A non-invasive laser body contouring designed to reduce stubborn fat. It helps to achieve a slimmer, more natural-looking appearance without surgery or downtime
Build muscle, reduce fat at the same time... EmSculpt NEO reduces fat and grows muscle more than any single technology on the market. The in-office procedure, no recovery/downtime or surgery. Clinical studies show on average a 30% reduction of fat.
Gynecological Care
• Exams
• Endometriosis Treatment
• Screenings
• Bio-identical Hormones
• Other GYN services
A breakthrough treatment is now available for incontinence and urinary urgency with a completely non-invasive option.
• Gentle Laser Therapy for Symptoms of Low Hormones or Menopause
• Treatment for Painful Intercourse
• Vaginal Itching, Irritation, Dryness
• Lichen Sclerosus
• Urinary Urgency
• And More.....
The most minimal and safest way is available now! A new minimally invasive option for a hysterectomy procedure
• Shorter Hospital Stay
• Less Post-Op Pain
• Faster Recovery Time
Decrease office exposure yet still be connected to Dr. Kennedy and staff. Most insurance now covers Televisits in the privacy of your own home.
DEPRESSION/ANXIETY
Depression/Anxiety and the hopelessness it brings can have a profoundly negative effect on everyday life, feeling helpless to make changes. Ketamine therapy can help you recover by allowing your brain to restore lost connections, conquer your fear, and restore the light in your life.
PTSD
PTSD brings with it nightmares, visions of former trauma, and a pattern of situational avoidance. Ketamine infusion therapy can help you move past your past and embrace your future so that you can live on your terms.
CHRONIC PAIN
Ketamine infusions have an extremely high efficacy rate and a small side effect profile. Patients can expect to experience significant relief even after the first infusion because we use up to seven different medications in a multi-modal approach to treating chronic inflammation.
HYPNOSIS
Read what our clients have to say:
“I had no idea hypnosis could do this! I went from a size 12 to a 4 in just six months!!! Hypnosis made it possible for me to ENJOY eating healthy, exercising, and relaxing my mind. I eat what I want, I’m not on any kind of diet, and oh my goodness…I like being thin!”
- Linda J-Milton
“I feel like a new woman in ALL areas of my life! I have a new and “much” improved attitude toward life, eating healthy, and exercise. Why did I wait so long to come here?”
- Lisa D-Pensacola
“When I came here, I was a hot mess with emotional baggage and health issues. I literally feel like a plug has been pulled out of my head to let all the garbage out. I feel lighter and more relaxed... Oh, and I’ve lost 40 lbs in 5 months!”
- Melinda G-Pensacola
Tis the season of joy, love, and—let’s face it—scrambling to wrap presents and make the cookies look like the Pinterest version. Welcome to the holiday edition of Natural Awakenings, where we’re here to sprinkle some cheer, calm the chaos, and inspire your holidays with mindful living tips and a dash of humor.
This month, we’re embracing the rise of the eco-conscious bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, and dish soap bars, page 18. Who knew your sink-side habits could help save the planet? And speaking of habits, if holiday stress is turning your "ho-ho-ho" into "oh no," let Laura Donigan show you how to connect with your higher self through Quantum Healing Hypnosis, page 20.
Need something to smile about? We’ve got you covered, page 22—from heartfelt soulful gift ideas, page 24, to healthier holiday cookie recipes, page 28 that may or may not get stolen by Santa.
Of course, our furry friends also need some TLC during the season of hustle and bustle. Whether they’re missing us while we’re out shopping or sneaking a treat from the cookie plate, caring for anxious pets has never been more important, page 38.
Finally, don’t forget to practice being present. Our feature on sensory skills at home, page 34, will help you savor the little joys, from the crunch of a snow-covered path to the cozy scent of cinnamon.
So, grab a mug of something warm, a plate of those Pinterest-perfect cookies (or crumbs, no judgment), and enjoy this issue. Here’s to making this holiday season not just merry and bright, but meaningful and mindful too.
This is not therapy. This is a life-changing conversation. Free & Clear Protocol is a highly specialized method designed to clear the lingering effects of emotional disturbance.
JODI RYAN PAYNE
I learned Free & Clear Protocol after experiencing a trauma in my own life, and seeking this service from another practitioner. It definitely changed my life. I also offer hourly sessions for one-on-one guidance.
My clients describe their experience with me as enjoyable and subtle, yet profound. Featuring two unique blends — in the form of drops you take before meals — Slenderiiz® provides a cutting-edge advantage to weight loss. Safe, effective and long lasting, these drops easily fit into your on-the-go lifestyle with proven weight loss results!
I offer online sessions via Zoom or Doxy.me. If you are local, we can meet in person at my office 165-C Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 jodiatflow@gmail.com • (850) 499-4418 Visit FlowFreeAndClear.com or scan the QR code
Body-B-Healthy Announces Move and Holiday Closure in Crestview
Body-B-Healthy, a staple health and wellness store in Crestview, Florida, is moving from its current location on South Ferdon Boulevard. With a rich history since 1999, Body-B-Healthy offers a broad range of natural supplements, vitamins, and health products and has become a central point for holistic health solutions. Owner Bonnie Dees assures customers that their commitment to personalized service and high-quality products remains unchanged. “Our mission has always been to bring health, wellness, and a sense of community to our customers,” says Bonnie Dees. “This move reflects our dedication to improving and expanding our offer.”
To facilitate this transition, Body-BHealthy will be temporarily closed from December 23 through January 2, 2025, as they prepare to reopen at the new location.
The new location is at 641 South Ferdon Boulevard, Crestview, FL. For more information, customers may contact 850682-8893 or visit BodyBHealthy.org.
Staff of Life Health Foods
16th Annual Penguin Plunge’n Paddle Makes a Splash for Charity
On January 1, 2025, the 16th Annual Penguin Plunge and Paddle will make a splash at Juana's Pagodas in Navarre. The event promises a day of icy thrills and community spirit, featuring a daring plunge into chilly waters and an exhilarating paddleboard race. Proceeds will benefit local charitable organizations committed to uplifting the community.
“This event is about more than just braving the cold—it’s about uniting for a cause,” says event organizer Jamie Waters. “Every person who jumps, donates, or cheers from the sidelines helps us make a positive impact together.”
The Penguin Plunge and Paddle has become a beloved tradition, attracting participants eager to face the cold while raising funds for charity. Guests can look forward to live music, delicious food from local trucks, and family-friendly activities. Creative costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded for the most imaginative outfits.
“Taking the plunge is a powerful show of solidarity,” long-time participant Laura Smith remarks. “It’s a fun and memorable way to start the year while giving back.”
The event will occur at Juana's Pagodas, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre, from noon to 4:00 p.m. for more details, visit Eventbrite.
Enjoy Family Fun at Pensacola Winterfest
The beloved Pensacola Winterfest returns this holiday season with unforgettable events and experiences designed to bring the magic of Christmas to life. Kicking off in mid-November and running through December, Winterfest invites families, friends, and visitors of all ages to enjoy a journey through downtown Pensacola adorned with festive lights, holiday music, and the enchanting presence of Santa Claus himself.
The festival's hallmark feature is its magical holiday trolley tours, transporting attendees through captivating holiday scenes and performances by costumed characters. From Santa’s elves and the Grinch to surprise appearances by popular holiday icons, this interactive experience makes it a cherished tradition for locals and visitors.
Guests can also participate in unique photo opportunities, kiddie train rides, and cookie-decorating activities.
Pensacola Winterfest is located at 223 South Palafox Place. For ticket information or more details, please contact 850-5831365 or visit PensacolaWinterfest.com.
Living with Resistant Depression, Dementia? We
We
Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessments. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation to identify the potential for brain pathway improvement. Once a treatment program is put in place, many patients see notable improvements within a few weeks, but the benefits can last a lifetime.
East Hill's Bands on the Bayou Raises $45,000 for Local Charities
The East Hill Neighborhood Association (EHNA) announces that the 2024 Bands on the Bayou concert series raises $45,000 to support six local nonprofits. This year's event, which featured live music to strengthen community ties and support charitable causes, continues the series' mission of fostering unity and giving back. Funds are distributed equally among Bike Pensacola, Dixon School of Arts & Sciences, Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Rally Foundation, Survivor-Led Solutions, and Upward Intuition, each dedicated to improving the Pensacola area.
Lauren Gund, Chair of Bands on the Bayou, expresses gratitude: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors and community partners. Raising $45,000 this year speaks volumes about the dedication of our local businesses and residents to making a difference in our community.”
At a check presentation on November 7 at the Bayview Community Center, EHNA President Donna Dickey, along with City of Pensacola representatives and the nonprofits, gathered to celebrate the milestone and thank those who made the concert series a success.
Bands on the Bayou invites nominations for the 2025 concert series' nonprofit recipients. Applications are open until February 28, 2025. The 2025 concert series will be held on May 23, July 25, and October 3.
For more information, visit www.bandsonthebayou.com.
JODI RYAN PAYNE
Mindfulness App Helps Intensive Care Patients
Individuals recovering from critical illnesses that spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) frequently experience depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Existing interventions in and out of the hospital have not been effective in relieving the psychological distress symptoms of these patients. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine tested various ways of delivering a mobile app-based mindfulness intervention to ICU survivors.
The study included 247 ICU patients that had been in the hospital for an average of more than 15 days and in the ICU for an average of almost seven days. The patients were randomly assigned to one of eight intervention groups that evaluated different combinations of treatment elements, including an introductory session via mobile app or therapist call, a once- or twice-daily guided mindfulness meditation regimen, and management of increasing symptoms via mobile app or therapist call. While all eight groups showed significant improvements in their psychological distress symptoms after three months, the optimal intervention included an app-based introduction, twice-daily guided meditations and an app-based response when a participant had increasing symptoms of depression.
Stem-Cell Treatment To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes
Reports from an early phase 1 clinical trial are encouraging for the reversal of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. Without insulin, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream and causes damage to the body. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.7 million Americans have the disease, for which there currently is no cure.
The study, published in the journal Cell, reported on the progress of a 25-year-old woman with Type 1 diabetes who underwent stem-cell therapy made from her own cells. She began producing her own insulin less than three months after the treatment and continued to be free from insulin injections after one year. More research and development of cost-effective manufacturing processes are needed before a stem cell-derived therapy will be available to patients.
Acupuncture for Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral disease that causes a red rash on the face or one side of the body, accompanied by fluidfilled blisters, pain, burning and tingling. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 million Americans suffer from this condition every year. In a systematic review of studies, researchers evaluated 59 randomized controlled trials involving almost 4,000 shingles patients that had been treated with acupuncture. They concluded that acupuncture therapies were effective and safe for the treatment of this viral disease, reducing pain and skin lesions with few adverse effects.
Syda Productions/CanvaPro
Jasper
Chamber from
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Dogs Benefit Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
In a nonrandomized controlled trial, researchers studied the viability of psychiatric service dogs for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eighty-one veterans with PTSD were given a trained psychiatric service dog, and 75 veterans in the control group did not receive one. Both groups had access to other PTSD care. Over a three-month measurement period, the group with the service dogs had significantly lower PTSD symptom severity, significantly lower depression and anxiety, and better psychosocial functioning, as compared to the control group. The dropout rate in this study was substantially lower than other trauma- and non-trauma-focused treatments, leading the researchers to conclude that the dogs may be an effective complementary therapy for military service-related PTSD.
RADIANT BODY
THERMOGRAPHY
The Canary in the Coal Mine
Rise of Shampoo, Conditioner and Dish Soap Bars
The use of shampoo, conditioner and dish soap bars is gaining traction among eco-conscious consumers seeking a more sustainable future.
Environmental Impacts
Although the liquid form of these products may be convenient, their environmental impact is significant. Most come in plastic bottles, only 5 to 6 percent of which are recycled. The rest languish in landfills or break down into microplastics that flow into the waterways, harming marine life and ecosystems. The vast majority of these liquid products contain harmful chemicals such as sulfates and parabens that are detrimental to human health and end up in the water supply.
Benefits of Bars
According to beauty bar manufacturer Ethique, one bar can last as long as two to three plastic bottles of the liquid counterpart, saving money and reducing waste. A number of companies produce bars that are free from harmful chemicals and are sold in minimal, compostable packaging. Bars are travel-friendly, with no airline restrictions. They weigh less than a regularsized bottle of shampoo, and there is no risk of spillage in luggage.
Dish soap bars are highly concentrated, so they last longer. Many are made from natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and safe for the environment. They
eliminate the need for plastic bottles and often come in recyclable or compostable packaging. Use them for washing dishes, cleaning surfaces and handwashing delicate items.
Purchasing Tips
Choose products with natural ingredients and minimal packaging, and brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency, offering detailed information about their practices and ingredients. If a company is vague or evasive, look elsewhere.
Ethique, Lush and EcoRoots, for example, offer high-quality, eco-friendly bars that cater to a variety of needs. Ethique is known for its zero-waste commitment. Lush offers a wide range of handmade bars with unique scents and ingredients. EcoRoots focuses on natural, sustainable products for eco-conscious consumers.
Certifications by USDA Organic, Fair Trade and Leaping Bunny indicate that a product meets specific environmental and ethical standards. A label listing natural ingredients is a good sign, but be wary of vague terms like “green” or “eco-friendly” without specifics to back them up.
Usage Tips
To prolong the life of bars and ensure they remain effective and hygienic, keep them dry between uses and use a soap dish with drainage holes or a reusable tin for storage. It might take a few tries to become accustomed to using solid bars, but they are just as effective as their liquid counterparts. Rub the bar between the hands or directly onto hair or dishes, then rinse thoroughly. High-quality bars can produce an impressive lather.
Helping
Your Inner Guidance with QHHT
Imagine tapping into a deeper consciousness, where answers, healing, and clarity await. Through Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), you can unlock past life memories, connect with your Higher Self, and gain the wisdom you need to overcome fears, find your purpose, and thrive. Guided by certified QHHT practitioner Laura Donigan, you'll experience a transformative journey to bring clarity, direction, and peace into your life.
Ready to Begin?
Book a session today and take your first step toward unlocking your higher potential.
Benefits of QHHT
• Discover Past Lives: Find insights into present life challenges and relationships.
• Connect with Your Higher Self: Tap into your inner wisdom and guidance for clarity and direction.
• Experience Healing: Release emotional, physical, and spiritual blocks.
• Find Purpose and Clarity: Understand your journey and your true purpose.
• Overcome Fears and Blocks: Release limiting beliefs to move forward freely.
• Enhanced Spiritual Growth: Deepen your spiritual awareness and connection.
What our clients are saying:
“Laura helped sink me into a beautiful space with her peaceful voice and demeanor. Highly recommend!”
– Kayla G.
“I’ve never felt so connected; it was life-changing.”
– Suzette D.
Book Today and Start Your Journey! Navarre Healing Arts, Suite 44 - Navarre, FL
Laura Donigan QHHT Level 2 Practitioner
Laura Donigan Connect with Your Higher Self Through Quantum Healing Hypnosis
by Erin Lehn
In the heart of Northwest Florida, Laura Donigan, a Level 2 Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) practitioner, dedicates her life to helping people connect with their higher selves. Through QHHT—a method pioneered by the late Dolores Cannon—Donigan guides clients into deep relaxation, allowing access to transformative insights that often lead to healing, clarity and spiritual awakening.
Donigan’s path to becoming a practitioner is compelling and deeply personal. In 2014, she faced a difficult period marked by addiction and a lack of purpose. A transformative experience during rehab connected her to what she describes as a “loving, beautiful God,” sparking a profound spiritual awakening. This moment set her on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and service. In 2021, Donigan relocated her family from Southern Oregon to Florida, amid the pandemic. The move brought challenges, including the tragic loss of her former husband, Dennis, who struggled with mental health issues and passed shortly after relocating. Donigan reflects on his passing as a continued source of strength, describing his continued presence as a source of encouragement and support in her work.
uiding clients to healing, insight and connection is central to Donigan’s practice. She creates a nurturing environment for individuals to access their higher selves, emphasizing that transformation occurs when people are open and ready. “Your higher self only reveals what you’re ready to handle,” she says, reassuring clients of a gentle, affirming experience.
Guiding Clients to Healing, Insight and Connection
A typical QHHT session with Donigan spans five to six hours. The initial consultation is comprehensive, allowing her to understand clients’ stories, goals and intentions. “Dolores called it the interview portion, but I like to think of it as a friendly chat,” she explains. This phase ensures that each session is uniquely tailored. Once in a deeply relaxed theta brainwave state, clients often access memories and insights that feel otherworldly. “My job is to create a safe space, making it easy for them to relax and access their inner wisdom,” Donigan notes.
One remarkable case involved a woman suffering from severe anxiety, panic attacks and multiple phobias. Guided by Donigan,
the client’s past-life journey led to a profound release of fear. Grateful for the transformation, she thanked Donigan, who replied, “That was all you. I just helped you relax. Your healing came from within.”
The Power of QHHT:
A
Journey to the Higher Self
QHHT centers on visualization, bypassing the conscious mind’s critical tendencies and connecting clients with their higher selves, which Donigan describes as “gentle, loving and in flow.” Her work has particularly impacted those healing from religious trauma or reexamining long-held beliefs. “Everyone has a direct connection to their higher self—it’s just about tapping into it,” she says. Many clients experience spiritual awakenings, healing from past traumas and renewed purpose.
Discovering QHHT with Laura Donigan
Donigan’s compassion, sincerity, and dedication to her clients’ healing journeys are evident in her practice. She creates a welcoming and safe space for exploration, ensuring that QHHT remains an accessible and transformative path for all. Quantum Healing Hypnosis with Laura Donigan offers a unique opportunity to access inner wisdom, healing, and peace for those seeking a holistic and deeply personal approach to well-being.
Location: Navarre Healing Arts, 7552 Navarre Pkwy., Unit 44, Navarre, Florida. For more information, call 541-326-9106 or visit LauraDoniganQHHT.com. See ad, page 19.
Why Have Colonic Hydrotherapy?
• Supports hydration of the colon.
• Elimination of waste matter in the gut.
• Approved preparation for colonoscopy.
• Relief of IBS symptoms or Gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and constipation.
• Colonic Hydrotherapy reaches the full length of the large intestine for a better cleanse and benefits Improves Digestion Health. Enjoy the fresh, light feeling and enhanced energy levels that often comes from the treatment.
Something To Smile About
A Look at Non-Toxic Dental Products
by Zak Logan
With a plethora of products on the shelves promising snow-white smiles and stronger teeth, it is tricky deciding which ones are reliable and the least toxic. For example, antimicrobial mouthwashes, especially those with chlorhexidine, have prompted scientific investigation into possible correlations between their use and cardiovascular disease, oral cancer and other conditions. While there is no conclusive evidence that popular mouth rinses are helpful or harmful, it is something to consider when it comes to dental hygiene regimens.
“It’s an exciting time for natural dental care, and these trends are paving the way for healthier, more conscious oral care routines,” says Trina Felber, a clean-beauty coach and founder of Primal Life Organics. With cutting-edge alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite replacing controversial fluoride, cleansing agents designed to promote beneficial bacteria, and LED light therapy for gum health and tooth whitening, mouthcare has a bright future.
Remineralizing Teeth Without Risks
Pharmaceutical-grade fluoride, an ionized form of fluorine, has long been touted as a cavity preventative, counteracting acidic conditions in the mouth and remineralizing the teeth. Concerns, including cognitive deficits in children due to exposure to high levels
of fluoride, may be enough to rethink its presence in oral care products and dental applications, especially in areas where sodium fluoride, a chemical byproduct of aluminum, steel and cement manufacturing, is added to drinking water.
“Hydroxyapatite toothpastes are gaining a lot of attention these days as people search for effective alternatives to fluoride to help strengthen and remineralize their teeth,” says naturopathic physician Shawn Manske, assistant director of clinical education at Biocidin Botanicals. “What makes hydroxyapatite so promising is that it is naturally nontoxic and bioactive. Your teeth are made of the same minerals that comprise hydroxyapatite, which your body readily recognizes and uses to repair thinning or damaged tooth enamel. Nano-hydroxyapatite [in toothpaste], because of its much smaller particle size, can penetrate deep within the tooth, helping to remineralize from within.”
Felber highlights the gaining popularity of nano-hydroxyapatite, as well as other enamel-supportive ingredients such as bentonite, kaolin and French green clays, “which naturally protect enamel without the potential downsides of fluoride,” although no studies have confirmed the clays’ ability to remineralize teeth.
Manske points out that nano-hydroxyapatite products on the market today, including toothpastes, are made using a synthetically produced ingredient “because there is currently no natural nano-hydroxyapatite on Earth. However, the synthetic nanohydroxyapatite is considered biocompatible with the hydroxyapatite naturally found in teeth—meaning not harmful to living tissue—and research demonstrates its effectiveness.”
Natural Whiteners and the Oral Ecosystem
We all want whiter teeth, but popular over-the-counter whiteners are gaining attention as enamel compromisers. A 2019 assessment conducted by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and research published in British Dental Journal show that the common ingredients sodium chlorite and citric acid in whitening trays, pens and strips might lead to the destruction of enamel and hardness in the teeth. The Danish assessment also warned against the use of whitening products containing more than 0.1 percent hydrogen peroxide.
“LED light teeth-whitening systems are gaining traction, including toothbrushes with built-in LED light technology. These systems use blue LED light combined with a natural whitening gel to break down stains without the harsh chemicals that can weaken enamel or cause sensitivity,” explains Felber, adding that LED light therapy is a powerful tool for healthier gums, too. “Red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing and stimulate collagen production in the gums, while blue light targets harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, all without disrupting the oral microbiome.”
A healthy oral microbiome plays a vital role in producing nitric oxide, a molecule essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, improving blood flow and supporting immune function. Felber underscores the importance of using natural dental-care products to support this delicate microbiome.
Manske notes, “Many commonly used mouthwashes can harm your oral microbiome, upsetting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your mouth. Essentially, what these mouthwashes do is wipe out the good bugs with the bad. This creates a state of dysbiosis, which can lead to oral health concerns later.”
Some toothpaste (including the toothpaste tube) and toothbrushes may contain ingredients that disrupt human hormones, such as triclosan (an antibacterial), parabens (a group of preservatives), phthalates (chemicals that make plastic flexible), sodium lauryl sulfate (chemicals that produce a foaming action) and artificial sweeteners. As a result, more companies are going green by producing toothpaste
tablets that come in glass or paper packaging and bamboo toothbrushes. “These biodegradable toothbrushes reduce plastic waste and are a great option for anyone looking to make their oral care routine more sustainable,” says Felber.
Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to holistic living and getting back to basics.
•Diplomat, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
•Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine
•Diplomat, American Board of Craniofacial Pain
•Fellow, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain and Sleep Medicine
•Member, St. Marys Catholic Church
Soulful Holiday Gifts
Restorative Presents for Loved Ones
by Marlaina Donato
Winter urges us to schedule more downtime, but the festive season can sweep us into a whirlwind of time-sensitive preparations, social gatherings and the nurturing of our loved ones. Between the office party and taking the family feast out of the oven, self-care can easily be forgotten, and we may wind up feeling overwhelmed.
Many of us are stressed out. According to a 2023 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons, 50 percent of caregivers are burdened emotionally from maintaining the role, and four in 10 caregivers rarely, if ever, feel relaxed. A national survey conducted by The
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 62 percent of parents feel the weight of burnout. Earlier this year, the American Psychological Association revealed in a survey that 57 percent of workers are enduring workrelated stress in the form of burnout, anger and emotional exhaustion.
This giving season, remembering family members near and far, as well as service providers, teachers, emergency personnel, nurses and tradespeople, can provide relief (and even a sprinkle of magic) to those that make a meaningful difference in our lives. While sharing holiday joy with others, it is important to also gift ourselves
with soothing activities and helpful items to temper holiday stress.
The Gift of Self-Care
“Self-care needs to happen daily—whether meditation, journaling, taking yourself out for a cup of coffee with a book, cooking yourself nourishing food or even dancing to your favorite song in the kitchen,” says Caitlin Ball, a health and lifestyle coach in Zurich, Switzerland. “Sometimes, planning to have no plans is a special treat, especially for those of us that have packed calendars. Even if you’re spending the holidays with family, you don’t have to spend every waking minute together, and everyone will be happier if you are happy.”
Whether we go online to create a curated box of comfort for ourselves or surprise someone with a gift certificate from their favorite yoga studio or nail salon, acknowledging body, mind and spirit can be the ultimate gesture of generosity. “Gifting self-care to someone else is like saying, ‘I see you fully.’ It acknowledges that a person is more than just their day-to-day roles or responsibilities—they have emotional, physical and mental needs,” says Chrissa J. Santoro, senior director of communications at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York.
Investing in someone’s peace or transformation outlasts and outshines less thoughtful presents. “Gifting a retreat experience, workshop or wellness service to a loved one is like giving them permission to prioritize themselves—a gift many people hesitate to give themselves, especially after hardship, long work weeks or grief,” Santoro asserts. “These experiences create a space for someone to step away from the stress, noise and demands of daily life, giving them a chance to reset. This kind of thoughtful gift offers not only physical rest, but also emotional renewal, reminding them of their own worth and helping them rebuild strength from the inside out.”
A self-care gift can be as simple as a basket of locally made artisan bread or as life-changing as a personalized therapeutic intervention. “Maybe that holiday gift is a gift certificate to see a coach, a counselor or a therapist,” suggests Paula Forte, an integrative health and wellness coach in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who specializes in helping caregivers that too often care for others more than themselves.
Forte spent 45 years working as a registered nurse before becoming her husband’s caregiver when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She knows firsthand the downward spiral of self-neglect. Her suggestions for mindful gift-giving include a week of meal delivery service, especially if eating healthy has been a challenge; simple pleasures, such as a canister of fragrant tea or a bouquet of flowers; or a ticket to a botanical garden, inviting the recipient to spend healthful time out in nature. Slipping a gift certificate into a holiday card for prepaid healthy lunches, a pickleball membership or the services of a home organizer might usher in a positive new chapter.
The Pampered Path
Since ancient times, people have sought luxurious and therapeutic respite in baths and the use of precious oils and scents. From hot stone massage to aromatherapy spa treatments, today’s bodywork modalities offer something for everyone. Pampering might be seen as a vanity-driven practice, but heading to the nearest spa or salon is a surefire way to boost endorphins that not only improve mood but lower stress hormones such as cortisol, promoting the
body’s natural state of homeostasis. A 2020 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that 10 minutes of massage, as well as simple rest, significantly reduces systemic stress by prompting the nervous system to switch into parasympathetic mode.
Giving someone a pampering experience can be a wonderful way to bring them fully back to all their senses. “A great option is a gift certificate to your favorite spa for a facial or a skincare basket to create that self-care routine at home,” says Diana DePaoli, holistic esthetician, herbalist and owner of Aura+Bloom, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Men need self-care, too. According to my husband, Danny, it is sleep and a good shave, followed up with some extra love for his beard with my chamomile serum.”
simple, but lovely, gestures that make a person feel special. “I think coupons for experiences you can do together are very meaningful, and you get to spend quality time together. Maybe a coupon for a day hike and picnic, or a movie night with lots of fun snacks,” recommends Ball, adding, “The older people in our lives just want to hear from us or spend time with us. Give them a coupon saying you will call them once a week.”
DePaoli’s energy facials include tuning-fork sound healing, as well as reiki, an energy-healing modality, combining physical and spiritual restoration in one session. Evenà la carte spa treatments like Himalayan-salt massage or foot reflexology does a body and soul good.
Gifting Kindness, Time and Presence
Making someone’s world light up this holiday season doesn’t need to involve expensive presents. Creating a special music playlist, serving breakfast in bed or inviting a neighbor out for coffee are
Forte’s low-cost suggestions include “a book of coupons to run errands they simply don’t have time to complete, like taking their kids to a museum or park, returning the purchase that was the wrong size or detailing their car.” For DePaoli, inexpensive but thoughtful gifts can also fill someone’s belly with love. “You can’t go wrong with making someone a homemade meal or dessert,” she suggests.
Adopting a Self-Care Mindset
Self-care is vital during the holidays and beyond. DePaoli says, “Being able to rest and reboot is very important to being able to have the energy and mindset to move forward in anything.” And according to Forte, “Self-care isn’t selfish. It is self-preservation.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
With a program format that has forever altered journalistic storytelling on the radio, host Ira Glass pursues a theme in unexpected ways each week.
Learn more and find the full list of WUWF programs at wuwf.org/programs.
Listen on WUWF 88.1 FM or wuwf.org.
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Julia Metkalova from Julia Metkalova/CanvaPro
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Healthier Holiday Cookies
Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste
by Maya Whitman
Whether it’s chunky chocolate chip, classic sugar, jammy rugelach, spicy gingerbread, Russian teacakes or cinnamon-dusted snickerdoodles, the holidays would not be complete without a festive array of cookies. Seasonal favorites usually pack on the sugar, but with a little know-how, whipping up healthier versions can be both easy and fun.
“The most important thing to remember is that the techniques are the same; only the ingredients have changed,” says Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning host of the national public television cooking show Christina Cooks! and author of 13 plantbased cookbooks. “Even healthy versions of cookies can feel indulgent while being better for you. Use the best quality ingredients you can, and you’ll never go wrong.”
Sugar Savvy
Most conventional cookie recipes require up to two cups of sugar, not-so-good news for any health-conscious sweet tooth, but alternatives are plentiful. “With the caveat that most sweetener substitutions require some adjustments to make sure the final texture still works, there are some fabulous options that up the nutrients, add more flavor and depth and pack much less of a glycemic punch,” says Katie Wells, founder of Wellness Mama, an online resource for women and moms that want to live a healthier life.
The glycemic index (GI) is a value used to measure how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels on a scale of zero to 100, where sugar is 100. Numerous studies have found that following a low GI diet may reduce blood sugar levels and improve blood sugar management in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Monk fruit and unprocessed forms of stevia, a plant-based sweetener, are bloodsugar friendly and nutritious when used alone, but are controversial when combined with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that, based on recent studies, is suspected of increasing the risk for blood clotting, stroke and cardiovascular events.
For Pirello, baking without pseudo sweeteners or processed sugar does a body good while imbuing festive favorites with even deeper flavor. “For me the best options for cookies are coconut sugar and beet sugar as both are granular and can be substituted 1-to-1 in recipes. Both are the color of brown sugar so your cookies may take on a darker color, but the flavor will be amazing. I also use brown rice syrup, but often mixed with coconut or beet sugar.” For the best flavor, Pirello praises 100 percent pure monk fruit, as well as her no-calorie favorite, BochaSweet, which is made from kabocha squash and “tastes and behaves like sugar.”
In addition to coconut sugar, Wells also favors maple syrup and honey, which require an increase in dry ingredients to balance the liquid but add amazing flavor and other beneficial properties, such as naturally occurring minerals and antioxidants.
Common dates, larger and plumper Medjool dates and other dried fruits can replace conventional sugar with rich sweetness, especially for no-bake holiday cookies and bars. Wells likes the versatility of dried fruits when chopped or blended. She recommends soaking them before using in recipes to help improve their texture.
For cookie dough recipes that do not require much liquid, powdered date sugar can be used in place of sugar 1-for-1 while reducing dry ingredients by 25 percent. Mashed bananas can rock an oatmeal cookie recipe, taking it to another level in terms of flavor without any other added sweeteners.
Common Substitutions
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of blended dates for any amount of sugar in a recipe
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for 1 cup of sugar
• ¾ cup of mashed ripe bananas for 1 cup of sugar
• For vegan cookies that won’t crumble, mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons warm water to replace 1 egg.
Gluten-Free Delicious
Gluten-free (GF) baking has come a long way with plenty of GF flour options, but knowing which ones to use can make or break a holiday baking spree. “It has never been easier to make gluten-free cookies that taste almost identical to their gluten-based inspirations,” says Wells. “There are even organic, measure-for-measure flours that let you bake the original recipes as written.”
Pirello sees more of a learning curve. “It’s such a challenge to make a good gluten-free cookie, but with products like almond flour out there, you can do it,” she says. “Use a gluten-free flour mix—not a cake or cookie mix—and mix it with 75 percent almond flour to create a moist yummy cookie. They will always be fragile unless you use eggs, but it works for me without them.”
The Secret Ingredients
In the end, baking is all about having fun. “They’re cookies, not world peace, although I think more cookies could bring about world peace,” Pirello quips, suggesting what we all know: love is the secret ingredient in any holiday cookie recipe.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP ALMOND COOKIES
YIELD: 28 TO 30 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup Suzanne’s Specialties Maple Rice Nectar
6 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 cup almond flour
½ cup whole wheat pastry flour or sprouted whole wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
⅔ cup non-dairy, dark chocolate chips
Preheat a conventional oven to 350° F or convection oven to 325° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whip together vegan butter, rice nectar, coconut sugar, vanilla, sea salt and cinnamon until smooth. Mix in almond flour, wheat flour and oats to form a soft, sticky dough. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips until well-incorporated through the dough.
Scoop tablespoons of dough and arrange on the baking sheets, leaving room for them to grow— approximately 18 cookies on a sheet, three across and six down. Do not press the cookies down.
Bake for 13 minutes. Remove the trays from the oven. Using a small spoon or spatula, slightly and gently flatten the cookies.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
CHOCOLATE COFFEE COOKIES
YIELD: 16 COOKIES
⅔ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp arrowroot
Pinch of sea salt
Generous pinch of cinnamon
18 oz dark, non-dairy chocolate, coarsely chopped
4½ oz extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp spring or filtered water
3 Tbsp of store-bought egg replacer with 6 Tbsp of water (or mixture of 3 Tbsp finely ground flax seeds with 9 Tbsp warm water) and let sit for one minute to thicken
1 cup coconut sugar
2 Tbsp brewed espresso
5 oz pecans, coarsely chopped
5 oz hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Place 12 ounces of chocolate and oil in a heat-resistant bowl over simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally until the chocolate has melted and is creamy and smooth. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, whip the egg replacer, sugar and espresso to combine well. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well. By hand, fold in the nuts, the remaining 6 ounces of chocolate and the other dry ingredients to form a soft cookie dough.
Use a spoon to drop 16 (or so) ½-ounce mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving at least two inches between cookies, as they will spread. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops crackle.
Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH JAM
YIELD: 36 TO 48 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup fine almond flour
2 Tbsp arrowroot
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
Strawberry or other fruit-sweetened preserves
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place all the ingredients, except the preserves, in a stand mixer and mix until a stiff dough forms.
Form the dough into walnut-size balls and arrange on the baking sheet, allowing about an inch between each cookie for rising. With a wet thumb, make an indentation in each cookie. Using a small spoon, fill the indentation in each cookie with preserves. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
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⅓ cup organic blackstrap molasses or unsulphured molasses
¼ cup coconut sugar (optional)
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line baking sheets with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix the almond flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt and coconut flour.
In a blender, blend the eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, dates, almond or coconut milk, and molasses.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The dough should be thick enough to form balls, but not quite as thick as Play-Doh.
Refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes to let harden slightly. This will make it easier to form for baking.
Carefully roll the dough into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop can help with portioning. If using sugar, roll the dough in a light coating of sugar for texture and to help prevent sticking. Place dough on a baking sheet. Flatten the cookies with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
Bake cookies for 15 minutes. Halfway through baking, remove from oven and make marks with a fork, if desired. This step is completely optional but creates the look of traditional molasses cookies.
Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing from baking sheet onto a cooling rack or wire rack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe courtesy of Katie Wells.
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Practicing Sensory Skills at Home
How To Help Kids Explore the Senses
by Christina Connors
From birth, children are naturally curious, letting their senses lead the way as they discover the world around them. Through sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, they learn to navigate their environment and recognize their place in it. Although the five senses are innate skills, kids need to practice, understand and integrate these sensations as they mature, so that they can anticipate the dangers, enjoy the thrills, develop their thinking and cope with new emotions.
Sensory skill-building teaches children how to explore their surroundings with confidence. Exercises and games that develop the senses can make the learning experience fun for kids, while also allowing parents and instructors to guide the process and marvel at their children’s discoveries.
Sight
Eye Spy: This game involves one player that chooses a secret object and provides a clue so that the other players can guess what it is. The clue is introduced with the phrase, “I spy with my little eye.” Players take turns guessing until the object is identified. Through laughs and giggles, participating children are invited to notice individual items around the room or at the park, sparking curiosity and developing cognitive skills.
Color of the Week: Each week, the family agrees to look for items that are a certain color. The game may inspire discussions about the different shades and tones of the chosen color, as well as how this hue makes them feel. It supports communication skills at home, which helps kids feel safe, seen and valued.
Smell
Scent Search: Using a diffuser with children is a great way to help them distinguish unique scents such as sweet, floral or spicy. The conversation can then expand to explore how different aromas make them feel, and to help children identify their likes and dislikes.
Grow a Garden: A family garden filled with flowers and herbs provides unique sensory experiences for children, including new scents, sights and textures. For those living in cities, potted flowers and herbs around the home will have a similar effect.
Taste
Fabulous Fruit: Encourage children to try different fruits. From tangy grapefruit to sweet-smelling strawberries or mushy bananas—there are so many flavors, aromas and textures to explore as kids learn to appreciate the present moment. This can also become a wonderful opportunity to talk about how a fruit develops from a tiny seed.
Dinnertime Delights: Have a pizza or pasta buffet where everyone gets to choose their topping. This encourages children to try new ingredients and talk about the different flavors they encounter.
Hearing
Walk and Listen: While strolling in nature or in town, stop every five minutes and ask everyone to listen quietly to the
different sounds. After 30 seconds, start walking again and take turns describing in detail what each person heard and guessing what could have made the sound. Walking, especially in nature, soothes the nervous system and fosters deep family connections.
Bedtime Singalong: “I always tell my parents to sing to their kids at bedtime,” says Crae Akerson, a Connecticut-based occupational therapist specializing in sensory strategies. “It is one of the most powerful ways to use sound for deep connection and feelings of safety.”
Touch
Sensory Bins: “Fill different bins with kidney beans, split peas or rice. Hide little objects or toys in them and have your kids reach in the bins to find them,” recommends Akerson. Without removing the item from the bin, ask the child to describe the object with as many details as possible.
Testing Textiles: At bedtime, bring patches of different fabrics like cotton, wool, flannel, sheep skin, burlap or silk, and entice a child to touch and describe the feel of each textile. In addition to learning about the sense of touch, they may also pick up a few vocabulary words.
Interoception
According to Brad Chapin, a child psychologist, author and director of clinical services at Stormont-Vail Health, in Topeka, Kansas, there is a sixth sense. “Interoception is the ability to sense and interpret internal signals from the body such as heart rate, hunger and internal warning signs when feeling dysregulated,” he explains. “This is important, especially now, because there is so much noise and overstimulation in our world. It can be easy to lose our ability to tap into the internal world of ourselves, which is necessary in helping us regulate our emotions throughout the day.”
Labeling Body Cues: To help children make the connection between their bodies and their emotions, it is helpful for adults to model the relationship. For example, Chapin suggests saying to a child, “My face feels warm when the sun shines on it,” or “I can tell I am feeling nervous because I feel my heart beating faster, and I feel cold.” Encourage children to share their emotions and how their body feels at that time.
Exploring Facial Expressions: “While watching TV, ask your kids, ‘What do you think that character is feeling like right now? Sad? Happy?’” Chapin recommends. By learning how to see the emotional world inside others, kids begin to develop empathy.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinasCottage444.com.
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Jean Shafiroff
on A Philanthropist’s Calling
by Sandra Yeyati
New York socialite and humanitarian Jean Shafiroff is the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life of What You Give, in which she offers readers the motivation and practical advice to donate time, knowledge and resources to causes that inspire them. She is the producer and host of a television show that airs six times a week through LTV studios in East Hampton, New York, where she interviews politicians, celebrities, business leaders and prominent philanthropists.
In recognition of her generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser, she has received numerous awards, and in 2022, she was proclaimed the First Lady of Philanthropy by the New York State Assembly. Every year, Shafiroff hosts and underwrites large cocktail parties in her homes on behalf of different charities, with a special focus on women’s rights, underserved populations, health care and animal welfare. She serves on the boards of the Southampton Hospital Foundation, Mission Society of New York City, Couture Council of the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology, French Heritage Society, Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, New York Women’s Foundation, Global Strays, Southampton Animal Shelter and the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
Shafiroff has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and an MBA in finance from Columbia University. She worked as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital, in New York City, and as an investment banker on Wall Street. Together with her husband, Martin, vice chairman of global wealth management at Stifel, they have raised two daughters.
What is your definition of philanthropy?
Anyone can be a philanthropist. If you do not have the money to donate, you can become a philanthropist by giving your time and knowledge, which are two very valuable resources. Many people do a tremendous amount of volunteer work. That being said, I believe that those who have the financial resources have an obligation to give, because life is not created equal.
Why should people be generous with their time, knowledge and resources?
We live in a world where hunger, homelessness and other terrible hardships exist. There is great need, and the government cannot do everything, so that is where individuals, foundations and businesses step up to the plate and get involved.
Giving is a wonderful, feel-good experience. The giver receives far more than the receiver, and by giving, we help to equalize the disparities between those that have and those that do not have. I feel blessed to be involved in philanthropy. I encourage everyone who has a little time to get involved.
What prompted you personally to engage in philanthropy?
Working as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s, an inner-city hospital where my patients lived at or below the poverty level and had serious health issues, I learned right then and there that life is not fair. I believe that those of us who have the ability to be helpful have an obligation to do so.
Michael Paniccia
I also travelled to visit orphanages, schools and people that lived in huts in Cambodia, as well as very poor sections of Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and China, and those experiences were lifechanging. My own life in the United States is so different. I feel like I have to do something, otherwise I have pretty much wasted my lifetime. It is very fulfilling to do philanthropic work, and I will continue to do it for the rest of my life, so long as I am able.
What advice do you have for people that want to become philanthropists?
I suggest following your passions. If a relative had breast cancer and you want to find a cure, maybe you want to get involved with a charity that is working on breast cancer research. If you have an interest in the arts, maybe you want to support a museum.
Read all you can about a charity before you get involved. Google them. Look at their website. Read articles about them. Look for a charity that is well-run, has a low overhead and reports how the funds are being used. GuideStar.org or CharityNavigator.org rate the larger charities.
Why do you believe it is important to teach kids about the value of giving?
Philanthropy has to continue in the future, so we need to encourage children to engage in it in order for it to survive. Philanthropy needs to be taught to children by our being good role models. Parents who are involved in philanthropy often involve their children. Schools need to teach about its importance and have community service requirements. It is key to mentor and encourage future generations to engage in philanthropy.
What about philanthropy in terms of the older generations?
For a person who is retired or who has raised a family and is now an empty nester with a lot of time on their hands, it is very fulfilling to get involved in philanthropy. Rather than sitting in front of the television or playing golf every day, which maybe they have absolutely no interest in, getting involved in philanthropic causes can create meaning in their lives. When you volunteer, you meet a lot of nice people and make friends. You also know that you are helping those who need help, and that is a feel-good experience. It is a very worthwhile use of your time.
Sandra
Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/ShafiroffWW or scan the QR code.
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Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away
How To Choose the Right Kennel or Pet Sitter
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
All pets, including cats and dogs, can feel distress when their routine or environment changes. Long-term stress can weaken their immune system, leading to behavioral problems or illness. It is essential to find ways to reduce anxiety when leaving a pet with a kennel or sitter.
Stress During Owner Absence
A report by the animal health company Zoetis, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute shows that the bond between pets and their owners provides both physical and mental benefits. When this bond is interrupted, even temporarily, pets may become anxious. Staying in a kennel or
with an unfamiliar pet sitter can cause feelings of insecurity and stress, which can negatively impact their mental health.
Their anxiety may manifest through destructive behaviors, excessive barking or meowing, or aggression. Changes in appetite, pacing and excessive grooming are also common indicators of tension. Pets that are particularly attached to their owners may experience heightened levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their absence, making them more susceptible to anxiety in new environments.
Repeated exposure to stressful separations can result in chronic anxiety, which may damage the bond between pets and their
owners, creating lasting behavioral issues that make it difficult for pets to reconnect when their owners return.
Priorities for Anxious Pets
Beth Hrnciar, a holistic pet health coach and trainer in Connecticut, emphasizes the importance of considering a pet’s anxiety level when setting care priorities. For pets with mild anxiety, she recommends ensuring the pet sitter is able to provide overthe-counter anxiety relief supplements. “It is also crucial that the kennel or sitter knows how to use calming products, such as a Thundershirt or a calming collar,” Hrnciar advises. For more severe anxiety, she recommends trial runs to help the pet acclimate and become familiar with the staff.
Hrnciar also recommends choosing facilities that offer a safe space for pets that are anxious about fireworks or storms, opting for kennels or sitters with secure enclosures and amenities like white noise machines or calming soundtracks.
Experience, Cleanliness and Routine
“Anxious pets need experienced caregivers,” Hrnciar asserts. “While some anxiety is normal and may decrease as a pet adjusts to a new environment or routine, it is crucial to have someone who can provide a quiet space for them to relax.” Someone without the right
experience may not fully understand how frightened an animal is and how they might injure themselves while trying to escape from a stressful situation.
Cleanliness is critical, Hrnciar notes, particularly for pets that self-soothe by chewing. A clean environment prevents infections from unsanitary conditions.
“Dogs thrive on structure,” she says. “Regular feeding and walking schedules help reduce stress in nervous dogs.” Caregivers should maintain the routine established during trial visits, allowing pets to feel more secure by knowing what to expect.
“Cats are creatures of habit,” Hrnciar explains. It is important to keep anxious cats in familiar environments—maintaining their regular routine is key. Pet sitters should avoid introducing new scents or sounds, and, if possible, visit beforehand to build trust with the pet.
Questions for Potential Pet Sitters
“Knowing who will be handling your pet and their qualifications is essential for ensuring the pet’s safety and comfort,” says Hrnciar. To find the right sitter for an anxious pet, ask about their experience with similar animals. For pets that are wary of strangers, it is important to ensure the sitter understands how to give them space to adjust. Ask kennels about group play, temperament testing, dietary accommodations and emergency protocols.
Holistic Strategies
“Socialization should be tailored to each pet. Introduce anxious animals to new settings at their own pace,” Hrnciar advises. For pets that are accustomed to being around other animals, group play can offer comfort and help ease their nerves.
Hrnciar highlights the benefits of calming scents, such as essential oils and pheromone sprays, for reducing stress.
Pairing these with calming music or therapeutic tools like pulsed electromagnetic field pads or light therapy can create a soothing environment for anxious pets.
For severe anxiety, Hrnciar recommends natural remedies over pharmaceuticals. “Properly sourced CBD [cannabidiol], calming mushrooms and essential oils can offer significant relief with minimal side effects,” she advises. She also encourages
exploring zoopharmacognosy—a method where animals self-select herbs, flowers and other natural remedies to restore balance to their systems. This approach allows pets to tap into their natural instincts, potentially finding relief in a more intuitive way.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
Calendar of Events
Friday, December 6
Holiday Yoga Parties at Dragonfly Yoga and Hot Yoga Om—5:30-8pm. Celebrate the season with two festive community, food, and wellness evenings. Dragonfly Yoga hosts a potluck feast and special yoga offers on December 6th, while Hot Yoga Om continues the celebrations on December 7th. Both events feature raffle prizes, delicious dishes, and exclusive yoga packages to fos-ter health and joy during the holidays. Free admission, optional purchases, and raffle participation are available. 12/6Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks Street SE, Bldg 2, FWB. 12/7 - Hot Yo-ga Om, 222 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB. Dragonflyyoga. com and HotYogaOM.com
Thursday, December 12
ReBoot Movement for Trauma Relief — 6-7:30pm. Donation-based, traumainformed move-ment class combining therapeutic movement, breathwork, and rest techniques to release tension, regulate body systems, and support trauma relief for adults. Instructor Lori Dierig, trained in Trauma Informed Yoga, expertly guides therapeutic movement to release stress, regulate systems, and support adult trauma relief. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. Dragon-flyYoga.com.
Wednesday, January 1
16th Annual Penguin Plunge’n Paddle Noon – 4pm. Kick off the new year as brave souls will take a chilly plunge or race paddleboards, all in the spirit of supporting local charities. Enjoy live music, tasty food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Creative costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best-dressed participants. Free. Juana's Pagodas, 1451 Navarre Beach Causeway, Navarre. Eventbrite/16thAnnua lPenguinPlunge’nPaddle.
Ongoing Events
Sunday
30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket.com.
Community Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Enjoy a yoga class and support a charity at the same time, with donations for this class going to PAWS, Children in Crisis, Headstart, Southern Dog Rescue and more. Donations accepted. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.
Monday
Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12-step program that uses the traditional steps and 8 Principles in the Beatitudes from the bible. We recognize Jesus Christ as our higher power. Dinner is also available from 5:15-5:45pm, $5-adults, $3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook. com/CRatCommunityLifeChurch/
Tuesday
Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market –7am-2pm. Tue, Thur & Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits and flowers. Free. 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach. 850-689-5850.
Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:307:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, nontheistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. RefugeRecovery.org.
Friday
Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grass-fed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850-834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.
Saturday
Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-4994697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.
Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Local and regional produce, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, bakery items, teas, fresh local seafood and hand-crafted jewelry. Free. Palm Plaza, 1003 C. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville.
Palafox Market – 9am-2pm. Find live plants; local fruit; vegetables; herbs; fine art; and antiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-
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BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN
KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 3
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(Located inside Path to Wellness)
240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our non-invasive, drugfree approach helps brain injury patients improve speech, balance, limb and finger control, memory and mental focus, plus the restoration of personality traits. See ad, page 14.
REGENERATION
STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
The application of the Energy Enhancement System and Brain Tap sessions allows you to relax and recharge in a room filled with amazing energy and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself. People have reported improvement in Autism, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, MS, nervous system disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and pain relief. See ad, page 6.
Breast Screening
EMERALD COAST THERMOGRAPHY
Located in Miramar Beach & Gulf Breeze 850-980-1005
We are passionate about educating people on the importance of routine health screenings using 100% radiationfree, touch-free, state-of-the-art infrared cameras. Call or email us for more information; you may also book your appointment online. See ad, page 13.
RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician 503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
CBD Oil
Call to learn how we can assist you and your doctor in protecting breasts from disease, excess hormonal activity and over diagnos breast cancer. See ad, page 17.
Providing the largest selection of CBD oils, tinctures, sprays, softgels, balms and vape liquid in the area, including high-dose options for pain, anxiety, sleep and much more. See ad, page 5.
Chiropractic
HENARD FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
Dr Karen Henard-Carter, DC 4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville 850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com
A second-generation chiropractor, Dr Henard is committed to chiropractic wellness for the family, improving health naturally. More than 23 years’ experience in pediatrics, sports and automobile injuries. Most insurance accepted and affordable cash plans.
DR GABRIEL WATERMAN, DC
850-565-9600
Info@DiscoverDynamic.com
DiscoverDynamic.com
Dr. Gabriel and his team focus on the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, nerves and the spinal structure that protects this delicate system—essential to the body’s ability to function, restore and preserve health. We help individuals and families overcome health obstacles and reach their fullest health potential. See ad, page 37.
Colon Irrigation
COYLE INSTITUTE
9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola 850-637-8258
CoyleInstitute.com
Colon Hydrotherapy (CHT)—a safe process for colon cleansing. CHT works by gently introducing warm water into the colon for the purpose of softening and eliminating waste. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Coyle, DO, our patients are in the best possible hands. Call to schedule your session today. See ad, page 21.
From: Melissa Faulkner armywife72905@yahoo.com
Subject: Team photo
Date: November 6, 2024 at 1:07 PM
To: Info Info@wrightparkwaydentalcenter.com
Counseling
FLOW FREE AND CLEAR
167-C Brooks St SE 850-499-4418
FlowFreeAndClear.com
Cleaning Products
NORWEX
Abbie Robinson
850-341-9211
AbbieRobinson.norwex.biz
A deeper clean with only water for a healthier home with fewer harmful chemicals, less plastic and less worry. Text or call Abbie for more information. See ad, page 47.
Cold Plunge
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Experience Pensacola’s only Cold Plunge system for energy boosts, recovery, and mental health. Cold water immersion therapy features ultraclean, 39-degree water for optimal benefits. See ad, page 6.
Craniosacral
CAROL THOMAS LMT, CST AT NAVARRE HEALING ARTS
Dementia MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
(Located inside Path to Wellness) 240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our non-invasive, drug-free approach helps dementia patients that originally scored in the teens on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment be restored to the point of scoring normal (26-30). See ad, page 14.
Dentistry
7552 Navarre Pkwy Ste, Ste 44, 850-936-5300
Sent from my iPhone
NavarreHealingArts.com
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tension deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health. It alleviates the aches and pains of life, trauma recovery from whiplash, fibromyalgia, TMJ, scoliosis, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, to name a few. MA83196/ MM38857.
Healthy digestion, wellaligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ad, page 23.
Depression BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 3.
Whatever you think people are withholding from you —praise, appreciation, assistance, loving care, and so on—give it to them.
—Eckhart Tolle
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
(Located inside Path to Wellness)
240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL
251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Offering Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Brainsway—a proven tool in the fight against depression that is non-invasive, painless and drug-free) with functional medicine and brain pathway rehabilitation for the most robust changes possible. See ad, page 14.
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
The application of the Energy Enhancement System and Brain Tap sessions allows you to relax and recharge in a room filled with amazing energy and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself. People have reported improvement in autism, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, MS, nervous system disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and pain relief. See ad, page 6.
Energy Healing
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Elevate your vitality by harnessing the power of the Scalar energy enhancement system for relaxation and selfhealing. Users report improved health with conditions such as arthritis, autism, depression, diabetic neuropathy, brain fog, and more through this rejuvenating process. See ad, page 6.
THE NEW YOU MIRACLE
BAND
Jeff Nursey, Customer Service Sales@tnymb.com 850-207-6621 • TNYB.com
Change your frequency, change your life. Our products have an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.
Far Infrared Sauna
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola 850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Explore advanced sauna therapy to enhance circulation, detoxify, and boost relaxation. Sessions promote holistic wellness with traditional and modern benefits of infrared heat exposure.. See ad, page 6.
Food & Supplements
BODY-B-HEALTHY
Natural Alternative Wellness Center 2225 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview 850-682-8893 • Find us on Facebook
We offer cuttingedge. t e s t i n g / s c r e e n i n g s , iridology and wellness coaching, along with all natural supplements, homeopathic solutions and anti-aging products. Let our knowledgeable staff can help guide your selection of trusted products.
EARTHQUAKE EDDIE BEE
Pollen Based Nutritional Supplements 112 E Shipwreck Rd, Santa Rosa Beach 850-582-6765
Info@EEBSF.com
We utilize bee pollen, Royal Jelly and other plant-based foods that are full of life-sustaining nutrients in all of our formulations. Our formulations include a generous portion of bee pollen due to its active role in promoting a strong immune system, increased energy and an overall feeling of good health. See ad, page 30.
Natural supplements, herbs, skin care and essential oils, plus organic and specialty foods. In-store 100% organic café (weekdays 9-4) with juices, smoothies, etc. Very knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 5.
HONEYMED
Your LOCAL Honey with Spice 850-822-8154
HoneyMedBiz@gmail.com
HoneyMedBiz.com
HoneyMed is a delicious blend of raw honey and three powerful superfoods: turmeric, ginger and cayenne pepper. HoneyMed is true nature’s medicine with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, revitalizing and immunity-boosting properties. See ad, page 35.
STAFF OF LIFE HEALTH FOOD STORE
(New Location)
1107 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville 850-678-8411
Niceville's only fully stocked health food and supplement store. In our new expanded location providing all of your favorite brands, and hard-to-find products to keep you healthy. We also carry local farm-raised beef (grass-fed & finished), pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 11.
THE VITAMIN SHOPPE-FWB
417 Mary Esther Cutt Off NW 850-243-0009
Insta: VitaminShoppeFortWaltonBeach
Enjoy 20% Off Monthly on the 28th (all 1st responders, EMT and hospital workers.) 20% off Military Monday’s. Enjoy 20% Off Monthly on the 7th for all teachers, educators and staff. See ad, page 15.
Handyman
KELLEY HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC
John and Sherri Kelley-Owners
KelleyHandyman@gmail.com 850-378-6262
KelleyHandyman.com
BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 25.
Healing Jewelry
THE NEW YOU MIRACLE BAND
Jeff Nursey, Customer Service Sales@tnymb.com 850-207-6621 • TNYB.com
Change your frequency, change your life. Our products have an integrated charged disk to protect against 5G and EMFs along with the added benefits of alleviating pain and improving strength and balance. See ad, back cover.
Health Coach
FLOW WITH ANIESE
224-234-4996
FlowWithAniese.com IG: @FlowWithAniese
Empowering your wellness journey with personalized guidance, sustainable habits, and holistic health strategies for a balanced and vibrant life. See ad, page 21.
Board Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.
REGENERATION STATION
7170 N 9th Ave, Pensacola
850-542-1970
Regenerationstation850.com
Our bodies are energy, and our cells need energy to function. the energy enhancement system allows you to relax, recharge, and give your body the energy it needs to heal itself! people have reported improvement in arthritis, autism, auto-immune disorders, blood disorders, brain fog, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, injury recovery, Lyme, MS, nervous system disorders, and pain relief. See ad, page 6.
Home Repair
KELLEY HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC
John and Sherri Kelley-Owners KelleyHandyman@gmail.com 850-378-6262
Board Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for an appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 4.
Hot Yoga Studio
HOT YOGA OM
222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 850-430-9434 • HotYogaOM.com
BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of Handy Man repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchens. Honest, affordable and with a smile we provide estimates you can count on. See ad, page 25.
Hormone Therapy
AGELESS SOLUTIONS
Cave, MD • Barber, MD
Janis Cook, RN 8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770
Ageless Navarre.com
We offer multiple techniques and programs to get you on the right track to better health and a better body. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 39.
The greatest gift you can give a person is to wake them up to remind them of who they really are.
—Neale Donald Walsch
Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 25.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
BE
WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy See ad, page 3.
Hypnosis
BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS
700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com BaysideHypnosis.com
A full-service weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and anxiety-reduction center. We also help people with changing habits, personal development, confidence and self esteem improvement. See ad, page 7.
QUANTUM HEALING HYPNOSIS
WITH LAURA
Laura Donigan, QHHT Level 2 Practitioner 541-326-9106
LauraDoniganQHHT@gmail.com
LauraDoniganQHHT.com
Tap into deeper consciousness with Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) to unlock past life memories, connect with your Higher Self, and discover clarity and healing. Certified QHHT practitioner Laura Donigan guides you on a transformative journey to overcome fears, find purpose, and bring peace to your life. See ad, page 19.
Ketamine Therapy
BE WELL SOLUTIONS/DESTIN KETAMINE SOLUTIONS
4641 Gulfstarr Dr, #105, Destin 850-786-2051
CompleteKetamineDestin@gmail.com
CompleteKetamineSolutions.com
Ketamine Therapy has clinically been proven to help with depression, brain health, PTSD, and other issues that lead to depression. Affordable treatments include IV hydration and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. See ad, page 3.
Metaphysical Shop
STONE SOUP INTUITIVE SPIRITUAL CENTER
314 Carmel Dr, FWB 850-533-6565
IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com
Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and hand-painted furniture. See ad, page 17.
Myofascial Release
LAURA
TYREE
Myofascial Release Massage Therapist
LauraTyree Health in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com
Specializing in myofascial release, this practice offers personalized massage therapy to alleviate chronic pain, improve mobility, and restore balance. By addressing deep tissue restrictions, clients experience enhanced healing, stress relief, and lasting wellness benefits.
Physicians
COYLE
INSTITUTE
KAREN KENNEDY, MD
Board-Certified Gynecologist
Dr. Michael Coyle, DO FACOOG, FPMRS 9295 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola 850-637-8258
CoyleInstitute.com
Dr. Coyle offers an unparalleled level of medical care to women all over the Gulf Coast, hoping that, in providing his patients with treatment and relief from the conditions that have so greatly affected their ability to live free from pain, he is offering them renewed hope and enriching their lives. See ad, page 21.
A medical clinic that treats pain naturally through remedies such as prolotherapy, prolozone, ozone, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments. See ad, page 29.
Board-Certified Gynecologist MD, offering full GYN services and proud to feature MonaLisa Touch Laser, a non-invasive treatment for symptoms of low hormones or menopause. Stop suffering and start living. Call for appointment. Offices in Gulf Breeze and Navarre. See ad, page 2.
Join us at Pure to experience the largest Pilates studio on the coast. Variety of equipment and mat classes are offered 6 days a week. Tone your core with Pure.
Quantum
Healing Hypnosis Technique
QUANTUM HEALING HYPNOSIS WITH LAURA
Laura Donigan, QHHT Level 2 Practitioner 541-326-9106
LauraDoniganQHHT@gmail.com
LauraDoniganQHHT.com
Tap into deeper consciousness with Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT) to unlock past life memories, connect with your Higher Self, and discover clarity and healing. Certified QHHT practitioner Laura Donigan guides you on a transformative journey to overcome fears, find purpose, and bring peace to your life. See ad, page 19.
of us every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.
—Steven Spielberg
Reiki
FELICIA CRAWFORD
850-240-9180
TherapyForTheSoul.org
Therapy for the Soul sessions are a combination of Reiki energy healing, medical intuition, ThetaHealing and Channeled Angelic communication customized and personalized for each client. See ad, page 4.
Sleep Disorder
Healthy digestion, wellaligned physical structure, proper breathing and a good night’s sleep begin with a healthy mouth. We treat snoring, sleep apnea and TMJ disorders, plus crowns, teeth whitening, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, aligner orthodontics, cleanings, digital X-ray imaging and CO2 laser periodontal treatment. No mercury fillings. See ad, page 23.
Spiritual Center Gifts
STONE SOUP INTUITIVE SPIRITUAL CENTER
314 Carmel Dr, FWB 850-533-6565
IntuitiveSpiritualCenter@gmail.com
Fort Walton’s newest eclectic intuitive center. Locally made crafts by local artisans. Intuitive readings, jewelry, paintings, incense, crystals, pottery, semi-precious stones, wind chimes, diaper cakes and hand-painted furniture. See ad, page 17.
UNITY OF PENSACOLA
Jamie Sanders, Minister 3298 Summit Blvd, Ste 16 850-438-2277
UnityOfPensacola.org
Unity of Pensacola offers spiritual teachings that empower abundant and meaningful living. We provide philosophy that is spiritual, not religious, and love-based, not fear-based. Rev Jamie Sanders offers spiritual counseling. See ad, page 12.
Stem Cell Therapy is utilized to seek out inflammation in the body and regenerate any damaged tissue, applying our body’s natural internal repair system. Our services include behavioral therapies, nutritional strategies, hormone replacement pellet therapy, stem cell therapy, prescription medications and, best of all, the support of a caring staff. See ad, page 39.
Thermography
EMERALD COAST THERMOGRAPHY
Located in Miramar Beach & Gulf Breeze 850-980-1005
We are passionate about educating people on the importance of routine health screenings using 100% Radiation-Free, touch-free, state-of-the-art infrared cameras. Call or email us for more information; you may also book your appointment online. See ad, page 13.
RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician
503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
Theta-Healing
FELICIA CRAWFORD
850-240-9180
TherapyForTheSoul.org
Therapy for the Soul sessions are a combination of Reiki energy healing, medical intuition, ThetaHealing and Channeled Angelic communication customized and personalized for each client. See ad, page 4.
LAURA TYREE
ThetaHealing Healer
LauraTyree Health in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com
ThetaHealing is a meditation technique and spirituality philosophy, accepting of all religions, with the purpose of getting closer to your beliefs Creator. A holistic healing technique allowing you to clear limiting beliefs with meditation and prayer.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
MIND
PERFORMANCE
CENTER, LLC
(Located inside Path to Wellness) 240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
DTMS increases the brain’s ability to regenerate and release neurotransmitters. We pair this with brain pathway correction and the nutritional program of Alzheimer’s researcher Dale Bredesen for quick, profound, positive results. See ad, page 14.
Weight Management
AGELESS SOLUTIONS
8990 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770
AgelessNavarre.com
A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love.
—Mother Teresa
Medical Infrared (MIR) technology developed by NASA provides an early, objective warning system that may show neurochemical signals far in advance of damage to the body. See ad, page 17.
More than 20 years of medical assistance with a weight-loss program that helps you reach your perfect weight while maintaining your energy and health. See ad, page 39.
BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS
700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola
Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com
BaysideHypnosis.com
Hypnotic weight-loss works because it combines common sense, realistic nutrition, and teaches how to think like a naturally thin person with the most advanced hypnotic technology available, performed by skilled, experienced master hypnotists. See ad, page 7.
FLOW WITH ANIESE
224-234-4996
FlowWithAniese.com
IG: @FlowWithAniese
Achieve lasting weight loss with tailored goals, mindful eating, and supportive coaching. Balance, health, and confidence start here. See ad, page 21.
SLENDERIIZ® SKINNY DROPS
167-C Brooks St SE
850-499-4418
Slenderiiz® provides a cutting-edge advantage to weight loss. Safe, effective and long lasting, these drops easily fit into your onthe-go lifestyle with proven weight loss results. See ad, page 10.
Yoga Studios
DRAGONFLY YOGA STUDIES
184 Brooks St SE, Bldg 2 Downtown FWB • 850-244-0184
DragonFlyYoga.com
Serene environment for the study and practice of hatha yoga. Certified instructors. Owner/Director Laura Tyree, E-RYT 500. See ad, page 30.
HOT YOGA OM
222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown FWB • 850-430-9434
HotYogaOM.com
Hot Yoga Om features far infrared heat, radiant heat, radiant life. Daily classes, amazing teachers, great benefits. Experience it for yourself. See ad, page 25.
