Natural Awakenings of Tampa Bay November 20212

E E HEALTHY LIVING FR

HEALTHY

PLANET

EAT WELL

for Mental

Health

How to shop for

ECO-DECOR

Why Hugs are Good for You

Boosting Brain Health Hallmarks of Healthy Cognition

November 2021 | Tampa Bay Edition | NATampa.com

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PL ANET

TAMPA BAY EDITION

Publisher Debbey Wilson Editor Cheryl Hynes

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Contents

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 27 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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22 DYING WELL

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Four Steps to a Good Death

25 THE HEALING

POWER OF A HUG

26 HEALTHY BRAIN STRATEGIES

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

28 ECO-DECOR

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FOR THE HOME

How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

32 DAVID CROW on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

34 MINDFULNESS FOR STRESSED TEENS

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School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

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.

36 EAT WELL TO FEEL WELL

Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

40 HONORING THE LOSS OF A PET

Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal 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.

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DEPARTMENTS 12 news briefs 14 health briefs 16 global briefs 18 inspiration 26 healing ways 28 green living

32 34 36 40 43 44

wise words healthy kids conscious eating natural pet calendar resource guide

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letter from publisher

100 Hour Advanced Yoga Alliance Teacher Training 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training 300 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training

Missy White E-RYT 500

Studio 108

Yoga & Holistic Healing

www.Studio108Tampa.com

813-343-8887

11059 Countryway Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33626

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his month, we pay homage to Thanksgiving. More than ever, eating to heal is an option we should be gratefully embracing. Mental and emotional health imbalances are at an all-time high; they existed long before the pandemic and at long last are surfacing for recognition and repair.

This month’s Conscious Eating article, Eat Well to Feel Well, shares that “The hope and help we seek might be as close as our own kitchen,” along with some proven foods that enhance moods.

Most of us want a brain that lasts a lifetime. Recognizing the brain’s neuroplasticity, and for better or worse how greatly we affect its functions through thought, foods, hormones, relationships and lifestyle management, Healthy Brain Strategies: How to Prevent Cognitive Decline offers leading edge insights from functional medicine experts which you can implement in your life starting now.

On another deeply healing note, David Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha, speaks up on the medicinal power of healing plants/botanical medicine in a most interesting Q&A. “Humans emerged from conditions created by plants. Since we cannot live directly on soil and sunlight as plants do, the structure and function of the human body are designed so that we can extract those energies in forms that plants provide; our physiology, respiration and metabolism are a mirror image of photosynthesis. We have complete biological dependency on plants in every moment; understanding this is the basis of reverence for nature, which is ecological spirituality, the only long-term solution to the environmental crisis we have created through lack of sensitivity and appreciation of our place in the biosphere.”

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

Happy Thanksgiving! coming in december

Boosting Immune System plus: Uplifting Humanity

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news briefs

Zoom Lecture on Teachings of Bruno Gröning

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he Bruno Gröning Circle of Friends will present a free virtual lecture at 2 p.m., on November 6, via Zoom. Participants will learn ways to get onto a path to a healthy body and soul through the teachings of Bruno Gröning who became world renowned in the 1950s in his knowledge of how to receive natural energy.

During the lecture, listeners can experience this power for themselves in a simple and natural way. Other highlights will include reports of people freed from years of diseases, shown along with doctors of the Medical Scientific Group of the Bruno Gröning Circle of Friends discussing these cases.

To register in advance (requested), email bg.lectureUSA@ gmail.com to receive a Zoom link. For more information, visit Bruno-Groening.org/en or YouTube.com/BrunoGroeningOrg or the Friends’ page on Facebook. See ad page 31.

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Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow

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he Natural Awakenings online national readership survey allows us to better serve readers.

“Your participation takes just five minutes, and will give us a better understanding of what you need and how well we’re delivering on your expectations,” says founding CEO Sharon Bruckman. “We’ll also use your responses to help guide the direction of future development.” One participant, selected at random, will receive a $100 Visa gift card.

With the interests and welfare of readers in mind, Natural Awakenings provides information and resources for living a healthier, happier life. Publishing in more than 50 communities nationwide, Natural Awakenings is one of the country’s most widely read healthy living magazines, with a loyal monthly readership of over 1.3 million.

Visit NaturalAwakenings.com/survey to participate.

See ad page 46.

Yoga Teacher Training at Studio 108

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issy White, 500 E-RYT and owner of Studio 108 Yoga and Holistic Healing, in Tampa, has taught workshops and conferences all over the world, from Yoga Journal Live to Sri Lanka to the Om Yoga Show, in Manchester and London.

Internationally recognized for her passionate teaching skills and dynamic and innovative sequencing, White travels throughout the world teaching her signature Funky Flow and Float Master Class as well as The 108 Asanas Practice and Workshop that she created. She began practicing in 1999, and in many ways credits yoga for saving her life.

In 2004, White traveled to Los Angeles and completed her first 500 hour teacher training at Bikram Yoga College of India. Since then, she has trained with many teachers, including David Swenson, Cameron Shayne, Shiva Rae, Ana Forrest, Desiree Rumbaugh, Duncan Wong and Andrey Lappa, among others.

Location: 11059 Countryway Blvd., Tampa. For more information on Missy White and her 100 hour advanced, 200 hour and 300 hour teacher trainings, call 813-343-8887 or visit Studio108Tampa.com. See ad page 10.

Orthomolecular Wellness Welcomes New Doctor of Osteopathy

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rthomolecular Nutrition & Wellness Center, in Largo, herein introduces and welcomes Dr. Alaia Greene, DO to the Ortho family. Dr. Greene has 21-plus years of experience as an osteopathic physician in internal medicine and a passion for helping others heal. She believes our bodies are self-regulating, self-healing organisms in which healing is controlled and coordinated by the body’s communication among its organ systems. To that end, she works to develop a personalized treatment plan that puts health care back into her patients’ hands.

Dr. Greene believes healing occurs when the whole body (the inner spirit and the energetic biofield) is treated with attention to the root cause of the dis-ease. Board certified in internal medicine and board eligible in infectious diseases with a master’s degree in public health in epidemiology, Dr. Greene uses the holistic approach and multiple modalities to treat her patients, including ozone therapy, platelet rich plasma, IV nutrition, and energy medicine, among many others. She also employs a bioenergetic scanning software system called NES Health (nesHealth.com/ bioenergetic-scan), which assesses the human biofield for details of blockages impeding healthy energy flow.

Location: 225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo. To book a consultation with Dr. Greene, call 727-518-9808. See ad page 44.

November 2021

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Lose Weight with Small Calorie Reduction

mentatdgt /Pexels.com

A reduction of just 200 calories a day combined with aerobic exercise four times a week produced greater weight loss and better heart health in obese, sedentary adults than exercise alone or a 600-calorie reduction plus exercise, reports a new study in Circulation. Researchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tested 160 adults ages 65 to 79.

Those that combined exercise with 200 fewer calories a day lost 10 percent of their weight, about 20 pounds, over five months. They had a 21 percent average increase in the aorta’s ability to expand and contract, a key indicator of heart health. Measures of aortic stiffness did not change significantly for the exercise-only group or the 600-calorie-reductionplus-exercise group. Weight loss was similar for both caloriereduction groups, even though one group consumed nearly three times fewer calories per day.

Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise

yulianto poitier/Pexels.com

health briefs

The right kind of exercise can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research from the University of Delaware.

An article published in the Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research reports that when 48 children between 6 and 12 years of age were taught new words before swimming, they scored 13 percent higher on a test of the words than children that did CrossFit-like exercises or colored pictures. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt says that exercise is known to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein she describes as the “Miracle-Gro of the brain.” Swimming made a difference, she says, because it is an automatic movement, while the CrossFit exercises were new to them and required mental energy.

Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more, reports new research published by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers followed more than 78,000 people in their late 40s and early 50s for 20 years, asking them what they ate and to evaluate their cognitive skills. They found that those foods with more flavones, such as yellow or orange fruits and vegetables and some spices, reduced cognitive decline the most, at 38 percent—the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age.

Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. “The people in our study who did the best over time ate an average of at least half a serving per day of foods like orange juice, oranges, peppers, celery, 14

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Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline

grapefruits, grapefruit juice, apples and pears,” says study author Walter Willett, M.D., a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“And it’s never too late to start, because we saw those protective relationships whether people were consuming the flavonoids in their diet 20 years ago or if they started incorporating them more recently.”

Getting teens to eat well can be an uphill battle, but new evidence shows its long-term importance. Drinking two sugary drinks per day from ages 13 to 18 increases by 32 percent the risk of colorectal cancer in women by age 50 when compared to drinking less than one such drink each week, Washington University School of Medicine researchers report in the journal Gut. The study used data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which tracked the health of nearly 116,500 female nurses from 1991 to 2015. Other drinks, including milk and unsweetened coffee, were associated with a decreased risk. Early-onset colorectal cancer rates have risen alarmingly in the last 20 years, causing the American Cancer Society to lower its recommended age for a first colonoscopy from 50 to 45.

Boost Cognition with Green Tea Compound

A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine— the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women in new research from Japan’s Central Research Institute, in Shizuoka. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 adults that selfreported cognitive decline reacted more quickly to computergenerated promptings and answered more questions correctly after ingesting the compound compared to the placebo.

Live Healthfully to Mitigate Genetic Cancer Risk Healthy lifestyle factors such as exercise, proper diet, low body mass index and abstinence from smoking and drinking correlate with decreased cancer incidence, even in those with a high genetic risk, according to a Chinese study published in Cancer Research. The researchers calculated and applied the genetic risks for 16 cancers in men and 18 cancers in women to genotype information from 443,000 citizens from England, Scotland and Wales registered in a databank. Notably, 97 percent of patients in the study had a high genetic risk of at least one cancer type. Among patients with high genetic risk, the five-year cancer incidence was 7.23 percent in men and 5.77 percent in women with an unfavorable lifestyle. That compared with 5.51 percent in men and 3.69 percent in women with a favorable lifestyle, effectively moving them into an intermediate risk category. r.f ._.studio/Pexels.com

andrii kovalAdobeStock.com

Avoid Sugary Drinks to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

November 2021

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global briefs

Tree House

Sorting Soirée

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. The foundation is cement, but multistory wooden structures of 13 floors and higher are possible. Using timber has environmental benefits in the form of lowered carbon emissions. Mathias Fridholm, director of Svenskt Tra (Swedish Wood), an industry organization, says, “Wood is in many ways an excellent material for building in dense cities, because we can prefabricate all the elements in factories instead of onsite.”

Prefabrication speeds construction and reduces truck traffic. CLT is not only strong and light, it is breathable; it holds heat, but doesn’t need plastic layers to manage moisture like concrete, which also requires sand, a non-renewable resource that requires drudging seabeds. Managed forests are renewable and serve as a carbon storage facility.

Anna Ervast Oberg, a project manager at Swedish real estate developer Folkhem, advises that just changing the structure of a building to wood from concrete would result in an immediate 50 percent reduction in emissions. “What we have to do now is to stop the emissions, very fast. This gives us a hint of where we should be focusing; where we can make the biggest difference.”

Americans use a single recycling stream in which everything goes into one bin to be sorted and cleaned at the designated collection point; a system that requires too much labor with less-than-stellar results. A study conducted by the South Korean SK Group asked 1,500 U.S. adults about sustainable packaging and found that 72 percent prefer products with easily recycled or reused packaging, but don’t understand what can actually be recycled. Forty-two percent were not aware that containers such as plastic bottles cannot be recycled without removing the label. When dirty and labeled recyclables are deposited with clean recyclables, they contaminate the whole batch, creating massive amounts of unnecessary waste.

SKC Inc. has introduced Ecolabel, the first shrink sleeve label that doesn’t need to be removed from plastic bottles to be recycled. This removes the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Recyclops uses independent drivers to service recycling routes, creating income for locals and sustainable living options for residents. They’re innovating the recycling pickup process by using an Uber Eats-type phone app to enable the pickup of recyclables from areas that aren’t being serviced.

Knock On Wood

courtesy of Recyclops.com

courtesy of Svenskt Tra

Renovating the Recycling Stream

Wicked Wonders

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has labeled cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a native plant of Southeast Asia, as one of the world’s worst invasive weeds. It’s banned as an invasive species by the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, but a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that this and about 1,300 other invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers.

Lead author Evelyn M. Beaury, a graduate student in organismic and evolutionary biology at University of Massachusetts, says that she and her fellows found cogongrass was being sold by 33 outlets in 17 states. She notes, “This is a tricky case, because plant breeders are marketing a sterile cultivar, but research shows these plants are not completely sterile and can still become invasive.” According to the USDA, there are no known effective biological control methods. Beaury states, “While patchy state regulations definitely contribute to the widespread availability of invasive plants in the U.S., it’s clear we as a public also lack awareness about which plants are invasive and how they spread to new areas. If we want to continue to protect native ecosystems, regulators and managers need more resources to do so.”

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pornsawan/AdobeStock.com

Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale

Storm Clouds

Love Bugs

Lake Urmia, in Iran, has decreased in size by 50 percent from 2,085 square miles in the 1990s to 965 now, and the Department of Environmental Protection of West Azerbaijan is concerned that it may disappear entirely. Scenarios like this are multiplying in the Middle East because the water table is becoming depleted. Persistent drought and high temperatures, in addition to poor water management and overuse, create a bleak outlook unless changes are made. A study by the Iranian Energy Ministry found the fate of the lake was more than 30 percent attributable to climate change.

Iran, Iraq and Jordan extract copious amounts of water from the ground for irrigation, and Charles Iceland, global director of water at the World Resources Institute, says, “They’re using more water than is available routinely through rain.” In Iran, a network of dams used by the agriculture sector uses about 90 percent of the nation’s supply. “Both declining rainfall and increasing demand in these countries are causing many rivers, lakes and wetlands to dry up,” Iceland says. As areas become uninhabitable in the future, political violence may emerge over how to share and manage rivers and lakes.

It may come as a surprise to most Americans, but people have been eating insects (entomophagy) for thousands of years, and they are part of the diets of more than 2 billion people. The United Nations predicts that this rapidly growing industry could be worth $6.3 billion by 2030, so bug-based products may soon appear in local stores. Although Western food markets have excluded insects in favor of animal-based protein, insectbased foods offer many health and environmental benefits, especially in light of the pressures from climate change.

Insects produce 80 times less methane than cattle and use less space, feed, water, housing and maintenance. One pound of beef requires 1,850 gallons of water, one pound of chicken uses 500 gallons and one pound of crickets requires one gallon. Nestlé and PepsiCo are conducting research and development forays into the field, and smaller, nimble startups are making plans to introduce new products. Names to watch include Mighty Cricket, Illegal Oats, Jiminy’s, Aspire (Exo Bar), BeoBia and FarmInsect. Public acceptance is expected to be gradual.

Reversing Ruin

Superfund Mine-Polluted Stream Restorations See Success Large investments have been made to clean up acid drainage into streams and rivers polluted by toxic metals from abandoned mining sites. A new study published in Freshwater Science based on long-term monitoring data from four U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund sites in California, Colorado,

The Food Revolution—Miniaturized egor kamelev/Pexels.com

courtesy of Google Maps

Water Shortage is a Global Problem

Idaho and Montana shows that cleanup efforts can allow affected streams to recover to near natural conditions within 10 to 15 years after abatement work begins.

Researchers combined data from long-term monitoring during periods of 20 years or more using aquatic insects and other diverse invertebrate life such as flatworms and snails as indicators of the restoration of ecological health, with nearby unpolluted streams as standards for comparison. Much of the recovery occurred within the first few years of treatment.

November 2021

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eco tip

david pereiras/AdobeStock.com

Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure Plastic is a petrochemical-based, non-biodegradable pollution nightmare. As discarded water bottles and shampoo containers pile up for hundreds of years in landfills, we continue to produce more and more of the stuff. Meanwhile, plastic breaks down into microparticles that contaminate waterways, air, soil and even snow.

They show up in foods and beverages we consume. While more research is needed to understand the human health impacts of microplastics, here are some ways to avoid ingesting these tiny particles.

DON’T DRINK PLASTIC-BOTTLED WATER. Plastic-bottled water has approximately double the microplastics of tap water, studies have found. Ditch single-use, plastic-bottled water. Instead, fill reusable stainless steel or glass containers with filtered tap water, chill and enjoy. Filtering tap water can help improve the taste and reduce other undesirable elements, and most carbon block filters with a micron rating of two or less will remove microplastics.

AVOID BEAUTY PRODUCTS WITH MICROBEADS. To reduce exposure to microplastics and dissuade manufacturers from using plastic, avoid any beauty products with microbeads, including certain toothpastes and facial scrubs.

Some words on product labels that indicate microbeads are polypropylene, polyethylene and polylactic acid (PLA).

WEAR NATURAL, NON-SYNTHETIC FABRICS. Synthetic fabrics shed microplastic fibers in the wash and as we wear them. Clothing made with natural fibers such as cotton is preferable.

WASH AND DRY SYNTHETIC CLOTHES DIFFERENTLY. When we wash and dry synthetic fabrics, significant levels of microplastics are released into the environment. To lessen this effect, air dry clothes or decrease their time in the dryer. Products are emerging to help filter and collect small synthetic fibers before they wash down the drain and into our waterways or get released into the air. Among the most promising are a washing bag (GuppyFriend.us), laundry ball (CoraBall.com) and in-machine filtration devices (XerosTech.com).

REDUCE MEAT AND FISH CONSUMPTION. As microplastics proliferate and marine and land animals eat them, they are finding their way into our food supply. We can limit our exposure by eating less meat and fish.

VACUUM AND DUST REGULARLY. Our homes are filled with microplastics.

Regularly dusting surfaces and vacuuming with a HEPA filter that traps dust is a great way to reduce these particles in the indoor air environment.

DRIVE LESS. As we drive our cars, microplastic flies off the tires and becomes airborne pollution. Find ways to drive less; opt instead for carpooling or public transportation.

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Happy Thanksgiving GIVING THANKS FOR COMMUNITY

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November 2021

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PMS Pre-Menstrual Tension Syndrome

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by Les Cole, MD

P

MS is a set of symptoms that occurs generally the week before and the week during your period. There are four main symptoms: breast tenderness and emotional dysregulation can occur before and heavy blood flow and cramping during your period. The cause of these symptoms is an imbalance of your estrogen and progesterone levels.

During the first half of your cycle, estrogen stimulates the lining (endometrium) and wall (myometrium) of your uterus and your breast tissue to grow in preparation for fertilization and implantation. At ovulation, you begin to produce progesterone which offsets your estrogen.

It prevents the estrogen from continuing to cause the endometrium (lining) and myometrium (muscular wall) of your uterus and your breast tissue to grow. If you do not produce enough progesterone, the lining and the wall as well as your breast tissue will continue to be stimulated by estrogen and it will continue to grow during the second half of your cycle.

This overgrowth of breast tissue will cause breast tenderness usually the week before your period. Overgrowth of the lining will cause excessive bleeding and of the muscular wall cramping. Progesterone is also converted into a neuro-hormone called allopregnanolone which crosses the blood20

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brain barrier to stimulate GABA (inhibitory) receptors to keep you “calm, cool and collected”. If you do not produce enough allopregnanolone, then emotional dysregulation (irritability, anxiety, sadness, depression, crying for no reason, etc.) occurs.

Although these are the four main symptoms, there can be others such as migraine and even seizures, but none of these are necessary. You can be completely free of them with the simple and effective treatment of progesterone supplementation, also known as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

Why might this be the best treatment for you? Because progesterone prescribed is identical to the progesterone your ovaries produce. It is an herbal extract that comes from yams, so it is natural and nonsynthetic as opposed to artificial, synthetic progestins found in all birth-control pills, implants, injections and patches (BCPs).

This is very important because BCPs have many toxic side effects: nutrient malabsorption (B and other vitamins and minerals); acne; bleeding or spotting between periods; bloating; blood pressure above your usual range; depression; fatigue; feeling dizzy; fluid retention; headache; increased appetite; insomnia; melasma (dark patches on the face); mood swings; nausea; tenderness or pain in the breasts; vomiting; weight NATampa.com

gain; decreased libido; chest pain; heart attack; blood clots; stroke which may be fatal; and increased risks of breast and cervical cancer*. Progesterone has almost no side effects when dosed appropriately because it is identical to your own progesterone.

Why is treatment of PMS important? I am sometimes surprised when a woman tells me she believes PMS is natural and doesn’t want to treat it. At that point, I get concerned because of long-term potential risks from or complications of PMS. If you allow PMS symptoms to continue (untreated with progesterone), you increase your future risks for endometriosis and uterine cancer from chronic, uninterrupted estrogen stimulation of your endometrium (uterine lining); fibroids from chronic, uninterrupted estrogen stimulation of your myometrium (uterine wall); and breast fibrosis and cancer from chronic, uninterrupted estrogen stimulation of your breast tissue.

To learn more and for an appointment, call 727-202-6807. St. Petersburg Health & Wellness is located at 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. North, St. Petersburg. See ad page right. *National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov/ about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/oral-contraceptives-fact-sheet

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Four Steps to a Good Death

by Ronica O’Hara

nikkizalewski/AdobeStock.com

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n his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs looked for a long time at his children, his sister and his wife, then moved his gaze to the space behind them. “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” he gasped. No one can know for certain what he was experiencing, but his words point to the deep, mysterious potential of our final hours—the awareness of which can transform our life long before its end.

“An awareness of dying, of death, can wake us up to life. It helps us live a life that’s rich and full and meaningful. When we deny the truth of dying, we live less wholeheartedly, less completely,” says Frank Ostaseski, founder of the pioneering San Francisco Zen Hospice Project and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.

The pandemic has 51 percent of us thinking more about our own mortality, a survey shows. The subject of death has been slowly opening up in America: TV programs like Six Feet Under and Alternative Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America present dying and grief more realistically; thousands of small conversational gatherings called “death cafes” are being held each year; people are designing their own funerals and choosing green burial sites; and the field of “death doulas” is emerging to help families navigate the legal and emotional shoals. Half a century after the release of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal book On Death and Dying, palliative care to ease pain is offered by two-thirds of American hospitals, and Medicare funding for end-of-life hospice care has grown tenfold over the last two decades.

Yet for many, death remains the last taboo—85 percent of us have not discussed our last wishes yet with loved ones. Thousands of studies in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology have found that when reminded subconsciously of death, people tend to drive faster, drink harder, smoke more and get meaner to out-groups in attempts to lower their anxiety.

But when we look death squarely in the face, that anxiety recedes, the research concludes. Gratitude, self-honesty and the humility of recognizing our place in the larger whole are also proven antidotes. With less fear, we are better able to take the proactive, concrete steps that ease our passage—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Although death has its own ways and means, these four processes can make it more likely we will die as we would like to.

Defining What We Value “Deeply consider what your

priorities in life are,” says Tarron Estes, founder and CEO of The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, which has trained more than 6,500 doulas since 2013. “Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?” She recommends Stephen Levine’s book, A Year to Live, for exercises and meditations for that process.

“Don’t wait until the time of your dying to discover what it has to teach you,” advises Ostaseski, who has sat beside more than 2,000 hospice patients in their last hours. “When I’m with dying people, the things that are important to them are not their spiritual beliefs, but are more about relationships—‘Am I loved? Did I love well?’ Those two questions are useful inquiries now. They help us to discover where value and meaning can be found.”

By applying our values to the dying process, we can start sorting through options. Do we want to die at home or in a hospital? What medical procedures will we accept or decline? What measures do we want to be taken to sustain our life? Who do we want to be at our side? And what do we need to say before that time?

Having Important Conversations As daunting as the prospect of an end-of-life talk with family and friends may seem, it can start with simple words like “I want to talk with you about something important to me.” Without spelling out our desires, death can become inadvertently medicalized: Nine in 10 of us say we want to die in our homes, but only two in 10 do. “The default systems are all to treat, treat, treat, until someone finally says, ‘No,’ so many people end up on a high-tech conveyor belt to the ICU,” says award-winning journalist Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life. Among people that undertake such talks, 73 percent describe the experience as positive, reassuring and productive. A downloadable Conversation Starter Guide (TheConversationProject.org) provides practical guidance for these critical conversations.

Attending to Medical and Burial Decisions Taking care

of business—the paperwork aspects of death known as advance directives—spares loved ones from having to make tough decisions later. A last will and testament precludes pain and infighting among family and friends. A living will specifies what treatments are wanted under what conditions. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if a patient is not capable. A Do Not Resuscitate order approved by a doctor means emergency medical workers are less likely to give CPR, which frequently causes trauma and broken ribs in elderly or frail patients. Either cremation or a burial can be decided upon; environmental options such as a forest burial in a wooden casket can be explored. Local hospice options can be surveyed in advance; nonprofits generally are rated better than profit-making groups.

Opening to the Spiritual Process Whether or not we have

religious beliefs to carry us through waves of loss and sorrow, death can spur spiritual insight. “In dying, we withdraw from our outer circles and come into the inner circles of our lives—the relationships that matter most to us,” says Ostaseski, who has worked

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four decades with hospice patients. “There’s a growing silence that has us becoming more contemplative and reflective. Our sense of time and space changes and we enter into a kind of free flow.

The boundaries we have lived by begin to dissolve, and we start to feel ourselves as part of something larger—not as a belief, but as a natural occurrence. Often people realize themselves to be more than the small, separate self they had thought themselves to be.”

Joan Tollifson, a Zen-trained spiritual teacher and author of Death: The End of Self-Improvement, concurs: “When the future disappears, we are brought home to the immediacy that we may have avoided all our lives. With no future left to fantasize about, the focus of attention may finally be fully on right Now, the only place where our life ever actually is. Really getting that ‘This is it,’ there may be a sudden recognition of the absolute preciousness and wonder of every simple ordinary thing and of the people around us, just as they are, with all their flaws and foibles. Old grudges and resentments often melt away, and love shines through.

“All the things which may have been part of our self-image—independence, physical strength, cognitive sharpness, good appearance and so on—have either disappeared or are rapidly collapsing, which invites the discovery that none of that really mattered, that what we truly or more fundamentally are is not dependent on any of that.

“The greatest gift we can give to a loved one who is dying,” says Tollifson, is to “simply be present, listen, follow your heart, trust the process. Everything else will follow from that. There’s no right or wrong way.”

It can be difficult to know what to say to a loved one near the end, but hospice workers recommend five phrases that have deep healing potential, even if a person seems unconscious: “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” As Butler points out, the first four phrases can be said any time in our lives.

Increasingly in hospice care, loved ones are encouraged to sit with the body after the death, touching it, sharing stories, perhaps gently bathing it and dressing it in favorite clothes. “Touching the body, feeling the coolness, makes the death real to the family,” Ostaseski says. “Research shows that people that went through that process still grieved, but they were able to be with the emotion and not be overwhelmed by it.”

Facing the reality of death—as hard and heartbreaking as that can be—can free us to truly live life, said Jobs. After his terminal cancer diagnosis, he told Stanford students in a commencement address, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

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

inspiration

The Healing Power of a Hug

by Marlaina Donato

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hen we were children, a hug helped to take the sting out of a skinned knee or quell first-day-of-school jitters.

In adulthood, hugs are not as plentiful or practical; many people lack partners or loved ones, and the gesture—both giving and receiving—is too often labeled as sentimentality. As we continue to move through life with pandemic restrictions, hugs can feel risky at a time when we need them the most.

A hug elicits a powerful shot of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and we don’t necessarily need another human to reap the benefits. Wrapping our arms around a breeze-swept tree in the backyard or on a hiking trail can lower heart rate and set our brains abuzz with feel-good endorphins.

Earlier this year, the forestry service in Iceland invited people to cuddle up to trees to offset COVID-19 isolation and get in a good dose of forest bathing. Scientific research, including a study from Carnegie Mellon University, backs what unapologetic huggers have always known: Even the most casual embrace can help to lower stress, boost immunity and promote a better night’s sleep.

Cuddling up with a stuffed animal is a part of everyday life for 43 percent of American adults, with men taking the lead. Befriending a plush toy is part of some trauma recovery programs and has a soothing effect on those navigating the dark waters of grief, loss and chronic anxiety. Snuggling up under a warm, weighted blanket is also akin to a hug, and has benefits much like the real thing.

Holding and being held strengthens the body’s defense systems, as well as romantic partnerships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves. Opening our arms can foster the spiritual discipline of not only giving, but receiving—a vital requirement in self-care. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine; they can also be a powerful metaphor and reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human.

Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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healing ways

Healthy Brain Strategies How to Prevent Cognitive Decline

by Linda Sechrist

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healthy brain performs mental processes known as cognition, which is the acquiring of knowledge and understanding by means of thought, experience and the senses. This includes functions and systems such as memory, learning, language, problem solving, decision making, reasoning and intelligence. The aging process, a stroke or a brain injury can cause a mild to severe reduction in healthy brain functioning resulting in impaired memory and concentration, and difficulty in learning new things or making decisions that impact daily living.

Functional medicine experts focused on preventive health care agree on the ABC’s for optimizing the brain and protecting against decline: eating a healthy diet, exercising, reducing inflammation and stress levels, balancing hormone levels, cultivating healthy relationships and getting enough restorative sleep. With their expertise, they are helping to shift the old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline into a new one based on the brain’s neuroplasticity.

Harvard-trained neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor, author of the bestseller My Stroke of Insight and the recent Whole Brain Living, is a true poster child for demonstrating the brain’s neuroplasticity and ability to recover from a massive stroke. She writes about the congenital neurological brain disorder that became a problem when an arteriovenous malformation exploded in her brain’s left hemisphere. For four hours, she observed her brain functions systemically shutting down one by one. On the afternoon of her stroke, she could not walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her life.

Eight years later, she was not only slalom waterskiing again, but also explaining to the world, “We are the life-force power of the universe, with manual dexterity and two cognitive minds. We have the power to choose, moment to moment, who and how we want to be in the world.”

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Devaki Lindsey Berkson, author of Sexy Brain, a hormone formulator and former researcher at Tulane University’s estrogen think tank, advises, “Most people think hormones are sexy, reproductive things and when they get older, they’re relieved that they don’t have to think about them. Not true. The body has a virtual physiological internet system.

Hormones are the email signals to most cells. While the robustness of hormones and their signals affects lungs, gut, kidney and vocal cord health, it especially affects the brain. Balancing hormones with bioidentical hormones is one solution.”

David Perlmutter, neurologist and coauthor of Brain Wash, cites food as the biggest player in both brain and overall health in his books and PBS workshops.

“Eating inappropriately causes intestinal permeability, resulting in inflammation, which in the brain, threatens good decision making—from deciding on the foods we eat to turning off our televisions at night, getting a good night’s rest, making sure that we exercise regularly and con-

necting with other people. Not good for the gut are dairy products, alcohol, highly processed foods that are low in fiber, high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, as well as antibiotics,” he says, adding that meditation and exposure to nature are powerful ways of reducing inflammation in the body and brain.

As explained by neurologist Dale E. Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s, stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels that can be toxic to our brains—in particular the memory—consolidating the hippocampus, one of the first structures affected by Alzheimer’s. Studies show that high stress levels can also contribute to brain fog, involving difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and mental fatigue. The Bredesen Protocol, available from health practitioners and online, includes exercising, eating a plant-based diet, supplementing to reduce insulin sensitivity and optimize cognitive function, reducing both gut inflammation and exposure to toxins, treating pathogens and optimizing sleep.

HealthyBrains.org, Cleveland Clinic’s Healthy Brains Initiative, is an online resource center with information on how to manage brain health and create a brain span that matches a life span. It offers six pillars of brain health as explained by brain health experts, including exercise, sleep, relaxation, mental fitness and social interaction.

Supplementing for brain health should be done wisely, says Mark Hyman, author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? and director of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He recommends at the very least taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement, omega-3, extra vitamins B3, B6 and B12, folate and a good probiotic that enhances the brain-gut relationship.

Mastery of the ABC’s in kindergarten is required as the foundation of language and a lifetime of learning. Living the fundamentals for a healthy brain can result in a brain span that equals our life span.

Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Connect at Linda Sechrist.com.

November 2021

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green living

Eco-Decor for the Home How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

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by Sandra Yeyati

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hile comfort and beauty are clear priorities when shopping for furnishings, sustainability and health should be, too. By asking the right questions and doing a little up-front research, consumers have the power to appoint their sanctuaries with non-toxic, ecologically responsible items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment.

According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) (SustainableFurnishings.org), 80 percent of the environmental impact of any product comes from the materials used to make it, so it’s vital to ask about all of the material components in a piece of furniture.

Sustainably Harvested Wood Because it is long-lasting and sturdy, wood can be an excellent, eco-friendly material. The most important consideration is that it hasn’t contributed to deforestation. SFC Executive Director Susan Inglis recommends third-party certification to confirm that wood was sustainably harvested in ways that preserve the forest’s ecosystem and benefit nearby communities. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org) issues one of the industry’s most coveted independent certifications.

Reclaimed wood is another Earth-friendly option. “Perhaps the tree was cut down decades or centuries ago and made into a building, and now it’s being used to make a piece of furniture,” explains Inglis. A third sustainable choice is wood from a plantation that was 28

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established more than 25 years ago. “While it is not sustainable to convert natural forests to plantations today because you’re losing biodiversity, wood from long-established plantations is considered sustainable,” she says, adding that in those settings, new trees are planted to replace those harvested.

Non-Toxic Textiles According to Inglis, the most environmentally sound textiles are made of natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool, which are long-lasting and can be recycled into new textiles. Synthetic fibers are petroleum-based and much less desirable.

Textile manufacturing practices can also be environmentally problematic. “Look for certification that they’re not polluting waters or using toxic dyes,” says Aimee Robin-

son, owner of EcoBalanza, an organic furniture boutique in Seattle. She points to the Global Organic Textile Standard (Global-Standard.org) as a reliable organization which identifies producers of natural fibers that are organically grown without pesticides, while also considering the social and environmental impacts of their production systems.

Volatile Compounds and Unhealthy Chemicals The SFC has identified five classes of chemicals commonly found in furniture that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and immune impairment: volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde found in paints and finishes; flame retardants; fluoridated chemicals used in performance fabrics; antimicrobials; and polyvinyl chloride, known as PVC or vinyl. Inglis recommends that consumers ask about the potential presence of these chemicals when shopping for furniture and avoid them if possible.

Recycled Plastic Recycling plastic to make furniture is trending, and that’s a plus, according to Inglis. “The best thing would be to avoid making anything out of plastic,” she says. “Plastic is a huge environmental problem, and our use of it continues to go up, especially in the COVID era. Only a small percentage of it is being recycled, leaving a lot of it to break down into microparticles, unfortunately. So, making things out of our plastic waste is good.”

Robinson, on the other hand, refuses to use any plastic in her handmade, all-natural furniture. “Plastics are a non-biodegradable, petrochemical product,” she says. “They’re polluting everything. The plastics industry is so insidious. Anything we can do on any front to pull away from petrochemicals in every aspect is good.”

Price and Durability “Well-made furniture can get expensive, but you’ll have to replace cheap furniture because it’s not built to last. What’s cheap in the beginning is expensive in the end, because it’s not taking into account the cost of having to replace it or the cost of cleaning up an environment that gets more and more filled with junk,” says Robinson, who also recommends looking for well-made vintage pieces that can be restored and brought back to life.

“I recommend that you spend the most budget you have on a quality product, because that sofa, if it’s made well, can be reupholstered over and over again,” says Robin Wilson, a New York City designer and founder of Robin Wilson Home. “By keeping that sofa, you’re being eco-friendly to the world because it is not going into a landfill.”

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

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November 2021

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The Connection between Dental Hygiene and a Healthy Heart

by Dr. David Minkoff

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(WHO) states that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million deaths per year (3). These deaths can vary from coronary heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia and cardiac arrest to peripheral artery disease, stroke and enlarged heart.

In 2018, researchers conducted a study that sampled nearly a million people with 65,000 of them having a cardiovascular condition. Results demonstrated a “moderate correlation” between poor oral health and coronary heart disease (4). Additionally, it reported that out of 32,060 adults sampled, 650 (who suffered a stroke) and 525 (who had a heart attack) had undergone invasive dental procedures. WebMD claims that “gum disease and heart disease often go hand-in-hand” with 91 percent of patients suffering from both heart disease and periodontitis simultaneously (5).

The reason that the heart is affected by poor oral health is because the inflammation within the mouth slowly spreads into the blood vessels. The plaque-like bacteria that grow on teeth in between cleanings has a way of spreading through the gums which can lead to gum disease.

Subsequently, the bacteria can then spread to one’s arteries, increase cholesterol levels and facilitate atherosclerosis. The plaque may induce blood clots in various parts of the body, be it the arms, legs, brain, lungs, abdomen or the heart itself. This can lead to serious cardiovascular disease such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, coronary artery disease, or inflammation of the heart valve.

An article published by WebMD claimed that inflammation is a “common denominator” between the diseases, and those with severe gum disease have increased

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I

n 2017, a study revealed that 30 percent of American adults skipped their semiannual dentist appointments the year prior. Individuals aged between 18 and 29 were less likely to schedule a regular dentist appointment compared to those aged 30 to 44; however, those in this age group are slowly declining as well (1). This decline is due to dental anxiety, high costs and/or the misunderstanding that dental health is not as important as overall health. Many people are still unaware that achieving optimal dental health is the secret to achieving great overall health.

Sally Cram, doctor of dental surgery in Washington, D.C., and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA), explains that more physicians are taking a holistic approach towards their patients. They’re encouraging individuals to prioritize oral health since the mouth acts as “the gateway to the body”(2). Physicians began noticing a common trend between inflammation within the mouth and its connection with other chronic diseases.

The theory claims that our mouths are full of bacteria, food particles and tooth plaque that can be prevented with daily brushing and flossing. However, those who fail to care for their teeth may develop tartar and inflamed gums. This inflammation can cause other chronic problems such as loose teeth, receding gums, bad breath, periodontal (gum) disease and much more. It was seen that people with gum disease were 40 percent more likely to be at risk of a chronic condition if it wasn’t resolved. For example, if left untreated, this inflammation can spread to other areas of the body and increase the risk of serious illness like cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease. Out of all the areas affected by oral bacteria, the heart was the most common.

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levels of C-reactive proteins (CRP) (5). This is a type of protein created by the liver in response to inflammation as a way of protecting tissues from autoimmune disease.

Other risks of cardiovascular disease include heavy metal toxicity from root canals, tooth crowns and cavity fillings. A study conducted in Finland examined the teeth and arteries of over 500 participants. Results showed that those with previous root canals were “three times more likely to have acute coronary syndrome”(6), a disease that clogs the arteries within the heart and has a high heart attack risk factor. This is because dental amalgams and root canals are known to contain toxins such as mercury that cause inflammation and spread to other areas of the body.

When patients visit LifeWorks Wellness Center, many are unaware of their heavy metal toxicity due to their past dental procedures. Others are surprised to hear that the bacteria in their teeth are the root cause of their cardiovascular issues. However, they’re often left confused as receiving an invasive dental procedure to help their oral health will still place them in similar predicaments. That’s why we advise our patients to seek holistic dental care, where white filling is substituted for mercury fillings and still beneficial to oral cleanliness. In the end, one’s cardiovascular health risks won’t be compromised.

LifeWorks’ patients with cardiovascular conditions or autoimmune disorders will be subject to lab tests and bloodwork to detect signs of toxicity or inflammation. If results come back positive (along with a history of previous dental procedures or lack of dental hygiene), they will be recommended to see a local holistic dentist to remove any root canals and crowns or receive a cleaning. In addition, they will be provided a treatment plan to eliminate the inflammation and toxicity present in their body with detoxification methods and cardiovascular therapies to improve their heart health. Eventually, they will improve their quality of life and stave off the risks of cardiovascular disease.

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Dr. David Minkoff is co-founder and medical director of LifeWorks Wellness Center in Clearwater, a foremost alternative health clinic in the U.S. References: 1. Why You Shouldn’t Skip Out on Visiting Your Dentist in Dix Hills; Dix Hills Family Dentistry Blog (dixhillsdentist.com)

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2. Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection (webmd.com)

Website:

3. Cardiovascular diseases (who.int) 4. Gum disease and the connection to heart disease—Harvard Health 5. Gum Disease and Heart Disease—What You Should Know (webmd.com) 6. How Root Canals Could Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease | Men’s Health (menshealth.com)

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wise words

energies in forms that plants provide; our physiology, respiration and metabolism is a mirror image of photosynthesis. We have complete biological dependency on plants in every moment; understanding this is the basis of reverence for nature, which is ecological spirituality, the only long-term solution to the environmental crisis we have created through lack of sensitivity and appreciation of our place in the biosphere.

David Crow on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants

by Randy Kambic

photo by Simone Anne

How is self-care changing to empower people?

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avid Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha, among other books, is a foremost expert in botanical medicine and other natural health applications. As a teacher, telemedicine consultant, researcher, certified master herbalist, aromatherapist and acupuncturist, he has studied Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Western herbal medicine for more than 30 years. He is a strong advocate of the safe use of herbs and essential oils, and installing gardens in public and private spaces. As one of the first medical pioneers to use essential oils and aromatherapy in clinical practice, integrating them into comprehensive treatments, he is also the founder of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures.

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Why do you feel humanity needs to reconnect a sacred relationship with plants?

For our survival as a species. Plants created the biosphere over hundreds of millions of years, including the ozone layer, the oxygen in the atmosphere, the fertility of the soil, the regulation of the seasons and the foundation of the food chain. From those conditions, higher life was able to emerge and evolve: Humans emerged from conditions created by plants. Since we cannot live directly on soil and sunlight as plants do, the structure and function of the human body are designed so that we can extract those NATampa.com

The doctor/patient paradigm is changing in many ways as a result of the internet, availability of natural medicines and awareness of the limitations and dangers of pharmaceutical drugs. The availability of nutraceuticals and herbal products from around the world has created a golden age of natural medicine, but has also brought widespread confusion from the overwhelming amount of information combined with marketing of products.

People are asking more about drugs and prescribed procedures; they are seeking natural alternatives, and in many cases, either reducing or eliminating their need for pharmaceutical drugs. This change is an important step toward greater health consciousness, which is linked directly to other aspects of creating a healthier society, like the increased demand for organic food that’s driving more organic agriculture.

Why are cultural medical systems inseparable from spiritual and meditative practices?

Classical medical systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, along with indigenous and shamanic uses of plants for healing, have evolved and are inseparable from the spiritual practices of their cultures. For example, Chinese medicine evolved from and with the same philosophical roots and practices as qigong and Taoist alchemy, and Ayurveda emerged from and in turn influenced yoga, tantra and Vedic philosophy.

The significance of this is that medical

practices were used both for healing the body and to support yogic and spiritual practices, and vice versa. Now we have modern scientific research confirming the health benefits of spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer, but more importantly, traditional medical systems remind us that there is an ultimate spiritual goal that is higher than mere physical health.

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What is your view on the resurgence of psychedelic plant medicines for healing?

All plants have healing properties and also have potential dangers and toxicity, depending on how they are used. The psychoactive plants, specifically the entheogens (those that awaken the perception of divinity) have been used in ceremonies and mystery cults throughout history for healing conditions of body, mind and spirit, but those traditions have always been under the care of highly trained and experienced priests, priestesses and shamans. The experiences while under the influence of these plants are highly dependent on the container of the environment, the cultural mythologies, the ritual, its leaders and the other people present in the ceremony, and it can be highly unpredictable with both good and bad outcomes.

The use of these medicines at higher doses is an excellent opportunity for deep inner transformation, exploration of consciousness and appreciation of the visionary realms that are available to us, but like all intensive spiritual endeavors, requires preparation, orientation and guidance. Using these plants at lower doses, like microdosing daily with psilocybin mushrooms for treating depression and anxiety, offers great benefits for some people without the risks of the psychological, mental or emotional disruptions that can occur at higher doses.

For more information, visit CrowConsultations.com or Floracopeia.com.

Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.

November 2021

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healthy kids

Mindfulness for Stressed Teens School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

by Erin Lehn

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een stress levels often rival those of adults, concludes data collected by the American Psychological Association in 2017. This is especially true these days with the influx of social media expectations, political unrest and a global pandemic to contend with. Other daily pressures—such as relationship turmoil, bullying, academic challenges, unstable home lives and mood disorders—can add to the stressors. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder many teens often tune out and turn toward their devices, getting fixated on other people’s lives or compulsively recording their own experiences, but not fully living them.

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A wealth of research has demonstrated that one of the most beneficial ways to help teens navigate the ups and downs of these tumultuous years is through mindfulness education. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2009 was one of the first studies that provided evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment of adolescents.

Since then, there has been no shortage of research findings proving its benefits.

“In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being keenly aware of your life, in the present, versus the automatic tendency to ruminate about the past or worry about the future,” NATampa.com

says Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of Stressed Teens, a Campbell, California, business that has been disseminating mindfulness-based programs tailored to adolescents since 2004. “It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment.”

“Mindfulness is a practice in the art of aligning your energy, mindset and emotions,” says Tris Thorp, the San Diego-based author of Healing Your Heart and a Chopra Center-trained leadership coach. “When teens acquire the skills to better navigate what’s happening in the moment, they’ll have more opportunity available to them because they’re calm, centered and grounded.”

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experience of what works in the classroom.

They are also long-term mindfulness practitioners, giving them a unique perspective of how mindfulness can be used and taught effectively in school,” says Shackleford.

“The best moments come when a teen realizes their own wisdom, sees it emerge and is able to grow stronger as a result,” says Jem Shackleford, head of curricula for Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a leading nonprofit provider of mindfulness training for schools in the U.K. and internationally.

According to Biegel, a regular mindfulness-based practice helps rewire the brain when people focus on pleasant, beneficial and positive experiences. “For survival purposes, our brains are naturally wired to the negative, aka ‘negative selection bias’,” she says. “Thankfully, we can train our brains to be more tilted to the positive. In fact, just thinking of a positive memory for 12 seconds can create a benefit for your well-being.”

While there are multiple approaches to weaving mindfulness practices into a school setting, here are two highly effective practices. n Certify teachers in mindfulness training so they can deliver the materials directly to their students. “MiSP curricula are produced by educators that have many years of

n Implement a school-wide approach.

Stressed Teens offers online mindfulnessbased groups and one-on-one therapy and coaching sessions for teens, as well as professional instructor certifications and the Whole-School Mindfulness-Centered Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program.

This approach, in which an entire school participates for a calendar year, is especially beneficial because everyone is going through the program at the same time.

“Typically, schools complete two lessons per week to fit the curriculum into one semester or one lesson per week to spread learning over two semesters,” Biegel says.

While teens can learn and practice these techniques alone, a whole systems approach that involves the family, school and community has been shown to have the biggest impact. “A teenager with a mindfulness practice can have a beneficial effect on other members of the household. However, there needs to be support from every angle in a teen’s environment for it to be sustainable,” says Thorp. “There’s so much evidence-based research and measurables that demonstrate how impactful these programs are in schools and communities. There’s a clear reduction in acting out, reduced conflict, and more participation and engagement.”

“Think of the ripple effect of possible benefits if the whole community and systems a teen are in are also learning and practicing mindfulness,” says Biegel.

“Mindfulness-based methods also include and affect positive human values like gratitude, kindness, generosity, self-care, compassion and acceptance. Youth, parents and educators can all benefit from that.”

For more information, including free mindfulness-based resources, visit Stressed Teens.com, MindfulnessInSchools.org and TrisThorp.com.

Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

November 2021

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conscious eating

Eat Well to Feel Well thanksgiving fare that boosts mental health

by Christy Ratliff

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cross America, people of all ages are struggling with mental health issues. Nearly one in five people is living with a mental health condition, and the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression is skyrocketing, reports Mental Health America. According to the organization’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report, suicidal thoughts are increasing among both adults and children, and 9.7 percent of youth is experiencing severe major depression compared to 9.2 percent last year. The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has only exacerbated these mental health challenges.

The hope and help we seek may be as close as our own kitchen. Accumulating research shows that a diet rich in highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing or worsening various mental health conditions. But a nutrient-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; nuts, seeds and legumes; whole grains, fresh herbs and spices; fish and olive oil, may help to support and enhance mental health. We can start this Thanksgiving by serving up healthier, nutrient-rich options to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness.

“The gut/brain connection helps us understand the food/mood connection,” explains Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of the national bestseller This is Your Brain on Food. “The enteric nervous system—that is, the nerves supplying the gastrointestinal tract—totals over 100 million neurons and communicates directly with the brain, or central nervous system, by way of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our ‘rest-anddigest’ response.

“It’s also vital to note that the gut contains the highest number of serotonin receptors, and the gut itself produces all the neurotransmitters that are also made in the brain, including serotonin, often called the happiness hormone. In turn, these neurotransmitters are implicated in sound mental health or potential problems when they are deficient.”

“What we eat affects mental health in many ways,” adds Amy Spindel, a functional holistic nutritionist in Plano, Texas, and founder of FoodWithThoughtNutrition.com. “Nutrient deficiencies can cause poor neurotransmitter production. Insufficient vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 can be implicated in depression and anxiety symptoms, as they are all needed for various stages of neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin, dopamine and GABA.” “Traditional sugary, high-carbohydrate foods promote unstable blood sugar and selectively feed inflammatory gut microbes,” Spindel says, suggesting that we skip the typical foods many of us associate with the holidays such as pecan pie, marshmallowtopped sweet potato casserole and canned cranberry sauce.

“Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body to scramble in an attempt to re-regulate glucose, which may mean spikes of cortisol or adrenaline, as well as insulin. The end result can be depression and anxiety from excessive stress hormones and a glucosestarved brain.”

But making such changes, particularly during the holidays, isn’t easy. “If the thought of changing up the traditional Thanksgiving menu gives you pause, you are not alone—and this is why I believe in adding in habits (and in this case, dishes) which have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our brain, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle in our lifestyle,” advises Naidoo.

“As a nutritional psychiatrist, I feel that we are more emotionally nurtured by a feeling of abundance in ‘adding’ new Thanksgiving dishes than thinking about this as ‘excluding’ foods,” she notes. “For example, tossing a fresh, folate-rich spinach and arugula salad with bits of antioxidant-rich strawberries, crisp roasted chickpeas and omega-3-rich olive oil adds color, flavor and a plethora of mood-nourishing ingredients to the dinner table. Even adding extra veggies to existing dishes, such as allicin-rich garlic to green beans or extra celery and fresh herbs to stuffing, adds in powerful phytonutrients with gut-loving fiber.”

“Thanksgiving favorites that are ample in neurotransmitterproducing nutrients include turkey, shellfish, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, asparagus, leafy greens, oranges and green beans,” Spindel adds.

While it’s true that we cannot control a global pandemic or solve the mental health crisis in America with positive thinking alone, we can minimize our feelings of powerlessness and despair by making small but significant dietary changes—not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

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Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios 1 medium, fresh goat cheese log (about 11 oz) ¼ cup roasted pistachios, chopped ¼ cup honey (this recipe calls for 2 Tbsp; others call for ¼ cup) 1 to 2 Tbsp fig spread Healthy selection of whole-wheat crackers, vegetable chips, etc.

photo by Christy Ratliff

Spread chopped pistachios on a small plate. Roll goat cheese in pistachios to coat sides and top. Transfer to a serving tray and sprinkle whole pistachios on top and around the cheese.

Drizzle honey over and around cheese log. Warm fig spread for 5 to 10 seconds in a microwave. Drizzle spread over cheese log or half of cheese log, as desired. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or chips.

Courtesy of Susan Randall. For more information, visit SimpleHealthyKitchen.com.

Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing

photo by Christy Ratliff

1 loaf bread, toasted (whole wheat (WW) or half WW, half French bread) ¼ cup unsalted butter 2 cups celery, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped (to taste) 3 Granny Smith apples, chopped, with skin on ¼ cup sage leaves, chopped ¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped 1 to 2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 2½ cups reduced sodium vegetable or chicken broth 2 eggs 1 to 2 tsp salt to taste (may substitute nutritional yeast or fresh dill)

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Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a large, 2-to-3-inch-deep casserole or baking dish. Toast bread and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Set aside. Melt butter in a large pan. Add celery, onion, garlic, apples and fresh herbs. Stir to mix and cook until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add bread cubes and apple/vegetable/ fresh herb mixture into the egg mixture. Add broth and salt (or nutritional yeast or fresh dill) and mix well. Spoon stuffing into prepared casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more or until goldenbrown crust forms. Remove from oven, uncover and cool.

Courtesy of Buzz Spence. For more information on fresh herbs for emotional health, visit MotherEarthLiving.com.

Nature’s Virus Killer

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“They started to die literally as soon as they spread and He asked they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. relatives and Some people press copper on a lip New device puts copper right In hundreds friends to try it. right away if a warning tingle suggests where you need it. of studies, EPA and They reported unwanted germs gathering there. university researchers have confirmed the same thing, so he patented The handle is curved that viruses and bacteria die almost CopperZap® and put it on the and textured to increase instantly when touched by copper. market. contact. Copper can That’s why ancient Greeks and Soon hundreds of people had kill germs picked up on Egyptians used copper to purify water tried it. The feedback was 99% fingers and hands after and heal wounds. They didn’t know positive if they used the copper you touch things other about microbes, but now we do. within 3 hours after the first sign people have touched.

Scientists say the high conductance of unwanted germs, like a tickle The EPA says copper of copper disrupts the electrical balance in the nose or a scratchy throat. still works even when Dr. Bill Keevil: in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in Early user Mary Pickrell tarnished.

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November 2021

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natural pet

Honoring the Loss of a Pet Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

kerkezz/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

F

rench novelist Anatole France’s sentiment, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” rings true for anyone that shares a love story with a beloved pet. Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, the final parting can be quite emotional. Society supports us with empathy and rituals of closure when we suffer the loss of a human love, but grieving an animal companion can be a uniquely silent passage. Surrendering fully to the mourning process, creating a joyful ceremony and celebrating the life of a loved one invites healing and solace.

Sacred Grief The animal-human alliance is hallmarked by the absence of emotional baggage, and is therefore capable of provoking grief that equals or exceeds losing a close relative. “This is a deep bond that is never judgmental on how we look, spend money or what we do for a living, as long as we love and nurture. And, in return, we receive undying, unconditional love,” says Pam Baren Kaplan, a pet loss grief counselor and life coach in Chicago.

Diane Stout, a pet parent and retired dog groomer in Paupack, Pennsylvania, knows the impact of this unconditional love, especially through life’s changes. “Long after a spouse has died and family have moved away to other lives and preoccupations, the family pet remains the faithful dinner or TV time companion,” she says. “A cherished pet is often the last true companion.”

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Cancelling appointments or taking time off from work after a pet’s passing does not connote emotional weakness. “Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show another person going through this difficult time,” advises Cheryl Wyatt, a certified grief companion at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a national network of veterinarians that provides compassionate end-of-life care. “Allow yourself the time to do your mourning work. Tears are cleansing. If they happen to come 10 hours or 10 years from now, you have permission to shed them.”

Compassionate Transitions Loving an animal until the last goodbye includes relieving their suffering to the best of our ability. In-home euthanasia can

make a heartbreaking time more bearable for both pet and owner. “Providing beloved pets euthanasia at home differs from a clinical setting because it allows them to remain in their safe, happy place.

At home, the veterinarian can greet the pet family and provide the loved one’s peaceful passing wherever they are most comfortable—a favorite bed or spot on the couch—surrounded by all those who love them most,” explains Wyatt.

Pet funerals are becoming more common, and ceremonies are as unique as the animal remembered. Stories, poetry and memories can be shared by family and they can include a living memorial such as a tree planted in the animal’s name.

Stout, also an accomplished artist, finds joy in painting her pets that have gone and suggests “a scrapbook of pictures and memories, because a look back at puppy or kitten pictures can bring an instant smile.”

Kaplan agrees, “Creating what I refer to as ‘a legacy of love’ can be done by the entire family or by one person. This is a book that you put together with favorite photos of your pet and journal the story around the photo. This is a great way to include family member’s memories from their perspective.”

Choosing a unique, handmade vessel for ashes can honor an animal. Mary Jane Panebianco, owner of SpiritpetShop on Etsy.com, was inspired by the passing of a co-worker’s dog. “At the time, I worked in a mixed media art gallery, and she had one of our ceramic artists create her dog Sandy’s memorial urn. It was beautiful and so well done. I did some research on the pet industry, and everything I found was so commercial and mass-produced.

I knew pets and their owners deserved another option.”

Panebianco works with a small number of award-winning American artisans and accepts custom orders for handcrafted urns. “Many of my pet parents have told me how having a beautiful memorial for their beloved pet helps them make peace with their pet’s passing. It’s the last thing you will do for them.”

In the beginning and in the end, it’s all about the love. For Stout, it’s what animals teach us. “To play and dance often, to give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, to find joy in the little things, and that life is too often short.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Advice for the Bereaved Cheryl Wyatt, of the Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, recommends: n

n n

n

Set aside some time each day to be alone in a quiet place to give yourself space to grieve.

Honor the memories.

Write out your emotions freely in a journal; compose a poem or letter to your pet.

your beloved pet. Leave it up for as long as you like. n

Continue to speak to your loved one, sing to him/her whatever brought you joy in being together.

n

Wear a piece of jewelry that bears your pet’s name or contains a small amount of his/her remains.

n

Join an online group or meet in person with other people that are going through the mourning process.

n

Don’t let people that don’t grasp the depth of the human-animal bond tell you how you should feel.

Light commemorative candles in his/her honor.

n Create a memory table—include all of the things that remind you of

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calendar of events 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.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Self-Hypnosis for Self-Empowerment – 12:301:30pm. Fun, experiential training with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Medical Hypnotherapist & Master Trainer of Hypnosis & NLP. Learn techniques to use immediately to unleash your potentials and talents, change unwanted habits. $15/includes hypnosis scripts & recording. Location: Holistic Center for Vibrant Health, 3935 Tampa Rd., Ste. 1 (at Commerce Blvd.), Oldsmar. 727-943-5003; UPHypnosis.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Hypnosis Training Online – 10am-3pm. Interactive online training with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, UP Hypnosis Institute. Topics: Inductions, Confusion Techniques & more. Prior hypnosis training necessary (5 CEUs). Approved by International Association of Counselors & Therapists. Single Day: $45 (UPHI, IACT, IHF or HEA Member); $55 (Non-Member). Two Days: $75 (Member); $95 (Non-Member). Includes materials, scripts & CEUs. 727-943-5003; UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Open House – Noon-7pm. Holistic Center for Vibrant Health presents Patricia V. Scott, PhD (UP Hypnosis Institute), Certified Medical Hypnotherapist & Master Trainer of Hypnosis & NLP, joining Dr. Lisa Marsh, chiropractor, and a host of other practitioners of yoga, reflexology, massage therapy & more. Food, fun & prizes! Location: 3935 Tampa Rd., Ste. 1 (at Commerce Blvd.), Oldsmar. 727-9435003; UPHypnosis.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Free Webinar: Giving Thanks for Inner Peace & Health – 7:30-8:30pm. Live interactive webinar

with Certified Master Trainer Patricia “Patti” V. Scott, PhD. With 29 years of experience as a medical hypnotherapist & NLP master practitioner and trainer, Patti shares practical, easy to use techniques with Q&A (3rd Weds. monthly/various topics).

Register by 5pm for log-in details: UPHypnosis@ outlook.com, UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Self-Hypnosis for Self-Empowerment – 12:301:30pm. Fun, experiential training with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, certified medical hypnotherapist & master trainer of hypnosis & NLP. Learn techniques to use immediately to unleash your potentials and talents, change unwanted habits. $15 (Includes hypnosis scripts & recording). Location: Holistic Center for Vibrant Health, 3935 Tampa Rd., Ste. 1, Oldsmar. 727-943-5003; UPHypnosis.com.

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

PLAN AHEAD SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Hypnosis Training Online – 10am-3pm. Interactive online training with Patricia V. Scott, PhD, UP Hypnosis Institute. Topics: Smoking Cessation, Substance Abuse & more. Prior hypnosis training necessary (5 CEUs). Approved by International Association of Counselors & Therapists. Single Day: $45 (UPHI, IACT, IHF or HEA Member); $55 (Non-Member). Two Days: $75 (Member); $95 (Non-Member). Includes materials, scripts & CEUs. 727-943-5003; UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25

NLP FUNdamentals Two-Day Training Online – 10am-5pm, December 4 & 5. No prerequisite for this fun, interactive class. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, certified master trainer, teaches Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) principles, presuppositions and techniques for immediate personal or professional use. Online (Zoom). Register by 11/15: $145 ($125 UPHI Member); After 11/15: $165 ($145 Member). Repeat $75. 14 CEUs-Hypnotists/NLP Practitioners. 727-943-5003; UPHypnosis.com.

Yoga Teacher Training at Studio 108 – Missy White, 500 E-RYT has traveled the world teaching her signature Funky Flow and Float Master Class and The 108 Asanas Practice and Workshop. She began practicing in 1999 and completed her first 500-hour teacher training at Bikram Yoga College of India. She has trained since then with many teachers, and is now offering 100-hour advanced, 200-hour and 300-hour teacher trainings. Studio 108 Yoga and Holistic Healing, 11059 Countryway Blvd., Tampa, 813-343-8887, Studio108Tampa.com.

GROW Your Business Contact us for ad rates.

727-865-9339

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

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

Florida Board Certified Acupuncture Physician offering acupuncture therapies for the whole family. Established, comfortable, caring and professional integrative medicine clinics in South & North Tampa. Innetwork with most medical insurances; accept payments from HRA, HSA and FSA.

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

The 2-year program meets one weekend each month for class and Wednesday nights for our hands-on student clinic. This program is designed to create clinical herbalists in a combination of Chinese and western herbalism. Many open classes. Designed to meet American Herbalists Guild standards. See ad page 18.

TCL MEDICAL

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

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

National & state board certified with 15+ years experience in Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Cold Laser & more.

Bio-Puncture and Mesotherapy to treat pain, ADHD, anxiety, depression. Lab testing, most insurances. Free Nutritional Consultation.

APOTHECARY BOHEMIAN GYPSEA

12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs 727-935-6046 BohemianGypsea.com Metaphysical Gift Shop, Crystals, Jewelry, Clothing, Local Artist, CBD, Delta 8, Tea, Supplements, Greeting Cards, Sage, Incense, Essential Oils, Books, Energy Healing, Candles. See ad page 29.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE LIFEWORKS WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. David Minkoff, M.D. Dr. Christine Wildeman, M.D. Sue Morgan, APRN & Karima Redouan, APRN Rose Tyler, APRN 301 Turner St., Clearwater 727-466-6789 LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com Specializing in Ozone Therapy, IV Therapy, Heavy Metal Detoxification, Neurological Issues, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Gut Issues, Thyroid Issues and IPT for Cancer treatment.

See ad inside front cover.

ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION & WELLNESS 9225 Ulmerton Rd., Ste. 312, Largo 727-518-9808 OrthoLiving.com

We address the underlying root cause of disease by using a variety of modalities such as Nutrient IV’s, Chelation, Weight loss, HRT, PEMF, Ozone Therapy and more. To see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana go to OrthoMMJ.com.

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

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

Jin Shin Jyutsu & craniosacral therapy.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY RENEW LIFE

Bonnie Barrett 28469 US Hwy 19 N. #402, Clearwater 727-461-7227 RenewLifeFla.com, Lic# MA14802 MM35406

30 years experience. Expert in colon hydrotherapy using pressure points, abdominal massage, essential oils, and lymphatic drainage.

All disposable tubing used. Very comfortable and relaxing room with private bathroom.

See ad page 6.

DENTISTS BEATA CARLSON, DDS

1825 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater 727-888-6523 NaturalAndCosmeticDentistry.com Natural, Holistic, Aesthetic Dentistry. Careful Silver filling removal.

Non-metal crowns and bridges. Be pampered in our Spa-like atmosphere. See ad back cover.

SIX OAKS WELLNESS APOTHECARY Carolyn Zinober, LMT, Esthetician, Clinical Herbalist, Aromatherapist 607 1st. Ave. SW, Largo 727-501-1700 SixOaksWellness.com

Clinical herbalist and massage therapist offering consultations, extensive line of Eastern/Western Herbs, Teas, Essential oils, CBD, Supplements, and learning workshops. Visit your neighborhood apothecary today! See ad page 6.

ASTROLOGY ASTROLOGY FOR YOUR SOUL

Aluna Michaels, M.A., Esoteric Astrologer Dunedin 248-583-1663 AlunaMichaels.com Second-generation astrologer and Soul Evolutionist practitioner.

Over 25 years of experience.

Insightful, unique perspective on goals and issues. “Together we will unveil your soul’s purpose.”

NATampa.com

CARLO LITANO, DMD

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

PAUL T. RODEGHERO, DDS

Clearwater Family Dental 215 S Myrtle Ave., Clearwater 727-442-3363 MyClearWaterFamilyDental.com We are a full service family dental practice that stresses metal free restorations, safe mercury removal, ozone and laser dentistry. We welcome patients of all ages and can handle any concern that you may have. See ad pages 3, 9 & 13.

ROBERT J. YU, DMD

Tampa Bay Dental Implants & Periodontics 6700 Crosswinds Dr., Ste. 200-B, St. Petersburg 727-384-9122 TBPerio.com

See ad page 10.

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.

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 35 and 37.

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 17.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CHRISTIE MD FUNCTIONAL & AESTHETIC MEDICINE Dr. Heather Christie 2837 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg 727-220-9080 ChristieMDfam.com

Functional, Aesthetic and Intravenous Medicine. Offering hormone therapy; nutritional evaluation and therapy; fatigue and stress management; detoxification; diabetes; cardiovascular diseases; weight control; aesthetics. Outof-Network Provider. See ad page 27..

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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, Antiaging and more. Out-of-Network Provider.

MIND BODY SPIRIT CARE

Ron N. Shemesh, M.D. 12952 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa 813-935-CARE (2273) MindBodySpiritCare.com Integrative & holistic medicine for women & men: Natural Hormone Therapy, Anti-Aging, IV Chelation, Nutritional Vitamin Therapy, Fatigue & Stress Management, Weight Loss, Yoga, Nutritional Counseling.

Affiliated with St. Joseph Hospital.

Most insurance accepted.

PEAKS OF HEALTH METABOLIC MEDICAL CENTER Tracie Leonhardt, DO 1120 Belcher Rd. S., Ste. 2, Largo 727-826-0838 PeaksOfHealth.com

Dr. Leonhardt is Board Certified & Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Offers a personalized program for each individual patient. Hormone replacement therapy, weight loss, thyroid, GI issues, Diabetes, infrared sauna, IV nutrition, Anti-aging, Chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, and toxicities. See ad 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 21.

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

9095 Belcher Road, Pinellas Park 727-548-0001 SBDWellness.com A Wellness Center for Age-Management, Functional Medicine and Medical Weight Loss. Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement including Pellet Therapy, Gut Health/Food Allergies, Detoxification, Nutritional Evaluations, Acupuncture, Massage therapy and more. See ad page 7.

YOUNG FOUNDATIONAL HEALTH CENTER

John D. Young, M.D. 7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo 727-545-4600 YoungFoundationalHealth.com

Author of Beyond Treatment.

Creator of Young Health Products. Offering specialized treatments for chronic diseases.

Therapies include Bio-identical Hormone, Stem Cell, Vitamin IV, Chelation, Ozone. Special Testing and Nutritional Education. See ad page 5.

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

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

Awaken: messages from your incarnated soul; energy and energetic healing; food sensitivity awareness. Group yoga and private healing sessions available online, by phone or in-person.

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.

MEDITATION INTEGRAL AWARENESS MEDITATION Larry Castellani, Ph.D. 716-816-5464 I.Am.Meditation108@gmail.com

I have 30 yrs. experience teaching college philosophy and meditation. My soul promise and commitment is to guide you to find inner peace and happiness—your birthright.

REFLEXOLOGY REED ‘NAHAM’ MYLES

Certified Reflexologist and LMT 727-543-3048 by appointment Clearwater, MA0028171 Whether you need deep therapy, a tuneup or just a relaxing treatment, I can help you. Just call me.

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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

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.

John D. Bartone MD Thomas Hudson MD 7901 4th Street North, Suite 316 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-576-0100 GreenPointThermography.com

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711 FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Offering only holistic health options. Nutrition, herbal support, body balancing, canine fitness, reiki and more.

See ad page 41.

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

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

See ad page 41.

Place your business listing here Call 727-865-9339 for more information

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Tampa Bay Edition

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.

Perfection of character is this: to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretense. ~Marcus Aurelius

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Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM 628 Cleveland St., #17, Clearwater 727-510-3665 HealthyPawsibilities.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 29.

See ad page 33.

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

HEALTHY PAWSIBILITIES NATURAL PET WELLNESS CENTER

GREENPOINT THERMOGRAPHY

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

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NATampa.com

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