Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay January 2025 Edition

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

• Holistic Pediatrics

• Integrative Medicine

• Naturopathic Medicine

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• Natural and Integrative Cancer Immunotherapy

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

DR. ANDREAS GROSSGOLD, MD, PhD

Dr. Andreas Grossgold, MD, PhD

Integrative Medicine Urgent Care

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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

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Welcome New Year 2025, new age of Aquarius, new paradigm yetto-be, new us—all happening in the eternally present now.

80+ Vendors, readers, artists, authors, crystals & much more!

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January 18 & 19 • doors open 10am

January 11 & 12 • doors open 10am

January 18 & 19 • doors open 10am

This month’s issue resonates a very high frequency in Returning to Innocence via Beginner’s Mindset, perhaps the greatest “gift”, “wealth”, abundance, for which a person would strive. A lifelong pursuit for many seekers of higher consciousness, it is becoming easier to access this lifestyle as we release more and more ego.

MidFlorida Event Center, 9221 Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie

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St. Petersburg Cooliseum, 535 4th Ave. N

St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N

Speakers

Speakers all day, each day, included with daily admission FOOD SITE

Thinking of each meal as a “nutrition prescription” sounds best when read within the context of how food impacts mood. Serving Up Happiness is extremely informative in addressing foods’ impact on our mental, emotional, gut-brain—“letting go restriction for nourishment”.

Not only females are at the root of fertility struggles. Natural Solutions for Women and Men is a good read for those in the market, expressing the benefits of leading a clean lifestyle, including diet and emotions.

Wise Words this month presents a most befitting epitaph to the Mother of Holistic Medicine, Gladys McGarey, who transitioned into nonphysical at 102. See “Love Is The Most Powerful Medicine”, McGarey’s “Secret III”, found in The Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age.

Also leaving the stage of life earlier this month was our very own Contributing Writer, Eleanor Bailey. We’ll miss you, but know you’re Wholly Now “Our Star”.

With an open Heart and mind, please enjoy.

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Acupuncture

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PRP Injections ∙ Prolozone Therapy ∙ Chronic Infection Treatments ∙ GI Repair

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Liana Kramer, AP, DOM

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DO Medical Director

Resetting the Vagus Nerve via Colon Hydrotherapy

Offering a full spectrum of integrative healthcare services that assist the body’s own natural ability to heal and regenerate, Restoring Wellness, in Pinellas Park, addresses the root cause of dis-ease, helping clients better understand how to create a body functioning in balance and harmony, as it was meant to be.

Restoring Wellness is thrilled to have Certified Colon Hydro-therapist, Marissa Nuce, offering gentle cleansing using a superior form of colon hydrotherapy called the Shea-Way Slo-Fil technique. This unique application has a profound impact on the autonomic nervous system by improving our vagus nerve function which is foundational to improving gut health, digestion and detoxification while boosting the mood and immune systems. Impressive.

Location: 10597 US Hwy. 19 North, Pinellas Park. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call 727-351-1700 or email Hello@RestoringWellnessMD.com. See ad page 23.

Natural Smiles’ Dr. Brittany Nalley

ATampa

Bay native, Dr. Brittany Nalley joined Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay, alongside Dr. Carlo Litano, in August 2023. She combines her dual degrees in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from UCF with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from LECOM School of Dental Medicine to offer exceptional holistic dental care.

Dr. Nalley is dedicated to fostering a culture of personalized care and holistic wellness with a focus on children and families. Her warm and compassionate demeanor, coupled with her unwavering professionalism, create a welcoming and reassuring environment.

With a focus on providing positive holistic dental experiences that contribute to her patients’ overall health and wellness, Dr. Nalley prioritizes ongoing education to stay at the forefront of the advancements in holistic dentistry, ensuring her patients receive the highest standard of care. She is a member of IAOMT, Holistic Dental Association, AAGO and FEMORS.

Location: Natural Smiles of Tampa, 132 Mirror Lake Dr. N, Unit 101, St. Petersburg. For more information and appointments, call 727-300-0044 and visit Natural-Smiles.com. See ad page 4.

Aesthetic Specialist Dr. Stacy

Chase Joins Peaks of Health

As of the New Year, Peaks of Health welcomes to their practice, in Largo, Stacy Chase, DO, FACOFP, FAOGME, bringing years of experience in aesthetic medicine.

Board Certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatments (OMT), Dr. Chase has been practicing and teaching medicine for 20-plus years in Pinellas County. She is a certified BioTe provider, focusing on hormone optimization and overall patient health. Practicing aesthetic medicine for more than 15 years, Dr. Chase performs multiple procedures in derma filling, Botox-type treatments, laser and light therapy, non-surgical face lifts, muscle tightening, weight management, adipose reduction, joint injections and OMT.

Active in the osteopathic medical community, Dr. Chase is past president of the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society and continues to serve the American Osteopathic Association on multiple board and committee-appointed positions. She is a past physician for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Residency and Clinic Director for St. Petersburg General Hospital. Dr. Chase is currently a staff physician for the Veteran’s Administration.

Location: Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, 1120 Belcher Rd. S, Ste. 2, Largo. For more information and appointments, call 727-826-0838 and visit PeaksOfHealth.com. See ad page 11.

Spirit Fest Holistic Expo Comes To St. Pete

The Spirit Fest: Holistic, Metaphysical and Crystal Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., January 18, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., January 19, at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, in St. Pete. The event will feature 80 booths with vendors, practitioners, readers, artists, authors and demonstrations.

“We always have a great lineup of vendors in St. Petersburg,” says producer Mary Ellen Popyk. “They travel from across the country because they love the city and venue. Along with talented and experienced readers and healers, we also have unique specialties such as teas, sound instruments, clothing and more.”

Speakers are scheduled throughout both days on a variety of topics that are included with daily admission. Additional offerings include foot reflexology, henna designs, aura photography and wellness scans. Some vendors speak Spanish.

Admission: $12 per day or $18 for the weekend. Children 12 and under attend free. Food will be available on-site, and there will be free parking.

Location: St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, visit SpiritFestUSA.com or call 321-3132543. See ad page 10.

Age-Related Balance Issues Studied

In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, 40 adults over 50 completed gait, grip strength, knee strength and balance tests. The gait test consisted of a self-paced walk back and forth on an eight-meter-long walkway. The strength tests were performed seated on a custom-made device that isolated the wrist and knee of the participant’s dominant side. For the balance tests, participants stood on both legs with their eyes open for 30 seconds, then on both legs with their eyes closed for 30 seconds. With eyes open, they also stood on their dominant leg for 30 seconds, then switched to their non-dominant leg for another 30 seconds.

The researches found that the one-legged test on the nondominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age. A diminishment in the ability to complete this one-legged balance test, especially for those that cannot balance for five seconds, indicates a significant propensity for falls that hospitalize millions of seniors each year.

Magnesium To Prevent Kidney Stones

In a study involving 76 adults published in the Natural Medicine Journal, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium supplements to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. The subjects were divided into three groups; two of the groups took 120 milligrams of either magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate three times a day for eight weeks, while a control group took a placebo. A urine analysis was performed on each participant at the start of the study and after eight weeks.

The researchers found that magnesium citrate significantly reduced 24-hour urine oxalate levels and calcium oxalate supersaturation—two indicators of kidney stone risk. A reduction in the urinary excretion of calcium is believed to reduce the chances of developing kidney stones.

Disadvantages of Food Pouches for Children

Sales of children’s food pouches with plastic spouts have increased by 900 percent since 2010 and now outsell jarred baby food purees. They are convenient, cost-effective and easy for kids to use without assistance. Traditionally, parents have spoon-fed pureed food from a jar for the first few months of a baby’s life. The pouches contain a single ingredient or a mix of vegetables, grains, yogurt and meat.

A 2019 study in Nutrition Today found that the food pouches they examined contained significantly more added sugar and fruit juice concentrate than jarred and other packaged toddler foods. Healthcare professionals have raised concerns that overreliance on the pouches could interfere with nutrition; long-term food preferences; dental hygiene, because the soft food sticks to teeth before being washed away; and speech and language development, as children miss the opportunity to manipulate their tongue and jaw when swallowing lumpy, textured foods. Children reliant on the smooth, sweet taste delivered by the pouches may also develop aversions to natural fruits and vegetables.

Sasiistock from Getty Images/CanvaPro

microgen from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Nadzeya Haroshka from Getty Images

Homeopathic Treatment for COVID-19

A clinical audit conducted by Health Services Research sought to assess the effectiveness of homeopathic interventions administered in 2020 for 305 outpatients with COVID-19 symptoms. Homeopathy is the treatment of health conditions by minute doses of natural substances. As there is no standard homeopathic remedy, the treatments covered by the audit were individualized for each patient.

Published in Integrative Medicine Reports, the audit reported that 70 percent of the patients experienced a full recovery, while 14.4 percent showed no improvement. Most cases (74.4 percent) were resolved within 21 days and 29.2 percent were resolved in less than five days. The authors of the audit also noted that homeopathy was easy to administer and there were no adverse reactions.

Cases of Cannabis-Related Syndrome Double

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) resulting from longterm use of marijuana is characterized by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. CHS symptoms typically begin abruptly, within 24 hours of the last cannabis use, and may be relieved by hot baths or showers. Hospitalized patients’ symptoms are managed with intravenous fluids and anti-nausea drugs, but the most effective treatment is to stop cannabis use altogether.

According to a report in JAMA Network, CHS now affects an estimated 2.75 million Americans each year, particularly among men between 16 and 34 years old. From 2017 to 2021, emergency room visits for CHS in the U.S. and Canada doubled. In addition to the gastrointestinal issues, CHS may also cause dehydration, acute kidney injury and low blood levels of chloride, potassium, sodium and bicarbonate. The rise in CHS coincides with the legalization of recreational cannabis and increases in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration in cannabis products that cause intoxication.

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Mizina from Getty Images/Antonio_ Diaz from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Elephants Mitigate Climate Change

African forest elephants, a smaller cousin of the savanna elephants that inhabit the dense rain forests of central Africa, are natural climate-change mitigators. They shape their forest habitats by dispersing seeds from large, carbon-storing trees through their dung. Some of the seeds of trees responsible for the greatest carbon sequestration do not germinate until they are digested by the elephants.

As they forage for food, African forest elephants trample the dense underbrush, which promotes the growth of taller, denser carbon-capturing trees. Because the litter left from foraging is not easily decomposed, more carbon is accumulated in the soil. A 2019 report in Nature Geoscience estimates that one forest elephant can increase net carbon capture capacity by almost 250 acres, the equivalent of one year’s worth of emissions from more than 2,000 cars. African forest elephants are critically endangered as a result of illegal poaching and habitat loss.

Smart Traffic Signals

Idling in a car waiting for the pre-timed traffic light to turn green can be frustrating, time consuming and a cause of air pollution. A 2023 simulation published in Applied System Innovation found that deploying smart traffic lights at a single key intersection in a small Portuguese city reduced CO2 emissions by 32 to 40 percent and wait times by 53 to 95 percent.

Smart traffic lights use a combination of sensors, including vehicle detectors, cameras, and light detection and ranging equipment (LiDAR) to collect traffic data, enabling artificial intelligence algorithms to make real-time adjustments that maximize traffic flow. The investment in these technologies is up to local governments. For example, in late 2023, the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments announced that they would upgrade 45 traffic signals in high-traffic areas in Butler County, Ohio.

Drones Reveal Lost Cities

The Silk Road was a series of ancient trade routes that once connected China to the Roman Empire. Research published in the journal Nature reported the discovery of two fortified cities—Tashbulak and Tugunbulak—in the mountains of southeastern Uzbekistan, 7,000 feet above sea level. Urban centers above 6,000 feet are rare.

The discovery is important because it had been assumed that ancient trade routes avoided the mountains of Central Asia. Archaeologists used light detection and ranging equipment (LiDAR), a drone mapping technology, to create a detailed map of these large urban centers, which included watchtowers, fortresses, complex buildings and plazas.

dangdumrong from Getty Images Signature/ CanvaPro

Julia Yashina from Getty Images/CanvaPro

New Uses for Old T-Shirts

Many people have T-shirts that are faded, worn, torn, out of style or don’t fit anymore. Before throwing them out, consider giving them a new life as a useful item for personal or home use.

Scrunchie: Cut a 21-by-3.5-inch strip of fabric and fold it in half, lengthwise and insideout. Sew the long edges together to make a tube. Turn the tube right-side-out. Thread an 8.75-by-one-quarter-inch piece of elastic through the tube and tie the ends of the elastic. Sew the ends of the tube together after folding in the edges to create an even seam.

Tote Bag: Start by cutting off the sleeves and neckline so the shirt resembles a tank top. This will be the top of the bag. Turn the shirt inside-out and mark a horizontal line across the shirt for the bottom of the bag, leaving at least 2 inches below that line. Using scissors, cut threequarter-inch-wide vertical strips from the bottom of the shirt to the line drawn, cutting the front and back of the shirt at the same time. Take the first pair of fringe pieces (a front piece and its back piece) and tie them into a knot. Continue across

until all of the pairs are tied. To further close any gaps, grab the top strand of the first tied set and tie it in a knot with the bottom strand of the set next to it. Repeat until all the strands are tied. Finally, flip the bag right-side-out again to hide the fringe. Alternately, to keep the fringe as a visible part of the bag, turn the shirt right-side-out before tying any pieces.

Dog Tug Toy: Using scissors, cut a shirt into thin strips, stretch the strips to reduce elasticity and then braid them together tightly. Tie a knot at each end and play a game of tug-of-war with the dog.

Memory Quilt: Cut each shirt as close to the neckline as possible, in a consistent size with the graphics in the center. Organize and lay out the squares. Stitch or sew the T-shirts in columns, then sew the columns together. Add batting and backing. The other side of the T-shirts can be used as the backing fabric, if assembled the same way as the front.

Braided Basket: The first step is to create braided yarn. Cut the T-shirt into long strips about two inches wide, and stretch the fabric

to increase length and reduce elasticity. Braid three strips together. To add new material, overlap the end of the new fabric strips with the end of the existing strips and sew or glue them together with fabric adhesive before continuing to braid. The second step is to arrange the braid in a circular or oval pattern to the desired size and use heavy-duty thread to sew the braid to make the bottom of the basket. Using another braid, sew it to the outside of the bottom of the basket and then upwards to make the sides. Add a doublebraided handle and sew it to the top of the basket.

Cleaning Cloths: For shirts too worn to upcycle, cut them into squares and use them as cleaning cloths. When they are dirty, throw them in the washing machine and reuse.

Allison Cherry from Getty

Gentle Cleansing

Improving the ANS, Immune System and Mood

by Jaimie L. Mickey, MD

“Start with the gut” is a mantra of functional medicine.

As a functional and integrative medical doctor, I help patients heal by finding the reason or “root cause” of their dis-ease, and focusing on the patient’s gastrointestinal health is foundational to this healing process.

The human body is quite remarkable, and our gastrointestinal tract does not get enough recognition for its incredible role in keeping us healthy. When it is not functioning properly, it is often the reason we get sick. From mouth to anus, it is approximately 30 feet long in adults, and the surface area of the small intestine alone

is approximately 250 square meters—the size of a tennis court! When the digestive tract is functioning optimally, with proper digestion and absorption of important nutrients and elimination of unneeded waste, we thrive. What many may not know—the gastrointestinal tract is also responsible for maintaining a healthy mood and immune system.

A healthy gut is a strong immune system. According to Hippocrates, “disease begins in the gut”, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is at the core of this proverb. The vagus nerve (or superhighway of the ANS) connects the brain, heart, lungs and gut, keeping us alive by automatically

controlling breathing, heartbeat, blinking, digestion, etc. We often take for granted a properly functioning ANS, but what if it’s not properly functioning? Stressful situations trigger the sympathetic branch of the ANS or “fight or flight” response which is pivotal to our survival, increasing heartbeat, blood pressure and breathing rate to survive an acute threat through the production of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. At the same time, we lose our parasympathetic drive or “rest and digest” response which is where we should spend 80 percent of our lives.

How do we return to “rest and digest” mode? Remaining in “survival mode”, our health declines, resulting in elevated heart rate, blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, immunosuppression, insomnia, indigestion, and even constipation. Our Shea-Way Slo-Fil Colon Hydrotherapy is designed to improve your ANS superhighway by gently supporting the parasympathetic drive, improving relaxation and digestion by reducing the production of stress hormones, and through the natural stimulation of intestinal motility which has many positive impacts on your health.

Here, I share two patient cases to illustrate the role of colon hydrotherapy in improving digestion, mood, metabolism and the immune system:

D.C., a 65-year-old female with chronic constipation, chronic allergies, sinusitis and asthma, really struggled with her

mood and energy levels with frequent sinusitis/asthma exacerbations, having only one to two bowel movements per week. Chronic constipation is almost ALWAYS a sign that one has poor ability to remove cellular waste or detoxify cells (the inability to sweat is another). We started her on a comprehensive integrative treatment plan using colon hydrotherapy to detoxify. After her first series of three consecutive SheaWay Slow-fil colon hydrotherapy treatments, she noticed almost immediate improvement in her energy and regularity of her bowel movements. After several more consecutive sessions (and with the help of daily magnesium), she no longer struggled to have a large bowel movement daily for the first time in her life. She has maintained a 15-lb. weight loss without significant change in her normal diet. She is also experiencing fewer sinus, allergy and asthma

exacerbations; we noticed the side-perk of beautiful and glowing skin.

M.D. is a 56-year-old female with a history of chronic low back pain and erosive arthritis on imaging (often a manifestation of autoimmune disease labeled as “non-specific mixed connective tissue disease” when a more specific label cannot be found on testing). She also had significant difficulties with anxiety, insomnia and menopausal hormone symptoms. She admittedly had IBS that flared when her anxiety flared. She started a comprehensive integrative treatment plan, including dietary changes, bioidentical hormones and gut healing with Shea-Way Slow-Fil colon hydrotherapy. This foundational approach helped improve her digestion, mood and immune system by supporting her detoxification pathways and decreasing overall inflammation. She has since noted significantly improved sleep, mood and energy,

and her chronic back and wrist pain are not nearly as debilitating as before.

Planet Earth is not the pristine place it once was. Healing and detoxification are ongoing life-long processes. I know of no other method that does this more effectively, efficiently and gently than the Shea-Way Slow-Fil colon hydrotherapy technique.

Jaimie L. Mickey, MD, of Restoring Wellness, in Pinellas Park, Florida, is Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Board Certified in Integrative and Holistic Medicine (AIHM), and a Member of American Academy of Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medicine (A4M).

Restoring Wellness is located at 10597 US Hwy. 19 North, Pinellas Park. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 727-351-1700 or email Hello@ RestoringWellnessMD.com. See ad below.

First Thoughts and New Experiences

Returning to Innocence Through Beginner’s Mindset

by Carrie Jackson

The new year brings a fresh focus on growth and forward thinking. An intentional way to harness this is to adopt the Zen Buddhist idea of shoshin, or beginner’s mind. This approach guides people to experience life with curiosity and openness, helping them let go of old patterns. It is a way of being that encourages practitioners to abandon preconceptions, embrace the world with a sense of wonder and see things from a more optimistic perspective. By examining and releasing old ways of thinking, expressing gratitude and

incorporating different practices, the mind, body and heart open to novel opportunities.

The Beginner’s Mindset

“The idea of being open to the situation comes up repeatedly in meditative traditions,” says Steve Rogne, owner and director of Zen Shiatsu, in Evanston, Illinois. He notes that in his practice, shoshin is an essential part of shiatsu, a form of massage therapy that uses gentle pressure to stimulate the body’s acupressure points and meridian channels. Shoshin can aid in unblocking

stagnant energy and harmonizing the flow of qi, or vital energy, in the body.

“As a situation arises, we have our natural responses, which may include wanting to change what is happening. Another perspective is to ask, ‘What if I accept things the way they are?’” Rogne explains. “Accepting situations for the way they are is the foundation from which we can respond. It’s like a preparation for action without being the endpoint. We can simultaneously be open and respond mindfully.”

Learning to accept what is happening can also help us break old patterns of thinking and reacting. “There is a very common human dynamic to move toward the things we want and away from the things we don’t want; however, this can lead to a fixed response pattern that limits our growth,” says Rogne. “In shiatsu, we help people to recognize those patterns and find the balance between active response and trusting with faith. This trains us to listen to our inner wisdom and relax into outcomes that aren’t what we prefer.”

Mindfully changing patterns can open us up to new experiences that we had previously shut out. “You may find a willingness to move forward in new relationships, even though you’ve experienced that relationships can be painful, or perhaps you find the willingness to speak up even though there’s a chance you won’t be heard in the way that you want,” Rogne notes.

Keeping a receptive mind helps to open us up physically, as well. “In both shiatsu and the shoshin mindset, we trust that every person’s body is already working on its own healing. When we let go of our fixed holding patterns, the internal circulation is freed up, leaving the best possible opportunity for the body to regain all the healthy rhythms of the organs and reduce conditions such as chronic pain,” Rogne asserts.

Optimism

Having hope and confidence about the future is essential in cultivating a beginner’s mind, helping to counter some of the fear and intolerance that can undermine our lives. “A shoshin principle is that there is not anything fundamentally wrong with us or with the world. This allows us to move forward with positive faith and engagement,” says Rogne.

“Optimism is a belief that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end,” says Victor Perton, founder of the Centre for Optimism, an Australian-based think tank dedicated to fostering realistic

and infectious optimism around the world. “With optimism, we enter each experience expecting fresh possibilities, guided by a sense that there’s something meaningful to discover.”

This positive outlook has myriad benefits. “Optimism nurtures healthy longevity and acts as a powerful protector against major health threats like heart disease, cancer and dementia,” says Perton. “Optimism also lowers the risk of cognitive decline, as optimistic people tend to be more socially and physically active, helping stave off dementia and age-related memory loss.” A 2022 study of more than 150,000 racially diverse, older women published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that the most optimistic women were healthier, lived 4.4 years longer than the least optimistic women and were more likely to live past age 90.

A positive outlook can help navigate the stress and anxiety of life. “Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the challenge; it means approaching it with the belief that solutions are possible. Optimism and a beginner’s mind work together in this way, helping us to stay open to new paths, resilient in the face of setbacks and appreciative of life’s small, beautiful details,” opines Perton.

Incorporating small, intentional practices into our day can help us cultivate optimism. “Smiling with genuine warmth—even at strangers—can shift our outlook, and asking others, ‘What’s the best thing in your day?’ brings a positive energy to conversations,” says Perton. He also recommends simple grounding practices like gardening, yoga and meditation to nurture curiosity and positivity, noting, “Through these small habits, optimism becomes a daily practice and, in time, a personal superpower for resilience and joy.”

Reframing Our Outlook

Reflective practices encourage us to explore our goals with a fresh outlook. “Journaling is a practice that is just for you, and you’re

Applying Shoshin to Everyday Life

by Carrie Jackson

Kalika Yap, a Los Angeles-based serial entrepreneur, author, coach and podcast host, offers these tips to cultivate shoshin, or beginner’s mind:

• Acknowledge wisdom and smarts, then set them aside. While it is okay to recognize our knowledge and experience, it is also important to consciously set aside preconceptions before approaching a task or problem.

• Ask open-ended questions. Replace statements with questions, such as: “What if we tried this other way?” or “How might we solve this differently?”

• Embrace curiosity. Approach each day with a learner’s mindset and seek out new experiences and perspectives.

• Practice active listening. Value the input of others, regardless of their level of experience, and listen to understand, not to respond.

• Reflect and adapt. Regularly reflect on experiences and what has been learned, and be willing to adapt the approach based on new insights.

• Encourage team creativity. Emphasize the importance of a beginner’s mindset within the team and create an environment where team members feel safe to share new ideas.

• Welcome failure as a learning opportunity. View failures as opportunities to learn, grow and analyze what went wrong to see how to make improvements next time.

• Stay humble. Approach every situation with humility and a willingness to grow, and remember that there is always more to learn.

not intending to share it with anyone else,” explains Shawn Brown, a Baltimore-based wellness facilitator and yoga teacher who helps clients find a path to being their authentic selves. “It really allows you to examine what is popping up and what you are curious about. This might be learning a new language or starting a new yoga practice. When we look at things as a beginner, we are open to what we are truly interested in.”

A regular gratitude practice also helps bring us back to a place of grounding. “When we tap into gratitude, it expands our propensity to be creative and allows us to drop into the present moment. This is where we live, but when we think of the future or ruminate on something that happened in the past, we are pulled out,” says Brown. She encourages clients to take breaks throughout the day and recall a person, place or experience for which they are grateful. “Think about something that makes the corner of your mouth turn into a smile,” she suggests. “It can be as simple as gratitude for your partner who bought dog food or a neighbor who moved a package off the porch. This brings us back into our lives right now, and that’s where the beginner is.”

Cultivating a sense of play can also tap into a shoshin mindset. “As adults, there’s a need to have a goal or expected result in any situation. When you’re a beginner, you don’t have a specific outcome because

you’re just learning. Play, especially with kids or an animal, is free-form engagement without the need to get it right or check something off our to-do list. Releasing the need for control and perfection opens us up and expands us for so many other options and possibilities,” Brown says.

Brown encourages her yoga students to be open in the way they approach their practice. “Coming into a pose in a different way can give us a new experience of it,” she says. “My approach to yoga is not that we’re trying to do the posture, it’s that we’re trying to feel the posture. It’s a mirror of our being and can indicate if you are feeling strong, tired, energized or wobbly. Rather than attaching a label of good or bad, you just notice, and that opens us up.”

Especially in the new year, Brown urges clients to replace “I have to” with “I get to,” which presents more of a growth mindset. “This is the time to reframe our goals,” she points out. “Trying something new, like taking a West African dance class instead of your regular spin class, shakes up the routine and keeps your mind and body learning. You get to be pushed out of the comfort zone, and that’s where the magic happens.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJackson Writes.com.

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Gladys McGarey

November 30, 1920 - September 28, 2024

on the Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every

Age

by Rose Winters

Recognized around the world as the mother of holistic medicine, Gladys McGarey was a physician and activist who inspired new ways of thinking about disease and health. Throughout her expansive career, she championed the integrated use of healing methods from Western, Eastern and Indigenous sources; advocated the use of food to prevent and treat disease; and promulgated the idea that illnesses offer glimpses into our inner selves.

McGarey practiced medicine for eight decades, was the cofounder and former president of the American Holistic Medical Association (now called the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine) and co-founder of the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine. She was one of the first medical doctors to use acupuncture in the United States.

In her book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor’s Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, McGarey offers both practical advice and inspiring wisdom drawn from her own life, as well as from the experiences of patients, family and friends. Here is a selection of excerpts from her book.

Secret I: You Are Here for a Reason

Each of us is here for a reason, to learn and grow and to give our gifts. When we are able to do so, we’re filled with the creative life energy that I call the “juice.” The juice is our reason for living. It’s our fulfillment, our joy. It’s what happens when life is activated by love. It’s the energy we get from the things that matter and mean something to us.

Secret II: All Life Needs To Move

Consider life flowing like a forest stream. A tree falls across the stream, creating a small dam, and some sticks come along to build the dam up a little higher. Downstream of the dam, the water flow may slow significantly, but it usually doesn’t stop completely. Even if it does, the water continues to flow upstream of the dam, and the movement can be seen in the rising waterline. At some point, the water reaches the top of the dam and a trickle forms on one side or another, going around the dam and continuing downstream.

Life reaches for life. Always. That means that when we feel the most stuck, whether physically, emotionally, situationally, or any other way, we may need only to look to where things are still moving. When we put our focus and our energy there, a trickle will form around our dam. Aligning with this trickle will help us realign with life. When we do, we can get up and start moving again. Once that happens, all we need to do is keep going.

Secret III: Love Is the Most Powerful Medicine

Love dispels fear, but it is also blocked by fear. The two are often presented together because they’re constantly in a push-pull game with each other. If fear is our habit, practicing love is a wise solution. And that practice will take us far, because love is infinitely stronger than fear—always. Just as our bodies are born to breathe air, we are born to love. That’s why although it’s good to address our fear, it’s even better to focus on our love. Any effort we put toward love—truly, any effort at all—will self-perpetuate, bringing joy, health, and well-being into our lives.

Secret IV: You Are Never Truly Alone

There’s a danger in thinking that we have to agree on everything to enjoy each other’s company. This pushes everyone to extremes. It’s natural that when someone’s life looks like ours, it’s easier to find common points of connection. But it’s sometimes the people who are most unlike us who push us to see things in a new way. That means there’s great meaning in interacting with people we don’t like that much. When we approach people who think very differently from us with curiosity instead of condemnation, we grow.

Secret V: Everything Is Your Teacher

True optimism isn’t toxic, because focusing on the positive does not mean denying the negative. It does not mean we dissociate from our pain, whether it’s physical or emotional, or pretend that things are okay when they aren’t. Instead, it means we look for what’s wonderful anyway. We allow what hurts to hurt while continuing to search for the lesson in it and be grateful for the teaching.

Secret VI: Spend Your Energy Wildly

Love is always worth your energy. Always. Lean into what you love, whom you love, how you love. Love is an endless font of life force, and it’s always there for you.

Excerpts are printed by permission of The Foundation for Living Medicine, created in 1989 by McGarey to bridge the gap between holistic and allopathic medicine through research and education. To learn more or to make a donation, visit FoundationForLivingMedicine.org.

Rose Winters is chief executive officer of The Foundation for Living Medicine and a consultant addressing nonprofit strategies with a special focus on women, health and children.

To read a longer version, visit online at https://tinyurl.com/McGareyWW or scan the QR code.

Secrets to a Joyful Childhood

Building a Family That Laughs and Loves Together

by Christina Connors

There are no sweeter sounds than the giggles of a child playing with a puppy or the giddy singing voice of a little one at bedtime. When these life-affirming moments are consistent and shared among a family, such heartfelt and abiding contentment can be considered a type of joy that becomes second nature, impacting children in enduring ways.

“Joy is the building block for developing resilience, improving mental health and supporting cognitive performance,” says Dr. Chanie Messinger, a Brooklyn-based occupational therapist, educator and motivational speaker. “It’s important to remember that our ability to experience joy is directly dependent upon our ability to be open to

experiencing all the rainbow of emotions, including sadness, anger and frustration. To me, creating a joyful home means that, as a family, we practice accepting and holding all of our emotions through joyful play, deep connection and creativity.”

“Everything starts in the home, and our kids take their cues from their parents and caregivers,” says Harmony Longenecker, founder of The Classical Academy of Sarasota, in Florida, a private pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade classical liberal arts school. “It is important to model for our kids how to be grateful, generous and joyful, and doing things together as a family fosters those qualities.”

A systematic review of research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that positive family dynamics like cohesion and communication strongly predict the happiness of children and adolescents. Here are some ways to incorporate joy in the home to benefit the whole family.

Reduce smartphone use. Children thrive whenever their parents and other family members are fully present in their lives. When spending time together, it is vital to remove distractions as a way of enabling and deepening the connection to one another. Eliminating or reducing smartphone use during family time is an important first

step. To learn more, Longenecker recommends reading The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, by Erin Loechner.

Champion a gratitude jar. Encourage everyone to write down what they are thankful for on pieces of paper and drop them into a large jar. Once a week, invite each family member to pull out a gratitude note and share it with the group, encouraging discussion.

Have a family dance party. “Moving our bodies is a great way to release tension and boost serotonin,” says Messinger. For added fun, stop the music every so often and have everyone freeze in place in outlandish positions that represent an emotion. Family members then take turns guessing what the emotions are. Is it boredom, anger, glee,

frustration or anticipation? This enjoyable game can improve the emotional intelligence of children.

Engage in a child’s favorite activity. Plan an afternoon or day trip around a child’s passions, which could be attending a car race for the auto enthusiast, painting outdoors for the child artist or having a family fashion show for the budding clothing designer. “Tapping into what our kids appreciate and noticing what lights them up is how we can create feelings of safety and joy,” says Messinger.

Hold recurring family meetings. At the beginning of each season, sit down together and set family goals for the quarter, making sure to include both thoughtful intentions and fun activities. “Communication and

setting intentions regularly as a family is not only a fun way to spend time together, but also opens up conversations about the power of setting intentions and following through,” says Longenecker.

Get moving outdoors together. Go for a family bike ride. Take a walk in nature. Visit the zoo. Exercising in the sunshine or under a sparkling night sky is not only great for everyone’s health, but also a fun way to bond and make special memories.

Keep a tidy household. A well-ordered home is a joyful one. Make chores fun by playing music while decorating, cooking, cleaning or doing laundry together.

Develop a family manifesto. Jointly write down a code of conduct and set of beliefs that identifies the family. “Getting clear on who we are as individuals and as a family helps our kids know their true selves. By helping them develop this inner knowing, it will help them navigate the world with confidence and be less likely to succumb to unhealthy peer pressure,” says Longenecker.

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Hit the reset button. “Oftentimes being crabby is a habit,” says Longenecker. “Establish a rule: When a family member wakes up crabby, they must return to their room and take a few moments of alone-time to breathe and decide to shift their emotional state to a more positive one. If there are feelings that need to be seen and heard, be sure to help them express those emotions through conversation and cuddling.”

Practice radical generosity. The act of giving is healthy for the soul. A beautiful way to practice generosity as a family is to serve together. Volunteer at a local charity, or pay for a stranger’s meal at a restaurant. Such acts of kindness strengthen our empathy muscles and fill our spirits with joy.

Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of Christina’s Cottage, a YouTube series to strengthen kids’ resilience, connection and joy through music, mindful play and the power of the heart. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.

The Upcycling Lifestyle

How To Make Anything New Again

by Maya Whitman

In a world overflowing with needless waste, sustainability is the new necessity, and upcycling is trending as a fun, creative practice for all ages. Whether we slather peanut butter on a paper towel tube and roll it in seeds to make a bird feeder or turn a patterned bedsheet into curtains, the point of upcycling is to reduce trash by transforming an obsolete item into something useful or beautiful. It is a way forward that conserves precious resources, reduces our carbon footprint, saves money and provides an outlet to unleash our imagination.

Almost anything can be repurposed—from clothing and furniture to household items like wine bottles, cardboard and toothpaste tubes. Many online and offline resources provide inspiration, including books like Calin Duke’s How To Upcycle Nearly Everything. Cleaning out old drawers and closets or perusing thrift stores opens the door to endless possibilities for personal expression and clever innovation.

Dressing Up Drab

According to a 2021 study by market researchers at First Insight and at the Baker Retailing Center in The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania, upcycled clothing is a favorite among Gen Z consumers that prioritize sustainability over brandnameloyalty.The#UpcycledFashionhashtag is more popular than ever, with more than 427 million views on TikTok, a large driver of Gen Z content.

Sewing a quilt out of old T-shirts or cutting up worn-out jeans to make a stylish boho

purse can be weekend projects or rainyday distractions for bored kids. But for Angela Sawyer, upcycling is a passion and a way of life. Inspired by her mother and grandmother, as well as a lifelong passion for crafting and art, she created her own YouTube channel @MizAngelaSawyer to teach and motivate others. Her tutorials exhibit the joy that can come from a do-ityourself lifestyle. “It’s fun to see what you can make out of something else,” she declares.

Sawyer suggests viewing everything around the house with a new perspective, saying, “Look for anything you use a lot of and have to throw away. What could you make with those, since you have so many?” Her jam is turning outgrown clothes into personal fashion statements.

“Jeans are very popular to upcycle,” Sawyer explains. “You can turn them into skirts, patchwork blankets and much more.” For the stitching-phobic, there are plenty of no-sew techniques to embellish or repurpose tired clothes, such as dying fabrics (extra points for plant-based dyes); applying self-adhesive trim, patches or lace; adding rhinestones with fabric glue; and tying or braiding fabric pieces together. For beginners, Sawyer recommends watching online YouTube channels that offer easyto-follow instructions and creative solutions for every craft project.

Functional Memories

Sentimental mothers are reluctant to give away baby clothes, but upcycling can

preserve family memories in the form of patchwork memory quilts, holiday ornaments and clothing for dolls that can be handed down to the next generation. Those inexplicably mismatched socks can be reused as dusting or cleaning mitts, rice-filled hot compresses or eyeglass holders. Old teacups are lovely containers for hand-poured candles, while old forks and spoons can be repurposed into musical wind chimes. Even junk mail and glossy, outdated catalogs can be transformed into handmade cards and decoupage jewelry.

Creativity Prompts

To a creative mind, anything can be repurposed and reimagined. Inventive examples abound, many of which are easy to replicate. Here are a few ideas.

• Use toilet paper rolls as cable organizers to keep the wires from tangling.

• Store earbuds in empty mint containers.

• Transform used wine bottles into rustic flower vases.

• Spruce up old furniture with a fresh coat of paint and re-purpose bent silverware as drawer pulls.

• Make a necklace or earrings with buttons.

• Repurpose an old tennis racket into a trellis for the garden.

• Take broken plates and ceramics, break them down and create a new work of art.

• Place stringed lights in discarded jars for a new lease on life.

• Turn aluminum or plastic containers into house planters.

Community Crafting

Showing others how to turn trash into treasure or add new life to tired objects is

a wonderful motivator for friends, neighbors and future generations. “When a child gets into upcycling, it can give them a sense of accomplishment, which increases confidence,” Sawyer points out. “It can have a ripple effect outside of our communities, too, if we share with others what we are doing and inspire them to do the same.”

Maya Whitman is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings

gabrielabertolini from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Serving up Happiness

Foods for Better Moods

by Zak Logan

Most of us feel a little grumpy when we’re hungry, but a diet that is dominated by ultra-processed packaged foods and drive-through meals increases our chances of experiencing chronic mood swings and symptoms of depression. Ultra-processed foods are characterized by a long list of additives—artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners,

preservatives, salt and more—resulting in products that do not resemble their original natural state.

In a 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open involving more than 10,000 participants aged 18 or older, individuals with a higher percentage of their total energy intake from ultra-processed foods

were significantly more likely to report mild depression and more mentally unhealthy and anxious days. Research involving more than 31,000 middle-aged women published last year in JAMA Network Open linked a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, especially artificial sweeteners, to a higher risk of depressive disorders. Reducing ultra-

RossHelen/CanvaPro

processed food intake by at least three servings per day lowered the risk of depression.

In order to produce serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are crucial for balanced mental health, our bodies require vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in real, whole foods. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding processed meats, sugary beverages, sweets and refined grains, and it gives a thumbsup to feel-good fare on the Mediterranean diet that includes plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains; healthy fats like olive oil; lean meats, including fish and poultry; and some dairy, such as natural cheese and yogurt.

Brain Changers

According to Holly DeLong, a registered dietitian and the founder of Food & Mood, in Malvern, Pennsylvania, “Food is a form of medicine, and we truly can make big improvements in our mental and emotional well-being using the intersection between nutrition and mental health. Food, gut health and nutrient status all affect neurotransmitter production and balance. Certain nutrients are required to produce neurotransmitters.” She recommends the consumption of mood-friendly, B-vitaminrich leafy greens, avocados, lentils, sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast, as well as magnesium-packed whole grains, tofu and bananas.

“What we eat influences key systems in our body, especially blood sugar, gut health and inflammation, and these impact mood, energy, stress and anxiety,” says Amy Fox, a certified functional food coach and life coach in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Think of each meal as your ‘nutrition prescription’. These choices almost always predict how you’ll feel in a few hours. A helpful rule of thumb is to aim for foods with five ingredients or less and limit boxed, bagged or wrapped items.” She also notes that high-sugar items, especially before bed, are the worst offenders.

What we eat, and when, can improve the body’s chemical balancing act. “Meal timing can be a huge factor in how food affects mood. Skipping meals and eating too close to bedtime can contribute to poor energy, lower moods and higher anxiety for some people,” explains DeLong.

Fox notes that consuming alcohol can also backfire. “Sometimes we think a glass of wine will help us unwind after a long day, but it has the opposite effect. Even small amounts of alcohol can disrupt the production of our natural happiness chemicals.”

Gut Health

Because 95 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut, nutritionally dense foods and those containing probiotics and prebiotics promote the presence of good bacteria in the belly, which ensures the production of this neurotransmitter. Fox recommends three daily servings of fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, kimchi, plain Greek yogurt and naturally fermented sauerkraut found in the refrigerated section with “live cultures” on the label.

DeLong’s favorite go-to allies are sources of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts and chia seeds to combat inflammation,

an integral factor in fighting the blues. She praises the antioxidant potential of berries, acai and pomegranates, and suggests swapping coffee for L-theanine-rich matcha green tea to decrease systemic patterns of anxiety.

Protein Power

Protein is an unsung hero in eating to feel better. “A craving for sweets might indicate a serotonin deficiency often linked to stress and low energy,” says Fox. “When you eat protein-rich foods, they help slow digestion, keeping blood sugar levels stable and providing a longer-lasting energy source.” She recommends lean chicken, beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and legumes.

Consistent Change

According to DeLong, “Neurotransmitter health is not a predetermined, unchangeable defect as it is often seen. We can make an impact with the choices we make.”

Simple, consistent changes in the diet can produce lasting effects. “It’s about small, supportive choices that build up over time, shifting focus from restriction to nourishment,” says Fox.

Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to getting back to basics.

MICHAEL BUBLÉ

"Like

- Michael Bublé

GUT-FRIENDLY BROCCOLI NUT SOUP

YIELD:

3 SERVINGS

1 yellow onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

¾ tsp dried thyme

5 cups bone broth

1 cup raw cashews

1½ lbs Yukon gold or white potatoes, diced (approx. 3½ cups)

7 cups broccoli florets (approx. 1 large head of broccoli)

½ tsp sea salt or to taste

½ tsp black pepper or to taste

Add onion, garlic, celery and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to a pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, adding more water as needed to prevent sticking. Add the thyme and sauté another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add broth, cashews, potatoes, broccoli florets, salt and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot or carefully transfer the contents of the pot to a stand blender in batches and puree.

Serve with crusty bread or garnish with croutons.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

SUSTAINING GRAIN BOWL

YIELD: 1 TO 3 SERVINGS

1 cup whole grain of choice, cooked (millet; wild, brown or black rice; buckwheat; quinoa; farro; or amaranth)

1 to 3 cups vegetables, raw, lightly steamed, roasted or sautéed

4 to 6 oz of lean protein of choice, cooked (lean meat, egg, beans, legumes, tempeh, tofu or fish)

⅛ cup nuts, seeds, sprouts or avocado

Cook grain, vegetables and protein, depending on choice of ingredients. To build, layer grain as the base and add vegetables, protein and toppings.

Recipe courtesy of Holly DeLong.

EASY SERENITY SALAD BOWL

YIELD:

1 SERVING

2 cups mixed greens of choice (baby lettuce, mustard, chard, spinach, arugula or chicory)

¼ cup fermented veggies (kimchi or sauerkraut)

¼ cup cooked beans (kidney, black or garbanzo)

1 Tbsp flaxseeds

2 Tbsp walnuts

1 Tbsp lemon juice

½ Tbsp olive oil

Optional: grilled salmon or avocado slices

Mix greens, fermented veggies, beans, flaxseeds and walnuts in a bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Top with grilled salmon and/or avocado slices.

Recipe courtesy of Amy Fox.

FEEL-GOOD PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

YIELD: 1 SERVING

¾ cup ultra-filtered protein milk (found in many grocery stores)

1 scoop protein powder (whey, soy, egg white, pea or hemp)

½ frozen banana

Handful of frozen strawberries or other berries

1 Tbsp of flaxseeds

¼ cup of zero-percent-fat, plain Greek yogurt

Handful of kale

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well. To thicken, add a few ice cubes or place smoothie in the freezer for 7 to 10 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Amy Fox.

ildipapp/CanvaPro

Advancing a Couple’s Fertility

Natural Solutions for Women and Men

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

The prospect of parenthood can bring a range of emotions to couples trying to conceive—from excitement and jubilation to worry, frustration and sadness. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. Many couples hoping to conceive turn to costly medications and painful procedures designed to manipulate hormones, help with ovulation issues and prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy.

In addition to researching such medications and procedures, couples should explore natural alternatives that nurture and support their ability to conceive. “Fertility is not just about hormones,” says Nashat Latib, a certified functional medicine doctor specializing in natural fertility. “Consider what is going on in your whole body.”

“Males and females are equally at the root of fertility struggles, and sometimes the roadblocks can come from both sides,” observes Aumatma Simmons, a naturopathic doctor, endocrinologist and author of Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About BabyMaking. “It is essential to pinpoint the root causes of fertility problems.”

For women, fertility rates naturally decline with age, from a 25 to 30 percent chance of pregnancy in their early-tomid-20s to about a 5 percent chance by age 40. Other health concerns such as ovulation issues, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome can complicate conception and the ability to carry a baby to term.

When fertility issues arise, often the focus is placed on women, but about half of the cases can be attributed to the men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 12.8 percent of men aged 25 to 49 experience infertility, and the rate is rising. Factors like low sperm production, poor sperm quality, oxidative stress, blockages preventing sperm release, undescended testicles and cancers contribute to male infertility. Other health problems, including diabetes, infections, hormone imbalances, autoimmunity and tumors, can impact both men and women.

Rainbow Nutrition

Diet plays a significant role in overall reproductive health. Simmons stresses the need for a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole grains to provide the essential nutrients that support fertility.

Phytonutrients—natural compounds in plants that provide health benefits—optimize male and female fertility and help the body eliminate toxins. Simmons also recommends limiting processed foods and refined sugar, which can negatively impact hormone balance.

“Nutrients found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kohlrabi can help regulate and metabolize hormones,” says Latib. “Nutrients found in grapes and berries can improve the quality of the eggs and sperm by reducing oxidative stress; protect reproductive cells from damage; support successful embryo implantation; regulate ovulation by modulating hormone levels; and promote hormonal balance. Compounds like lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon have been shown to improve sperm motility and boost immune function by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.”

Latib adds that pairing foods from different color categories in meals helps maximize the positive effects of phytonutrients. Examples include a berry smoothie with spinach, a stir-fry dish with a rainbow of vegetables, a tomato and mushroom frittata, a cauliflower

rice bowl with turmeric and veggies, and a kale salad topped with sweet potato.

A Clean Lifestyle

Toxins are all around us, and hormonedisrupting chemicals found in cosmetics, plastic packaging, toys, carpets and pesticides can have serious consequences for male and female fertility. Latib suggests using glass instead of plastic whenever possible and eating organic fruits and vegetables to reduce the pesticide and herbicide exposure.

“Be cautious of endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, and phthalates that are used to make plastics. They are found in food packaging, water bottles and food-can linings,” says Simmons, adding, “Even ingredients like ‘fragrance’ can contribute to hormonal imbalances and guthealth issues.”

Stress can negatively affect fertility, underscoring the need for stress management. Simmons recommends quitting tobacco use, reducing alcohol intake and practicing yoga or meditation to improve overall reproductive health. Exercise can also reduce tension, improving health and fertility.

Latib recommends high-intensity exercise during the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle and restorative movement and exercise in the second half of the cycle. For men, she notes the importance of supporting testosterone levels with regular exercise and sufficient sleep, limiting unhealthy environmental exposures and consuming adequate levels of nutrients like zinc and vitamin D.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can negatively impact fertility by disrupting hormone balance and damaging reproductive tissues. Oxidative stress occurs when the

body’s free radicals and antioxidants are not balanced, leading to damaged reproductive cells and fertility issues.

Both Latib and Simmons recommend working with a fertility specialist to assess a couple’s health, fertility and lifestyle factors. The assessment should include hormone testing to measure levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones and prolactin; nutrient testing for zinc, selenium and antioxidant levels; a gut-health

assessment; and a thorough evaluation of environmental toxin exposures.

“Your body is smart,” emphasizes Latib. “Nothing is unexplainable. If you are having trouble conceiving, there is a root cause. A functional fertility practitioner can guide you through the process.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

Bonding With a Dog

Fun Tips To Build Trust, Calm and Companionship

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Engaging with the family dog can strengthen the relationship, improve well-being and bring joy. With a little planning, each interaction offers dogs and their owners a chance to exercise, bond, explore and have fun.

Benefits of Interacting With Dogs

In a 2020 study published in Scientific Reports involving 35 dog owners and 58 doghuman activities, researchers concluded:

• Physical interactions with dogs, such as playing, training exercises and being greeted by the dog, increased the owners’ positive emotions, including happiness, joy and contentment, while at the same time reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and fear.

• Owning and caring for a dog was linked to an increased sense of purpose, meaning, responsibility and fulfillment, as well as a positive feeling of companionship.

• While not directly tied to dog-human activities, the general experience of having a dog contributed to a more positive outlook on life.

Dog-Owner Bonding

According to the National Institutes of Health, a strong bond with the family pet can lower a person’s blood pressure and decrease levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Playing or relaxing with a dog

engenders a sense of safety, while also allowing the dog to feel calm and less reactive. Dogs that regularly share activities with their owners tend to show more affection, trust and excitement.

A 2024 Finnish study published in Science Daily determined that during interactions, dogs tended to be in sync with their owners’ stress levels, as measured by heart rate variability. This suggests that a close bond between a dog and their companion can build an emotional connection and even affect underlying physiological responses. What we do with our pets can have an effect on their emotional disposition, and ours.

Fun Activities

Carla Brown, a dog trainer and holistic pet health coach in Truckee, California, offers these tips to keep dogs happy and healthy.

Play and Exploration: Dogs are happiest when they can play and explore off-leash. This time is essential for their physical and mental growth. If off-leash spaces are not available, find other ways for the dog to play and explore.

Running and Playing: Running and playing release a dog’s endorphins—hormones that can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. These activities also improve brain function, support immune health,

Photoboyko

Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, of Port Richey, shares Spanky Almondine (goes by “The Hobbit”), a 5-y-o rescue, abandoned by his mom when he wasn’t even weaned. “A HUGE ham who loves to show off and hog attention, he even used to have his own newsletter,” shares his human. We’re a fan!

reduce inflammation and help regulate appetite. Varying the activities keeps them mentally and physically healthy.

Mental Stimulation: Teaching the dog basic nose-work skills is a great way to challenge their mind and provide calm, enriching experiences. Start nose work by tossing a treat for the dog to find. Use simple phrases like “Find it” or “Search.” As the dog gets better at finding the treat, make the search more challenging by hiding treats in different spots. Dog puzzles, snuffle mats and frozen stuffed toys that hide a treat inside are other ways to teach nose work.

Safety Tips for Dog-Dog Play: Dog-dog play can be rough and scary to the inexperienced observer. They rear up, wrestle and use open mouths. When dogs play together properly, no one should get hurt. Good playmates take self-imposed breaks when play escalates too much. On the other hand, puppies need help to calm down and stop playing.

Tips for Human-Dog Play: Set clear rules and follow through to ensure play is fun and safe. Teach cues like “Sit” and “Give a hug.” Don't allow rough play that promotes bad mouth habits. If a dog is used to roughhousing at home, they won’t understand that it is not okay with others. Allowing the dog to jump on their owner

when they come home might suggest that it is okay to jump on strangers.

Safety With Kids and Seniors: When it comes to playing with children or older people, the rules are stricter. Dogs should be discouraged from using their mouth or jumping on people. This is why controlling play is important. Giving the dog a cue to sit, wait, take or drop will help them calm down. If the dog has trouble calming down, give them regular breaks. The reward is playing by the rules.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@ natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.

Printed calendar is a gratis feature for advertisers. Non-advertisers: get your Mark Your Calendar event listed for $50/listing. Email dwilson@natampa.com for more info. On line version of Calendar of Events gratis at NATampa.com.

Calendar of Events

Saturday, January 4

“Your Unlimited Mind” Free On-line Event - 4-9pm. 21st Annual World Hypnotism Day event sponsored by UP Hypnosis Institute & Patricia V. Scott, PhD, features top Hypnosis & NLP experts with fun, informative seminars & hypnotic experiences. Registration options: Free (Access to online event “Live”) or $25 (Access to online event PLUS video replays & bonus prizes ($150-plus value!). 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

Saturday, January 9

Weight Loss Seminar – 6pm. Reviewing GLP-1’s and maintaining weight loss with Tracie Leonhardt, DO. Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, 1120 Belcher Rd S / Suite 2 / Largo. 727- 826-0838, PeakOfHealth.com.

Happy Heart

Coming in February

Wednesday, January 15

FREE Hypnosis-NLP Webinar “Releasing” - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar hosted by Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, Hypnosis & NLP Master Trainer & Ordained Minister, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 33 years’ experience, Patti shares practical, easy to use concepts & techniques with Q&A. All welcome 3rd Wednesday monthly w/various topics. Some webinars include a hypnotic experience. Register for log-in details: UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com.

Saturday January 18

Spirit Fest: Holistic Metaphysical, and Crystal Expo - Jan. 18-19, 10am-6pm Sat & 10am-5:30pm Sun. Enjoy 80 booths with vendors, practitioners, intuitive readers, artists, and demos. Entrance fee: $12/day. Children 12 & under free. St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Details at SpiritFestUSA.com.

Sunday, January 26

Volunteers Needed for “Hypnosis for Stress” - 3-5pm. We are looking for a few volunteers to do practice sessions for stress reduction on-line with our current hypnosis students who are 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 Info, UPHypnosis.com.

PLAN AHEAD

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.

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

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 - 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, 941360-2248. FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register with Bonnie at: FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/

Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.

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/

Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.

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.

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.

Infertility

January 20 thru 25 Conceive your dream f amily

Join us for an immersive experience where experts share ancient wisdom and modern science solutions.

Learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the January 20 through 25 event SCAN ME

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 25.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Andreas Grossgold, MD

Salome Masghati, MD

Jim Hughes, MD

Dennis Eroh, PA-C

Susan Budgis, Integrative Aesthetician

Valentina Escobar, Integrative Aesthetician 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater

727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org

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 6.

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 workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 30.

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.”

ASTROLOGY TRANSITS

Scherezade Lozano

305-560-3429

AstrologyTransits.com

Unlock your potential with expert astrology guidance. 20 years’ experience delivering accurate readings to uncover core aspects of personality, emotions, health, finances, and life patterns.

Certification Course

HEAL YOUR LIFE® TRAINING

Patricia J. Crane, Ph.D. 760-539-2227

In golf as in life, it’s the follow through that makes the difference.

—Ben Wicks

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 39.

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 20.

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 6.

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, 7 & 17.

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 13.

Hypnosis

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

HYPNOSIS, INC.

Patricia V. Scott, President 727-943-5003

UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com

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 6.

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.

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 33.

You never know when the tables will turn, so I think we should all just be kind to one another. It’s really as simple as that.

—Vick Hope

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 9.

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 23.

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 20.

THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC

Jill Gonzalez-Cass 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844

TheGClinic.org #MA32561, #MM43949

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 6.

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 23.

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.

Sound Therapy

JOANN SHIVANTI, LMT

Shamanic Sound Healing

shivanti@3rdEyeGuidance.com 3rdEyeGuidance.com 727-434-7433

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.

Spiritual Intuitive

UNIVERSOULLIGHT CONSULTING

Rev. Amanda Segovia, Reiki Master Certified SRT Personal Consultant UniverSoulLight.com UniverSoulLight@gmail.com

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.

C ARIBBEAN ISL AND CRUISE & AIR FARE

Plus

• VIP Event Tickets

• Author-Signed Books

• Natural Beauty Products

• Health Programs and more!

Pr izes Cour tesy of Sponsors and Exhibitors of THE BES T PREP FOR PREGNANCY EVENT AND EXPO