EE R F
HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
holistic Pet Care Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes
Simple Ways to
BLESS
A Home
Eat Right
For Healthy Weight Loss
Fitness Trends for
2021
January 2021 | Tampa Bay-Edition | NATampa.com
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
Tampa bay Edition PUBLISHER Debbey Wilson Editor Cheryl Hynes Design & Production Patrick Floresca contributing writer Eleanor Bailey sales & marketing Debbey Wilson CIRCULATION MANAGER Dean Wille accounting Susan Hoffman website Kyle Hass OPERATIONS Amy Hass
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national team CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Art Director Josh Pope Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2021 - by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
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Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.
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Contents
24 Integrative Hospital Care
Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities
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27 HOUSE BLESSINGS
for Clearing and Protecting Spaces
28 Lose Weight
Without Dieting
How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best
30 Staying Fit in 2021
Workout Trends Bend to the Times
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32 Healing the Whole Child
Holistic Pediatricians Go Beyond Meds
34 CLIMATE ANXIETY Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes
36 TERRY WAHLS
on Taking Control of Chronic Conditions
38 FRUGAL WELLNESS Healthy Living on a Tight Budget
advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 727-865-9339 or email dwilson@natampa.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.
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40 Healing Pets Holistically
Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes
Editorial submissions Advertisers email articles, news briefs to dwilson@ natampa.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. calendar submissions Email Calendar Events to: dwilson@natampa.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 727-865-9339. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. 8
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DEPARTMENTS 12 news briefs 14 health briefs 20 global briefs 27 inspiration 28 conscious eating 30 fit body 32 healthy kids
34 green living 35 eco tip 36 wise words 38 healing ways 40 natural pet 43 calendar 44 resource guide
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letter from publisher
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s we enter this first month of 2021, I am one among many committing to a few New Year “resoulutions”—a longtime habit I wholeheartedly embrace. Stated goals and articulated intentions can spur progress on the path toward good health and holistic wisdom. We have made it through last year’s extraordinary challenges stronger—as individuals and a community—and hopefully, as a species, sharing a planet in need of some loving attention. Unusually trying times can dredge up the hero in us all and encourage growth in our sense of connection and mutual caring. I am grateful for the part Natural Awakenings Tampa Bay plays in encouraging this growing and cohesive community of holistically-minded readers and thinkers in our immediate orbit. We have been sharing news and views on awakening for more than two decades, and on that upnote, the (inner) dance goes on with every beat of our Hearts. In one of this month’s featured articles, “Integrative Hospital Care: Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities” (page 24), writer Marlaina Donato delivers up welcome news on advances in the medical establishment’s approach to healing. Perhaps taking a cue from the multitudes of people who have integrated alternative modalities into their lifestyle and discovered benefits yet to be known, many hospitals are advancing further, offering massage and other energy work, nutrition-packed whole foods, and addressing emotional and mental health, now learning they are critical to whole healing. In “Climate Anxiety” (page 34), writer Sandra Yeyati examines ways we can right now successfully navigate our mental and emotional health, alleviating anxieties as our relationships—personal, planetary and galactic—evolve. As always, with an open heart and mind, enjoy reading on.
I love beginnings. If I were in charge of calendars, every day would be January 1. ~Jerry Spinelli
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news briefs
ADVERTORIAL
Colon Cleansing as Frontline Protection
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olon hydrotherapy (colonic) is a safe and effective method for removing waste from the large intestine. Body Flow Wellness, in Clearwater, uses the Angel of Water (as seen on Real Housewives of Atlanta), a state-of-the-art open system providing a comfortable, private and pleasant experience. Introducing warm, triple filtered, gravity-fed water into the colon, waste is softened and loosened, resulting in evacuation through naturally induced peristalsis. Treatments encourage the digestive system to work more efficiently and effectively, assisting in overall improved wellbeing and maintenance thereof. For those who require a colonoscopy, having a colonic prior has been known to facilitate that procedure. Working in the healthcare field for 25 years, Susan Deren, owner of Body Flow Wellness, is a registered nurse and a trained colon hydrotherapist through the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). She is also a certified holistic health coach, trained in healing foods, nutrition and preventive health and wellness therapies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She believes when the body is detoxified and then well nourished, a state of wellness and balance can be restored, and a healthy colon is a chief contributor to this process. Location: 50 S Belcher Rd., Ste. 124, Clearwater. For more information and to book a reservation, call 727-560-6103 and/or visit BodyFlowWellness.com. See ad page 35.
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Health is the Greatest Gift of All!
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olarAid users are enthusiastic to share their PolarAid experiences on how this simple, revolutionary wellness tool has changed their lives. From two of our longtime
PolarAid users: “When I tested your PolarAid disc, it tested incredibly well. It transforms the ability of the organism to withstand the radiation. I was shocked, to say the least. I started using the device myself and noticed significant changes. I tested the PolarAid disc on numerous other people and found that it worked on everybody. Needless to say, I started recommending people purchase one or two or the family pack and get the whole family involved.” R.A., DC, ND, Kelowna, B.C. “This is a real gift and wellness tool, especially in this troubled pandemic age. What a masterful tool to balance your energies .... I am grateful! Thank you.” S.S., Tempe, AZ Holidays special: Get the PolarAid family pack available at a 20% discount! Our 5+1 offer is now 4+2 for a limited time! $336 $272 For more information, including viewing an informative video on using the product, and to order, visit PolarAidHealth.com or call 450-486-7888. See ad page 23.
Breast Ultrasound Now at Greenpoint Thermography
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reenpoint Thermography now offers breast ultrasound in their St. Petersburg office. Once used exclusively for diagnostic purposes in women with breast pain, a lump or abnormal finding on other imaging, ultrasound is fast becoming a popular supplemental breast screening tool because of the decreased effectiveness of mammography in women with dense breast tissue. Like thermography, ultrasound is completely unaffected by breast density which means cancers cannot “hide” in dense tissue. Breast ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive and effective imaging modality with no exposure to ionizing radiation, no known side effects and no need for painful breast compression. For those women who choose thermographic screening, breast ultrasound is an excellent adjunct as it provides detailed anatomic information which complements the physiologic information provided by thermography. All studies are interpreted by board certified radiologists. Greenpoint Thermography provides thermographic imaging services at their St. Petersburg office and throughout the Tampa Bay area on a monthly or quarterly basis. They are physician owned and operated allowing for quick turnaround of results. Location: 7901 4th St. North, Ste. 316, St. Petersburg. For more information and appointments, call 727-576-0100 and/or visit GreenpointThermography.com. Like them on Facebook. See ad page 21.
Your Unlimited Mind Free Online Events Benefit VFW
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egin 2021 on a positive UP note from the comfort of home with “Your Unlimited Mind” 17th Annual World Hypnotism Day events, taking place from 1 to 4 p.m., January 3 and 4 to 8 p.m., January 4, featuring top international experts in medical hypnotherapy, neuro linguistic programming (NLP), positive psychology, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and more. Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, UP Hypnosis Institute, hosts an impressive list of presenters, including Shelley Stockwell, Michael Watson, Peter Blum, Art Emrich and more. Drop in for a while or attend all online interactive events for continuous educational seminars, demonstrations and Q&As. Learn how these integrative techniques are used for chronic pain, anxiety-PTSD, immune response, sports, weight, smoking, memory, cancer, allergies and more. Everyone will enjoy and benefit from this event for personal and professional development and discover the amazing power of “Your Unlimited Mind”. Donation not required to attend. All donations benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 100 percent. For those who cannot attend, donate $25 or more for access to videos of events and Shelley Stockwell’s book, The Mysteries of YOU. Donate $75 or more and get all the above plus a private online Hypnosis-NLP Super Session with Patricia V. Scott, PhD ($185 value). Offers good through January 31, 2021. For more information and to register, call 727-943-5003, email UPHypnosis@outlook.com and/or visit UPHypnosis.com. See ad page 25.
January 2021
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Storyblocks.com
A downside of the rising number of caesarean (C-section) births is that it deprives babies of contact with bacteria from the mother’s gut microbiome, which impoverishes the baby’s own microbiome and raises the risk of allergies and obesity later in life, as studies show. Previously, researchers swabbed C-section babies’ mouths with vaginal bacteria, but it had no effect. In fact, the valuable gut bacteria are released in the mother’s fecal matter during the messy process of birth. In a pilot study, doctors from the University of Helsinki tested 17 mothers that were about to need C-sections and chose seven that had fecal matter free of pathogens and antibiotics. After the babies were born, doctors used a syringe to feed the infants a tiny amount of the previously harvested fecal matter mixed with breast milk. The babies had no negative responses. Within three weeks, those babies’ gut flora came to resemble more strongly the gut flora of babies born vaginally than that of those born through C-sections.
Vitamin D Important for Reducing Risk of Preeclampsia Something as simple as a mother’s vitamin D level can have a future impact on her children, a study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows. Researchers examined 20 years of health data from 754 Boston-area mothers and their children and found that preeclampsia—abnormally high blood pressure during pregnancy— was linked to a higher systolic blood pressure in the children during their early and teen years. However, the effect was minimized or even eliminated among children exposed to higher levels of vitamin D in the womb, as measured by blood levels in the umbilical cord. 14
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Fluoride is added to public water supplies to reduce tooth decay, but its effects on health are contentious enough that only 38 percent of Canadian and 3 percent of European public water supplies are fluoridated, compared to 74 percent in America. Its effects on neurodevelopment in children are a particular concern: a meta-analysis correlated high levels of fluoride in water with a sevenpoint drop in children’s IQ scores. Two new studies have linked fluoride exposure to ADHD and other behavioral issues in children. Canadian researchers that collected urine samples and tap water information on 1,877 children between ages 6 and 17 found those that lived in areas with fluoridated water had 2.8 times the incidences of ADHD diagnoses, as well as increased symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. The effect was most pronounced in teenagers, suggesting a cumulative effect over time, wrote the authors in the journal Environment International. In a Chinese study published in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 325 children between ages 7 and 13 were studied, and higher levels of fluoride exposure were correlated with rises in behavioral issues, especially psychosomatic symptoms. Storyblocks.com
Fecal Transplant Helps Caesarean Babies
Avoid Fluoride to Lower Risk of Behavioral Issues in Children
Storyblocks.com
health briefs
health briefs
Storyblocks.com
Try Ashwagandha for Anxiety
In just the first month of the 2020 pandemic, the use of antianxiety medications increased by 34 percent among Americans, according to pharmaceutical surveys. Because select serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in particular tend to lose their effectiveness over time, some sufferers may take heart in a new study in Current Clinical Pharmacology. Iranian researchers gave one gram of ashwagandha root extract (Withania somnifera) each day for six weeks to 22 patients with generalized anxiety disorder and a placebo to a second group of 18. People in both groups were also put on SSRIs. Anxiety scores for the ashwagandha group improved by week two and kept improving during the study, significantly outperforming the scores of the control group. The extract was considered safe and free of side effects.
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January 2021
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Schisandra chinensis, an ornamental, woody vine with pink leaves and bright red berries, has long been used as an adaptogen in China and Russia to lower stress, improve immunity and enhance energy. Korean researchers in a new study in Phytochemical Reviews report it may also be a boon for aging muscles. They tested 45 post-menopausal women that were given 1,000 milligrams of Schisandra chinensis or a placebo for 12 weeks. Compared to the control group, the Schisandra group had significantly increased quadriceps muscle strength and lower lactate levels, indicating greater endurance.
alex coan/AdobeStock.com
Improve Muscle Strength with Schisandra
Try Ginger Extract for Hay Fever
Storyblocks.com
For people suffering from the miseries of allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, ginger extract can be just as effective as the popular pharmaceutical product loratadine (Claritin), concludes a study from Thailand’s Thammasat University. Eighty hay fever patients were given either 500 milligrams of ginger extract or loratadine. After three and six weeks, the ginger group’s improvements in nasal symptoms and quality of life matched those of the loratadine group, but those taking ginger had fewer side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness and constipation.
Do Aerobic Exercises to Improve Fatty Liver Condition
karolina grabowska/Pexels.com
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common form of chronic liver disease affecting up to one quarter of the population worldwide. Associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity, MAFLD is quickly becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and has been linked to more severe COVID-19 outcomes. With no effective pharmacological treatments, the focus has been on reducing weight by 7 to 10 percent. But a new study from Trinity College, in Dublin, based on liver biopsies of 24 patients, found those that undertook 12 weeks of aerobics had significant improvements in markers of liver and metabolic health, even without weight loss, making exercise theoretically more important than losing pounds. The positive results were not sustained once the exercising stopped, leading researchers to recommend follow-up programs in community settings. 16
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January 2021
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The Holy Grail of Regenerative Medicine, Health, Youth and Longevity by Dr. Les Cole
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our ancestors had a program in their bodies that automagically got turned on every year to renew their cellular proteins and thus make their cells younger, healthier, work stronger and live longer. It also increased their stem cell numbers, youthfulness and activity. This program improved immune function, health and healing and decreased inflammation, oxidative stress and disease. If you were thinking at this point, “Wow, I wish I could run that program to improve my health and _________ (insert your illness or disease here),” you cannot be blamed! That would be a miracle! This program of your ancestors renewed their proteins. This is important because proteins are the “machines” of your cells and body that get everything done and keep you healthy and alive. One of the main contributors to aging and disease is that proteins wear out, get damaged and can even be defective from the start. When your cells’ machinery doesn’t work, you get older, sick and eventually die sooner than later. Without this renewal program, these damaged machines accumulate every year you live, gumming up your works. The way this program worked in your ancestors was a result of their dependence 18
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on nature to provide food. These ancestors were hunters and gatherers before farming and canning. During one season yearly, they ate sugar when the fruit was ripe and stored up fat (sugar—not fat—makes you fat). This was the stored energy they used during winter when food was scarce and it got them through periods of starvation. But during starvation, they had no protein to eat in order to make new machines, which is a must because we have to make new cells daily. So, starvation was the signal to turn on this program called autophagy that tells your cells to find and digest all the damaged, broken down proteins that no longer work and gum up your cell function. These old, damaged proteins became the source for not only “new cell” proteins but also new, full-functioning proteins in old cells, thus making them younger, healthier, work stronger and live longer. Essentially, your ancestors benefited from an annual “winter” cleaning of their internal environment, much like spring cleaning of your external environment, and this happened at least once a year! Is there a way to turn on your own winter cleaning when you desire? Yes, it is called fasting*. If you fast for five days, you will turn on your own autophagy program NATampa.com
to make your cells younger, healthier, work stronger and live longer, which will also increase your stem cell numbers, youthfulness and activity—profoundly improving disease prevention and most diseases you may have. Because a five-day fast may be dangerous for many, it must be doctorsupervised, and as it may also be difficult for some, we have available a five-day Fasting Mimicking Diet that allows you to eat specific foods and still turn on your own regenerative program. Your ancestors did this regenerative reboot at least annually. So, no matter what your age, it’s time to get started. If you have a health issue, this can help; and even if age 20 with no health issues, you’ve got a lot of ground to make up. Providing optimal health, naturally, Dr. Les Cole is available for consultation at St. Petersburg Health & Wellness, located at 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete. To schedule your First Regenerative Reboot and get your Regenerative Health Program started, call 727-202-6807 and/or visit StPeteHW.com. See ad right. *Do not do a prolonged fast without a doctor’s supervision as there can be risks, especially if you have a low BMI already or other health issues.
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Microscopic Compass
global briefs
Bacteria Powers Animal Magnetic Sense
Generosity Fosters Increased Longevity
kzenon/AdobeStock.com
A new study published in the journal PNAS suggests that people that share more live longer because the act of giving and receiving increases well-being. The recipient benefits directly from the gift, while the giver benefits indirectly through emotional satisfaction. Co-authors Fanny Kluge and Tobias Vogt found a strong relationship between a society’s generosity and the average life expectancy of its members. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, in Rostock, Germany, conclude that people are living longer in societies where members support each other with resources. Residents of African countries such as Senegal and South Africa share the lowest percentage of their lifetime income and have the highest mortality rate of the countries studied. Western European countries and Japan transfer more to the youngest and oldest, and their mortality rates are lower. Kluge notes that the relationship between generosity and lifetime income doesn’t depend on whether the benefits come from the state or from the wider community.
A new paper in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B may explain why some animals, including birds, fish and lobsters, are able to sense the Earth’s magnetic fields. It allows sea turtles to return to the beach where they were born. Researchers hypothesize that this ability comes from a symbiotic relationship with magnetotactic bacteria that are influenced by magnetic fields, including the Earth’s. In support of this theory, Robert Fitak, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida Department of Biology and co-author of the paper, drew from one of the largest genetic databases of its kind, the Metagenomic Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology, to identify the presence of these magnetotactic bacteria in animal samples. The researchers are working to develop a genetic test to help with further study. They have not yet identified exactly where the bacteria live in the animals, although they theorize that it could be associated with nervous tissue like the eye or brain. Learning how organisms interact with magnetic fields could facilitate our use of them for navigation, while also understanding how human modifications of magnetism—such as constructing power lines—might be affecting biodiversity. This knowledge may also help develop therapeutic drug delivery systems. petrovich12/AdobeStock.com
Grateful Giving
Surf’s Up
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Some Beaches Can Survive Rising Sea Levels
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An international team of coastal scientists from the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. has disproved the theory that half the world’s beaches will become extinct over the course of the 21st century (see Tinyurl.com/SandyCoastlinesUnderThreat) in a paper published in Nature Climate Change. The team re-examined the data and methodology underpinning the original study and published their rebuttal in the same journal, after concluding that it is impossible to make such global and wide-reaching predictions with the data and numerical methods available today. The new report sees potential for beaches to migrate landward as sea level rises and shorelines retreat. Beaches backed by hard coastal cliffs and structures such as seawalls are likely to experience “coastal squeeze”, resulting in decreased width, and eventually be submerged because they are unable to migrate, but those with space to move inland will retain their overall shape and form. As such, removal of coastline structures or beach nourishment may be the only methods to safeguard at-risk beaches.
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Techno-Threads
Winning Grins
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed a material that works like a luminescent solar concentrator for producing energy directly where needed that can even be applied to textiles. Because people are constantly on the move and dependent on a power supply to recharge smartphones, tablets and laptops, the needed electricity will come from our clothing by means of the new polymer applied on textile fibers, jackets and T-shirts. Based on amphiphilic polymer co-networks already available on the market in the form of silicone-hydrogel contact lenses, this new material is permeable to air and water vapor, as well as flexible and stable. The luminescent solar concentrators capture and transfer diffuse ambient light to a solar cell that converts it into electrical energy. By adding two different luminescent materials to the gel tissue, the solar concentrator becomes flexible, preventing the textile to which it is attached from becoming brittle or susceptible to cracking, or accumulating water vapor in the form of sweat.
According to research from the University of South Australia published in Experimental Psychology, the act of smiling and moving facial muscles can trick our mind into taking a more positive attitude. The study evaluated a real smile as well as an artificial one induced when participants held a pen between their teeth, finding that in either case, this facial muscular activity alters our perception of facial and body expressions and generates more positive emotions. The research found that the practice of forcefully smiling will stimulate the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, which releases neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state. By inducing the brain into perceiving stimuli as happy, the mechanism could potentially be used to boost mental health.
Smiling Makes for More Positive Thoughts
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srikalyanexportindiacom
New Fabric Generates Solar Energy
Ill Wind
Nitrous Oxide Hastens Global Warming
Rising nitrous oxide (N20) emissions are jeopardizing the climate goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, according to a study published in the journal Nature, which was spearheaded by professor Hanson Tian at Auburn University, and included scientists from 48 research institutions in 14 countries. Researchers report that the growing use of nitrogen fertilizers in worldwide food production is causing the alarming increase in atmospheric concentrations of this greenhouse gas, which is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and remains in the atmosphere for more than 100 years. N20 is considered the most significant human-induced agent depleting the stratospheric ozone layer. Notably, the study shows that the colorless gas has risen 20 percent from pre-industrial levels—from 270 parts per billion (ppb) in 1750 to 331 ppb in 2018—with the fastest growth observed in the last 50 years, due to emissions from human activities. January 2021
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What is
Holistic Dentistry? by Gina Edwards, CRDH
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our oral health is an integral component of physical, emotional and mental well-being. In holistic dentistry, they don’t look at the mouth as a separate entity and treat the problems as such, but rather as a gateway to the whole being. As a biological dentist practicing holistic dentistry, Dr. Carlo Litano, Natural Smiles, Tampa, puts great emphasis on the mouth-body connection and prevention of oral and whole body health problems through diet, function and proactive care.
When a patient visits his office with a cavity, it isn’t just filled and the patient sent on their way, but rather an examination of causative lifestyle factors and health history is performed. The patient’s diet is discussed in great detail. Is there excessive stress in their lives? Sleep issues? How is the airway? Is it preventing the patient from getting enough oxygen and causing them to clench and grind at night, in turn causing teeth to fracture? Structure, nutrition and reduction of toxicity are the tenets of biological dentistry.
Meridian connection. The term meridian identifies an invisible pathway or channel through which energy, also known as chi or qi, flows. It was discovered in the mid20th century by Reinhold Voll, a German physician. His research led him to believe that 80 percent of energy disturbances are found in the oral cavity. Each tooth or set of teeth is connected to corresponding organs in the body to create balance. Every yin organ is paired with a yang organ: liver with gallbladder, lungs with large intestine, kidney with spleen, and so on. For example, it is not uncommon to hear when a patient has an infected root canal removed which was connected to the olfactory gland, their sense of smell improves. Additionally, a study that measured quality of life in relation to oral health found a link between oral health and well-being. Using a meridian tooth chart, the authors compiled a list of associations between teeth, organs and positive or negative mood states. What is a holistic dental cleaning? During a holistic dental cleaning, no toxic materials, fluoride, dyes or gluten are used. Using high frequency sound waves, a machine called the cavitron removes plaque which
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has built up, around and in between the teeth. Scalers are then used to remove whatever the cavitron left behind. Next, the process of irrigation comfortably takes place using ozonated reverse osmosis water followed by a floss covered with ozonated oil. This holistic approach to flossing is something that patients continue at home. Ozone not only reduces the chances of pathogenic bacterial growth but also neutralizes the acidity of the mouth and saliva. The bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease are anaerobic, meaning they do not like oxygen and consequently try to hide deep below the gum line. By putting ozonated oil on your floss and flossing in those hard-to-reach spaces, you are not only oxidizing that bacteria by destroying the bacterial wall, but also preventing new bacteria from attaching to your teeth (changing the biofilm). Oral probiotics. Another valuable treatment used at Natural Smiles is oral probiotics. Unlike digestive probiotics, including yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha, oral probiotics are designed specifically for oral health. Live bacteria identical to the beneficial microorganisms found naturally in the mouth, oral probiotics can restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria which may have been depleted by diet, stress, medication, illness and other factors. Including probiotics in our daily regimen consistently reinforces the positive bacteria in the mouth. Deep cleaning. This is something that is performed when tartar and bacteria build up below the gum line. Multiple visits are needed to remove this buildup and the mouth is worked on one section at a time, often with local anesthesia. This is not common and only in very advanced cases. After the initial cleaning, the patient comes back approximately six weeks later and, more often than not, with proper homecare, the gums have significantly improved. At present, Dr. Litano is working with Dr. Joseph Mercola on hyperbaric oxygen and ozone protocols to address periodontal disease without the need for surgery or aggressive intervention. Although effective brushing and flossing can help in preventing plaque from hardening into tartar, if tartar has formed, it can only be safely removed at a dental office. Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay offers this procedure in an effective and gentle manner. Natural Smiles is located at 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park. For more information and appointments, call 727-300-0044 and/or visit Natural-Smiles.com. See ad page 4. Gina Edwards has been working in the field of dentistry for more than 16 years. When she is not practicing holistic dentistry, she can be found in Gulfport at Beach House 5317, a magical little shop she co-owns, filled with local art. Resources: Journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177 /2158244017728319#_i5 Probiorahealth.com pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31552882/
POLARAID ®
PolarAid is a revolutionary, easy to use, portable, hand-held body tool that can be used anywhere, at any time.
HEALTH IS THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL! PolarAid® users are enthusiastic to share their PolarAid experiences as to how this simple, revolutionary wellness tool has changed their lives. From one of our longtime PolarAid® users: “POLARAID is a real gift and wellness tool, especially in this troubled pandemic age. What a masterful tool to balance your energies....I am grateful! Thank you.” S.S., Tempe, AZ
Supports and may aid muscle, joint, and spine flexibility, mobility and health; weight management and healthy metabolism; digestive and bowel health; urological health; cardiovascular health; ocular and sinus health; cerebral health; mental calm, emotional health and balanced moods. Enhance and encourage male and female sexual health. Promotes quality of sleep, relaxation, and more… Hundreds and hundreds of compelling testimonials! P No electrodes or wires. No charging. No Batteries. No radiation or magnets. P No electricity. No Apps or smart phones. No need to wear all day. P No maintenance. Lasts forever with common sense care. P Exceptionally convenient and lightweight (0.64 oz / 18 g).
1st demonstrated by Georges Lakhovsky and Nikola Tesla. Adapted by Dr. Dino Tomic.
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Integrative Hospital Care Medicine Embraces Holistic Modalities by Marlaina Donato
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hirty years ago, hospital patients were treated for symptoms based on the Western medical model, and holistic modalities were excluded, largely due to a lack of reliable scientific studies. More recently, because of promising research, the traditional template is expanding. The Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health encompasses 75 university health centers and health systems that offer integrative approaches—a remarkable seven-fold increase in 21 years. America’s top hospitals, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic, the Duke University Medical Center and the Yale New Haven Hospital, now offer therapies such as acupuncture, reiki, homeopathy, touch therapy, yoga, clinical aromatherapy and chiropractic. 24
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According to a report in Advances in Medical Education and Practice, nearly half of Americans receiving medical care use alternative medicine (although 80 percent don’t inform their doctors) and physicians agree on the importance of further research and training in such modalities. A 2017 University of California survey published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that hospital patients of all ages were willing to pay out of pocket for healthier food, therapeutic massage and energy work.
Disease: The Big Picture
“Research has repeatedly shown that even with full medical access and optimal medical treatments, a population’s health improves by only about 15 to 20 percent. The rest comes from lifestyle, environment and NATampa.com
the social and personal determinants of health. Even factors like emotional health, what you feel is your purpose in life and what motivates you to be healthy plays a role,” says physician Wayne Jonas, in Alexandria, Virginia, a clinical professor of family medicine at Georgetown University and former director of the World Health Organization Center for Traditional Medicine. As executive director of Samueli Integrative Health Programs, which aims to make integrative health regular and routine, Jonas emphasizes that patients become healthier and medical costs are reduced when they are engaged in the healing process. For Jonas, the shift toward integrative health care has become most evident during the current opioid crisis and the search for non-pharmacological ap-
proaches like acupuncture and therapeutic massage therapy for pain management. “The evidence body for many of these approaches has grown tremendously over just the past five years, and has shown a spotlight on what works and what doesn’t. These approaches are now recommended in national guidelines as mainstream for chronic pain.” Denise Millstine, integrative physician and internal medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, concurs: “The opiate crisis is an example of the need to broaden our clinical toolbox to incorporate care strategies that are less risky. I believe this change has been multifactorial, based on patient demand and more awareness of the importance of lifestyle management.” Patient demand is also fueled by a desire to avoid medication side effects. In 1998, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 106,000 hospital deaths take place each year from adverse reactions to prescription drugs. With more than half of Americans already taking a pharmaceutical drug, and three being the average, adverse side effects can easily mount in a hospital setting. For Millstine, integrative medicine offers many solutions. “We might recommend the best medication or provide cutting-edge therapies, but without considering stress management, resilience, movement and what people ingest, it’s hard to get optimal results. Integrative medicine expanded my approach to include nutrition, exercise, mind-body (connection), spirituality and other medical philosophies like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the patient’s therapeutic plan.”
of soft lighting and music, and performed by trained doctors, as well as licensed acupuncturists with a firm TCM foundation. Integrative health care addresses the emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis, and patients undergoing conventional treatment now have access to not only acupuncture but therapeutic massage, meditation, movement therapy, clinical aromatherapy, herbal applications, biofeedback and yoga. Millstine says of theMayo Clinic, “We have oncology-trained massage providers who are comfortable with what is and what isn’t safe after someone has had a cancer diagnosis and/ or treatment.” Jonas highlights that when given under the supervision of a doctor and with conventional cancer care, complementary therapies may help people to manage cancer symptoms, boost overall well-being, better handle side effects of treatment and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. “Integrative cancer care can help by activating one’s ability to heal and feel better physically and emotionally,” he says. “Lectures on nutrition, yoga classes and support groups for cancer patients are now common.” The Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, launched by American fashion designer Donna Karan in 2009 after her husband died from cancer, partners with heavy hitters such as the American Cancer Society and the Beth Israel Medical Cen-
ter, in New York City. In many hospital settings, Urban Zen is creating “Zen dens”, calming nooks where staff can discuss cases with colleagues, take a break for selfcare or talk to their patients in a nurturing environment. Urban Zen’s dedication to healthcare integration is international and promotes therapeutic applications of reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and other contemplative care.
Energy Medicine Goes Mainstream
“Alternative therapies are no longer considered ‘alternative’ when conventional medicine adopts them—for example, using calcium and vitamin D supplements, which are a standard consideration,” says Millstine. “With high-deductible plans, many patients are accustomed to paying out of pocket for care, thus making payment for alternative providers possibly more palatable.” Reiki, a Japanese form of energy medicine once considered alternative, is now offered at major hospitals like Yale New Haven, where it’s given free of charge to cancer patients. Many hospitals are also offering classes in energy work to families of patients, hospital staff and the community. “A medical doctor introduced me to the practice when my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer,” says Denise Baron, a Philadelphia-based reiki practi
Whole-Patient Cancer Care
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A 2016 meta-analysis by Taipei Medical University published in the journal PLOS ONE concluded that certain applications of acupuncture reduce pain and opioid use on the first day after surgery. Acupuncture—an ancient modality based on the concept of energy meridians in the body—is also offered in many major hospitals to offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Acupuncture treatments at the Mayo Clinic are given in a calming atmosphere January 2021
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tioner who works with referrals from clients and wellness professionals. “A hospital does not hire me directly, but the staff know I am available. I’ve worked on patients post-surgery, during and after births, people with cancer and people in hospice. I would say 96 percent of clients walk away with a deep experience of peace, harmony and lower stress levels.” Most recently, she has seen an increase in nurses asking for support during stressful times, with many wanting to learn how to practice reiki themselves. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, reiki is more effective than a placebo and activates the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve. Results include lower blood pressure and less anxiety and depression. Other research shows that the modality also reduces nausea, improves appetite and lessens fatigue.
Holistic Nursing’s Role
Collaborating with physicians and holistic practitioners, nurses play a key role in integrative hospital care. “We all work together to facilitate the client towards a higher level of well-being. Each profession brings something to the table,” says Margaret Erickson, in Cedar Park, Texas, CEO of the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation. The nurse’s role in a patient’s healing journey is an intimate one, and holistic nurses ensure that the whole patient is tended to. “The roots of holistic nursing, grounded in holism, were verbalized over 150 years ago by Florence Nightingale,” says Erickson. “She believed in the mind-body-spirit-emotion connections and that all aspects need to be nurtured in order for people to heal.” Due to increased demand, more nursing schools are creating educational programs grounded in holistic philosophy, she says. “What makes a nurse holistic is not the skills or alternative therapies she/he/they do, but rather how they show up in their interactions with others. They value and recognize that they are gifted with sharing a person’s most vulnerable moments, and that this shared space is sacred.” Some holistic nurses may use healing therapies such as guided imagery, aromatherapy, energy work, bodywork, deep breathing, mindfulness and meditation to help both their clients and other healthcare providers. Those in the field of integrative medicine agree that the future of medicine is now. “People are becoming more self-aware and taking responsibility for their health and life. Consciousness is growing [by] leaps and bounds,” says Baron. Jonas, drawing on 40 years of experience, agrees. “By working as partners with our patients to help find the care that works for them, we can help them achieve better health and quality of life.” Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. 26
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inspiration
House Blessings for Clearing and Protecting Spaces
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by Marlaina Donato
oving into a house, office or any new space prompts us to envision bright days ahead filled with hope and joy. Perhaps this is why, from first-century Christians praying to dissuade evil influences to the Mayans smudging herbs to welcome positive energy, the act of blessing a house is such a time-honored tradition. Whether held in private or with a group of kindred souls, with or without religious elements, blessing a new dwelling takes the concept of housewarming to a sacred level. A house blessing can temper the hair-pulling stresses of a move and be a wonderful way to restore harmony after life gives us a jolt, be it a job loss, a broken relationship, a loved one’s passing or an illness. Simple gestures of intention, sprinkled with some beauty, enable us to claim our space and sow a new beginning. Arranging seasonal blooms in jeweltoned vases, scattering fresh rose petals over the threshold or misting the air with ethereal scents consecrates what might otherwise seem mundane. Singing a favorite song, whispering a spontaneous prayer or reciting a Buddhist chant during the flurry of unpacking invites calm and attracts benevolent influences. Pungent smudges of
dried, white sage, sweetgrass, pine or lilac flowers help dissolve unpleasant memories and energetic imprints from the past. Honoring the four elements of earth, air, fire and water can create balance and celebrate ancient customs. Adding one or more essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water or culinary rose water is an easy way to mist the air and the space inside drawers, closets and cupboards before filling or refilling them. Hanging fresh evergreens, leafy branches or tufts of blossoms over doorways evokes what 10th-century mystic and healer Hildegard of Bingen called veriditas—the greening energy of the Earth. Employing a crystal or Tibetan singing bowl, beating a shamanic drum or playing an instrument in select rooms can charge the atmosphere with fiery hope. Opening windows, even briefly during cooler seasons, invites in the fresh air of possibility. Stepping into a new life—or revitalizing an existing one—is one of the most beautiful acts of caring for soul and self. Blessing our spaces is also an expression of gratitude, something that can make any life wonderful. Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com. January 2021
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Lose Weight Without Dieting How to Eat to Feel and Look Your Best by April Thompson
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ne of the top New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight, and to that end, millions of Americans go on a diet each year. As we look to reset after holiday indulgences, nutrition experts say it’s a great time to cultivate healthy, longterm eating habits rather than unsustainable diets that lead us in circles. “A ‘live it’ is better than a diet: small, manageable changes you can live with over time,” says Lisa Mallonee, a registered dietician and professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, in Dallas. “People get focused on losing 15 pounds, but once they get to the finish line, they don’t have a plan for after and often end up regaining the weight.” While navigating the labyrinth of nutrition information can be tough, eat28
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ing better is actually simple, says David Katz, M.D., founder of both the YaleGriffin Prevention Research Center and the nonprofit True Health Initiative, and co-author of How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered. “There are two general shifts to make: first, to less processed foods, and second, to more plant-based foods,” says Katz. In making such shifts, Mallonee suggests applying the 80/20 rule to food. “If 80 percent of the time you are making healthy choices, and the other 20 percent of the time you allow splurges, you’re less likely to feel deprived and revert to old ways.” Katz agrees that small shifts are more likely to stick, in part because of our adaptable palates. “If you commit NATampa.com
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conscious eating
to improving your diet little by little, you will find that taste buds are adaptable fellas that will learn to love the foods they are with. For example, try something as simple as switching from regular soda to diet to seltzer to water over time.” The good news for dieters with questions, suggests Katz, is there is no one superior diet. “You can have a highquality diet whether you are flexitarian, pescatarian or vegetarian, low-carb or high-carb,” he says. For Jill Weisenberger, a registered dietitian nutritionist, in Yorktown, Virginia, and author of The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition, a healthy diet comes down to three meals a day, each with a good source of protein and fiber. “When losing weight, it’s especially important to eat enough protein so you don’t lose muscle mass with the fat,” she says, suggesting a target of 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, achieved through a diverse diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and legumes. Katz, Mallonee and Weisenberger all caution against a diet like keto that restricts many nourishing foods only because they contain carbs. “There is no evidence of long-term safety or benefit of keto,” says Katz. “A truly keto diet cuts out a lot of highly nutritious foods like fruit, grains and beans, all associated with better health and longer life. I think a diet excluding these foods would be a colossal mistake.”
Weighing In While it’s not healthy to obsess over numbers on the scale, it is important to understand the health risks of carrying extra weight, particularly around the middle. “Belly fat is a concern for co-morbidities like pre-diabetes, diabetes, increased blood pressure and even sleep apnea,” says Mallonee, stating that women should aim for a waist circumference of less than 35 inches and men of less than 40. Katz advises that the effects of abdominal fat can vary. “Certain ethnicities are extremely vulnerable to excess
weight around the middle, which can result in insulin resistance and metabolic mayhem. However, many people can gain considerable amounts of weight and show no metabolic effects,” he says, suggesting that a comprehensive health checkup can clear up any doubts. Physiologically, it is hard to keep weight off, says Weisenberger, but people should not get discouraged if they fall short of their goals. “If you are overweight, you will get an enormous boost from the first 5 to 10 percent of weight loss—it’s much more important than that last 5 to 10 percent.” While weight loss is an exercise in delayed gratification, the power of highquality food is immediate, advises Katz. “You can improve the quality of your immune response with a single meal. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, too, as those positive health benefits accumulate over time.” Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.
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Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? ~Bob Marley January 2021
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Staying Fit in 2021 Workout Trends Bend to the Times by Marlaina Donato
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or 2021, fitness will be more about better health and inner peace rather than weight loss. Gyms and studios will be on the top of their game adhering to hygiene standards and offering safer environments with smaller class capacity and vitamin D-enhanced outdoor sessions. From remote coaching to cost-effective wellness apps, the workout will get a fresh makeover.
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Pandemic repercussions in 2020 amped up client demand for alternatives and also inspired trainers to get more creative. “I’ve enjoyed working with private clients virtually through FaceTime and Zoom. It has required me to create more precision with my training programs depending on what each client has at their home or home gym,” says Hollywood, California, fitness trainer Ridge Davis. “Results have been going through the roof because my clients are more likely to dive into healthy routines and meal plans with my daily guidance.” For those that cannot find local, inperson fitness provisions, subscriptions to streaming-fitness websites like DailyBurn. com and OnePeloton.com provide plenty of NATampa.com
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Plus: Heart Health
guides to workouts from yoga to musclebuilding. Health apps can tailor individual wellness strategies for the new year. “Fitness and health apps are becoming more popular, and trainers are able to interact with clients all over the world. If you are like me, you need accountability if you cannot meet your trainer directly,” says Dominic Kennedy, a personal trainer in Los Angeles and creator of the newly launched fitness and nutrition app Dominic Effect. “Nutrition is also going to be key now more than ever. Apps will help keep you in check and on track with your food and goals, helping to set up monthly meal plans, as well as recipe suggestions.” Wearable tech in the form of watches and smart clothing will be another hit in 2021, providing accurate readings on calories burned, number of daily steps and even heart rate and blood pressure.
Virtual Variety, No Pressure Having the option to work out at home might motivate more people to begin a fitness routine without the pressure of comparing with others. Sampling classes online can help them find what they like before they sign up at their local gym or
studio. “Virtual fitness classes provide an opportunity for people to test out different instructors at different times all around the country and even the world,” says Paris Alexandra, co-founder of the BK Yoga Club, in New York City. “People are now realizing the things we can control is our breath and our bodies. Because of this, there’s an appreciation of our capacity, challenging ourselves to try something new.” Even with gym cutbacks, there is a silver lining. “One of my private weight-loss clients has loved our FaceTime workouts so much that she swears she will never go back to in-person training with a coach,” says Chicago-based Stephanie Mansour, host of the weekly national PBS show Step it Up With Steph. “Even on vacation or while traveling, people can still get in their workout because everything is virtual. Trainers also win because they can still do their job, but at a distance.” Me-time with a private virtual coach will offer a tailored regimen for those that prefer a one-on-one experience. Mansour muses, “Private fitness and health coaching sessions will be the hottest trend in 2021. By now, many people’s excitement toward their ‘pandemic workout’ is waning, and they’ll be looking for a totally customized approach to kickstart their motivation and goals.”
Allies for Body and Mind Davis predicts there’ll be greater appreciation for stress-recovery tools such as massage guns for percussive self-treatments, foam rollers to release muscle tightness and stretching apps, noting, “There’s so much noise, uncertainty and anxiety that has come with this pandemic; on-demand meditation classes will be huge.” Mansour concurs, “Focusing on finding inner peace, meditating and positive programming are all huge trends that have emerged due to COVID. By getting your head in the game, you’re 75 percent of the way to your goal.” Mostly, 2021 will be a year for self-care. “I think growth mindset is everything right now,” says Kennedy. “We need to fill our minds with positive affirmations, thoughts or whatever it is that makes you light up inside.” Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
Other Fitness Trends on the Rise n Outdoor classes from yoga to strength training n Boutique and micro-studios with specialty clientele n Safer small groups, especially for seniors n Broga yoga, with a focus on strength training, cardio and muscle toning for men n Less-crowded yoga classes with BYO mats and props n Mind-body fitness January 2021
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Healing the Whole Child Holistic Pediatricians Go Beyond Meds
of the children they see, as well as to answer questions posed by Google-savvy parents. Yet most pediatricians have limited training in natural health and are wary to suggest such approaches, and parents are often reluctant to disclose their use of natural methods. Holistic pediatricians, on the other hand, typically get additional training in healing modalities that allows them to integrate natural options into mainstream methods. Unlike many pediatricians in busy clinics that can see a child only briefly, holistic pediatricians typically take longer. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all conventional approach,” says holistic pediatrician Elisa Song, of Belmont, California, who blogs at HealthyKidsHappyKids.com. For a child with asthma, for example, Song checks for environmental, dietary or social triggers, including mold, food allergies or sensitivities and stress. She looks for underlying biomedical imbalances such as nutritional deficiencies, abnormal gut microbes and signs of a leaky gut. “Based upon clinical and laboratory findings, an
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advice at PisforPregnant.com, benefitted from a growing trend among pediatricians. The number of doctors that self-identify as holistic by joining the integrative medicine section of the American Academy of Pediatrics has grown from a dozen in the early 1990s to more than 400 today, says Kathi Kemper, M.D., an Ohio State University pediatrics professor who founded the section and authored The Holistic Pediatrician. “Holistic pediatricians are interested in helping children and families meet their health goals, not just diagnosing and dispensing drugs,” she says. “We use an evidence-informed approach, including all appropriate therapies and therapists, with a strong emphasis on healthy lifestyle behaviors such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, social and emotional skills, spirituality and a healthy environment.” Many pediatricians report they want to know more about integrative approaches because of their frustration in treating the chronic conditions in one-quarter to one-half NATampa.com
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by Ronica O’Hara
hen Jackie Jones’ 4-year-old daughter had a persistent runny nose and cough, three visits to the pediatrician proved fruitless. “He would see us for two minutes, listen to her chest, saying she had ‘a cold’, and yet still prescribe an antibiotic and steroid that would just trash her immune system,” the Atlanta mom says. “She ended up developing pneumonia in both lungs that landed her in the hospital.” This propelled Jones to switch her children’s care to a holistic pediatrician. “He actually listens to me and takes time with his patients, and recommends vitamins and supplements to keep them healthy, in comparison to just handing out antibiotics,” she says. On the first visit, he queried Jones about family use of shampoos, soaps and cleaning products that might contain chemicals. “Definitely not a conversation I had with my old pediatrician!” she related. Jones, who dispenses pregnancy 32
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healthy kids
initial treatment plan may include elimination of food sensitivities, supplementation with a 3-6-9 fish oil and magnesium, and mindfulness exercises that incorporate diaphragmatic breathing,” she says. Pediatric naturopaths are another option for parents. These doctors typically start from a natural medicine perspective, are trained in herbs and nutrition, and collaborate with bodyworkers, physical therapists and counselors. “Really, anything that helps a child thrive,” says pediatric naturopath Kathryn Purvis, of Tempe, Arizona. “We use treatments that are gentle and safe, but are also trained to use conventional treatments if necessary.” Naturopaths undergo a four-year postgraduate medical education like pediatricians, but do not complete an additional three years of pediatric residency, although they can do internships and take courses for certification. In 26 states, they can prescribe pharmaceuticals and administer vaccines. Purvis is the primary care provider for about 75 percent of the children she sees and provides adjunctive care for specific condi-
tions with the rest. For example, one child with chronic ear infections was facing ear tube surgery on the advice of a pediatrician; after his parents followed her advice to take him off dairy and give him certain supplements and a homeopathic remedy, the condition cleared up. Chiropractors that specialize in pediatrics, although not usually a child’s primary doctor, correct misalignments of the cranium, spine and pelvis using extra-low force, “like checking the ripeness of a tomato,” says pediatric chiropractor Kaleb Scroggin, of Savannah, author of the children’s book C is for Chiropractor. For example, treating a constipated, breast-fed baby usually produces immediate results, he says, adding that adjustments can also help infants with latching issues, painful gas, reflux and general irritability. “My goal is to see how healthy I can help your child become,” he advises. Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
Questions for Pediatricians When seeking a pediatrician, integrative or not, holistic pediatrician Natalie W. Geary, of Miami, founder of vedaHEALTH (VedaHealth.com), says, “My best advice is to look for a pediatrician that has open communication skills, that listens well and that has the confidence to engage in a Q&A without getting defensive and ruffled. There are several questions to ask that will help guide you.” In addition, she provides tips on what to look for in the answers. 1. Will you be talking to us about our baby’s nutrition in detail? Pediatricians trained in integrative medicine recognize that children’s health is fundamentally grounded in what they eat. They need to recognize the impact of poor nutrition on a baby’s growing and developing brain, especially in the first three years of life, and be
patient in helping parents navigate food intolerances—not just food allergies—as well as developmental stages and feeding behavior. 2. How do you feel about adjunct therapies such as craniosacral massage, acupuncture and Ayurveda? The important thing here is not that they necessarily offer these things, but that they are informed about their benefits and are not dismissive or judgmental, and that they are open to working with the other healers and practitioners involved. 3. What are your thoughts on antibiotics? Some pediatricians may be defensive about this, but it’s worth asking politely to see if they are open to a conversation about when alternatives might be useful, especially for things like ear infections.
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Climate Anxiety Navigating Our Emotions as the Planet Changes by Sandra Yeyati
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ollowing a record-breaking hurricane season, out-of-control wildfires and a deadly prolonged pandemic, many of us are anxious and fearful, prompted by the growing realization of being in a state of environmental insecurity. These inklings of impending doom are nothing new for members of the youth climate movement—kids in their teens or younger—succumbing to hopelessness, anger and rage as they learn the science and watch leaders do nothing to address it. Hardest hit are “marginalized communities, including indigenous people, climate refugees, farmers struggling with drought and communities of color, who disproportionately suffer from the health effects of polluting industries,” says Jennifer Atkinson, associate professor of environmental studies at the University of Washington-Bothell. Some of us are affected in more subtle ways. Perhaps we’re noticing slow-moving changes around us, like the gradual loss of bees or a disappearance of trees, and we develop a sense of loss the philosopher Glenn Albrecht coined “solastalgia”, which plays on the concept of nostalgia—a longing for a time or place we can’t go back to.
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Or, we’re standing in front of a package of blueberries at the grocery store feeling confusion and ambivalence. A desire to be healthy and adopt a sustainable, vegetarian lifestyle is playing tug-of-war with the fact that these blueberries were flown in from South America, are wrapped in plastic and were grown in a monoculture that depletes the soil. It’s hard to know whether to eat or boycott them. “The greater this dissonance grows, the more likely we’ll tell ourselves that the problems are too big. We decide that we can’t make a difference, so why try? We check out,” says integrative psychotherapist Leslie Davenport, author of Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change. The first step to alleviate this anguish is to validate and normalize the dark feelings. “It’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with you. What’s happening is actually painful and difficult; there’s a lot of loss involved. Eco-anxiety is a natural response to having your heart and mind open, being an attentive and caring person, if you tune in to what’s happening in the world,” says Davenport, adding that good self-care, including mindfulness practices, will expand our tolerance for NATampa.com
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green living
dealing with tough times. Another powerful antidote can be found in community, according to Sarah Jaquette Ray, associate professor of environmental studies at Humboldt State University, in Arcata, California, and author of A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. “People feel like they can’t impact the world because they’re only one person. But when they start to shift the lens toward the collective, it allows them to realize that the positive things that are happening in the world are actually happening at scale, and it allows them to feel like they’re part of some larger purpose,” says Ray. As we accept climate-related anxiety and seek the company of like-minded people to affect change, surprisingly positive emotions will arise, including joy, laughter, dancing and camaraderie at street protests. “Those positive feelings help us process grief and anger, engage us in the work long term and help us maintain the stamina we need for sustained work,” Ray says. “Think of climate anxiety as a kind of superpower, a signal that goes off to tell us something’s wrong and needs to be addressed,” says Atkinson, the creator and host of the climate-anxiety podcast Facing It. She points to grief as a compelling motivator. “You can’t feel grief without love,” she explains. “Grief is an expression of compassion and connection to others and to the pain we feel when those lives are destroyed. Love is far more powerful in motivating us to fight than any other affect. There’s no limit to the lengths we’ll go to protect what we love.” We are only limited by a lack of ecological imagination, Davenport proposes. “Our contemporary Western culture emphasizes the rational, cognitive way of thinking, which is linear and analytical. But another part of the brain—the imaginative, creative and intuitive part—views the world synergistically and holistically. If we open up to this ecological imagination, we can have a visceral knowing of interconnectedness, making it simpler to act in a way that’s beneficial to all of us.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.
eco tip
Slow Fashion
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Mending to Extend the Life of Clothing
Globalization and cheap labor have lowered clothing prices so much that many people view garments as disposable—a phenomenon called “fast fashion”. Magazines and other influencers create demand for trendy items each season, inciting us to overfill our closets and toss last year’s fads, leading to a more than doubling of worldwide consumption since 2000. It’s a vicious cycle with a huge pollution footprint. The textile industry expels about 1.2 billion tons of CO2 per year. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry produces 10 percent of humanity’s carbon emissions and 20 percent of global wastewater. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is either landfilled or burned. Polyester, a petroleum-based plastic found in about 60 percent of garments, doesn’t break down in the ocean, where half a million tons of microfibers end up every year. It takes about 2,000 gallons of water to manufacture just one pair of jeans, and textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of waterways. To embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, reject fast fashion; buy good-quality, longer-lasting garments; and mend them to prolong their useful life. Whether it’s reattach-
ing a button, patching a worn sleeve or sewing a hem, mending is a way to love and care for clothing and reject the notion that new is always better. Another option is to rely on a local seamstress or tailor to take care of mending needs. For the do-ityourselfer, there are many ingenious products available besides needle and thread to help complete simple repairs—iron-on patches, fusible interfacing, mending glue and tape— as well as helpful instructional online videos and sewing classes at local fabric stores. SewGuide.com is an excellent resource for step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Building upon the vintage-wear market, a new trend has emerged called visible mending. In the past, mended clothes might have been interpreted as exposing a family’s lack of funds or status, but today it’s a concept we proudly embrace. Mending a hole or tear with embroidery is a great way to add whimsy and creative expression. By incorporating colorful threads and fancy stitching techniques, as well as beads, decorative buttons, ribbons and appliqués, we can turn off-the-rack items into unique, wearable art. To cover stains, consider using fabric paint to add a pretty flower or bold political slogan.
Celebrate what you want to see more of. ~Tom Peters
January 2021
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wise words
Terry Wahls on Taking Control of Chronic Conditions by Sandra Yeyati
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wenty years ago, University of Iowa Clinical Professor of Medicine Terry Wahls was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional treatments didn’t work, and her health deteriorated to the point where she was wheelchair-bound and facing a progressively grim future. Through rigorous scientific study and clinical trials, she developed a groundbreaking diet and lifestyle protocol that allows people to take control of their health, reversing many chronic disease states, including her own. She is the author of The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles, as well as an accompanying cookbook, The Wahls Protocol Cooking for Life.
What is your personal journey with multiple sclerosis?
In 2000, I had problems walking, which led to the MS diagnosis. After consulting the best doctors and taking the newest drugs, I went downhill anyway. At my lowest point, already in a tilt-recline wheelchair, I realized that conventional medicine wasn’t going to stop my decline into a bedridden, possibly demented state with intractable face pain due to trigeminal neuralgia. My physicians introduced me to the work of Loren Cordain, who developed 36
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the paleo diet, so after 20 years of being a vegetarian, I went back to eating meat; gave up grains, legumes and dairy. I also studied the basic science for animal models of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS, and decided that mitochondria—the organelles that generate the energy that cells use to run the chemistry of life—were leading to my early loss of myelin and brain cells. I also discovered The Institute for Functional Medicine and took their course in neuroprotection. Based on the science, I devised a supplement program to support my mitochondria. My decline slowed. Then came my “Aha!” moment: What if I redesigned my paleo diet, combining ancestral health with functional medicine principles, relying less on supplements and more on food to support my mitochondria? I did that, and my pain, brain fog and fatigue resolved. I began to get stronger, started walking. In three months, I was able to go for a bike ride with my family around the block for the first time in six years. It felt miraculous. It changed the way I think about disease and how I practice medicine. I now talk to patients about diet, lifestyle, exercise, toxics exposures and stress management, and I’m able to stabilize, reverse and greatly improve their blood pressure, blood sugar, pain and chronic diseases that I was struggling to manage using the latest drugs. NATampa.com
What have you learned about resilience?
People who maintain a sense of control have more robust immune function and are generally healthier. Many of my patients say that their diagnosis ended up being a tremendous gift because it allowed them to take stock of their lives and understand their priorities. That’s true for me. If I eat gluten, dairy or eggs, or I’m exposed to too much stress or toxins, my trigeminal neuralgia will turn on and I’ll have horrific facial pain, but I consider it to be a tremendous gift, because that’s my barometer for the inflammation levels in my brain, which reminds me to look at my triggers and recommit to my self-care. We teach patients how to track their biosensors.
Are you cured of MS?
No. I still have the genetic vulnerability and lesions in my spinal cord, and will always be sensitive to gluten, dairy and eggs. If I become severely stressed or don’t sleep, I’ll probably have a problem again. I caution all of my patients: If you go back to your previous diet and lifestyle, your disease states will return.
Isn’t it easier to just take a prescription drug for symptoms?
It’s a smaller level of effort, but they’re not cures, either. The underlying disease state progresses, so people typically need higher doses of their medications. They also develop co-morbid diagnoses that require new medications. Conventional medicine is effective for some symptom improvements, but it has never been evaluated for improving global health, whereas studies have shown that improving diet quality and incorporating exercise and meditation will improve multiple chemical pathways in the body, gene expression and your microbiome, and dramatically improve health outcomes across many disease states. For more information, including diet protocol guidelines and online courses, visit TerryWahls.com. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.
ADVERTORIAL
The Awakening of Humanity By Lynne Girdlestone
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oday we are all experiencing one or more of the negative effects of an incredibly destructive ‘agent of change.’ Although horrific things happen every day on this planet, they usually affect other people elsewhere. COVID-19, however, can potentially reach anyone, anywhere, upending our lives in a multitude of ways. The obvious questions—how do we stop this virus, will a vaccine help, will the global economy recover—are all unknowns. They occupy our thoughts and emotions with every newscast. For some, the crisis is merely an inconvenient interruption in their ‘business as usual.’ For others it has created new ways to profit at the expense of others. But for most, it’s an amplified survival issue. We know that nothing happens by chance: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” and “As you sow, so shall you reap.” What is happening today has its roots in everything that has gone before. When dysfunction reaches a tipping point, something extraordinary happens to get our attention. This pandemic may be saying “STOP... NOW ... look at the world you’ve built ... untold suffering amidst obscene excess ... all life forms and the planet itself in mortal danger!” The slowing and isolation are giving us the opportunity to consider these issues deeply and emerge with a better Plan B. That so many people are getting the message is an incredibly hopeful sign. Neighbors are helping each other; service organizations are expanding their roles and methods; scientific organizations around the world are sharing their research findings on possible treatments and vaccines; governments are trying to lift the financial burden of their citizens.
What would happen if this behavior were to continue post-Covid-19? Could it lead to treating a recovering planet as a ‘global village’ and its citizens as the one human family it is? It would take time, but we can start by demanding of our ‘leaders’ that we all push the ‘reset’ button and begin to move in that direction! Fortunately, at this very time, a little-known cosmic event is also taking place. As we move into the Aquarian age, characterized by energies of synthesis, unity and cooperation, the spiritual custodians of human evolution—the Masters of Wisdom—have once again sent one of their great ones into the world to act as a teacher for the coming time. Some of the past teachers we have known historically as Confucius, Krishna, Buddha, the Christ and Mohammed. Major world religions all expect another great teacher at some future time, and his imminent appearance has been foreseen by some writers since the late 1800s. For more than 40 years, British esotericist and lecturer Benjamin Creme informed the world of a coming change— of the collapse of our old structures to make way for the new. He served as a herald for the World Teacher for this age, Maitreya—the one expected by many and longed for by millions (consciously or not), who has come now to guide us through this perilous time and into a cleansed and transformed new world. Maitreya has advised humanity to make the needed changes to put our world on a saner, fairer path: “He [Maitreya] will show that essentially men are one, no matter the colour or the creed, that the bounty of Earth belongs to all, and that sharing of that
bounty is the key to man’s future. Only sharing, and the justice which it will bring, offers hope to man. Only justice wrought out of sharing will end the plagues of war and terror. Only sharing and justice can bring men to that Brotherhood which is their true inheritance. When men see this they will rise to the challenge and tackle one by one the many problems which daunt us now.” (Benjamin Creme’s Master from ‘Transformation,’ Share International magazine) Maitreya and his group have worked behind the scenes for millennia to guide our human family. Now, with these powerful, incorruptible allies openly in the world for the next 2,000 years and beyond, we have the opportunity to build a new world that works for everyone. Will we take it? In response to today’s injustices, we are marching. We are protesting. We are sharing resources and helping others. We are agitating for change. We are on the right track! Let’s not even consider returning to ‘business as usual.’ For free information: Share-International.us 888-242-8272 info@share-international.us
In The Awakening of Humanity, Benjamin Creme leads us on a journey of hope for the joyful world-changing events that are on the way. Free download at: https://share-ecart.com/ the-awakening-of-humanity-pdf/ January 2021
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healing ways
Frugal Wellness Healthy Living on a Tight Budget by Yvette C. Hammett
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iving healthy on a tight budget may seem like a daunting task, but by setting up a self-care plan, prioritizing and shopping smart, the barriers can seem not quite so tall. With so many people unemployed or under-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for workable options is more important than ever. A sports and nutrition company, My Protein, did a study that shows the average American spends $155 per month on health and fitness. That’s $112,000 over a lifetime. There are, however, strategies that can lower these costs. Jen Smith, a financial writer and cohost of the podcast Frugal Friends, often talks about ways to spend less, save money and be in control of our spending. “You may spend more up front or more on the things you really care about, but cutting out the waste or things that are not so necessary can be a huge cost savings. This is not just for a penny-pinching, stay-athome mom. Being frugal doesn’t mean you are a cheapskate, but being wise with the limited resources that you have.” 38
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Smith says she had a pricey membership to a cross-fit gym, but in the long run, staying in shape can greatly reduce the costs of health care and prescriptions. “Any way you can stay active is what you need to do. Spending money in any way that gets you to commit to and consistently move your body is the answer.” Focus on eating good food and moving your body, Smith says. “When emphasis is placed more on that and on self-care, you save more money.” The National Institute on Aging recommends several ways to eat healthy on a budget: use coupons, consider purchasing store brands, know that convenience costs more, focus on priority foods, buy store-brand organics and forgo fresh for frozen organics. Sotiria Everett, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine at the Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, in New York, agrees. “One thing to consider is seasonality. If out of season and organic, that will increase the cost. If you want clean living and healthy eating NATampa.com
for the planet, that doesn’t make sense either, because of the cost of fuel and the pollution involved.” Everett recommends frequenting farmers’ markets because they offer seasonal, fresh, local, organic produce that is easier on the wallet and better for health. Her favorite tip is, “Learn how to plant foods. You don’t need a lot of space, but do need sun and water access. You can keep it organic. A couple of seeds can give you a whole season’s worth of produce.” Jody Gatewood, assistant state nutrition program specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and a registered dietitian, works with people on tight budgets through the university’s Spend Smart Eat Smart program. “We do a lot with families with young children,” she says. “They are on a budget and concerned about having enough food to eat. One thing we teach a lot, and it helps with a budget, is to plan your meals. Look and see what is on sale at the grocery store. If there’s a big meat sale, buy it then and use it throughout. I think what happens is if we don’t plan, we go to a restaurant or get convenience foods which can really add up.” Fresh, frozen, canned and dried foods can all have a part in our diet, she says. “I use a lot of frozen vegetables. If you use frozen, you just heat it up and it is ready to go. Protein can be expensive, so have some meals where black beans or lentils are the source of protein. Have that balance.” As for healthcare costs, Smith recommends to those that cannot afford typical insurance or costly prescriptions in their budget to consider using manufacturer discounts and a service like GoodRx.com, which details how much prescriptions will cost at different pharmacies. Consider using a “sharing ministry” for other costs, Smith says. With Liberty HealthShare, for example, people pay in every month and are billed like a cash payer when they have a medical bill while Liberty pays the cash. “When a doctor or hospital is billing an insurance company, they try to get as much as they can, but cash payers pay a lower amount,” she says. Yvette C. Hammett is a freelance writer from Valrico, Florida. She can be reached at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com.
What to Do with Your Pet’s
Cancer Diagnosis
by Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM
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ancer. This diagnosis affects at least one out of four dogs and cats, striking fear in the hearts of loving pet parents. If you have heard these words from your veterinarian, this short article will give you hope, direction and confidence as you navigate the onslaught of medical decisions coming your way. First things first: Cancer is not an automatic debilitation and/or death sentence. No matter what someone might say, there is no planned expiration date, so stop looking at the calendar. It is scary, yes… but as a pet parent (and our pet’s medical advocate), you have options that can both extend their life and improve their health even after a cancer diagnosis. As soon as you hear these words, the best thing you can do is turn your pain into purposeful action. Even under the direst circumstances, you have options that can make your pet feel better and live longer. Depending on the type of cancer your pet has, conventional medicine will present different options for treatment ranging from doing nothing to opting for one or more of the following: surgery, chemotherapy, modified chemotherapy with prednisone only, or radiation. If you do not already see a more holistically-minded veterinarian, you may never hear of additional (and incredibly effective) therapies, including detoxification, herbal therapy, homeopathic therapy, nutritional support, acupuncture, reiki and more. These less invasive options can complement conventional medicine options and/or be used on their own. In my own natural healthcare practice, I have successfully helped dogs and cats—allowing them to feel better and live longer—
using any combination of modalities. For the pet owner who must decide which treatment(s) to pursue, you can see the list of options is overwhelming. To begin with, the pet parent must decide if they are open to all options or only the ones presented by their local veterinarian. In my current work, I advise pet parents as they consider the risks and benefits of every option, but we always begin with addressing food therapy. Scientific evidence has proven that diets high in carbohydrates accelerate the growth of most cancers. Therefore, an immediate (and effective) shift may be a simple switch to a low carbohydrate option in an effort to slow the growth and spread of cancer. Next, consider herbs and other options for reducing inflammation.
Because cancer is inflammation gone wrong, anything that reduces inflammation can help slow the progression of the cancer which then reduces pain and swelling. For some pets, detoxification and a whole-food diet are enough to stop the progression of cancer. For others, the answer comes from reducing stress and decreasing adrenalrelated inflammation and illness—which is where reiki can help. The key is to pause, not panic. Cancer is scary, but with proper nutrition and deliberate planning, you can make a big difference in how this diagnosis affects your dog’s life expectancy and satisfaction. Consider all of your options, get a second opinion and take your role as health advocate for your best friend seriously. Dr. Cathy Alinovi, a solely holistic veterinarian, helps clients find only natural solutions to their pets’ needs. Healthy PAWsibilities Natural Pet Wellness Center is located at 628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater. For more information and appointments, call/text 727510-3665, email Info@HealthyPawsibilities. com and/or visit HealthyPawsibilities.com. See ad page 40.
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natural pet
Healing Pets Holistically Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes
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by Julie Peterson
mma, a mini-schnauzer mix, was 4 years old when she started acting like a senior lacking zest for running or playing. After being treated by an integrative veterinarian for one month, she regained vibrancy. “She’s 6 years old now, and she’s her normal, barky, running, zig-zagging self,” says Yvonnda Agent, a volunteer with animal transport rescue operations, near Rockvale, Tennessee. Agent’s practitioner determined Emma had kidney issues that were slowing her down. Upon deeper investigation, these problems were found to be the only visible symptom of a tick-borne illness. Once given immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and liver-detox herbs, the dog made a full recovery.
tend to treat the symptoms, versus treating the root cause of disease, which is why a majority of the time, the symptoms return when the drug is finished,” says veterinarian Katie Woodley, in Fort Collins, Colorado, who blogs at TheNaturalPetDoctor.com. “With a holistic approach, we look at the nutrition, gut health and how all the systems are connected … and resolve the imbalance.” Holistic veterinarians may specialize in acupuncture, herbal medicine, kinesiology, chiropractic, laser therapy or any of many other natural modalities as an adjunct to conventional medicine. They first must earn a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degree and then may pursue optional holistic training. Following this path can take a great deal of time.
Expanded Options
Natural Nutrition
Getting to the root cause of the condition is what integrative veterinarians are known for. They combine both conventional and holistic medicine, may use fewer drugs and limit vaccinations. “With conventional medicine, we 40
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NATampa.com
At the Franklin Road Animal Hospital, in Brentwood, Tennessee, Mark C. Ingram, DVM, has found inadequate nutrition from low-quality foods at the root of most health problems. High-quality food helps animals absorb nutrients needed for
optimal well-being. “The first ingredient should always be meat, and we like limited-ingredient foods due to the numerous allergies we see,” says Ingram. “Every case of cancer that we have seen in the last 20 years has food allergies. Every torn cruciate and every paralyzed dog with disc problems has food allergies. It is also the most underlying cause for ear infections and cystitis.” This was the case with Gabby, a 3-year-old mini-schnauzer that Agent rescued about a year ago. “She came to us with a bottle of ear solution and a history of green pus in her ears,” says Agent. Gabby’s medical history indicated that the ears, in addition to digestive problems, had been unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics and changes in diet. “Our holistic vet recommended a raw diet with no grains and no starchy vegetables. Gabby hasn’t had a single instance of ear irritation since,” says Agent, who believes that whole foods served as medicine and now serve as prevention for her pets.
Vexing Vaccinations
There is ongoing debate whether pet vaccination boosters that may be required by law or strongly recommended by vets provide increased protection or are harmful. Mounting evidence says that they are often overdone: for example, both five-pound and 100-pound dogs receive the same dosage. Yet vaccinations do prevent some serious diseases. “We do not like to over-vaccinate, but provide appropriate protection by minimal vaccination and encourage titers,” says Ingram. Titers are blood tests used to determine if a pet’s antibodies are high enough from a previous vaccination to warrant a booster shot for the specific disease. “Many of the core vaccines that your pet needs to be protected from diseases like parvovirus and distemper actually provide lifelong immunity with one vaccine,” says Woodley.
Choosing a Veterinarian
Commonly, people seek holistic veterinarians after they have had success with human integrative medicine. But finding such a provider isn’t simple. “My clientele regularly travels one to four hours for a consultation,” says Ingram, who fully understands that demand is outstripping supply for integrative veterinary care. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, which has 1,500 members, has a search-by-state feature that also lists the modalities practiced by each veterinarian at ahvma.org/find-aholistic-veterinarian. In addition, Woodley, Ingram and others offer telehealth or long-distance consults. In lieu of finding a vet that is listed as holistic, pet parents can call clinics to ask questions about alternative treatments. Some facilities are more flexible than others. Choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision for owners. “I feel that traditional versus holistic care is simply sick care versus well care,” says Agent. “Their quality of life is so important to me and they’re solely dependent on the choices I make for them. I’m going to choose well care.”
GROW Your Business Contact us for ad rates. 727-865-9339
Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com. January 2021
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NAPUB60 NAPC300
calendar of events
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
Printed calendar is a gratis feature exclusively for advertisers who make this magazine possible. Non-advertisers are free to use the on-line calendar at NATampa.com. FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
internationally recognized hypnosis, psychology & NLP professionals. Can’t attend, no problem: Donate $25+ for video of events. Donations benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars (no donation required to attend). Info and register, UPHypnosis@outlook. com, UPHypnosis.com.
Self-Hypnosis & NLP for Health and Stress Webinar – 1-4pm. Learn easy self- hypnosis & Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques that put you in control for healthy, calmer & more positive behaviors, habits & attitude, with Patricia V. Scott, certified medical hypnotherapist (since 1992) & master trainer. $35 or $25 (UPHI Members). Register by Noon for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis@outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.
PLAN AHEAD SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 SUNDAY, JANUARY 3 Your Unlimited Mind Free Online Event – 1-4pm. Learn about integrative techniques and how they are used in behavioral, emotional and medical issues. Patricia V. Scott (UP Hypnosis Institute) hosts internationally recognized hypnosis, psychology & NLP professionals. Can’t attend, no problem: Donate $25+ for video of events. Donations benefit Veterans of Foreign Wars (no donation required to attend). Info and register, UPHypnosis@outlook. com, UPHypnosis.com.
Free Mini Webinar: New Beginnings – 7:308:15pm. Start 2021 UP with live interactive webinar discussing hypnosis & NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) fundamentals, with Certified Master Trainer Patricia V. Scott. With 29 years’ experience as a medical hypnotherapist & NLP master practitioner, Patricia moderates and answers questions (3rd Weds. monthly/new topic). Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis@ outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 MONDAY, JANUARY 4 Your Unlimited Mind Free Online Event – 4-8pm. Learn about integrative techniques and how they are used in behavioral, emotional and medical issues. Patricia V. Scott (UP Hypnosis Institute) hosts
What They Don’t Tell You about Your Thyroid – 4:30pm. Facebook Live seminar presented by Tracie Leonhardt, DO, Peaks of Health Metabolic Medical Center. Facebook.com/PeaksOfHealth. 1120 Belcher Rd. S, Ste. 2, Largo. 727-826-0838.
Your Unlimited Mind Webinar Two-Day Training – Feb. 20-21, 10am-2pm. Interactive online training. Learn easy self-hypnosis & NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) techniques that put you in control to achieve goals, end internal conflicts, and change unwanted habits and behaviors, with Patricia V. Scott, certified hypnotherapist (since 1992) and master trainer. $65 or $55 (UPHI Members); 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis@outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27 Hypnosis International Certification – Receive two certifications, International Association of Counselors & Therapists and UP Hypnosis Institute. Depending on Covid, may be entirely online; otherwise, combines live classroom (Dunedin, FL), online training, private coaching and outside assignments. Learn basic and advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts integration, Time-Line, NLP & more. Enroll by 3/10: $3095; $2895 (UPHI Members); After: $3395/$3095. Register, 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.
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community resource guide
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide call 727.865.9339 or go to NATampa.com and request a media kit.
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. In-network with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.
Natural Med Therapies Machelle Perkins, D.O.M. 7600 Bryan Dairy Rd # C, Largo 727-541-2211 NaturalMedTherapies.com
LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER
Dr. David Minkoff Sue Morgan, APRN and Karima Redouan, 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.
Professional Herbalists Training Program Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies 2520 Central Ave., St. Petersburg 727-551-0857 AcuHerbals.com
Dr. Paula Giusto 310 South Brevard Ave., Tampa 813-253-2565 NaturalLivingChiropractic.org
Family chiropractic care, wellness care, nutritional counseling, neuromuscular massage therapy. Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.
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.
apothecary Six Oaks Wellness Apothecary Carolyn Zinober, LMT, Esthetician, Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo 727-501-1700
colon Hydrotherapy Body Flow Wellness
Susan Deren, RN, LMT, CT 50 S Belcher Rd, Ste. 124, Clearwater 727-560-6103 BodyFlowWellness.com, Lic# MA85290. MM38270 Body Flow Wellness uses the state of the art, Angel of Water open system, providing a more private, comfortable and odorless experience. A healthy colon is essential to the overall wellness of the body. See ad page 35.
SixOaksWellness.com Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 6.
National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more. Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.
alternative medicine
Natural Living Chiropractic & wellness center
astrology Astrology for Your Soul
Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin 727-239-7179 AlunaMichaels.com Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner. Over 25 years of experience. Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”
chiropractic GENTLE TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CENTER Dr. Colette Cseszko 10575 68th Ave., Seminole 727-235-3265 Gentle-Chiro.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. Many open classes. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 33.
Spa-like wellness center offering chiropractic, acupuncture and physical therapy modalities. 18+ years’ experience in treatment of spine-related conditions, including tailbone misalignments, chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, piriformis issues and upper cervical disorders. On site X-ray. See ad page 29.
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NATampa.com
RENEW LIFE
Bonnie Barrett 28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227 RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802 MM35406 25 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 15.
dentists Beata carlson, DDS
2701 Park Dr. Suite 4, Clearwater 727-888-6523 NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal. Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spa-like atmosphere. See ad back cover.
To Advertise in the Resource Guide email Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com or call 727.865.9339
Carlo Litano, DMD
Natural Smiles of Tampa Bay 9087 Belcher Rd., Pinellas Park, 33782 727-300-0044 Natural-Smiles.com Offering Holistic/Biological dentistry. Swiss dental protocols, ceramic implants, safe mercury removal, ozone cleaning and on site sedation. See ad page 4.
paul t. rodeghero, dds
Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363 MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3 & 9.
Robert J. Yu, DMD
Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg 727-384-9122 TBPerio.com
The only board certified periodontist and implant surgeon in Tampa Bay offering ceramic/ zirconia non-metal implants. State-of-the-art treatments include CBT imaging, LANAP and digital intraoral scanner, eliminating messy impressions. See ad page 31.
herbalist Rose Kalajian—Herbalist
Natural Health Hut Clinic and Herb Farm 813-991-5177 ImHerbalist.com Specializing in growing the herbs used in my clinic practice and in the Herbal Remedies I formulate. Consultations are available for humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Promoting health through the use of Herbs. See ad pages 16 and 26.
Every drop in the ocean counts. ~Yoko Ono
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 25.
INTUITIVE HEALING SolGarden Holistic Therapy, LLC Ellen Mooney, Reiki Master 727-754-4340 EllenMooney7@gmail.com SolGardenHolistic.com
Relax, de-stress and come back to the peace of your Soul with Guided Meditations, Intuitive Healing or Usui Reiki sessions by phone and in-person. With over 25 years’ experience and training, I will help you release energy clutter and shift you to your true light-filled self. Gift Certificates available.
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.
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.
St. Petersburg Health & Wellness Dr. Les Cole Kathie Gonzales, ARNP 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg 727-202-6807 StPetehw.com AwakeningWellness.org Functional, Regenerative, Integrative & Preventative Medicine. Treating Thyroid, Autoimmune Diseases, Cancer Support, Natural Hormone Replacement, Stem Cells, Exosomes, PRP and Joint Rejuvenation, IV Nutritional Therapy. See ad page 19.
Success by design
9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 PoundsAwayTampaBay.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 5.
Young Foundational Health Center Mind Body spirit Care
Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling. Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital. Most insurance accepted.
John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600 YoungFoundationalHealth.com
Author of Beyond Treatment. Creator of Young Health Products. Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases. Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone. Special Testing and Nutritional Education. See ad page 7.
January 2021
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spiritual intuitive Lisa Miliaresis
Extreme Communication 727-239-0656 Lisa@2Communicate.net 2Communicate.net Lisa offers private individual and group channeling sessions, as well as private counseling sessions for those looking for direction in developing their own personal practice.
thermography GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY John D. Bartone MD Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100 GreenPointThermography.com
The only physician owned and operated thermography practice in Tampa Bay - serving Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Accredited by the American College of Clinical Thermology. See ad page 21.
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, Numerologist, Meditation, Chakra-Balancing, Tarot/ Oracles, Candles, EOL Transition, Teacher/Mentor & more. See website.
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Tampa Bay Edition
veterinarian Healthy PAWsibilities Natural Pet Wellness Center Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater 727-510-3665 HealthyPawsibilities.com.
Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more. See ad page 40.
Medicine River Animal Hospital florida medical Thermography
June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you. See ad page 29.
NATampa.com
Shawna L. Green, DVM 13495 Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach 727-299-9029 MedicineRiverAnimalHospital.com
Compassionate health care catered toward the needs of your pet offering preventative medicine, surgery, dentistry, senior wellness, and more. See ad page 40.
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