

1 cup diced yellow summer squash

2 large garlic cloves, minced (1 heaping Tbsp)

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp sweet paprika

26-28 oz diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp honey

1 tsp cider vinegar

1 cup corn, frozen, fresh or canned

½ tsp kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese 4 large eggs

Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional) Za’atar, for garnish (optional)

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet (straightsided skillet is preferable). Add onions; sauté 2 minutes. Add Ser rano pepper and bell peppers; sauté 4 minutes. Add zucchini and summer squash; sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric and paprika; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, cider vinegar and corn; stir in salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced.

Turn off the heat and press the crumbled feta into the tomato sauce. With the back of a spoon, make 4 indentations in the sauce. Crack eggs one at a time into a small bowl and pour into each of the 4 indentations. Carefully drag a spatula gently through the egg whites, being sure not to disturb the yolks. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, gently stirring the sauce and basting the eggs with the sauce. Cover and cook another 3 to 5 minutes for runny eggs. Cook longer for well-done eggs.

Serve with a sprinkling of parsley and za’atar, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of Jessica Levinson.

SHEET PAN PROTEIN PANCAKES WITH BERRY SWIRL

Cooked on a sheet pan, these pancakes make cleanup a breeze and can be prepared the night before. Buttermilk and protein powder add satisfying nutrients.

YIELD: 12 SERVINGS

Cooking spray

2 cups buttermilk

2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 Tbsp melted ghee or unsalted butter

⅓ cup maple syrup

1¼ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup vanilla protein powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp sea salt

FOR THE SWIRL:

½ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

½ cup raspberries

1 tsp brown sugar

Powdered sugar, for topping

Preheat oven to 425° F. Line an 11-by-17inch, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment and sides of pan with cooking spray.

Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, ghee and maple syrup to gether in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—whole wheat flour and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry in three additions until just mixed. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Blend the berry swirl ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon of water if mixture is too stiff. Add small dollops of the berry mixture to the top of the pancake batter. Drag a wooden toothpick or skewer through the berry mixture to create a swirled pattern.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into 12 squares with a knife. Enjoy warm with maple syrup. Can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Frances Largeman-Roth.

CRANBERRY MIMOSAS

Cranberries put a holiday twist on a classic mimosa. Drier champagnes or sparkling wines are lower in sugar. Making cranberry juice from scratch with sweeteners like maple syrup or honey is a natural alterna tive to commercial cranberry juice.

Prepare the cranberry juice the night before serving.

YIELD:

4 TO 8 SERVINGS

4 cups homemade (recipe below) or store- bought cranberry juice

1 cup orange juice

1 bottle drier champagne, such as Ultra Brut

Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Fill four champagne flutes or glassware of choice approximately halfway with cran berry juice. Add 2 Tbsp orange juice to each glass.

Top each glass with champagne. Garnish with sprig of rosemary. Refill as desired.

HOMEMADE CRANBERRY JUICE

3 cups fresh cranberries

3 cups water

½ cup pure maple syrup or honey

Put fresh cranberries and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the berries soften and pop.

Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the berries and return the juice to the pan. (Use leftover cranberries in smooth ies, yogurt or relish.)

Gradually add maple syrup or honey until desired sweetness is achieved. Heat on low until sweetener dissolves.

Pour juice into an airtight bottle and refrigerate.

Recipe courtesy of Sheila Julson.

Recipe courtesy of Sheila Julson. What

The Best Gift of All

TEACHING CHILDREN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

by Madiha Saeed

emotions on an intellectual level, tak ing into consideration their situation and anticipating how they might react.

Since the 1990s, scientists have been researching mirror neurons which respond to actions that we observe in the same way as when we actually perform those actions ourselves. These neurons play a consider able role in the development of speech, language, learning, emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding, so children need to see and receive acts of giving and love to become givers themselves.

Giving Heals

With mental health conditions in chil dren on the rise, charitable behavior can improve their mental well-being and help them secrete “feel-good” chemicals in the brain like oxytocin, dopamine and sero tonin. “I think helping our kids experience the happiness that comes from giving to others is probably one of the most valuable ways we can nurture generosity in them,” says Lara Aknin, an assistant professor of psychology at Simon Fraser University, in Canada. “It sets off this positive cycle. Giving makes people happy and happiness promotes giving.”

Teaching children the value of generosity and kindness is not just good for the world, it is good for our kids, too. Studies have shown that acts of altruism can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce de pression and lower stress levels. Selfless contributions also can foster a sense of belonging, whether they are donating material things, sharing their time or freely conveying love and kindness. A magnanimous child is repaid with benefits that nourish the body and soul.

Empathy and Mirror Neurons

To transform children into givers, they need to learn how to share and comprehend other people’s feelings. Known as cognitive empathy, it involves understanding another person’s

Functional MRIs of people that donate to charities have shown that the act of giving stimulates reward centers of the brain where endorphins are released. These hormones lower cortisol, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve digestion, clear out toxins, help the immune system fight infections and renew energy to repair cells and fight cancer. Other benefits include lower inflammation overall, improved sleep, decreased feelings of restlessness and reductions in chronic pain.

Giving and Social Support

In a 2020 study reported in JAMA Network, researchers found that young adults ages 19 to 20 that perceived higher levels of social support—the feeling that there is someone they can depend on for help should they need it—were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms or suicidal ideation one year later. The study also found that even in cases where people previously experienced mental health problems, social support was beneficial for mental health later on.

Love and secure attachments, such as those experienced through acts of giving, strengthen the body; help regulate emotions, attention and behavior; mitigate the effects of stress; and promote lifelong, healthy development.

Volunteering

Volunteering makes an immeasurable difference in the lives of others and creates a sense of purpose in the person doing it. Science has shown that engaging in volunteer work can decrease depression, reduce stress, increase longevity and help the person stay mentally and physically active. Volunteers get to meet others, develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with those that have similar goals and interests. There are many op portunities for children and parents to volunteer through school, religious and nonprofit organizations.

Random Acts of Kindness and Generosity

Random acts of kindness and generosity include smiling, holding the door open for someone and reaching out to loved ones. Include a child in these activities and encourage them to do the same. “When you see your children being generous, point it out and praise them,” recommends The Center for Parenting Education. “Help them put into words the positive feelings they may have as they help others.”

The most important ingredient to develop a child with a healthy brain and body is love. Children need positive experiences for pathways in their brain and body to work. Developing empathy for themselves and others increases emotional strength and self-regulation. Improve the life of a child— physically, emotionally and spiritually—by teaching them the simple of act of giving.

Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM, author of The Holistic RX, an international speaker, founder of HolisticMomMD.com and direc tor of education for KnoWEwell.com.

To transform children into givers, they need to learn how to share and comprehend other people’s feelings.

Holiday Treats for Cats and Dogs

EASY-TO-MAKE FESTIVE RECIPES TO DELIGHT PETS

by Tonya Wilhelm

The holidays are a great time to con nect with loved ones, including family pets. Although treats bring such joy to their lives, keep in mind that not all foods around the holiday table are safe for dogs and cats. There are, however, plenty of pet-safe in gredients, some of which are actually beneficial.

Cranberries, for example, have been classified as a “super food”, which means they provide many beneficial nutrients and antioxi dants, such as vitamins C, E and K, plus manga nese. They are also high in fiber, which supports gut health. When feeding them to a pet, it is important to choose 100 percent cranberries that do not contain any sugars or preservatives.

When cooking up a batch of pet treats, coconut flour is healthier than the traditional, all-purpose flour, because it contains more fiber, protein and healthy fats. It is also glutenfree, making it a better alternative for pets with allergies.

Beef gelatin is chock-full of health benefits for pets, as it contains amino acids that help break down food, repair body tissue, support the immune system and provide energy. Among its numerous advantages, gelatin strengthens bones, muscles and cartilage, while also improving gut health, skin and fur. Always check the ingredient list. Use 100 percent gelatin and make sure there is nothing else included, especially Xylitol or birch sugar.

Sweet potatoes provide a wealth of nutrients from which both dogs and cats can benefit. They are a good source of fiber and high in antioxidants, including beta carotene, which is rich in vitamin A and supports good cognition and lung strength.

Turkey breast supplies a wide range of B vitamins, including B6 and B12. It also provides iron, potassium, zinc and selenium, which help support a healthy immune system.

All of these treats make great pres ents. Place them in a decorative container and gift them to pet-loving friends and family.

Tonya Wilhelm is a professional dog trainer with a holistic approach. For more informa tion, visit RaisingYourPetsNaturally.com.

Suzie Ault, of Clearwater, shares her boy, almost-2-y-o River, a very handsome Australian Shepherd. Suzie says, “He loves playing ball and showing off those beautiful eyes to all the girls.”

HEALTHY CRANBERRY MUFFINS FOR PETS

These muffins are full of flavor and nutrition, and are healthy for both dogs and cats, although a finicky cat may turn her nose up to them.

YIELD: VARIES

1 cup coconut flour

5 eggs

⅓ apple or ⅓ cup diced apple

⅓ cup liquid (water, or bone broth)

2 cups water

¼ cup cranberries

2 Tbsp melted coconut oil

1 tsp baking soda

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Place 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the clean cranberries into the water and boil until they pop, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the cranberries. Set the cranberries aside to cool.

Remove the seeds and core from the apple. Dice ⅓ of the apple into small bits.

Mix the flour, eggs, apple, ⅓ cup liquid, melted coconut oil, cooked cranberries and baking soda in a large mixing bowl until well-blended.

Grease a muffin tin with coconut oil. Fill the muffin tins ⅔ full and place them into the oven. Bake for approximately 25 min utes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Carefully remove and place on a cooling rack. Serve as a special treat. Place treats in a glass container and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze until ready to serve.Thaw completely before serving.

EASY TURKEY JERKY FOR PETS

This easy turkey recipe will have felines purring with delight. It’s a healthy snack for a cat and a great dog-training treat for the clever pooch.

YIELD: VARIES: Fresh, boneless and skinless turkey breast

Thinly slice the turkey breast into strips—the thinner, the better. Place strips on a de hydrator tray. Do not overlap the strips. Dehydrate at 145° F until the turkey is crispy, which can take between eight to 12 hours.

Allow the turkey to cool completely before removing it from the trays. Break into little bite-sized treats for cats and dogs. Store the jerky in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze until ready to serve. Thaw completely before serving.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Drum Circle with Jake - 6pm. Join us for this family-friendly drum circle, an instant rhythm experience for all ages and abilities; no musical experience needed! Bring your favorite instrument or don’t; we have some to share or you can just come and enjoy. Limited seating; bring chair if possible. See this event on Facebook. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Hatha Yoga with a Therapist - 6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind/body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, so call and reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Parts Therapy Facilitator Certification - 11am6pm, Dec. 10-11. Interactive online or live (Olds mar). Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Parts Therapy Trainer for Tebbetts Parts Therapy Foundation, teaches this client-centered approach which is ex periential and a must for anyone wanting to gain expertise with Parts Therapy. Hypnosis training & practicums required for Certification. Register by 11/25: $225; $185 (UPHI Members); After: $255. UPHypnosis.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Soulful Sunday - 10:30am. Enjoy meditation with sound bowls, performed by Julie in our garden. See more info on our Facebook events. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

Hatha Yoga with a Therapist - 6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind/body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, so call and reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Drum Circle with Jake - 6pm. Join us for this family-friendly drum circle, an instant rhythm experience for all ages and abilities; no musical experience needed! Bring your favorite instrument or don’t; we have some to share or you can just come and enjoy. Limited seating; bring chair if possible. See this event on Facebook. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

Hatha Yoga with a Therapist - 6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind/ body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited; call and reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

Merry Christmas

WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 28

Hatha Yoga with a Therapist - 6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind/ body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited; call and reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

PLAN AHEAD

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2023

Jin Shin Jyutsu for a New Year - 2-5 pm. The Art of Happiness, The Art of Longevity, Jin Shin Jyutsu is the use of light fingertip pressure over clothing to aid in a harmonious being. Join us for this introductory class with a focus on preparing for the year ahead. $20, FL LMT CEs available. Attend in person or via Zoom. Info & registration, Diane 813-500-1899, JinShinFlorida@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Sun Health Expo (Słoneczne Targi Zdrowia) - 10am6pm. First-ever Polish health and wellbeing event in Tampa Bay area, featuring vendors and speakers with natural and holistic therapies from Poland and beyond. Free admission. The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater. Info, SloneczneTargiZdrowia.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

FL LMT Renewal Get all of your required CEs in a fun game show environment. Florida Law, Eth ics and Boundaries, Prevention of Medical Errors. Mix & match $25/per class Attend in person or via Zoom. Info & registration, Diane 813-500-1899, TheEffortlessSolution@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Foot Massage Skills - 2-5 pm. Learn how to give a wonderful foot massage in this fun, hands-on, experiential class. Sign up with a friend for a $5 discount. $25. FL LMT CEs available. Attend in person or via Zoom. Info & registration Diane 813-500-1899, TheEffortlessSolution@gmail.com.

COMING IN JANUARY

ONGOING EVENTS

SUNDAY

Sunday Celebration Services - 11am. Unity Palm Harbor is building a beautiful community. Join in for uplifting, heart-centered celebration every Sunday. 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org.

Restorative Yoga - 7pm. Awaken and heal through contemplative self-awareness and personalized instruction, facilitated by Intuitive Healer Ronni Ford. $15 Drop-in rate with a reservation. Ron niFordyeh@gmail.com.

MONDAY

Yoga - 6pm (also Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Join in on the yoga experience with our new instructor, Alexa! Having moved down from the Boston area, she is excited to bring her brand of yoga to the area. Bring your mat or use one of ours, but do come down and join in the calming world of yoga. $15/session; pack age alternatives available. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Reserve your space, 727-346-5875.

TUESDAY

Meditation Practice & Study Group - 6:30-8pm. Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experi enced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clear water. Info 716-816-5464.

WEDNESDAY

A Course in Miracles Study Group -10am. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Aware ness 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-movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota. com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/SarasotaClasses-Feldenkrais/.

Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:307:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

Gong Meditation and Sound Journey - 7pm. (2nd Weds. monthly) Facilitated by Gregg Akin, Sound Healer. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth … not going all the way and not starting.

~Buddha

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

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

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

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

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

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

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

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

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

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

Colds

Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds Styes Warts Ringworm Other microbial threats

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

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

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

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA33.

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever.

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

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

community resource guide

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

ACUPUNCTURE

ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273)

MindBodySpiritCare.com

Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

NATURAL MED THERAPIES

Machelle Perkins, D.O.M.

7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo 727-541-2211

NaturalMedTherapies.com

National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more. Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Minkoff, M.D.

Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN Rose Tyler, APRN & Lindsay Williamson, APRN 301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789

LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com

Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxifica tion, Neurological Issues, Bioiden tical Hormone Replacement Ther apy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment. See ad inside front cover.

ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION & WELLNESS

9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808

OrthoLiving.com

We address the underly ing root cause of dis ease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.

PROFESSIONAL HERBALISTS TRAINING PROGRAM

Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857

AcuHerbals.com

The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our handson student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbal ists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 31.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Andreas Grossgold, MD

Dean Silver, MD, Integrative Oncology Susan Budgis, Integrative Aesthetician Misty Barnes, Integrative Hair Specialist 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org

Dr. Grossgold practices internal medicine and pediatrics with an integrative approach to detoxifica tion, anti-aging medicine, func tional medicine and nutrition. Integrative Cancer Treatment, EBOO, MHA, UVBI and more! See ad page 15.

APOTHECARY

BOHEMIAN GYPSEA

12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs 727-935-6046

BohemianGypsea.com

Metaphysical Gift Shop, Crystals, Jewelry, Clothing, Local Artist, CBD, Delta 8, Tea, Supplements, Greeting Cards, Sage, Incense, Essential Oils, Books, Energy Healing, Candles. See ad page 10.

SIX OAKS WELLNESS APOTHECARY

Carolyn Zinober, LMT, Esthetician, Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist

607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo 727-501-1700

SixOaksWellness.com

Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning work shops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 33.

Kindness is like snow; it beautifies everything it covers. ~Kahlil Gibran.

ASTROLOGY

ASTROLOGY FOR YOUR SOUL

Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin 248-583-1663

AlunaMichaels.com

Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. Over 25 years of experience. Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

RENEW LIFE

Bonnie Barrett

28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227

RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802, MM35406 30 years experience. Expert in colon hydrotherapy using pressure points, abdominal massage, essential oils, and lymphatic drainage. All disposable tubing used. Very comfortable and relaxing room with private bathroom. See ad page 33.

DENTISTS

BEATA CARLSON, DDS

1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523

NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com

Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spalike atmosphere. See ad back cover.

CARLO LITANO, DMD

Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, 33782 727-300-0044

Natural-Smiles.com

Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 4.

PAUL T. RODEGHERO, DDS

Clearwater Family Dental

215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363

MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com

We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We wel come patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3, 9 & 12.

NATampa.com

ROBERT J. YU, DMD

Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics

6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Pete 727-384-9122

TBPerio.com

The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/zirconia nonmetal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad page 16.

HERBALIST

ROSE KALAJIAN—HERBALIST

Natural Health Hut Clinic and Herb Farm 813-991-5177

ImHerbalist.com

Specializing in growing the herbs used in my clinic practice and in the Herbal Remedies I formulate. Consultations are available for humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Promoting health through the use of Herbs. See ad page 10.

HYPNOSIS

MIND AND SPIRIT HYPNOTHERAPY

BY YAMARIS

Yamaris Betancur

710 Oakfield Dr., Ste. 26, Brandon 813-990-9755

HypnotherapyByYamaris.com

Certified Clinical and Transper sonal Hypnotherapist and a Mental Health Counselor. Specializing in weight loss, anxiety, panic attacks, self-esteem, pain management and breathwork. See ad page 35.

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

HYPNOSIS, INC.

Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003

UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com

Professional Hypnosis & NLP Certification Training, Weekly classes & Private sessions (Smok ing, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs. See ad page 27.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTICS

Dr. Prudhvi Karumanchi 8320 Stone Run Ct., Tampa 33615 813-322-6171

IntTherapeutics.com

Committed to finding the root cause, Holistic MD offers: IV Nutri tion, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-ofNetwork Provider.

MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE

Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273)

MindBodySpiritCare.com

Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fa tigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted.

PEAKS OF HEALTH METABOLIC MEDICAL CENTER

Tracie Leonhardt, DO 1120 Belcher Rd. S., Ste. 2, Largo 727-826-0838

PeaksOfHealth.com

Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual pa tient. Hormone replacement ther apy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad pages 11 and 47.

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 SBDWellness.com

A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in BioIdentical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 17.

Buy into your community

…Support our advertisers

YOUNG FOUNDATIONAL

HEALTH CENTER

John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600

YoungFoundationalHealth.com

Author of Beyond Treatment. Cre ator of Young Health Products. Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases. Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone. Special Testing and Nutritional Education. See ad page 6.

INTUITIVE HEALING

RONNI FORD YOGA AND INTUITIVE CRYSTAL HEALING

Dunedin 340-626-9642

RonniFordyeh@gmail.com

Intuitive crystal healer and yoga instructor; 22 years’ experience. Awaken: messages from your incar nated soul; energy and energetic healing; food sensitivity awareness. Group yoga and private healing sessions available online, by phone or in-person.

PSYCHOLOGIST

ELIZABETH RICE, LCSW

6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9C, Pinellas Park 33781 727-300-9382

esLifeCoach.com, License SW15178

Heal the whole being including body, mind, spirit and emotions. Increase your quality of life; facili tate emotional healing. Specializing in Anxiety, Mood, Behavior, Trau ma, Family. See ad page 35.

REFLEXOLOGY

REED ‘NAHAM’ MYLES

Certified Reflexologist and LMT 727-543-3048 by appointment

Clearwater, MA0028171

Whether you need deep therapy, a tuneup or just a relaxing treatment, I can help you. Just call me.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.

~James Keller

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE

LISA MILIARESIS

Extreme Communication 727-239-0656

Lisa@2Communicate.net

2Communicate.net

Lisa offers private individual and group channeling sessions, as well as private counseling sessions for those looking for direction in developing their own personal practice.

UNIVERSOULLIGHT CONSULTING

Rev. Amanda Segovia, Reiki Master

Certified SRT Personal Consultant

UniverSoulLight.com

UniverSoulLight@gmail.com

Private sessions using various heal ing, clearing & spiritual modalities. Akashic Records, Intuitive Medium, Astrologer, Personalized Astrology Reports, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/ Mentor & more.

THERMOGRAPHY

GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY

John D. Bartone MD

Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100

GreenPointThermography.com

The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay – serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology. See ad page 16.

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008

JuneDrennon@

FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Ther mography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location conve nient for you. See ad page 27.

HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM

628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater 727-510-3665

HealthyPawsibilities.com

Offering only holistic health op tions. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.

MEDICINE RIVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Shawna L. Green, DVM 13495 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach 727-299-9029

MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com

Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.

Hi, I’m Steve Frank and I suffered from sleep apnea for years. My patent-pending formulation has helped thousands return to sleeping well and I use it every night. My Mom asked leg cramps Relaxer was the result of my research, and it works for Restless Legs as well! Now you can use these effective

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