Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay July 2022 Edition

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HEALTHY

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THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT growing better local food systems

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July 2022

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PL ANET

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CONTENTS

Natural Awakenings | Tampa Bay Edition | July 2022

22 THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT

DEPARTMENTS 12 news briefs 16 health briefs

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THE ART OF DOING NOTHING

Radiant Skin with Fewer Health Risks

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THAT NATURAL GLOW

18 global briefs 21 eco tip 27 inspiration 28 conscious eating 30 healing ways

FLOWER POWER

Edible Blooms Add Flavor and Color to Summer Fare

32 green living 34 wise words 36 fit body 38 healthy kids 40 natural pet 42 calendar 44 resource guide 8

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CANINE CALM

Anti-Anxiety Tips for Dogs

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letter from publisher

BOHEMIAN GYPSEA Crystals Metaphysical Cards and Books Specialty Plants Clothing and Jewelry Candles and Sage Incense and Essential Oil CBD for People and Pets Delta 8 and 10 and More Gifts, Gifts, Gifts

BohemianGypsea.com 727-853-5091 Metaphysical Garden and Gifts 12 West Orange Street Tarpon Springs Florida 34689

No Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

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elcome to The Healthy Food Movement, a wealth of positive info as to how the pandemic is helping us become more self-sustainable, not only growing healthier foods where we live, but also finding ways to get these foods to others in need. We are indeed blessed in Tampa Bay as we have access to many local growers, farmers markets and community food stores purveying all manner of fresh local foods. As the industrial food system falters, we find ways to supplant the old.

These days, taking timeouts often—allowing the now to simply be—can be cathartic in ways yet to be discovered. As a regular time-outer, “Unplugging brings us back to our breath, aligns us with our true North and prompts our blood pressure to drop a few numbers,” shares writer Marlaina Donato in The Art of Doing Nothing.

Skin is our biggest organ and “absorbs”. Steering clear of skincare products that include toxins is the gist. In the article, That Natural Glow, writer Donato includes natural and organic skincare recommendations that are more in line with “whole health”.

On a more sobering note, and for leading-edge, vital information, read Jeffrey Smith on the Threat of Gene-Edited Microbes.

Thank you, Mr. Smith; this should indeed be taken to Washington.

As always, with an open heart and an open mind, I hope you enjoy reading on.

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news briefs

School Supply Drive at Peaks of Health

Become a Personal Trainer

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resently enrolling, National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) Florida (Orlando/Tampa) is the world’s leading veteranowned, operated and staffed ACCSC accredited/licensed educational facility creating today’s top personal fitness professionals. NPTI Florida’s diploma program is designed to offer 218 hours of hands-on client personal training experience which affords their graduates the needed skills for high income careers nationwide.

NPTI Florida’s objective is to provide students with the knowledge and confidence that every fitness professional needs and deserves via their innovative, comprehensive college curriculum. Graduates command top salaries working at health clubs, vacation resorts, spas, and in their own personal training studios.

Veteran-owned and staffed for more than 21 years, NPTI Florida is the only accredited institution offering Next Generation Personal Training Education. Additionally, they offer financial aid and veteran tuition benefits (FAFSA).

For more information and enrollment, call 813-374-2017 and/ or visit nptiFlorida.edu. ACCSC Accredited Post-secondary School (accsc.com). See ad page 39.

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eaks of Health Medical Center is collecting donations for school supplies from July 1 to July 18 at their location in Largo. Items needed include paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, backpacks, crayons, colored pencils, calculators and other essential school supplies. Donations can be dropped off in the lobby, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

All supplies will be given out on a first come-first serve basis, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on July 23, in the Peaks of Health parking lot. Physicians will also be on hand to perform school physicals for kids under 18 years of age, gratis.

Peaks’ Dr. Tracie Leonhardt, who grew up in the Tampa Bay community, became active in the early 90s as a board certified ER physician. Experiencing her own health challenges led her to begin practicing Integrative Medicine, a more holistic approach to achieve optimal healing. She is an expert in the area of hormones, including thyroid, and in the treatment of diabetes as well as stubborn fungus, mold, Lyme and autoimmune diseases. She presented on Lyme disease and alternative treatments to a congress in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, and European physicians were excited to learn of her successes.

Location: 1120 Belcher Rd. S, Largo. For more information, call 727-826-0838. See ad page 11.

THCV Hemp Oil Offers Relief for Covid Long-Haulers

Leading Aesthetic Medical Clinic in Tampa Bay

ge Advantage Brands is pleased to announce that their CBD Made Easy Energy & Focus THCV Hemp Oil has been shown effective in helping people who feel sluggish and/or are operating on less than all cylinders, with diminished focus, to once again feel their “normal”.

THCV is a cannabinoid and known as the “sports car” of cannabinoids. Like CBD and THC, this means that it works with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate physical and mental well-being, influencing how we experience stress and anxiety, sleep, eating, and even our hormone levels.

“Although THCV may sound like THC, its effects are quite the opposite. It is not psychoactive,” explains Andrew Strickman, founder and CIO of Age Advantage Brands. “According to several studies, it demonstrated the ability to suppress appetite which may aid weight loss. It has also been shown to upregulate energy metabolism resulting in a motivated, alert and energized feeling of euphoria, along with providing focus. For this reason, it is often recommended for daytime or anytime when functionality is essential.”

For more information, call 877-208-8200 or visit CBDMadeEasy.com/thcv-products. See ad page 6.

t. Pete Wellness & Med Spa is a leading aesthetic medical clinic headed by Medical Director Eugene R. DeLucia III, DO. Conveniently located in downtown St. Petersburg, the practice offers exceptional, high-quality care to patients throughout Central Florida and beyond.

Dr. DeLucia and his team are proud to offer the highest standard of care to help patients look and feel their best. St. Pete Wellness Med Spa offers cutting-edge services like skin resurfacing, IPL facials, laser hair removal, micro-needling, PRP therapy, anti-aging treatments, Botox and fillers, Morpheus8, Evolve body contouring, women’s health protocols and more. The providers also understand that each patient is unique, thus every treatment plan caters to the individual’s specific healthcare goals.

St. Pete Wellness & Med Spa is family-owned and operated and boasts an exceptional team of estheticians, including ARNPC Crystal Jimpie, all well-equipped to handle a broad range of aesthetic and medical concerns. Appointments with Dr. DeLucia and his skilled team can be made via calling the friendly staff or using the convenient online booking tool to schedule a visit.

Location: 111 2nd Ave. NE, Ste. 505 (Tower Plaza and Courtyard, behind BellaBrava on Beach Dr.), St. Petersburg. Info and appointments, 727-873-0500, StPeteWellnessMedSpa.com.

See ad page 5.

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July 2022

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Herbalist Training Program

Release Blockages with IET

ooted in the wisdom of the natural world and the many traditions that have honed the craft of botanical medicine, this one-year herbal medicine program, beginning October 2022, is most popular for beginner, intermediate and advanced herbalists as well as any healthcare practitioner or professional who wants to include plant medicine in their practice.

Facilitated by Clinical Herbalist-Rose Kalajian, who has been serving the community for 24 years, the program is a holistic approach to healing that seeks balance in all aspects of the individual, including food, lifestyle and spirit.

Instruction takes place indoors and outdoors. The outdoor classroom will include wild plant identification, harvesting herbs, drying herbs and growing plants. This is a rare opportunity for herbal students as most herbal schools in the community don’t offer an outside classroom. As the plants grow, students will be guided to develop relationships with them. When ready, the plant will be harvested and made into an herbal remedy.

Additionally, this course will guide students into the many areas and aspects of herbal careers, including Essential Oils, Flower Remedies, Hands-on Medicine Making, Herbal Cosmetic Products, Salves, Pill Making, Extracts and more.

For more information, call 813-991-5177 or visit imHerbalist.com. See ad pages 27 and 33.

ntegrated Energy Therapy (IET) is spiritual energy channeled through a master level practitioner from the healing angels to support the self-healing process. IET works directly with each person’s 12-strand spiritual DNA by safely and gently releasing limiting energy patterns of the past, empowering and balancing life in the present, and helping one reach for the stars, evolving into the future.

Complementary to other healing arts, IET can be used alone or in conjunction with other holistic or traditional approaches to accelerate the self-healing journey. Every person is a unique individual with their own life stories and journey which translates to each person processing self-healing differently and in their own time.

As much as we want healing to happen instantly, all at once, it just doesn’t work like that in most cases. The body and soul always know how much and exactly what is ready to be released and healed.

Results from IET include the clearing of energy blockages that limit; self-healing on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels; identification and release from deeply suppressed/stored negative emotions; empowerment to experience fulfilling, loving relationships; living one’s soul mission; and connection with angels and spiritual guides who are always there to help during this life journey.

Location: Palm Harbor. Tracy Spurling, Master Level IET Practitioner. By appointment only. 315-830-7847. FourEverEvolving.com.

See ad page 44.

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Consider Herbs from Traditional Asian Medicine for Diabetes

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Diabetes is rampant in the world today, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, but it was also a health condition many centuries ago among Tibetan, Mongolian, Miao, Dai, Uygur and Yi people in East Asia. To identify which diabetes medicines were effective in those indigenous medical systems, Chinese researchers examined medical databases and ethnic medical books. They found evidence of 112 such medications—105 plant-based, six coming from animals and one with fungal origins. The most commonly used were Astragalus membranaceus, now available in many contemporary immune-system formulations; Pueraria lobata, known as arrowroot or kudzu, and considered an invasive plant in North America; and Coptis chinensis, Chinese goldthread, whose main compound, berberine, is used in the West to treat bacterial and viral infections. “Ethnic medicine has abundant resources in diabetes treatment and has excellent development prospects, which is worthy of further exploration and modern research,” conclude the authors.

Try Music and Muscle Relaxation to Lower Surgery Anxiety Surgery often activates high levels of anxiety in patients, but a Chinese pilot study of 116 women undergoing operations for gynecological cancer found that simple strategies dubbed “expressive arts therapy” can help. In the study group, women were encouraged to dance and do handicrafts while listening to music the day before the surgery.

They practiced progressive muscle relaxation and listened to music immediately after the surgery, and on the day before their release, they were invited to write and draw to express their emotions. The researchers found that women in the therapy group experienced significantly less anxiety during their operations than women in a placebo group, although the effects didn’t continue after discharge.

Ninety-eight percent of the women found the therapy beneficial.

Don’t Assume Selfies Show True Facial Features

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels.com

The more than 100 million cell phone selfies taken every day have produced an unanticipated outcome: a documented uptick in plastic surgery. Younger women in particular are increasingly showing cosmetic surgeons their selfies to demonstrate why they want to change the size or shape of their nose, but these concerns may be based on a distorted perception because selfies distort facial features, say researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern. In their study involving 30 subjects, they took one photo 12 inches from the face with the arm bent and another at 18 inches with the arm straight. When comparing the 12-inch selfies against a third photo taken five feet away, the researchers found that, on average, the nose appeared over 6 percent longer and the chin seemed 12 percent shorter. This created a distortion total of over 17 percent in the nose-to-chin ratio. Selfies also made the base of the nose appear wider relative to the width of the face. “If young people are using selfies as their only guide, they may be coming to plastic surgeons to fix problems that don’t exist except in the world of social media,” says study leader Bardia Amirlak, M.D.

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health briefs

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Although most Americans eat only one-third of the recommended amount, nutrient-rich, whole grains already have been shown to play a key role in safeguarding against obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Two new studies establish their positive effect on cardiovascular and liver health, as well. Researchers from Columbia University that followed 4,125 older adults for 25 years found that lower inflammation and fewer cardiovascular incidents were correlated with higher amounts of fiber in the diet— particularly from wheat, barley, oats and other grains—rather than from fruits and vegetables. And a Chinese study in The Journal of Nutrition Researchers tested the blood of 1,880 people, half of which had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, to look for markers of whole grain consumption. The subjects that ate more whole grains had a significantly reduced risk of developing the liver disease.

Practice Sitting Tai Chi to Recover from a Stroke Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, typically involves moving the arms and feet in intricate, slow patterns, but a new study in the American Heart Association journal Stroke found that doing the hand and shoulder movements while sitting in a chair produced significant physical and mental benefits for stroke survivors. Researchers at the Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in China, found that after 12 weeks of performing sitting tai chi, 69 stroke patients had better hand and arm function, better sitting balance, a wider range of shoulder motion, less depression and a better quality of life compared to 65 people in a standard stroke rehab program. More than half of those doing the sitting tai chi continued to practice it after the study ended, with continued improvement.

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Squawk Talk

global briefs

City Lights are Tough on Birds

Deep-Sea Mining is the New Frontier

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Whether mining the ocean floor will be allowed to proceed and the minerals obtained there play a role in supply chains of the future is one of the biggest decisions of resource governance today.

The seabed holds a vast quantity of mineral resources, yet is also one of the last pristine areas on the planet. A new white paper published by the World Economic Forum, Decision-Making on Deep-Sea Mineral Stewardship: A Supply Chain Perspective, has found that significant knowledge gaps make it hard to predict the scale of the potential effect, and decisions made now about mineral stewardship will have lasting effects for generations.

The World Bank and the International Energy Agency forecast a multifold increase in the demand for key metals used for decarbonization, many of which are found in mineral deposits in the deep seabed, but some organizations and more than 600 scientists have called for a pause or total ban on the exploitation of these minerals. Positive factors such as increased metal supply, wider use of decarbonization technologies and benefits to countries from extraction royalties must be considered against the generation of sediment plumes, noise from extraction and impacts on the seafood industry.

Using satellite maps and radar to estimate the number of migratory birds streaming across the night sky, Chicago tops the list of cities where birds face the most danger from light pollution in both spring and fall. North America hosts about 3 billion fewer birds today than in 1970, according to a 2019 analysis published in Science. The causes include light pollution, climate change, vanishing habitat and pesticides. Scientists believe the combination of factors could lead many abundant bird populations toward extinction.

For example, Cornell University ornithologist Andrew Farnsworth found that the seven annual Tribute in Light twin towers anniversary memorials on September 11 that project intense beams of light into the night sky attracted an average of more that 1 million birds. Within the first 20 minutes of each event, up to 16,000 birds crowded into a tight radius. Bird conservationists listen for disoriented chirps and if too many are circling aimlessly in the beams, the lights are turned off.

BirdCast incorporates large-scale weather radar and machine learning to forecast the exact nights when hundreds of millions of migratory birds will arrive over U.S. cities. The team sends the data to conservationists and policymakers to help the birds by dimming lights along the way.

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Murky Waters

Chow Time

Attitudes Changing Toward Animal Rights

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A new survey by the University of Exeter published in Social Psychological and Personality Science shows that children differ dramatically from adults in their moral views on animals. Researchers asked a group of 479 children and adults ages 9 to 11, 18 to 21 and 29 to 59 about the moral status and treatment of farm animals (pigs), pets (dogs) and people. The youngest participants said that farm animals should be treated the same as people and pets, and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than do adults. The two older groups held more traditional views.

The findings suggest that speciesism, the moral imperative that gives different value to different animals, is learned as we become socialized.

Dr. Luke McGuire says, “Humans’ relationship with animals is full of ethical double standards. Some animals are beloved household companions while others are kept in factory farms for economic benefit. Dogs are our friends, pigs are food.”

McGuire notes, “If we want people to move towards more plant-based diets for environmental reasons, we have to disrupt the current system somewhere. For example, if children ate more plant-based food in schools, that might be more in line with their moral values, and might reduce the normalisation towards adult values that we identify in this study.”

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July 2022

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Green Train

Renewable Energy Powers Major Japanese Railroad

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On April l, Tokyu Railways trains running through Shibuya and other stations were switched to power generated only by renewable sources. Tokyu has more than 64 miles of railway tracks serving 2.2 million people a day, including commuters and schoolchildren. The sources include hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar power, according to Tokyo Electric Power Co., the utility that provides the electricity and tracks its energy sourcing.

Japan, the world’s sixth-biggest carbon emitter, has a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. Tokyu headquarters Assistant Manager Yoshimasa Kitano says, “We don’t see this as reaching our goal, but just a start.”

The carbon dioxide emissions of Tokyu’s sprawling network of seven train lines and one tram service are now zero, with green energy being used in all stations, including vending machines, security camera screening and lighting. Tokyu, which employs 3,855 people and connects Tokyo with Yokohama, is the first railroad operator in Japan to have achieved the same goal. It says the carbon dioxide reduction is equivalent to the annual average emissions of 56,000 Japanese households. About 20 percent of Japan’s electricity comes from renewable sources, according to the nonprofit Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies. The other two ecologically friendly options are batteries and hydrogen power.

Native Wisdom

Flawed Fragrance

The former Loring Air Force Base, in Limestone, Maine, on the Canadian border, closed in 2007, is now owned by the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. The superfund site is so polluted that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave it a waiver, deeming it technically impractical to clean, being loaded with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), cancer-causing compounds commonly known as “forever chemicals". PFAS tend to bioaccumulate, building up in soil, water, animals and humans; they can persist for hundreds or thousands of years and have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage and suppressed immunity.

In the spring of 2019, the Micmac Nation, nonprofit Upland Grassroots and their research partners began an experiment. Hemp is a good candidate for phytoremediation because it grows fast across much of the country. Its roots are deep and profuse to better absorb pollutants from the soil. By 2020, researchers discovered that the hemp plants were successfully sucking PFAS out of the contaminated soil via phytoremediation and hope that their example may help farmers that have discovered their soil is tainted. Micmac Chief Edward Peter-Paul says, “Anything we can do to contribute to making the environment better, we want to be a part of.”

Robbie Girling, an associate professor of agroecology, and other researchers at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at the University of Reading and the University of Birmingham discovered that air pollutants can confuse pollinators that use odors to navigate and move around and communicate. A study they published in Environmental Pollution shows that ozone and diesel exhaust significantly reduce the presence of pollinators, the number of times pollinators visit plants and how many seeds the plants produce. James Ryalls, one of the authors of the study, says, “Some bugs might get the first sniff when chemical compounds from a flower land on their antennae. They then follow that odor plume like a treasure map back to the plant.”

After feeding, Girling says insects such as honeybees learn which compounds lead to the tastiest flowers and return to them. But ozone and diesel exhaust can muddy those perfumes. “The [pollutants] can degrade the signal that they use, so they might not be able to find the flower anymore. Insects are under a lot of pressure at the moment from human influence, and when you start to push at things from all different directions, at some point, they can’t stand up to it. And they collapse.”

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Polluted Air Stumps Bees and Butterflies

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Indigenous Efforts Use Hemp to Remove Forever Chemicals From Superfund Site

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eco tip

Earth-Friendly Hiking Hiking in the great outdoors is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable sports on Earth, especially in the summertime, when the weather is temperate and the sun shines upon us. Unfortunately, nature’s charm can quickly fade when we stumble upon empty beverage cans, plastic sandwich bags or even worse, somebody’s still-smoldering cigarette butt, which could so easily become the next uncontrollable wildfire.

As stewards of the environment (and kind human beings), it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few tips for treading lightly on the next hiking trip.

Avoid overcrowded places. The most popular national parks and hiking trails have been hosting a recordbreaking number of visitors lately, severely stressing the flora and fauna.

Consider exploring less trafficked spots so that these areas can recover.

Stay close to home. Choose a trail close by to cut down on travel-related carbon emissions. For most of us, a beautiful natural setting is usually a short walk or bike ride away.

Use sustainable gear. Wear outdoor gear by eco-friendly brands that strive to lower the carbon footprint in their sourcing, manufacturing and shipping practices, such as Patagonia or Merrell.

Don’t litter. Leave no trash on the trail, including biodegradable items or food scraps, which could negatively impact wildlife. Remember to bring a bag on the walk to carry all refuse home—score extra points for picking up items that someone else might have left behind.

Pack responsibly. Limit waste by wrapping homemade snacks and beverages in reusable bags and containers. Bring bamboo utensils.

Bring a reusable water bottle. Single-use water bottles are out. Bring a lightweight, reusable bottle. For longer hikes near fresh water sources, invest in an on-the-go water filter.

Ditch chemical products. Use chemical-free sunscreens and insect repellents to keep toxins out of the environment. This is especially important when taking an outdoor swim.

Don’t take a souvenir. Resist the temptation to handle, move or take home items found on the trail. Rocks, shells, a handful of sand, pinecones, flowers—they’re all integral parts of the ecosystem, serving as food and habitat for wildlife.

Stick to the trail to avoid trampling plants or causing other unintentional damage.

Don’t engage with the animals. Getting uncomfortably close to touch, photograph or feed wild animals is a big no-no.

July 2022

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THE HEALTHY FOOD MOVEMENT

Pandemic Trends are Shaping Better Local Food Systems

by Bob Benenson

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ike so much else on the planet, the two-year coronavirus pandemic turned the health food world upside-down.

“I found myself thinking real dystopian and wondering if people would be able to survive if grocery stores crumbled,” recalls Diana Mondragón, of Rockford, Illinois. “That scary thought train reminded me that I want to learn how to be more self-sustainable.” Her once-occasional drop-bys to farmers markets are now an essential weekly ritual. “I want to support local farmers and food producers to help communities grow stronger and healthier,” she says.

When the long supply chains of the conventional food system became disrupted, many Americans found themselves feeling insecure about food availability for the first time in their lives.

The industrialized food system that had operated so efficiently for many generations had relied on long and complicated supply links; when they broke down or became gridlocked, the result was empty supermarket shelves and long waits for home deliveries.

Add the economic repercussions and job losses, and about one in nine households lacked enough nutritious food to sustain a healthy life, report researchers from New York University.

Faced with the system’s shortcomings, a noteworthy outcome has been a surge in demand for healthier food production using sustainable and humane practices. Unable to drop by a nearby grocery store and get whatever they wanted whenever they wanted it, many consumers began buying locally grown produce for both practical and environmental reasons. After two high-growth decades, farmers markets initially took a hit during pandemic closures, but they have since bounced back with renewed energy. A wide range of innovative solutions are being pursued by e-commerce entrepreneurs and food-equity advocates to get healthier local food into more hands and more neighborhoods.

Surging Concerns Sales of natural and organic products in the U.S. grew by about 10 percent in 2020, the year of the COVID-19 outbreak, and by another 8 percent in 2021, reports SPINS, a Chicago-based data research firm, in Nutrition Business Journal. Sales growth in that sector was six to seven times larger than for conventional products, which experienced barely any sales growth at all.

Helping spur the trend, cheap food at supermarkets isn’t so cheap anymore, making organic food look better by comparison. The research company Data Weave reported in March that conventional food prices jumped by 11 percent in the previous 12 months of the pandemic, while prices for organic food increased by a relatively modest 2 to 4 percent.

The price pressures on conventional food “will continue to go up rapidly,” says Matt Tortora, co-founder of WhatsGood, a Rhode Island-based food e-commerce company. “The war between Russia and Ukraine is going to exacerbate that issue. And it seems like most of what’s going on in the world is going to affect our global supply chains even further, and in more profound ways than just our gas pump.”

Food-to-Table Creativity

The dominance of supermarkets and big-box stores in the years following World War II greatly diminished supply and demand of farm-fresh local food. A back-to-the-future trend that started taking hold a generation ago spurred a five-fold increase in the number of farmers markets across the nation, along with a proliferation of farms selling community supported agriculture subscriptions that delivered weekly batches of fresh produce to members.

These increased sales enabled many small farmers to offset the body blow from business lost due to pandemic-related restaurant shutdowns; a number of them thrived, with record sales.

The signs for the 2022 outdoor market season have been encouraging. Green City Market, widely regarded as Chicago’s premier farmers market, reported more than 13,000 visitors in a six-hour span on May 7, even though the weather was still on the cool side and few spring crops were in season after a chilly and wet April.

At the same time, a previously little-used conduit for local health food sales—e-commerce—shows signs of spurring long-term growth. Some individual producers nimbly built out their webbased product sales by also providing home delivery, previously a rarity in the local food scene. For example, the e-commerce site Avrom Farm (AvromFarm.com), of Ripon, Wisconsin, sells not only its own products, but also goods from other farmers, and Three Sisters Garden, of Kankakee, Illinois, which raises specialty vegetables, has converted entirely to e-commerce and home delivery.

Taking this concept to the next level is WhatsGood, which in 2014 began providing home delivery and pickup services for farmers markets in several cities. In the pandemic, the company became a lifeline to connect farmers with consumers at a time when stay-at-home orders and social distancing concerns hampered or closed farmers markets.

July 2022

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Late last year, WhatsGood introduced a new business model that bypasses farmers markets to allow consumers to order goods online directly from farmers for home delivery.

SourceWhatsGood.com now operates in 21 states. Tortora estimates that demand for local food is about 12 times greater than it was before the pandemic, even as supermarkets again start stocking more faraway-grown, conventional produce.

Even Better for the Planet While the pandemic created a sense of urgency about healthier eating, it also elevated concerns about the health of the living environment. An April 2022 study issued by New York University’s Stern Center for Sustainable Business found that products specifically marketed as sustainable had a 17 percent share of the market for consumer-packaged goods, up from 13.3 percent in 2015. Nearly half of all products introduced in 2021 touted sustainability benefits, up from 28 percent in 2017. Organic food sales in 2021 amounted to $51 billion; 30 years earlier, that market was estimated at a mere $1 billion, says the SPINS report.

Now there is growing support to take stewardship of the land to the next level through regenerative agriculture practices which focus on building and maintaining the health and biological vitality of the nation’s soils, and in some cases, means restoring soils stripped of their vitality by conventional farming practices. It has been most heavily promoted by the Rodale Institute, based in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, which has developed standards for a Regenerative Organic Certified food label.

The sustainability issue resonates deeply with people like Katlin Smith, founder and CEO of Chicago-based Simple Mills, a 10-year-old company that’s widely recognized as the preeminent natural baking mix brand nationally. “I started the company after seeing what a huge impact food has on all of our bodies, and I realized how much we had processed the heck out of our food. And it was really undermining people’s health,” she says.

In the last two years, the company has expanded its focus to work with farmers to improve soil health and biodiversity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It recently joined forces with the frozen smoothie company Daily Harvest and glutenfree frozen pizza maker Capello’s to advance regenerative soil practices in almond growing. “Regenerative agriculture is really just growing food in a way that leans into nature and builds a healthy ecosystem for all who are involved,” says Smith.

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Supplying Underserved Communities Local food communities around the country are also playing an increasingly dynamic role in addressing food equity, access and security issues. Less than a decade ago, fewer than half of all farmers markets nationwide accepted federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for purchases. Today, backed by U.S. Department of Agriculture funding, most do, with many markets accepting state-backed debit cards. To further increase access to locally produced food for lower-income families, many states provide matching shopping funds up to a certain limit, as do programs run by nonprofit organizations such as California’s Market Match and Double Up Bucks, run by the Michigan Fair Food Network.

To get healthy produce to people that live in urban “food deserts”, nonprofits are pioneering creative approaches. The Urban Growers Collective operates eight farms on 11 acres of land on Chicago’s Southside that combine education, training and leadership development with the growth of organic crops, which are then driven in a “Fresh Moves” bus to local community and health centers, and churches. Founded by food justice advocates Laurell Sims and Erika Allen, the Collective worked with a coalition of nonprofits during the pandemic to deliver boxes of free food to households in underserved neighborhoods across the city. The pandemic “forced us to do some of the things we’d been talking about, but said we don’t have time yet.

We just dived in,” Sims says.

The dramatic impact of the COVID-19 crisis drove up local interest in the Collective’s community gardens, with the number of volunteers jumping from 10 to 50. “It made a lot of people realize this ain’t no joke. People close to us were passing away,” says farm manager Malcolm Evans, who started volunteering for the Collective a decade ago as a teenager growing up in a nearby public housing project. “People wanted to really know how to grow food. We’ve been doing it for years, trying to bring this to folks’ attention. Everybody needs to understand food and know where it comes from.”

Bob Benenson is publisher and writer of Local Food Forum, a newsletter that covers all aspects of the local food community in the Chicago region. He can be contacted at Bob@LocalFood Forum.com.

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Feeding Your Pet in Challenging Times

by Dr. Cathy Alinovi

W

hether it’s hurricane season, winter ice storm season, or you have concerns about food shortages, pet owners don’t have to be preppers to be ready for contingency-type situations. The prepared pet owner will be intentional about making sure their pet has what they need, should stores be unable to open for any period of time.

While I’m an advocate of feeding pets a whole and varied diet all the time, having your favorite pet food supply interrupted by unexpected mail delays or shutdowns for any reason can be a great excuse to experiment with simple recipes your pet will love.

One of my clients recently sent in a picture of her most recent pet food “experiment” made with ingredients that most people are likely to have on-hand in their pantry. She started with a base of 15-bean soup (her version of people 26

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emergency food) and modified her usual recipe for her pups and cats. This is great because the dogs will love it and most people have some form of beans gathering dust in their pantry. Beans are great fiber, provide quality nutrition, are inexpensive, and also make a convenient base for an in-a-pinch pet food recipe.

To prepare, my client soaked the beans overnight, drained, then cooked them in the crockpot on the “beans” setting. At the last hour of cooking, she added some cut-up chicken because that’s what she had, and threw in vegetables. Because she has a garden, she added a squash and zucchini to round out the meal, finished with a pinch of Himalayan salt and a little oregano. The veggies only needed a few minutes of cook time in the hot stew mixture. This meal is shaping up to be drool-worthy for people and pets alike!

She could have also used canned tuna or NATampa.com

ground beef for the protein, or added additional vegetables such as tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kale or pumpkin.

As an everyday meal, I would recommend adding a pinch of ground eggshell.

Now you know, for those days when you’re waiting for your regular pet food to come in the mail or you can’t get to the store for whatever reason, this meal is a great alternative your pets will love!

Dr. Cathy Alinovi, a solely holistic veterinarian, helps clients find only natural solutions to their pets’ needs. Healthy PAWsibilities Natural Pet Wellness Center is located at 628 Cleveland St., Ste. 17, Clearwater.

For other great ideas how to cook for your pets and give them longer, healthier lives, email Info@HealthyPawsibilities.com. For appointments, call 727-510-3665 or visit HealthyPawsibilities.com. See ad page 41.

inspiration

The Art of Doing Nothing

StanislavAdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

M

ost of us can remember having the glorious ability to do absolutely nothing of practical significance as children. We rolled in the grass, laughed ourselves silly with friends on the street corner and happily squandered away Saturdays.

Somewhere along the line, someone planted a seed in our brains that programmed us to believe that we must earn our existence. We became self-conscious perfectionists that equate leisure and “be-ing” with laziness. As adults, we see “non-doing” as something trivial, something forbidden, unless we become ill or injured, and only then can we shrug off the societal guilt trip. Somehow, well-being has become a luxury, and our physical bodies are paying for it. We feel old before our time and suffer Monday morning blues every day of the week. The Yiddish proverb, “The hardest work is to go idle,” rings truer than ever.

We envy our beloved pets when they stretch out in a patch of inviting sun or dream away rainy days, not realizing that we, too, can curl up with the idea of doing nothing. Even foxes and squirrels pause in the survival game to soak up an hour of summer. Unplugging brings us back to our breath, aligns us with our true North and prompts our blood pressure to drop a few numbers. Taking a little time to exhale and watch the clouds overhead can also kickstart our immune systems. If need be, we can appease the to-do lister inside of us by scheduling half an hour of inactivity into the weekly calendar, and when we realize how much we like shooting the breeze, we can increase it to an hour.

Consider the last time we gave ourselves permission to sip a little freedom and watch the grass grow. Poet Winifred Druhan noted, “Wasting time is being free.” We won’t win any accolades for doing nothing, but we’ll surely be happier.

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

July 2022

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conscious eating

Flower Power EDIBLE BLOOMS ADD FLAVOR AND COLOR TO SUMMER FARE

by April Thompson

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photo courtesy of Marie Viljoen

F

ruits, leaves, stems and roots are commonly eaten as part of a plantbased, farm-to-table diet, but until recently, the only flowers on the table were in a vase. Today’s health-conscious foodies are finding edible flowers to be a fantastic way to eat the rainbow, adding fun flavors and colors to all sorts of dishes.

Urban homesteader Holly Capelle turned her family’s backyard in the Portland, Oregon, suburbs into expansive edible gardens, enjoyed by their flowereating chickens and children alike. “We grow everything from seed, including 15 to 20 edible flower varieties, from spring through fall,” says Capelle. “I love to grow edible flowers for two reasons: one, to eat, and second, for the natural pest control they provide. I think of flowers as a beautiful army that I can eat along the way.”

Capelle’s favorite edible flowers are pansies and violets, as they “pop up again and again all growing season and make a beautiful garnish without overpowering flavor.” The home gardener likes to freeze the fresh flowers in ice cubes, press them on the outside of herb butter or dry them between pieces of wax paper to later add to the tops of homemade chocolate bars, along with dehydrated strawberries, lemon balm, mint or other botanical flavors.

The family’s fowl get in on the flower fun, too. “We make frozen treats for the chickens out of edible flowers, corn and strawberries, which they love in summer.

We also add dried flowers like marigolds to their nesting boxes,” she says, adding that marigolds, with their bright orange hues and distinct flavor, are great in scrambled eggs or as a substitute for saffron.

For larger blooms like sunflowers, Capelle recommends pulling off the often-hard centers. “I often see whole zinnias on edible cakes, but no one wants to eat an entire zinnia. With daisies, for example, I will pull off the petals and recreate the flower on top of a dish, using peppercorns or chocolate chips in place of the center,” she says.

Capelle also loves chamomile for its distinctive, apple-like flavor that has the “feel of fall,” and dianthus, with a slightly spicy taste like cloves. “Nasturtiums are another super defender in the garden, with a delicious peppery flavor and nice orange pop of color in a salad,” she adds.

“Flowers brighten any dish up, especially hors d’oeuvres, omelets and soups. Pea soup is an ugly soup, but sprinkle some microgreens and a viola on top and it’s beautiful,” says Jan NATampa.com

photo courtesy of Jan Bell

Bell, of Gilbertie’s Organics, in Easton, Connecticut. The 34-acre farm, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, grows herbs, vegetables and microgreens in 24 greenhouses, including a microgreen blend with nasturtium and viola flowers. “If you pick the flowers on herbs, the plant will grow better and last longer,” Bell adds.

Flowers like wild violets, chive blossoms and common milkweed can add bold color and flavor to vinegar with pinkish purple hues that power up salad dressings. Bell also likes to dry chive flowers to use year-round. “They are a nice purple sprinkle to add to dishes when things are boring in winter,” she says.

Marie Viljoen, a New York City forager, chef and author of the cookbook Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine, incorporates numerous wild and cultivated flowers, including tree flowers like magnolia and black locust, into her hyperlocal, seasonal meals.

Even common garden roses can add a delicious dimension to dishes and drinks, according to Viljoen. “I like to ferment roses into a simple soda, using organically grown rose petals, honey or sugar and tap water. It’s ready within a few days, or else you can leave to ferment a few months to make a sipping vinegar,” she says. “You can also combine really fragrant rose petals with a neutral honey like clover, then strain after a few days for a rose water essence you can add to yogurt or other dishes.” Viljoen also uses rose petals as edible garnishes for deviled eggs or as edible plates for goat cheese balls on her gourmet picnics.

Some flowers are for the eyes only, however. Many can be poisonous, so it’s important to ensure a particular species is edible before digging in. Viljoen also advises carefully distinguishing between poisonous lookalikes when foraging: A delicious daylily and a toxic true lily look similar, but are in different plant families, for example. She also says to look for organically grown flowers that haven’t been sprayed with pesticides.

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

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healing ways

That Natural Glow RADIANT SKIN WITH FEWER HEALTH RISKS

by Marlaina Donato

F

or basic hygiene and improved appearance, we wash, slather, hydrate, scrub and cover up, often forgetting that our skin is our largest organ and much of what we expose it to can be absorbed and accumulated in the body over time. If we are using products with potentially toxic additives, we are putting ourselves at a higher risk for hormone disruption, reproductive cancers and allergic reactions.

Many chemicals that have been banned or controlled in Japan and some European countries are still being used on an unregulated basis in the U.S. Even products labeled “organic” and “natural” can have harmful elements alongside the good stuff. Recent research from the University of Vermont Cancer Center has linked phthalates, the “forever chemicals” used as bonding agents in many personal care products, to a higher risk of cancers in children. The encouraging news is that with a little savvy preparation, these hazardous ingredients can be avoided, and we can have glowing skin with fewer health risks.

denis_vermenko/AdobeStock.com

Knowledge is Power

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Being an informed consumer is important when it comes to what goes into the body, and reading labels is just as vital for what’s applied on the outside. “The beauty industry can become fascinated with chemical-based ‘quick-fixes,’ but so often what you find is that these interventions can have long-lasting effects that may actually damage the skin,” says Tammy Fender, founder of Tammy Fender Holistic Skincare, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Liver-compromising and potentially cancer-causing formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens are plentiful in shampoos (including baby shampoo), soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants, body lotions and moisturizers, and have been linked to breast cancer and other malignancies, kidney damage and depression. While some sources claim these substances to be low-risk due to minimal amounts in skin care products, looking at the broader picture can be disturbing when we consider long-term use and the number of products used daily.

On a superficial level, the skin just responds better when it is exposed to fewer toxins. “Our skin is our biggest organ and absorbs up to 60 percent of whatever you put on it. When you eat healthy, your body feels great. The same goes for your skin,” says Shannon Reagan, owner of Glimmer Goddess Organic Skin Care, in Frisco, Texas.

“Throughout my life, I’ve tried just about every product in the stores looking for something that wouldn’t irritate my skin. I found that the cleaner the products, the better my skin looked and felt.”

prostock-studio/AdobeStock.com

What Our Skin Loves An outstanding resource for information about a particular product’s safety is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database at EWG.org/skindeep, which evaluates and grades more than 88,000 personal care products for toxicity. When shopping online or in a store, nixing any that have long, difficult-topronounce ingredients is key. Any label that simply lists “fragrance” is also a red flag for hundreds of possible chemicals.

Instead, opt for skin care products with Latin botanical names for herbal and essential oil-based scents.

“Natural products may cost a bit more than store brands, but the benefits far outweigh the incremental cost. They contain vitamins, phytonutrients, antioxidants and flavonoids that help heal, rejuvenate and protect skin,” says Reagan.

Fender, a holistic aesthetician and pioneer of clean skin care, concurs, “There is so much care that comes through the plants. Nature is generous.” Her favorite goto ingredients in her organic skin care line range from white lily to citrus. “I love rose for its powerful rejuvenating benefits. I also love chamomile, an ancient calming and soothing remedy, which is so beneficial for sensitive skin.”

Fun in the Sun Chemicals found in conventional sunscreens such as avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, oxybenzone and PABA activate free radicals in the body, but natural sunscreens offer total protection without the elevated cancer risk. Reagan, whose products offer broad-spectrum sun protection, explains, “Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin while natural sunscreens (mineral-based) sit on top of your skin, blocking the sun’s rays at the surface.

Natural sunscreens such as zinc oxide and non-nano titanium dioxide are usually thick like a body lotion texture. They work by reflecting UVA/UVB rays away from the skin and start to work right away.”

Essential oils like red raspberry seed and carrot seed are also reliable ingredients to look for in any natural sunscreen, and may even be helpful for certain types of

precancerous skin lesions caused by UVA/ UVB rays.

Overall, healthy skin comes from a wellbalanced lifestyle. For Fender, it is truly a holistic approach. “I love how inspired and educated my clients are these days. They come to the treatment room with insightful questions, and they understand that caring for the skin is not separate from caring for the soul.”

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

HEALTHIER SUMMER SKIN TIPS FROM SHANNON REAGAN, OWNER OF GLIMMER GODDESS ORGANIC SKIN CARE Our skin needs hydration all year round, but most especially in the hot summer months. The keys to keeping our skin soft, healthy and hydrated is to drink plenty of water, wear lip balm with sun protection and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day.

For ultimate summer goddess skin, be sure to not over-wash your face, which would dry out our skin. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water in the morning and night. Use a sunscreen during the day and a body lotion or body butter at night.

Shea butter is a great moisturizer for all skin types and is packed with skin-nourishing vitamins. Almond oil is an all-around gem when it comes to skin health. As a child, my mom would melt down shea butter and mix it with almond oil to soothe my eczema. These two natural ingredients have become a staple in my line of natural and organic skin care products.

July 2022

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green living

Pollinator Haven CREATE A TOXIN-FREE YARD FOR CRITICAL CRITTERS

rasstock/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

A

imée Code has stopped trying to grow roses in her Eugene, Oregon, backyard, where the ground is too muddy for them to flourish. If we stick to plants that do well in our own region, they’ll be less susceptible to disease and pests, and we won’t need to use dangerous chemicals in our gardens, says the pesticide program director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Code works to preserve invertebrate species that are threatened by habitat loss, climate change and pesticides. “Many of these animals provide valuable services,” she says. “Solitary wasps feed their young certain caterpillars that we consider pests because they eat our crops. Riverbed mussels filter our water. Stone flies help break down organic matter. Bees are effective pollinators, helping to sustain our most nutritious food sources.”

U.S. bees are declining at alarming rates, thanks in part to neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides, Code reports. The good news is that a few gardening modifications can provide food and safe haven for beneficial invertebrates, while keeping our families (and pets) free from scary chemicals.

Gardening Tips from Aimée Code Create a resilient garden with hardy, native plants that invite both pollinators and natural enemies like solitary wasps, lacewings and hoverflies, which help control pest populations.

Use restraint when trimming plants or clearing debris. Many bees create nests inside 32

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pithy stems and downed wood or underneath bunch grasses and fallen leaves.

Develop a greater tolerance for weeds, embracing a slightly wilder garden aesthetic. Avoid using herbicides by mulching and manually pulling weeds before they go to seed.

A few pests in the vegetable garden are okay, as long as they don’t harm overall production. Search online for nonchemical solutions by vegetable type and location. As in farming, try rotating crops or look into companion planting to learn which plants work well together. Ensure the soil has what each plant needs. For example, blueberries require an acidic soil.

Pesticides address the symptom rather than the problem. Killing pests may be a temporary fix, but won’t address the

underlying cause, so the problem will likely return. Even so-called “reduced risk” products contain concerning chemicals for pollinators. Always try non-chemical solutions first. For example, instead of applying a fungicide to address powdery mildew, water the affected plant less and prune it to improve air flow.

Eco-Friendly Pest Management According to Ryan Anderson, community integrated pest management manager at the IPM Institute of North America, “Chemicals should only be used in a lawn or garden as a last resort, and even then, only the least amount of the least harmful product.” For reduced-risk and organic product lists, visit Tinyurl.com/EPAPesticideList and MidwestGrowsGreen.org.

Anderson laments the rampant overuse of noxious products, including glyphosate and 2,4-D, which are classified as probable and possible carcinogens, respectively, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer; commercial fertilizers that lead to nitrogen and phosphorus runoffs, threatening marine wildlife; and pyrethroid insecticides for mosquito control, which kill most insects.

He champions sustainable measures, starting with a reduction of turf grass. “People like sitting on their lawn, but try keeping it as minuscule as possible and plant native plants which require less maintenance,” he says. “Make sure you’re not planting grass where grass doesn’t want to grow.”

Consider an eco-lawn with micro-clover in the mix, Anderson advises. “Clover recycles nitrogen and stays green in drought conditions, so you don’t have to fertilize or water, and you only need to mow eco-lawns once a month.”

Lawn Care Strategies from Ryan Anderson

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

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photo by Sandra Yeyati

For weeds, the best defense is a dense, deeply rooted, turf grass system that will out-compete for air, water, nutrients and sunlight.

Aerate the lawn in the fall by removing narrow, three-to-sixinch-deep cores and leaving them on the soil. After a day or two, mow the cores over to return nutrients to the soil. Spread turf seed over bare-soil areas and over the entire lawn whenever aeration is conducted.

Before or after aerating, spread one-quarter to one-half inch of compost over the lawn to promote a nutrient- and microbiologyrich, spongy soil structure. Visit CompostingCouncil.org for reputable suppliers and DIY instructions for high-quality compost.

Apply leaf mulch and grass clippings to feed and promote protozoa, bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, inhibit plant pathogens, balance pH and aerate the soil.

Mow less often and as high as possible to minimize stressing the grass plant. Lawns need only a single, one-inch watering per week.

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33

wise words

Jeffrey Smith on the

Threat of Gene-Edited Microbes

by Sandra Yeyati

W

hen most people didn’t know what a GMO (genetically engineered organism) was 25 years ago, Jeffrey Smith, the founder and executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, was one of the leaders of a global movement that helped consumers understand the dangers of genetically engineered foods. The success of these efforts prompted significant swaths of the population to reject GM comestibles, leading food manufacturers to develop non-GMO alternatives. His most recent efforts focus on gene-edited microbes.

Why do you believe that unregulated releases of gene-edited plants, animals or microbes could devastate our planet?

First, GMOs can persist forever in the gene pool. They’re self-propagating. Second, the most common result of genetic engineering is surprise side effects. Third, gene editing is so inexpensive that virtually everything with DNA can be a target. You can buy a do-it-yourself CRSPR kit online for less than $200. Already, it’s being used in high school biology labs. Nature’s gene pool is up for grabs with no real safety net, and the impact can last for thousands of years from a single release.

courtesy of Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy

What are the world’s most dangerous organisms to gene edit and why?

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The microbial ecosystem known as the microbiome. It is a basis for human and environmental health. Experts say we’ve outsourced about 90 percent of our metabolic and chemical functions to our microbiome, and imbalances in the microbiome are precursors to about 80 percent of diseases. The microbiome is essential for soil health and health in virtually every ecosystem. If you release a genetically engineered microbe, it might travel around the world, mutate and swap genes with thousands of other microbes. These, in turn, can travel and mutate with unpredicted side effects and changes in function. This can potentially damage or collapse ecosystems around the world.

We need to disallow any release of genetically engineered microbes through legislation and international treaties.

How can we stop this threat?

We need to disallow any release of genetically engineered microbes through legislation and international treaties. Without such laws, we could see a million GM microbes released in this generation, which could destroy the nature of nature, and all future generations would be forced to grapple with our mistakes. We also should restrict access to these technologies and ban so-called gain-of-function enhancement of potentially pandemic pathogens, even in so-called bio-secure laboratories, because over 1,000 recorded accidents show that bio-security isn’t reliable enough to create and house pathogens which, if released, could lead to another pandemic.

Our choices in supermarkets won’t stop the release of genetically engineered microbes, so we need to focus on enacting new laws in individual countries and international treaties. But we can’t rely on consistency of government laws. We need to build a popular movement so that everyone in the world realizes we have now arrived at an inevitable time in human civilization where we can damage the streams of evolution for all time, and that we need to become far more responsible in our relationship with nature. We need to institutionalize the choices in academia so that everyone growing up, just as they now learn about climate change, also learns about the dangers of genetic

technology and what we need to do as a civilization to protect nature’s gene pool forever.

How can people help?

I invite people to visit ProtectNatureNow. com, sign up for our newsletter and watch the 16-minute film Don’t Let the Gene Out of the Bottle. We post action alerts for people to reach out to elected officials and local papers, and we’ll have plenty more opportunities for people moving forward, including training programs and a global advocacy network.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

How did you help build a movement that led to widescale rejection of GMOs? I’ve spoken in 45 countries, counseled politicians and leaders, written two books, made five movies, trained 1,500 speakers and helped organize over 10,000 activists in more than a hundred groups. We exposed the dangers of GMOs and the corrupt practices by the biotech industry and regulatory agencies. Now, 51 percent of Americans and 48 percent of global consumers correctly believe that GMO foods aren’t safe. This was designed to influence purchasing choices to put economic pressure on food companies to remove GMO ingredients. The tipping point of consumer rejection is underway.

How are you mobilizing a movement against GM microbes?

July 2022

35

fit body

The Great Nature Gym OUTDOOR WORKOUTS MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER

by Carrie Jackson

S

ummer is the prime time to skip the gym and exercise in the fresh air. Studies show that outdoor workouts improve mental well-being and result in greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy and positive engagement. Exercising in nature can reduce stress levels even more than being indoors and can make a workout seem easier.

Many outdoor activities are free or lowcost, can be done solo or in groups and are easily worked into a schedule. From a simple walk in the park to an organized club meet-up, there’s no shortage of options to get the heart pumping.

Outdoor Safety There are a few factors to keep in mind when moving an exercise routine outside.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, as the warmer temperatures can cause increased sweating and dehydration during exertion.

Products like hydration packs provide an insulated way to easily carry water hands-free during a workout. While some exposure to vitamin D is beneficial, sun protection is essential as harmful UV rays can cause the skin to burn and lead to melanoma. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a waterproof, broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours.

UVA rays can also lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium (a benign growth called “surfer’s eye”), so wear sunglasses that have UV protection.

Walking An easy activity that can be done almost anywhere, walking requires only a pair of supportive shoes and a bit of wanderlust. It is a great introduction for people looking to get started with a fitness program.

Relatively low-impact, it can ease joint pain, help reduce stress, improve sleep and boost the immune system. Research 36

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suggests that distance is more important than speed for health benefits, so add a leisurely stroll to a daytime routine.

Running As a weight-bearing exercise, running helps build strong bones and protects against osteoporosis. Over time, it can also reduce the risk of heart disease and lower the resting heart rate. Longdistance running is stellar for cardiovascular endurance, while sprinting is a quick way to jumpstart weight loss. Running clubs all over the country can help newcomers find inspiration, camaraderie and motivation when the couch is calling.

Biking Cycling is easy on the joints, can help improve balance and is a great low-impact cardio workout. Biking can be done solo or in groups and is a great option for families, as even little kids can ride along. Many cities have bike-friendly street lanes, allow bikes on public transportation and have rental bikes such as Divvy available for short-term rides.

Yoga Classes in yoga and Pilates, traditionally done indoors, can be moved outside when the weather is nice. Practicing in the open air means breathing in higher quality oxygen while practicing deep breathing or moving through asanas. The ambient warmth allows soft tissue to relax more, making deeper poses more accessible. Plus, it’s just more relaxing to practice outside, and taking in the surroundings will heighten a mindfulness practice.

Water Sports Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding can be done on any kind of open water, including lakes, ponds and rivers. These activities strengthen the upper body as well, and water itself can have a calming effect. Take a class or rent a boat for an afternoon paddle, either alone or with friends.

Rollerblading Popular in the 1990s, rollerblading is again having a heyday.

Online skate manufacturer Rollerblade saw a 300 percent increase in sales at the start of the pandemic, as consumers looked for creative ways to get around outside. Rollerblading helps build endurance in a wide range of muscles, including upper legs, hips, back and glutes. It can improve balance, is easy on the joints and is just plain fun. Invest in a set of protective gear such as a helmet, wrist guards and kneepads to ensure safety.

Urban Fitness To create workouts in the city, run up and down a hill or set of stairs, then find a nearby playground and do pull-ups on the monkey bars, tricep dips on a park bench and other bodyweight exercises. Or, grab a few friends and create a high-intensity interval training circuit in the park. Change up the routine and location to keep it fresh and fun.

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

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healthy kids

Cool Treats for Hot Days DIY RECIPES EVEN KIDS CAN MAKE

by Sheila Julson

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any of us have fond childhood memories of cool confections from the neighborhood ice cream truck on sultry summer days. By creating homemade, hot-weather treats with our kids, we get to enjoy the delights of fresh, seasonal produce and inventive flavor combinations, while also providing our kids with kitchen fun, healthy fare without unwelcome additives and summertime memories of their own.

“There are plenty of frozen treats from the grocery store that are in the natural or organic categories, but sometimes those still have levels of sweeteners, sugar or other preservatives that we don’t want or need,” says Annie Wegner LeFort, a Milwaukee-based chef and founder of the healthy living business EatMoveMKE.com.

She has been making frozen pops for her 13-year-old daughter Vera since she was a toddler. Anything that is homemade is more economical and has less packaging, Wegner LeFort says. Pop molds can be used over and over, and even cups can be used and reused as molds to reduce waste.

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Crafting Cool Treats

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Making frozen pops can be as easy as mashing fruits and other ingredients in a bowl, pouring the mixture into molds and freezing them. A blender or a food processor can be used to make a smoother mix, with parents supervising younger kids.

Older children that know how to use small appliances can safely blend—and clean up—without supervision. Wegner LeFort notes that young kids might enjoy straightforward flavor combinations, but older kids with more developed palates can experiment with herbs or exotic concoctions.

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Parents can deftly blend vegetables and herbs into frozen pops and refreshing summer smoothies without being detected by finicky eaters. She recommends adding spinach to fruit blends with berries or dark-colored fruits: “You don’t even really see the greens. They are overtaken by the blue and purple fruits.”

Beets or beet juice, which is high in iron and vitamins, also add a beautiful color to berry blends. Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes lend a vibrant orange to red and yellow blends made with strawberries or pineapple.

Gwen Eberly, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based chef who teaches cooking to kids and teens through the Zest! cooking school, recalls making healthy, decadent, frozen orange cream pops with her mother and enjoying them on her farmhouse porch on hot summer days. “The original orange cream pops recipe came from a cookbook called More With Less, a compilation of recipes offered by Mennonite women in the 1970s,” Eberly says. She made them with her own children when they were young, and they became a family favorite. Now, as teenagers, they make the treats themselves all year long.

Other simple cool snacks include monkey tails—frozen bananas rolled in melted chocolate. “That’s a simple and healthy treat that can be topped with nuts or seeds. If you use dark chocolate, that helps cut down on sugar,” Wegner LeFort advises. Ice cream sandwiches can be made with either store-bought or homemade cookies and ice cream. “Those have endless options for creativity and different flavor combinations.”

Jessi Walter Brelsford, founder and “Chief Bud” at the cooking school Taste Buds Kitchen, based in New York City, recommends putting a fun twist on fruit salad with Rainbow Kabobs, which parents and kids can make together. “Our recipe uses fresh, summer favorites like strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwis and blueberries, but depending on your family’s preferences, you can easily make these with any fruit sturdy enough to go on the skewers,” she says. “Kids love helping out, so get them even more excited to be involved by using cool tools together, like a melon baller or crinkle cutter. It will help them practice fine motor skills and pattern recognition by threading the fruits onto the skewers in specific patterns.”

With a little encouragement and experimentation, kids will be proudly and happily creating their own delicious and healthy summer snacks.

ORANGE CREAM POPS YIELD: 8 SERVINGS 1 banana 1 cup vanilla yogurt, whole milk 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 1 Tbsp honey Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour blended mixture into molds, leaving ½ inch for them to expand.

Freeze until hard, about 4 hours. When ready to eat, run under warm water and remove from the mold.

Variations: omit bananas or substitute milk with full-fat coconut milk.

Recipe courtesy of Gwen Eberly, adapted from More With Less.

TRY FOR FREE!

MEET YOUR CONSCIOUS PARTNER HERE!

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

iStock.com

KICK OFF SUMMER WITH A MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

July 2022

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natural pet

Canine Calm

ANTI-ANXIETY TIPS FOR DOGS

by Ronica O’Hara

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Tampa Bay Edition

Kira_Yan/AdobeStock.com

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hen they signed the Declaration of Independence, little did our country’s founders know that more than two centuries later, their revolutionary act would lead to millions of dogs trembling, cringing and running for cover. As many as 45 percent of American pet dogs are struck with “fireworks phobia”, studies show, and more dogs run away over the July Fourth holiday than at any other time of the year, report animal control officials.

The kind of situational anxiety caused by sudden loud noises can affect almost any dog, but it happens most often to those pets predisposed to anxious behavior because of breeding or troubled pasts. A new study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science from the University of California, Davis, has found that even common noises such as a vacuum, microwave or beeping smoke alarm can trigger anxiety in many dogs, and that many owners don’t recognize subtle signs.

“Monitor your dog’s behavior for anything unusual, such as excessive barking, panting, shaking, trembling, licking or drooling,” advises John Woods, a New York City professional dog trainer and editor-inchief of AllThingsDogs.com. “Also look for cues in your dog’s body language, paying particular attention to their eyes, ears, mouth and tail for other signs of anxiety or discomfort.”

Happily, research shows that a number of strategies can help soothe anxious pooches both from immediate terror and ongoing anxiety.

TURN IT AROUND. Swiss scientists at the University of Bern’s Companion Animal Behavior Group that analyzed the New Year’s fireworks strategies of 1,225 dog owners concluded that the most effective method was what they called “counterconditioning”—turning a negative into a positive with treats. As the fireworks exploded, these owners played with their dogs, gave them chews and treats, and expressed positive emotions; their dogs were on average 70 percent less anxious. The method works best when a dog’s calmness is reinforced on a daily basis, say the researchers.

Megan Marrs, an Austin, Texas, dog trainer and founder of K9OfMine.com, lowered her rescue pit bull’s anxious behavior by giving him cold, chewable treats whenever he calmly sat on his bed and didn’t cause trouble. “This did require keeping treats on me at all times, but it worked wonders,” she says.

IT’S A WRAP. The Swiss study also found that 44 percent of dogs became calmer during fireworks after being wrapped in a tight-fitting pressure vest. Sold commercially under NATampa.com

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Judy Thomas, of Tampa, shares her 6-y-o Crossbow, aka Crossy, born with a white cross in his hair design.

His fave activity is fetching a tennis ball at the park, so Judy’s husband takes him every day after work.

Those eyes mesmerize!

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

Studies have confirmed that music can ease situational anxiety for up to half of dogs, but the genre matters: classical soothes, heavy metal agitates. such names as ThunderShirt and Anxiety Wrap, the vests can also be easily improvised at home by following YouTube videos. A tight wrap helped soothe the trembling of Zed, the Japanese Chin of Amy Tokic, editor-in-chief of the Toronto-based PetGuide.com. “He’s still not comfortable with loud noises, but when he’s snuggly swaddled, he doesn’t get into a panic state over it,” she says.

PLAY MELLOW MELODIES. Studies have confirmed that music can ease situational anxiety for up to half of dogs, but the genre matters: classical soothes, heavy metal agitates. Researchers at Pooch & Mutt, a British natural-health dog food maker, surveyed Spotify playlists and concluded that the ultimate calming songs for dogs were reggae and soft rock, because of their simple arrangements, minimal electronic orchestration and gentle beats that match the heartbeat of a puppy’s mother. “The wrong music or music that is being played too loud has the potential to upset your dog,” warns London veterinary surgeon Linda Simon.

them. Pheromones are synthetic or herbal formulations in sprays, collars, plug-in diffusers or wet wipes that replicate nursing scents, and studies have found them effective for many dogs during fireworks, thunderstorms, and for mild anxiety. Jeraldin Paredes, a New York City professional dog sitter at TalkTheBark.com, suggests simply using an old T-shirt to bundle up a pooch during a high-stress situation or to put as a “baby blanket” into their favorite hiding place. “That way, no matter where they hide, a piece of you is always with them,” she explains.

SPEAK STRAIGHT. “Simply speaking with your pet can make a huge difference in their anxiety,” says animal communicator Nancy Mello, in Mystic, Connecticut.

“Don’t just say goodbye to them, but tell them how long you will be gone and when you will be back. Use a visualization: ‘I will be home at 7 p.m.,’ while visualizing your house at dark. Or say to an anxious pet, ‘You are safe,’ on a daily basis. Even if your pet doesn’t get the exact wording, they understand the connotation behind it.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

THE SWEET SMELL OF SAFETY. The sense of smell in dogs is 10,000 times greater than that of humans, so the right scent— like of their lactating mother—can comfort July 2022

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calendar of events

WEDNESDAY JULY 27

Printed calendar is a gratis feature for advertisers. Non-advertisers: get your event listed for $25/listing. Email dwilson@natampa.com for more info. On line version of Calendar of Events gratis at NATampa.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 7 Create Your Ideal Healthy Body – Noon-1:30pm.

(1st & 3rd Thursday online or “live” Oldsmar) The Mind-Body Cohesion System developed by Patricia V. Scott, PhD, combines Hypnosis, NLP & Pivotal Response Conditioning. Create healthy habits, confidence & exercise motivation, eliminate blocks & limiting beliefs. Hypnotic experiences, handouts & hypnosis recording (1st class). $20/per class; $50/3 classes. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 10 Reiki I Training – 3:30-6:30pm. Join Rev. Michele as we explore the beginnings of a Reiki Healing journey. $155. 35154 US Hwy 19 North, Palm Harbor, 727-386-4535, TheVioletButterflymhc.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 Mediumship Development Circle – 3:15-4:15pm.

Join Dr. Danielle as we explore different skills to develop our mediumship abilities. $25. 35154 US Hwy 19 North, Palm Harbor, 727-386-4535, TheVioletButterflymhc.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 19 Hatha Yoga with a Therapist – 6:30-7:30ishpm. 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. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Call to reserve 727-346-5875.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 Mindfulness Group Therapy – 1-2pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW for this 6-week workshop on mindfulness. In that space between stimulus and response is our power to choose the response that most benefits our growth and freedom. This series guides us to that space; come with us on this journey to deepening our mindfulness. $30/per session; $125/full course. Week 1: What is Mindfulness? 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Space limited; call to reserve 727-346-5875.

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Free Hypnosis-NLP Webinar: When Sadness Turns to Depression – 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 30+ years of experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist & NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer, Patti shares practical, easy-to-use techniques with Q&A. (Usually 3rd Wednesday monthly w/various topics) Register by 5pm for log-in details: UPHypnosis@outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 21 Create Your Ideal Healthy Body – Noon-1:30pm.

(1st & 3rd Thursday online or “live” Oldsmar) The Mind-Body Cohesion System developed by Patricia V. Scott, PhD, combines Hypnosis, NLP & Pivotal Response Conditioning. Create healthy habits, confidence & exercise motivation, eliminate blocks & limiting beliefs. Hypnotic experiences, handouts & hypnosis recording (1st class). $20/per class; $50/3 classes. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

Mindfulness Group Therapy – 1-2pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW for this 6-week workshop on mindfulness. In that space between stimulus and response is our power to choose the response that most benefits our growth and freedom. T$30/per session; $125/full course. Week 2: Mindfulness and the Mind-Body Connection. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park.

Space limited; call to reserve 727-346-5875.

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

Meditation Practice & Study Group – 6:30-8pm.

Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.

TUESDAY SATURDAY, JULY 23 Hypnosis International Certification Begins – 10am-3pm. Online (Zoom) &/or “live” (Oldsmar).

Receive 2 Certifications: International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute, with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Master Trainer. Basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, timeline, smoking, weight/diet, NLP & more. Tuition: $3395; $3095/ UPHI Member. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 26 Hatha Yoga with a Therapist – 6:30-7:30ishpm.

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. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Space limited; call to reserve 727-346-5875.

NATampa.com

Meditation Practice & Study Group – 6:30-8pm.

Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.

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

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

CALENDAR

Event Listings $50 highlighted listing includes: List date, title, time, 40 word description, cost, address, phone and website in highlighted box. $25 listing includes: List date, title, time, 40 word description, cost, address, phone and website.

50

$

example

mark your calendar Indian Rocks Beach Greenfest Enjoy this eco-friendly family event in its 14th year, including Earth-conscious businesses, services, vendors, artisans and nonprofits. Healthy food, live music, kids events. FREE

March 26 • 10am-5pm.

24th Ave. & 1st St., Indian Rocks Beach.

Info, irbGreenfest.com

25

$

examples

SUNDAY, JULY 24

TUESDAY

Hypnosis Training (Live or Online) – 10am-4pm.

Part of Certification program with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, UP Hypnosis Institute, open to hypnotists for CEUs (prior training required). Basic & Advanced techniques. Approved: International Association of Counselors & Therapists. Single Day: $45/UPHI, IACT, IMDHA or HEA Member; $55/Non-Member.

Two Days: $75/Member; $95/Non-Member. Includes materials & scripts. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

Meditation Practice & Study Group – 6:30-8pm.

Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.

For more information:

email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com

July 2022

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

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com

Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the w h o l e f a m i l y. E s t a b l i s h e d , comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa.

Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

PROFESSIONAL HERBALISTS TRAINING PROGRAM Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857 AcuHerbals.com

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

TCL MEDICAL

Islam Ganie, PN, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, APRN 6613 49th St. North, Pinellas Park 33781 727-954-4543, 1tclmedic@gmail.com Instagram: TCL_Medical Facebook: TCL Medical Providing optimal and affordable integrative and holistic health care, including weight loss; anti-aging; IV hydration/chelation (including IV vitamin C, ozone); gut; thyroid; asthma/respiratory; fatigue/stress & much more.

NATURAL MED THERAPIES Machelle Perkins, D.O.M. 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo 727-541-2211 NaturalMedTherapies.com

National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Ac upu n c tu re, Hom e op at hy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more.

Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to t re at p ain, ADHD, anxiet y, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.

ANGELIC HEALING TRACY SPURLING, MASTER INSTRUCTOR Integrated Energy Therapy Palm Harbor 315-830-7847 FourEverEvolving.com

Powerful angelic energy therapy system supports you in releasing limiting energy patterns, empowering and balancing you in the present. Reach for the stars as you evolve.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Minkoff, M.D. Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN Rose Tyler, APRN & Lindsay Williamson, APRN 301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal 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.

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Tampa Bay Edition

APOTHECARY BOHEMIAN GYPSEA

12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs 727-935-6046 BohemianGypsea.com Metaphysical Gift Shop, Crystals, Jewelry, Clothing, Local Artist, CBD, Delta 8, Tea, Supplements, Greeting Cards, Sage, Incense, Essential Oils, Books, Energy Healing, Candles. See ad page 10.

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.”

CHIROPRACTIC NATURAL LIVING CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER Dr. Paula Giusto 310 South Brevard Ave., Tampa 813-253-2565 NaturalLivingChiropractic.org

Family chiropractic care, wellness care, nutritional counseling, neuromuscular massage therapy.

Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.

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 35.

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.

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 6.

NATampa.com

CARLO LITANO, DMD

Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, 33782 727-300-0044 Natural-Smiles.com Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 4.

PAUL T. RODEGHERO, DDS

Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363 MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3, 9 & 12.

ROBERT J. YU, DMD

Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg 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 s c an ne r, el i m i nat i ng me ss y impressions. See ad page 14.

HERBALIST ROSE KALAJIAN—HERBALIST

Natural Health Hut Clinic and Herb Farm 813-991-5177 ImHerbalist.com Specializing in growing the herbs used in my clinic practice and in the Herbal Remedies I formulate.

Consultations are available for humans, dogs, cats, and horses.

Promoting health through the use of Herbs. See ad pages 27 and 33.

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 35.

Buy into your community …Support our advertisers

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-ofNetwork Provider.

MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE

Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, 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 pages 11 and 47.

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 SBDWellness.com A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in BioIdentical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 15.

To Advertise in the Resource Guide, email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com or call 727.865.9339.

YOUNG FOUNDATIONAL HEALTH CENTER

John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600 YoungFoundationalHealth.com Author of Beyond Treatment. Creator of Young Health Products.

Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases. Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone.

Special Testing and Nutritional Education. See ad page 7..

INTUITIVE HEALING RONNI FORD YOGA AND INTUITIVE CRYSTAL HEALING Dunedin 340-626-9642 RonniFordyeh@gmail.com

Intuitive crystal healer and yoga instructor; 22 years’ experience.

Awaken: messages from your incarnated soul; energy and energetic healing; food sensitivity awareness.

Group yoga and private healing sessions available online, by phone or in-person.

MEDITATION LARRY CASTELLANI, PH.D.

Integral Awareness Meditation 716-816-5464 I.Am.Meditation108@gmail.com InCommunionWithTruth.blogspot.com I have 30 yrs. experience helping people along the spiritual path.

Expect an effortless awakening of freedom, peace and happiness.

Overcome worry, craving and pain.

Equitable fee, sliding scale.

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 43.

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.

SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE LISA MILIARESIS

Extreme Communication 727-239-0656 Lisa@2Communicate.net 2Communicate.net Lisa offers private individual and group channeling sessions, as well as private counseling sessions for those looking for direction in developing their own personal practice.

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

Private sessions using various 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 Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100 GreenPointThermography.com

The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay – serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology.

See ad page 10.

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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 29.

UNITY CHURCH REV. TRACEY QUILLEN, SENIOR MINISTER 1960 Tampa Road Palm Harbor, FL 34683 727-784-7911 UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

Unity is a practical, progressive approach to a Spiritual Based Life.

Join us Sunday mornings live at 11am or online. See ad page 42.

VETERINARIAN HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 628 Cleveland St., #17, 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.

MEDICINE RIVER ANIMAL HOSPITAL Shawna L. Green, DVM 13495 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach 727-299-9029 MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com

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

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Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun. ~Kahlil Gibran

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