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Holistic, Metaphysical & Crystal Expo
November 2 & 3 • doors open 10am
Largo Event Center, 6340 126th Ave. North
Sppeakers all day, each day, included FOOD AVAILABLE ON SITE
Most people know what it means when we say our “head got turned”—we went out of alignment. For an intention (old school prayer) to work, alignment is needed. Higher Consciousness is a metaphor for The Holy Grail, the indwelling cup. Alignment and balancing this female-male energy within is vital to putting our own “house in order”.
Knowing that wherever a body sits, stands or lies is the “axis mundi”—center of the Earth, we work any internal conflict so as not to spill into the world of form. As we do this work, we align— no longer horizontal (east/west)—but vertical (true north). Information designed for our specific needs is organically downloaded.
For discounted admission and more details visit:
This issue presents information helpful to heal any doubt as to our energy/currency being qualified via alignment. The Rise of Bodywork Modalities is a feature story marvel in that it updates us to present-day energy work and more truth than fiction when it comes to efficacy.
In The Case for Cloth Diapers, what seems to go backward is actually upward, eliminating disposables and that huge environmental hardship. Bonus takeaway: “Approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty-trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.” ~Parenting Science
With an open Heart and mind, please enjoy.
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Heart Beats without Plaque
There’s more to our heart than meets the eye. Gum disease is linked to heart disease. Approximately 75 percent of Americans have some form of gum/periodontal disease without even knowing it. Often missed because there are no early or obvious symptoms until it’s too late, periodontal disease is known as the “silent” disease. Symptoms may include bleeding, inflammation, redness, pain, bad breath and loose teeth.
Statistically, gum disease increases the risks for osteoporosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s, dementia, respiratory disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Men are three times more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction. Pregnant women are more likely to have preterm babies. Men have also experienced increased kidney failure, pancreatic cancer and blood disorders.
Offering full-service periodontal care and implant dentistry, Robert J. Yu, DMD, Tampa Bay Dental Implants and Periodontics, St. Pete, brings expertise to each heart-centric oral evaluation. Don’t let plaque block your heart!
Location: 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 727-3849122 or visit tbPerio.com. See ad page 8.
Hair Du Soleil Expands Team, Services, Languages
HairDu Soleil, the organic hair salon and skincare boutique in Clearwater, is excited to announce the addition of two highly skilled stylists to its team—Jaclyn Massarro and Iryna Pavlyk. Owner Maria Morales, dedicated to providing the best in organic hair care, is delighted to welcome these talented professionals.
A Master Stylist and Color Specialist, Massarro brings years of experience in advanced color correction techniques, balayage and hair extensions. Her expertise in these services ensures that clients receive cutting-edge styles and color transformations that complement their unique beauty.
A gifted Colorist and Stylist, Pavlyk broadens the salon’s appeal to international tourists and locals with her multilingual abilities, speaking Ukrainian, Polish and Russian. She offers a diverse range of services, including organic coloring, highlights, lowlights, balayage, and transformative hair makeovers, making her a favorite among clients seeking both trendy and timeless looks.
Very much in demand, organic color and products are safe for the clients and the air. With their combined experience and passion for the latest hair trends, these two new stylists open the door to help more people get appointments more quickly.
Location: 805 Turner St., Clearwater. To book a free consultation or appointment, call 727-441-8586. See ad page 33.
It’s Time to Embrace ‘The Age of Aquarius’
Specializing in uncovering personality, emotions and life patterns, Scherezade, astrologer and intuitive spiritual counselor, offers expert astrology guidance. With 20 years’ experience, she provides clear insights to empower personal growth and transformation. Through deep chart analysis, clients are guided in overcoming self-imposed boundaries and embracing their true potential.
Scherezade shares, “We are experiencing fascinating times with major astrological events; with the ingress of Pluto in Aquarius, we are entering a new astrological era—the official beginning of ‘The Age of Aquarius.’” On a personal level, this will challenge conventional thinking with new approaches, ways of thinking, working and embracing personal empowerment; as to the collective, there is a strong drive for authenticity and innovation to problem-solving.
Pluto will make his final move into Aquarius on November 20, 2024, where it will be for nearly 20 years; changes and transformations come our way whether we like them or not. Astrology is a great tool for self-discovery, clarity and direction—are our goals aligned with our soul journey?
Cost: Fee depends on reading. For natal chart reading, yearly transits and solar return readings, call 305-560-3429, email Astro@AstrologyTransits.com and/or visit AstrologyTransits.com. See ad page 44.
Spiritual Guidance & Learning
Established in 2016, Spiritual Guidance & Learning offers a holistic approach utilizing ancient wisdom combined with modern insights to help unlock one’s true potential for living a fulfilling life.
Reverend Bectar, with her Masters in Pastoral Counseling, is a certified metaphysical teacher and medium with 40-plus years’ experience as a tarot reader and teacher. She is a Spiritual Life Coach and Reiki Master.
Reverend Cee is an accomplished counselor, medium and tarot reader with 25 years’ experience helping individuals heal from trauma while rebuilding the confidence to enjoy their lives. She utilizes crystals to enhance the healing process.
Reverend Durant, with 25-plus years’ experience, offers astrology chart readings, tarot readings, and magic classes teaching the principles, techniques and practices which encompass a wide range of mystical and esoteric traditions.
Location: 11580 Oakhurst Rd., Ste. 1, Largo. FMI and appointments, call 727-460-7656 and/or visit SpiritGuidance.org. See ad page 16.
Walk Backward to Walk Forward
Live-Online Seminar
ThreeSaturdays and Sundays, October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., learn to walk with ease and grace, without the limitations habitual patterns have on your knees, hips and backs.
The Lightness of Walking Program, created by Bonnie Kissam, M.A., Feldenkrais practitioner for 40-plus years, offers the opportunity to learn a process that enhances alignment, balance and coordination—without trying. Your walk becomes easy—without walking. In this 12-hour movement-awareness program, your brain, that senses and thinks, is guided to be inquisitive as you clarify and re-experience these basic elements for walking so that you will have, for a lifetime, wellbalanced, pain-free walks. You walk backward to move forward.
“With knee and hip surgeries, I can say I have learned to walk four times now. This program has been enlightening Who knew my walk could be better by using my torso to move my legs.” A.B. 2019
Join a growing love—walking for life.
Cost: $279/includes 12 hours, follow-along booklet, video replays, midweek posts, and individual coaching sessions to ensure a lifetime of easy, breezy walks. For information and sign-up, go to LightnessOfWalking. com; for free- E-book, FeldenkraisBonniek.com. See ad page 31.
Galactic-Themed Spirit Fest Comes to Largo
The Spirit Fest: Metaphysical, Holistic & Crystal Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 2 and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., November 3, at the Largo Event Center, in Largo. There will be 60plus booths with vendors, practitioners, readers, artists, authors and demonstrations.
“This is going to be a special ‘Galactic’ themed show,” says producer Mary Ellen Popyk. “We’ll have all the great things people expect at Spirit Fest, but also many with connections to angels, the stars, ET’s, ancient mysteries, and advanced technologies. Laura Eisenhower, great granddaughter of President Eisenhower, will be there, speaking on our galactic origins.”
Speakers are scheduled throughout both days on a variety of topics, included with daily admission. There will also be more special guests, with attendee favorites including henna and reflexology. Some vendors speak Spanish. Food and free parking will be available on-site.
Entrance fee: $10/day or $15/the weekend. Children 12 & under free. Location: 6340 126th Ave. North, Largo. For more information, visit SpiritFestUSA.com or call 321-313-2543. See ad page 10.
Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth
Cervical ripening is the natural process of softening and opening the cervix before labor begins. Pregnant women that need labor induction, have an overdue pregnancy or encounter risks to
their health or their baby’s health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, may need assistance ripening the cervix. In a study published by Complementary Medicine Research involving 96 low-risk women with term [39 to 40 weeks] pregnancies, half of the participants received a daily vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil prior to delivery; the other half received a placebo. The need for labor induction was significantly higher in the placebo group, showing that the vaginal use of evening primrose oil could be safe and effective for cervical ripening in low-risk, full-term pregnant women.
Synthetic Protein May Slow Alzheimer’s Progression
Experiments on mice with Alzheimer’s at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have made significant progress in slowing cognitive decline and improving memory, using a synthetic protein called PHDP5 delivered through the nasal cavity that can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly affect the memory center. Researchers believe this protein could also prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms if administered early in the disease’s progression.
Brain cell communications depend on the health of nerve synapses and synaptic vesicles, which need the protein dynamin to function properly. In Alzheimer’s, the tau protein, which usually stabilizes structures inside neurons, detaches and binds to dynamin, disrupting synaptic vesicle recycling and causing communication problems between neurons. As the disease progresses, tau forms tangles that further damage synapses. PHDP5 works by preventing tau from interacting with dynamin. Researchers note that turning this discovery into an approved treatment for humans will likely be a long process.
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the disease is expected to affect 78 million people by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 globally, leading to high economic costs. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease caused by a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, making it hard to treat, especially after symptoms appear.
New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease currently relies on cognitive exams and the observation of symptoms, followed by a brain scan or spinal tap to look for the buildup of beta-amyloid protein. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involving more than 1,200 Swedish patients with memory complaints showed promise for a blood test diagnosis, which would be easier and less costly to administer.
Participants received an initial diagnosis by a primary care physician or specialist doctor and then got the blood test—which is developed by C2N Diagnostics (C2ND) and measures the buildup of tau proteins—as well as a confirming brain scan or spinal tap. While the doctors’ initial diagnoses were 61 percent (primary care) and 73 percent (specialist) accurate, the C2ND blood test proved to be 91 percent accurate. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the works for this and other competing blood tests.
Toxic Metals Found in Tampons
Tampons are used by the majority of menstruating women. An inaugural study published in Environment International measured the concentration of 16 metals and metalloids (elements that have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals) in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines. The researchers detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. Non-organic tampons were higher in lead concentrations, and organic tampons were higher in arsenic. The metals may come from agricultural or manufacturing processes. Additional research is needed to determine whether and to what extent the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue assimilates these metals.
Douglas
Cliff from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Studying Animals From Space
In 2025, the Max Planck Society, a German research organization, plans to launch into space five miniature satellites, each the size of a Rubik’s Cube, as part of the International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (ICARUS) project, which is designed to track the movements and body temperature of tagged animals, as well as the surrounding air temperature, air pressure and wind speed. Tiny solar-powered tags and artificial intelligence applications will allow scientists to gather and evaluate data on migration, nesting and mating patterns, while also determining the environmental and human conditions that may lead to an animal’s death. Because of advancements in tagging modalities and ICARUS’s relatively low cost, tags may also be employed to follow more obscure species, as well as things such as glaciers and plastic debris.
Boy Scouts Save Life Mid-Flight
On a Southwest Airlines flight to LaGuardia Airport, a flight attendant asked over the public address system if there was a doctor on board. Three doctors and a nurse responded to the request and began treating a man in cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because CPR is exhausting to do for more than a few minutes, the professionals needed help, at which point a group of boy scouts returning from the Philmont Scout Ranch, in New Mexico, jumped into action and helped perform CPR for 40 minutes until the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Pittsburgh.
To receive training and certification in this life-saving skill, contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
European Union Bans Mercury Dental Fillings
Dental amalgam, a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, is made by mixing a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper with liquid mercury. The European Union already bans its use for treating children under 15 years old, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. New rules adopted by the European Council completely ban the use of dental amalgams for all ages starting in 2025, unless deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner to address the specific medical needs of a patient. In this country, the use of dental amalgam is permitted even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that exposure to mercury may pose a greater health risk to pregnant and nursing women, newborns and infants, children younger than 6 and those with neurological disease, impaired kidney function or an allergy to mercury.
QI: The Force Behind Blood Flow and Higher Intelligence
Interview with Qigong Practitioner Jeff Primack
Conducted by Damon Damato
DD: Can you bring a Universal meaning to describe “Qi”?
JP: Qi is the electric Life Presence that beats the human heart and charges the air we breathe. Gong, like Gong Fu, is a repeated action to activate higher energy. Qigong generates a powerful magnetic field in the hands, and this energy “dilates arteries”, healing what it touches. The effects of Qi are profound for increasing circulation and improving endocrine imbalances. Science will discover Qi is related to static electricity and can be harnessed with hand postures.
DD: MindBody Activation is coming, November 9 to 11, to Lake County Fairgrounds. What is your higher vision for sharing this kind of healing with so many people in 2024?
JP: I believe when more human beings develop “Qi Awareness”, human evolution will go higher. Florida is home to our national event where we transform a huge outdoor pavilion into sacred space. Our intention is to experience the authentic healing and stress-dissolving practices of Qigong in a strong group energy field. Sound, light and Qi graphics are used to improve learning; everyone can feel what is going on without any previous experience. It’s rare that 500-plus people all inhale at the same second while holding the same healing prayer. Many people that attend heal old injuries, and everyone is strengthened. Our vision for this event is to uplift the group energy to the highest level.
DD: Is there significance to practicing Qigong in large groups?
JP: From 1980 to1999, the Chinese gathered for Qigong events inside arenas and stadiums with tens-of-thousands of people. Dr. Yan Xin led the first wave of Qi awareness with integrity, but other fake masters misused Qigong to protest the government and it was then banned in large group settings. Chinese people had discovered the secret of “group energy” and it went beyond the roar of a rock concert or the cheers in a football game. Where two or more practice Qigong sincerely, there exists a larger quantum living field of energy.
DD: The breathwork at the MindBody Activation is transformative. Since every person is connected to it, do you believe the answers to healing and overcoming negative emotions are found here?
JP: Breathing is the most powerful skill humans can learn to attune with the spirit of life. Genesis 2:7 reveals, “God breathed
into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” People report euphoric vibrational experiences when they do our Breath Empowerment even if they don’t believe Qi exists. Breathwork is the best Gong Fu; repeated deep breaths will break the veil of darkness and bad thoughts, eventually flooding the body with light energy.
DD: I’ve seen a shift over the past few years where your focus has really zeroed in on food healing, especially in regards to food science. Why do you feel this is so important in today’s world, and how does it relate to one’s personal Qi?
JP: Food is key to excellent health, especially natural foods made before the inventions of man. For example, kiwi helps to reverse asthma, as in hundreds of students I’ve counseled. Moreover, the prestigious medical journal Thorax indicates children who ate kiwi 3 to 5 times a week vs. those who didn’t eat any had a much lower incidence of asthma.
DD: You perform a Global Healing Circle that is legendary. How does it connect participants using the 9-Breath Method with an expanded process?
JP: The living electricity felt in the hands of the healing circle is unlike anything else we teach. After everyone is proficient in using the 9-Breath Method, our signature breathing technique, we hold hands while doing it many times. The feeling is like an electric current going through everyone’s legs, arms and hands. It feels so very good! Delicious, I might say. We focus our mind to God and ask for healing of people we love and send light to noble groups and nations.
MindBody Activation is $299 for three days. Massage Therapists earn 21 CE hours. U.S. veterans attend free. For more information and reservations, call 561-275-8384 and/or visit MindBodyActivation.live. See ad page 9.
The Rise of Bodywork Modalities
Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts
by Marlaina Donato
Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques
Full-Spectrum Acupuncture
According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.
Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at
major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage
applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.
“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.
“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains
Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.
Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.
For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.
Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.
Chiropractic Goes High-Tech
With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.
The chiropractic use of electric currentbased muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.
As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”
Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography,
which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.
New Horizons
Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.
Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine— shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot
disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.
Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.
Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”
Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained
attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.
Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Mariah Maven/CanvaPro
Dedicatedly on a mission with niche healing services, Laura Turley, Professional Lymphatic Therapy and Colonics, Pinellas Park, offers unique, gentle and effective treatments for people suffering with ailments that can be medically-complicated.
Turley enjoyed a successful 30-year corporate career in the banking, brokerage and search industries. As she was approaching middle-age and contemplating the next chapter of her life, she longed for more personal fulfillment and had a strong desire to be of service to others. She realized that she had a special talent for helping people in a very personal way, so she obtained her massage therapy license in 2013 and became immersed in the health and wellness field. Later, returning to the school from which she graduated to teach future massage therapists, she was introduced to lymphatic work and amazed at the difference she could make in peoples’ health and quality of life. Professional Lymphatic Therapy was born in 2018.
As business grew, Turley realized that most of her clients—who were already suffering with maladies such as auto-immune conditions, cancer, post-surgical healing, etc.—were almost always experiencing digestive issues as well. To address those concerns, she became a colon hydrotherapist in 2022, expanding her business to include closed system Gravity Method Colonics and becoming today’s Professional Lymphatic Therapy and Colonics, LLC.
“My mother—an emergency room nurse and single mother of five—was a no-nonsense woman who cared deeply about the people in her life,” shares Turley. “She was an excellent example of strength, resilience and pragmatic compassion. Sadly, we lost her to cancer at the young age of 62. When I work on medicallycomplicated patients today, I consider it an honor, and I feel my mom’s presence; I think she’d be proud of the work I’ve chosen to do.”
Conditions such as cancer, auto-immune disorders, mastectomies and other surgeries often cause a great deal of pain, swelling and discomfort, in addition to brain fog, fatigue and other side-effects that influence quality of life. At Professional Lymphatic Therapy and Colonics, clients are provided appropriate treatments and educated on their anatomy and ways they can help themselves via self-care. “Our mission is to become a trusted provider of unique, gentle and effective treatments for people suffering with ailments that tend to be medically-complicated,” shares Turley, owner, licensed massage therapist and colon hydrotherapist.
“Working in corporate America for 30 years afforded me the skillsets, habits and knowledge that have served me well in self-employment,” Turley expounds, “but the nuances are quite different, and it’s been a challenge to navigate the many tasks, skills and talents that are necessary to survive as a small business owner. Each season brings new challenges, and I think one of the biggest rewards on the business end is that I keep pushing my own limits, learning new skills, and practice letting go of things that no longer serve me: I continue to adapt. And even when I fall, I always get up and try again…it gets easier every time!”
Professional Lymphatic Therapy and Colonics, LLC is located at 9371-B U.S. Hwy. 19 N, Pinellas Park. For more information and appointments, email ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy@gmail.com and/or visit ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com. See ad page 35.
Fair-Trade Environmentalism
How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet
by Megy Karydes
In a 2021 study by sustainability consultancy GlobeScan, 41 percent of U.S. respondents said they had changed their purchasing choices to make a difference on economic, social or environmental issues. Walk into a grocery store today and the likelihood of finding fair-trade coffee or chocolate is higher than five years ago. The same GlobeScan study found that about 80 percent of U.S. consumers were aware of the Fairtrade America certification, viewed it favorably and would pay up to 35 percent more for Fairtrade coffee. The trend is clear: people are increasingly seeing their everyday shopping as an important way to make a difference.
None of this is by accident. Large and small nonprofits—such as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) America, which fights global inequality to end poverty and injustice, and Chicago Fair Trade, a grassroots coalition—as well as independent retailers have been raising awareness by advocating on behalf of farmers and producers for years. Another growing trend in the fair-trade space is an understanding that environmental concerns need to be part of the conversation.
Sustainability Goals
Eric Muñoz, associate director for Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems at Oxfam
America, notes one of the key issues of concern for their organization is an acknowledgement that hunger and poverty are concentrated in rural areas. Fairtrade efforts address those inequalities while also supporting community engagement and dialogue, democratic participation in decision-making and women’s empowerment.
“Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households are those that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he remarks. “Farmers involved in or selling into global supply chains, or even regional or national value chains, find themselves
at a disadvantage. They are least able to negotiate a good return on the cost of their goods, or access markets that are going to adequately compensate them for their work and benefit from their labor. Fair trade is an effort at getting at that issue.”
Environmental concerns are inextricably involved in fair-trade negotiations. Nancy Demuth, director of outreach for Chicago Fair Trade, cites the example of coffee bean farmers in East Africa that are dealing with the negative impacts that unpredictable weather patterns have on their yields. “Those farmers will be farming less, and that means they’re earning less money,” she explains. “If they are using unsustainable environmental techniques, then that might be negatively impacting their soil health, and in 10 to 20 years’ time, their soil will be less productive.” To be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals and reduce waste and emissions.
Retailers Leading the Way
Since 2010, Tracy Zhu has been selling fair-trade items at her clothing shop, Tango Zulu, in Port Gamble, Washington, and about two years ago, many of her customers began to ask for environmentally responsible products. “There seems to be more awareness of the waste and pollution in the garment industry,” Zhu says. “People are interested in sustainable clothing and also items made from clothing scraps, like upcycled kantha dish towels [made of quilted rags].”
Melissa Kendrick of Sojourns, a fair-trade retailer in Birmingham, Alabama, has likewise changed her inventory to serve a burgeoning interest in conservation. “Upcycled items received lots of attention, and more and more, we saw customers reacting to the information we posted about sustainability aspects of our products,” she says. “Now we see them actively asking about and seeking out items that have a smaller environmental footprint. We
even have a section in our online shop that highlights items that are exceptionally eco-friendly.”
Zhu and Kendrick are responding to a rising and vocal support for companies and brands that align with their interests and values. Consumers increasingly ask questions about issues beyond the working conditions or compensation of the people producing the items. They want to know how fair trade impacts the environment and are willing to shift their purchasing power accordingly.
Reducing Consumption
Dampening uncontrolled consumerism is also a concern. “Part of what we do is talk about stopping the madness of mindless consumption,” notes Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade. The nonprofit hosts free clothing swaps, fashion shows featuring recycled garments and opportunities to engage with other advocates at the
Chicago Fair Trade Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S.
What consumers do makes a difference, and Demuth encourages individuals to do all they can where they live. “Pick something that is of interest to you and see if you can make one switch,” she recommends. “Do one thing to make a positive difference, rather than overwhelm yourself by trying to suddenly shop 100 percent ethical, because it’s impossible to do that in our society.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Aquir
The Case for Cloth Diapers
Saving Money and the Environment
by Kelcie Ottoes
Disposable diapers hit the shelves in 1948 and have become a household staple. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group estimates that 28.8 billion diapers were sold in 2023 in the United States. Parents concerned with environmental, monetary and other associated costs of disposables are moving back to cloth diapering.
“Both my husband’s mom and my mom mentioned that they cloth-diapered. They said it was really no big deal. Cloth diapers used to be the norm just a few generations ago,” says Kate Sawyer, a water and wastewater professional in Durango, Colorado.
Health Benefits
Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead. A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins. A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.
Cloth diapers are made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp, which generally do not contain perfumes, polyacrylate (a superabsorbant polymer) or chlorine that can strip away protective bacteria, causing a baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. Look for organic versions free of toxins from the farm and factory.
Unlike disposables designed to absorb moisture quickly and keep it away from the skin, cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the baby’s bottom must be cleaned well and allowed to dry before applying a fresh diaper.
Toddlers wearing cloth diapers can feel the wet sensation against their skin and are more aware of when they have relieved themselves, making potty training easier. According to an article in Parenting Science, approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.
When washing cloth diapers, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, use
recommended amounts of detergent, run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove all the soap, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can be irritants. Responding to parents that don’t want to deal with the messiness of cloth diapers, Sawyer says, “No matter what, you’re going to deal with poop as a parent. Using cloth diapers actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens—cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”
A Cleaner Option
Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.
Parents that use cloth tend to buy between 20 and 40 diapers, which can last up to 400 washes if they’re well maintained and can be repurposed into dust rags to extend their life. Although they usually do not pile up in landfills, cloth diapers still pose some environmental concerns. Hot water and energy are needed to wash and dry them. Cotton is also a chemically dependent crop, but when regenerative organic principles are employed, the cotton-growing process conserves water, protects biodiversity and avoids toxic fertilizers and herbicides.
Cheaper in the Long Run
The average cost of one disposable diaper is 29 cents; cloth diapers are about $2 to $21 each. “It can be expensive to get started [with cloth diapers], but the long-run savings more than make up for the up-front costs,” says Leah Black, a mom and founder of Cheeks Ahoy, a reusable baby-wipe company in Canada. “You don’t have to buy all brand-new stuff. Well-made cloth
diapers will last much longer than your child’s diapering stage, so there is nothing wrong with looking for gently used cloth diapers.”
A Flexible Approach
Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an allor-nothing decision. Many use disposable diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.
Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Zuzule
Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge
From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers
by Madiha Saeed, M.D.
Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.
According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to
more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”
Robert Pavsic from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Benefits of Cold Therapy
According to Tom Moorcroft, a boardcertified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
Maloof notes the following benefits:
• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.
• Inflammation and Recovery: Coldwater immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep
blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.
• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.
• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.
Contraindications
Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin,
Grateful Aging
Coming in November
temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.
Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:
• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.
• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.
• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.
• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.
• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.
• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.
• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.
“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play
How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury
by Maya Whitman
Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.
The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the long-term effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.
The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.
Pressure Points
According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.
Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.
“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding
patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.
Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”
Exercise Ergonomics
Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.
For a well-rounded approach to exercise
that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with anklesupporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Conscious Eating
Sweet Nostalgia
Celebrating National Dessert Month
by Deborah Bevilacqua
Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.
“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergen-free bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate long-held family recipes,
cultural traditions and the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.
From Ancient Times to Modern Bites
Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.
American Favorites
Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.
Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.
“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”
While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New York-style cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.
The Sweet Benefits of Desserts
Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell
damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.
Healthy Alternatives
Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.
pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairyand nut-free chocolate chips.
Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal,
For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise
blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.
Celebrating National Dessert Month
To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessert-themed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Scukrov/CanvaPro
Lynn’s Pumpkin Cheese-Less Cake
YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS
BASE
1¾ cups raw almonds
8 dates, pitted
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅛ tsp Himalayan salt
FILLING
3 cups raw cashews
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
¾ cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent of fresh-cooked mashed pumpkin)
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp cloves
½ tsp Himalayan salt
1 cup melted coconut oil
For the base, soak the dates in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove dates from water and put in food processor with salt, almonds and vanilla, and blend until the nuts are broken down into small pieces and the mixture is sticky when pressed between fingertips.
Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Gently hand-press the pie crust onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
For the filling, soak cashews in water overnight or cover cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Strain the soaked cashews and add them with the other filling ingredients except the coconut oil to a food processor. Blend for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted coconut oil and blend until well incorporated into the mixture.
Pour filling into pie crust. Set in freezer for 2 or more hours until the center is solid.
Remove and refrigerate for a few hours until it thaws before serving.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility
by Dr. Susan Fox
Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.
For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.
Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:
• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.
• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.
• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.
• Increases in testicular cancer rates.
• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.
Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.
There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
Carol Orsborn
on Growing Whole, Not Just Old
by Sandra Yeyati
For five decades, Carol Orsborn has been a leading voice of her generation and a bestselling author, having written 36 books on quality of life, spirituality and aging. Her latest book is Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life, to be published in December. Designed to be read weekly over two years with 120 readings, it focuses on the issues and concerns that arise among those that view aging as a path to spiritual transcendence.
Orsborn earned a master’s degree in theological studies and a doctorate in history and critical theory of religion from Vanderbilt University, completing her postgraduate work in spiritual counseling at the New Seminary, in New York City. She served on the faculties of Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California; Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles; and Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. She has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, and presented talks at the Omega Institute, American Society of Aging and Vanderbilt University Hospital.
What do we get wrong about aging?
There have been two dominant theories about aging that have influenced the stereotypes, and each one gets aging wrong in its own way. The first is that aging is a period of sad, slow decline and the best you can do is try and put old people behind gated communities and facilities and keep them as happy as possible.
The flip side, which has been holding sway and is just as insidious, is called “activity theory”. It keeps older people active—the more active they are, the longer they are active, the better it supposedly is. So, we say things like “60 is the new 30” as we try to extend midlife, turning us into desperate robots.
What is a better way to look at aging?
Getting old is a life stage with meaning and purpose of its own. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live your life. Sometimes you may want to be contemplative, quiet and take time away from the limelight. Other times, you may want to roar like a lion; you might have a lot left in you that you want to give.
How do you define spiritual aging?
The first tenet of spiritual aging is accepting reality as it is while believing that there is meaning and purpose to life. The second is loving yourself no matter what. Spiritual aging treats the process of getting old not as a problem to be solved, but rather as a spiritual experience in and of itself. This is your last chance to embrace all of life and to have the freedom to pick what you want to do because your soul is telling you to do it.
As we confront physical and mental diminishment, what role does grief play in this spiritual experience?
Grief can shake you from your faith. You can hit bottom a lot of ways and feel that life is meaningless and hopeless. In my book,
Carol Orsborn courtesy of Carol Orsborn
I talk about a place I call “the void”, where reality outstrips your ability to cope and you go to a place that feels bottomless, dark, scary and hopeless. Every spiritual and religious formulation that I’ve ever read has a place like that—like the dark night of the soul in Christianity—where the status quo loses hold of you, and yet it also seems like a holy place because it allows you to let go of the illusions and what used to be, and to reconstruct yourself from the ground up in a way that is more in alignment with reality.
Is it never too late to find your purpose in life?
Of course not. In fact, I would say the opposite. It takes growing old to finally be able to live with some degree of purity of purpose, because you’re not going to be as distracted by what society’s expectations are of you. For those with physical and mental impairments, there is an opportunity to find meaning and purpose not only despite those challenges, but through them. If you’re taking a walk and you’re going much slower than you’re used to, you’re much more likely to notice the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, for instance.
Our generation has been told all our lives that we should follow our heart and passion. That was hard when we were in our 40s because if you followed your heart and you wanted to be a poet, you couldn’t make a living at it. But now in your 70s, 80s or 90s, if you want to be a poet, go for it! There’s a lot of late-life blooming going on, tempered by what our hearts are telling us and by our physical and mental abilities. That’s what the reinventing should be about.
As we age, we become increasingly dependent on others. What are the spiritual lessons there?
We don’t receive well. The tendency in older people is to complain or get mad at their caregivers if they aren’t giving to us perfectly. So it’s about learning to receive, but also learning to be gracious and put other people before yourself—allowing your caregiver to feel good about what they’re doing for you.
Look, the bottom line is learning to love and be loved. I keep learning every day. I have family issues that may never resolve, but I’m learning I’m beloved anyway. I’m seeing love where I didn’t see it before. I’m having compassion where I didn’t see it before. At 76, suddenly I see things with so much depth that I see the love that was there all along.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/OrsbornWW or scan the QR code.
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Although approximately 82 million U.S. households own a pet, only a small fraction—around 5.4 million—were insured by the end of 2023. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28 percent of American pet owners encountered barriers to pet care in the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints.
Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support during unexpected emergencies or costly treatments, but deciding whether to invest isn’t always simple. Some pet owners are hesitant due to concerns about cost,
policy complexity or the belief that insurance might not be necessary. However, many that do opt for insurance report significant benefits.
Eases Financial Worries
One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides, allowing families to focus on their pet’s health without constantly worrying about the financial implications. Patrons of Trupanion Pet Insurance have noted how insurance has made managing their pet’s health care easier because they have
to meet the deductible only once per new condition, after which 90 percent of the costs are covered. Trupanion also covers alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Simplifies Decision-Making
AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days—a crucial factor when a pet has medical problems at the time of adoption. If a pet later develops a related ailment that requires costly testing, the insurance will cover these costs, allowing a pet owner to make the best decision for their pet without financial constraints.
Promotes Preventive Care
Many insurance plans, like those offered by Pets Best, include coverage for preventive care such as check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, which encourages pet owners to maintain regular veterinary visits. By catching potential health issues early, pet owners can avoid more costly treatments down the road, ensuring that their pets live healthier lives.
Reduces the Burden of HighCost Treatments
Facing a high-cost treatment can be daunting, and in such cases, an insurance company that provides this level of coverage can be a lifesaver, enabling pet owners to provide the necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. A study published in Animals found that pet health insurance significantly increased the amount spent at the veterinarian, with insured dog owners spending an average of $211 more on veterinary care compared to those without insurance. While extra spending appears to be an argument against the value of pet insurance, the study’s authors present it as a positive, noting that as pet insurance alleviates owners’ financial stress, it encourages them to invest more in their pet’s health care.
Saves Lives
The financial strain of veterinary care can often lead to emotional distress for pet owners, particularly when they are forced to make difficult decisions in an emergency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers
Meet Piper, a 5-m-o shih tzu/ toy poodle mix (shih-poo). Residing in Seminole with her human, Cathy Thornton, it is said nothing gets by her. Supersmart and full of unconditional love, Cathy shares, “She loves to lend a paw with laundry, eagerly waiting for the moment when a piece of clothing falls. In the blink of an eye, it’s snatched up and she’s off with it!” Precious, princess!
Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com.
of Veterinary Science showed that insured dogs had a significantly lower pre-surgical euthanasia rate (10 percent) compared to non-insured dogs (37 percent). This suggests that pet insurance allows owners to choose lifesaving treatments rather than face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to financial constraints.
Pet Insurance Shopping Guidelines
• Preexisting Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. To ensure coverage, enroll a pet in an insurance plan before any significant health issues arise.
• Waiting Periods: Many pet insurance plans include waiting periods before coverage begins, during which illness or injury may not be covered.
• Coverage Limits: Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage limits, including annual, per-incident or lifetime caps. Review these provisions carefully to understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay in different scenarios.
• Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Policies differ in how they handle deductibles and reimbursement levels. Some may have higher deductibles but offer higher reimbursement rates.
Choose a plan that fits both the budget and healthcare needs.
• Alternative and Holistic Care: Not all plans include coverage for holistic treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, so the selected policy should align with the owner’s preferences.
• Understanding Exclusions: Some insurance plans may exclude services for routine wellness care, dental cleanings or certain hereditary conditions. Understanding these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.
• Plan Flexibility: Some insurance providers offer customizable plans, allowing pet owners to choose their deductible, coverage limits and options. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to ensure the best value for the money.
Deciding whether to invest in pet insurance is a personal choice that should align with the owner’s financial planning, the pet’s health and the priorities set for their pet’s care. Pet insurance can be a useful tool for managing veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
Printed calendar is a gratis feature for advertisers. Non-advertisers: get your Mark Your Calendar event listed for $50/listing. Email dwilson@natampa.com for more info. On line version of Calendar of Events gratis at NATampa.com.
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, October 1
Tarot, Astrology & Crystal Classes - In this introductory 6-week series, learn the art of interpreting the Tarot and the ancient mysteries of the Stars & Crystals! $25/per class. Spiritual Guidance and Learning, 11580 Oakhurst Rd., Ste. 1, Largo. For more information, contact Carla Beetar, 727-460-7656 or visit SpiritGuidance.org
Saturday, October 5
NLP 1-Day Training Online - 1-6pm. Fun interactive class designed to give you basic knowledge and skills of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). Learn by experiencing basic NLP principles & techniques you can use immediately to help yourself and others achieve goals and make positive, permanent changes. $55 or $45 (UPHI Member). More info & Register: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
Clothing Optional Karaoke at bare RV Resort - 6-10pm. Every Sat. Check something off your bucket list and sing karaoke in the buff! $5/Ladies; $15/Gentlemen; $20/Couples. 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O Lakes, 813-996-6008, barervresort.com
Thursday, October 10
Free Weight Loss Seminar - 6pm. Identifying and Debunking All Myths about GLP-1’s. Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center, 1120 Belcher Rd. S, Ste. 2, Largo, 727-826-0838.
Enchanted Treasures - Oct 10, 17, 24. 6:308:30pm. Herbal Make & Take, 3-part series. Explore and create with the power of herbs. Attend all, or pick one or two classes: 1. Nurturing the Heart and Soul: Herbs for Emotional Balance. 2. Gut Wisdom: Herbal Bitters for Body & Mind. 3. Herbs of the Ancestors: Creating Herbal Incense. $33/class; $75/ all 3. Enchanted Treasures Trading Co.- Metaphysical Resale, 8523 Seminole Blvd., Seminole. Registration: Andrea 727-202-0388. m.facebook.com/ EnchantedTreasuresTradingCo888/.
Saturday October 12
Clothing Optional Karaoke at bare RV Resort - 6-10pm. Every Sat. Check something off your bucket list and sing kara-
oke in the buff! $5/Ladies; $15/Gentlemen; $20/Couples. 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O Lakes, 813-996-6008, barervresort.com
Wednesday, October 16
FREE Hypnosis-NLP Webinar “Access & Anchor Resources” - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar hosted by Certified Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner & Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 32 years’ experience, Patti shares practical, easy to use concepts & techniques with Q&A. All welcome 3rd Wednesday monthly w/ various topics. Some webinars include a hypnotic experience. Register for login details: UPHypnosis@yahoo.com, UPHypnosis.com.
Saturday, October 19
Clothing Optional Karaoke at bare RV Resort - 6-10pm. Every Sat. Check something off your bucket list and sing karaoke in the buff! $5/Ladies; $15/Gentlemen; $20/Couples. 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O Lakes, 813-996-6008, barervresort.com
Monday, October 21
Mind Masters Online featuring Art Emrich, MBA PhD – 7-10pm. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to interact with and learn from one of the true Mind Masters in the Hypnosis World. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, hosts this series featuring seasoned hypnosis & NLP experts from around the world. Presentation with Q&A. 3 CEUs (Hypnotists/Hypnotherapists). $45 or $35 (UPHI Member). 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
Thursday, October 24
Cacao Ceremony and Women’s Healing Circle - 6:30-8pm. Join sound healer Juliana Baron for a special gathering to honor our feminine spirit and the spirit of Cacao. In this ceremonial tradition, through sound, breath and intention, we will release negative energy to bring forth harmony, abundance and a joyful heart. $33. Fire + Stone Shamanic Healing Center, 1217 Ewing Ave., Clearwater, 727-387-3696,FireAndStoneHealing.com
Saturday, October 26
Clothing Optional Karaoke at bare RV Resort - 6-10pm. Every Sat. Check something off your bucket list and sing karaoke in the buff! $5/Ladies; $15/Gentlemen; $20/Couples. 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O Lakes, 813-996-6008, barervresort.com
Hypnosis International Certification Begins - Online interactive w/some “Live” for locals (Oldsmar). Receive 3 Certifications: IACT, UPHI & IHF, with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Master Trainer. Learn basic/advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, partsintegration, time-line, smoking cessation, weight/diet control, NLP & more. Register by 10/5: $3295 or $2995 (UPHI Mbr). After: $3595 or $3295 (UPHI Mbr). Already Certified: $1995. 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
Thursday, October 31
PLAN AHEAD
Saturday, November 2
Spirit Fest: Metaphysical, Holistic & Crystal Expo - Nov. 2-3. 10am-6pm Sat & 10am-5:30pm Sun. Enjoy 60 booths with vendors, practitioners, intuitive readers, artists and demonstrations. Entrance fee: $10/day or $15/weekend. Children 12 & under free. Largo Event Center, 6340 126th Ave., N, Largo. Visit SpiritFestUSA.com for more details and discounted admission.
Open House Celebration at SGL! - Noon4pm. Come check out our newly renovated space at: Spiritual Guidance and Learning, 11580 Oakhurst Rd., Ste. 1, in Largo. We are holding an open house–come for treats, conversation & mini tarot readings!
Saturday, November 9
Mindbody Activation - 10am-7pm, Nov. 9-11. Join Jeff Primack and special guest teachers for three days of profound Healing and Transformation. Experience Qigong, Meditation, Breathwork, Healing with Food, Bodywork, and so much more. $299/all 3 days or $254 before 9/30. Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis, FL. Info & registration, Karen 561-2758384, MindbodyActivation.live.
Sunday
Free Dianetics Film - 10am-10pm, MonFri. 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun. What Happens When We are Unconscious? In this 30-minute film, Dianetics explains the discovery of the Reactive Mind for the source of your fears, insecurity, phobias and nightmares. 1300 E 8th Ave., Tampa, 813-872-0723.
Monday
Meacham Urban Farm - 3-7pm Mon. & Fri. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.
Wednesday
Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Awareness through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classesmovement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota.com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/ Sarasota-Classes-Feldenkrais/.
Gentle Yoga Flow - 6-7:30pm. Concentrates on flowing sequences to warm up the body using breathing and postures. It is designed for students looking for slower paced movements, gentle stretching or are new to yoga. No experience required. Facilitated by Kelley of Rooted Sol Yoga. Space is limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. Rsvp 727-776-0519.
Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:30-7:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.
Thursday
Shamanic Sound Healing Journeys7-8:30pm. Using our multidimensional soundscapes and psychedelic videos will take you on a deep dive within Self, where knowledge, guidance and wisdom are abundant. Event takes place in virtual reality which can be accessed via computer or with VR headsets (ideal). Free. Host: JoAnn Shivanti | VRchat.com VITAL.3731 | World: Psychedelic Caverns. Info, 3rdeyeguidance.com/events, 727434-7433, shivanti@3rdeyeguidance.com
Saturday
Meacham Urban Farm - 9am-1pm Sat. 10am-1pm Sun. Homegrown and high quality, all-organic produce onsite. What they do not produce themselves, they source from other local farmers, ranchers, bakers and artisans, including a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, eggs, honey, ferments, raw dairy, soaps, flowers, plants and more. The Farm Store is open to the public every weekend, no membership needed! 1108 E Scott St. (downtown), Tampa. Learn more, MeachamFarm.com.
Infertility
Learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the January 20 through 24 event . SCAN ME
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community.
Acupuncture
ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE
Chris Dziubinski, DOM, AP, L. Ac 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com
Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.
Alternative Medicine
LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. David Minkoff, M.D.
Dr. Griselle Figueredo, M.D.
Dr. Neena Iyer, M.D.
Sue Morgan, APRN, Karima Redouan, APRN Rose Tyler, APRN
301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789
LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com
Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment. See ad inside front cover.
ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION & WELLNESS
9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808
OrthoLiving.com
We address the underlying root cause of disease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.
PROFESSIONAL HERBALISTS TRAINING PROGRAM
Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies
2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857
AcuHerbals.com
The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 23.
Dr. Grossgold practices internal medicine and pediatrics with an integrative approach to detoxification, anti-aging medicine, functional medicine and nutrition. His clinic offers Integrative Cancer Treatment, Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric, EBOO, MHA, UVBI, Theta Chamber and more! See ad page 19.
Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 27.
Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. Over 25 years of experience. Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”
ASTROLOGY TRANSITS
Scherezade Lozano 305-560-3429
AstrologyTransits.com
Unlock your potential with expert astrology guidance. 20 years’ experience delivering accurate readings to uncover core aspects of personality, emotions, health, finances, and life patterns.
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 21.
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Suite B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Complementing detoxification via “Lymphatic Therapy” (see listing), now offering Gravity Method colonics (closed system method), known to be gentler and more effective than other methods. See ad page 35.
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Lisa Harris-Dalton 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844
TheGClinic.org #MA27502, #MM43949
Compassionate therapist with 26+ years’ experience in massage therapy and open and closed colon hydrotherapy systems. Skilled in collaborating with clients/physicians to optimize wellness goals. See ad page 19.
Dentists
BEATA CARLSON, DDS
1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523
NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com
Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spalike atmosphere. See ad back cover.
CARLO LITANO, DMD
Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 132 Mirror Lake Dr., Suite 101, St. Petersburg 727-300-0044, Natural-Smiles.com
To Advertise in the Resource Guide, email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com or call 727.865.9339.
Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 4.
PAUL T. RODEGHERO, DDS
Clearwater Family Dental
215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363
MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com
We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3, 7 & 15.
ROBERT J. YU, DMD
Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics
6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Pete 727-384-9122
TBPerio.com
The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/zirconia nonmetal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad page 8.
Eco-friendly, reusable and chemicalfree, The White Green Cloth uses water only for sparkling, streak- and lint-free windows and mirrors. Machine wash. Money back, three-year warranty. See ad page 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 21.
Integrative Gynecology
THE GROSSGOLD CLINIC
Dr. Salome Masghati, MD 609 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater 727-330-3844, TheGClinic.org
Renowned, board-certified gynecologist focusing on a diverse range of women’s health issues. Commitment to holistic well-being coupled with an extensive medical background ensures exceptional care. See ad page 19.
Integrative Medicine
INTEGRATIVE THERAPEUTICS
Dr. Prudhvi Karumanchi 8320 Stone Run Ct., Tampa 33615 813-322-6171
IntTherapeutics.com
Committed to finding the root cause, Holistic MD offers: IV Nutrition, Regenerative Treatments, Functional Medicine, Heavy Metal Detox, Energy Healing, Weight Loss, Anti-aging and more. Out-of-Network Provider.
MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE
Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Hwy., 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 Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 6.
RESTORING WELLNESS
Jaimie Mickey, M.D. 10597 US Hwy. 19 North, Pinellas Park 727-351-1700
RestoringWellnessMD.com
Specializing in optimization of bodily systems, including Hormonal; Thyroid; Adrenal; Metabolic Heart and Vascular; Immune and Digestive. IV nutrition therapies and regenerative joint treatments with prolozone. See ad page 17.
Lymphatic Therapy
PROFESSIONAL LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND COLONICS, LLC
Laura M. Turley, LMT and Owner 9371 US 19N, Ste. B, Pinellas Park 727-492-0060
ProfessionalLymphaticTherapy.com MM39888, MA88928
Specializing in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET). Professional Lymphatic helps those with challenging conditions including inflammation, mold toxicity; auto-immune conditions, post chemo healing, etc. See ad page 35.
CManual and Assisted Lymphatic Therapy & Colon Hydrotherapy with I-ACT Training. Longtime health and wellness advocate with 24+ years’ experience in massage and colonic therapies. See ad page 19.
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 33.
Reflexology
REED ‘NAHAM’ MYLES
Certified Reflexologist and LMT 727-543-3048 by appointment Clearwater, MA0028171
Whether you need deep therapy, a tuneup or just a relaxing treatment, I can help you. Just call me.
RV Resort
BARE RV RESORT
6901 Caliente Blvd.
Land O’Lakes 34637 813-996-6008
BareRVResort.com
A clothing optional oasis, resort and campground perfect for first-time nudists. Women owned/operated, offering a welcoming and relaxing environment to be at one with nature.
Spiritual MRI: Clairvoyant scan of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Shamanic sound healing; chakra & aura reading; past life clearing. Free consultation.t life clearing. Free consultation.
Spiritual Intuitive
UNIVERSOULLIGHT CONSULTING
Rev. Amanda Segovia, Reiki Master
Certified SRT Personal Consultant
UniverSoulLight.com
UniverSoulLight@gmail.com
Private sessions using various healing, clearing & spiritual modalities. Akashic Records, Intuitive Medium, Astrologer, Personalized Astrology Reports, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/ Mentor & more.
Thermography
GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY
John D. Bartone MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702
727-576-0100
GreenPointThermography.com
The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay – serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology. See ad page 10.
FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY
June Drennon, CCT 2008
JuneDrennon@
FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711
FloridaMedicalThermography.com
Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you. See ad page 8.
Veterinarian
HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 912 Drew St., Suite 102, Clearwater 727-510-3665
HealthyPawsibilities.com
Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 41.
PAWSITIVE VETERINARY CARE
Shawna L. Green, DVM 11125 Park Blvd., Ste 108, Seminole 727-299-9029
Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet, offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 41.
