WISDOM OF LIGHT CONFERENCE WISDOM OF LIGHT CONFERENCE
A COHESIVE GATHERING OF LEADERS IN THE FIELDS OF A COHESIVE GATHERING OF LEADERS IN THE FIELDS OF SCIENCE, SPIRIT, HEALTH, ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS, SCIENCE, SPIRIT, HEALTH, ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS, GALACTIC CONTACT, SIGNS & SYMBOLS, GALACTIC CONTACT, SIGNS & SYMBOLS, CCONSCIOUSNESS, ONSCIOUSNESS, & PLANETARY ASCENSION & PLANETARY ASCENSION
Design
Circulation
Publisher
Editor
Accounting
Website Locable
Kimberly B. Whittle
Michael Bevilacqua
Brian Stenzler, DC
. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior
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.
Publisher’s Letter
AHappy Heart is the best medicine. As depicted by the cover, this is an old-fashioned “call to arms” and these ‘arms’ are the hugging kind. To feel “whole” from within allows us to attract what is needed in our life. February’s issue of Happy Heart is loaded with innovative technologies contributory to just such advancement.
The Thriving Heart features the now evolution in integrative cardiology—whole-person-centric. The 100-Year Heart method is a whole lifestyle, along with root-cause medicine, explained well by its creator Dr. Jack Wolfson.
The person to whom we are the closest is the one in our own head. Best if head-heart are wholly aligned; the more evolved the heart, the greater Emotional Intelligence (EI), and the more valuable the human to itself and the whole. Known as The Love Doctor, read Anil Gupta on Immediate Happiness.
Our beloved pets are a major contributor to our overall wellbeing. In Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs, choosing the right herbs and mushrooms to impact our pet’s emotional as well as physical health is presented.
A therapeutic indulgence, Chocolate Champions, loaded with B vitamins and minerals, is a delicious means of maintaining wellbeing. What a way to go!
From handmade gifts for Valentine’s Day to cacao chocolate heaven, this issue is extremely fun.
As always, with an open Heart and mind, please indulge.
ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS
Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
HOW TO ADVERTISE
To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 727-865-9339 or email dwilson@natampa. com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS
Advertisers email articles, news briefs to dwilson@natampa. com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month.
CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Email Calendar Events to: dwilson@natampa.com Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.
NATIONAL 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 727-865-9339. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.
∙ BHRT including pellets
∙ Wt-Loss Metabolic
∙ Type II Diabetes
∙ Adrenal Fatigue
∙ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
∙ Thyroid
∙ IV Therapy
Acupuncture
Nutritional Blood Analysis
DNA Analysis
MonaLisa Vaginal Rejuvenation
∙ PRP Injections
∙ Prolozone Therapy
∙ Chronic Infection Treatments
∙ GI Repair
∙ Chelation Therapy
∙ Autoimmune Disorders
Liana Kramer, AP, DOM Lauren Moorhead, APRN
Stacy Chase, DO, FACOFP, FAOGME
Jeanne Bangtson, DC
Tracie Leonhardt, DO Medical Director
your path to recovery at
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
• Holistic Pediatrics
• Integrative Medicine
• Naturopathic Medicine
• Advanced and Customized Intravenous Therapy
• Natural and Integrative Cancer Immunotherapy
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
DR. ANDREAS GROSSGOLD, MD, PhD
Dr. Andreas Grossgold, MD, PhD
Integrative Medicine Urgent Care
appointment only
Integral Urgent Care Services – Open 7 Days a Week
In addition to treating traditional urgent care conditions, we offer comprehensive support for integrative and functional clinics in the area. Our specialized services in person or telemedicine are available 7 days a week, providing urgent care for patients experiencing complications from:
• PICC lines and ports
• Management of symptoms from detoxification side effects, including:
• Herxheimer reactions
• Acute pain
• POTS decompensation • Dehydration
Neurological symptoms, and more
Best Prep for Pregnancy Online Expo
Helping couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,
Best Prep for Pregnancy is a five-day online event and expo, taking place from March 25 through 29, featuring more than 30 experts and exhibitors. Attendees will gain insights into the root causes of female and male infertility, and learn about a whole-health approach to optimal fertility that protects parents and their babies. This immersive conference will offer a wealth of vital tips and solutions for those trying to conceive naturally or with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing.
“Combining traditional and modern medicine offers a holistic approach to fertility, enhancing the chances of conception,” states event host Dr. Susan Fox, a specialist in reproductive health with more than 23 years’ experience. She will be joined by other notable speakers, including Dr. Sarah Green, a leading advocate for integrative fertility methods; and Dr. James Patel, a specialist in egg freezing and IVF technologies.
Sponsored by KnoWEWell and Natural Awakenings magazine, the event includes individual talks, interactive workshops and exhibitor presentations. Participants will have opportunities to engage with professionals, ask questions and connect with others on similar journeys. For more information and/or to register, visit BestPrep4Pregnancy. com. See ad page 39.
Global Experts Deliver at Wisdom of Light
TheWisdom of Light Conference will be held from February 21 through February 23, at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista, Disney Springs, in Orlando. Attendees will experience presentations from 15 expert speakers from around the world, sharing insights on a range of topics for a weekend of enlightenment and learning.
Featured guests include Grandmother Flordemayo, a founding member of the Confederation of Indigenous Elders; Wendy Kennedy, a prominent spiritual teacher; and Scott Wolter, host of the History Channel series America Unearthed. “Many of the speakers seldom come to the East Coast, so these are rare appearances,” shares producer Mary Ellen Popyk. Topics include Remote Viewing, Metaphysical Ecology, Spiritual Evolution, Natural Health and Wellness, and Achieving Joy in Everyday Life.
In addition to engaging presentations, the conference features special musical performances, including multi-award-winning cellist Keely Mackey who will offer a “cello bath” of sound accompanied by video. “In a world where our lives are consumed by the internet, there’s nothing quite like connecting with like-minded people at an uplifting in-person event,” adds Popyk.
Admission: starts at $399 with options. For more information, visit WisdomOfLightConference.com. Hilton Lake Buena Vista is located at 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista. See ad page 8.
Binaural Beats To Lower Anxiety
A binaural beat is an auditory illusion created by the brain when two different tones are played in each ear simultaneously, creating the perception of a third tone. Listening to binaural beats may help train the mind to increase creativity, enter a meditative state, reduce anxiety or improve mental focus.
A Turkish study published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine investigated the effect of using binaural beats with patients undergoing a sedation-free upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Forty-eight patients in the binaural beats group wore headphones and listened to music 15 minutes before the endoscopy, and the control group of 48 patients was given no pre-procedure treatment. The binaural beats group experienced significantly lower anxiety and better tolerated the endoscopy procedure than the control group.
Diet To Reduce Biological Age
A study published in BMC Medicine compared the effects of a vegan diet versus an omnivorous diet on the biological age of 21 pairs of healthy, adult identical twins. The study comprised two four-week phases: delivered meals and self-provided meals. The participants also received nutritional education about choosing minimally processed foods and building balanced plates. Food intake details were captured at the start of the study and again at week four and week eight. Blood tests were taken at the beginning and end of the study to measure DNA methylation, a marker of biological age. Only the vegan group showed a reduction in biological age, with an average reduction of .63 years after eight weeks on the diet. Reductions in the estimated ages of the heart, hormone, liver, inflammatory and metabolic systems were also noted.
3D Printed Teeth
Formlabs, a leading supplier of 3D printers, has introduced Premium Teeth Resin, made with biocompatible material that the company claims enhances aesthetics and has been validated for longevity. The resin can be used for 3-dimensional printing of dentures; temporary full-arch implant-supported restorations; and temporary crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and bridges up to seven units. Formlabs reports that Premium Teeth Resin is cleared for use in the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Canada.
Long-Term Health of Cesarean Babies
According to the March of Dimes, nearly a third of live births in the United States are by Cesarean section (C-section), posing increased risks of health problems such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, asthma and allergies. Scientists suspect that the lack of exposure to the microorganisms in the mother’s vagina during birth may be the reason. Vaginal seeding by wiping a newborn’s skin, nose and mouth with the mother’s vaginal microbes can make the skin and gut microbiome of C-section infants more similar to vaginally delivered babies, but the long-term impacts on health have not been determined.
A study on mice published in the journal Cell may be the first evidence of the positive effect of vaginal seeding on metabolic health. The researchers found that mice that received fecal
transplants from babies exposed to vaginal seeding had more diverse microbiomes a few weeks after the transplant. In addition, male mice that received fecal transplants from babies exposed to vaginal seeding had less abdominal fat than male mice with transplants from babies not exposed to vaginal seeding. Increased abdominal fat has been linked to increased risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Smart Pillow
10minds, a South Korean company, has introduced Motionsleep, a smart pillow that can detect snoring and measure oxygen saturation levels for improved sleep and health management. The pillow uses artificial intelligence to record, track, learn and analyze the user’s snoring patterns through a Bluetooth-powered application. Using seven built-in airbags, the application adjusts the pillow to move the user’s head and back until the snoring intensity decreases. The pillow is made from environmentally friendly memory foam, offering support and comfort for the cervical spine, located in the neck. It has no electronic components, eliminating concerns about electromagnetic waves.
Tatiana Dyuvbanova/CanvaPro
Ice-Free Arctic Day
An article in the journal Nature Communications predicts that the first ice-free day in the Arctic Ocean could come as early as 2027, which would be the first visible transition from a white Arctic Ocean to a predominantly blue body of water during the summer. Conditions for an ice-free Arctic Ocean arise when there are less than 1 million square kilometers of ice. While other studies have estimated that the mean ice cover may be less than 1 million square kilometers by September 2050, this research was focused on determining when the first day might occur.
To make their prediction, the scientists used climate models that simulate trends in global temperatures and Arctic sea ice concentrations. They warn that the only way to avoid an icefree day within this decade is to cut emissions fast enough to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. An ice-free Arctic Ocean in the summer is expected to warm the upper ocean and accelerate climate change. Such a change could induce more extreme weather events around the globe and negatively impact the Arctic ecosystem, from zooplankton to the polar bear.
Starch-Based Plastic
Among the sustainable products featured at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas, the Honoree in Sustainability & Energy/Power award was given to Retarch, a starch-based product that is as strong and durable as plastic but eco-friendly and 100 percent biodegradable. Developed by TheDay1Lab, a South Korean biomaterial company, Retarch is made from natural, non-synthesized polymers that can break down on land and in water without leaving behind harmful chemicals or microplastics. The material can be customized for a wide range of applications that currently use plastics, such as packaging and consumer goods. According to TheDay1Lab, Retarch is free from 42 harmful substances and releases up to 86 percent less CO2 than petroleum-based plastics.
Phasing Out Dry-Cleaning Chemical
In December 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a 10-year phaseout for the use of perchloroethylene (PCE), although most uses will be fully phased out in less than three years. PCE is a solvent used for consumer applications, such as brake cleaners and adhesives, as well as for industrial uses, such as dry cleaning, the production of refrigerants and the processing of petroleum at refineries.
Newly acquired dry-cleaning machines are prohibited from using PCE after six months. The compliance dates for machines that are already in service vary depending on the type of machine; older models will be phased out sooner. Many dry cleaners have already begun the transition to alternative products. The EPA rule is intended to eliminate the health risk to people that work in dry-cleaning facilities. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that people living in buildings with a dry cleaner had higher rates of kidney cancer.
Izobrazheniya
Comeback of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
In August 2024, the 1,000th captive-bred Florida grasshopper sparrow was released into the wild. After observing only 50 of these birds in the wild in 2015, conservationists moved the remaining breeding birds into captivity in an attempt to save the species. These five-inch-tall birds are native to the prairie regions of central Florida and play a crucial part in the local food web, including controlling insect populations. The sparrow’s population decline was due to habitat loss and degradation. Scientists caution that the wild population of Florida grasshopper sparrows is not stable enough to declare the species saved, but the release is a major milestone in its recovery.
Wasps for Pest Control
Ground-nesting and paper wasps are invasive species in New Zealand, and it is believed that they arrived in the country in crates of aircraft parts from Europe after World War II. Since then, their populations have exploded due to abundant food sources and a lack of natural predators. Researchers are studying the use of paper wasps in controlling caterpillar populations, a common pest in agriculture. The researchers found the wasps consumed the caterpillars on produce in just a few hours in a controlled setting.
The next experiments will include placing the small paper wasp nests near agricultural fields with caterpillar infestations to see if the wasps can manage the pests. If successful, deploying wasps for pest control would mitigate the use and risks associated with agricultural chemicals, promote biodiversity and reduce soil and water contamination. New Zealand currently uses more than 5,000 tons of pesticides annually.
Carol Hamilton from Getty Images/CanvaPro
PeteMuller from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro
Handmade Gifts for Valentine’s Day
February 14 is a time to celebrate romantic and platonic love among friends, family, coworkers, teachers, pets and significant others. Expressions of affection and adoration are traditionally made through the exchange of cards, flowers, candy and other gifts, prompting consumers to spend nearly $26 billion in 2024, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This Valentine’s Day, say “I love you” with one of these heartfelt, do-it-yourself crafts that are easy on the planet and the wallet.
Recycled Heart Wreath
Paint six to 10 toilet paper tubes red and let them dry. Flatten the rolls and cut them into four equal-sized rings. Indent each ring to shape it into a heart and arrange them into a larger heart shape. Glue the pieces together and allow them to dry for several hours. Then, make holes on the top of the large heart—one on each side—thread a piece of twine or
string through the holes and secure it to make a hanger for the wreath.
Thumbprint Heart Jar
Use empty jars to make upcycled vases for flowers. Wash and dry the containers, then paint the exterior with white acrylic or spray paint. When the paint is fully dry, create heart shapes on the jar using a finger dipped in red or pink paint. After the hearts dry, spray the jar with a clear sealant to protect the art. Fill the jars with flowers and deliver them to that special Valentine.
Birdseed Ornament
Melted Crayon Hearts
An ideal gift for any bird lover, this heartshaped ornament is a delicious treat for feathered friends. Following the directions on the packaging, dissolve two packets of gelatin in hot water. Add one-anda-half cups of birdseed to the gelatin and stir thoroughly. Place parchment paper and heart-shaped cookie cutters on a baking sheet. Pour the birdseed mixture into the molds and press down. Place a piece of straw near the top of the mold to create a hole for the string. Put the baking sheet with the ornaments in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After the ornaments have fully hardened, remove the straw and thread a piece of twine through the hole, tying it so the ornaments can be hung outside for birds to enjoy.
Having kids means there are usually broken crayons everywhere. Use the pieces to make a new, colorful, heart-shaped crayon. Collect the old crayons, remove any labels and break them into small pieces. Heat the oven to 200° F. Overfill heartshaped silicone baking molds with broken crayon (they will condense as they melt). Place the molds on a baking sheet in the oven for 25 minutes or until the crayons are melted. If after 25 minutes the crayons are not melted, raise the temperature to 225o F and bake for an additional five minutes, watching carefully to ensure they do not burn. Once thoroughly melted, remove the molds from the oven and let cool completely. Then carefully remove the colorful crayons from the molds.
Sarah Throckmorton from Getty Images/CanvaPro
The RiseWell Option
Our mouth is the main gateway to our overall health, which means our teeth are constantly vulnerable. Although tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, it can lose its durability from daily acid intake. When bacteria in the mouth have no food source, they start to produce acids that lead to dental caries. RiseWell is a BPAfree, non-fluoride, non-toxic oral health product line made with essential oils and extracts that naturally freshen breath and have been shown to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria.
For decades, fluoride toothpaste has been used to prevent cavities. As we become more aware of our health, we learn more about what we use and put into our bodies, seeking healthier, more natural alternatives. In dental, this leads to Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants that have shown to have benefits in preventing dental caries. In addition to Xylitol, the natural armor in the enamel is a mineral called Hydroxyapatite (a.k.a. HA). In fact, it’s a crystal composition that makes up 97percent of the enamel, 70 percent of dentin and 60
percent of bones. There are two structures: microcrystalline and nano. Micro HA is a larger particle that helps rebuild the enamel where nano HA is smaller in size that can help with sensitivity.
HA has been less known in the U.S. but Japan has been using it for 40-plus years; NASA made the discovery back in the 1970s. Credited from RiseWell Research, “In a recent study in Nature, microcrystalline HA was compared to fluoride in a one-year, double-blind randomized clinical trial in children looking at the impact on caries rates. The study shows that ‘the impact of the daily use of a toothpaste with microcrystalline HA on enamel caries progression in the primary dentition is not inferior to a fluoride control toothpaste’” In fact, the results for the HA toothpaste in the study were slightly better than the fluoride toothpaste.
According to Dr. Derek Gatta, DDS, a cofounder of RiseWell, “Bacteria from the oral cavity travel to the gut every time we swallow. While most are harmless, some strains can cause gut dysbiosis, inflammation and systemic diseases. Studies back
that up: Oral bacteria can translocate to the gut and change its microbiota.” Gut health is connected directly to oral health.
RiseWell has a plethora of everyday products to maintain a healthy smile: Fluoride-free toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. They also have natural biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes that are good for the environment. Flavors include wild mint, birthday cake and unflavored options. All products are made with only pure and natural ingredients to ensure a healthy oral cavity and are completely safe for all ages to ingest—which makes the birthday cake flavor a popular pick.
A very kind company with consumer’s best interest in mind, RiseWell products meet all FDA requirements and are manufactured within FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) guidelines.
Tampa Bay Dental Implants and Periodontics is located at 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg. For more information/appointment, call 727-384-9122 or visit tbPerio.com. See ad page 7.
The Thriving Heart
Integrative Approaches to Cardiology
by Carrie Jackson
Although only the size of a fist, our hearts pump blood to our organs and supply oxygen and nutrients to our cells, allowing every system to function optimally. Maintaining a healthy heart is one of the most important factors for overall wellness, and cardiovascular disease is highly preventable. Integrative cardiology, which focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the heart, reflects a shift toward more individualized, patient-centered care. Using personalized nutrition, expansive blood testing, advanced therapies and holistic practices, doctors and patients can blend the best of traditional and integrative strategies for a more balanced and effective approach to heart health.
The 100-Year Heart
Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, bestselling author and founder of the site NaturalHeartDoctor.com. He pioneered the 100-year heart method, which focuses on what he calls “thrival” nutrition, lifestyle, biohacking and ultra-diagnostics to lead a life filled with vitality, clarity and longevity. “Our approach is root-cause medicine, which puts pharma last,” he explains. “By looking at daily habits and lifestyle choices, we are able to see why people develop cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer worldwide.”
Wolfson notes that cardiovascular health begins by giving the heart the nutrition
it needs to thrive. “Food is medicine, and a paleo-based diet like our ancestors followed has been shown to optimize heart function,” he says. “I recommend patients focus on eating wild seafood and pastureraised meats such as bison, including organs like the heart and liver. This is supplemented by foraging for things like eggs, raw dairy, nuts, seeds, avocados, coconuts and other fruits and vegetables.”
How we live has a dramatic effect on heart health, and Wolfson asserts that there are a number of lifestyle factors we can control. “A thrival lifestyle centers around being outside in natural sunlight and participating in activities we enjoy. When combined
with a positive mindset and high-quality sleep, these practices increase longevity and contribute to a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment,” he says. “It’s also essential to avoid environmental toxins, such as air pollution, plastic and indoor pollutants like mold from water damage, to the best of your ability. Finally, managing stress and getting movement throughout your day are key to optimal cardiovascular function.”
A truly holistic approach to wellness combines many interrelated tools. “Find an activity you love to do outside, whether that’s hiking, biking, stand-up paddleboarding or yoga. Before you begin, turn your attention inward and think of three things you are grateful for,” Wolfson advises. “This gratitude practice helps you find your happy place, and it gives you a sense of purpose in a world where that’s becoming increasingly difficult. It engages the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like heart rate and blood pressure.”
Wolfson believes that for a healthy mind, body and heart, a chiropractor should be the gatekeeper to overall wellness. “Chiropractic care uses the manipulations of bones in a purposeful way to make impactful changes to the neurologic system. It sends out beneficial, efferent signals to all of the cells, tissues and organs, including the heart. It also helps to get us out of the ‘fight-flight-or-freeze’ mode that so many people are operating in,” he remarks. “Chronic stress from work, family, news and finances keeps the sympathetic nervous system activated, but chiropractic treatments help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows us to rest and digest.”
To kickstart heart health even further, Wolfson’s 100-year heart method uses thrival biohacking methods such as supplements and non-surgical recovery therapies. “Evidence-based, food-grade supplements from field-harvested animals and wild fish support heart function without chemicals or pharmaceuticals,” he points out.
“People also may need additional minerals like magnesium, herbal remedies, probiotics or detox strategies if they’ve been living around pollutants. Non-invasive technologies like red light therapy, sauna use, massage, ozone therapy and other cutting-edge treatments help to hack our system and support a healthy heart.”
Treating the Whole Person
Dr. Mimi Guarneri is a California-based cardiologist; the medical director of Pacific Pearl La Jolla; an award-winning researcher, consultant and philanthropist; and president of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. In her practice, she combines conventional, integrative and natural medicine to holistically treat the whole patient.
Guarneri says that while cardiovascular disease is still largely misunderstood, it is also highly preventable. “People think it’s a disease of cholesterol, but it’s actually due to inflammation, oxidative stress and immune response,” she explains. “Inflammation can come from obesity, stress, sleep apnea, poor food choices and food sensitivities, and that is what causes damage to the lining of the blood vessels. In the conventional medicine realm, that means telling patients to stop smoking, lose weight and get blood pressure and cholesterol under control. From a holistic perspective, we look at all the lifestyle factors that contribute to heart health.”
When treating a patient with heart disease, Guarneri uses the metaphor of a tree with sick branches. “Instead of just cutting them off, you have to look at the soil to see what can be causing the illness. The soil of our lives includes micro- and macronutrition, a healthy microbiome, avoiding toxins, high-quality sleep, physical activity and mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. All these factors contribute to healthy heart function,” she says.
Guarneri uses advanced testing to assess a patient’s baseline heart health. “We begin with a blood and urine micronutrient
analysis, which measures the level of antioxidants and nutrients in the body. Then we conduct a microbiome analysis, which is a three-day stool test that shows how someone is digesting their food. We can see every type of microbe, any parasites and if there is dysbiosis [imbalance] or bacteria overgrowth. Finally, we conduct an in-home study on sleep, which is an integral part of cardiovascular health. Someone with sleep apnea can snore and stop breathing, putting them at increased risk for heart disease, heart failure and high blood pressure,” she says.
Advanced cardiovascular testing shows additional valuable data. “An EndoPAT tells us if the lining of the blood vessels is making nitric oxide, the most important ingredient for heart health. This is a 40-minute, in-office procedure that does not require radiation. Since cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease, we do advanced lipid testing to measure inflammatory markers. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. A 24-hour blood pressure cuff tells us what’s happening throughout the day, and a continuous glucose monitor shows how blood sugar reacts to foods. It’s also valuable feedback to the patient, who can see how their body responds to what they’re ingesting,” says Guarneri.
With all this data, the team creates a road map to health. “We make recommendations based on each patient’s individual needs, including supplements, food choices and lifestyle modifications,” she says. “I may suggest nutraceuticals to complete something that’s missing, such as vitamin D, or I may use them to treat a problem. We’ll prescribe omega-3 [fatty acids] if your triglycerides are high, but we’re also going to give you a low glycemic index diet.”
Guarneri works with patients to manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, exercise and other lifestyle choices. “If you are in constant ‘fight-or-flight’ mode, you are producing adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, which cause blood pressure to go up, the coronary arteries to constrict, cholesterol to increase and oxidative stress to develop,” she explains.
Guarneri points to a study involving Black Americans with hypertension that showed a 48 percent reduction in cardiovascular events through the use of transcendental meditation. “Mindfulness has also been shown to improve telomeres, telomerase and other genes of aging. Making conscious decisions in our behavior in response to stress is key to overall wellness and cardiovascular function. If your habit is to go home and have a drink after a hard day, we encourage patients to put on their tennis shoes and take a walk instead,” she says.
to dig deeper into lipid disorders, obesity management and RNA-based therapies for conditions like cardiac amyloidosis, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We can also expect to see an increase of awareness and interest in the role lipidology [the study of lipids or fatty acids] has on cardiovascular disease. “Preventive cardiologists and clinical lipidologists like myself have been checking Lp(a) levels for well over two decades now, but there has been little we could do medically to reduce high levels,” says Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, FACC, FACP, adding that a number of nucleic acid therapeutic trials suggest this may change soon.
The Future of Cardiology
New advancements in cardiology are made all the time. In the coming year, cardiologists and researchers are expected
Experts stress that despite technological treatment advancements, preventative care is still the most effective way to ensure cardiovascular health. “Everyday lifestyle choices have the biggest impact on overall wellness and living a life of vitality, clarity and longevity,” says Wolfson.
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
Mikhail Nilov from Pexels/CanvaPro
Healing Power of Hugs
by Marlaina Donato
“Ihave learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words,” wrote American novelist Ann Hood, and her words ring true for many of us. When in the arms of a loved one, we share the heartbeat of the present moment. Spiritual traditions provide manifold forms of meditative practices, but embracing another human being might be the most enjoyable way to achieve a deep state of calm and mindfulness.
Hugs can mark beginnings, tethering two lives in committed union, or they can punctuate endings when we say goodbye. When we are sick or grieving, allowing someone to gather us in their safe embrace is strong medicine.
Science tells us that hugging tames our stress response, bolsters the immune
system and helps children to better cope with life later in adulthood. Our arms are energetic extensions of the heart, and welcoming someone into a circle of security is the body’s act of prayer, engaging the emotions and soothing the soul.
Despite all the good a hug might offer, past trauma or inhibition can prevent us from benefiting from this human need for touch. Asking someone, “May I give you a hug?” is a good place to begin, and so, too, making the decision to receive someone else’s affectionate gesture. For those without loved ones nearby, therapeutic massage, playing with a pet or clutching a favorite stuffed animal can kick off a similar cascade of feel-good chemicals when we are overwhelmed.
Hugging can be part of our daily spiritual wellness practice, an investment that goes
beyond ourselves and into the world, one embrace at a time. Here are a few ideas to get the ripple effect going:
• Hug your partner without sexual agenda and connect heart-to-heart.
• Hug your child during happy times, not only on challenging days.
• Ask for a hug; initiation is a sign of strength, not neediness.
• Hold a hug for at least 20 seconds.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.
Anil Gupta on
Immediate Happiness
by Sandra Yeyati
Known as the Love Doctor, Anil Gupta is an international public speaker, life coach, relationship mentor and bestselling author of Immediate Happiness. He has held workshops in 18 countries; spoken at Harvard University and Tedx SugarLand; been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including Fox News, Sky TV, ABC, CBS and NBC; and met with or coached celebrities, billionaires,
athletes, royalty and spiritual leaders. Before moving to the United States with his wife and two children, and embarking upon his coaching career, Gupta was an optometrist for 20 years in the UK.
What
is the happiness formula?
Happiness is equal to G times G times G. The first G is, you have to give— your time, your energy, your love, your
commitment, your joy, your gifts, your money—without wanting anything in return. The second G is, you have to be grateful for what you have and not focus on what you don’t have. The third G is, you have to grow emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially and mentally. What’s beautiful about this formula is that any time you feel low or upset, one of the three Gs has drastically dropped down. All you have to do is work out which of them it is. Do I need to give, grow or be grateful? And that takes away all of the overwhelm.
Can you describe what you mean by giving?
It could be a smile, a thank-you, a compliment or opening the door for someone. There are two types of people on the planet: ones that make you happy when they enter a room and ones that make
Terri Zollinger
you happy when they leave a room. When you give authentically, all the pain and suffering you’re going through disappears, because you disappear. Your problems disappear and it’s impossible to be upset when you authentically give because you’re focusing on someone else. In the moment you give, you receive endorphins, the person receiving that act of kindness or gift receives endorphins, the person observing that act of kindness receives endorphins, the person sharing the act of kindness receives endorphins and the person receiving that shared act of kindness receives endorphins, so it goes a long way.
Can you explain the gratitude component?
When was the last time you thanked your hands for everything that they’ve done for you? What have you done to reward your heart and to make sure that it’s working properly? Our bodies are miracles, and we have much to be grateful for.
What is your definition of growth, and how do we go about achieving it?
Growth can be emotional, physical, spiritual, mental or financial. So it’s improving mental capabilities, working on your emotions, working on being worthy or lovable, working on being the best version of you. Are you physically healthy? Are you hydrating? Are you taking your supplements? Are you exercising? And spiritually, it’s about being a beautiful soul, having a great vibrational energy. You don’t have to go to church for that.
Ultimately, it all boils down to one thing: awareness. Awareness gives you clarity; clarity gives you focus; focus gives you action; action gives you results; and results give you momentum, which gives you everything. You cannot be joyous, healthy or in love without awareness, and most people don’t have the awareness; they’re numb or in a funk or just comfortable.
How do you define awareness, and how can we be more aware?
Awareness is a discipline we have to practice, a muscle. To remind yourself to be more aware, you can put a Post-it note with the word “awareness” on your computer, or a rubber band on your wrist or a sock in your back pocket. You can have your phone ring every two hours as an alarm to remind you to be aware. By putting systems into place, you become aware of being aware, and then you’ll start noticing so many things.
Are there mantras you suggest for people?
This is my life. Now I’m in charge. I can handle this. I’m bigger than this. It’s not about me; it’s about the difference I make. When I speak, people listen. I am strong. I am powerful. I am kind. I am generous. I am playful. I have integrity. I
love people, and people love me. I make a difference. I am love. I am joy. I am a free spirit. I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready. I love me, I love me, I love me. Today is the day. Today is freedom day. Whoever meets me today is going to benefit by having an incredible time with me.
You can adapt it for yourself, but these are beautiful incantations. Most people have negative incantations like—I’m stupid; I’m not good enough; no one loves me; I’m alone—and they reinforce it, but if you are the light, the darkness will disappear.
Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/GuptaWW or scan the QR code.
Bringing Back the Monarch Butterfly
How Milkweed and City Gardens Can Help
by The Field Museum of Chicago staff
Monarch butterflies, with their striking orange and black wings, are some of the most recognizable insects in North America, but they are in trouble because their caterpillars can eat only the leaves of milkweed, a native wildflower that has increasingly disappeared.
Top Five Ways To Support Monarchs
1. Plant native milkweed species, including common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).
2. Plant a variety of nectar plants, ensuring blooming flowers from spring to fall.
3. Continue managing and adding to the milkweed garden year after year.
4. Share knowledge and support of monarchs and milkweed with friends and family.
5. Comment on the proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species at Regulations.gov/document/ FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-0001.
The problem is so extensive that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a proposal to list the monarch as a threatened species last December.
“This decision comes after a long process, including science-backed modeling that shows the likelihood of monarchs being extinct by 2080 ranges from 56 to 74 percent for the population east of the Rockies, and greater than 99 percent for the Western monarch population,” says Lead Conservation Ecologist Aster Hasle, of the Keller Science Action Center, at Chicago’s Field Museum. Additional modeling suggests that more than 1.3 billion stems of milkweed need to be added to the landscape to stabilize eastern population numbers. Much of that milkweed could be added in cities, Hasle points out.
In a 2024 study in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, urban milkweed plants were monitored to learn what makes city gardens hospitable to monarchs. “In this study, we found that monarchs can find the milkweed, wherever the milkweed is, even if it’s in planters on balconies and rooftops,” explains Geographic Information Systems Analyst Karen Klinger of the Keller Science Action Center at the Field Museum, and the study’s lead author.
Adding milkweed across all landscape types is a key strategy in stabilizing the monarch
butterfly population. “In proposing listing the monarch as threatened, the Fish and Wildlife Service provided the flexibility to manage milkweed habitat, as needed, without concerns on impacting monarchs. They did this to encourage more milkweed habitat creation within the monarch’s breeding and migratory range,” says Hasle, a co-author of the study.
Monarch butterflies have one of the most unusual and demanding migratory patterns of any insect. The eastern population begins the year in Mexico and moves up across North America in the spring
Karen Klinger
and summer. “As they travel, they lay their eggs, and when those adults die, the next generation continues the migration northward. They will make it all the way to southern Canada, and at the end of summer, a new super generation is born that migrates all the way south and survives through the winter,” explains Klinger.
Because it takes multiple generations of caterpillars to get the monarch population from Mexico to Canada each year, they must rely on milkweed plants throughout their migration path. “There used to be wild milkweed growing along farmland in the Midwest, but now farmers use herbicides that kill the milkweed,” notes Klinger.
Urban milkweed gardens are able to bridge this gap. Klinger was a co-author of a 2019 study led by Field Museum scientists that showed that even “concrete jungles” have room for milkweed plants in people’s yards, alleyways and rooftops. “With our 2019 study, we found that a lot of the spaces where milkweed could grow was inaccessible to scientists—there was a lot of milkweed that we couldn’t account for,” says Klinger. “But we also found that there was a lot of enthusiasm among residents to plant milkweed and support monarchs. We took what we learned while searching for milkweed in residential areas and
developed a community science project that became the basis of our 2024 paper.”
Klinger and Hasle trained more than 400 community scientist volunteers on how to monitor their milkweed plants for monarch eggs and caterpillars and report back to researchers. Over the course of four years, the team collected 5,905 observations of monarch activity on 810 patches of milkweed in the Chicago metropolitan area. The paper analyzed a portion of this data from 2020 to 2022. “We encouraged participants who had planters on balconies and on rooftop decks, and we saw some of the most amazing
things,” shares Klinger. “There was one participant who had a planter set on the condominium roof that had five large caterpillars in one photo.”
Based on these observations, the researchers developed several theories about what makes for a successful milkweed garden. “There are several native species of milkweed, and we found that common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) was very prevalent in people’s gardens and was really key, both in terms of whether monarchs laid their eggs there and how many they laid,” reports Klinger. “Also, kind of surprisingly, older, more established milkweed plants did a lot better; they were more likely to see eggs than younger plants.” Having a variety of blooming plants was also important for monarchs to lay more eggs on milkweed, as it provided more nectar for the adults.
While monarchs are just one species of insect, they are indicative of the big-picture health of the ecosystems they inhabit. “Because they cross this big landscape from Mexico to Canada, monarchs are an important indicator of what’s happening across a big area,” Hasle asserts.
For more information, visit FieldMuseum. org/department/keller-science-action-center.
Mark and Michelle Rogovin
Metabolic Health Strategies
Weight Management With the Help of Medications
by Madiha Saeed, M.D.
Obesity is on the rise in this country, affecting just over 40 percent of adults and nearly 20 percent of children, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. People that are obese are at higher risk of
developing numerous health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, breathing difficulties, kidney disease and some forms of cancer. Obesity can also take a toll on mental health,
posing risk of developing body image problems, low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders.
In light of this public health crisis, GLP1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and other
peptides, including insulin, have become significant areas of interest. These amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, acting as messengers in support of immune, brain and mitochondrial health.
Because of their regenerative properties, BPC-157 and thymosin beta-4 peptides are prescribed for tissue repair and healing, particularly in sports medicine and injury recovery. For weight management and anti-aging, GLP-1, CJC-1295 and ipamorelin stimulate the release of growth hormones, which are believed to improve body composition by reducing fat and increasing muscle mass.
GLP-1 Agonists
Naturally secreted by the intestines in response to food intake, GLP-1 plays a key role in glucose metabolism by stimulating insulin and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Medications such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza) and dulaglutide (Trulicity), are called GLP-1 receptor agonists because they mimic the effects of GLP-1. “GLP-1 agonists are great for weight loss when other things have been tried and have failed, and someone seems to be more resistant to weight loss,” says Rajka Milanovic Galbraith, M.D., a longevity expert and founder of Simply Health Institute, in Illinois.
“For people who are truly obese, have diabetes and long-standing metabolic issues, GLP-1 can be a lifesaver,” says Lorraine Maita, a board-certified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey. She notes that these medications can also reduce the risk of joint pain, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and many obesity-related cancers.
Side Effects
According to Maita, “GLP-1 medications have their place, and most people who need them get good results. However,
they are expensive, inconvenient injectables that need refrigeration and are in short supply, with limited or no insurance coverage. They can be difficult to wean off and if not dosed properly, have significant side effects, and some people do not get results or can’t tolerate them no matter what.”
Common side effects include gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as muscle wasting, malnutrition, loss of fat in the face and pancreatitis. Maita cycles the medicine— three weeks on and one week off, or three months on and one month off. She starts with the lowest dose that offers results without side effects, and if side effects develop, she stops the medication until the patient gets relief and pre-treatment symptoms return, at which time she will go back on a lower dosage. The goal is to stay at the lowest dose that provides benefit.
Longevity Benefits
“Beyond their use for weight loss, GLP1 medications may play a beneficial role
in longevity, especially as it relates to heart health—the number one cause of death—as well as brain health,” says Galbraith. “In studies, they have found them to be cardio-protective and can help the heart recover from damage caused by heart attacks. They are also neuro-protective, showing promise in slowing or preventing memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Lastly, they enhance mitochondrial function, which supports energy production in our cells.”
Maita emphasizes that treatment must be individualized and under a physician’s care to get the best results. “You still must eat healthy, exercise, balance your hormones, heal your gut and live a healthy lifestyle,” she counsels. “There is no free ride.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
Maybe part of falling in love with someone else is also falling in love with yourself.
—Nicola Yoon
Trends in Child Dentistry
Tech Advances Improve Treatment Outcomes
by Claire Stagg, DDS, MS, FAACP
Dentistry is at the forefront of technological advances, and children benefit daily from more efficient, economical and even lifesaving care that is made possible by
these developments. Although prevention is always better than restoration, three emerging technologies hold special promise for pediatric dentistry. They are lasers, aligners and digital scanners.
Lasers
Although laser technology was first introduced to the dental profession roughly 35 years ago, it has tremendously improved in the last decade. “Recently, laser
technology has advanced so significantly that its use, especially in pediatric dentistry, can fill a textbook,” asserts Robert A. Convissar, DDS, a board-certified laser dentist in New York City. A pioneer in laser dentistry, he teaches the subject worldwide and is the author of the leading textbook Principles and Practices of Laser Dentistry.
Lasers offer many different wavelengths for multiple purposes. For example, lowlevel laser therapy uses light energy to elicit biological responses, such as pain relief, wound healing, muscle relaxation, immune system modulation and nerve regeneration. According to Convissar, this type of laser therapy is used in pediatric dentistry to temporarily interrupt the sensation of pain, permitting fillings and root canal treatments in children’s teeth without injecting an analgesic drug.
Lasers, aligners and digital scanners are among emerging technologies that hold special promise for pediatric dentistry.
“Ultraspeed CO2 lasers can be used to treat week-old babies whose tongues are not mobile enough to latch onto their mothers’ nipples and nurse properly. The procedure is minimally invasive, quick and painless,” he explains, noting that painful breastfeeding and excessive spitting up are two of the most common signs of a tongue tie. Convissar and the dentists that perform tongue-tie releases work closely with international boardcertified lactation consultants to facilitate breastfeeding success.
“Orthodontists and general dentists are now using CO2, diode and erbium lasers to put the finishing touches on their toothalignment treatments,” Convissar
reports. With these instruments, they are able to fashion tooth length and proportion, as well as shape gum profiles to achieve the ideal smile.
Sufficient room for the tongue in the palate is important for both upper and lower airway development.
Aligners
One critical structure of facial development for growing children is that of the roof of the mouth, which is also the floor of the nose. Sufficient room for the tongue in the palate is important for both upper and lower airway development. In the past, maxillary expansion to correct serious tooth misalignment was performed with functional appliance therapy, including expanders and braces. Today, invisible trays, or aligners, which made their first appearance in 1997, offer an aesthetic and “invisible” option that allows better oral-hygiene maintenance, reduces office visits and lowers the incidence of complications.
Until recently, these systems were limited when it came to treating cases involving bone and arch development in growing children. Some systems have now
introduced an expansion component into their aligner tray systems helping to not only realign teeth, but also develop more room, thus possibly avoiding dental extractions.
The Nuvola OP System employs a morpho-functional corrector to be used for 30 minutes per day with the aligners in place, creating intense and intermittent forces that are directed to the cranial bone bases. A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reported “a significant expansion of the maxillary arch, as well as a high degree of patient satisfaction and compliance” with this system.
Digital Scanners
The advent of intra-oral scanners and cameras allows dental practices to take digital impressions in a few minutes with minimal discomfort for patients and outstanding views of the mouth. They have also become more accurate, affordable, smaller, lighter and easier to use.
Dr. Claire Stagg practices holistic, integrative dentistry in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. She is the author of Smile, It’s All Connected! For more information, visit HealthConnectionsDentistry.com.
Chocolate Champions
Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao
by Marlaina Donato
Ancient Mayans prepared beans from the cacao tree, mixed with spices, to make a ceremonial drink that was both sacred and medicinal for them. Today, the market is filled with all sorts of chocolaty treats, but dark chocolate is the low-sugar, nutritional superhero that tickles the tastebuds, boosts the production of mood-enhancing endorphins and delivers flavanols, the antioxidant compounds linked to improved cardiovascular health.
“Chocolate affects us deeply when it comes to our emotions. This is why you get it when you are sad, when you are happy or when you want to show your love. Chocolate doesn’t just hit the heartstrings, it’s also scientific,” says Chris Davis, a private chef and third-generation cocoa devotee from Belmont, North Carolina, who is passionate about the ingredient’s sweet and savory potential.
The benefits of dark chocolate can be traced back to its high flavanol content. Researchers have discovered that this antioxidant supports the production of nitric oxide, which is crucial for improving circulation, relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure. Flavanols have also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which could reduce the risk of diabetes. Observational studies have shown that indulging in one or two small squares (approximately six grams) of high-quality chocolate daily reduces the risk of mortality from heart disease.
How Chocolate Is Made
Chocolate production involves a complex set of steps, beginning with a cacao pod that is larger than the palm of a hand. The seeds inside this pod are fermented, dried and roasted to create cocoa beans, which are comprised of nibs, cocoa butter and an outer shell. The nibs are ground and refined to produce cocoa solids, and the shell is ground into cocoa powder. The most beneficial dark chocolate contains 70 to 90 percent cocoa solids with minimal added sugar and no artificial ingredients such as alkali, a flavor enhancer that greatly diminishes flavanol content.
Another nutritional powerhouse is cacao powder, which is made from raw cacao
beans and nibs that are fermented and roasted at much lower temperatures than the beans used to make cocoa powder. Although it is more bitter, cacao powder retains more of the bean’s original nutritional value, including flavonoids and antioxidants.
Therapeutic Indulgence
“Rich in B vitamins, cacao is full of minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and zinc,” says Sara Ratza, from Tarpon Springs, Florida, a clinical herbalist, health practitioner and author of Drinking Chocolate: Ancient Traditions for Modern Healing. “Traditionally, cacao is given to help raise serotonin and level out dopamine, so the Indigenous
people share cacao to help those dealing with addictions. Cacao contains hundreds of chemical compounds such as phenethylamine, which is associated with the production of endorphins in the brain.”
According to Ratza, theobromine, cacao’s main chemical constituent that many confuse for caffeine, has psychological effects that enhance mood. Cacao was an important part of her own emotional healing while she grieved the loss of both her brother and father. During the COVID pandemic, she owned and operated a brick-and-mortar chocolate factory and shop. “The stories of people coming in and dealing with the trauma of the time is forever ingrained in my heart,” she recalls.
Ratza recommends using cacao in the form of nibs or powder from reputable sources.
“If your chocolate has transparency of the origin and/or farm, generally you are buying a higher-quality product,” she explains. No matter how we revel in dark chocolate or cacao, it is important to opt for the “fair trade” certification that ensures the product was manufactured without child labor and at a fair wage for workers.
The Savory Side
For most of us, our love affair with chocolate is based on its sweet form, but a whole world of gourmet fare celebrates its versatility beyond the candy bar or smoothie. For Davis, “The magic truly happens when applied in a savory way. There is a whole other flavor profile to chocolate before sugar is added to it when you want to add an earthy depth to a dish or add smokiness to a protein. Almost any sauce I make with wild game, red meat
or red wine I will add a bit of cacao to give it the flavor and color that no other ingredient will come close to.” One of his favorite Mexican recipes is mole, a rich and savory sauce made from chilis and chocolate.
Opening Our Hearts to Chocolate
Ratza believes that consuming chocolate takes us on a journey, if we allow a little time for it to transport and transform us. “Cacao almost forces you to slow down,” she says. “It is important to sit and close your eyes as you sip a cup of cacao or let a piece of chocolate melt on your tongue.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.
CHOCOLATE CHERRY VINAIGRETTE
YIELD: 1 QUART
As a salad dressing, this pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, mozzarella or feta, as well as almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, avocado or beets. It is also delicious drizzled over chicken or white fish, such as grouper.
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 sprigs fresh thyme
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
½ cup honey
2 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
1½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt plus more to taste
Place cherries and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Add cocoa powder, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, cinnamon and thyme, and continue blending. Add the oil to the blender in a slow and steady pour until the dressing thickens and fully emulsifies. Will remain fresh for two weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.
CHOCOLATE-BRAISED SHORT RIBS
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
2 lb short ribs (boneless or bone-in)
1 celery stalk
1 carrot
1 yellow onion
6 garlic cloves
2 Roma (plum) tomatoes
3 sprigs rosemary
1 cup tomato paste
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 bottle red wine
2 to 3 cups chicken stock
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 whole cloves
Salt and pepper
Oil for cooking
Cut up all of the vegetables and set aside.
Generously season all sides of the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven or braising pan and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully sear all sides of the short ribs until brown. Remove the ribs and set aside. Add the vegetables to the pan. Cover the short ribs with the tomato paste and add the ribs back into the pot on top of the veggies.
Deglaze the pan with the entire bottle of red wine and add enough chicken stock to cover the short ribs. Add cocoa powder, rosemary, cloves and vinegar, and mix until the cocoa powder is dissolved.
Cover the pan and carefully place it in the oven for six hours at 250° F. Once cooked, remove the short ribs and strain the leftover mixture into a bowl to discard the veggies and rosemary sprigs (except carrots, if desired). Add strained liquid and short ribs back into the pot and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.
Courtesy Chris Davis
Courtesy Chris Davis
NARRATED BY
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
"Like so many families, I have been deeply affected by Alzheimer's, so I was thrilled to become a part of this film when I realized that there's hope, and it's not just a death sentence."
- Michael Bublé
HEART-OPENING DRINKING CHOCOLATE
YIELD: 1 SERVING
This traditional drinking chocolate does not need milk to froth because the fat from the bean creates the traditional froth at the top of the mug. The main ingredient, cacao paste, contains a higher level of heart-healthy, mood-boosting compounds than found in dark chocolate. For 100 percent pure cacao-bean paste, look for ceremonial-grade cacao, which can be found online or in health food stores.
⅛ to ¼ cup cacao paste
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of cayenne pepper or Cobanero chili pepper
Sprinkle of sea salt
Sweetener to taste (optional)
Put all ingredients in a 12-ounce mug. Add just enough hot water (almost boiling) to cover the cacao. Whisk by hand or with a frother. Once blended, pour additional hot water to fill the cup. Sip slowly with eyes closed and enjoy.
Recipe courtesy of Sara Ratza.
Dr. Dale Bredesen
Dr. Dale Bredesen
New
MIGHTY MUSHROOM CACAO BITES
YIELD: 6 TO 8 BITES
¼ cup roasted cacao nibs
4 to 6 pitted Medjool dates
1 scoop of mushroom-blend powder, based on recommended serving on package (Can be reishi, turkey tail or lion’s mane)
In a high-speed blender, pulse cacao nibs to a flour consistency. Add dates and pulse until completely blended and gooey. Place the mixture into a bowl. Add the mushroom powder and combine by kneading with hands. Roll dough into bite-sized balls or flatten into a pan and cut into squares.
Recipe courtesy of Sara Ratza.
CHILI AND COCOA SPICE MIXTURE
YIELD: 1 CUP
This can be sprinkled on anything, but it is especially good on steak, chicken, fish or shrimp.
½ cup cacao nibs
2 dried chilis
1 Tbsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
Mix everything in batches in a coffee grinder until the mixture is powdered. Store in an airtight container for 30 days.
Recipe courtesy of Chris Davis.
Quanthem from Getty Images/CanvaPro
5-Day Immersive Event & Expo
Best Prep for Pregnancy
Natural, IVF and Egg-Freezing
March 25
n 50+ Top Experts Share Their Wisdom
n Multimedia Resources
n Interactive Community
n Meaningful Connections
n Artistic Performances
n Movement & DIY Activities
n Gamification
n Sponsor Product Discounts
TICKET LEVELS
FREE - Enjoy 5 days of daily admission to inspiring and empowering education from more than 30 top experts, plus TWO FREE GIFTS.
SILVER - Also includes bonus speakers, presentations and immersive experiences, swag bags, lifetime education access, 12 months of interactive community access, live Q&A chat with speakers and MORE!
VIP - Includes SILVER content plus lifetime access to immersive event experiences and to interactive community, a VIP Lounge to meet and interact with speakers, and SO MUCH MORE!
Susan Fox DACM, LA, FABORM Host
In Loving Memory, Gladys McGarey M.D., M.D.(H) The Mother of Holistic Medicine
Anna Cabeca D.O., OB-GYN, FACOG Reversing Infertility & Early Menopause - My Story
Betsy Greenleaf D.O., FACOOG, FACOG, MBA Could an Unbalanced Vagina Be Robbing Your Fertility
Aimie Apigian M.D., MS, MPH Moms Who Create Safety Within
Tom O’Bryan DC, CCN, DACBN Inflammation and Infertility
Elisa Song M.D. The Prenatal Epigenetic Rx
Lauri Grossman DC, CCH, RSHom(NA) Homeopathy for the Emotional Issues Associated with the IVF Journey
Tracey Gapin M.D. Optimization and Preconception Genetics
Brian Levine M.D., MS, FACOG Current Technologies Improve Fertility Care
Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs
How Herbs, Mushrooms and the Outdoors Can Help
by Rita Hogan
Caring for a dog holistically involves supporting their body, mind and environment in a balanced, natural way that emphasizes prevention and harmony, rather than merely addressing symptoms. Incorporating herbs and mushrooms into a dog’s daily routine, and learning which are most beneficial throughout the year, are effective ways to achieve this balance. The idea is to support immunity and other internal healing mechanisms before problems arise.
It is helpful to adopt a “dog-as-ecosystem” approach, where all aspects of their wellbeing are seen as interconnected. A dog’s organs, nervous system, physical health, emotional state and environment continually influence one another. For example, stress can trigger a cascade of responses, such as overstimulating the nervous system, leading to digestive upset or a weakened immune system. Similarly, exposure to toxins might contribute to behavioral changes because the nervous
system is inextricably related to the liver’s role in detoxification. Herbs can address these connections and help maintain balance across a dog’s entire ecosystem.
Choosing the Right Herbs and Mushrooms
Because emotional health is closely tied to physical health, calming herbs and mushrooms can help maintain physical balance by reducing inflammation, supporting digestion and detoxification, and enhancing overall organ function. Here are some of the most effective choices.
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) also stimulates bile production, which aids in the digestion of fats and proper stool formation.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). Use milk thistle seed rather than a standardized extract of silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle.
Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc sends us her baby boy, Genesis, 5-y-old. He (along with two others) was a “wall rescue” after being abandoned in the attic and falling down into the wall when he was just a nugget. What a beauty!
Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.
• Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica/urens) also provides anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) directly impacts the nervous system by reducing stress-induced gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) modulates the immune system, the gut and the nervous system.
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) improves coat condition, liver function and helps balance the microbiome.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Stress and Anxiety Herbal Infusion
1 tsp dried dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)
1 tsp dried milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum)
1 tsp dried nettle leaf (Urtica dioica/urens)
1 cup boiling water
Combine dandelion root, milk thistle seeds and nettle leaf in a shatterproof glass container. Pour one cup of almost boiling water over the herbs and cover to let them steep for 15 minutes. Strain, reserving the liquid, and cool. Give one tablespoon for every 20 pounds of body weight. It can be mixed with food.
Nature Nurture
Along with a daily infusion of herbs and mushrooms in a dog’s diet, spending time in nature will benefit them tremendously. Whether walking in the woods, playing fetch at the park or lying in the grass, this connection to Earth provides grounding, mental stimulation, physical exercise and emotional nourishment. Feeding our furry best friends natural, calming ingredients and spending time with them outdoors is the ideal recipe for a balanced, happy and healthy life.
Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with more than 20 years of experience and author of The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice. Learn more at CanineHerbalist.com.
Email dwilson@natampa.com
Calendar of Events
Wednesday, February 19
FREE Hypnosis-NLP Webinar “Be a Love Magnet” - 7:308:30pm. Interactive webinar hosted by Board Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, Master Trainer & NLP Master Practitioner, Patricia V. Scott PhD. Patti shares 33 years of experience with practical, easy to use concepts & techniques with Q&A. All welcome 3rd Wednesday monthly w/various topics. May include a hypnotic experience. Register for log-in details: UPHypnosis@ yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com.
Friday February 21
Wisdom of Light Conference - Feb. 21-23, 3pm Fri through 3pm Sun. A weekend gathering of leaders in the fields of Science, Spirit, Ancient Civilizations, Health and more. Special reception Friday evening and dinner presentation with Wendy Kennedy Saturday evening. Conference Fee: $444. Hilton Disney Springs, 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista. All details, visit WisdomofLightConference.com.
Sunday, February 23
Volunteers Needed for “Hypnosis for Weight” - 3-5pm. We are looking for a few volunteers to do online practice sessions for weight reduction with our current hypnosis students working towards Certification. Sessions supervised by Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott PhD, and are designed to give you a feel-good, relaxing experience. Contact for phone interview: 727-943-5003 or UPHypnosis@yahoo.com UPHypnosis.com
PLAN AHEAD
Saturday, June 14
Heal Your Life® Workshop Leader Training - 14-20 June, train in Louise Hay’s philosophy, personally approved by her. Six nights/seven days training in Orlando takes you on a deep dive into Louise’s techniques and provides you with complete materials to lead up to 15 different workshops. Call Master Trainer Patricia Crane, 760-539-2227. HealYourLifeTraining. com/florida
Ongoing Events
Sunday
Free Dianetics Film - 10am-10pm, Mon-Fri. 9am-6pm, SatSun. What Happens When We are Unconscious? In this 30-minute film, Dianetics explains the discovery of the Reactive Mind for the source of your fears, insecurity, phobias and nightmares. 1300 E 8th Ave., Tampa, 813-872-0723.
Monday
Meacham Urban Farm - 3-7pm Mon. & Fri. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 5:45pm, until Dec 18. 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 - movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota. com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/
Tuesday
Restorative Yoga with Collette - 5-6:30pm. Unwind and let go with a calm and recharged flow. A gentle practice with fully supportive postures, mindfulness and breath. This beginner’s session will help reduce stress, ease physical and mental tension, increase balance, strength and flexibility. Boosting overall health and energy levels. Space limited. $15/per class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. RSVP 727-250-9688.
Wednesday
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am, until Dec 18. 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 - movement lessons w/ replays. More info, 941-360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/SarasotaClasses-Feldenkrais/
Yoga Session: 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, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.
Thursday
Shamanic Sound Healing Journeys - 7-8:30pm. Using our multidimensional soundscapes and psychedelic videos will take you on a deep dive within Self, where knowledge, guidance and wisdom are abundant. Event takes place in virtual reality which can be accessed via computer or with VR headsets (ideal). Free. Host: JoAnn Shivanti | VRchat.com VITAL.3731 | World: Psychedelic Caverns. Info, 3rdeyeguidance.com/events, 727-4347433, shivanti@3rdeyeguidance.com
Friday
Restorative Yoga with Collette - 9-10:30am. Unwind and let go with a calm and recharged flow. A gentle practice with fully supportive postures, mindfulness and breath. This beginner’s session will help reduce stress, ease physical and mental tension, increase balance, strength and flexibility. Boosting overall health and energy levels. Space limited. $15/per class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. RSVP 727-250-9688.
Saturday
Meacham Urban Farm - 9am-1pm Sat. 10am-1pm Sun. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
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.
Alternative Medicine
LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. David Minkoff, M.D.
Dr. Griselle Figueredo, M.D.
Dr. Neena Iyer, M.D., Dr. Dawn Frankwick M.D. Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN
Rose Tyler, APRN
301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789
LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com
Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, 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 underlying root cause of disease 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 hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 23.
Dr. Grossgold practices internal medicine and pediatrics with an integrative approach to detoxification, anti-aging medicine, functional medicine and nutrition. His clinic offers Integrative Cancer Treatment, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric, EBOO, MHA, UVBI, Theta Chamber and more! See ad page 13.
Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 27.
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.”
The greatest mystery of all is the human heart.
—P. D. James
Certification Course
HEAL YOUR LIFE® TRAINING
Patricia J. Crane, Ph.D. 760-539-2227
HealYourLifeTraining.com/florida
Master Louise Hay’s proven methods for helping others heal and transform their lives. This comprehensive certification training equips you with complete workshop materials, licensing, and skills to launch your teaching practice.
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.
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY
AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Suite B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Complementing detoxification via “Lymphatic Therapy” (see listing), now offering Gravity Method colonics (closed system method), known to be gentler and more effective than other methods. See ad page 25.
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Lisa Harris-Dalton 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844
TheGClinic.or, #MA27502, #MM43949
Compassionate therapist with 26+ years’ experience in massage therapy and open and closed colon hydrotherapy systems. Skilled in collaborating with clients/physicians to optimize wellness goals. See ad page 13.
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
132 Mirror Lake Dr., Suite 101, St. Petersburg 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 welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3 and 15.
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 7.
Hypnosis
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 (Smoking, Weight, Stress, Sports, Habits), Clinical/Medical Hypnotherapy available w/referral. Speaking Services & Corporate Programs. See ad page 29.
Integrative Gynecology
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Dr. Salome Masghati, MD 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844
TheGClinic.org
Renowned, board-certified gynecologist focusing on a diverse range of women’s health issues. Commitment to holistic well-being coupled with an extensive medical background ensures exceptional care. See ad page 13.
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 Nutrition, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-of-Network 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, Fatigue & 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 patient. Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad page 11.
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 Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 6.
RESTORING WELLNESS
Jaimie Mickey, M.D. 10597 US Hwy. 19 North, Pinellas Park 727-351-1700
RestoringWellnessMD.com
Specializing in optimization of bodily systems, including Hormonal; Thyroid; Adrenal; Metabolic Heart and Vascular; Immune and Digestive. IV nutrition therapies and regenerative joint treatments with prolozone. See ad page 19.
Lymphatic Therapy
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Suite B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Specializing in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET). Professional Lymphatic helps those with challenging conditions including inflammation, mold toxicity; auto-immune conditions, post chemo healing, etc. See ad page 25.
CManual and Assisted Lymphatic Therapy & Colon Hydrotherapy with I-ACT Training. Longtime health and wellness advocate with 24+ years’ experience in massage and colonic therapies. See ad page 13.
—Zelda Fitzgerald
727.865.9339
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; facilitate emotional healing. Specializing in Anxiety, Mood, Behavior, Trauma, Family. See ad page 25.
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.
RV Resort
BARE RV RESORT
6901 Caliente Blvd. Land O’Lakes 34637 813-996-6008
BareRVResort.com
A clothing optional oasis, resort and campground perfect for first-time nudists. Women owned/operated, offering a welcoming and relaxing environment to be at one with nature.
Spiritual MRI: Clairvoyant scan of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Shamanic sound healing; chakra & aura reading; past life clearing. Free consultation.t life clearing. Free consultation.
Private sessions using various healing, 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 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 10.
FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY
June Drennon, CCT 2008
JuneDrennon@
FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711
FloridaMedicalThermography.com
Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you. See ad page 8.
Veterinarian
HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 912 Drew St., Suite 102, Clearwater 727-510-3665
HealthyPawsibilities.com
Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.
PAWSITIVE VETERINARY CARE
Shawna L. Green, DVM 11125 Park Blvd., Ste 108, Seminole 727-299-9029
Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet, offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.
6 Nightts, Grand Ca ymans, Bahaamas & Mexico Cellebr ity Cr uise and A Air Fare f or Two Peoople, plus... VIP Event Tickets, Signed Author Books, Natural Beauty Products, Health Programs and more!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO WIN
Pr izes Couur tesy of Sponsors and Exhibitors of The Bes t Prep for Pregnancy Event and Expo
