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letter from publisher
February is the month our nation focuses on heart health and Natural Awakenings is filled with articles that look beyond the telltale signs of cardiovascular disease. Our feature article, "Improving Heart Health", on page 20, identifies several lifestyle metrics everyone can use to improve their ticker—even those without any signs of disease. Our Fit Body article, "Rhythms of the Heart", on page 28, explains how exercising the vagus nerve can improve the heart’s vitality, boost moods and lower anxiety. HeartMath Institute is taking this science of tuning the vagal fibers to the next level. Bruce Cryer, singer, actor, performer and the author of "Pull the Plug on Stress" shares his journey and life-changing love for HeartMath. Read all about it on page 34.
February is also the month we express our love and affections for the special people in our lives. Our Healing Ways article, "Love in the Present Moment", on page 38, offers tips on keeping conversations heart-felt and deep within the moment. As we honor our valued relationships, we would also like to share a few words from our new CEO as we embrace our unity with KnowWEwell.
In case you missed it, in December 2022, Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation was acquired by KnoWEwell, P.B.C., the Regenerative Whole Health benefits and services company. CEO Kimberly Whittle, shares, “This is a transformational moment for both companies. Readers and consumers looking for trusted knowledge and education related to whole health, sustainable green living and community connections, locally and globally, will surely benefit from this collaboration.”
Whittle is quick to celebrate the visionary behind Natural Awakenings, which has had an almost 30-year run across American cities. “I am thankful for the tremendous leadership, vision and spirit that Natural Awakenings founder Sharon Bruckman instilled in this great publication—which I have been reading, enjoying and benefiting from for many years—and I look forward to continuing her legacy as part of the KnoWEwell family,” says Whittle.
KnoWEwell operates the Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a digital ecosystem, community and marketplace that centralizes global health knowledge, resources and connections. With a mission to transform health care, it is connecting the dots between regenerative organic agriculture, lifestyle choices, social issues and environmental solutions to inspire and empower individuals to prevent harm, address the root causes of chronic disease, and achieve “WELLthier Living.”
KnoWEwell’s acquisition will have minimal impact on local magazine operations. “Moving forward, we’re looking for ways that the two companies can complement each other and also support our publishers at each location in their quest to offer the best content,” explains Whittle. “We’re growing a movement as we share knowledge, celebrate healing success stories, provide access to evidence-based resources and create meaningful connections while helping today’s consumers, whole-health providers, mission-aligned nonprofits, businesses and advertisers thrive. Together, we’re addressing global, local and personal issues—the nexus for consumer consciousness, healing and hope.”
I hope you will all join us in welcoming KnowWEwell by exploring their global site at KnowWEwell.com
Happy Valentine’s Day and may your hearts be healthy and loved,
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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
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7 February 2023 BENEFITS INCLUDE 850-990-HBOT Reduced inflammation Improved cardiovascular performance Eliminate Brain Fog Increase Energy Post Covid Recovery Heal Faster from Surgery/Injury Anti-aging Reach Optimal Health & Wellness 901 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola, FL. www.nextleveloxygen.com Return to your best health, naturally! WELLNESS SERVICES Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Light Therapy BrainTap Brain Fitness Infrared Sauna Therapy PEMF Therapy Hydrogen Water
8 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 12 health briefs 14 global briefs 18 local spotlight 28 fit body 30 conscious eating 34 wise words 36 healthy kids 38 healing ways 40 green living 42 natural pet 44 calendar 47 classifieds 48 resource guide Organic Hair Care Astrid SLAUGHTER Organic Color Specialist TEXT: 850-602-4497 Oway - Simply Organic Beauty Biodynamic Botanicals with Pure Essential Oils to Rejuvenate and Improve Hair Health with Each Service. NEW LOCATION! My Salon Suites 2590 N 12th Ave • Pensacola 24 A NEW CHAPTER Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope 28 RHYTHMS OF THE HEART Improving Mood With Vagus Nerve Toning 30 NOURISH THE HEART Foods That Promote Cardiac Healing 34 BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the Heart 36 HEART-HEALTHY KIDS Setting a Course for Cardiovascular Wellness 38 LOVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT Mindfulness for Couples 40 BABY STEPS TO LIVING GREENER Tips for Lowering Toxins in the Home 42 WHOLE FOODS FOR DOGS AND CATS Human-Grade Meals for Our Furry Best Friends 30 36 40 Contents
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.
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Exciting Move for Niceville Natural Health Food Store
The team at Staff of Life, a staple of natural health food and supplements in Niceville for over 27 years, is excited to announce the store’s recent move to a new location.
Staff of Life owner, Belinda McMillan, says she couldn’t be more thrilled. “After years in the same place, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in such an awesome location,” she affirms. “It’s very spacious, bright and clean. Plus, the building is well-maintained.”
Staff of Life is now located at 1107 East John Sims Parkway, in the Parkway East Shopping Center. “It’s a newer building that is easy to find and has plenty of parking,” assures McMillan, who adds that the only thing that has changed is the address. “We still carry a full line of supplements from all the major brands, hard-to-find items, as well as local grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products delivered weekly. We now also freeze-dry your edibles for long-term storage. In addition, we have a full line of quality doTerra essential oils, available by the drop.”
McMillan invites the community to stop by and check out the new store. “Our staff has exceptional knowledge to help you find exactly what you need to suit your healthy lifestyle,” she adds.
Location: 1107 East John Sims Parkway in Niceville, FL. Store hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed Sunday. For more information, call 850-678-8411, email TheStaffofLife@Embarqmail. com or visit Facebook.com/NicevilleHealth.
10 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com news briefs
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Dr. Felix Liao gained international acclaim for having identified “Impaired Mouth Syndrome” as the overlooked source of many medical, mood and dental issues, and developing a “Holistic Mouth” intervention framework for correcting the root causes of many conditions that are otherwise very difficult to permanently resolve.
11 February 2023
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Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Add maternal mental health benefits to the well-documented physical advantages that breastfeeding offers to moms and their infants. A systematic review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that breastfeeding was associated with overall improved maternal mental health outcomes. A majority of the studies concluded that breastfeeding was connected to fewer mental health symptoms. Thirty-six of the 55 articles reported significant relationships between breastfeeding and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Notably, when breastfeeding challenges arose or when the actual experience of breastfeeding didn’t meet expectations, five studies reported negative mental health symptoms.
The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may have protective effects on mental health due to the release of oxytocin—also known as the love hormone— which is associated with decreased maternal stress levels and anxiety. This suggests that breastfeeding may have immediate, short-term effects on maternal mood. Further research is needed to help provide better personalized breastfeeding and mental health counseling to moms.
Zinc for Colds and Flu
A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms.
In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).
Weighted Blanket for Better Sleep
Weighted blankets may be a non-drug option to help ease conditions like insomnia and anxiety by allowing the body to release more melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) at bedtime.
In a new study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden measured the amount of melatonin, oxytocin and cortisol in the saliva of subjects after sleeping with either a light blanket or a weighted blanket. They found that using a weighted blanket helped naturally increase production of melatonin by 32 percent. There were no significant changes in the levels of oxytocin, cortisol or sympathetic nervous system activity.
12 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com health briefs Maksym Yemelyanov/AdobeStock.com
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Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit—the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.
~Greg Anderson
Herbal Toothpaste Deemed Safe and Effective
Toothpaste containing certain plant-derived extracts was found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and earlystage periodontitis, according to a study published in Dentistry Journal The authors noted that people should still get regular, in-depth cleanings and treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and that antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.
In the double-blind, placebocontrolled trial, patients with a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis were given an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which time they brushed twice daily. The experimental toothpaste contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients.
The herbs used in the study showed positive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial actions. Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.
13 February 2023
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Reforestation Is More Than Planting Trees
The United Nations designated 2021 to 2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. To that end, the European Union and 26 nations, along with donor support, recently pledged $16 billion to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests. A significant portion of the monies will be spent on reforestation. Many reforestation projects focus on the number of trees planted, with less attention to how well they survive, how diverse the resulting forests are or how much carbon they store. A study of data from 176 reforestation sites found that on average only 44 percent of newly planted trees last more than five years, with some sites reporting a sapling survival rate of less than 20 percent. Several studies have explored ways to improve survival rates. Promising measures include planting near mature trees, fencing out cattle, improving soil conditions, planting native species first to pave the way for other tree species and involving local people to support reforestation efforts.
Sharks Win!
In a groundbreaking decision, world governments have awarded increased protections to 54 species of sharks at the 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “This decision is the most significant step toward improving global shark management that countries have taken,” says Mark Bond, a biologist at Florida International University and an advocate for the CITES protections. “It will ensure international shark trade is regulated and traceable.”
Sharks and rays, which are fished for their fins and meat, are the second most threatened vertebrate group in the world, with a third of them threatened with extinction. The inclusion of these sharks on the CITES list helps ensure only legal and sustainable trade in fins and meat is taking place. Almost every shipment of shark products will now require a permit to prove that trade meets legal and sustainability requirements. Before the decision, there were few restrictions in place around the globe.
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One Step Closer to Fusion Power
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the achievement of fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). This is a major scientific breakthrough decades and billions of dollars in the making, paving the way for us to be able to produce clean fusion energy. Fusion power is considered a game-changer because it would allow us to produce electricity with no carbon footprint or radioactive waste, using fewer resources than it takes to harness solar and wind power.
On December 5, 2022, the LLNL team conducted the first controlled fusion experiment in history to reach what is known as “scientific energy breakeven”, meaning that it produced more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to drive it. Merely a theory until now, fusion combines two light nuclei to form a single heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. To achieve this milestone, LLNL built a series of powerful laser systems housed in a facility the size of a sports stadium. The lasers create temperatures and pressures comparable to cores of stars and giant planets.
There are still enormous challenges to be tackled in the decades ahead. The first is to develop machinery capable of affordably turning the reaction into electricity without destroying the machinery in the process. The hope is to address these challenges in time to have a positive impact on climate change.
15 February 2023
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Finding Hydrogen in Oil Wells
Climate change has spurred researchers and companies to develop fuels with zero carbon emissions. A simple solution is hydrogen because it burns without carbon emissions and is seemingly everywhere—under our feet and in every glass of water. The challenge is obtaining a reliable, safe and sustainable volume of hydrogen at a reasonable cost. There are several methods used today to produce pure hydrogen in large quantities. Most hydrogen is a byproduct of natural gas or coal gasification.
Cemvita Factory, a Texas biotech firm, field-tested a new method of hydrogen production in July, 2022, by injecting a propriety combination of bacteria and nutrients into a depleted oil well. Once inside, the microbes broke down the oil dregs to generate hydrogen and CO2. Cemvita Factory estimates there are more than 1,000 depleted oil wells in the United States that are suitable for their micro bial treatment. While hydrogen production using depleted oil wells is getting some interest and atten appears to be at a relatively early stage of development. One chal lenge faced by Cemvita Factory and other innovators in this area is how to prevent the CO2 from leaking into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Methods to capture, store or neutralize the CO2 byproduct will need to be developed.
Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic
The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity.
Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes).
Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.
Alarming Decline of the Hawksbill Turtle
Dispersed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the hawksbill sea turtle helps maintain high coral cover on reefs by removing invasive prey. Their ornate, beautifully patterned shells make them a favorite attraction for snorkelers and divers around the world. But those beautiful shells also make them a target for illegal harvesting to be carved into combs, jewelry and other trinkets.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of hawksbill turtles has declined by 84 to 87 percent over the last three generations, and their numbers continue to fall. Illegal poaching is not the only threat facing these turtles. Excessive hunting, loss of coral reef habitats due to warming oceans and acidification, light pollution in nesting areas due to development, marine pollution and fatal run-ins with commercial fishing have contributed to their decline.
Conservation efforts are underway in places like Australia and the Caribbean, including working with commercial fishers to develop sustainable, turtle-friendly fishing methods. Laws are in place in many parts of the world to deter and prosecute the illegal trade of turtle products. Consumers can do their part by learning to identify, avoid and report hawskbill shell products. For tips, check out this video by Travel for Wildlife at Tinyurl.com/HawksbillHelp.
16 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
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global briefs
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Avoidance of Risky Substances
What is Lifestyle Medicine: Part 2
by Dr. Erin Mayfield
In the January issue, we introduced the Six Pillars of Health in my article What is Lifestyle Medicine on page 20. Three of the pillars—plant-centered eating, restorative sleep, and exercise—were covered in that article. Let’s continue our journey and explore the remaining three pillars—stress reduction, avoidance of risky substances, and positive relationships.
Stress Reduction
We are surrounded with environmental pressures: our job, overuse of electronics, lack of sleep, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. It is a vicious cycle. Getting caught in this cycle contributes to stress and our reaction to those stresses is critical. However, we have a lot more control over how we react to stress than we realize. Did you know that stress changes our genetics? The way stress is managed can lengthen or shorten the ends of our chromosomes; the area known as the “telomeres.” Longer telomeres equal a longer, healthier life.
Meditation alone has been shown to change gene expression, lengthen telomeres, and decrease inflammation—with improvement seen in as little as eight weeks. With regular practice, our brains can form new neural connections, allowing us to feel calmer—even with the busy lives that we lead.
Risky substances include any category of chemicals—legal or illegal—that has a destructive effect on our bodies and alters the chemical balance in our brains.
The list is long—the obvious ones include alcohol, cigarettes, and illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. Prescription opioids and fentanyl—along with the equine tranquilizer xylazine—have been mixed with street drugs to cause increasing numbers of overdose deaths. The less obvious substances are marijuana, kratom and the inhalants in glue, gasoline and cleaning solvents—to name a few.
Positive Relationships
Positive, loving relationships are an essential component of our lives and spiritual well-being. Meaningful connections help buffer stress, lift us up, and are emotionally sustaining. Opening our hearts to others is nourishing to our souls and helps us build resilience and strength.
Group support sessions are an integral part of lifestyle medicine. It builds trust and connection and is meant to be a safe place where we can openly express ourselves without fear.
The most healing ways we can approach others are with kindness, compassion, understanding, tenderness and patience. The more joy, peace and unconditional love we can cultivate in our lives, the better our relationships will be with others.
Modern technology has gifted us the ability to study the most microscopic changes in our tissues and cells to understand what drives disease formation and how we can personally impact our future health and longevity. Our everyday activities have the most profound effect on how we feel and function—even from hour to hour.
Our habits not only affect our lives, but they affect our friends, our loved ones—even the future generations of our families. The better we feel, the more
18 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
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peace we will have, and the more love we will have to share.
Lifestyle Medicine is for Everyone
The Six Pillars of Health are for everyone. They include whole plant-centered eating, physical activity, healthy sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and loving relationships. Lifestyle Medicine science is grounded in decades of evidenced-based research and clinical application. It’s the medical specialty that provides the missing link between traditional medicine and true restoration of health.
Lifestyle changes all work together to improve resiliency, health and longevity. It’s time to give ourselves the gift of health.
Erin Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG, Harvard certified Chef Coach, is the new Medical Advisor for the Northwest Florida edition of Natural Awakenings magazine. She created her private lifestyle medicine practice at the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, delivering programs through a telemedicine platform so people can access services in the privacy of their homes. The coaching program includes live sessions and cooking classes. New offerings include on-site culinary medicine workshops and classes being held at Ever'man Cooperative Grocery and Cafe in Pensacola, FL, in addition to corporate wellness packages. For more information, visit LifestyleMedicineWellnessandRecovery.com.
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IMPROVING HEART HEALTH
LIFESTYLE METRICS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT HEART DISEASE
by Sheila Julson
Catch Those Zs
Dr. Randi Foraker is a professor of medicine within the Division of General Medical Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), and the Deputy Director for WUSTL’s Institute for Informatics. She helped co-author the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Life’s Essential 8, a prescription of eight lifestyle metrics for cardiovascular health. They include modifiable risk factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep duration, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose and blood pressure.
Last June, the AHA added sleep to their lifestyle recommendations. “Poor sleep has been something we have suspected as a contributor to cardiovascular health for some time,” Foraker says. “Sleep has been identified recently as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Interrupted sleep is a problem, because our body isn’t able to rebuild and recharge if we don’t have adequate sleep. That’s a recent finding, and the evidence around that is building.”
When it comes to preventing cardiovascular diseases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are often mentioned. But a deeper dive into heart health shows other factors such as sleep, stress management and proper screenings are just as important.
In addition, research into how sleep patterns affect heart health is ongoing. Experts are looking at when people are sleeping, and if it’s broken into three- or four-hour increments. The demands of one’s occupation may lead to sleeping during the day instead of at night, or broken sleep that may or may not lead to a total of eight hours of sleep.
20 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
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Stress Management
“Not managing stress well can be linked to insulin resistance, gut issues, high blood pressure and inflammation, which directly contribute to heart disease,” says Charlotte Nussbaum, M.D., a functional medicine practitioner based in Medford, New Jersey. “That’s a lifestyle factor that people need to address—and it can be the hardest one to address. Even if you’re dialed in to a healthy diet and exercise routines, you’re not going to keep yourself healthy if you have unresolved stress issues.”
Nussbaum further notes that unaddressed childhood traumas can lead to unhealthy stress management techniques. She encourages people to consult with a therapist or other practitioner to work through childhood traumas. Try to identify and eliminate the stressor. If a job is causing stress, we can’t always change jobs, but using techniques such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness can help.
She also recommends bodywork and movement, breathing techniques, biofeedback and going outdoors and into nature as effective stress relieving techniques.
Foraker notes that the Life’s Essential 8 framework has specifically called out mental health and social determinants of health. These underlying factors can be barriers to achieving ideal cardiovascular health. “Mental health can impact depression and be a proxy for nicotine addiction and poor diet,” she says.
Social determinants may include living in a food desert without access to healthy foods. Some people may not be able to achieve physical fitness because they might live in a high crime area, preventing them from being physically active outdoors. “Social determinants of health are often cost prohibitive to achieving health goals,” Foraker reiterates.
Nationwide, nonprofits such as The Food Trust are helping to bring nutritious food to low-income communities. The National Youth Sports Strategy, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health
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and Human Services, strives to expand children’s participation in youth sports and encourage regular physical activity.
Looking Beyond Cholesterol
Nussbaum observes that while much attention is placed on lowering fat and cholesterol for a healthier heart, what is more important is choosing fats that don’t oxidize easily. When low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is oxidized, it can lead to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque on the artery walls.
“Seed oils like canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or corn oil have been promoted as heart healthy, but those are very easily oxidized because they contain linoleic acid, an inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid that can contribute to heart disease,” Nussbaum says. “While omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, we only need a small amount in our diets. Our modern diet has become very high in omega-6.”
Nussbaum advises increasing omega-3 intake to balance the omega-3s/omega-6 ratio. Cold water, fatty fish that’s low in mercury, such as salmon, along with shellfish, are good sources of omega-3s. For people that don’t eat seafood, marine algae provide omega-3s.
Polyphenols are plant-based foods— that boost heart health and immunity. Polyphenol-rich foods include green tea, citrus fruits, hibiscus tea and turmeric. Nussbaum adds that organ meats such as liver are high in antioxidants such as retinol and vitamin A.
Red meat has gotten a bad rap, but Nussbaum notes how meat is sourced makes a difference. The nutritional quality of a fast-food burger is much different than a cut of beef from grassfed cows that are sustainably raised; the latter having a very different nutrition profile, along with omega-3s.
Nussbaum cautions that consuming a low-fat diet may not lower risk of heart disease because many low-fat diets substitute fat with carbohydrates. A highcarbohydrate diet can lead to obesity and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for heart disease.
Exercise: Less Can Be More
It can be intimidating to start a workout regimen, especially if time is limited. “What’s more important is not being sedentary and finding ways to keep moving,” Nussbaum reassures. “Even if you have desk job, there are ways to incorporate short bursts of movement into your day. Walking can be helpful.”
She adds that high-intensity interval training—short bursts of intense exercise
TheAmerican Heart Association confirms that practicing mindfulness and meditation may help manage stress and high blood pressure, improve sleep and help us feel more balanced and connected, which can help lower the risk of heart disease.
Meditation can be as simple as sitting quietly in a calm place and focusing on breath. Other types include relaxation, Zen, transcendental and mantra, mindfulness-based stress reduction.
alternated with low-intensity recovery periods—can be effective for those with limited time. “Some of those workouts are only five to 10 minutes long but can have just as much benefit as a 90-minute cardiovascular workout.”
Screenings and Advanced Testing Detect Underlying Issues
Dr. Yale (Yoel) R. Smith is a Melbourne, Florida-based physician who is triple board-certified and an Advanced Fellow in Anti-Aging Metabolic and Functional Medicine. “There are millions of people walking around with severe cardiac disease that do not even know it, because heart attacks and death from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can kill someone without warning,” he cautions. “Thus, preventing such an event with specialized testing can allow people to live long lives with loved ones.”
Smith emphasizes the importance of a complete lipid profile. “I see many patients that come to me with incomplete lipid profiles,” he notes. They do not include sensitive biomarkers that go beyond just total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides.
There’s a misconception that if one’s cholesterol is within normal range, they need not worry about heart disease. “But someone could have ‘unstable plaque’ just waiting to burst in a coronary artery that kills the patient,” Smith explains.
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“When an unstable plaque ruptures in a major vessel, the body senses it as bleeding and sends clotting factors to stop the bleeding, thus creating the heart attack and death. We can look for this with cutting-edge testing.”
Such testing includes Cleerly, which uses artificial intelligence to look within the coronary arteries. It provides actual visualization of the patients’ vessels and pinpoints locations of stenotic lesions, total plaque volume and unstable plaque locations. “This is revolutionary and allows me to provide information to the patient and the interventional cardiologist vital information before catheterization,” Smith says.
The Protein Unstable Lesion Signature test looks for cellular markers for high-risk patients and determines risk for plaque rupture. The Vibrant Health CardiaX allows doctors to look at 22 different genes that can contribute to various heart disease issues.
“Family history is a look into the future of your chance of developing heart diseases,” Smith shares. “The genetics of a patient’s family is quite important, and genes can jump a generation. Thus, the patient could have their grandfather’s or grandmother’s genes that can put them at risk and lead to an early death.”
There are natural ways to control and reverse heart disease, Smith reiterates, but he cautions against over-the-counter, unregulated supplements marketed toward improving heart health. A comprehensive workup and cardiovascular health plan should be monitored by a qualified medical doctor.
“Meditation and massage are beneficial to lower stress,” Smith concurs. “Stress and high cortisol levels create a pathway to heart disease, elevated blood pressure and other issues. Thus, anything that can lower stress and create a happy lifestyle will help with heart health.”
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Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Natural Awakenings
A New Chapter— Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope
by Brooke Goode
In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.
By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest franchise publishing net-
work in the health and wellness industry.
As the magazine’s 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, Natural Awakenings was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, “The why that has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission statement that inspired me to create Natural
Awakenings: to inspire and empower people to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”
The world’s delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. “The critical issues we now address in Natural Awakenings—like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency,” Bruckman said. “The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on grander scale.”
Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder and CEO of KnoWEwell. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match. com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.
A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.”
Combining her entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings, KnoWEwell’s mis-
sion is to transform health care by inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.
Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings, creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.
A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help
Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.
While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”
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Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.
Hope for People and Planet
Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, “Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-socialspiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes.” Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.
Rodale Institute, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crises. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”
Research by Rodale Institute has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale Institute researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”
Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest
26 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
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sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.
Looking Forward
The World Economic Forum reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper “The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism. The good news is that the local Natural Awakenings print magazines, together with KnoWEwell's Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a global digital ecosystem, are forging the paradigm shift. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. “We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all—our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”
Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor.
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RHYTHMS OF THE HEART
IMPROVING MOOD WITH VAGUS NERVE TONING
by Kirby Baldwin
While most people consider the brain to be the power center of the body, the heart is stronger in several ways. In research pioneered by the HeartMath Institute in the 1990s, the heart has been found to be 40 to 60 times stronger than the brain electrically and about 100 times stronger magnetically.
HeartMath studies heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the naturally occurring beatto-beat changes in heart rate and rhythms, and is a key marker of overall health, resiliency and longevity. HeartMath discovered people could train themselves to improve their HRV and, as a result, their ability to regulate emotions by using breath as a type of biofeedback.
Central to this work is the vagus nerve, a main component of the parasympathetic nervous system that carries signals at an unconscious level between the brain, heart and digestive system. Due to its many functions, particularly controlling mood, researchers have targeted the vagus nerve in treating depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.
According to a 2018 study, “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the BrainGut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders,” published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Treatments that target the vagus nerve increase the vagal tone and inhibit cytokine production. Both are important mechanisms of resiliency. The stimulation of vagal afferent fibers in the gut influences monoaminergic brain systems in the brain stem that play crucial roles in major psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Since the vagal tone is correlated with capacity to regulate stress responses and can be influenced by breathing, its increase through meditation and yoga likely contribute to resilience and the mitigation of mood and anxiety symptoms.”
Vagal tone tells us how well the vagus nerve is functioning, and it is measured indirectly by HRV. A toned vagus nerve can help regulate the nervous system and improve digestion, heart health and breathing rate. It can also counter the body’ s “fight” response and help us relax and bounce back from daily stresses by boosting the “rest-and-digest”
response, which also boosts HRV.
Because the vagus nerve is integral to the gut-brain connection, Michael Ruscio, DNM, DC, writes that lifestyle practices that are good for the gut and brain, like diet, exercise and deep breathing, can improve vagal tone. The Cleveland Clinic states that the vagus nerve can be naturally strengthened through meditation, massage, music therapy and coldwater immersion.
Other non-invasive methods of stimulating the vagus nerve include lightly tapping the chest while holding the breath, as well as light-to-moderate massage in areas near the vagus nerve. Because the nerve connects to the throat, gargling with salt water and laughing have also been proposed as potential interventions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, and there are ongoing studies to expand its use for other health conditions and disorders. This is an invasive solution, as the device is surgically implanted under the skin on the chest.
28 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com fit body
Bruce Cryer, co-founder and former CEO of HeartMath, says, “We could all use a helping hand to get into our happy place” in these uncertain times. The 40-year wellness leader recently turned to Sensate, a new personal device designed to help people improve HRV and derive calming benefits without the need for extensive training in meditation or breathing techniques.
Developed by Stefan Chmelik, a physician, Sensate is a palm-sized device that is simply placed on a person’s chest as it emits stress-relieving sound waves directly to the nervous system using bone conduction. Similar to the comfort a person experiences when a purring cat lies on their chest, Sensate causes the chest to resonate sound, which signals the vagus nerve to relax. When used over time, the device can train (or retrain) the vagus nerve to default to this calming state.
In a 2022 study, adults with and without anxiety and depression disorders used Sensate for an average of three and a half months, five to six days per week. After the test period, more than 70 percent of the participants reported low, mild or normal stress levels. More than 65 percent of the participants with anxiety disorder and over half of those with a depressive disorder reported an improvement in their condition.
Chmelik says, “Stress is a ‘global catastrophe’, and with a chronically stressed public, there is no will or ability to address all the other issues facing us. My goal in developing Sensate was to enable people to self-regulate more efficiently. I want to create a tipping point to create a more conscious world. As more people become aware of their breath and its connection to stress, and take advantage of the powerful tools of meditation, breath and other tools like Sensate, hopefully that tipping point is reached.”
Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.
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FEBRUARY IS heart health month
The right food choices don’t just prevent heart disease and help shrink artery plaque, they also nourish and heal the heart. For a healthy ticker, enjoy these five food groups every day.
Fabulous Fiber
Fiber is the roughage in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, and it is loaded with agebusting nutrients. Eating fiber suppresses appetite, promotes weight loss, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation and feeds a healthy gut microbiome.
The challenge is to get more fiber every day. Too often, people consume fiber from processed grains and flour, and the
Nourish the Heart
FOODS THAT PROMOTE CARDIAC HEALING
by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS
sugar load that comes with grain fiber has many adverse impacts on heart health. The best option is to enjoy daily fiber from the following sources: three cups of colorful vegetables; two pieces of fruit, such as one cup of berries and one apple; two handfuls of nuts and seeds; and onehalf to one cup of beans.
Smart Fat
Clinical studies show that enjoying fats from seafood, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts decreases the risk of a heart attack and stroke without causing weight gain. Healthy fats improve cholesterol levels, assist with blood sugar control, are critical for the brain, improve hormone balance and reduce inflammation.
Fats enhance the texture of food, adding that smooth, creamy mouth feel to a meal that makes eating a pleasure. Enjoy healthy fats from avocados, seeds and dark chocolate daily.
Clean (Not Mean) Protein
Raising animals in large-scale conventional operations with cruel living conditions is not just mean, it also produces less nutritious meat that can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Choose clean protein instead, which does not contain added hormones, pesticides and other toxins. Good sources of protein are organic dairy products and eggs, wild seafood and animal protein that has been grassfed or organically fed while living on open pasture. Beans are also a great protein-packed choice that improves blood sugar and cholesterol profiles. They are the most powerful anti-aging food ever tested.
Beneficial Beverages
Start with at least four cups of water per day. It doesn’t matter whether it’s flat or sparkling, so long as it’s pure. Pure water
30 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com udra11/Shutterstock.com conscious eating
can be purchased or made at home or at work with a reverse osmosis filter system.
Except for people that are caffeine sensitive, one to two servings of caffeinated beverages can be enjoyed daily. In moderation, those tea and coffee pigments are good for us.
Don’t forget a fiber- and protein-rich smoothie to stay satisfied and revved up all morning. A balanced and delicious recipe includes one serving of protein powder, frozen organic cherries or blueberries, almond milk and chia seeds. Take advantage of the option to enjoy wine with dinner—just be sure to limit wine intake to no more than two servings daily. Avoid any beverage with added sugar or commercial sweeteners. Don’t be fooled into drinking juice; without the fiber, fruit juice is much closer to drinking soda than to eating fruit.
Powerful Probiotics
Not only do probiotics help gut function—a healthy gut microbiome decreases inflammation and supports weight control. The latest research reveals that the microbes in the gut have a dramatic impact on the risk for heart disease, as well. Because healthy microbes feed on fiber, eating fiber is good for the gut microbiome, too.
The right gut microbes offer numerous benefits. They lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist with weight loss, decrease inflammation and decrease production of trimethylamine N-oxide (also known as TMAO), a marker for heart disease. Support the gut microbiome by eating probiotic food sources daily, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled veggies and miso.
Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up. Learn more at DrMasley.com.
COMING IN THE MARCH ISSUE
food & nutrition
31 February 2023
FRITTATA WITH SPINACH, MUSHROOMS AND CHEESE
YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
½ pound fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems removed, chopped
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ medium sweet onion, finely chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
½ tsp sea salt
RATATOUILLE
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 medium eggplant (remove ends and any damaged skin), cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, diced
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp oregano, dried
½ tsp fines herbes (or Italian herb seasonning), dried
3 small zucchini, chopped into ½-inch
1 tsp Italian herb seasoning
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 large cage-free, organically fed eggs
2 Tbsp organic, whole fat milk (or sour cream)
½ cup organic Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated
¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
Preheat oven to 375° F.
Place spinach in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and allow to steam on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain; squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
Heat a sauté pan to medium heat; add olive oil, then onion; stir occasionally. After 1 minute, add mushrooms and continue heating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms have softened. Add garlic and Italian
cubes (about 2½ cups)
2 small yellow squash, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
2 Tbsp white wine
3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2½ cups)
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp fresh rosemary, diced
1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
⅛ tsp paprika or cayenne powder (or to taste)
1 lb firm tofu, cubed, or 15 oz cooked cannellini beans (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, and/ or thyme)
This fragrant side dish from southern France is packed with nutrients. It goes well with chicken or fish, and especially a soufflé. To convert this from a side dish to a complete meal, add 1 pound of cubed tofu or 15 ounces of cooked cannellini beans. Can be served hot or cold and usu-
herbs and heat 1 minute, then remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Stir in the Comté or Gruyère cheese, steamed spinach and sautéed onions with mushrooms.
Grease a pie dish with extra virgin olive oil, then pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it has the texture of custard—trembling and barely set. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes of baking, but don’t over-bake, or it will get tough. Check it 5 minutes before it’s supposed to be done.
This recipe and photo were excerpted from The Mediterranean Method. ©2019 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Harmony Books. All rights reserved.
ally tastes better when served the next day. Steam eggplant on the stove top for 6 minutes or microwave in a glass container for 4 minutes. Cook until tender.
Heat a pan on medium heat and add olive oil; add the onion, salt, black pepper, oregano and fines herbes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent. Add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and wine; stir. Cover and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 10 minutes, until squash softens and the flavors blend.
For a touch of heat, add paprika or cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Excerpted from The 30-Day Heart TuneUp. Copyright © 2021 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission from Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
32 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
CIOPPINO (ITALIAN SEAFOOD STEW)
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
¼ tsp sea salt
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil)
¼ tsp ground black pepper
3 large carrots, chopped
1 medium fennel bulb, chopped into ½-inch pieces (or 3 celery stalks)
1 cup red wine
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce
2 cups low sodium vegetable or fish broth
1 pound mussels and/or clams in the shell, scrubbed clean
1 pound fresh whitefish, cut into 1-inch pieces (tilapia, cod, snapper, catfish)
½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 large sea scallops
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Heat a large stew pot over medium-high heat. Add oil, onions, salt, mushrooms, herbs and black pepper; stir for 2 minutes. Add carrots and fennel; cook another 2 minutes. Add wine to deglaze for 30 seconds while stirring. Add bell pepper, tomato sauce and broth; simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, unless the seafood is super fresh, soak fish, shrimp and scallops in orange juice or milk for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain when ready to add them to the pot.
Bring another pan with a steamer tray to a boil; add the mussels and/or clams; cook until they open, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of the liquid for later use.
Increase the temperature under the large stew pot to mediumhigh and add the fish, shrimp and scallops. Heat 4 to 5 minutes until shrimp are pink and fish is cooked. Add the drained mussels and clams plus 1 cup of the reserved clam/mussel liquid; simmer another minute.
Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with parsley. This stew is fabulous accompanied with a tossed green salad on the side or as a second course. Be sure to set the table with additional large bowls for discarded shells.
Recipe excerpted from The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up by Steven Masley, M.D. Copyright © 2021 by Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
33 February 2023 hlphoto/ShutterStock.com
BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the Heart
by Kirby Baldwin
Bruce Cryer has been called a Renaissance man because of a varied, four-decade career as a singer, actor, dancer, publisher, author, marketing executive, teacher and coach. In New York City, he played The Boy for 800 performances in the world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks. He coauthored the book, From Chaos to Coherence: The Power to Change Performance, was lead writer of the Harvard Business Review article titled “Pull the Plug on Stress” and taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Cryer was part of the original leadership team and former CEO of the HeartMath Institute, which has scientifically studied heartbrain communications and deepened our understanding of how the workings of the heart can influence human
perceptions, emotions, intuition and health. For three decades, he has dedicated himself to developing and teaching stress reduction and resilience techniques that tap into the power and intelligence of the heart.
As one of the leaders of HeartMath, what did you hope to achieve?
Part of what motivated me to join the original HeartMath team was the notion that the heart is much more than a pump. The values we associate with the heart—courage, wisdom, love, compassion—were being viewed as completely separate from the physical heart. Before founding HeartMath, Doc Childre
wise words
discovered that anything he did in life that succeeded—a job, a diet, an exercise program, a relationship—worked better if he “put his heart into it”. Childre also realized that every major religion, culture and civilization revered the heart throughout history. However, the Western scientific method had reduced the human body to individual components and viewed the heart as a “fantastical machine”. This perspective was inadequate to explain the profound feelings of love, care and even grief we experience in the heart.
How has HeartMath evolved through the years?
The core message of HeartMath has always been this: Human beings have a remarkably well-integrated system with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The heart’s intelligence helps to coordinate all these aspects. The phrase “follow your heart” has actual scientific meaning.
HeartMath’s work has been validated through more than 400 peer-reviewed studies. When we started in the early 1990s, we were a research, education and training organization. Our discoveries using heart-rate variability proved to a mainstream, scientific audience that individuals can regulate their hearts, minds and emotions to produce profound changes in health, well-being, brain function and performance.
How can HeartMath positively impact people’s lives?
HeartMath is a beautiful and simple system that allows people to adapt to life’s relentless change and uncertainty and find balance. The brain directly benefits from the heart’s balancing capacity, which then facilitates expression, communication, listening, reaction times, coordination and emotional strength. Having survived two life-threatening
conditions and then rediscovering many sources of creative expression in myself, I’ve learned that our capacity to keep growing and learning is one of the greatest gifts of being human. Research is now confirming that the more we stay active, interested and curious in life, the more we continue to create a flexible, youthful brain. A childlike spirit of delight and wonder is something we can tap into our entire lives.
How do you practice HeartMath in your own life?
I use heart-focused breathing many times each day. The idea is to inhale for about five seconds and then exhale for about five seconds while keeping your focus in the area of the heart. This 10-second cycle is the optimal pace allowing our systems to find balance and coherence. Sometimes I sit and radiate love to someone I care about or a situation in trouble. Heart-focused breathing has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I do this not only to maximize my own health physically, mentally and emotionally, but also to connect with humanity as one family, one heart.
Why do you encourage people to develop heartfocused coherence?
The heart is a key center of intelligence for our human system. The practice of breathing and focusing our attention on the heart is the first step to bring the heart and brain into coherent alignment. As we breathe in qualities we value—kindness, compassion, love—and then exhale worries, tension, anxiety or fear, a surprising power is unleashed. More than 30 years ago, I dedicated my life to this path of the heart. It’s an incredible journey.
Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.
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35 February 2023
Heart-Healthy Kids
SETTING A COURSE FOR CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS
by Ana-Maria Temple, M.D.
When a middle-aged, thin adult comes to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, the doctors will ask about family health history; alcohol, drug and cigarette use; current medications; and cholesterol levels. But because the person is thin, they may not question their diet. In reality, the food choices we’ve made since childhood may determine our likelihood of developing heart disease as adults. Heart-healthy diets for kids can establish a healthful baseline and set them on a path to lifelong wellness and longevity.
Studies have demonstrated that the development of coronary atherosclerosis begins in childhood. These findings have been replicated in studies of children of different ethnic backgrounds across the globe. Characterized by the deposition of fatty material (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, atherosclerosis contributes to heart disease and heart attacks.
36 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com VasitChaya/AdobeStock.com healthy kids
The immediate reaction may be to blame genetics for heart disease in young children and assume it is outside of our control, but this assumption would be wrong. Genetics are only a blueprint. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress level and our exposure to environmental toxins determine how our house is built. “Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger,” wrote Judith Stern, professor of nutrition and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center demonstrated the effects of genetic malleability in a study involving agouti mice that have genetically mutated to produce obese offspring that develop heart disease, diabetes and cancers. The scientists fed two groups of these unhealthy mice different diets. One group ate standard mouse food. The other consumed standard mouse food plus vitamin supplements, including choline, folic acid, B12 and betaine.
The agouti mice mothers that were given a vitamin-supplemented diet produced offspring that were healthy, without evidence of heart disease or other problems, while the mice that ate a regular diet without nutritional supplementation continued to produce terribly unhealthy mice. What humans can surmise from this study is that parents have the power to alter their children’s gene expression and subsequent heart disease risk.
To raise healthy adults, a child’s nutrition is where to start. As Mark Hyman, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine, says, “Chronic disease is a food-borne illness,” and one of the biggest dietary culprits is sugar. It leads to the development of plaque in the arteries and wreaks havoc on the health of Americans. In
the 1980s, the low-fat craze prompted food companies to remove fat from foods and replace it with sugar to preserve taste. A whopping 240 sugar alternatives followed, including corn syrup, rice syrup and dextrose.
The liver can process only 24 grams of added sugar per day. Any extra sugar gets turned into fat, which contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In the U.S., adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, according to the American Heart Association. That’s more than three times the amount the liver can handle.
Parents can begin to shield their children from this dangerous ingredient by steering them away from sugary drinks. We all know that sodas are full of sugar, but even organic juice boxes, sports drinks, flavored waters and coconut waters contain loads of the stuff. Choose water or coconut water without added sugar, and wean kids off of juice by gradually diluting it. Also consider fruit-infused waters or bubbly, carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Start reading food labels and encourage kids to become sugar detectives. It is not about categorizing food as evil or bad. It’s about learning together which foods and drinks help their little hearts become stronger and more resilient. When they grow up to be heart-healthy, middle-aged adults, they will be thankful.
Ana-Maria Temple, M.D., is an integrative pediatrician and wellness educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at DrAnaMaria.com.
37 February 2023
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Love in the Present Moment
MINDFULNESS FOR COUPLES
by Marlaina Donato
Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heartunions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy.
Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.
Conscious Hearts
“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, inhouse relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.
Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us dis-identify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution. She emphasizes that couples often go into fight-or-flight mode because they feel threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.
38 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
healing ways
Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”
Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, recommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk,
cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”
A Deeper Dive
Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking questions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple. The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to ask, “What scares you today? What is
the most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”
Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance— flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.
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BABY STEPS TO LIVING GREENER
TIPS FOR LOWERING TOXINS IN THE HOME
by Tom O'Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN
Millions of Americans are spending more time in their homes as employers embrace work-athome arrangements following the pandemic. Many families have redesigned living spaces to accommodate one or more offices, and as they streamline their abodes, it is important to also take care of any potential hazards. Some dangers around the house are easy to spot, like toys left in a hallway where people might trip or exposed electrical wires that could cause a fire. Other hazards are not as obvious but equally dangerous. Daily exposure to invisible household toxins, for example, can cause serious health consequences. Almost beyond comprehension, the average person is exposed to 700,000 to 2 illion toxins each day, and some of these are “forever chemicals” that
never leave the body or take decades to be expelled. This huge toxic burden can accumulate in the body, strain the immune system and compromise overall health.
“The research is very clear—huge, huge, strong correlations between toxin load and most of your autoimmune diseases,” remarks Joseph Pizzorn, ND, author or co-author of six textbooks for doctors and seven consumer books, including, most recently, The Toxin Solution
The good news is that many of these threats can be corrected with a little insight, planning and budgeting. Changes to our everyday choices can go a long way toward keeping our bodies and homes healthy and safe, while also creating a greener and healthier environment.
40 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com green living
oatawaAdobeStock.com
The Air We Breathe
The air inside our homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, containing pollutants such as mold, smoke, out-gassing chemicals, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses. There are many portable HEPA and carbon air filter options available at different price points that will help remove contaminants. According to a 1989 Clean Air Study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, common houseplants can remove organic pollutants from indoor air and, when combined with activated carbon air filters, are more effective. Examples of such plants are the Boston fern, spider plant, variegated snake plant, peace lily, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena and many other inexpensive varietals.
Between the Sheets
Flame-retardant chemicals in our sheets, mattresses, mattress pads and even pajamas out-gas minute amounts that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Because we spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed, it is important to ensure that the sleeping environment is as healthy as possible. Consider switching to organic cotton options for all bedroom items. Pressboard furniture is soaked with formaldehyde; replace it with solid wood pieces to reduce exposure to off-gassing. Turn off Wi-Fi at night to reduce exposure to EMF radiation. These changes can be made gradually, as the budget allows; think of them as an investment that will pay off with improved sleep and wellness
In the Kitchen
For many of us, turning on the faucet for a glass of water can produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as the “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (ewg.org/tapwater) provides a searchable database of contaminants found in drinking water by zip code. Investing in a water filtration system is a great way to avoid these chemicals. They, too, are available at different price points. Whether it’s a countertop unit, a filter mounted on the faucet, an under-sink device or a whole-house system, the best solutions include charcoal granulation, a two-micron filter and reverse osmosis.
Smart swaps in cookware and bakeware are also a must. Begin by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, glass or cast-iron options. If replacing them all at once isn’t economically viable, start with the most damaged and scratched pans and continue as finances allow.
Food storage can be another source of toxins. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastics can leach into our food. Move away from plastic storage containers to glass, and swap plastic wrap for a non-toxic alternative like beeswax wrap or reusable bowl covers.
In the Bathroom
Clean the shower head and install a chlorine shower filter. Gradually begin to replace soap and shampoo with non-toxic products that contain all-natural ingredients; specifically look for ones that are paraben-free, gluten-free and organic.
For other personal products such as perfume, move away from synthetic fragrances, which can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and replace them with all-natural alternatives such as essential oils. Toothpaste should be gluten- and fluoride-free. Newer options contain hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral—which can be an alternative to fluoride and help remineralize teeth. Replacing makeup all at once can be costly, so begin with lipstick and lip balms and look for gluten-free alternatives.
Baby Steps
While it may feel overwhelming to embark upon a green living journey, positive change doesn’t happen all at once. Pick one area and make baby steps. Even small, incremental actions can have a powerful cumulative impact on the mind, body and planet.
41 February 2023
Dr. Tom O’Bryan is the founder of theDr.com, author of The Autoimmune Fix and chief health officer for KnoWEwell, the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.
Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats
HUMAN-GRADE MEALS FOR OUR FURRY BEST FRIENDS
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
As guardians of our beloved pets, choosing the best food for them can be a daunting task, with so many options online and in grocery stores, as well as conflicting advice about what is healthiest. For thousands of years, pets were fed human food scraps, and in the last 50 years, as dogs were elevated from being pets to valued members of the family, handing them treats directly from the dinner table became a common practice.
Nevertheless, commercial pet food has become an enormous industry in a relatively short period of time—it has only been around for just over 150 years, according to the Pet Food Institute. Globally, the pet food market was valued at almost $95 billion in 2021 and is expected to continue growing, according to Grand View Research. North America dominated the market, accounting for a 49.9 percent share of worldwide revenue that year.
The immense popularity of commercial pet food can be attributed to numerous reasons. Socioeconomic factors make buying processed pet food affordable; nutritional science makes it look sophisticated; veterinarians endorse it and marketing agencies persuade guardians that it is the best option. Many pet guardians may be concerned that table scraps are not as healthy for their pet as kibble. As a result, most dogs and cats consume commercial diets, many of which include byproducts from the human food industry.
Kelly Swanson, a University of Illinois professor and the author of a 2018 nutrition study published in the Journal of Animal Science, told Science Daily, “A lot of companies
test for complete and balanced nutrition but don’t go beyond that.” She further noted that her study evaluated certain diets by looking at additional factors: “Would dogs like them? Were they digestible? Would they increase activity?”
Leveling Up a Pet’s Diet
Because they are unprocessed and unrefined, pet diets made of whole foods contain more intact nutrients and provide more fiber for digestive health, which can help with constipation, diarrhea or both. According to a 2021 study published in the Journal of Animal Science, some types of fresh, “humangrade” food may be simpler for pets to digest than dry, commercial kibble.
A recent study examined the gut
42 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com dezy/Shutterstock.com natural pet
microbiome of pet and stray dogs from South Africa, India and Loas and compared their gut microbiomes to those of dogs that lived 1,000 years ago. The researchers found that the varied diet of the stray dogs of Loas had the most robust microbiome and that it was comparable to the diet consumed by ancient dogs. Like in humans, a healthy and balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion and to fight inflammation.
While there are some foods that pets should avoid, such as alcohol, dairy, chocolate and grapes, many types of meat and vegetables that humans eat can be served to their pets. Because whole-food ingredients like chicken, pork, lamb, beef and chicken eggs are readily available at local grocery stores, it’s easy to get started. The key is ensuring that a pet gets a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates. There are plenty of homemade pet food recipes available online that consider this balance. The needs of a pet will vary based on species, age, weight and overall health, so consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to keep the pet’s health on track.
Tips for Homemade Pet Food Success
n If it is in the budget, choose grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, which have a healthy omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and are anti-inflammatory.
n The diet should include calcium, iron, zinc and other essential nutrients based on species and individual needs. Consult a veterinarian for guidance.
n Although dogs do not require carbohydrates in their diet, they can digest them. Dogs use dietary carbohydrates to maintain and replace glycogen levels.
n Introducing vegetable fiber—kale, collard greens and fruit such as apples—to a dog’s digestive system helps prevent gas pain.
n Obtain ingredients from organic sources whenever possible, because they contain no pesticides or chemicals that could harm a pet’s health.
n Avoid processed foods and artificial ingredients.
n Look for pet foods without preservatives, byproducts, fillers or food dyes.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (aafco.org/consumers) offers a wealth of information and guidance regarding commercial pet foods and ingredients. While they do not have a whole foods classification, they do provide information about natural and organic pet foods.
Feeding pets whole food is a great way to help them stay healthy and happy. Make their food at home using fresh ingredients, or look for commercial brands that incorporate whole foods in their products. A pet’s best health starts in the bowl.
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.
43 February 2023
Call (850) 763-8871 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kenawy, Nutritional Consultant OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH FOOD CENTER Located in the Publix Shopping Center on 23rd St (634 W 23rd St. • Panama City, FL 32405) Visit us on Facebook: @oliveleaveshealthfoodcenter Mention this ad and receive 10% off any supplement* *EXCLUDING SUPER TUESDAY OLIVE LEAVES Presents “ON CALL RADIO” with Dr. Andrew Weekdays 8:00 am - 10:00 am and “THE BRIGHT SIDE” with Pharmacist Ben Weekdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am NEWS TALK 1430AM Thank you Bay County for 35 years of Health and Wellness. Super Tuesdays 20% OFF all supplements on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month. Largest Selection of Health & Nutrition Foods in Bay Co. Vitamins • Herbal Supplements Highest Quality Products The Full Line of Europe’s Best CBD Oil Now Available! Pure/Organic/Non-GMO AUTHORIZED RETAILER
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NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Publisher@NaturalAwakenings NWF.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Or visit NaturalAwakenings NWF.com/advertising to submit online.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
RevEssentials Nutritional Seminar – 6-7pm. Losing weight and improving your lifestyle can be easy with simple, daily practices done often. With our monthly seminars you will develop skills through intentional practices, learn how to shop for food, manage daily stressors, control cravings and indulgences, set realistic expectations and goals to make losing weight and keeping it off easy. Fee. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 West Garden St, Pensacola.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Yoga For Clarity w/ Max – 10-11am. Our goal in this class is to develop calm awareness through grounding and balance. This will be a steady and mindful flow focusing on the foundational yoga postures. The concept of our physical practice is akin to how a tree grows: in order for a tree to grow tall, a strong root system and sturdy yet flexible core must first be established. The word ‘yoga’ often translates to ‘union’ - reuniting ourselves with our bodies. As a result of bringing attentive focus to each area of the body, a calm, more connected awareness continues to bloom; I look forward to walking with you on this journey of increasing clarity - mind and body. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe - 9 Mile,1000 East 9 Mile Rd Pensacola. 815-762-0889.
Plant Based Cooking Class with Dr. Erin Mayfield & Chef Heather – 5:30-7:30pm. Experience an enjoyable dinner hour learning new, delicious heart healthy whole plant centered recipes and why eating plant foods are healing to your body. In the second half of class, we will enjoy eating the foods we prepared. Dr. Mayfield is a boardcertified Lifestyle Medicine physician and Chef Heather is a certified plant-based personal chef. $40 (if sold out please email Erin@DrErinMayfield.com to be notified of future events.) See recipes posted on our Blog at https://Lifestyle-
MedicineWellnessandRecovery.com/the-lmwrblog/. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe - 9 Mile, 1000 East 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Body, Mind, Spirit Market by Empowerment School House –10am-4pm. Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers, and more. This is an inside and outside event for the entire family. Brought to you by Ericka Boussarhane of Empowerment Schoolhouse. Don't forget to check out the Co-op for free samples all day. Door Prizes, Entertainment, & Children Activities. Free admission. Vendor info 850-941-4321 / PensacolaEvent@aol.com. https://www.facebook. com/EmpowermentSchoolHouse.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Free Yoga in the Park – 9:30-10:30am. Free onehour, outdoor yoga classes in the park are presented by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center. Open to all ages and levels of experience and features certified instructors. BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, as water will not be provided until further notice. Free. Maritime Park, Pensacola.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Exploring Yoga Nidra – 7:30-8:30pm. Sometimes referred to as “sleep yoga”, however, the practice has much deeper layers that include the discovery of our heartfelt mission or desire, how we can build intention to achieve those goals, and maintaining our safe container through resources that assist us in staying present during difficult times. Through a gentle flow into a guided mindfulness practice, this course will offer opportunities for a deeper dive into consciousness layers of the body. Lovelock Healing Arts, 213 S Baylen Street Suite A, Pensacola $15 per session
Registration: https://momence.com/s/42651225
44 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
For more articles on healthy and sustainable living go to NWFNaturally.com or SCAN with your phone’s camera to receive the digital magazine to your inbox for FREE.
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A NIGHT OF DEEP, RESTORATIVE SLEEP IS WITHIN REACH
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Plant Based Cooking Class with Dr. Erin Mayfield & Chef Heather – 5:30-7:30pm. Experience an enjoyable dinner hour learning new, delicious heart healthy whole plant centered recipes and why eating plant foods are healing to your body. In the second half of class, we will enjoy eating the foods we prepared. Dr. Mayfield is a boardcertified Lifestyle Medicine physician and Chef Heather is a certified plant-based personal chef. $40 (if sold out please email Erin@DrErinMayfield.com to be notified of future events.) See recipes posted on our Blog at https://LifestyleMedicineWellnessandRecovery.com/the-lmwrblog/. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe - 9 Mile, 1000 East 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Chaddah Dance Company Encounters of Hope – 6:30pm. For one night only NISSI is partnering with Chaddah Dance Company to share the realities of human trafficking through dance and storytelling. The production tells true stories of victims using the performing arts as a platform to help make aware, activate, and connect local individuals and groups to help end modern-day slavery. Some scenes may be hard or triggering for those that have experienced abuse or exploitation. $15-$20. The Ashmore Fine Arts Center, Pensacola State College, Pensacola. Eventbrite/ Chaddah Dance Company Encounters of Hope, Pensacola.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Sound Healing & Meditation W/ Chancee – 5:30-6:30pm. Discover sound therapy which has been around since the beginning of recorded history used by ancient civilizations. The sounds generated by Tibetan Singing Bowls are a type of energy medicine that promote healing from stress disorders, pain, depression, and most forms of disease. Its deep vibrations are swiftly transported to the cellular and subcellular level of the human body. It stimulates the energy meridians, blood vessels, lymph, nerves, veins, lymph system; Additionally, opens and relaxes the tensed body parts, induces a deep meditation state, clarity of mind, intuition, and inner peace. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. Free. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe - 9 Mile 1000 East 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Story Sprouts – 10-11am. Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. The classes are always creative and have an organic, environmental, and local twist. Free. Please sign up each individual child attending. Its FREE Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe - 9 Mile 1000 East 9 Mile Road Pensacola.
Insomnia
Susan M Welch, DDS FAGD
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, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Welch focuses a large part of her practice on assisting you in obtaining the best night’s sleep, through simple oral appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you have difficulties using, or are intolerant, with a CPAP machine, an oral sleep appliance could be the solution to getting the sleep you deserve.
45 February 2023
Parkway SW • FWB
WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com Snoring can be a sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with the following symptoms
850-243-1534 106 Wright
32548
• Fatigue • Dry Mouth Throat • Memory Loss
Headache • Attention Deficit • Fatigue • Nocturia
Blood Pressure • Depression • Moody • Impotence THE ANSWER CAN BE A CUSTOM ORAL APPLIANCE
Morning
High
Elena Ray | Dreamstime.com
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
~William Arthur Ward
ongoing events
saturday
Grand Lagoon Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Stroll the docks of the historical Capt. Anderson’s Marina while sampling the region’s local makers, bakers, and growers. Free. 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach. 850-481-6848.
sunday
30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grass-fed beef; whole chickens; eggs; goat milk; cheese; produce; hydroponic lettuce; herbs; microgreens; local and regional honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com
Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:30-10:30am. First Sun of the month. Sponsored by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center, this one-hour yoga class is open to all ages and experience levels. BYOM (bring your own mat), water, and other props you enjoy. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St, Pensacola. Facebook.com/PlayPColaParks.
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
Veterans Talking Circle – noon-1pm. For and by veterans discussing veteran issues that affect your daily life. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. 850-863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.
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.
Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market – 8am-1pm. 2nd and 4th Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits, handcrafted jams, hot sauces and local honey. Free. 139 Brooks St SE, FWB.
Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:30-7:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. RefugeRecovery.org.
Let’s Talk about Gut Health (Zoom) – 7pm. Weekly discussions about gut health and why it matters. Also, we will discuss the science of the microbiome and disease. Free. Email to register: PCBPlexus@gmail.com.
wednesday
‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fitness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.
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.
30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find local grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch bread, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautiful arts and crafts, including fusion glass, jewelry, handmade stationery and beautiful soaps. Free. 30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza, 1003 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com.
Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.
Seaside Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Small, but definitely worth visiting, this beach-front market offers local pasture-raised beef; fresh local produce; homemade bread and bakery items; local and regional honey; heirloom eggs; local berries; pickled veggies; crab cakes; and locally-made kombucha. Free. 2235 East County Hwy 30A, SRB.
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. 850-434-5371. PalafoxMarket.com.
Body, Mind, Spirit Market – 10am-4pm. First Sat of the month. The Ever'man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe and Ericka Boussarhane of Empowerment Schoolhouse bring together local vendors, artisans, wellness practitioners, speakers, and more for an indoor/outdoor event for the entire family. Free. Ever'man Cooperative Grocery, 315 W Garden Street, Pensacola. 850-941-4321. Facebook.com/EmpowermentSchoolHouse.
46 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
Alexandra Fedorova | Dreamstime.com
classifieds
Fee for classifieds is $20 for the first 20 word and $1 per additional word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.
BUSINESS FOR SALE
A NATURAL FOOD AND HEALTH STORE – Old Thyme Remedies, Inc. has been a family-owned S Corporation in the same location in Pensacola since 2011, serving the Gulf Coast area's need for organically grown & harvested skin care ingredients, cooking spices, medicinal herbs & tea blends, with single herb remedies and specific formulas to address personal health concerns. Please text interest and contact information to 850-516-7655.
EVENT SPACE
UNITY OF PENSACOLA RENTAL FACILITY AVAILABLE – Beautiful historical sanctuary that seats up to 300 and/or our Fellowship Hall with tables and chairs for up to 65, stage and kitchen area. Weddings, reunions, networking events. For more information, call 850-438-2277. UnityOf Pensacola.org.
SERVICES
KELLEY’S HANDYMAN – John and Sherri Kelley, owners are BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchen. Honest and affordable we provide estimates you can count on. 850-378-6262. KelleyHandyman@ gmail.com. KelleyHandyman.com.
SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND COACHING – Spiritual counseling and coaching available with Rev Jamie Sanders. Metaphysical approach, meditation and affirmative prayer. Jamie1118@aol.com. 850-438-2277.
WEDDING SERVICE
BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES
– Spiritual marriage ceremonies with Rev Jamie Sanders at Unity of Pensacola or your location of choice. Packages available. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.
YOGA APPAREL
WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE – Carrying unique yoga apparel, jewelry and accessories with men's and women's coastal fashion. Gifts for everyone. 127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin. 850687-3023.
47 February 2023
Love yourself for who you are, and trust me, if you are happy from within, you are the most beautiful person, and your smile is your best asset.
~Ileana D’Cruz
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@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com to request our media kit.
ACUPUNCTURE
NAVARRE ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS
Pamela Purser, AP, LAc, 7287 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre 850-710-3288
Navacuwell.com
Navarre Acupuncture and Wellness offers quality acupuncture and Chinese herbology, cupping therapy, moxibustion and Acupuncture Injection Therapy.
BEAUTY
ORGANIC CONCEPTS BY CAMY AT LE VOGUE SALON
609 W Chase St, Pensacola 850-582-0177
CamyKilker@gmail.com
Providing an organic solution to beauty in a world full of chemicals. Organic Salon Systems gives you clean and healthy hair with ammoniafree hair color and chemicalfree styling products. See ad, page 41.
ASTRID SLAUGHTER
Organic Color Specialist
Inside My Salon Suites
2590 N 12th Ave, Pensacola Text 850-602-4497
Holistic haircare, natural looking color, styles, hi-lites, cuts. Your place for happy healthy hair. Text Astrid, your organic color specialist. See ad, page 8.
BODY CONTOURING
SCULPSURE BODY CONTOURING
Karen Kennedy, MD
1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Ste 201, GB 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre
KarenKennedyMD.com
SculpSure is a non-surgical laser treatment for the reduction of stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, love handles, back, and inner and outer thighs; and chin contouring. Amazing results with zero down time and without drugs. See ad, page 2
BRAIN HEALTH
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(Located inside Path to Wellness)
240 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our non-invasive, drug-free 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 9
BREAST SCREENING
RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician
503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
Call to learn how we can assist you and your doctor in protecting breasts from disease, excess hormonal activity and overdiagnosis breast cancer. See ad, page 21.
CBD OIL GOLDEN ALMOND HEALTH FOOD STORE
339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB
850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com
Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun
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 3.
OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH FOOD CENTER
In the Publix Shopping Center
634 W 23rd St, Panama City
850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com
Olive Leaves provides the best CBD oil and hemp products from Carun and the finest quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment. See ad, page 47.
CHIROPRACTIC BLUEWATER CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER
Dr Letitia Smith, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177
BluewaterChiropractic.com
Quality chiropractic care for infants, children and adults. Providing support for you to fulfill your health goals and reach overall wellness naturally. Also offering lumbar decompression, massage therapy and nutritional education
COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION
Sheila Decker DC, MS, CAC
Barbara Wade, MD
3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze 850-903-1708
Providing highly specialized chiropractic care for all ages, focusing on the entire body to treat chronic and acute conditions and improve quality of life. See ad, page 5.
NA Fun Fact: Natural Awakenings’ free app has been downloaded by more than 40,000 iPhone users and is now available on the Android platform. To advertise with us, call 850-687-0825
48 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
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 TONY SALAMAY,DC, MS, FASA
520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City 850-785-9372
TheBayDoctor.com
Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition, such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients
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 8.
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 21.
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 23
COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH
HEALING MOTION
Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT HealingMotionKW@gmail.com
A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance, and personalized wellness programs. See ad, page 31.
Accelerate Healing with Energy.
Using light energy through distance healing, your healing process can move forward more smoothly.
“My knee was warm for about 3 full hours after I left. It seemed to heal further after I slept the first couple of nights. While my knee was not healed 100%, it was significantly better and I was able to go on my Montana ski trip the next week.
P.S. Another month after my ski trip my knee has continued to improve.”
Robert, Gainesville, GA
Practicing by donation for nearly 10 years. Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit https://www.distancehealer.me
49 February 2023
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
SHARALEE HOELSCHER, RCST
Certified Rolfer (MA34039)
Registered CranioSacral Therapist
850-450-8508
HealingWithBodywork.com
Get out of pain once and for all. Treat the source, not the symptom. Enjoy moving freely in a more organized, comfortable and balanced body. See ad, page 35.
DEMENTIA
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(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 9.
DENTISTRY
DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD
106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB
850-243-1534
WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com
Healthy digestion, well-aligned 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 ads, pages 15 and 45.
DEPRESSION
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER, LLC
(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 9.
FARMERS’
MARKETS
30A FARMERS’ MARKETS
850-499-4697
30AFarmersMarket.com
Locations:
•Rosemary Beach Town Center
28 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach
9am-1pm Sundays (Year Round)
•30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza
1003C John Sims Pwy, Niceville
9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)
•Sandestin Grand Boulevard Hwy 98
600 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach
9am-1pm Saturdays (Year Round)
Serene, beautiful, distinctive and exclusive is the best way to describe the 30A Farmers’ Market Family. European and coastal-inspired markets feature local farmers, makers, bakers, and specialty vendors in an inviting market experience. See ad, page 27.
FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS
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 lifesustaining 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 51.
GOLDEN ALMOND
HEALTH FOOD STORE
339 Racetrack Rd NW, Ste 3, FWB 850-863-5811 • GoldenAlmond.com
Hours: M-F 9-6, S 10-5, Closed Sun 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 3.
HONEYMED
Rosemary and Grand Blvd
Farmers’ Market
850-797-2786
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 antiinflammatory, antibacterial, revitalizing and immunity-boosting properties. See ad, page 27.
OLIVE LEAVES HEALTH FOOD CENTER
In the Publix Shopping Center
634 W 23rd St, PC
850-763-8871 • OliveLeavesPC.com
Olive Leaves is here to provide you with the finest-quality, fresh, natural, organic and whole foods; nutritional products; body care products; and health information in a fun, comfortable, clean, safe environment. See ad, page 43.
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. All your favorite brands, and hard-to-find products to keep you healthy. We also carry local farmraised beef (grass-fed & finished), pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products. Knowledgeable staff. See ad, page 17.
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 26.
50 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
HEALING MOTION
Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT
HealingMotionKW@gmail.com
A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs.
See ad, page 31.
HOLISTIC MEDICINE
EMPATHIC PRACTICE
2701 N 12th Ave, Pensacola Pensacola • 850-777-3334
Contact@EmpathicPractice.us
EmpathicPractice.us
Empathic Practice is focused on wellness beyond medication. We believe that mindfulness, not medication alone, will lead you to your best self. Compassionate care for a new path to healing. See ad, page 29.
HEALING MOTION
Kirsten Wilkinson, MA, TCTSY-F, E-RYT 500, RCYT
HealingMotionKW@gmail.com
A private practice that offers somatic therapy, coaching, and embodied practices that support mental health through nervous system self-regulation, lifestyle choices, diet balance and personalized wellness programs. See ad, page 31.
KAREN KENNEDY, MD
Board-Certified Gynecologist
1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB
7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre
KarenKennedyMD.com
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
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WELLNESS AND RECOVERY
Erin C Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG
Pensacola, Ft Walton, Panama City
LifestyleMedicineWellnessAndRecovery.com
A personalized way to improve your health with a focus on nutrition, fitness, sleep health, stress management and thriving relationships with less emphasis on prescribing drugs or recommended supplements. For affordability and your convenience and privacy, lifestyle and culinary coaching programs are delivered through a telemedicine platform. See ad, back cover.
DR TONY SALAMAY, DC, MS, FASA
520 N Macarthur Ave, Panama City 850-785-9372
TheBayDoctor.com
Treating conditions through chiropractic, functional neurology and clinical nutrition such as fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. We treat the root causes and not just masking your symptoms. Always accepting new patients
A daily punch of clean energy with the
Fused with the power of Bee Pollen and Royal Jelly!
17 Amino Acids with 10 Essential Amino Acids
7 B-Complex Vitamins
Minerals Plant Based Protein Non GMO, Dairy Free, Gluten Free
Ginseng,
Minerals
Vitamins
EEBSF.com
51 February 2023
Bee Pollen is one of nature’s greatest gifts and one of the richest single food sources of vitamins found in nature!
power of pollen and spirulina!
Pollen and Royal Jelly
Bee
Spirulina
Ginkgo Biloba and Cayenne Pepper
Sold at Natural Food Stores, Wellness Clinics and other fine retail establishments throughout NW Florida and beyond. For The Health Of It 2217 W Co Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach NaturBaker 817 Harbor Blvd Suite 27, Destin Blueberry Hill Bakery 15890 331 Business, #6 Freeport, FL 32439 The Golden Almond Health Store 339 Racetrack Rd NW #3 Fort Walton Beach Staff Of Life 119 Partin Dr N • Niceville Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden 707 Richard Jackson Blvd Panama City Beach Mount of Olives Health Food 728 W 23rd St • Panama City Wild Root Coffee & Apothecary 830 Florida Ave Lynn Haven Emerald Coast Martial Arts 726 Beal Pkwy NW Ft. Walton Beach Rob + Katie Truax Live Your Best Life Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic 1414 County Rd 283 S Suite D, Santa Rosa Beach CRYO850 Performance & Recovery 4495 Furling Ln Suite 10, Destin TJ’s Chillin’ Treats 144 Mary Esther Blvd Ste 12, Mary Esther The Tortoise Clinic 2441 US Highway 98 Santa Rosa Beach Mind.Body.Soul. Adventure PC 12007 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach
HOME REPAIR
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 26.
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 47.
COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION
Sheila Decker DC, MS, CAC
3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze
850-903-1708
Decreased libido and energy may be related to low testosterone. Confidential evaluation and treatment provided, ensuring levels are optimal for you. Treatment given in-office or at home. See ad, page 5.
KAREN KENNEDY, MD
Board Certified Gynecologist
1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB
7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre
KarenKennedyMD.com
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
HOT YOGA STUDIO
HOT YOGA OM
222 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Unit A Downtown Fort Walton Beach 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 11.
HYPERBARIC THERAPY
NEXT LEVEL OXYGEN
HYPERBARIC MEDSPA
901 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola 850-990-4268
NextLevelOxygen.com
Offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and low-level light therapy to help heal and repair your body at the deepest, cellular level. We are focused on returning the body to its highest state of health and wellbeing. See ad, page 7.
HYPNOSIS
BAYSIDE HYPNOSIS
700 S Palafox St, Ste 200A, Pensacola Michelle@BaysideHypnosis.com BaysideHypnosis.com
A full-service weight-loss, smoking-cessation, and anxietyreduction center. We also help people with changing habits, personal development, confidence and self esteem improvement. See ad, page 4.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WELLNESS AND RECOVERY
Erin C Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG Pensacola, Ft Walton, Panama City LifestyleMedicineWellnessAndRecovery.com
A personalized way to improve your health with a focus on nutrition, fitness, sleep health, stress management and thriving relationships with less emphasis on prescribing drugs or recommended supplements. For affordability and your convenience and privacy, lifestyle and culinary coaching programs are delivered through a telemedicine platform. See ad, back cover.
METAPHYSICAL SHOP
MYSTICAL PATHS OF PEA RIDGE
5151 Dogwood Dr, Milton
In the Dogwood Plaza
850-586-6224
A metaphysical store helping people of all faiths to find the tools to follow their path. Crystals, stones, books, tarot cards and much more. See ad, page 13.
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 handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15
WILD FLIER
127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin 850-687-3023
ShopWildFlier.com
We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 26.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
LAURA TYREE
Myofascial Release Massage Therapist
LauraTyree Health
in Hot Yoga Om (Downtown FWB) 850-642-1015 • LauraTyree.com
A healing sanctuary that relieves stress and alleviates damage caused by tension and strain. Fostering physical, mental and emotional relaxation while performing postures and breathing techniques with the underlying philosophy and relaxed attitude continuing outside of the studio into life. Classes for all levels and private classes upon request. See ad, page 11
52 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
PHYSICIANS
COYLE INSTITUTE
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 23
EMERALD COAST RHEUMATOLOGY
Aymen A Kenawy, MD
850-215-6400
3890 Jenks Ave, Lynn Haven/PC Info@ecrheum.com
DrKenawy.com
Aymen A Kenawy, MD, FACP, FACR, Board-Certified Rheumatologist, specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, and stem cell and infusion therapy. See ad, page 14.
KAREN KENNEDY, MD
Board-Certified Gynecologist
1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, GB
7552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre
KarenKennedyMD.com
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.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WELLNESS AND RECOVERY
Erin C Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG Pensacola, Ft Walton, Panama City
LifestyleMedicineWellnessAndRecovery.com
A personalized way to improve your health with a focus on nutrition, fitness, sleep health, stress management and thriving relationships with less emphasis on prescribing drugs or recommended supplements. For affordability and your convenience and privacy, lifestyle and culinary coaching programs are delivered through a telemedicine platform. See ad, back cover.
SPINE & JOINT, LLC
Sheila Mohammed, MD, PhD
4507 Furling Ln, Ste 213, Destin 850-281-8186
DrSheilaMohammed.com
A medical clinic that treats pain naturally through remedies such as prolotherapy, prolozone, ozone, platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments. See ad, page 35.
PILATES STUDIO
PURE PILATES
Gulf Breeze Proper
221 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, 850-932-3424
Downtown Pensacola
426 S Palafox, 850-607-2772
PurePilatesPensacola.com
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.
REGENERATIVE MEDICINE COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION
Sheila Decker, DC, MS, CAC 3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze
Our skilled practitioners use regenerative injections to signal your body’s own trusted repair system, going beyond masking symptoms; providing long-term relief from numerous painful conditions. See ad, page 5.
ROLFING
SHARALEE HOELSCHER, RCST
Certified Rolfer (MA34039)
Registered CranioSacral Therapist 850-450-8508
HealingWithBodywork.com
Get out of pain once and for all. Treat the source, not the symptom. Enjoy moving freely in a more organized, comfortable and balanced body. See ad, page 35.
REIKI HEALERS
REIKI HEALING BY JONI JOHNS
312 Hidden Island Dr, PCB
850-832-4088
Info@JoniJohns.com
Reiki helps us to understand that we are energy beings. Reiki healing brings about many physiological responses as the body and mind relax, allowing the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. See ad, page 10.
SKIN CARE
SKINTRENZIXS
348 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Ste 26, FWB
205-718-2611
Skintrenzixs.com
Providers of skin education and exceptional customer service in a clean and relaxed spa environment. Our products are pH balanced and extremely effective in balancing the skin. See ad, page 37.
SLEEP DISORDERS
GULF COAST SLEEP CENTER
2202 State Ave, Ste 104
850-U-SNOOZE
850-876-6693
GulfCoastSleepCenter.com
Gulf Coast Sleep Center is a stateof-the-art sleep research and diagnostic facility with the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. A comfortable, new and clean setting. All COVID protocols observed. No referral required, most insurance accepted. See ad, page 19.
DR SUSAN WELCH, FAGD
106 Wright Pkwy SW, FWB
850-243-1534
WrightParkwayDentalCenter.com
Healthy digestion, well-aligned 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 ads, pages 15 and 45.
53 February 2023
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 handpainted furniture. See ad, page 15.
UNITY OF PENSACOLA
Jamie Sanders, Minister
716 N 9th Ave, Pensacola
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 19.
STEM CELL THERAPY AGELESS SOLUTIONS
Cave, MD • Barber, MD • Janis Cook, RN
8990 Ortego Park Dr, Navarre
850-529-0770
• Ageless Navarre.com
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 47.
THERMOGRAPHY
RADIANT BODY THERMOGRAPHY
Candace Parmer
Clinical Thermographic Technician
503-775-1812
RadiantBodyThermography.com
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 21.
THETA-HEALING
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. See ad, page 11.
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 9.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
AGELESS SOLUTIONS
8990 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre 850-529-0770
AgelessNavarre.com
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 47.
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 4.
COASTAL MEDICAL INTEGRATION
Sheila Decker, DC, MS, CAC
3481 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze
Increase your confidence, decrease joint pain and improve overall health with our medical weight loss program that includes custom nutrition counseling and vitamin supplementation. See ad, page 5.
LIFESTYLE MEDICINE WELLNESS AND RECOVERY
Erin C Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG Pensacola, Ft Walton, Panama City
LifestyleMedicineWellnessAndRecovery.com
A personalized way to improve your health with a focus on nutrition, fitness, sleep health, stress management and thriving relationships with less emphasis on prescribing drugs or recommended supplements. For affordability and your convenience and privacy, lifestyle and culinary coaching programs are delivered through a telemedicine platform. See ad, back cover.
YOGA APPAREL
WILD FLIER
127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin 850-687-3023
ShopWildFlier.com
We carry a wide selection of crystals, jewelry and yoga apparel. Find your inner zen and fly high with us. See ad, page 26.
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 11
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 11
54 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com
Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus
before it starts
By Doug Cornell
Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast. Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.
Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.
with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.
Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.
Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.
Soon people found other things they could use it against.
Colds
Flu
New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.
Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.
That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.
“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.
Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.
The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.
The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe
When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”
He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.
Users say:
“It works! I love it!”
“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”
“Is it supposed to work that fast?”
“One of the best presents ever.”
“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”
“Cold sores gone!”
“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”
“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”
“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”
After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.
Virus variants
Sinus trouble
Cold sores
Fever blisters
Canker sores
Strep throat
Night stuffiness
Morning congestion
Nasal drip
Infected sores
Infected wounds
Styes
Warts
Ringworm
Other microbial threats
The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.
The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.
Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”
CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA35
Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.
Buy once, use forever.
Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
55 February 2023
ADVERTORIAL
56 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com A New Path For Life’s TRANSFORMATION Erin C Mayfield, DO, DipABLM, DipAOBOG Scan with Phone to Access Website FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO OUR WEBSITE lifestylemedicinewellnessandrecovery.com WORK WITH US IN 2023! • Lose Weight Naturally! • Decrease Medication Dependence! • Feel Younger and Stronger! • Drop Blood Sugars, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol! Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks HERE’S HOW: • We use the Lifestyle Medicine 6 Pillars of Health • Small Group Coaching • Live Cooking Classes • Private 1:1 available Now accepting new clients for January classes. See our website or email us to sign up. LifestyleMedicineWellnessandRecovery.com • erin@drerinmayfield.com