Natural Awakenings Lancaster/Berks July 2023

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

KULA KAMALA FOUNDATION & YOGA ASHRAM

MANTRA STUDIES Learn to Chant - No Experience Necessary

GAYATRI MANTRAS 1ST SATURDAYS EACH MONTH 9:00-10:15 AM Students will learn 12 select Gayatri Mantram contained in the Mahānārāyana Upanisat. Each offers a unique protection Each offers an intimate wisdom Together, they support us in resolving life’s challenges toward peace, purpose, and spiritual prosperity.

MEDHA SUKTAM THURSDAYS JULY 6, 13, 20 & 27 6:30-8:00PM

Medhā is the name of the Goddess of memory and remembrance. Goddess Medhā is an aspect of the Divine Mother Sarasvati We invoke Goddess Medhā to ask that our minds be empowered to remember our lessons, to have a strong memory of the teachings we have studied, and to be empowered by divine consciousness to remember the presence of the sacred within, around, and throughout.

AGNI MANTRAS THURSDAYS SEPT 7, 14, 21 & 28 6:30-8:00 PM

It is a powerful sūktam invoking Agni, the Lord of fire This sūktam is request for strength, discipline, courage, and to be steadfast on the proper path. May our spiritual journey bring us to the Truth of our Self.

DEVI SUKTAM

THURSDAYS OCT 26, NOV 2, 9 & 16 6:30-8:00 PM

This sūktam was revealed to a female sage, the Ṛsika – Vāk Ambhrnī. These 8 mantras are a celebration of her divine unity with the Beloved Universal Mother. When we chant this sūktam we are celebrating our relationship to the Mother and also asking for Her Grace in surrendering even more profoundly to Her Wisdom.

Classes will follow the traditional rules when it comes to learning Veda: Varna (pronunciation), Svara (chanting notes), Mātrā (duration), Balam (force), Sāma (continuity) and Santāna (conjugation, punctuation).

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n & t o r e g i s t e r v i s i t k u l a k a m a l a f o u n d a t i o n . o r g / c l a s s e s o r d o w n l o a d o u r m o b i l e a p p u s i n g t h e Q R c o d e s

17 BASKET ROAD READING PA 19606 (484) 509-5073 STUDY@KULAKAMALAFOUNDATION.ORG

Only 3 Spots Left

October 5th to 14th 2023 www.kulakamalafoundation.org/india-2023

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

22

Saturday

AUGUST 12 10am ~ 6pm

44 40

Sunday

AUGUST 13 10am ~ 5pm

at York Fairgrounds Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Avenue

Over 100 Vendors & Service Providers: Holistic Wellness  Massage 

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings, visit our websites at NALancaster.com or NABerks.com, or contact us at Advertising@NALancaster.com or by phone at 717-3993187. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Submit through our website or email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NALancaster.com. Deadline for editorial: the 1st of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Submit events/classes through our website or email us at Publisher@NALancaster.com. Deadline: the 5th of the month. No phone calls or faxes, please.

REGIONAL MARKETS

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Honoring Our Agricultural Connection

Nourishment comes in many forms, a necessary combination of feast and flow, each source a welcome energetic boost. Longer days and more sunlight; clean, fresh air from a seaside escape; adequate, pure hydration; lots of laughter; sincere spiritual practice; caring community, quality sleep; and a balanced and nutritious diet are what sustain us. We only need to be open to this array of organic abundance that resets and right-sizes each precious day. How can we best prepare to receive it? Setting the table, lighting a candle and slowly exhaling all are postures of readiness that honor these gifts.

This pause is a vital component to the nurturing process, a grounding in the moment to prepare, assess options and in a heartbeat, acknowledge the environment from which we draw life. A survey of our surroundings here in Southeastern PA confirms a rich heritage and ongoing supply of local abundance. Farmers, many organic, offer a rich array of produce and often collaborate with educational resources and other community advocates that support sustainable, chemicalfree and environmentally gentle practices. It is a colorful, vibrant and bountiful view.

This month, we take a look at the quality of our food sources, including soil, seed and farming approaches that revitalize and preserve nutrient content. Our contributors highlight examples of wisdom and expertise in regenerative and climate-friendly farming, as well as the many advantages of grocers that prioritize local sources and connections. Working more with nature and not against her, we are encouraged by the direct link between the health of our land and the health of our communities.

A mindful perspective will refine our views on health, giving our ideas about nutrition a more thorough review because it is crucial to consider the integration and processing of all we ingest. Factors such as gut health and digestion variables heavily influence the absorption of important vitamins and minerals. We may hunt and gather consciously, but if our tissues are inflamed, the uptake of vital dietary components will lag, and so will energy, immunity and ultimately, health.

Our relationship with the land emerges as a constant theme as we engage in the rhythm of give and take that defines this mutually beneficial dynamic. Our feature story, “The Microbiome Connection, How Soil and Human Health are Related,” illuminates this potential connection even further, supporting the concept that organic choices fortify our lives. Digging in the dirt transforms landscapes and prepares gardens for flourishing; an act of love between ourselves and Mother Earth.

Acknowledging the source of our thriving and the ways planet and people come together to create our meals and support our communities is an important component of our gratitude. As you consciously choose and gather your own nourishment this season, we invite you to consider a calm, abiding presence of mind to honor the optimal use of these gifts.

Enjoy!

On the Cover: Native and edible plant enthusiast and owner of Fernwey Native Nursery, Donna Volles harvests organically grown mushrooms at a Lancaster County regenerative farm. Fernwey Native Nursery specializes in hardy and adaptable selections of native perennials, shrubs and trees. Connect at FernweyNativeNursery.com. Photo credit: EmilyGracePhoto.com.

Co-Publishers/ Kendra Campbell

Executive Editors Jacqueline Mast

Editor Martin Miron

Contributing Writers Sheila Julson Lottie Sass

Design & Production Steffi K. Kern

Sales & Marketing Kendra Campbell Lori Johnson

Social Media/Website CC Innovations

CONTACT US

Ten Branches Publishing P.O. Box 6274 ∙ Lancaster, PA 17607 Phone: 717-399-3187

Fax: 717-427-1441

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Natural Awakenings Lancaster/Berks @NAwakenings @natural_lancasterberks

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

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© 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

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We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Jacqueline Mast & Kendra Campbell

Jacqueline Mast and Kendra Campbell, Co-Publishers

Thousands of scientific studies prove beyond a shadow of a doubt

...

“It’s the Brain and Body Booster You Simply Can’t Live Without!”

Imagine a natural supplement that can help maintain a healthy immune system ... sharper memory ... clearer thinking ... zesty sex life – all at once.

It’s so good for you that its health benefits have been confirmed by thousands of medical studies.

It’s as essential to your brain and body as food, water and air.

What is it? Sleep. And if you’re not getting enough, this is for you.

Can Poor Sleep Make You Sick?

Yes. Lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Research shows that people who don’t get enough quality sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Trouble Thinking?

Without sleep, the brain struggles to function – learning, memory and performance all suffer, according to Harvard research. But good sleep consolidates memory, while helping you learn and focus attention better, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“Not Tonight Honey”

About 1 in 4 of us living with a partner who is too tired for sex, according to the National Sleep Foundation. But you don’t need to be a scientist to know that bad sleep can weaken your sex drive and hurt your relationships.

Introducing The “Cuddle Zone”

It’s the only sleep system that provides a Cuddle Zone in the middle, so you can sleep soundly with a partner. It does this by raising or lowering head or feet sections. This helps provide deep, restorative sleep. Especially if you find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep all night.

Here are some of the benefits ...

More Energy, More Life

Cuddle Zone systems help you enjoy a good night’s sleep (or cuddle time) with your partner. Your body’s immune system is supported. Your brain flushes out toxins. You wake refreshed and energized, feeling like the real you.

Now Explore Your Options

At Gardner’s Mattress & More, we’ve curated over 24 Cuddle Zone sleep systems for you to see in person, 7 days a week. Private appointments are available. People enjoy our shopping experience, in part because there’s no sales pressure ever. And we have over 200 verified stories of customer delight for your review. As a Natural Awakenings reader, you may bring the coupon below to Gardner’s Mattress & More and claim your Free Gifts before the July 31 deadline.

New relief for Lancaster-area residents who want to protect their immune system, increase mental focus and enjoy more cuddle time. The secret? Sleep Systems designed to help you sleep with a partner. But you won't really know until you see them and claim your Free Readers Gifts.

FREE READERS GIFTS

As a reader of Natural Awakenings, you are entitled to 4 FREE GIFTS. Simply bring this coupon to Gardner’s Mattress & More to receive:

• FREE Gift #1: Natural Latex Pillow ($60.00 value)

• FREE Gift #2: Free copy of our new book, Sleep Better! ($9.95 value)

• FREE Gift #3: $200 Savings Voucher on any Cuddle Zone Sleep System

• FREE Gift #4: Soothing Lavender Salve to help you sleep tonight ($20.00 value)

Bring this coupon to the store at 830 Plaza Blvd. in Lancaster (behind Park City Mall, next to Van Scoy Jewelers). There’s no obligation to buy anything, just visit to explore your options! Your Readers Gifts expire July 31, 2023.

Gardner’s Mattress & More

830 Plaza Blvd., Lancaster, PA 17601

www.GardnersFreeGifts.com

717-299-6228

Divine Dragonfly Divine Dragonfly

ethically

and classes

Spiritual First Saturdays at Kula Kamala

books & journals divination items jewelry

& more

Kula Kamala Foundation & Yoga

Ashram is conducting Spiritual

First Saturdays, a day full of gathering, learning, nourishment and spiritual practice, on July 1, August 5, September 2, November 4 and December 2. Food4All Cafe meals are vegan and gluten-free.

The schedule of offerings to deepen exploration of the path of yoga includes Hatha Yoga from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Food4All cafe brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; a monthly workshop (different topic each month) from noon to 3 p.m.; Homa Fire Ceremony from 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Food4All cafe dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and kirtan from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

All sessions are by donation, registration required. Location: 17 Basket Rd., Reading. For more information, call 484-509-5073, email Study@KulaKamalaFoundation.org or visit KulaKamalaFoundation.org/classes. See ads, pages 3 and 54.

Accepting the Inevitable Karen

Glass is a Life to

herbal medicine and somatic

a sense of the sacred to their life in times of profound loss.

Glass is certified by the Conscious Dying Institute as an end of life coach and sacred passage doula and credentialed by the National End of Life Doula Alliance with micro-certifications in End of Life Herbalism from the Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary and Plant Medicine from Anima Mundi-Adriana Ayales.

Life to End of Life Services helps individuals navigate profound transitions in life with a deep understanding of living with the end in mind. Death doula services guide individuals into being fully present and engaged in the dying process without fear and anxiety using practical guidance, presence in communication, comfort, support and beauty in the active dying process. Glass can also help individuals navigate personal spirituality going into and through life to death transition.

Cost is $75 to $100 per hour. Packages are available. For more information, call 239-464-1036, email Coach-Doula@Karen-Glass.com or visit Karen-Glass.com. See ad, page 53.

Karen Glass

RUTA Homeopathic & Complementary Medicine Grand

Opening

Dr. Serguei Krissiouk is an experienced practitioner of homeopathic and other complementary medicines with a background in pediatrics. The grand opening of RUTA Homeopathic & Complementary Medicine will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., July 7, at 4453 Penn Avenue (Toll House Shoppes), Suite 8, in Sinking Spring. RUTA offers a useful resource for homeopathic and complementary management of diverse health issues including acute and chronic health conditions in children and adults.

Dr. Serguei Krissiouk

Krissiouk earned his medical degree at the Bogomolets National Medical University of Kyiv, Ukraine, where he also practiced at the Research Institute for Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and as assistant to the chair of homeopathy at a former leading Ukrainian institute for alternative medicine.

The doctor says, “The name RUTA was inspired by a medicinal plant indigenous to the mountains of my homeland. Rue, or Ruta graveolens, has numerous and unique beneficial properties. In Ukraine, this plant is revered for having legendary healing qualities.”

For appointments and more information, call 646-204-9199. Email RutaComprehensive@gmail.com or visit RutaComprehensive.org and ChildrensDestinies.org. See ads, pages 32 and 52.

Comparative Religion Retreat at Urban Well

TheUrban Well at Saint James will offer a retreat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., August 26, at Saint James Episcopal Church, led by Dr. Jeffery D. Long, a professor of religion, philosophy and Asian studies at Elizabethtown College, where he has taught since 2000. Long has authored books on Hinduism, nonviolence and ethics, and spoken at many venues, including the United Nations. He is also a practicing Hindu. Dr. Randall Zachman, professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, will moderate the retreat and provide the Christian perspective.

Dr. Jeffery D. Long

Led by two respected scholars in comparative religious and spiritual traditions, this retreat gives participants an opportunity to examine the beliefs of their own spiritual practice as they grow in understanding of a different tradition. Talks, discussions and a meditation session led by Long will explore the theme of seeing God everywhere, both in some of the classic scriptures of the Hindu tradition and the spiritual practices that make such vision possible.

Cost is $60 prepaid or $100 for two. Location: 103 N. Duke St., Lancaster. For more information, call 717-397-4858, email Nancy@SaintJamesLancaster.org or visit SaintJamesLancaster.org/ retreat. See ads, pages 12 and 54.

Be Pro-Active About Your Health!

New Service at Salty Turtle Float Center

The Salty Turtle Float Center helps elevate health and wellness with their alternative and holistic services. Owner Kris Fernandez says, “By the end of July, we will begin offering our clients an additional opportunity outside of floatation therapy with halotherapy.” Guests are exposed to a comprehensive sensory experience where the taste of salty air, the smell of a custom blend of essential oils, the soothing voice of professional meditation, medical-grade chromotherapy light waves (color therapy), the optional warmth of infrared heat and medical-grade chromotherapy are combined to envelop them in total relaxation.

Halotherapy, or dry salt therapy, entails the breathing of microparticles of pharmaceutical-grade salt created by a halogenerator so it can penetrate deeply into the system and unleash the natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of salt for those seeking stress relief and relaxation. Individuals concerned about air pollution or suffering with respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergens, sinusitis, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, colds, cough, ear infections, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne and rosacea often seek relief with dry salt therapy.

Location: 903 Nissley Rd., Lancaster. For more information, call 717-537-6955, email SaltyTurtleFloats@gmail.com or visit SaltyTurtleWellness.com. See ad, page 11.

Lori Martin, BCNP

Peter Hurtubise, DO

Marge Torchia, CRNP

at the Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute’s annual Organic Field Day, held from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., July 21, will provide the opportunity for participants to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute experts and learn about the latest results of their farming trials. The Organic Field Day includes nearly 20 demonstration stations on the 386-acre experimental farm. Stations will be set up throughout the farm and participants can either walk through or enjoy a leisurely wagon ride from site-to-site. Demonstration stations include organic farming systems, compost production, cover crops, apple orchards, pastured hogs, industrial hemp, beekeeping, vegetable and grain production, medicinal plants and more. A new addition this year will be an exhibitor area with more than 20 booths of partners and friends sharing relevant information about their work, new programs and opportunities.

Cost: $25/person. Preregistration is required. Online registration closes at 2 p.m. the day prior to the event. Veterans may be eligible to attend for free. Email Veterans@RodaleInstitute.org for details. Location: 611 Siegfriedale Rd., Kutztown. Pack a lunch or buy onsite. For more information, call 610-683-1481 or visit RodaleInstitute.org/FieldDay. See ads, pages 23 and 29.

Maximize the Body's Summer Health Potential with Isagenix

Isagenix has solutions for weight wellness, natural beauty, daily nutrition, targeted health and fitness resources. They offer an 11-day Nutritional Reset to jumpstart the weight wellness journey with a team ready to identify individualized health goals.

Their Liquid Marine Collagen Elixir and other products will support anyone looking to improve their nutrition and overall well-being. Lancaster independent Isagenix associate Bonnie Weaver says, “Our body’s wellness needs and goals are constantly changing. We partner with you to focus on those goals and maximize the potential for optimal wellness, ready to support you every step of the way with an individualized plan for the summer months.”

For orders and more information, call 215-888-8278, email BonnieWeaver48@gmail.com or visit Tinyurl.com/Isagenix-Info. See ads, pages 15 and 54.

B.A.R.N.opoly Rides Again

The third annual Berks Agricultural Resource Network B.A.R.N.opoly challenge is a fun, summer-long event for the whole family. This agricultural adventure is designed to connect players directly to 39 Berks County Farms, producers and other agricultural businesses. Physical game boards can be picked up at participating locations. Register online and then visit and shop at participating locations through August 20 to collect stamps.

Players can earn bonus points by creating posts on Facebook and Instagram to share their experiences with friends and family using #Barnopoly so the B.A.R.N. team can quickly locate the posts. Additional challenges will be introduced through the summer. Players can submit completed boards by August 27 to be entered to win agriculture-related prizes. Local products and gift cards will be awarded to the top players.

For more information or to register, visit BerksAg.org/Barnopoly.

Family Days on the Farm 2023

The Community Alliance For Responsible Eco-farming (CARE) will present the 12th annual Family Days on the Farm from 4 to 8 p.m., July 28, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 29, at the Melvin Stoltzfus Farm.

There will be educational seminars, homemakers’ advice, farmstead ideas, children’s activities, including a petting zoo and corn box, healthy baking, vegetable growing and more. Friday night features a keynote address by Joel Salatin, of Polyface Farm, in Swoope, Virginia, followed on Saturday by more than 20 workshops, demonstrations and a keynote by Michelle Perro, M.D., D.Hom., a pediatrician for 40 years and co-author of What’s Making Our Children Sick?

Admission is free. Location: 199 Brick Mill Rd., Christiana. For more information, call 717-345-2684, ext. 827 or visit Tinyurl.com/ FamilyDays2023.

Wisdom Circle Satsang

WestEnd Yoga Studio and the Kula Kamala Foundation will collaborate on a one-hour Wisdom Circle satsang from 2 to 3 p.m., July 23 and August 12, at West End Yoga. The first session covers yama and niyama, and happiness by way of inherent goodness. The second session covers living joyfully and resolving the six poisons of the heart.

These spiritually focused discussions concerning the challenges and blessings of today’s world will be led by Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati, founder and primary spiritual teacher of the Kula Kamala Foundation. The sessions will include invocation, intention setting, discourse and Q&A. They will be recorded and posted on Saraswati’s YouTube channel.

She began offering ministry within her community more than 15 years ago. Her path was activated and empowered by a growing understanding of the universal teachings of Advaita Vedanta and tantra, the practice of yoga and her personal experiences of suffering, healing and self-knowledge. “We have so much more to offer each other than fear, violence and separation,” proclaims Saraswati.

By donation. Preregistration is required. Location: 21 W. Walnut St., Lancaster. For more information, call 717-406-9681 or visit WestEndYogaStudio.com and KulaKamalaFoundation.org/SwaminiJi. See ads, page 3 and 54.

Dr. Patrick Borja

Dr.

Dr. Charles Bucklar

Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati

Education the Quaker Way

September classes are forming at Lancaster Friends School, and grant money is available for educational projects which support equality, peace and other Quaker values. The Quakers believe that there is something of God in everybody, and each human being is of unique worth. This is why Quakers value all people equally and oppose anything that may harm or threaten them. Quakers seek religious truth in inner experience and place great reliance on conscience as the basis of morality.

The Sue Thomas Turner Quaker Education Fund of Baltimore Yearly Meeting was established in recognition of Sue Thomas Turner’s long support of Quaker education and Quaker values in public education. The fund is targeted for Friends schools under the care of a Friends Meeting, but is available to any school community.

At Lancaster Friends School, students will learn about and practice group decision-making using the Quaker model, which is neither voting nor consensus, but a search for the “sense of the meeting”. This model acknowledges that not everyone may agree, but by searching open-heartedly together, solutions to seemingly intractable problems can be addressed.

Location: 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. For more information, call 717-533-3500, email LancasterFriends School@gmail.com or visit LancasterFriends.org. See ad, page 35.

New Visions Holistic Expo Celebrates 21 Years

Atthe New Visions Holistic Expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., August 12, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 13, at York Fairgrounds Memorial Hall East, there will be more than 100 vendors and service providers representing various aspects of the mind, body and spirit. Included are door prizes each hour plus free presentations throughout the day. The first 100 entrants each day receive a swag bag.

Expo directors Matt Suter and Kara Lovehart, owners of Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness Center, along with staff members from New Visions Books & Gifts store, will host what is now the largest and longest-running holistic expo in the area.

Lovehart says, “We are grateful to our sponsors, Firefly Hollow, Leg Up Farmers Market, Soundwise Health Associates and Third Eye Candles. With their help, we are able to connect people with holistic goods and services that improve health and wellness and bring together community.”

Cost is $7/day or $10 for both. For a $1 discount on tickets, visit NewVisionsHolisticExpo.com on Jul. 14 and 15 only, with coupon code Awakenings2023. Location: 334 Carlisle Ave., York. For more information, call 717-814-9136. See ad, page 5.

Twenty-Nine Years and Counting

Schwartz Family Dental, the practice of David A. Schwartz, DDS, who has more than 30 years of experience, will celebrate 29 years in business this August. He says, “Oral health and overall health are linked. Regular dental screening exams and cleaning can reveal oral cancer, gum disease, dry mouth, TMJ, sleep disorders and more, all which can affect health and well-being. In addition to regular screenings and cleanings, the office provides safe mercury filling removal and tooth restoration using ceramic or non-metal fillings and materials, as well as treatment for headaches, corrective cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. The body from head to toe is all beautifully linked to work in harmony. You cannot have good health without the mouth and its associated structures also being in good working order.”

Dr. David Schwartz

Schwartz Family Dental provides dental care for the whole family over a lifetime, from a child’s first dental checkups to care for seniors.

Location: 701 Jefferson Blvd., West Lawn. For appointments and more information, call 610-670-6910 or visit SchwartzFamilyDental.com. See ads, pages 45 and 50.

Creative Writing Support Workshops

Write from the Heart doesn’t just teach writing, it opens us to feeling present and alive. Uplifting, be-who-you-are workshops gently awaken the creative spirit with humor and warmth. A safe haven from stress for all ages. Take a break from perfectionism and self-doubt. No grades, grammar, or anxiety.

Student Essay Support | Grief and Cancer Support | Groups and Private

Melissa Greene

Close Relationships May Influence Physical Well-Being

A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science has found that a person’s close relationships may either benefit or undermine physical health.

The three-week study involving 4,005 participants looked at how both positive and negative relationship experiences affect the body, and how daily fluctuations in those interactions may influence changes in well-being, as reflected in self-reported stress levels and coping abilities, as well as blood pressure and heart rate reactivity biomarkers.

The researchers observed that people with more positive experiences and fewer negative ones reported lower stress, improved coping skills and better physical functioning. They also noted that ups and downs in negative relationships were especially predictive of outcomes like stress, coping and overall systolic blood pressure.

Pilot Program Reveals Benefits of Four-Day Work Week

The nonprofit 4 Day Week Global conducted a six-month pilot of more than 2,900 workers from 61 companies in the United Kingdom from June to December 2022 in which the work week was reduced from a standard 40 hours to 32 hours for the same pay and benefits. At the end of the six-month trial, 39 percent of employees reported less stress and 71 percent expressed lower levels of burnout. Anxiety, fatigue and sleep issues also decreased, while mental and physical health improved. Sixty percent found a greater ability to balance work with home-based responsibilities, and 62 percent found it easier to balance work with social life. Employees were also more satisfied with their finances, relationships and time management.

Company revenue stayed broadly the same over the trial period, rising by 1.4 percent on average. Companies also saw improvements in hiring, absenteeism and resignations, with staff turnover dropping by 57 percent over the trial period. Additionally, 63 percent of businesses offering a fourday week found it easier to attract and retain new talent.

Photo by 13MoonsPublishingServices.com

Effects of Cannabis Use Before and After Surgery

In January 2023, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine published guidelines recommending that all patients undergoing anesthesia be screened and questioned about cannabis use, including how much and how often they use, how they take it and when they last used it.

One of the largest studies on the effects of cannabis use on sedation, published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, looked at 250 patients undergoing an endoscopy while under anesthesia. Those that reported regular cannabis use required significantly higher doses of anesthesia than nonusers. Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that daily cannabis users required a higher dose of sedatives prior to an endoscopy than weekly or monthly users.

On a related note, a 2018 study published in the journal Patient Safety in Surgery reported that marijuana use may interfere with painkillers after surgery. The study looked at 261 trauma center patients and concluded that marijuana use, especially chronic use, may affect the pain response to injury and require higher doses of opioids for pain management.

New Environmental Justice Initiative

sulit.photos/iShutterStock.com

In April, Executive Order 12898 established the White House Office of Environmental Justice to address persistent environmental injustices involving toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and services, and other harms due to a legacy of racial and economic discrimination. The new office is tasked with coordinating efforts among federal agencies to help implement innovative directives. It requires federal agencies to notify communities in the event of a release of toxic substances; directs agencies to facilitate meaningful public participation and just treatment in agency decision-making; directs agencies to identify and address information gaps related to environmental justice and make information on environmental and health concerns more publicly accessible; and implements a scorecard to evaluate federal agencies’ environmental justice efforts.

Colombia Protects Its Birds

Colombia has the most bird species in the world—1,966 registered species, or 20 percent of all birds worldwide— and has updated its strategy for protecting this rich avian life, affecting all birds that inhabit the country at some

Repairing the Planet’s Lungs

The oceans, sometimes called the lungs of the Earth, have absorbed 30 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since the Industrial Revolution and captured 90 percent of the related excess heat. Seawater stores about 150 times more CO2 than air. Unfortunately, absorbing all that greenhouse gas has damaged sea life.

Engineers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a process to cleanse the seawater of CO2 so it can store greater amounts of greenhouse gases. The process sends an electric charge into seawater flowing through tanks on a barge. The charge sets off chemical reactions to trap the greenhouse gas into a solid mineral, which is then deposited on the ocean floor, completing the cleansing process.

The engineers expect to design larger facilities based on the data obtained from their test sites in Los Angeles and Singapore and have commercial sites removing millions of tons of CO2 per year by 2025. The UCLA scientists estimate that 1,800 facilities would be needed to capture 10 billion tons of atmospheric CO2 annually beginning in 2050, thereby limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

point in their annual life cycle. The goal is to conserve and sustainably manage bird diversity, habitats and ecosystems by the generation of knowledge, scientific research and its application, the active participation of different sectors, policy and planning. The strategy focuses on 11 different Colombian ecosystems from the high Andean forests to savannas, grasslands and coastal areas.

This exhaustive process in the renewal of Colombia’s avian protection strategy involved more than 30 workshops and 2,000 people from every region of the country. Input from indigenous peoples and others generated practical conservation actions in their territories, as well as ancestral knowledge and an appreciation for the special connections these communities have with birds in their daily lives, resulting in a strategy that prioritizes the relationships between people and birds.

Natural Ant Control for the Home

The warmer weather can bring unwanted pests, including ants, into homes and apartments. Conventional pesticides and ant traps can be toxic to humans, pets and the environment. This season, consider using one of these safer ant-control alternatives.

KEEP COUNTERS CLEAN

First and foremost, maintain kitchen counters and floors free of food particles. Tightly seal food containers, wipe countertops with soapy water, sweep the floors and avoid leaving standing water overnight. If there are no food sources around, the ants will lose interest.

COMING IN AUGUST

STOP ENTRY INTO THE HOME

After cleaning, the next line of defense is to keep ants from entering the home in the first place. One of the most effective, toxin-free methods is to spray cedar oil outside, around the perimeter of the house. Mix one ounce of cedar oil in one quart of water (or four ounces per gallon) and spray the solution three feet up the outside walls and on the ground, six feet out from the edges of the house.

USE NATURAL REPELLENTS

Numerous natural repellents work well inside the home. Place one or more of these in the kitchen or wherever the ants are entering: cucumber

peels or slices; tea bags of mint tea or dry, crushed mint leaves; cloves; cayenne pepper; citrus oil soaked into a piece of string; lemon juice; cinnamon; or coffee grounds.

CONFUSE ANTS TRAVELING BACK TO THE NEST

As worker ants travel from their nest to forage for food, they leave a sex hormone (pheromone) scent in order to find their way back to the nest. These invisible trails can be washed away with a mixture of one-quarter cup of white vinegar, two cups of water, and 10 to 15 drops of peppermint, clove, eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil.

USE NATURAL ANT KILLERS AS LAST RESORT

A serious ant problem might require more drastic measures that kill the invading ants. These two options employ non-toxic ingredients.

n Diatomaceous earth is a nontoxic, talc-like powder made from the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When sprinkled on ants, the powder causes them to dehydrate.

n Cornmeal left out in small piles where ants are visible is another option that poses no threat to pets or little kids. The ants will eat the cornmeal, but because they can’t digest it, they will perish.

Kulp Provides Whole-Person Wellness

by Lottie Sass

The adage, “You are what you eat,” resonates with Dr. Donna Kulp, owner of Kulp Nutrition & Wellness Center. As a chiropractor with a particular interest in nutrition, she has grown her practice into a comprehensive functional wellness center, with a focus on nutrition and the vital connection between food and chronic illness.

Kulp’s first experience with chiropractic care goes back to the late 1970s, when she sought relief from an injury and other health challenges. She visited a chiropractor whose wife was a nutritionist and had operated a nutrition and wellness center within the practice. As Kulp recovered, she started working alongside her and was enthralled by the symbiotic relationship between nutrition and chiropractic wholewellness principles.

Inspired to become one herself, Kulp studied at Logan University, a chiropractic and health sciences university in Missouri. After graduation and licensure, she opened her own chiropractic and nutrition practice in 1992 while continuing her

education in nutrition to later become the vice president of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition. She is also a certified practitioner with the Institute of Functional Medicine.

While the chiropractic aspect of her practice has been rewarding for Kulp—she served as the team chiropractor for the Reading Royals and provided chiropractic care for well-known musicians—the functional nutrition aspect drives her passion.

Using Food As Medicine

Kulp uses nutritional wellness to help patients achieve weight loss and address chronic autoimmune conditions, digestive diseases such as Crohn’s, celiac and acid reflux, infertility, thyroid issues and more. “We always say, ‘We test, we don’t guess,’” Kulp emphasizes. “We are an evidencebased practice, and we do a complete physical exam, we obtain the patient’s complete health history including environmental exposures and genetics, and we do thorough testing to put together an individualized approach for each patient.” These approaches include food plans for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kulp also makes recommendations for exercise, lifestyle changes and stress reduction.

It is commonplace today for people to consult the internet for health advice, but Kulp emphasizes that food and nutrition trends often found on social media are typically one-size-fits-all tips and cannot address individual needs. “The keto diet is

not good for everyone, and gluten-free diets are not for everyone. If I suspect celiac disease in a patient, I test for that—testing helps get to the root of what’s causing a health issue.”

Education is a key component of Kulp’s work. She takes patients on a deep dive into how the body processes carbohydrates, proteins and fat and explains the differences between vitamins, how they work in the body and how they interact with medications and supplements. She also shows people how to spot deceptive marketing tactics when purchasing vitamins and supplements. Kulp Nutrition & Wellness Center has a retail component where customers can purchase high-grade vitamins and supplements.

Kulp also notes that when purchasing local foods from farmers markets or roadside stands, people should not assume they are organic or organically grown just because they are grown on a smaller farm. Even some small, local farms use pesticides, she notes, so it is important to ask the farmer questions about their agricultural methods.

“I encourage people to put in the homework and do things such as keeping a food diary,” she explains. “I help people see what’s wrong and work in reverse to undo damage from poor nutrition. Issues such as gastrointestinal problems can spiral into headaches, aches and pains and fatigue. When you address the root cause of a gastrointestinal problem, those other symptoms, like headaches, will often also go away.”

Kulp emphasizes that customized care based on testing and thorough intake histories can go a long way to address root causes of ailments. “The best part of my work is seeing positive change,” she says. “I see patients that first came into my office broken, and now their chronic pain is either gone or has significantly decreased.”

Kulp Nutrition & Wellness Center is located at 52 Morgantown Rd., in Reading. For appointments and more information, call 610-208-0404 or visit KulpChiropractic. com and KulpNutritionWellness.com. See ads, pages 43 and 51.

Kimberton Whole Foods Does Local Right

by Lottie Sass

Although the average American meal travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate, family-owned and -operated Kimberton Whole Foods offers hundreds of products from more than 200 local vendors, increasing the freshness and making a smaller carbon footprint. The grocery store has provided the community with locally sourced, natural and organic products for more than 30 years with locations in Collegeville, Douglassville, Downingtown, Kimberton, Malvern, Ottsville and Wyomissing.

Kimberton Whole Foods sells organic produce, locally raised meat and dairy products, specialty ingredients, pantry staples, made-from-scratch grab-and-go foods, eco-friendly household cleaning products, supplements and all-natural body care. There is also a wide variety of allergen-friendly, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

Terry and Pat Brett owned a farm store in Chester County in 1986 selling organic yogurt made onsite at what is now the biodynamic dairy Seven Stars Farm. Kimberton Whole Foods is now a multigenerational family business honored for ethical business leadership and meaningful contribution to regional sustainable agriculture.

The Kimberton Whole Foods Cookbook: A Family History with Recipes tells the complete story. Pat Brett recalls, “I opened the store with our 5-month-old daughter in a carrier on my back.”

Terry Brett, now CEO, says, “Our mission has always been to serve as a community market. It has been our longstanding belief that in order to create meaningful, lasting success in business and in life, you must first act and serve in your local community.”

The company also contributes to a variety of nonprofits that prioritize sustainable agriculture, organic food systems, environmental issues, conservation, local arts and culture and philanthropic services through their Rounding Up at the Register program, corporate sponsorships and community outreach. He advises, “Rounding Up at the Register is just another extension of our mission. The beauty of this program is seeing how our customers have embraced the opportunity to give back to their communities, as well.”

Pat Brett shares, “With just a few ‘round up’ pennies at a time, we've been able to send our united support to so many varied and deserving causes and groups. I am so very grateful for our thoughtful customers!”

For many of its local vendors, Kimberton Whole Foods manages the entire product distribution process, allowing them to make one drop-off at the distribution center where goods are routed to their seven area markets. Besides saving time, this method cuts down on the carbon footprint created by trucks delivering to the same locations.

By buying and selling local products, Kimberton Whole Foods is making a direct investment into the local economy. Customers can find the total number of dollars spent on local products at the bottom of the receipt. Studies have shown a multiplier effect of buying local. Kimberton fuels other local businesses and their employees, which also increases spending within the community.

Kimberton Whole Foods has seven regional locations. For more information, visit KimbertonWholeFoods.com. See ads, pages 29 and back cover.

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THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION

HOW SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH ARE RELATED

by Kelcie Ottoes

The human gut microbiome, which is critical to fighting off disease, and soil microbiome, which enables plant growth, are vitally important to maintaining all life on our planet. These two communities of microorganisms are indirectly connected in important ways, and researchers are trying to find out more about their interplay.

Human Microbiome

The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms of different species. These microbes help to digest food, synthesize vitamins and other important compounds, regulate our

immune system and even influence behavior and mood.

The gut microbiome includes both helpful and potentially harmful microbiota that coexist peacefully in a healthy person. But certain diets, or the use of antibiotics or other bacteriadestroying medications, can upset the balance, a state known as dysbiosis, which can impair the microbiome’s functions, leaving the body susceptible to disease.

Soil Microbiome

The soil microbiome has many parallels to the human gut scenario. It consists of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses—micro-

Photo by Rodale Institute

organisms that play an important role in maintaining the health of the soil. They do this by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients and protecting crops against harmful pathogens.

Regenerative organic farming practices that promote biodiversity and disdain the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers develop robust soil that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. In such settings, farmers don’t need to use chemicals, because the microbiome creates disease-resistant soil to fight off threats.

The Nutrition Link

While a direct link between the soil microbiome and the gut microbiome has yet to be proven, soil certainly impacts our health through our diet. A diverse and active soil microbiome is responsible for supporting plant growth. Plants then provide us with the nutrients that our gut microbiome needs to thrive, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, K and the B complex.

Dan Kittredge, founder of The Bionutrient Institute, explains, “The sophistication of the soil microbiome is connected to the nutritional value of the food that’s produced. The healthier the [soil] microbiome, the healthier the food.” The use of fertilizers and pesticides does not directly produce less nutritious food, but rather their impact on the health of the soil microbiome can impact the crops’ nutritional value.

There is a hypothesis that food has become less nutritious since the mid-1900s. In a 2004 study, University of Texas scientists examined the nutritional value of 43 garden crops from 1950 to 1999 and found that while all 43 foods showed a statistically reliable decline in nutrition, it was likely due to cultivating plants with desired traits, such as larger sizes, faster growing rates and increased pest resistance. It wasn’t the soil that was the problem, but that growers had not prioritized breeding crops for higher nutritional value.

According to Jack Gilbert, a pediatrics professor at the University of California San Diego and co-founder of the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, “There is an indirect relationship between a healthy soil microbiome and

The Promise of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’ s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified farms and products meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. The idea is to create farm systems that work in harmony with nature to improve quality of life for every creature involved. The Regenerative Organic Certified framework is designed to go above and beyond the USDA Certified Organic seal. To date, 134 farms and more than 47,000 smallholder farmers totaling almost 880,000 acres are Regenerative Organic Certified. Nearly 100 brands offer Regenerative Organic Certified products on the market.

Under Regenerative Organic Certified standards, soil health is promoted by including a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs, no genetically modified seeds and rotationally grazed animals. Farms that follow these protocols become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, does not erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. Learn more at RegenOrganic.org.

ORGANIC FIELD DAY

healthy gut microbiome. While we need healthy soils to grow plants, a healthy soil microbiome does not equal a healthy gut microbiome.”

He explains, “The link is really about diet in the gut microbiome. Precision nutrition is the idea that how we all respond to food is unique, and that we can predict those responses if we understand what kinds of bacteria are in the gut. This is because the gut microbiome varies between people, and those same gut microbes can mediate how food influences our physiology. Eating a healthy diet can have a profound impact on reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.”

The nutritional value of food is more complicated than the quality of the soil in which the crops grow. It is also impacted by the processing of the food. As Kittredge notes, when the bran in wheat is removed—a common process that turns flour white— wheat loses much of its nutritional value. Unprocessed foods allow us to access more of the nutrients within them.

Digging in the Soil

There is another way that soil microbes can benefit human health: spending time in nature. Exposure to the soil microbiome has been shown to stimulate the immune system. When outside, we are exposed to a diverse array of microorganisms that increase disease resistance and provide neurological benefits.

Gilbert has largely built a career on the benefits of getting his hands dirty. He is

currently conducting a study to find out how giving children two hours of outdoor learning a day can impact their metabolic health and help them avoid diseases. According to Kittredge, playing in the dirt isn’t just for kids. “It is beneficial to expose ourselves to soil microbes,” he says. “Everyone should nature bathe.”

“Exposure to soil microbes, like Mycobacterium vaccae, can positively impact our physical and mental health,” says Kathleen DiChiara, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and digestive wellness educator. “We are losing diversity and not getting the exposure we used to.” She points out that the gut microbiomes of urban citizens in the U.S. have lower

bacterial diversity than those in rural societies, including hunter-gatherers from Tanzania and the Amazon. While diet, lifestyle and genetics play a role in the host-specific differences, the microbiome composition in adults is also based on exposure to microbes in the environment. According to DiChiara, there is no perfect profile for the gut microbiome, and our gut microbial communities ebb and flow. “If a specific strain of bacteria suddenly disappears, perhaps due to an illness, another species can take on its task,” she explains. “Like nature, it’s about working together on our behalf.”

Diversity, richness and symbiotic behavior of the gut microbes are central to our well-being. DiChiara notes that many variables can negatively impact the gut microbiome. Some result from the choices we make voluntarily, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating ultra-processed foods, being chronically stressed and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Other factors are beyond our control, such as neurological injuries, illnesses and hormonal shifts due to puberty or menopause.

Human Impact on Soil Health

The soil microbiome and the gut microbiome both need our support to maintain proper health. Although our gut microbiome may not be directly impacted by the health of soil microbes, it can be impacted by the pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in our food.

Regenerative Plant-Based Wellness.

Photo by Rodale Institute

Photo by Rodale Institute

Degradation of the soil microbiome occurs in many ways. Tillage, bare soil, dry soil, fertilizer, chemical sprays and fungicides all harm the soil microbiome. These non-regenerative agricultural practices can have negative impacts on the health of individuals that eat the plants and on the health of the broader ecosystems.

Chemicals like glyphosate can damage the gut microbiome by creating oxidative stress, which agitates the microbiome and impedes its ability to function properly. Pesticides can also have a detrimental impact on the gut microbiome. Each year the United States uses 1 billion pounds of pesticides that may be damaging our bodies when we eat our veggies. “What we are not doing is prioritizing protecting the microbiome—for us and the soil. It’s time we recognize the interconnections between climate, soil and the gut,” DiChiara says.

There are multiple ways we can cultivate a closer, healthier relationship between our soil and our gut, such as supporting sustainable agriculture, avoiding processed foods, frequenting farmers markets for organic produce or spending time in nature. Better yet, Kittredge suggests planting a pesticide-free garden at home and eating carrots straight from the soil.

Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE !

Pennsylvania Climate-Smart Farming

by Sheila Julson

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Regenerative agriculture practices are not regulated, and the term can mean different things to different farmers, but the general philosophy encompasses improving soil health, which in turn yields nutrient-dense food and mitigates climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing stormwater runoff.

For a farm to be Certified Organic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that farmers refrain from using prohibited chemical substances for three years and create buffer zones to prevent the drift of chemicals from neighboring properties. While many farmers grow crops using organic methods, they may not obtain certification because the process can be complex and cost-prohibitive. Both regenerative or organic agricultural practices are instrumental to the future health of people and the planet.

“Regenerative agriculture employs holistic principles to restore and support soil and ecosystem health, honoring the relationships within the whole,” explains

Audrey Livengood, of Livengood Family Farm. “It’s not just about grazing a cow on grass; it’s about how the way in which that cow is raised interacts with the microbiome of the soil, and how it affects the health of humans and the broader ecosystem.”

Livengood offers pastured-raised meats, eggs and organically grown produce. Animals are rotationally grazed and ruminants are 100 percent grass-fed. The farm’s pork and poultry are free of genetically modified organisms (GMO), as well as soy and corn.

By working with nature, rather than against it, regenerative farming helps maintain the intricate balance of the Earth. “Rather than dominating it and strongarming nature into submission, regenerative farmers try to listen and observe before acting. When things are in balance, soil-wise, animal-wise and predator-prey wise, the system regenerates,” Livengood’s husband Dwain explains.

The Livengoods believe that the health of our bodies, our ecosystems and the entire planet is at stake. While farming

A Jersey cow grazing on fresh pasture at Miller’s Bio Farm

Photo: Danielle Sonderbird

with regenerative practices is ethically and ecologically responsible, they believe that success stretches beyond crop yields and farm size, and places more emphasis on the quality of food, relationships built with the community of consumers, money saved from repurposing old equipment and the satisfaction of witnessing the land flourish.

www.MyGutInstinct.org

Stronger Together.

“We seek to inoculate our community with optimistic growers of all kinds of nutrient-dense food. Our county needs many hands to capture the vast opportunities of food production in the most productive, non-irrigated county in the United States.”

Cedar Meadow Farm owner Steve Groff’s regenerative agriculture journey began more than 40 years ago. He’s been perfecting the process of growing “food as medicine” ever since, and says, “It's the core of who I am as a farmer. Over the years, I've designed equipment and strategies that are now commonplace on regenerative farms around the world. My goal is to enhance human health and wellness by growing food and cannabidiol [CBD] products with a cropping system that mimics nature and honors the way it was designed to function.”

It takes guts to overcome a pandemic.

The team at My Gut Instinct is proud to announce that Guts & Glory 2021 will be a socially-distanced, outdoor, in person event.

Saturday, September 23rd • 10am - 3pm

Penn State Berks - Perkins Plaza Event Lawn 1801 Broadcasting Rd, Reading, PA 19610

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, September 25th

RAIN OR SHINE!

RAIN OR SHINE!

Groff grows heirloom tomatoes, winter squash, small grains, fiber hemp and CBD hemp. As a farmer for more than four decades, he has observed a societal shift in generational preferences; the Millennials and Generation Z population, especially, care deeply about where their consumables come from.

Digestive & Wellness Expo

Scan QR Code for more information and registration details!

Our FREE, ALL AGES, PET-FRIENDLY community event features:

11am - 3pm @ NEW VENUE:

• Expert lectures on nutrition, fitness & healthy living

Willow Glen Park, home of Shocktoberfest

94 Park Ave; Sinking Spring, PA 19608

Scan QR Code for more info and registration details!

Groff’s book, The Future-Proof Farm, outlines how it is imperative that those who grow food understand that how they grow it impacts its nutritional value. “We have documented that our fields have improved, and we’ve seen our vegetables and CBD

• Healthy food and non-alcoholic drinks for sale

Digestive & Wellness Expo

• Holistic experts & stress relief tips

2021 Title Sponsor:

• MEGA-colon gut-health exhibit

• Massage tent

Saturday, September 25th

• Live active demos (participation encouraged!)

• Farmer’s Market

RAIN OR SHINE!

• Live local music

SAVE THE DATE! 2021

Our FREE, ALL AGES, PET-FRIENDLY community event features:

• Expert lectures on nutrition, tness & healthy living

• Kid targeted zones on healthy eating & exercise

• Healthy food and alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks for sale

• Live active demos (participation encouraged!)

2023 Title Sponsors:

• Kid targeted zones on healthy eating & exercise

• Holistic experts & stress relief tips

• FREE tasting samples

• FREE health screenings

• Massage tent

• Farmer’s Market (cash encouraged)

• Live local music

• FREE tasting samples

• FREE health screenings

products rank significantly above average. We are certified by two regenerative agencies, which will give consumers additional confidence in the enhanced nutritional benefits of the products we grow. This, in turn, gives me confidence that the future of our farm is bright.”

The Stoltzfus family, owners of Whispering Breeze Farm Market, uses organic agricultural methods to grow a bounty of seasonal selections on their Amish farmstead. Crops include spring asparagus, strawberries, radishes and kale, and corn, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, squash and onions through summer and early fall. They also offer fresh eggs and canned goods throughout the year. Their greenhouse allows for winter production to grow radishes, spinach and scallions for pre-order.

“I want my soil to be alive, and chemicals kill the soil,” affirms Amos Stoltzfus. He believes farming organically will help save their farm for future generations. “I don’t see the conventional methods as sustainable. I also enjoy the challenge of farming through organic farming methods.”

Stoltzfus observes the trend toward food

grown through regenerative and organic methods is consumer driven. “I think there will be more regenerative agriculture around in the future than there is now.”

Miller’s Bio Farm specializes in A2/A2 milk, which is cow’s milk rich in digestible proteins. Owner Aaron Miller and his team have created a community of small farms in the Lancaster area that work together to offer humanely raised dairy, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, produce, honey, baked goods, grains and more.

Animals on the farm are pasture-raised, grass-fed and not confined to barns or cages. They are not administered routine antibiotics or vaccines, nor hormones or steroids. All foods sold by Miller’s Bio Farm are free from GMO.

Miller observes a negative public sentiment toward using animals for food, but notes that raising livestock is integral to regenerative methods, and animals on the land are key. He hopes to reinvent the conventional food system and reestablish trust.

“Our customers order online and get natural foods delivered to their door, saying good-bye to the supermarket. With this

system, our customers can know everything about the foods they consume. We’re supporting a community of small farmers that do not want contracts with big suppliers. They are getting paid fairly to do what they love—producing nutritious food with respect for the environment.”

Undernourished soil can take approximately 10 years to return to health, so Miller emphasizes the more farmers care for the soil and pasture-raise their animals, the better they can play a role in not only providing nutritious food, but also halting climate change.

Cedar Meadow Farm, 535 Drytown Rd., Holtwood, 717-723-3770, CedarMeadow.farm. See ads, pages 24, 29 and 49.

Whispering Breeze Farm Market, 5 Spring Rd., Leola, 717-656-0358, Ext. 2, WhisperingBreezeFarm.com. See ad, page 29. Miller’s Bio Farm, 523 Valley Rd., Quarryville, 717-786-7895, Hello@MillersBioFarm.com, MillersBioFarm.com. See ad, page 29.

Livengood Family Farm, 1648 Morningside Dr., Lancaster, 717-327-6817, LivengoodFamilyFarm.com. See ad, page 29.

MARKETS

KIMBERTON WHOLE FOODS

Wyomissing, Douglasville, Kimberton, Downingtown, Ottsville, Collegeville, Malvern

KimbertonWholeFoods.com

A family-owned and operated community market with a commitment to integrity, sustainable agriculture, and fair trade. We carry organic produce, raw dairy, humanely-raised meats, specialty and gourmet foods, baked goods, supplements, natural body care, and household items, cards and books many from our over 150 local producers, as well as healthy take out, eat-in and togo items. See ad, back cover.

LEMON STREET MARKET

241 W Lemon St • Lancaster 717-826-0843

LemonStreetMarket.com

We are an independent & woman-owned grocery store with a focus on sustainable and healthy living, with many local, organic, vegan, and gluten-free options. We’re open 7 days a week, including our kitchen, serving coffee, tea, espresso, fresh juices, smoothies, and grab-and-go takeout items. See ad, page 26.

REGENERATIVE FARM/ FARMERS MARKET

CEDAR MEADOW FARM

Lancaster County CedarMeadow.farm 717-723-3770

CBD is for everybody but not all CBD is created equally. CBD is better when it comes from hemp grown on a single farm that’s been dedicated to regenerative practices non-stop for over 30 years. Shop online for locally sourced and crafted CBD oils, salves, lotions and sprays for people and pets. See ad, page 24.

HOMEFIELDS CARE FARM

150 Letort Road • Millersville

717-572-2719

Homefields

Care Farm is Lancaster County’s longest-running community-supported agriculture program and has created vocational and volunteer opportunities for hundreds of people who have a disability or other barriers to traditional employment. We’ve provided over 300 varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables to families like yours for 25 years. See ad, page 27.

LIVENGOOD FAMILY FARM

Pastured-Raised Meats, Eggs, & Produce

1648 Morningside Dr • Lancaster

717-327-6817

LivengoodFamilyFarm.com

Our regenerative farm offers organically grown produce and pastured raised meat & eggs and feature intensively rotated grazing. Our ruminants are 100% grassfed and our pork and poultry are free of GMO, soy, and corn. Shop online. Convenient farm pickup. Consider hosting a delivery point in your area.

MILLER’S BIO FARM

523 Valley Road • Quarryville

717-786-7895

MillersBioFarm.com

Get ethically produced, truly natural, not greenwashed, delicious, local food for your family (even the furry ones). Order online with farm pick-up or home delivery with sustainable packaging. A2/A2 grass fed dairy, beef, pork, chicken, fruits & veggies, honey, baked goods, and so much more.

RODALE INSTITUTE

611 Siegfriedale Rd • Kutztown

610-683-1400

RodaleInstitute.org

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Over our 75-year history, we have proven that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to humanity’s survival. Our visitor’s center includes a wide selection of gifts and goods for the farm and plant enthusiast. See ad, page 23.

WHISPERING BREEZE FARM MARKET

Amos & Fannie Stoltzfus & Family

5 Spring Rd • Leola

717-656-0358 ext 2

Open Thursday-Saturday 9am-5pm

Organically grown produce offering a bounty of seasonal selections such as spring asparagus, strawberries, radishes and kale, and corn, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, squash, onions and more through summer and early fall, plus farm fresh eggs and canned goods throughout the year.

SPECIALTY FOODS

KWEE-JACK

FISH CO

Wild Alaskan Salmon & Halibut Shares

717-842-0180

Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan salmon and halibut available, fisherman-direct. Pre-order annually (spring) at EatWildSalmon.com for local pick-up (fall) of sushi-grade delicious nutrition, deep-frozen at the peak of freshness to enjoy throughout the year.

To find out how you can promote your business, email Advertising@NALancaster.com or visit NALancaster.com or NABerks.com.

Green Exercise

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE

by Cristina Parker

For some fitness buffs, it doesn’t feel like exercise unless they’re at the gym lifting weights, pedaling the stationary bike or hearing the grunts of others giving it their all. But there’s an emerging trend taking hold: green exercise. Prompted by a growing focus on reconnecting with nature, combined with the well-known benefits of physical exertion, outdoor workouts in natural settings and urban parks are all the rage. From daily walks around the neighborhood to calisthenics with the aid of a tree or yoga on the beach, the possibilities are delightfully endless for all ages and fitness levels. Medical pros are prescribing it for science-based reasons.

Green exercise is not exactly a new concept. In a 2013 review of studies published in Extreme Physiology & Medicine, researchers concluded that physical activity in a natural setting as opposed to an indoor gym is perceived as easier and more fun, thereby boosting motivation. They wrote, “The nature element may help achieve a greater intensity of exercise without perception of effort changing.” In other words, people walk faster outdoors yet paradoxically feel as though they’re kicking back.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found a positive correlation between green space and health. People that spend time in nature often experience a reduction in stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rate—all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology involving obese young people confirmed that exercising in nature led to improved stress recovery, enhanced attentional restoration and a reduction in negative emotions.

Exposure to sunlight is another benefit. According to Dr. Natty Bandasak, a physical therapist and founder of The Myokinetix Clinic, in New Jersey, “Getting vitamin D from the sun is much more impactful than the vitamin D absorbed from ingestible supplements. Just 10 minutes spent outside first thing in the morning can really set the day in a good direction.”

To maximize the benefits of green exercise, Rajeshwari Reddy, a physical therapist in Maryland, suggests a few precautions. “If you have any kind of vision issues, you should exercise midday when there is enough light to keep yourself safe, and if you suffer from seasonal allergies, try to avoid areas with flowering plants or trees,” she explains. “Standard walking shoes are different from running shoes, and the body mechanics of different activities require different levels of shock absorption. These often-overlooked components of an outdoor exercise routine can go a long way to keep you safe, avoid unnecessary injuries and ensure you are having fun with your new program.”

After choosing a suitable time and location, the next step is deciding what exercises to do. Dr. Christine Masterson, a physical therapist at Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, in New York, says, “For those who desire supervision, joining a local walking or running group is an excellent option. Alternatively, for those who prefer independence, a self-paced exercise routine is recommended.”

Both Masterson and Bandasak describe bodyweight-supported exercises as a perfect outdoor-friendly, equipment-free workout. Moving against gravity uses the person’s weight as a natural form of resistance. As a result, no dumbbells or resistance bands are required. Pick a nice spot in the grass, on the sand or under a shaded treat and do sit-ups, heel raises, push-ups and squats.

Masterson suggests pairing calisthenics with walking. A sample routine could include a brisk walk to the park, followed by squats sitting and standing from a bench, then another brisk walk to a wooded area, followed by heel raises holding onto a tree trunk for balance. “In a bodyweight program, you can focus more on your form and movement pattern, then you can progress these exercises by increasing repetitions, rather than adding weights,” she notes.

Bandasak asserts that aerobic exercises like walking, jogging or hiking can be optimized by adding a grip challenge. “One factor strongly correlated with increased longevity is grip strength,” he explains.

“Grip can be strengthened through your ability to hold onto objects like a pull-up bar at a playground or stable tree branch in nature. If those items are not available, just holding any heavy objects by your sides as you walk can be beneficial.”

A key, take-home message when beginning any green-exercise program is to keep an open mind. There are so many activities we can enjoy outdoors. Reddy considers green exercise anything that gets the heart rate going, which can include diverse activities like golf, gardening in the

backyard or swimming in a lake. While getting the blood pumping, remember to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the songbirds and soak up the summer sunshine. Masterson is a proponent of outside yoga to refocus the mind and deeply reconnect with our surroundings.

Cristina Parker, a researcher, health content writer, educator and clinician specializing in neurologic disorders, limb-loss rehabilitation and adaptive sports techniques, holds a doctorate in physical therapy.

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SHIFTS HAPPEN

Too Much Histamine

NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO AN EXCESSIVE ALLERGIC RESPONSE

by Carrie Jackson

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Histamine is an organic chemical produced by the body as a protection from allergens. It is also found in some of the foods we consume. While certain levels of this compound are considered normal and healthy, an overabundance can cause troublesome symptoms—from runny noses and hives to intestinal discomfort and brain fog. Histamine intolerance, as this condition is called, is often caused by food triggers or the body’s inability to break down the excess histamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines promise short-term symptom relief but may have unappealing side effects. Long-term, drug-free resolution is possible with a little sleuthing and holistic lifestyle adaptations.

A WIDE ARRAY OF SYMPTOMS

• Anxiety, Depression & Irritability

• Migraines

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“Histamine intolerance can affect every area of the body, including the brain. The inflammation created by excess histamine often leads to brain fog and other neurological symptoms,” says Michael Ruscio, a naturopathic practitioner, doctor of chiropractic, clinical researcher and author of Healthy Gut, Healthy You

Symptoms of histamine intolerance often start in the intestinal tract with diarrhea and bloating and contribute to leaky gut. “If the sensitive gut lining is damaged, histamine can permeate to other areas of the body and lead to redness, swelling and itchiness, as well as respiratory issues, joint pain and anxiety. These seemingly unrelated symptoms can all have the same underlying cause, and patients, as well as many doctors, are not aware of these connections,” says Arti Chandra, a Seattle-based family practice physician who is certified in functional medicine and serves as faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine.

KNOWING THE TRIGGERS

“Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for releasing histamine and other

chemicals that cause inflammation. A histamine intolerance or exposure to high-histamine foods can lead to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), where they release excess amounts into the body. Typically, enzymes will break down the histamine so that it doesn’t build up, but if the body doesn’t have the proper level of enzymes to break it down or if too much histamine is being released, then persistent symptoms can occur,” Chandra asserts. Symptom management begins by healing the digestive system. “A healthy gut biome supports the body in producing one of the enzymes needed to break down histamine and can help lower inflammation,” she explains. “Dysbiosis, which is when the gut flora is out of balance, is often caused by the Standard American Diet, also known as SAD. Processed foods, fillers, chemicals, additives and other unnatural substances can all compromise the gut flora and gut function. Dysbiosis often leads to low levels of DAO [diamine oxidase], an enzyme in the gut that helps break down histamine. Some people can have a genetic basis for this—a mutation—that can also lead to excess histamine from impaired breakdown.”

SOLUTIONS FOR HISTAMINE OVERLOAD

Per Ruscio, “A simple, balanced, whole foods diet like the Paleo diet is a great starting point to calm inflammation and heal your gut. This means aiming for a variety of vegetables, fresh fish, eggs, meat, nuts and seeds, and fruits in moderation. If symptoms continue, try a low-histamine diet.”

Chandra suggests avoiding processed and fast foods, gluten, dairy, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Foods that are naturally high in histamine, including aged cheese, fermented foods, cured meat, alcohol, caffeine and tomatoes, can exacerbate symptoms. She recommends eliminating triggers for three weeks and slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see which are still problematic. “As the gut biome becomes stronger, the body may naturally be able to tolerate high histamine foods better; eating a diet rich in prebiotic foods and sometimes taking an appropriate probiotic

supplement can help with this,” she says.

Environmental factors can also trigger histamine reactions. “The body produces histamine to ward off substances like pollen, infections, chemicals and mold. Many people get what they think are normal allergies in the spring, with symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. However, if these symptoms occur year-round, it could be a sign of a histamine intolerance or MCAS. Mold contains mycotoxins that are known to activate mast cells and lead to a histamine release. If someone is living in a building with mold and the exposure is continuous, it can lead to chronic inflammation and histamine issues. Proper air filters can help, but they ultimately may need to eliminate the mold or move out of the environment,” says Chandra.

While over-the-counter antihistamine medications may help, they can have a sedating effect and other side effects, including cognitive issues. Natural and holistic treatments work just as well and are often better tolerated by the body, Chandra says. “Quercetin, found in apple skin and onions, can stabilize mast cells and make them less leaky, as can luteolin, both of which are available in supplement form and in Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil or supplements have anti-inflammatory properties. Stinging nettles, another stabilizer, can be used as a tea or in supplement form. Spices such as curcumin are natural anti-inflammatories and a nourishing addition to any diet,” she advises.

Stress management can help reduce histamine reactions, too. “Stress can trigger mast cells, causing a release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, as well as causing dysbiosis and leaky gut,” Chandra says. “Breathwork and meditation, as well as restful sleep, can help reduce histamine intolerance symptoms, support the gut and contribute to an overall level of internal balance.”

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

Hues of Health BENEFITS

by Veronica Hinke

Eating plant-based foods from every hue in the rainbow provides an exceptional array of health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables also contain phytonutrients such as antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols that contribute to the color, flavor and aroma of such foods. There are thousands of phytonutrients and, according to a 2022 review of clinical studies published in Nutrients, these natural chemical compounds “play an important role in the prevention of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, along with different types of cancer or degenerative diseases.”

From a culinary perspective, colorful, plant-based foods add pops of color and flavor to a dish, and simple techniques can transform uber-nutritious fruits and veggies into crave-worthy delights. From tasty spreads and luscious dressings to pungent pickling recipes and rich soups, eating the rainbow can be a scrumptious and sustainable everyday lifestyle.

Keeping a medley of wholesome choices in the house is a good

Dwayne Watson/ShutterStock.com

tactic to help a family adopt a rainbowbased diet. According to Registered Dietitian Olga Kras, “Not any single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients we need. Making a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables visible increases the likelihood that they will be part of a daily routine.”

When her children were younger, instead of giving them sugary treats, she would cut fruits and vegetables into shapes with cookie cutters. “They loved opening their lunch boxes to find the fun shapes,” she recalls, noting the allure of visually pleasing treats. As the first-century Roman Apicius said, “We eat first with our eyes.”

According to Sarah Stegner, co-owner and chef of Prairie Grass Cafe, in Northbrook, Illinois, “Food is medicine. It is what lifts us up. When we allow ourselves to get run-down or we are tired, that is when we are the most vulnerable, and we reach for that highly processed, packaged thing. That’s when we compromise, and compromise leads to long-term illness.”

Stegner compares food shopping to a trip to an art store for the artist that is

about to paint a rainbow. “Center yourself,” she counsels. “Don’t put anything into the cart that shouldn’t be eaten. The key word is choice. If people don’t understand and realize what the choices they have are—for example, what herbs are and how to use them—then that is not a choice for them when they go home to cook a meal.”

“It’s just fun to have foods that are colorful,” says Erin Hoogendyk, a cooking instructor at Grebe’s Chef Center, in Wausau, Wisconsin, whose favorite flavor accents are onions, lemons and limes, as well as a panoply of herbs, including basil, rosemary, chives, parsley and mint. To add color and nutrition to everyday salads, she tosses in blueberries or dresses them with homemade vinaigrettes made with strawberries and balsamic.

Hoogendyk recommends farmers markets, individual farm stands and community-supported agriculture subscriptions to discover the freshest, in-season ingredients. When it comes to cooking and putting meals together, a sense of adventure and enjoyment is paramount, she says. Her

coleslaw recipe includes red and green onions, radishes and red cabbage. “I don’t like coleslaw to be boring,” she quips, adding that her next project is to pickle an ingredient she has never pickled before: celery. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

For those wanting to optimize their rainbow-based diets, “testing can help people understand how to best support their biology and determine what their bodies need,” says Dr. Véronique Desaulniers, a chiropractor and author of Heal Breast Cancer Naturally. She recommends the DNA test kit and whole-body health report from Nutrition Genome to pinpoint which foods to enjoy or avoid, depending on genetic weaknesses. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is also important, she notes, as daily glucose and insulin spikes “can turn on cancer-causing genes and cancer-causing pathways.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

”

Owen Allison Dr. David Lambert

MARINATED BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Deriving their deep-red color from phytonutrients called betalains, beets are rich in nitrates, which help to lower blood pressure. They also provide calcium, folate and fiber. The pistachios in this recipe contain potassium, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium and calcium.

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 lb mixed-color baby beets

1 cup orange juice

1 cup apple cider

1 cup honey

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch grain mustard

3 oz goat cheese

2 Tbsp herbs (chives, basil, mint), chopped

3 oz olive oil

3 oz chopped pistachios

1 toasted baguette, sliced

Remove the beet tops and reserve for other uses. Boil the beets in salted water until tender. Allow to cool slightly and rub the skin off the beets. Using an old dish towel will help the skin come right off.

Mix the vinegar, honey and orange juice in a bowl. Add the thyme and mustard. Add the beets, cover and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Place the oil, sea salt, herbs and pistachios in a blender. Pulse until slightly pureed and chunky.

To assemble the crostini, remove the beets from the marinade and slice. Spread the goat cheese onto the toasted baguette slices and top with the beets. Drizzle the pistachio sauce on top and serve.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

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SUMMER BROCCOLI SOUP WITH HERB CROUTONS

This vibrant, lime green-colored soup is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium and calcium. It also contains several phytonutrients, including the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, as well as tocopherols. For the croutons, choose a healthy bread, such as sprouted whole grain, gluten-free, almond flour or flax loaves.

YIELD: 2 TO 6 SERVINGS, DEPENDING ON PORTION SIZE

FOR SOUP:

6 cups broccoli florets, chopped

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 generous pinch of sea salt

1 pinch of chili pepper flakes

3 Tbsp butter

FOR CROUTONS:

1 cup diced bread

2 Tbsp melted butter

½ tsp fresh thyme, chives or other fresh garden herbs, minced

Bring the stock to a boil. Add the sea salt and chili flakes. Add the broccoli and cook until fork tender and bright green. Transfer to a blender, add butter and blend well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with aged cheddar cheese and croutons.

To make the croutons, toss the diced bread in a bowl with melted butter, salt and fresh herbs. Spread the bread in an even layer on an oven-safe pan. Bake at 350º F and toast until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

The Sweet Tapestry of Summer

by Marlaina Donato

July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness. Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land.

Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the nearmagical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?

Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good, such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.

We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.

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

maria t hoffman/AdobeStock.com

Gut Health for Kids

CLEVER STRATEGIES FOR PICKY EATERS

by Sheila Julson

Most kids look forward to summer vacation, but the dog days can eventually lead to boredom and over-snacking. By creatively offering children healthy, diverse foods, presented in ways to please even finicky palates, parents can support microbiome health while establishing a lifetime of good eating habits.

Tickle Their Palate

“Foods with probiotic-containing living cultures or fermented foods can add beneficial bacteria to the gut,” says Jill Castle, a Massachusetts-based pediatric dietitian and founding CEO of The Nourished Child, an online nutrition resource for parents. She recommends incorporating treats that are alive, tart and bubbling with healthful microbes.

“Parents can make sure they offer a variety of prebiotic and probiotic foods routinely at mealtimes as options to taste and try. The good news is there are many healthy, gutsupporting foods for children to eat,” she advises.

Yogurt with live or active cultures and kefir, a fermented milk drink, both contain these beneficial probiotics. “Although kefir tends to be sour, some brands have flavored kefir, such as strawberry, mango or peach,” Castle explains. “I’ve had great luck introducing this to children who are picky, because it’s smooth and creamy and tastes like a smoothie.”

She also notes that kombucha, a fizzy, fermented tea with live and active cultures, is available in fruity flavors that appeal to children. Pickles fermented over time with salt

and water are a source of healthy bacteria for the gut. And although cheeses are fermented, only a few have live, active cultures. Castle recommends gouda, mozzarella or cheddar.

Sneak in the Fiber

According to Dr. Joanne Aponte, a naturopathic doctor at Lakeside Natural Medicine, in Milwaukee, a diverse diet high in fiber is key to supporting a healthy gut microbiome. “All veggies are beneficial, but ones high in galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotics help grow and support healthy gut bacteria,” she explains. GOS-rich foods include beans, lentils and peas, along with broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, while FOS-predominant choices are garlic, onions, asparagus, artichokes and leeks.

Aponte also recommends chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which can be ground up in an inexpensive coffee grinder and added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or home-baked goods such as cookies, pancakes or waffles. “Sunflower butter can be used to make cookies,” Aponte notes. “I make oatmeal-sunflower butter cookies that are packed with microbiome-supporting oatmeal, pumpkin, ground chia seeds and, of course, chocolate chips.”

For children that are choosy about vegetables, Aponte suggests making zucchini or carrot muffins with ground chia seeds or walnuts. Entice children to eat raw veggies by offering dipping sauces, such as teriyaki, ranch dressing or salsa. Aponte notes that skins should be left on vegetables whenever possible because they contain fiber, which helps feed the gut microbiome.

“It takes some experimentation, but encourage your child to try lots of different foods,” Aponte says. “Some kids might prefer a black bean spread or dip, or refried beans, versus eating whole beans. There are also pastas made with chickpeas or lentils. Veggies like onion or zucchini can be chopped small and hidden in spaghetti sauce.”

Vladislav Noseek/AdobeStock.com

Add a Pinch of Fun

Katrina Lien, the program development specialist for Sanford fit, a children's fitness program in rural South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, suggests that parents find ways to engage and empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.

“Try offering new foods with foods that you know your kids already like,” she says. “When you introduce something new or unfamiliar alongside foods that are a well-known favorite, kids are more open to trying the unfamiliar food.”

Attempt to make foods more interesting and fun, Lien advises. “This can be done by how you arrange the food items on the plate or cutting foods into different shapes. For example, use a cookie cutter to turn simple cucumber slices into a heart or a star.”

According to Lien, when parents involve their children in snack and meal preparation, kids feel included and excited to try the foods they helped create. Although getting kids interested in unfamiliar foods can be laborious and time-consuming, parents should remind themselves to be patient and remain consistent.

Sanford fit offers free, online resources through printable literature, videos, lessons and games at fit.SanfordHealth.org.

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

Protecting Pets From Lyme Disease

PREVENTION AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TIPS

by Paige Cerulli

When the weather is nice and we crave outdoor adventures with our pets, we may not want to think about Lyme disease, but it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid an infection. One bite from an infected tick could lead to troubling health concerns. Despite the risks, there is no reason to hide indoors, as there are numerous actions we can take to protect our animal companions from infection and to relieve their symptoms should they contract the ailment.

Disease Prevalence in the U.S.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme disease is spread by bites from blacklegged deer ticks or western blacklegged ticks that carry the disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While cases have been reported in nearly every U.S. state, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northwest.

A 2018 study published in Environmetrics found that the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs is getting worse in the Northeast and spreading into regions that weren’t previously considered to be high risk, including areas in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.

Symptoms in Cats, Dogs and Horses

Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic. “We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains.

Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also

experience a serious kidney complication called Lyme nephritis that causes them to feel very sick, drink lots of water and urinate more. Two studies performed by IDEXX, a developer of diagnostic and software products for animals, revealed that dogs exposed to tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, had a 43 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, horses with Lyme disease may experience weight loss, lameness that shifts among the legs, muscle tenderness, low-grade fever and swollen joints.

Preventing Tick Bites

Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, notes that pet owners can naturally reduce their pet’s risk of being bitten by a tick by keeping their yards in check. “Ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass, weeds and leaf litter,” she says. “Keeping your yard tidy by mowing your lawn and removing any dead leaves or debris can help reduce the number of ticks in your yard.”

Pet owners may also use food-grade diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, to help kill ticks in areas where pets like to spend time. Several natural fly sprays, many of which help to repel ticks, are also available for horses.

Removing a Tick

It’s important to carefully inspect pets for tick bites after spending time outdoors. “If you can remove the tick within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, it won’t transmit Lyme disease,” O’Leary maintains. She recommends tools like the Tick Twister or a pair of tweezers to safely coax a tick from their pet. “If you can get down to where the head is inserted and squeeze that with tweezers, that’s the easiest thing to do,” she says.

Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or

lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for advice,” she says.

Caring for an Infected Pet

According to O’Leary, the antibiotic doxycycline is the best available treatment for Lyme disease, and giving the pet a bit of turmeric to eat can relieve inflammation, though it is best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the most appropriate treatment options and dosages. To reduce a fever, soaking a towel in cool water and applying it around a pet’s paws and ears will help.

Savageau highlights the importance of feeding pets a balanced and nutritious diet

that supports the immune system, as well as supplements and other natural remedies. “This may include adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to their food to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Herbs like echinacea may help stimulate the immune system and support the body’s ability to fight infections,” she says, adding, “Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any natural or alternative treatment for pets, as some may be harmful or interfere with prescribed medications.”

Paige Cerulli is a freelance writer in Western Massachusetts specializing in the health and care of pets.

Anne Biklé

ON THE ADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE FARMING

by Linda Sechrist

Anne Biklé and David R. Montgomery, a husband and wife team, collaborated to write What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health. A biologist, environmental planner and gardener extraordinaire, Biklé earned degrees in biology and natural history from the University of California (UC) Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from UC Berkeley. She uses her endless fascination with the natural world to explore the tangled relationships between people and their environments. She also helped Montgomery, a professor of Earth and space sciences at the University of Washington, research and write The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health, as well as Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life. Explor-

ing the connection between soil health and human health, the duo shows us how the roots of our good health begin on farms. Why did you write this book?

It was a case of evolution, a progression of our research and thinking, as well as the culmination of a journey that we’ve been on, looking into how soils affect human societies. When you’re a writer and you’re constantly looking for connections and patterns, this is what can happen. When David was writing Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, he discovered that how we treated the land in the past shaped the way that the land was able to treat the descendants of people. In other words, if you don’t take care of your land, it doesn’t take care of you.

What effects do soil erosion and degradation have on our food supply?

In looking at the UN’s “Status of the World’s Soil Resources" from 2015, the study concludes that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and we’re losing about 0.3 percent of our ability to feed ourselves—to grow food on this planet every year—due to soil erosion and soil degradation. That doesn’t sound like a big number in any one year, but adding it up over the rest of this century, it comes to 30 percent of our ability to feed ourselves. Adding to this is the serious degradation

of the world’s agricultural land from longterm farming practices, such as tilling or plowing, which is the villain in what is becoming a significant planetary problem that can be reversed with regenerative farming practices.

The plow is one of the more destructive implements that mankind has ever invented despite its ability to help feed us in the past. It contributes to soil degradation and erosion because it fundamentally alters the balance between how fast soils are being made and how fast they’re being lost.

What are the benefits of regenerative farming practices?

Regenerative agriculture uses less fertilizer, less pesticide and less fossil fuel. It also increases the carbon content in the soil. Carbon-rich soil retains more water and contains more life, such as whole new worlds of microbial metabolites [the energy and nutrients needed to live and reproduce] that come from soil microbes.

Do farming practices influence the health of crops and human health?

Conventional farming practices use synthetic nitrogen, which degrades organic soil matter and alters the communities of life in the soil. In studies of organic versus conventional, we’ve found that there’s almost always evidence that there are differences in micronutrients and phytochemicals, with organic crops having higher levels of both. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that we need in trace amounts for our health— for example, selenium, boron, zinc and iron—which we need just a little bit of, but that little bit has an oversized effect on our health.

Conventional crops almost always have higher levels of pesticides and heavy metals. There’s a lot of controversy scientifically about how much is enough to affect human health. The companies that make pesticides assure us that the levels in food are perfectly safe. But there are now

scientists who are starting to investigate chronic exposure to even small amounts over a whole lifetime. How much does that influence our health? We think there are reasons to keep asking those questions. It is highly suggestive that the idea of a connection between soil health, crop health and animal health translates into what’s in our food. If we’re getting more vitamins, phytochemicals and mineral micronutrients, which are shown to support health, you can make the argument that these regeneratively grown foods are probably healthier for us to eat.

What influence do farming practices have on livestock and human health?

The nature of what ruminants eat greatly influences the nature of the fats that are in meat and dairy. Livestock grazing on leafy green plants are getting an omega3-rich diet. Ruminants that eat predominantly seed- or seed oil-derived rations in a feed lot are getting a mainly omega6-derived diet. Omega-6 fats help trigger inflammation. We want our bodies to be able to trigger inflammation when we need it, but we also want it to turn off when it’s done. Inflammation is not a process that just stops, so we need omega-3 fats, which are central to the process of terminating or quelling inflammation.

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

Addressing Climate Change in the Garden

REGENERATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM

by Julie Peterson

Reversing global warming may feel like a challenge that is out of reach, but anyone can make a difference by planting an ecologically supportive garden. Regenerative techniques employed in the backyard, a community garden or even an apartment patio can significantly improve local ecosystems. And because living systems are interconnected, a healthier ecosystem boosts the well-being of all life forms, as well as the environment.

“Growing a garden is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals to enact positive change and make a difference,” says Emily Murphy, the California author of Grow Now: How We Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet—One Garden at a Time. “If you’re looking for practical solutions to the climate crisis and the resulting loss of biodiversity, the answer is right out your door and in the earth beneath your feet. It’s possible to sequester enough carbon to offset your carbon footprint while supporting wildlife.”

According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of Plant Partners: ScienceBased Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden and co-founder of Savvy Gardening.com, “Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your gardening practices and

reduce time and budget in the long term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of human disturbance.”

LAYER SOIL

A key principle of regenerative gardening is to add layers to the soil instead of digging downward or tilling. “Layering up increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil to sequester carbon,” Murphy explains.

“Addition of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or well-aged manure, helps build good soil structure and feeds beneficial soil microbes,” says Walliser, who recommends adding one to two inches per year to gardens.

Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible. In some cities, free compost is available through community compost hubs where residents drop off bins of yard and food waste. “Purchasing commercially produced compost may be a worthwhile investment, particularly when growers are just getting started and soil quality is poor,” suggests Bryan O’Hara, the Connecticut author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture: Pesticide-Free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing NutrientRich, High-Yielding Crops.

PLANT PERENNIALS

Perennials come back every year and can provide food for people and wildlife. Many varieties of fruiting shrubs, trees, vegetables and nuts can form the backbone of a garden with annual plants interspersed throughout. Adding beauty to the mix, perennial flowers—some of which are edible—are essential food for bees, butterflies and birds.

“Choose plants with different flower shapes, sizes and colors, as well as plants with a diversity of bloom times,” Walliser advises. “Opt for plants native to your region, as they have co-evolved with native insects and may provide better resources for them.”

EMBRACE BIODIVERSITY

“When you’re fostering biodiversity, you’re supporting the mutualism that naturally exists in wildlife. You’re increasing and improving ecological relationships,” says

Murphy. Instead of planting monoculture rows in a vegetable garden, mix up the plants the way Mother Nature does, Walliser recommends. And if abandoning tidy rows of the same type of plant seems too unruly, interplant the rows: a few beans, a tomato, flowers, then more beans and peppers, for example.

Another suggestion is to plant a variety of salad greens, carrots and radishes in a raised bed and interplant edible nasturtiums, chives and violets. “Interplanting makes it harder for pests to find their favorite host plant. It also makes it harder for diseases to spread from one plant to the next,” Walliser explains.

AVOID CHEMICALS

Skip the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. “Even organic pesticides can be harmful to pollinators and pest-eating beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings

and others,” says Walliser. A chemical-free, biodiverse garden is a safe place for beneficial bugs. Trust that the good bugs will find the bad bugs and there will be balance.

A sun-kissed organic tomato from the garden will forever ruin us for grocery store produce. And when we sink our hands in healthy soil to retrieve a beet or plant seeds, we may feel a wave of positive energy because soil microbes have been found to work like natural antidepressants, making us happier and healthier.

“When we begin to understand the inner workings of our greater ecosystem through the ecosystems closest to home, such as our gardens and communities, we come to see that we each have the power to grow positive change beginning at home,” says Murphy.

Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

calendar of events

NOTE: To share your events and classes in our calendar, please visit our websites NABerks.com or NALancaster.com for guidelines and a submission link. Deadline: 5th of the month prior.

Visit our online calendar where you can find updated event and class information and share your events for free.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

B.A.R.N.opoly is Back – thru 8/19. A fun summerlong agricultural experience for the whole family. Check the website to learn participating locations then begin your discovery visits and shopping. Gameboards available at all participating locations. Berks Agricultural Resource Network. 724-4543674. BerksAg.org.

Tarot – 10am-3:30pm (Saturdays ongoing). Nancy Warble offers 3-card readings. Drop in or make an appointment. Call for details. Radiance/Herbs from the Labyrinth, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-2901517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com.

Spiritual Saturdays at Kula Kamala Ashram – 10:30am-8pm. First Saturdays. A day full of offerings such as hatha yoga, a three-hour workshop, fire ceremony, and kirtan, plus a gluten-free dinner. Sessions are individual registrations and are by donation. Advance registration is required. Kula Kamala Foundation & Ashram, 17 Basket Rd, Reading. 484-509-5073. KulaKamalaFoundation.org.

Astrology Readings by Leo – 11am-3pm. (Saturdays ongoing). Astrology can help guide us to embrace a more fluid perspective, opening the possibility for grace, choice and participation. $55 for one hour consultation, written copy of the report and a framed birth chart. Herbs from the Labyrinth, 13 W Grant St, Lancaster. 717-290-1517. HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 2

Meditation – 8-9am. (Sundays ongoing).

Kula Kamala Ashram, 17 Basket Rd, Alsace Twp, Reading. By donation. 484-509-5073. KulaKamalaFoundation.org.

Musser Park Community Yoga – 9-10am. (Sundays ongoing). Yoga is for everybody regardless of financial state. This yoga class mixes Vinyasa with Alignment; well suited for any level of practice. West End Yoga at Musser Park, 135 N Lime St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio. com.

Yin Yoga – 9-10:30am. (Sundays ongoing).

Kula Kamala Ashram, 17 Basket Rd, Alsace Twp, Reading. By donation. 484-509-5073. KulaKamalaFoundation.org.

Lancaster Friends School Meetup – 10am-12pm. Lancaster Friends School invites current, former, new and interested families for some fun at the park. This is a drop in event to allow the children to enjoy each other’s company and play together while adults do the same. Free. Lancaster Friends School

at Amos Herr Park, 1700 Nissley Rd, Landisville. 717-553-2300. LancasterFriends.org.

Talk and Music with Charles Lee – 10:3011:30am. Topic: Defying Fear, Unleashing Your Unstoppable Power. Charles Lee is a professional Motown singer as well as an uplifting speaker who presents regularly at Unity of Reading. Free. Unity of Reading, Unity of Reading, 4443 10th Ave, Temple. 610-929-1990. UnityOfReading.org.

Wisdom Circle – 10:30-11:30am. (Sundays ongoing). Kula Kamala Ashram, 17 Basket Rd, Alsace Twp, Reading. By donation. 484-509-5073. KulaKamalaFoundation.org.

Yoga at Phantom Power – 10:30-11:30am (Sundays ongoing). Join Tommy for yoga on the stage rain or shine, right before Eggs and Kegs. College discount available, all yogis also get a drink discount. West End Yoga at Phantom Power, 121 W Frederick St, Millersville. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

MONDAY, JULY 3

Strong & Stable Dynamic Aging Workshop – 9:30-10:30am. (Mondays and Wednesdays thru 7/26). Learn how to regain your balance, maintain your ability to drive, keep your feet healthy and functional, increase mobility and reduce pain throughout your body. $198. Offered by Embody Grace and held at Bangor Episcopal Church, 2099 Main St, Narvon. 610-304-5120. EmbodyGrace.com.

Sound Immersion Meditation – 5-6pm. (Mondays ongoing). Using a combination of tuning forks, Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, and other instruments, prepare to be immersed in sound and vibration to release stress and induce a deeply meditative state. $20. Registration required. Hempfield Apothetique, 100 W Walnut St, Lancaster. HempfieldApothetique.com.

Mindful Yoga – 6-7pm. (Mondays ongoing). Onsite and via Zoom. Slow down your breath, your body, and your mind. First session is complementary, discounts available. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJamesLancaster.org/yoga.

TUESDAY, JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

Contemplative Prayer/Meditation – 8-8:30am. (Tuesdays ongoing). In person and via Zoom. Free. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. For the Zoom link, visit SaintJamesLancaster.org. (Call ahead to confirm).

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

Restorative Yoga – 6-7pm. (Wednesdays ongoing). Onsite and via Zoom. Enjoy easy yoga as a way to gently wind down your day. Bodies are fully supported in relaxed poses with long, gentle holds using props we provide. Free, instructor gratuity appreciated. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJamesLancaster. org/yoga.

Coping with the Loss of a Spouse or Companion–6:30-8pm. Other dates and times available. Via Zoom. Are you grieving the death of someone you care about? Would you like to talk with others who have experienced a loss? This meeting includes a presentation and an informal time to talk with others. Free. Pathways Center for Grief & Loss. 717-3912413 or 888-282-2177. HospiceCommunity.org.

Ultimate Health Workshop – 7pm. (Wednesdays ongoing). Learn how you can achieve optimal health. Topics vary by week. Free. Call to reserve your spot. Heath Wellness Center, 14 W. Main St, Landisville. 717-530-5555. HeathChiropractic.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

Contemplative Prayer/Meditation – 8-8:30am. (Thursdays ongoing). In person and via Zoom. Free. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. For the Zoom link, visit SaintJamesLancaster.org.

Restorative Yoga – 7-8pm. (Thursdays ongoing). Designed to combat the mental and physical repercussions of everyday stress. $15. Registration required. Hempfield Apothetique 100 W Walnut St, Lancaster. HempfieldApothetique.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Contemplative Prayer/Meditation – 6:45-7:15am. (Fridays ongoing). In person and via Zoom. Free. 717-397-4858. 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. For the Zoom link, visit SaintJamesLancaster.org.

Mindful Yoga – 9-10am. (Fridays ongoing). Onsite and via Zoom. Slow down your breath, your body, and your mind. First session is complementary, discounts available. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJamesLancaster. org/yoga.

Release and Rejuvenate Yoga – 12-1pm. (Fridays ongoing). Onsite and via Zoom. Take a moment for emotional, mental, and physical release. Perfect for all levels of yoga experience. The class incorporates gentle movements with the breath, held poses, breathwork, meditation and relaxing music. Register for yoga online. West End Yoga Studio, 221 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

Grand Opening: RUTA Homeopathic & Complementary Medicine – 4-7pm. Meet the practitioner, expect good energy, light refreshments, interactive activities, raffle and Q&A. Free. RUTA Homeopathic & Complementary Medicine, Toll House Shoppes, 4453 Penn Ave, Ste 8, Sinking Spring. 646-204-9199. RutaComprehensive.org, ChildrensDestinies.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Midsummer Holistic Expo – 10am-6pm. Enjoy speakers, demonstrations and vendors of a variety of products and services for health and well-being.

Food trucks on site. $5/day (free to military, law enforcement and first responders with ID). Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Rd, Lancaster. 717-4198796. TherapeuticThymes.com.

Cooking with Cannabis Introduction Class – 10:30-11:30am. Blend the magic of cannabis with the craft of cooking in this introductory class that will teach you the basics of cooking with cannabis. Hempfield Apothetique, 100 W Walnut St, Lancaster. HempfieldApothetique.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

Joyful July Talk and Picnic – 10:30am talk and 11:30am picnic. Special talk by Julie Vance on “Joyful July”. Hear how to bring more joy into your life and stay for the picnic. Bring friends and perhaps a dish to share. Enjoy food, games, friendship and fun. Unity of Reading, 4443 10th Ave, Temple. 610-375-2670. UnityOfReading.org.

Midsummer Holistic Expo – 11am-5pm. See 7/8 listing for details.

Butterfly Celebration – 1-4pm. Take a butterfly guide and walk the farm property to identify and record all butterfly species found, participate in a workshop on butterfly gardening, assist in installing a new butterfly garden at Homefields Farm and so much more. $15 pp or $30 per family. Homefields, 150 Letort Rd, Millersville. 717-5722719. Homefields.org.

MONDAY,

JULY 10

Craft Night at Lancaster Friends School – 6-9pm. Bring something you’ve been working on or start something new. We'll have beads, wire, collage materials, acrylics and much more. Current, new

and prospective families or friends are invited. Free. Lancaster Friends School, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. 717-553-2300. LancasterFriends.org.

Women’s Memoir Writing Class – 6:30-8:30pm (via Zoom). 6 wks thru 8/14 (no class July 24). “Exploring Our Life Stories.” A safe haven for capturing the memories that matter to us most. Registration required. Write From the Heart. 717393-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

Kids’ Summer Cooking Camp: Summertime Grilling and Picnicking – 10am-12:30pm.3 days thru 7/20. Ages 7-12. Kids learn useful skills and have a great time creating and eating delicious food. Hands-on. Registration is required. $225/person. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Newly Bereaved Program – 2-3:30pm. If your loss was recent, this 3-wk series provides an overview of common grief responses and will help you to begin to identify coping tools. Space limited, registration required. For info/to register: 717-3912413 or 888-282-2177 by 7/4 to discuss with a Bereavement Counselor. Pathways Center for Grief and Loss, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy. HospiceCommunity.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Cooking Class: Knife Skills 101 – 6-8pm. Ages 16+. Learn the single most important skill to master for meal prepping success with proper knife cuts, tips for safety and efficiency, as well as knife care. Hands on. Registration required. $80. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Nature Explorers: Eco-Camp for a Day –9am-4pm(Drop-off event).Best for ages 6-14. Drop your kids off at The Nature Place for a full day of exploring Angelica Creek Park, scientific experiments, and other hands-on activities, perfect for the curious, adventure-seekers. $50. Berks Nature at The Nature Place, 575 St Bernardine St, Reading. 610-372-4992. Support. BerksNature.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Unity of Reading – 10:30-11:30am (Sundays ongoing). Join us each Sunday for community and positivity. Unity of Reading, 4443 10th Ave, Temple. 610-929-1990. UnityOfReading.org.

MONDAY, JULY 17

Coping with the Loss of a Child of Any Age –6:30-8pm. Are you grieving the death of someone you care about? Would you like to talk with others who have experienced a loss? Includes a presentation and an informal time to talk with others. Free. To register: Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy. 717 391-2413 or 888-282-2177. HospiceCommunity.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 18

Teen Summer Cooking Camp: Summertime Grilling and Picnicking – 10am-12:30pm. 3 days thru 7/20. Ages 13-16. Teens have a great time creating and eating delicious and beautiful food. Hands-on. Registration is required. $225/person. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

Angelica Creek Park Geocaching Adventure – 6-7:30pm (approx.). One evening only. This introductory treasure hunt is perfect for first time geocachers and families interested in learning more about geocaching before taking on their first geocaching challenge. Free. Berks Nature at The Nature Place, 575 St Bernardine St, Reading. 610372-4992. Support.BerksNature.org.

GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) – 6:30-8pm. A source of help, compassion and understanding for individuals who have had a loved one die as a result of substance abuse or addiction. Free. Registration required: MParadise810@comcast. net or 717-951-2720. Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy. HospiceCommunity.org.

Women’s Intro Writing Class – 6:30-8:30pm. 5 wks, Tuesdays thru 8/22 (no class 7/25). Via Zoom. “Writing Without Fear.” A warm and welcoming community of trust, kindness and understanding. Learn to write freely without perfection and selfdoubt. Beginner’s welcome, sharing optional. Write From the Heart. Registration required. 717-3934713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

Sing Your Heart Out Voice Embodiment Workshop – 7:15-8:15pm. Connect through singing, sounding/intoning, movement, joy, and reflection. Taught by Jen Lobo Rose. $20/class. Offered by Resonate You thru Black Cat Yoga, 796 Lititz Pk, Lititz. ResonateYou.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Light the Path Forward – 4-7pm. Our annual fundraiser event and opportunity to meet the founders, trustees, staff, families and supporters of the school and hear about the mission and values at LFS. Adults only – serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Lancaster Friends School at the home of Founder and Trustee, Bob Muth, 337 E Orange St, Lancaster. 717-553-2300. LancasterFriends.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Kid’s Summer Yoga Class – 6-7pm (approx.). Best for ages 4-6. Ms. Shelby will be teaching us yoga. Bringing together nature, mindfulness, and nutrition, this class includes a 20-min movement session that will include yoga, followed by a craft and healthy snack. $18. Berks Nature at The Nature Place, 575 St Bernardine St, Reading. 610-372-4992. Support.BerksNature.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Organic Field Day – 8:30am-3:30pm. Interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute experts and learn about a wide variety of research and demonstration

projects, all focused on organic agriculture while exploring our 386-acre experimental farm either by foot or enjoying a leisurely wagon ride from site to site. Registration required. $25. Rodale Institute, 611 Siegfriedale Rd, Kutztown. 610-683-1400. RodaleInstitute.org.

Mindfulness Hike – 6-8pm. Unplug and step away from your screens for some quality time and fresh air outside. Take a leisurely walk through Angelica Creek Park, stopping to connect with nature and ourselves with nature-themed meditation activities along the way. Free. Berks Nature at The Nature Place, 575 St Bernardine St, Reading. 610-372-4992. Support.BerksNature.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Lancaster Friends School Music & Fun: Summer Social Song & Dance – 4-6pm. For kids and adults, families and friends. The singing circle will give each person present a chance to perform, lead or request a song. Bring instruments, original songs, or copies of words for the group. Songbooks also provided. Free. Lancaster Friends School, 110 Tulane Terrace, Lancaster. 717-553-2300. LancasterFriends.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Wisdom Circle Satsang – 2-3pm. First of 2 sessions (2nd session 8/12). A spiritually focussed discussion concerning the challenges and blessings of today’s world. Lead by SwaminiShraddhanandaSaraswati, the session will include invocation, intention setting, discourse and Q&A. Registration required. Donation. In collaboration with Kula Kamala Foundation. West End Yoga Studio, 21 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717-406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com

MONDAY, JULY 24

Teen Summer Writing Camp – 10:30am12:30pm. 3 sessions, 7/24, 7/25 and 7/28. Via Zoom. A non-intimidating, free-spirited look at how creativity flows when we let go of our inhibitions. Through kindness, and a touch of mischief, we spark both intellect and imagination, in an inviting atmosphere where it’s cool to be yourself. No grades, grammar or judgement. Write From the Heart. Registration required. 717-393-4713. WriteFromTheHeart.us.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Eating Healthy with Friends Cooking Demo - 6:30pm. Lori Borja, certified nutrition specialist, shares healthy food samples, instruction and recipes. $10. Spine & Wellness Center, 3933 Perkiomen Ave, Ste. 104, Reading. RSVP to Lborja@SpineAndWellness.org. 484-769-6866. SpineAndWellness.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

AGE 50 & UNDER: Coping with the Loss of a Spouse or Companion – 6-7:30pm. Other dates and times available. Are you grieving the death of someone you care about? Would you like to talk with others who have experienced a loss? This meeting includes a presentation and an informal time to talk with others. Free. Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy. 717-391-2413 or 888-282-2177. HospiceCommunity.org.

Master Cooking Class: Backyard Grilling and Chilling – 6-9pm. Ages 16+. Learn how to make everything from scratch, starting with mixing your rub seasoning, slow cooking your meat, making

yeasty brioche buns and finishing with making fresh watermelon fresca and taking home your own BBQ sauce. Hands on. BYOB. Registration required. $95. Zest Cooking School, 1180 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz. 717-435-8890. ZestChef.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Family Days at the Farm – 5-8pm. Keynote speaker Joel Salatin. Free. The Community Alliance for Responsible Eco-farming (CARE) at the Melvin Stoltzfus Farm, 199 Brick Mill Rd, Christiana. 717345-2684 ext 827. Tinyurl.com/FamilyDays2023.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Farmily Days at the Farm – 8am-4pm. Educational seminars, homemakers’ advice, farmstead ideas, children’s activities, including a petting zoo and corn box, healthy baking, vegetable growing, keynote speakers and more. Free. The Community Alliance for Responsible Eco-farming (CARE) at the Melvin Stoltzfus Farm, 199 Brick Mill Rd, Christiana. 717345-2684 ext 827. Tinyurl.com/FamilyDays2023.

plan ahead

savethedate

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

New Visions Holistic Expo – 10am-6pm (Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun). Experience more than 100 vendors, free lectures, like-minded community and more. $7/day or $10 for both. Memorial Hall, York Fair Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave, York. For tickets: NewVisionsHolisticExpo.com. 717-814-9136.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Wisdom Circle Satsang – 2-3pm. First of 2 sessions (2nd session 8/12). A spiritually focussed discussion concerning the challenges and blessings of today’s world. Lead by SwaminiShraddhanandaSaraswati, the session will include invocation, intention setting, discourse and Q&A. Registration required. Donation. In collaboration with Kula Kamala Foundation. West End Yoga Studio, 21 W Walnut St, Lancaster. 717406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Comparative Religion Retreat – 10am-2pm. Examine your spiritual practices and beliefs as you grow in understanding of a different practice. Talks, discussions and a meditation session will explore the theme of seeing God everywhere. $60 prepaid/$100 for two. Saint James Episcopal, 119 N Duke St, Lancaster. 717-397-4858. SaintJamesLancaster. org/retreat.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – 1:304:30pm. Sundays thru 11/12. Jess Okanya Patel leads this evidence-based course that reduces physical and mental suffering, improves peace of mind, develops resilience and balance and improves your sense of wellbeing. Fee on sliding scale basis. West End Yoga Studio, 221 West Walnut St, Lancaster. 717406-9681. WestEndYogaStudio.com.

Potato flowers / Photo: Steffi K. Kern

community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Advertising@NALancaster.com or visit NALancaster.com or NABerks.com.

ACUPUNCTURE

LANCASTER ACUPUNCTURE

Beverly Fornoff

Eden Natural Care Center

600F Eden Rd • Lancaster

717-381-7334 • LancasterAcupuncture.com

Discover your body’s natural ability to heal with the supports of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture is a way to relieve acute or chronic pain, stress, allergies, colds, digestive problems, and insomnia and support your overall well-being. See ad, page 17.

BODYWORK

SUPERNATURAL WELLBEING, LLC

Grace Henderson, LMT

342 N Queen St • Lancaster

SupernaturalWellbeingLLC@gmail.com

Offering a wide range of bodywork and holistic wellness services to support your wellbeing, harmony and balance of mind/body/spirit, guiding you to the realization that you have always been perfect while empowering you to make necessary changes to create the fabulous life you want to live. LGBQTIA+ friendly.

CBD/HEMP PRODUCTS

CEDAR MEADOW FARM

CedarMeadow.farm

717-723-3770

Hello@CedarMeadow.farm

CBD is better when it comes from a single farm that’s been dedicated to regenerative practices non-stop for over 30 years. That’s what we do.

Discover why Better Soil makes Better Oil. Deeply rooted in Lancaster, PA. See ad, page 24.

HEMPFIELD BOTANICALS

HEMPFIELD APOTHETIQUE

100 W Walnut St • Lancaster

717-874-8480

HempfieldBotanicals.com

Hempfield Botanicals embraces that wellness is the foundation for living a full and vibrant life. We create the THC-free and fullspectrum CBD products to help people find relief from pain and inflammation, sleep problems, anxiety, headaches, lack of energy and more. Certified B-corp, vegan, certified cruelty-free, sustainable and third-party tested. See ad, page 25.

NIGHT AND DAY CBD HUB

NightAndDayCBDHub.com

NightAndDayEnt2018@gmail.com

484-752-0019

Birthed from Night and Day Network LLC, Night and Day CBD Hub is a CBD online shop where you will find alternatives to smoking tobacco cigarettes and effective methods for pain relief. Our CBD products are grown and manufactured with the upmost quality in Lancaster County, PA. See ad, page 15.

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

CHILDREN’S HOME OF READING

1010 Centre Ave • Reading BuildingKidsLives.org

610-655-5555

Serving children and families in crisis for over 135 years, the Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) is a multi-faceted social service nonprofit offering specialized residential, educational and community-based programs to help both at-risk children and their families. See ad, page 39.

CHIROPRACTIC

A THERAPEUTIC EFFECT

Dr. Andrew Ashton

313D Primrose Ln • Mountville 717-285-9955 • ATherapeuticEffect.com

Providing an array of therapeutic treatments and services that promote relaxation and detoxification. Our doctor specializes in low-impact Torque Release Technique which provides immediate results for people of all ages. See ad, page 2.

BLUE SKIES CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Leah Reiff

2727 Old Philadelphia Pike • Bird-in-Hand 717-390-9998 • BlueSkiesChiroHealth.com

Chiropractic is used for natural relief from conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, pregnancy complications, complications from aging & more. Dr. Reiff carefully considers every individual's comfort level & provides specific adjustments to support the body for benefits that will last.

DR. SUPER’S HOUSE OF HEALTH

2209 Quarry Dr, Ste B-21 • West Lawn 610-601-9011

DrSupersHouseOfHealth.com

At Dr. Super’s House of Health, we believe in a personalized approach to health care. We do things the right way, all the time, every time. Discover the healing power that lives within you and take control of your health again. See ad, page 9.

HEATH CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER LLC

Thomas Heath, DC 14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555

HeathWellnessCenter.com

For 33 years, Dr. Heath has been helping people recover their health and reduce stress in their lives through Functional Integrative Brain /Body Balance. He uses Professional Applied Kinesiology, Neuro Emotional Technique, Quantum Neurology, Nutritional counseling, traditional Chiropractic and other cutting-edge techniques. See ad, page 43.

LINK CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

Dr. Thomas B. Wachtmann, DC 3130 Pricetown Rd • Fleetwood 610-944-5000

DrWachtmann.com

High-quality, patient-focused Chiropractic Care, and Functional Diagnostic Medicine evaluation and treatment. We focus on correcting the underlying causes of many disorders, diseases and conditions. Call for a complimentary consultation and benefit check. See ad, page 4.

Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it.

~Heather Morgan

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place listing, email content to Advertising@NALancaster.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

FOR RENT

OFFICE SPACE | Convenient Elizabethtown location. Includes water, electricity, access to washer/dryer, bathroom, kitchenette, parking and designated handicapped space. $900/mo. 717-208-1681.

OPPORTUNITIES

FOSTER PARENTS URGENTLY

NEEDED | YOU can make a difference in the life of a child. There is a shortage of foster parents in our area and loving, stable homes are needed to provide safety, stability and care. Find out more by calling 610-655-5555 or visit BuildingKidsLives.org.

MAGAZINE DELIVERY | For 30-40 Lancaster City locations. 1x/monthly for approximately 2-3 hours. Must have liability insurance and an insured vehicle. For rate and details, contact Publisher@NALancaster.com.

CHIROPRACTIC

THE SPINE & WELLNESS CENTER

3933 Perkiomen Ave • Reading 610-779-4588

SpineAndWellness.org

Dr. Borja has 23+ years of experience and is a trusted Chiropractor to many primary care doctors, surgeons and pain management offices. He and his team specialize in auto and work injuries as well as sports concussions, acute/chronic spine pain, daily sprains and strain, sciatica and headaches. See ad, page 12.

CLINICAL AROMATHERAPIST

INSHANTI

Debra Stoltzfus

48 Slaymaker Hill Rd • Kinzers 717-587-3990 • Inshanti.com

Trust a nationally certified aromatherapist specializing in clinical consultations. Deb can work directly with your physician to create a plan that supports mind and body health. In addition to retail and wholesale accounts of proprietary blends and pure essential oils sourced directly from the farmers, halfand full-day education courses with certification are offered. See ad, page 20.

COACHING

CREATE A LIFE WORTH LIVING

Stephane Poncelet 570-449-2219

Calwl2022@gmail.com

As a result of our sessions, you will observe and respond to the conflict, emptiness and loneliness that stem from family disfunction and mourn the unchangeable past. You will own your truth, grieve your losses, and become accountable for how you live your life today. You will show yourself the love, patience and respect you deserve as you create a life worth living!

MINDBODY WITH RENEE, LLC

Renee Mendenhall, LMT

210 W Grant St, Ste 304 • Lancaster 717-330-8171

MindBodywithRenee.com

You create your own reality based on your thoughts and vibration (how you feel). Take control of your life through an understanding of the Law of Attraction. Sessions include intuitive guidance and subconscious change modalities, Emotional Freedom Technique and PSYCH-K.

COUNSELING

GREY MUZZLE MANOR

1164 Blattadahl Rd • Mohrsville

610-655-5271

GreyMuzzleManor.com

Facebook.com/GreyMuzzleManor

The licensed mental health therapists at Grey Muzzle Manor provide Animal Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for adults and children with issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, impulse control disorders, autism, addiction, and more. Our animals enable people to find their internal power and strength to move forward in life. See ad, page 11.

M. HARNISH COUNSELING & SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Malinda Harnish Clatterbuck, MA (she/her) 228 E Orange St • Lancaster 717-875-5066

MHarnishTherapy.com

The work of healing and formation begins as we listen to what is going on in our inner life, what is happening in our heart and in our head. Using compassion and deep listening, I will be present with you and help you along your way.

TAKE HEART COUNSELING & EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

699 Wooltown Rd • Wernersville

717-917-7137

TakeHeartCounseling.com

Empowering individuals and families to find hope, healing and wholeness through therapeutic work with horses. Trauma-informed services address trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth, spirituality, family issues. Offering individual and group sessions.

DENTISTRY

SCHWARTZ FAMILY DENTAL

David A. Schwartz, DDS, PC 701 Jefferson Blvd • West Lawn 610-670-6910

SchwartzFamilyDental.com

We provide general and cosmetic mercury-free dental care to the entire family with attention to “whole person health.” We have advanced training in the safe removal of mercury fillings, nonsurgical gum treatments, orthodontics, sleep apnea, solutions for TMJ, facial pain, and headaches. Visit our website to learn more. See ad, page 45.

SUSQUEHANNA DENTAL ARTS

100 S 18th St • Columbia 717-684-3943 • 717-285-7033

SusquehannaDentalArts.com

We are a fullservice family dental practice providing 100% mercury-free restorations, quality non-surgical periodontal care, INVISALIGN, implant-retained dentures and partials. See ad, page 35.

DNA TESTING

ANY LAB TEST NOW

235 Bloomfield Dr, 110 Bldg B • Lititz 717-207-7604

AnyLabTestNow.com/Lititz

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers and businesses to manage their health! We provide direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, and drug- and alcohol-testing services, vitamin B12 injections and more. See ad, page 19.

END-OF-LIFE CARE

HOSPICE & COMMUNITY CARE

Serving Lancaster and York counties as well as parts of Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin and Lebanon counties 877-506-0149

HospiceCommunity.org

Care is provided based on a patient’s symptoms and needs. Hospice care provides comfort during a patient’s final weeks and months. Palliative care relieves the symptoms and stress of serious illness. Grief support is provided during and after a loss. See ad, page 19.

KAREN GLASS

Death Dula, Life to End of Life Coach, Herbalist

Greater Berks, Lancaster, Philadelphia Karen-Glass.com

Coach-Doula@Karen-Glass.com

Life to End of Life coaching is a conscious compassionate process for resolution and closure when moving through profound change in life at any time. Also offering Death Doula Services for those who are terminally ill, the actively dying and their lovedones, including practical planning, facilitating conscious communication and awareness, advocating and companioning.

PEACEFUL PASSAGES

Elena Snyder, LPN 215-859-2556

Facebook/PeacefulHospiceCare

With over 20 years experience in hospice end of life care, Elena provides personalized, hands-on, end-of-life comfort care services such as nursing care, companionship, education, emotional support and spiritual guidance through life ’ s final journey.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE FUNCTIONAL HEALTH

OF LANCASTER

Dr. Mary Regan, DNP, CRNP, IFMCP 2207 Oregon Pike, Suite 301A • Lancaster MR@FH-Lancaster.com 717-490-6227 (call or text)

FH-Lancaster.com

Are you looking for a holistic root cause approach to your health and wellness? Functional Health of Lancaster provides comprehensive adult primary care, functional medicine, nutritional support, thermography and yoga therapy, addressing your important health needs and wellness goals. Membership plans available. See ad, page 25.

KULP NUTRITION & WELLNESS

Dr. Donna Kulp, DC, DACBN, IFMCP

52 Morgantown Road • Reading 610-208-0404

KulpNutritionWellness.com

Dr. Donna Kulp helps patients achieve health and wellness goals through finding the root cause of specific health needs. She takes into consideration individual biochemistry, health history, genetics, lifestyle, exercise and stress to create customized wellness programs that address the interaction between the external environment and the internal environment of the body, including the immune, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. See ad, page 43.

FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY

LANCASTER BRAIN & SPINE

221 Granite Run Dr • Lancaster 717-299-9600

LancasterBrainAndSpine.com

Our mission is to improve the lives of people suffering from complicated neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, by utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic testing and customized brainbased treatment plans. See ads, pages 14 and 41.

HERBAL MEDICINE

GREEN ENCHANTMENTS, LLC

Cara Marino, OTR/L and Certified Herbalist

860-604-5125

Cara@GreenEnchantmentsShoppe.com

GreenEnchantmentsShoppe.com

We offer 100% handmade ethically and/or organic therapeutic herbal remedies to promote physical, emotional and spiritual quality of life. We also offer individualized holistic consultations with a licensed occupational therapist and herbalist.

HERBS FROM THE LABYRINTH

Master Herbalist Sarah Preston

Radiance, 13 W Grant St • Lancaster 717-290-1517

HerbsFromTheLabyrinth.com

Long-time Herbalist Sarah Preston crafts small-batch herbal body-care and wellness products, teas, tinctures, syrups, salves and creams using organically grown and ethically sourced wildcrafted herbs. Consultations and custom blends available. Products found at Radiance and Lemon Street Market, both in Lancaster. See ad, page 30.

NEVER GLOSSY. ALWAYS GREEN.

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Kutztown

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Wernersville

Womelsdorf

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Elizabethtown

Lititz

Lancaster

Columbia

Reading

Ephrata

Willow Street

Fleetwood

Boyertown

Coatesville

Gratefully serving Lancaster County and Berks County, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area.

Paid subscriptions available along with delivery of free-to-the-reader print magazines at hundreds of locations. Sign up on our website to receive our digital magazine delivered free to your inbox.

To promote your HEALTHY, NATURAL or GREEN business, service or event, please call 717-399-3187.

NALancaster.com · NABerks.com

Leola

HOLISTIC WELLNESS ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS TRANSFORMATIONAL HEALING

Asha Scatchard, BHSP, IKH 717-843-5672

EnergyBodyworks.com

Brennan Healing Science Practitioner, 25 years’ experience. Healing on the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual levels of your being. Early forgotten life experiences and traumas are stored in the body’s cellular memory and continue to affect adult experiences and relationships. Healing these distortions allows your body to heal on many levels affecting your health and well-being. Distance healing available via Zoom.

JACKIE’S OIL CONNECTION

Jacquelyn Donati, LMT, dõTERRA Wellness Advocate

610-781-7310

Jackies.Oil.Connection@gmail.com

My.DoTerra.com/bluemountainmassage

Discover how to support your health with essential oils and simple lifestyle shifts. With education and guidance, you can achieve a wide range of health and wellness goals using natural solutions. Request info about free classes or to schedule a personal wellness consultation.

PEACE N REIKI

Nancy Mintzer

610-463-8701 ph/txt

Peace.N.Reiki@gmail.com

PeaceNReiki.com

Are you at a crossroads in your life, in a career change or a relationship change... ready to step into purpose...looking for clarity & direction? Through Chakradance, reiki, thought coaching, women circles and meditation, Nancy has the tools to help you return to balance and well-being. See ad, page 4.

RESTORE YOUR ENERGY

Deb Gallagher, RN, AP Lancaster 717-203-9666

RestoreEnergy12@gmail.com

RestoreYourEnergy.org

Experience Eden Energy

Medicine, a practice created by Donna Eden, healer, author and teacher. This method assists with balancing our nine energy systems which can become blocked by stress, pain and illnesses. When the energy is balanced, sleep, joy, concentration and immunity improve, and our body’s natural ability to heal can begin.

HOLISTIC WOMEN’S HEALTH

WISE WOMAN HEALING

Pamela Craddock, CNM

31 S Lime St • Lancaster

14 Preston Rd • Reinholds 717-925-7462

WiseWomanHealing.us

With over 42 years of nursing and midwifery experience, Pamela recognizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit and how imbalances can affect overall health. With compassion and experience she will work with you to formulate a plan that will help you achieve optimal health and wellness. See ad, page 32.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HUGHES HOME SERVICES

Green Cleaning Professionals

Samantha Hughes

SamanthAnneHughes@yahoo.com 717-538-6383

We offer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services, as well as “deep cleaning” and organizing using organic safe environmentally kind products. We’d love to help meet specific goals and desires to make your home healthy and happy! Please reach out to schedule a free consultation. See ad, page 25.

HOMEOPATHY

RUTA HOMEOPATHIC & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Located at the Toll House Shoppes 4453 Penn Ave, Suite 8 • Sinking Spring 646-204-9199 • ChildrensDestinies.org RutaComprehensive.org

Dr. Serguei Krissioukis an experienced practitioner of homeopathic and othercomplementary medicines with a background in pediatrics. He offers children and adults effective and harmonizing management for acute and chronic health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep disturbance, eating disorders and more. See ad, page 32.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

NICK D’ORAZIO, MD

Strasburg Health Associates

181 Hartman Bridge Rd • Ronks 717-687-7541 • DrNickDorazio@gmail.com

Physician board certified in integrative and holistic medicine employs a wide variety of treatment modalities including Ayurveda, IV treatments including chelation, homeopathic, herbal, and nutritional medicine, natural injections, physical rehabilitation, and bodywork. Dr. D’Orazio is a physician who lives what he teaches.

IV THERAPIES

AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER

2435 Old Philadelphia Pk

Smoketown • 717-656-8615

AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

We offer a range of IV hydration vitamin and mineral therapies to support your wellbeing. IV therapies can support hydration, weight loss, increased energy, improved immunity, address nutrient deficiencies and more. See ad, page 10.

LAB TESTING

ANY LAB TEST NOW

235 Bloomfield Dr, 110 Bldg B • Lititz 717-207-7604

AnyLabTestNow.com/Lititz

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers and businesses to manage their health! We provide direct access to clinical lab tests, DNA tests, and drug- and alcohol-testing services, vitamin B12 injections and more. See ad, page 19.

LYMPHATIC THERAPY

AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER

Electro-Lymphatic Therapy

2435 Old Philadelphia Pike • Smoketown 717-656-8615 • AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

Our lymphatic system plays an important role in supporting our immunity. Over the past 18 years of treating our clients, we’ve found that supporting the proper flow of lymphatic fluid through electrolymphatic therapy positively affects many conditions including: Lymphedema, edema, cancer, Lyme disease, heart disease, enlarged prostate, post-injury/surgical healing and more. See ad, page 10.

MARKETS

See special section, page 29.

MATTRESSES NATURAL/ORGANIC

GARDNER’S MATTRESS & MORE 830 Plaza Blvd • Lancaster 717-299-6228

GardnersMattressAndMore.com

Gardner’s is a locally owned mattress store offering a wide selection of quality natural and organic mattresses ranging from the luxurious to economical. Educating our customers on getting a good night’s sleep and the benefits of sleeping naturally and organically is our mission. To learn more and schedule sleep consultation visit GardnersMattressAndMore.com/Natural. See ads, pages 7 and 55.

MEDIATION/ CONFLICT RESOLUTION

PANGEA MEDIATION

717-219-7174

Mila@PangeaMediation.solutions

PangeaMediation.solutions

At Pangea Mediation, we aim to provide the space and tools needed to resolve conflicts in a healthy and productive manner through mediation, conflict coaching and training. We specialize in coparenting, separation & divorce mediation. Let’s get started! See ad, page 32.

METAPHYSICAL RESOURCES

DIVINE DRAGONFLY

1841 Columbia Ave • Lancaster

717-517-7056

Divine-Dragonfly.com

A spiritual and metaphysical store, Divine Dragonfly carries a wide selection of ethically sourced crystals, sustainably sourced herbs, and sage. The store also features a variety of candles, incense, books, Oracle and Tarot cards, tapestries and dreamcatchers. See ad, page 8.

NATIVE/ECOLOGICAL GARDENING

WAXWING ECOWORKS CO.

Elyse Jurgen, MEd, CBLP

717-676-1045

WaxwingEcoWorks.com

Waxwing EcoWorks Co. offers native/ecological gardening consultation, design, build, stewarding and educational services to enhance human well-being and support dwindling wildlife populations. We work alongside you to make your vision come to fruition! Explore our website and on-line listing for more details. See ad, page 26.

NATURE CENTER

BERKS NATURE/THE NATURE PLACE

575 St Bernardine St • Reading

610-372-4992

BerksNature.org

Berks Nature is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. From land preservation and trail management to environmental education and community engagement, our work centers on one simple value: that nature is essential to our quality of life. See ad, page 45.

NATUROPATH - TRADITIONAL

HEALTH BY DESIGN CLINIC

Jeannie Peck, Traditional Naturopath

352 E Main St, Ste 100 • Leola 717-556-8103

HBDClinic.com

We provide nutrition and detoxification services for adults and children using an integrative functional medicine approach. Getting to the root cause and addressing the whole body with natural solutions is what we do. We offer nutritional consultations, professional supplement recommendations, ionic foot detox and salt and sauna therapy. See ad, page 33.

HONEYSUCKLE WELLNESS

Michelle Conicello, Traditional Naturopath 495 Highlands Blvd, Suite 103 • Coatesville 717-326-3338

Info@HoneysuckleWellness.com

HoneysuckleWellness.com

Restore your body naturally. Michelle provides whole-family wellness with years of experience and tools to achieve emotional balance, detoxification, support for your immune and lymphatic systems and help with food sensitivities, chronic conditions, and more. See ad, page 31.

NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR HEALTH FOR LIFE

Ann Lee, ND, L.Ac 112 Cornell Ave • Lancaster 717-669-1050

DoctorNaturalMedicine.com

Learn how your symptoms are connected, get answers, and achieve improved health and wellbeing as we facilitate your body’s ability to heal itself through acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. Special focus on hormone balancing and fertility (now offering DUTCH hormone testing).

NUTRITION FOR LIFE

Lori Borja, RN, MS, CNS

3933 Perkiomen Ave • Reading 610-779-4588

SpineAndWellness.org

Clinical nutrition service based on a comprehensive assessment, each client receives a personalized treatment plan to help them re-balance and restore the body. Lori will provide specific recommendations for the client’s individual needs. One-on-one support is given to help clients reach their goals and live healthier lives. See ad, page 34.

TILL WE

PET CARE

MEET AGAIN

In-home Pet Euthanasia

717-808-4654

TillWeMeetAgain.com

For some, euthanasia of their pet at the veterinary hospital is simply not an option. Dr. Mark Huber and his wife Stacey provide home euthanasia for dogs and cats in the most comfortable environment possible⸻your home⸻with the intention of bringing peace and comfort to ease the pain of losing a beloved pet. See ad, page 41.

REGENERATIVE FARM/ FARMERS MARKET

See special section, page 29.

SKINCARE

GSL ORGANICS

216 S Church St • Quarryville

717-844-1444

GSLOrganics.org

With over 25 years of experience, owner Candy St. Martine-Pack, a certified aroma-therapist, formulates all skincare products using natural and organic ingredients to treat a variety of skin issues including, eczema, psoriasis and the effects of aging. See ad, page 39.

SOUND HEALING/MUSIC RESONATE YOU

JenLobo Rose

Lititz/Lancaster

ResonateYou@gmail.com

ResonateYou.com

Jen Lobo, a voice teacher for over 20 years, will help guide you to release your singing or sounding voice to help in your own personal well-being and healing. Offering private lessons, group classes and sound meditations.

SOUNDWISE HEALTH ASSOCIATES, LLC

Lana Ryder, Director and Senior Instructor

313 W Liberty St, Suite 263 • Lancaster 610-301-4356

SoundwiseHealth.com

Throughout the region our trained and experienced professional practitioners offer individual intuitive sound therapy sessions, group immersions, sonic massage, ReikiSound, ReikiVoice, and hospice CareSound. Also offering sixmonth sound school and individual classes for fundamental education in the art and science of sound healing. Sharing the healing power of sound, voice and music for 50 years.

SPECIALTY FOODS

See special section, page 29.

SPIRITUALITY

URBAN WELL—A SOURCE FOR CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY

Saint James Episcopal Church

119 N Duke St • Lancaster 717-397-4858

UrbanWell.org.

…where diverse people with different faiths gather in a spirit of humility and openness to learn from one another how to quiet the noise of everyday life, become more grounded and find energy, serenity and rest.

See ad, page 12.

THERAPEUTIC WRITING

WRITE FROM THE HEART

Creative Writing Workshops

Melissa Greene • Lancaster

717-393-4713 • WriteFromTheHeart.us

THERMAL IMAGING

AQUA BLUE WELLNESS CENTER

Lori Martin, BCNP

2435 Old Philadelphia Pike • Smoketown 717-656-8615

• AquaBlueWellnessCenter.com

A family wellness center offering thermal imaging for breast and body, detox therapies, therapeutic and oncology massage, lymphatic drainage, a full-spectrum infrared sauna, nutritional education and more. Thermal imaging is a safe, non-invasive procedure for early detection of sources of pain, injury and disease.

See ad, page 10.

HONEYSUCKLE WELLNESS

Michelle Conicello, Traditional Naturopath 495 Highlands Blvd, Suite 103 • Coatesville 717-326-3338

Info@HoneysuckleWellness.com

HoneysuckleWellness.com

Digital Thermal Imaging is a proactive tool to assess problems in the body before they can be seen or felt. An assessment tool that is non-invasive, painless, with no radiation or direct contact with the body, it is a proactive step towards achieving your optimal health. See ad, page 31.

SHALOM THERMOGRAPHY

Darlene Heath, DC, CTT

14 W Main St • Landisville 717-530-5555

HeathWellnessCenter.com

Thermography provides a noninvasive view of potential health concerns in the breast and body. Used as a risk assessment tool, thermography is able to detect inflammation and metabolic changes, and offers a proactive, prevention-focused approach to health care. See ad, page 43.

WEIGHT LOSS

HEALTH BY DESIGN

Jeannie Peck, Traditional Naturopath 352 E Main St, Ste 100 • Leola 717-556-8103

HBDClinic.com

We help you reach your weight-loss goals by offering customized science-based weight loss options and detoxification services. Our goal has always been to help you get the weight off and educate you on how to keep it off. Offering the guidance of over 30 years experience, you will see results and feel amazing. See ad, page 33.

Bonnie Weaver

215-888-8278

Boards.com/a/DZX7J.IUJeNY.

Isagenix has solutions for weight wellness, natural beauty, daily nutrition, targeted health and fitness resources. We offer an 11-day Nutritional Reset to jumpstart the weight wellness journey with a team ready to identify individualized health goals and support your way through. See ad, pages 15.

YOGA

KULA KAMALA FOUNDATION & YOGA ASHRAM

17 Basket Rd • Reading 484-509-5073

KulaKamalaFoundation.org

Kula Kamala Foundation is a nonprofit, non-sectarian spiritual center dedicated to mindfulness, non-violence, unity, and healing. Our public and professional programs serve people from all walks of life. No matter who you are, we have something special for you. OM. Peace. See ad, page 3.

MINDFUL YOGA AT SAINT JAMES

119 N Duke St • Lancaster 717-397-4858

SaintJamesLancaster.org/Yoga

A simpler style of yoga that helps achieve a higher level of connection with one’s mind, body and spirit by focusing on the present moment. Is suitable for a wide range of body types and abilities. In-person and via Zoom. See ad, page 12.

WEST END YOGA STUDIO

221 W Walnut St • Lancaster

WestEndYogaStudio@gmail.com

WestEndYogaStudio.com

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