Natural Awakenings Pittsburgh Oct 2022

Pguided meditations, mindful practices, or tedious efforts to “watch your breath,” the ancient OJAYA Deep Meditation “Armor” technique quickly settles you into a calm state of deep, blissful, rejuvenating rest. It’s totally effortless, and so powerful that you do not need to meditate long hours. Just 10-20 minutes attacks and dissolves the deep roots of anxiety, lethargy and stress. Brain fog evaporates and your vital energies get recharged in

Empower yourself

— with an Armor of Clear, Calm Energy ...

.. . in just 10-20 minutes.

OJAYA is the first and only method that I can actually feel the effects when I meditate. — Zoe Gordon, Hoover, Alabama

and frenzy of life in the real world , , , and a rare ancient beauty secret for healthy youthful aging.

OJAYA makes you strong from the inside — so you can get out there and do something great.

Closely guarded for generations, these classic secrets of the OJAYA “Armor” technique are now revealed to you on our exquisitely beautiful videos — produced with love in the Earthborn Rainforest. Learn OJAYA on our site — start now free.

Publisher Michelle Dalnoky

Contributing Editor Sven Hosford

Lead Editor Martin Miron

Production Assistant Joann Dalnoky

Design & Production C. Michele Rose

Sales & Marketing Michelle Dalnoky

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings – Pittsburgh P.O. Box 390 Uledi, PA 15484 Phone: 724-271-8877

Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscribe online to receive your FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne

Layout & Design Gabrielle W-Perillo

Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs

Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Anne-Marie Ryan

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation

4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

letter from publisher

And Then There Were Three... Well, Okay, Four

People are always asking me about my pets, so I thought I would provide an update. I have talked about my recue cat, Tinka, who came to us (me and my sister) in 2011 from a woman who spends her life rescuing animals. My sister had two sibling cats and the oldest one died. She was 20, so we decided to get a kitten. Tinka was about 5 weeks old when she was found alone in the woods. She is a beautiful Maine Coon and a really sweet girl.

Then a few years ago, the neighbor next to our parents in Florida posted a picture of Olive, our Rhodesian Ridgeback, who was going to a kill shelter and had 10 days to live. So my sister jumped in her car, drove to Florida and picked her up. She had been abused, and has really come out of her shell in the last few years and is enjoying life. Because of the prey drive of her breed, we have to keep her separate from the cats.

Then there were the three kittens on the side of the road hiding on an embankment. Their mother had been hit by a car, and all of the neighbors were trying to catch them, but there was a gopher hole that they would disappear into when anyone came near. I took a couple of animal traps and caught them. We found a lady who agreed to take the two solid white ones and the other little cutie (Luna) I gave to my daughter for her birthday and now lives in Florida!

©2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

We were done with rescue pets until a couple of weeks ago when my sister found the cutest little kitty in the chicken coop. The chickens didn’t seem to mind her at all. My sister took her out of there and she ran away, but then came back and would just sit outside of the door, driving the dog crazy. She was super-skinny, so we put some food away from the house for her, but she just kept coming back. Well, Olive wanted to chase her and we had to lock the kitten on the sun porch in order to walk the dog. The kitten wanted to play with the dog, but that is not what Olive had in mind. So now we have an appointment to have her spayed and she is upstairs with, but separated from, our older cat. Our new kitten’s name is Swirley because she has the most beautiful swirl pattern on her side. She is super sweet and ornery. We are trying to find a home for her, but not so sure that will happen. If not, we’ll make it work!

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher

NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Natural Awakenings is a family of 55-plus healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

8 REDUCING RADIATION RISKS

Ways to Lessen Electromagnetic Exposure

10 NADINE CLOPTON

on Advancing Regenerative Organic Agriculture to Health Care

12 CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

Why Less is More in Tooth Repair

16 SUSTAINABLE

SANCTUARIES

Supporting Human and Planetary Health at Home

20 THE JOY OF MOVEMENT

Dancing Boosts our Health and Happiness

22 GREEN SCHOOLYARDS

Concrete Jungles Become Natural Playgrounds

24 FALL BEETS

Versatile Leaf-to-Root Eats

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 724-271-8877 or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline: 15th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: Publisher@NaturalAwakenings SWPA.com or visit NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

26 A HAPPY HALLOWEEN FOR PETS

Nine Ways to Keep a Dog or Cat Safe

27

INVITING IN THE WILD

DEPARTMENTS

6 news briefs

8 green living

10 wise words

12 healing ways

14 plant medicine

20 fit body

22 healthy kids

24 conscious eating

26 natural pet

27 inspiration

28 calendar

30 resource guide

31 classifieds

A More Efficient Medication Delivery System

Hydrate to Heal Infusion Therapy will hold a grand opening at Makeup Design Studio and Day Spa, located at 4373 Old William Penn Highway, in Murrysville, on October 2. They offer intravenous (IV) vitamin and nutrient infusions and injections.

The nurse-owned business will provide services there on Sundays and at Panther Chiropractic, located at 4950 William Penn Highway, in Export, on weekdays.

Owner Kayleen Irwin-Ferrell says, “This is exciting news for our community, because there is nothing in our area like this!

Vitamin therapy via IV or injection can offer numerous health benefits, including increased energy and stronger immunity, can help relieve chronic disease symptoms, overall hydration and so much more. Being a partner with Panther Chiropractic and Dr. Marra’s functional medicine practice is an opportunity to offer wellness beyond medicine.”

For more information, call 724-610-9320, email Info@H2Hinfusiontherapy.com or visit H2Hinfusiontherapy.com.

Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly

The Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) and Pittsburgh Environmental Services will conduct a household hazardous waste collection from 8 a.m. to noon, October 29, for city residents. All acceptable materials will be weighed and fees assessed when material is dropped off.

Participants should arrive at the allotted time and place materials to be recycled in the trunk or truck bed if able. Payment is accepted via cash, check, debit or credit card.

Some eligible materials include paints, antifreeze, used oil, other fuels, pesticides, poisons, household cleaners, asbestos, acids, aerosols, oxidizers, flammable and reactive solids, small propane tanks and mercury-containing devices. View a full list of materials accepted at prc.org/hhwpgh. PRC reserves the right to refuse any material deemed unacceptable.

Location: 3001 Railroad St., Pittsburgh. This service is registrationbased and tickets are available by calling 412-489-9299 or emailing recyclepgh@prc.org.

Calling All Teachers

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host a Climate Educator Happy Hour for K through 12th grade students from 4 to 5 p.m., October 20. Whether educators are already teaching climate change-related lessons in the classroom or interested in getting started, this like-minded community will help support the journey to learn about climate education opportunities for the classroom, meet with other educators and more.

The Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes generates all of its own energy and treats all storm and sanitary water captured onsite. An integral part of the visitor experience, it is the first and only building to meet seven of the highest green certifications: the Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, WELL Building Platinum, Zero Energy Certification, SITES Platinum, Fitwel 3 Star and BREEAM Outstanding In-Use.

Location: 1 Schenley Park, Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-622-6915 or visit Phipps.Conservatory.org.

Learn About Telepathy from a Master

Inner Light, a soulful shop and wellness retreat in Mt. Lebanon, will present Lucas Bergendahl, from Copenhagen, Denmark, for two telepathy workshops from noon to 5 p.m., October 8 and 9 (beginner), and October 15 and 16 (advanced) discussing the ancient and secret knowledge of animal communication, ethology and healing. In-between workshops Bergendahl will be working with the Earth grid during a special meet-up at the Point on October 10.

He says, “This invocation of the grid is a gathering of an ancient wisdom that has been travelling with the planet’s kundalini for thousands and thousands of years, and is now ready to be spread in public. To be part of this invocation brings you the opportunity to invoke this wisdom from the Akasha for the first time at this location and energy field since the time of the Atlantean and Lemurian civilizations.”

Cost is $200 per weekend. Location: 295 Beverly Rd., Mt Lebanon. To register, call 412-368-2162 or email KellyBrown3355@gmail. com. See ad, page 9.

News to share?

Email details to: Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

Reducing Radiation Risks

WAYS TO LESSEN ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE

by Carrie Jackson

We are tied to our devices, con tinually connected via phones, tablets and computers, but this convenience comes at a cost. Many people are surprised to learn that our devices are constantly emitting electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RF).

According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, there is strong evidence of a correlation between these exposures and neurological, cardiac and pulmonary disease, as well as reproductive disorders, immune dysfunction, cancer and other health conditions.

Constant Exposure

Our exposure to EMFs has dramatically in creased over the past few years, especially in homes containing cordless phones, wireless routers and smart meters. Every electrical device emits an EMF, whether or not it’s turned on. This constant radiation can cause damage to cells, and even comes from ap pliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines and baby monitors. The closer a device is to a person, the more potent the charge. “EMFs cause VGCC’s [voltage-gated calcium channels] to swing open and allow excess calcium into the cell. This causes elevated oxidative stress, inflammation and ultimately, if not coun teracted, disease,” says Mieke Jacobs, an EMF consultant and founder of Healthy House Chicago Jacobs, who does private house in spections in the Midwest, says that the rise of smart appliances and lighting in recent years has increased certain types of EMFs. “Dirty electricity consists of highfrequency voltage transients riding along the 60-Hertz electricity provided by the utility company. Many people are surprised to learn how prevalent it is in seemingly safer sources such as solar panels, compact fluorescent lights, dimmer switches and energy-efficient appliances,” she says.

Concerning Effects

As a certified electromagnetic radiation specialist and founder of EMF Healthy, in Sedona, Arizona, Liz Menkes focuses on the radio frequency EMFs found in wireless devices and systems, alternating

current (AC) electric and magnetic sources in wiring and appli ances, and dirty electricity, all commonly found in homes. “EMFs have been linked to many symptoms and health conditions, and there is evidence of cancer risk from all four types,” she says. “AC magnetic fields were classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2001 due to evidence of increased risk for childhood leukemia. Radio frequency was classified as a possible human carcinogen in 2011 due to evidence of increased risk for brain tumors. Plus, there are links to many other health conditions such as Alzheim er’s and Parkinson’s.”

Symptoms from EMF exposure can manifest in many ways. “Early warning signs include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, headaches, irritability and anxiety. It is estimated about 30 percent of the population is moderately sensitive to EMFs, but have not connected the dots, since these are common symptoms that can be caused by many things. Other common symptoms can include tinnitus, skin rashes, dizziness, sharp stabbing pains, leg cramps, high blood pressure, nausea and hyperactivity, especially in chil dren,” says Menkes. Less common symptoms include heart arrhyth mias, unexplained nightmares and nosebleeds, as well as ADHD and food allergies in kids, adds Jacobs.

Reduce Exposure at Home

Tangible steps can be taken to lessen the risk. “The number one mistake people make is sleeping with their cell phones near the head of the bed. Leave it turned off in another room and get a battery-operated alarm clock,” says Menkes. “Turn off Wi-Fi at

night, since EMF radiation affects melatonin production. If pos sible, hardwire your laptops, tablets, cell phones and other devices to eliminate Wi-Fi completely in the house. If you must use a cell phone, keep it in airplane mode as much as possible and don’t store it in a pocket or otherwise close to the body.”

More in-depth interventions include electrical rewiring, as well as radio-frequency shielding that blocks EMFs with copper or another absorbent material. “Replacing dimmer switches helps, but not all electricians are aware of EMFs and have different priorities when upgrading a home,” says Jacobs.

The federal government has no restrictions on overall EMF exposure. “The wireless industry and the government agencies that are supposed to regulate this industry want you to believe that the science is settled and wireless exposures are safe. Unfor tunately, this message is not reality. EMF damage can manifest in myriad ways that include many conditions and that are occurring in ever-increasing amounts,” says Lloyd Burrell, author of EMF Practical Guide and France-based founder of ElectricalSense.com.

The Building Biology Institute offers classes and resources to help create environments free of EMF hazards. “Any measure to reduce your exposure is worth taking, and will contribute to a healthier and more peaceful home environment,” says Menkes.

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

wise words

Nadine Clopton on Advancing Regenerative Organic Agriculture to Health Care

by Kirby Baldwin

During the last century, the rise of chemical-based agriculture has severely changed the way food is produced, and we have failed to recognize its unintended consequences. Research has revealed that if we continue on this path, our soil will give out and we will be unable to feed our children and grandchildren within the next 60 years. Thankfully, there is still time and positive transformation is possible through regenerative organic agri culture, which has its roots in Indigenous, traditional, ecological knowledge.

For more than 70 years, the Rodale In stitute has been on the leading edge of the movement to promote a better, natural and more responsible way of modern farming by conducting research into the cultiva tion of healthy, living soils. Today, Nadine Clopton is advancing its related efforts through regenerative health care.

Clopton has been an NGO youth repre sentative to the United Nations for more than six years, was the first young person to serve as a director on the board, and is

now serving as an elected vice president of the Global NGO Executive Committee. In her role as program manager with Rodale Institute, Clopton combines her loves of health, advocacy and the ecosystem. Learn ing about food as medicine was transforma tive in her own health journey with chronic illnesses, and she hopes that others are also able to experience the transformative sense of well-being and connection that comes through such a lifestyle practice.

What does the regenerative health care movement mean for both human health and agriculture?

Regenerative health care carries potent “medicine” for a lot of the things that are ailing us in this country: the epidemic of chronic illnesses, the climate crisis, global food insecurity and ecological health. We believe that healing our soil is a prereq uisite for healing ourselves. Regenerative health care draws the link between agricul

ture and health care because we need those two systems to talk with one another, and the answers are right beneath our feet.

How do we better connect our farming, food and healthcare systems?

The best thing we can do is take those three things out of a silo and look at them as part of a complex, interconnected web. In Rodale Institute’s “farm to hospital” model with St. Luke’s Hospital, we have a working farm at the hospital and much of the pro duce grown there ends up on the patient’s plates, in the cafeteria or in a CSA [com munity-supported agriculture] share that the hospital employees can take home. At Rodale Institute, we’re hoping to build that bridge between agriculture and health care, and invite doctors and farmers to be part of the cycle of health care: thinking about the health of our soil and the health and the nutrient density of what’s on our plates.

What is next in your plans for the future of regenerative health care?

The heart and soul of what I’m working

on right now centers around connecting health care and agriculture with Rodale Institute’s first-ever Regenerative Healthcare Conference. We’re inviting doctors, nurses, RDs [registered dietician], nutritionists and others with interests in health and well-being to the farm for four days to get their hands in the soil and learn about how soil health is directly correlated to human health and how food is medicine.

We’re working closely with Dr. Scott Stoll’s team at The Plantrician Project and bringing together some incredible luminaries like Dr. Uma Naidoo, Dr. Maya Shetreat, Dr. Rupa Marya, Dr. Michelle Perro, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and others. To our knowledge, this is the firstever medical conference to be taking place on a living, breathing, working farm. We’re passionate about the idea of getting doctors out of their practices and letting them get their hands in the soil. There’s no better way to learn about the real fundamental difference between conventional and regenerative organic agriculture than by picking up a scoop of soil in our conventional model and picking up a scoop of soil in our regenerative organic model.

Healing our planet begins with healing ourselves and how we relate to the planet and to one another, so through these tangible, in-person experiences, we can get even closer to that ultimate goal of a healed system.

What are some tips for consumers and practitioners to help this movement?

Get to know a farmer! Go get your hands in the soil, talk to your local farmers and start to rebuild that web of connection and relationship. Look around you and see how the Earth responds when we’re operating in a way that’s regenerative and allows natural systems to thrive. And for practitioners, get curious! Start breaking out of the siloed worldview of health and medicine and learn about the potent medicines that are all around us in our food and our soil.

Kirby Baldwin writes for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Conservative Dentistry

WHY LESS IS MORE IN TOOTH REPAIR

by Linda Sechrist

Whetherdentistry is described as being conservative, biological or biomimetic, the description that pre cedes such health care is extremely important. That 10- or 12-letter term signifies a specific type of dentistry that’s the best option for both our teeth and the rest of our bodies, as Ann Lee found out when the pieces to her dental puzzle fell together in just the right order.

Lee, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist who owns the Health for Life Clinic, in Lancaster, had been experienc ing problems with her sinuses for years. She had been alerted to a potential problem with one of her teeth via a preventive tool known as medical infrared thermograph screening. But it wasn’t until after she read an interview with dentist Blanche Grube in a naturopathic magazine about conservative dentistry that she made the connection. She bought Grube’s book, Chew on This But Don’t Swallow: A Must-Read Before Your Next Dental Visit, and read it from cover to cover. Grube drew upon 46 years of clinical observation, continuing education conferences and thousands of hours of study to analyze how the whole body functions and what part teeth play in overall health.

Says Lee, “I had a capped tooth with metal underneath. Once I got it removed, all the things connected to it resolved. My sinus issues, post-nasal drippage, coughing and even my trigeminal neuralgia that I had for 10 years resolved.” Trigeminal neuralgia affects the nerves running from the face to the brain, causing elec trical shock sensations to the jaw and face that can be triggered by stress or certain movements.

Today, when Lee suspects a correlation between the physical problems a patient has with the amount of metal in their mouth such as fillings, crowns and permanent retainers, she relates their physical problems to metal oxidation and inflammation that can manifest in numerous ways, and suggests that the patient read Gru be’s book to consider any of the non-metal options now available.

Bernice Teplitsky, DDS, owner of Wrigleyville Dental, in Chicago, interprets biological dentistry as dealing with the whole person. “Both biological and conservative dentistry deal with biocompatible materials, making sure that each is right for the individual. Determining the compatibility of dental materials is important for those who have existing allergies, because their immune systems have already been compromised, and having to

CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY

A dentistry branch whose goal is to conserve the teeth in the mouth, using operative practices, as well as endodontics. It also involves various types of direct and indirect restorations of the individual teeth.

deal with new allergies to dental materials may only worsen their condition,” she says.

Conservative dentistry involves removing a minimum of healthy tooth structure during the restorative process. By conserving natural enamel and dentin, many of the complications caused by excessive tooth shaving and drilling are avoided. “Students who went to dental school 15 years ago weren’t taught biological, biomimetic or conservative dentistry, and they didn’t have the superior materials that we have today,”

BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY

Dental practices that utilize mercuryfree and mercury-safe dentistry, the impact of dental conditions, devices and treatments on oral and systemic health, including the biocompatibility of dental materials and techniques.

says Teplitsky. “Unless they took continuing education units that taught these things, they didn’t learn that traditional approaches require unnecessary removal of tooth structure and fail to replicate the properties of natural teeth, leading to major complications including root canals, fractures and extractions. They also didn’t learn that what is going in the mouth with the teeth and gums relates to the overall condition of a person’s health.”

According to studies reported in

BIOMIMETIC DENTISTRY

A type of tooth-conserving dentistry that treats weak, fractured and decayed teeth in a way that keeps them strong and seals them from bacterial invasion; eliminates cutting teeth down for crowns and destructive root canal treatment.

Science Direct, which offers the latest peer-reviewed research papers, teeth naturally have the optimal properties and structure to withstand the many challenges of the oral environment. Conservative dentistry, with its innovative materials, efficiently preserves this natural tooth structure, particularly when combined with early detection.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer.

green living plant medicine

The Helpful Nature of Houseplants

Nestled among books on a shelf, soaking up sunlight by a kitchen window or filling the bare corner of a living room, nothing adds beauty and interest to a home quite like a living plant. Bringing nature indoors also has numerous human health advantages.

Benefits of Houseplants

They oxygenate the air. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, while plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. This makes them ideal air fresheners. At sundown, when photosynthesis stops, most plants go back to absorbing oxygen and releasing CO2, except for orchids, succulents and bromeliads, making them wonderful bedside companions.

They eliminate toxins. Studies have shown that plants filter indoor air, removing volatile organic compounds like benzene, xylene, toluene, trichloroethylene, ammonia and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in furniture adhesives, paints, carpets, chemical cleaners and craft supplies.

They humidify the indoor environment. Through a process called transpiration, moisture travels from plant roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released into the air. In arid climates and during winter, this creates a favorable indoor atmosphere that decreases dry skin, colds, sore throats, dry coughs and even the transmission of the flu virus.

They enhance our mood. Research shows indoor plants boost our mental health. One study found that viewing plants while recovering from surgery led to physiological improvements by lowering blood pressure and reducing the perception of pain, anxiety and fatigue. Also, the act of taking care of plants has been shown to be emotionally helpful. They help with productivity. Placing a philodendron by the computer might be a good idea, as a number of studies have shown that being close to nature improves concentration, memory and productivity.

Pet-Friendly Varietals

Some plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, but here are a few that are perfectly safe for our furry best friends: rattlesnake plant, spider plant, parlor palm, ponytail palm, African violet, bird’s nest fern, Venus flytrap, Boston fern, polka dot plant, orchid, staghorn fern, bromeliad, date palm and herbs.

SUSTAINABLE SANCTUARIES

SUPPORTING HUMAN AND PLANETARY HEALTH AT HOME

by Sandra Yeyati

Nothing underscored the im portance of a comfortable and versatile sanctuary quite like the pandemic. Stuck at home isolating, many families reconfigured their living arrange ments to accommodate expanding uses for work, schooling, cooking, entertain ment and more. Today, that spirit of renewal lingers, prompting steady and robust activity in the construction and interior design industries.

A house is literally our shelter from the storm, made more critical as we increasingly encounter extreme and unprecedented weather events due to climate change. When we upgrade, re model, build or buy new cocoons for our families, the time is ripe to incorporate elements that preserve and promote the health of humans and the planet.

Inspiring Goals

Lindsay Baker, CEO of the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), is part of a

growing community of industry professionals trying to figure out how to design, build and operate structures in more environmentally sustainable, socially impactful and healthy ways. “We ask what would it look like if a building were to give back more to the world than it took,” she explains. “We’re a resource-consumptive industry with a large carbon footprint. Forty percent of global carbon emissions are caused by the energy re quired to construct and operate buildings. We also use lots of materials that pose negative impacts on people’s health—products known to contain carcinogens or cause respira tory problems—and people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, so everything we’ re exposed to indoors has a huge impact on our health.”

The ILFI Living Building Challenge sets bold aspirational goals, and build ings around the world have proven that it is possible to hit these benchmarks. “The energy imperative is that the building produces more energy than it consumes, and that happens by generating renewable energy like solar power onsite and using very little energy,” Baker asserts. “For wa ter, we ask that everyone return the water that goes through the building cleaner than it entered, which means people need to treat water onsite and use a lot less of it. You can do that with composting toilets, as well as grey water systems and rainwater recapture strategies.”

Photo courtesy of International Living Future Institute

Photo courtesy of Pulte Homes at Babcock Ranch

Baker is proud of ILFI’s ambitious goals. “If you decide to do a renovation to save 5 or 10 percent of your water or energy consumption, it will feel good to get there, but what we’ve found is that when you set a really exciting target for yourself, the whole process is more fun and you get further with similar amounts of effort and money, because you’re thinking about systems differently, questioning assumptions about what a home might be capable of doing and employing a different level of creativity. At the end of the day, it can lead to a much more beautiful, more efficient building.”

modifications are low-flow shower heads, toilets and faucets, which cost the same as traditional-flow fixtures, as well as a visit from the plumber to fix any leaks. Minimizing or eliminating turf grass and planting drought-tolerant, native vegeta tion outside will also significantly cut water use, Languell suggests.

“Grey water and rainwater collection systems are gaining momentum, and these systems for home use have come leaps and bounds from where they were 10 years ago,” she says. “They can take water from your laundry or shower, treat it, and use it to flush toilets, for example—a huge benefit for the West Coast and a huge water sav ings, because you’re using your water twice before you dispose of it.”

Eco-Responsible Materials

Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is job number one for Jennifer Languell, founder and president of Trifecta Construction Solutions, in Babcock Ranch, Florida. “An inexpensive but impact ful upgrade is adding insulation. If you’re in an existing house, add insulation on top of what you already have. If you’re new construction, beef it up. You also want to address unwanted points of air infiltration using gaskets, weather stripping and caulking around exterior doors and windows. Over time, these items can shrink or get damaged, and may need to be replaced to seal the house and minimize air drafts,” she says. “You want to im prove efficiency first, which costs much less than transitioning to renewable energy. And when you do transition, you only have to buy smaller quantities of photovoltaic panels to offset your power generation.”

According to Languell, windows are climate-specific and can be modified by adding or subtracting panes, coatings and treatments. “In Montana, I want the heat from the sun coming into my house, but in Florida, I don’t,” she says. “Natural light is great, but there’s a balance between your glass-to-wall ratio. In Florida, you would never have a skylight, but up north you’d consider it. And at this point, everyone should be tran sitioning to LED lighting, which will save money and energy.”

Water Preservation

As waterways dry up and areas around the world become more drought-prone, water conservation becomes an increas ingly important imperative. The simplest

With regard to building materials and products, the annual ILFI Red List calls out chemicals with negative human health impacts that shouldn’t be used in buildings, such as bisphenol A, chlorofluorocarbons, formaldehyde, flame retardants, phthalates, toxic heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOC). Its Declare label is like a nutrition sticker that details what is in a building product, whether it is free of Red List chemicals and what its carbon footprint is.

“Consumers should demand transpar ency; they should know what is in the products put in their homes,” Baker says. “One of the rules of thumb I like to apply is to ask, ‘How far is this material removed

from nature?’ Wood is one of the better materials from an ecological and health standpoint. Fake wood flooring that is meant to look like wood but in fact isn’t— not so much. A lot of what we’re support ing is about getting back to the basics, removing chemicals and using brick, wood and clay.”

According to Languell, the more durable and local a material is, the better for the environment. “I’d never say no to a metal or concrete roof that lasts 50 years versus shingles with a 15-year cycle. Although bamboo is rapidly renewable, most of it comes from China, so the greenhouse gases associated with the transportation makes it less environmentally friendly. Local materials are ideal. The closer the better. Get granite from Georgia, instead of Italy.”

When it comes to human health, home décor and cleaning products are equally as important as the construction materials, Languell advises. “Many times we’ll build a healthy and efficient home and then people put all sorts of fabrics and chemi cals in there that are off-gassing because they’re not thinking about the health of the indoor environment.”

Sustainable and Healthy Furnishings

“There’s good, better and best quality furni ture,” says Robin Wilson, a New York City eco-designer and founder of Robin Wilson Home. “Good might use inexpensive

wood or heavy-duty cardboards that look great, but if you sit on the arm of the sofa, it caves in. Better might have a less expensive wood, but it’s solid frame construction. The best is a very good wood and solid frame construction made for heirloom quality. There are costs associated with each level, and I recommend spending the most budget you have on a quality product, because that sofa, if it’s made well and it’s styled in a classic design, can be recovered over and over again; therefore, you’re being eco-friendly to the world because it’s not going into a landfill.”

Her favorite materials for furnishings are sustainably forested or reclaimed wood, long-lasting metals like steel and aluminum, fast-growing bamboo and recycled or re claimed plastics. She’s also a proponent of vintage pieces. “With all furniture, if it can be salvaged, salvage it. Healthwise, make sure the materials are hyper-washed to protect you from allergens. Old glazes or paints might have lead in them, so take vintage furniture to a professional that uses the right safety equipment or go to YouTube University and make sure that you protect yourself with gear to rework the piece in a garage or outdoor space. Always choose nontoxic paints and stains with low to no VOCs.”

Biophilic Design

Baker is particularly excited about interior design innovations that reconnect us to nature, known as biophilic design. “Natural light is important, but also, lighting manufacturers are figuring out how to produce lighting that feels like you’re sitting outside in a forest while a cloud passes by or under a tree with dappled light. Mohawk and Interface offer low-carbon, healthy carpets that mimic natural forms like a rocky beach,” she says. “Fractals are often men tioned in biophilic design because they’re fasci nating geometric compositions in nature like fly wings and bark that have an inherent intelligence to them, and we’ve come to understand that these natural elements are not just interesting, they also have measurable positive impact on our psyche and mental health.”

Durability

“I rate durability over everything else. If you build it once and it doesn’t get destroyed by a

Katecat/AdobeStock.com

natural disaster, you’re going to generate less waste and use fewer resources,” Languell says. “Durability might mean fireproofing in California, windproofing in Florida and floodproofing in Louisiana. It also means futureproofing your home, especially if you’re building new. Anticipate technologies that are coming. Even if you can’t afford photovoltaic panels now, for a couple of bucks, you can run electric conduit from your panel up to your roof so if ever you decide to buy them, it’s not a major overhaul of your house. Dual-pipe your house and have the pipes ready to tie in rainwater or grey water, even if it’s not financially viable right now. Wire your house for a 220-volt plug in your garage so everyone that has an electric vehicle can charge it overnight.”

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

THIRD-PARTY CERTIFIERS AND WEBSITES



LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) (usgbc.org) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL (SustainableFurnishings.org) champions wood from sustainable forests and elimination of toxins in furniture; links to eco-responsible vendors.



ENERGY STAR (EnergyStar.gov) certifies products and offers guidance for efficient home solutions by U.S. regions and climates.

THE ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA (AsthmaAndAllergyFriendly.com) certifies asthma- and allergy-friendly options for insulation, air filters, flooring and paint.

HOMEFREE (HomeFree.HealthyBuilding.net) showcases less toxic options for flooring, paint, drywall, countertops, cabinetry, doors, insulation, sealants and more.

WATERSENSE (epa.gov/watersense) offers guidance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water conservation and water-saving products.

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORY (ul.com) certifies safe and environmentally sound solutions in renewable energy, building materials, consumer electronics and home goods.

INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE (Living-Future.org) accredits industry pros and certifies buildings that positively impact human and natural health.

The Joy of Movement

DANCING BOOSTS OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

by Marlaina Donato

Whether it’s salsa, hip-hop, belly dance or ballet, finding our groove has proven to ease depression, support the cardiovascular system and improve overall joint function. By all accounts, dancing gives us a step toward better health, but equally as noteworthy is its potential to bring more fun into our lives. Contrary to popular opinion, dancing is not just for kids, and special ability is not necessary. “You are never too old, and there is no such thing as two left feet, but we can also argue: When you have great instructors teaching you, you can learn anything as a beginner,” says Monique Maldonado, marketing director of the Latin Rhythms Academy of Dance and Performance, in Chicago.

Brainy Benefits

Stepping into a dance studio can help us enrich our lives while sharpening cognitive function. After participat ing in an eight-month dance program during which they memorized intricate steps of the merengue, salsa and samba, Spanishspeaking, middle-aged and older adults had significant improvement in working memory scores, reported University of Illinois Chicago researchers in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. “Just like work ing out and puzzles, dancing works out brain paths and keeps them active and healthy,” says Maldonado.

Tango lovers will be pleased to know that the passionate dance style has been shown in a 2017 study published in Complementary Thera pies in Medicine to lower anxiety and stress levels more effectively than mindfulness meditation.

Individual Moves

Mike Hallworth teaches cruise ship passengers, mostly in their 60s and

70s, how to navigate the dance floor. “We teach all the main dance genres, including ballroom and Latin American, salsa and mambo, along with modern jive,” says the Southport, England-based, lifelong dancer who teaches with his wife, Jan. “For those not as agile as they would like to be, I would suggest starting with ballroom, social foxtrot and waltz, then progress to Latin American, cha-cha and rumba.”

At age 75, he partially attributes his basal metabolic rate of 60—common in men 15 years his junior—to his love of dancing, which “can burn up to 385 calories per hour with salsa or 400 calories per hour with swing,” he notes.

Joan Price, a contem porary line dance instruc tor in Sebastopol, California, also attests to the longevity-promoting perks of moving joyfully. “At 78, line dancing keeps me physically fit, mentally alert and happy to be alive. The older we get, the more we need social activity, physical movement and mental stimulation. You get all three at once with line dancing.”

The form has long outgrown its coun try-western music roots and now offers something for everyone, including Latin, swing, contemporary pop and Broadway. “Since you dance on your own in a row, line dancing is ideal for singles and for partners of non-dancers.

It’s also wonderful for people who want a social activity that doesn’t involve dating or partnering,” says Price. She says that there are thousands of different line dances, ranging from super-

simple to extraordinarily complex. “As a beginner, be sure and choose a class that is beginning level,” she says. “Beginning level teaches basic steps, patterns and terminology—and the joy of dance!”

For those looking for a little more heat, Latin dance can accommodate any fitness level. “If you are looking for a fun, new hobby, any style is a fit, but if you are more interested in advancing your salsa skill level, trying mambo and cha-cha can be a nice challenge,” says Maldonado. “Sensual bachata is for those who want a little more

spice and advanced body movement.” Hallworth often sees people approach ing dance with uncertainty and apprehen sion, and he encourages an open mind: “Dancing isn’t for everyone, but if you

give it a chance, you will be well rewarded. Most people learning to dance are a friendly bunch and will help newcomers.”

For Maldonado, it is also about shared experience, which she feels is one of the most beautiful aspects of Latin dance: “It’s a great, diverse group of people who can change your outlook on life. Being a part of any dance community can truly be life-changing.”

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

“Being a part of any dance community can truly be life-changing.”

~Monique Maldonado

Green Schoolyards

CONCRETE JUNGLES BECOME NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS

by Sheila Julson

Skipping rope, playing hopscotch or shooting hoops have traditionally been enjoyed on asphalt-paved schoolyards enclosed by chain-link fencing. But over the last few decades, city leaders, school districts and other stakeholders have been transforming such areas into verdant play-learn spaces, designed for and by students and the community, which also offer green space for surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy during non-school hours.

While there is no official definition of a green schoolyard, these projects often share such elements as shade trees and native plantings. Asphalt urban heat islands are being replaced with permeable pavers, rain gardens and vegetative ditches called bioswales to help retain rainwater.

Incorporating climate-appropriate materials and arboriculture that provides ornamental shading using trees and shrubs is important, says Alejandra Chiesa, California state director of Green Schoolyards America, a nine-year-old nonprofit. Even poured rubber surfacing or artificial turf can become too hot and contribute to unhealthy environments for children if not shaded, she says. Planting shade trees and selecting cooler materials such as wood, mulch or engineered wood fiber is critical, especially in hotter climates.

“Playground equipment made from recycled materials can still get very hot and should be kept under the shade of trees,” she cautions. Green schoolyards can incorporate logs, stumps and play equipment made from real wood which provide great play value and stay cooler.

Brenda Kessler, the green schoolyards program coordinator for the Children & Nature Network (C&NN), works with teams made up of city and school district leaders, along with local partners, to implement schoolyard makeovers. The organization is in the process of publishing district design guidelines that detail different features.

“We’re not prescriptive, but it can include elements like outdoor classrooms, stormwater retention infrastructure, pollinator gardens, edible gardens, shade structures and boulders,” Kessler says.

The Trust for Public Land, which works to create parks and preserve public lands, began transforming schoolyards 25 years ago in response to the shortage of space available for new parks. “Every schoolyard we do across the country looks different. We’re responding to the local requirements,” says Danielle Denk, the Trust’s Community Schoolyards initiative director. The organization has partnered with New York City’s Department of Education for its Schoolyard to Playground Initiative. The program has remade more than 260 schoolyards in all five boroughs, opening up the grounds to extended after-school and weekend hours. Parks that may include such new features as shaded seating and exercise tracks are now within a 10-minute walk for 4 million New Yorkers.

In urban areas, large-caliper trees provide shade and bring down the overall temperature of the school, creating a more comfortable indoor learning environment. Trees also improve air quality and noise pollution in schools located in industrial neighborhoods. Dearborn, Michigan, is one such industrial city that seeks to reduce air and noise pollution through green schoolyards.

Priya Cook, director of the C&NN green schoolyards program, says its projects support local teams in systems change and initiative. Removing asphalt and replacing it with permeable pavers, bioswales and rain gardens also mitigates flooding. In Milwaukee, C&NN supported scaling work of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to install rainwater retention features on school playgrounds.

Rural communities, which may already have good soil and tree canopies, are also candidates for green schoolyards. “We found in rural communities that the schools serve an important civic role. Some of these areas do not have a physical park or gathering place for social events. Green schoolyards provide [a] venue for the social infrastructure that is crucial in rural America,” Denk says.

Outdoor Learning Spaces

Green schoolyards can offer hands-on learning spaces where children help with planting, mulching and soil health. Wildlife habitats, native gardens and natural ecosystems offer opportunities to learn about migrating birds and insects. Raised bed vegetable gardens provide nutrition and gardening education.

Cook says academic benefits go beyond learning about nature: “One feature that comes up a lot is creating space for outdoor learning in general. Many subjects can be taught outside, whether or not they’re physically focused on that natural environment.”

Green schoolyards are going international. C&NN is spearheading a multi-organizational effort to create a Global Lesson on Greening School Grounds and Outdoor Learning project; the plan will be drafted at a meeting this November in Salzburg, Austria. “We’re all coming together to advance green schoolyards worldwide,” Kessler says.

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

Sukjai

Photo/AdobeStock.com

Nature’s 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.

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

with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

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.

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.

Customers report using copper against:

Colds Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat

Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds Styes

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 NATA31.

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.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

eating

Fall Beets

VERSATILE LEAF-TO-ROOT EATS

by April Thompson

Versatile, nutritious, colorful and flavorful, beets are quite the package deal. This easy-to-grow, multi-season vegetable is packed with nutrition and plays well with other ingredients. Beets can be enjoyed raw, roasted, boiled or pickled. They can be blended into quick dips, thin-sliced for healthy chips or incorporated into desserts for a mild, sweet flavor and bold color.

“Beets have been a staple ingredient on our vegetarian menus for generations. They are an easy way to add natural sweetness and gorgeous color to so many dishes, both savory and sweet,” says Danica Wilcox, owner of the Moosewood Restaurant, in Ithaca, New York, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. The quintessential vegetarian eatery’s go-to beet dishes include hummus, burgers and borscht.

“Beets boast so many health benefits. Being rich in folate, manganese and copper, they are good for heart, brain and bone health. They are also a good source of fiber, which will feed the good bacteria in your gut, leading to improved gut health,” says Candace Bell, a Phoenix-based holistic nutritionist and food blogger at The Wheatless Kitchen. “Beets have a unique earthy flavor that goes perfectly with bright citrus. Roasting them brings out their sweet and savory flavors, and they pair well with arugula, crunchy walnuts and tangy goat cheese in a salad.”

Lisa Keys, of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, author of the food blog Good Grief Cook, grows beets and uses them in a number of ways. “Beets get their color from natural plant pigments called betalains, which contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory

properties that help control illnesses like diabetes and heart disease,” she says. Her blog offers a recipe for a hearty, roasted beet sandwich, which pairs the root veggie with feta and a smashed avocado, dill, lime and yogurt spread.

Versatility is one of the beet’s star qualities. The root vegetable can be quick-pickled with other garden vegetables, pureed into soup, roasted for a side dish, shredded raw into salads, juiced into a smoothie or even concentrated into a powder—a favorite of registered dietitian nutritionist Mascha Davis, in Los Angeles. “Beet powder can be added to so many recipes for a fast and easy superfood boost,” she says. Her go-to applications for beet powder include a beet and rose latte, a beet-colored “pink yogurt” topped with berries and cacao nibs, and overnight oats swirled with beet powder.

If the benefits of the beetroot didn’t already run deep enough, its stems and leaves are not only edible, but also packed with vitamins A, B and K, as well as copper, manganese, iron and calcium. The greens make a great side dish to accompany a beetroot main dish or can be incorporated into a beet soup, salad, sandwich or smoothie for a zero-waste meal turbocharged with nutrients.

Like spinach, chard and other vegetables in the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), beets are rich in oxalates which can contribute to kidney stones. For most healthy people, though, oxalates aren’t harmful, if enjoyed in moderation.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

BEET HUMMUS

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

2 roasted beets, small

1 15-oz can chickpeas

1 large lemon, zested

½ large lemon,  juiced

1 pinch salt and black pepper

2 large garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp tahini

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Peel and dice beets into cubes and roast in the oven at 350 ° F for 20 to 25 minutes. Once the beets are cooled, place them in blender or food processor and blend until only small bits remain. Add remaining ingredients except for olive oil and blend until smooth. Drizzle in olive oil as the hummus is mixing. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, lemon juice or olive oil, as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water. This dish will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe by The Chef’s Garden

EVERST /AdobeStock.com

Versatile, nutritious, colorful and flavorful, beets are quite the package deal.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Demuth-Bibb

BEET, GREENS AND GOAT CHEESE LINGUINE

2 medium, fresh organic or local beets with leaves

¼ cup unsweetened jasmine green tea (or water), hot or cold

1½ Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Juice and zest of ½ lemon (1½ Tbsp juice)

2 large garlic cloves

¾ tsp sea salt

10 oz dry, whole-grain linguine

2 oz soft, artisanal goat cheese or soft cashew cheese, crumbled

¼ cup fresh, small basil leaves

Preheat the oven (or toaster oven) to 350° F. Wash, dry and remove the leaves from the beets; thinly slice the leaves and chill until ready to use. Wrap the beets in recycled aluminum foil and roast in the oven until cooked through and tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scrape off the beet skin using the dull side of a paring knife, then chop the beets.

In a blender, add the chopped beets, tea, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic and salt. Blend until velvety smooth, at least 2 minutes. Set aside. (Tip: Be careful. This purée will stain anything that it may be splattered onto.)

Bring a large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. Add salt to the water, if desired. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions. (Alternatively, try my lid-cooking technique to save energy: After stirring the linguine into the boiling water, cover with a lid and turn off or remove from heat. Let cook without heat per the same timing suggested on the pasta package.)

While the pasta is cooking, pour the beet purée into a large sauté pan and bring just to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the beet greens and cook while stirring until the greens are wilted, about 5 minutes.

Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta to the beet sauce and gently toss with tongs to combine. Add desired amount of reserved cooking liquid (if any) and gently toss to combine.

Transfer to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with the goat cheese and basil. Sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired, and serve.

Recipe by The Chef’s Garden.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Demuth-Bibb

natural pet

A Happy Halloween for Pets

NINE WAYS TO KEEP A DOG OR CAT SAFE

by Karen Shaw Becker

Halloween is celebrated on Octo ber 31, and as always on this fun holiday for humans, it’s impor tant to take precautions to ensure furry family members wake up healthy, happy and safe on November 1. Here are some potential hazards to avoid.

CHOCOLATE: All chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs, and

the darker it is, the more toxic. It con tains a caffeine-like stimulant that when ingested by a pet, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, racing pulse and seizures. Make sure all family members and guests, including children, understand the importance of keeping chocolate away from the dog or cat.

SUGAR-FREE GOODIES CONTAINING XYLITOL: This is a popular sugar sub stitute added to an increasing number of consumer products, including sugar-free candy, gum, mints and baked goods. A small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid and dangerous blood sugar drop in dogs, as well as acute liver failure. Xylitol’s effect on cats is unknown, but keep it far away from the kitties, as well.

RAISINS AND TRAIL MIX: Instead of candy, some well-meaning people hand out tiny boxes of raisins or small bags of trail mix containing raisins and/or chocolate candy such as M&Ms. Unfor tunately, raisins are toxic to dogs and cats,

and can cause kidney failure even in very small amounts. Chocolate-covered raisins pose a double-barrelled risk.

CANDY WRAPPERS: Halloween candy isn’t the only health threat for dogs and cats. Empty candy wrappers smell like what was in them, enticing a pet. The ingestion of foil and cellophane wrap pers can cause a life-threatening bowel obstruction. It’s very important to stress to children, in particular, the need to keep all candy wrappers out of the reach of pets.

CANDLES AND GLOW STICKS: Candles, including the small ones inside Jack-o’-lanterns, are fire hazards. Make sure they are well beyond a pet’s reach, so that a kitty doesn’t wander across a table or shelf decorated with lit candles or a dog doesn’t get too frisky with a carved pump kin with a candle inside. Glow sticks and jewelry have become very popular, and pets (especially cats) have been known to chew on them. The substance that creates the glow is phenol, which can leak out and burn a pet’s fur and tongue. Choking on small pieces is another hazard.

SCARY HUMAN COSTUMES: Some pets can become very fearful or aggressive at the sight of certain Halloween costumes,

Tierney/AdobeStock.com

including those that may resemble a dog or cat. In such instances, take precautions to keep both a pet and trick-or-treaters safe.

ELABORATE PET COSTUMES: Even if a pet isn’t costume-averse (many dogs and most cats are), make sure whatever is put on her is lightweight to avoid overheating, doesn’t confine or restrain their movement in any way and is free of any adornments they might be tempted to chew off and swallow. If they are frightened or annoyed by the puppy princess gown or the Grumpy Cat mask, be a pal and don’t force the issue. Let them enjoy the holiday, too.

TRICK-OR-TREATERS AND OTHER VISITORS: If lots of costumed kids or adults show up at the house on Halloween, be aware that a constantly ringing doorbell, knocks and strangers at the door and a general mood of excitement can create an overstimulating environ ment for a pet. Some pets become anxious, fearful and aggressive when their normally quiet, pre dictable evening is anything but. If a pet tends to find commotion at the front door or visitors stressful, it’s best to secure them in a quiet, safe spot before the action starts.

OPEN DOORS: Animal shelters and rescue organizations typically experience an increase in lost pets in the days following Halloween. Opening and closing the front door for trick-or-treaters, coupled with the event’s high level of excitement, can create an opportunity for a frightened or adven turous pet to run off. Make sure a pet’s ID tag and/or microchip database informa tion, if applicable, are up to date and take precautions to prevent them from slipping out the door and into the night.

Common sense and a little preparation will ensure a four-legged family member is none the worse for wear the next morning.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and improve well-being of their animals.

inspiration Inviting in the Wild

by Marlaina Donato

Amidst the whirlwind of our daily busyness, Mother Nature goes about her own affairs, conjuring everyday miracles from the humble trinity of tangled roots, dark soil and sunlight. On our way to our next task, we might catch snippets of afternoon gold blur past in a window, but we may long for more time to accept October’s invitation of long shadows.

Having an indoor haven touched with nature’s balm takes the edge off the work-athome days, the can’t-catch-a-breath days and the won’t-stop-raining days. Bringing a bit of the outside in helps us to remember the big picture. The 12th-century mystic and healer Hildegard of Bingen called the energy of the Earth veriditas, or greenness, and it is easy to tap into this life force by aligning our senses with the rhythms of nature.

Beauty is an often forgotten necessity, but can gently lead us back on track when we place a vase of fresh flowers, pine branches or wild rose hips on a windowsill. Designating one wall in the house for a photographic tapestry of spring cherry trees, mountain snow, a turquoise beach or majestic oaks can lower blood pressure just as effectively as actually being there. Keeping a “scent jar” on the desk filled with dried garden basil, bee balm or sweet grass clippings from the lawn can give us a breath of summer all year long. Placing a piece of found driftwood, preserved birch or a bowl of handmade potpourri on a coffee table can make afternoon breaks more mindful. A simple table fountain can bless any space with the harmony of its waters. Creating a “changing season” shelf and celebrating the hour invites the whole family to contribute to inspired whimsy.

Even if we simply place found branches in a basket with amber holiday lights in a cozy corner, living more closely with nature can help us maintain core serenity. The dance of each season is brief, but tuning into their wealth can make our own dance a bit more magical.

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

calendar of events

NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

Fall 2022 Intro to Yoga at the Garden – 10-11am. Hosted by Yoga H’om. Series of five free classes for adults who want to learn or refresh their yoga skills. Register at the Garden or call Guest Services. PittsburghBotanicGarden.org. 799 Pinkerton Run Rd. 412-444-4464.

Art on Forbes – 5-8pm Sat, Oct 1 & noon-3pm Sun, Oct 2. Hosted by The Manos Gallery. Sponsored by Watson Haus, The Manos Gallery, Mindful Brewing Co, Boyd & Blair Vodka. Featuring local artists, benefiting PGH Hearts of Steel. Music, art, good friends, conversation. Great time! $10. 1919 Forbes Ave.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

Riverview Park Day – A Community Celebra tion – 11am-5pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Con servancy, Northside Leadership Conference, and Friends of Riverview Park. Raise preservation funds and celebrate Riverview Park. Family-friendly event with music, food, kids’ activities, hikes and more. Free event. Info at PittsburghParks.org.

Fall Children’s Festival – 1:30-4:30pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Fairy house build ing, pumpkin painting, seasonal crafts and more! Registration required, $5 parking fee. Parking is timed. WVBG members only from 1:30-2:30pm. Registration and info at WVBG.org

Splatter Me Crazy – 6-9pm. Hosted by Splatter Me Crazy, Dominique Murray Photography. All ages fun event at The Art Room in the strip district. Selfie station, vendors, splatter paint area. Free. 2010 Smallman St. Info at SplatterMeCrazy.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

Nature Therapy Walk in Mellon Square – 5:307pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Guided 90-minute nature therapy walk – a gentle, mindful stroll to leave stress behind and connect with nature. Free. Register at Support:PittsburghParks. org/site/Calendar. Mellon Square, corner of Oliver and Sixth Avenues.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

Forest Bathing with 10.27 Healing Partnership – 9-10:30am. Hosted by 10.27 Healing Partnership and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. 4-week healing, consciousness-building forest bathing series at the Frick Park Environmental Center. 90-minute gentle walks nurturing connection to the natural world through meditative practices. Registration required at Support.PittsburghParks.org/site/Calendar. Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

Gallery Crawl – 11am-8pm. Hosted by Butter Queen. Experience art, poetry, passion, & food. Info FocusByCarrie.com. 5335 Penn Ave.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

BlissFest 2022 – 8:30am-4:30pm. Hosted by Bliss BlissBliss. Special classes and services and vendors

during this open-house style day of events. Nampara Arts Collective, Little Wizard Designs, perfumes, crystals, clothing, candles. Meditation, yoga classes, and more. 3101 About Town Pl, Morgantown, WV. TheBlissBlissBliss.com.

Little Witches & Warlocks Tea Party – 10-11am. Hosted by The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center. Join Maleficent for a Halloween Tea Party story share, savory sweet treats, tea, and a craft. Ages 3+. Tickets $25 at TheTeaShoppeWV.com. 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV.

Volunteer Workday: Churchill Valley Green way – 10am-noon. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join us in a fall workday. Projects include trail maintenance and habitat improvement for pol linators and birds. Register at AlleghenLandTrust. NetworkForGood.com/events. Churchill Valley Greenway, 800 Beulah Rd.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

savethe date

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

TELEPATHY: Animal + Soul Communica tion – Module I. Noon-5pm. Also Sun, Oct 9, Noon-5pm. Inner Light PGH. presents Nordic Mystic Lucas Bergendahl, of Denmark in his first American appearance. During this two-part, twoweekend intensive, learn the ancient and secret knowledge of animal communication, ethology, and healing. $200/weekend. Inner Light PGH, 295 Beverly Rd, Mt Lebanon. 412-368-2162.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

#HillYoga @August Wilson Park – 6-7pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Join Naomi of Apple Tree Yoga Studio in taking deep breathes, being mindful, enjoying the sunset. Register at Support.PittsburghParks.org/site/Calendar. August Wilson Park, 1801 Cliff St.

Tea Tasting 101 – 6-7pm. Hosted by The Tea Shoppe at Seneca Center. Discuss the five types of true tea as well as herbals & tisanes, their produc tion and health benefits. Light refreshments. Tickets $12.50 at TheTeaShoppeWV.com. 709 Beechurst Ave, Morgantown, WV.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

Creepy Halloween Eats and Pumpkin Painting – 6-7pm. Hosted by Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios: Pittsburgh. Puff pastry intestines, a bowl of dirt and worms, yummy eyeballs! Also paint a pumpkin to take home. $49/child includes supplies and pumpkin. 412-579-0372.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

savethe date

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

TELEPATHY: Animal + Soul Communica tion – Module I. Noon-5pm. Also Sun, Oct 16, Noon-5pm. Inner Light PGH. presents Nordic Mystic Lucas Bergendahl, of Denmark in his first American appearance. During this two-part, twoweekend intensive, learn the ancient and secret knowledge of animal communication, ethology, and healing. $200/weekend. Inner Light PGH, 295 Beverly Rd, Mt Lebanon. 412-368-2162.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

HIIT, Yin Yoga, and Myofascial Release for the 30+ Crowd – with Richard Gartner – 10:30am12:15pm. A thoughtful, well designed routine grounded in studies on exercise and aging, Myofas cial releases prep joints and connective tissues and prime the lymphatic system. Designed to slow the aging process by increasing cardiac fitness, relax ing connective tissue, and decreasing stress. $25. Register at SchoolHouseYoga.com/Workshops. 2239 Railroad St.

Fall Drum Circle – 2-4pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Drumming is a link to healing for body, soul, and Earth. Percus sion instruments provided or bring your own. All ages. Donations welcome. Register at bit. ly/3Og3PxT. Info WVBG.org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

Free Soil Lead Screening with Grow Pittsburgh – 3-6pm. Friday, Oct 21 and Saturday, Oct 22 10am1pm. Registration required. Detailed information on procedures will be provided after registration. Drop-off will be at the Garden Resource Center. Testing for lead and arsenic done by the Allegheny County Conservation District. Results and infor mation will be sent within two weeks of drop-off. Register at forms.gle/yXAiD1F8k68gChTC8. Info: 412-362-4769.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

Black Women’s and Girl’s Health Expo – 9am3pm. Hosted by Saving our Sons and Daughters and Wyndham University Center. Empowering black girls and women to seek preventative health care and connect to free and/or low-cost resources. Information and registration ($10) at InfiniteLife styleSolutions.org.

Taste of Lawrenceville: Harvest Fest – Noon4pm. Hosted by Bay 41. Family and pet friendly afternoon of fall food and beverages, live music, vendor market, and kids’ activities. Bay 41 is an event space/amenity to TechMill 41 Tenants, the Foundary at 41st residents, and the City of PGH. Free entry and parking. Register at View.Flodesk. com/pages/63078c811c6706e2b5945a1f. Bay 41, 4107 Willow St.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

Howl-O-Ween Doggie Trick or Treat – 4-6:30pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Bring a doggy bag - vendors will set up along the Reservoir Loop Trail and hand out dog treats. Best dressed pooch contest and prize. Only well-behaved dogs on leash please. Register at FlipCause.com/secure/ cause-pdetails/MTU5MzE4. Info WVBG.org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

18+ Night: Heroes and Villains – 6-10pm. Hosted by Carnegie Science Center. Join regional comic writers, artists, and local cosplayers (costumes strongly encouraged) as you choose sides between the biggest heroes and the strongest villains. Ex celsior! $20/members $25/nonmembers. Tickets: CarnegieScienceCenter.org/programs/science-afterhours. 1 Allegheny Ave.

Bike or Treat – 1-3pm. Hosted by POGOH. Inclu sive alley-cat-style bike ride celebrating Halloween. Manifest to be published on 28 Oct. Start anywhere in the city, hit all six checkpoints, collect unique but tons, take all six buttons to POGOH offices by 4pm to collect a prize. Post-race snacks and beverages available. Go to POGOH.com or on Facebook for info. 3328 Penn Ave.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

Sunday Family Fun Day – 2-4pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Join Cheat Area Public Li brary staff and WVBG educators for an afternoon in the Garden. Story time, walk, games, crafts. Geared towards ages 4-8. All ages. Free. Register and info at WVBG.org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

ongoing events

sunday

Sunday’s Restorative Rejuvenation – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Morgantown Power Yoga. All levels welcome. Learn to use breath, props, and focused awareness to decrease stress and anxiety in the body and the mind. Compliment your power yoga practice with restorative rejuvenation. $25. 235 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: Clients. MindBodyOnline.com.

monday

Monday Evening with the Wellness Warrior 6:30-7:15pm. Learn about a different health and wellness topic every week. Zoom in at Zoom. us/j/92446493853. Meeting ID: 924 4649. Steve@ WellnessWarrior.coach.

1 Hood Power Hour 7-8pm. A virtual forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things politi cal in SWPA and beyond. A virtual public affairs forum featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. 617-517-7600. Facebook. com/1HoodPower.

tuesday

Finding Calm Within – Nature Walk Series – 7am. Through 8 Nov. Hosted by Venture Out doors at Frick Environmental Center. Six week guided, themed walks led by Sara Feley, a somatic, relationship-oriented psychotherapist. Joint a single session or all six weeks! $10/each or $50/series.

Info at VentureOutdoors.org. Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd.

Table-Top Tuesday – 11am-2pm. Hosted by Pitts burgh Parks Conservancy at Schenley Plaza. Enjoy a selection of free, classic table-top games through October. Games are available on a first-come basis. Schenley Plaza, 4011 Forbes Ave.

Laser Cutting Workshop – Thru Nov. 7-9pm. Meets once a month. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Full Spectrum Muse CO2 Laser at Prototype PGH for etching and cutting. This laser cutter can cut acrylic, fabric, leather, paper, rubber and wood. It can also etch coated metals, glass, and stone. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com.

wednesday

Yoga and Sound Bath 7-8:15pm. 1st Wed. With Susannah Azzaro. $25. Himalayan Institute of Pitts burgh, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

THRIVE Carmichaels Community Garden Project Meeting – 6-7pm every second Wed. Hosted by Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA. Attend in person or via Zoom. Fellowship Hall, 101 W South St, Carmichaels. Info 724-223-5477.

Evening Yoga in the Garden – 6:30-7:30pm at West Virginia Botanic Garden. Use breathing tech niques to relax, postures to strengthen muscles, and guided meditation to calm the mind, body, and spirit. $12/members, $15/nonmembers. Tickets and info at WVBG.org. 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.

Wellness Wednesdays – 6:30-8pm Through 14 Dec. Hosted by 10.27 Healing Partnership. A rotating series of wellness practitioners includ ing acupuncture, reiki, and more. Hold meaningful conversations, build community in our space. 5738 Forbes Ave.

thursday

Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thurs. Hosted by Spruce Street United Methodist Church. All ages and abilities with variations to accom modate health and movement issues, with students sitting or standing next to a chair. Emphasis on meditative practices. Wear comfortable clothing. 386 Spruce St, Morgantown, W Virginia. 304292-3359.

Volunteer Workday: Girty’s Woods Trail-build ing – 5-7pm Thru October. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join the ALT Stewardship team and volunteers in building and improving trails from the Irwin Lane trailhead from the Frederick Street trail head in Gerty’s Woods Conservation Area. Register and info at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood. com/events. 500 Irwin Lane, Millvale.

Restorative Yoga in the Salt Cave – 6:45-7:45pm. Through Dec. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Revive and restore with awesome and unique combination of restorative yoga and detoxifying salt. Tickets clients.MindBodyOnline.com/classic/MainClass. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. Sound Bath Thursdays – 7-8pm. Hosted by Har monic Egg Wellness and Rooted in Sound. Visit us in The Strip’s newest Wellness Center. Gongs and therapy grade Himalayan singing bowls create space for deep meditation and relaxation. $30. Tickets at WellnessLiving.com/schedule/harmonic_egg_ boardman. 412-609-8999.

friday

First Friday Walk/Hike 10-11:30am. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust at various interesting parks and green areas around greater Pittsburgh. For info on location, focus, and cost go to Al leghenyLandTrust.networkforgood.com/events. 412-741-2750.

Friday Family Walk – 10am-Noon. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. First Friday of ev ery month. Enjoy a short story followed by a walk around the Garden, conclude with a simple craft. Trail accommodates off road strollers. Members/ free, $15/donation per family suggested. Prereg istration required: wvbg.org or Forms.donorsnap. com/form.

Friday 101 – Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab Public Workshops – 1-2pm. Hosted by BNY Mel lon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center. Take a crash course in maker technology – learn the basics of 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, and more. $30/nonmembers, $25/members. One Allegheny Ave. 412-237-3400. Register: CarnegieScience Center.org.

saturday

Morgantown Farmers Market – 8:30-Noon. Sat urdays through October. Wide variety of food and farm products grown and made by vendors within 50 miles of the market. 400 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Info mfmgamanager@gmail.com.

All-Levels Vinyasa Flow with Sarah – 10-11am. Hosted by Gritstone Climbing and Fitness. Get your Zen on and bliss out with this gentle yet challenging flow. Member/nonmember pricing and packages available. Tickets at ClimbGritstone.com. 1901 Eljadid St, Morgantown, WV.

3D Printer Workshop – Noon-2pm. Hosted by Prototype PGH. Learn to use the Elegoo UV Pho tocuring 3D resin printer. $10 at Eventbrite. 460 Melwood Ave, Oakland. Info: PrototypePGH.com. Prototype PGH – Monthly Open House – Noon2pm Second Sat of the month. Meet with members of our team to ask questions about Prototype and the events, workshops and services offered. Donations appreciated to cover free events and workshops. 460 Melwood Ave #208. RSVP on our Facebook page.

resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our Pittsburgh community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com to request our media kit.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY

JANET LAZARUS – BIOLOGIC DENTIST

Dr Janet Lazarus, DMD, NMD

Mail: 4313 Walnut St, Ste 178

Office: Olympia Shopping Ctr Arcade, McKeesport • 412-754-2020 • Dr.Lazlo@hotmail.com

Dr. Lazarus practices compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to offer preventative care and health maintenance. She offers compatibility testing on dental material, safe mercury removal, extraction and a host of other treatments including ozone therapy. She has been practicing for 28 years. See ad, page 19.

CHIROPRACTIC

PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Danielle Marra, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Marra has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications, and nutritional support. The practice provides advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 15.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Danielle Mara, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com

Dr. Danielle Mara has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications and nutritional support. Plus advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 15.

HEALTH COACH

MOLD RECOVERY COACHING

FreedomFromMold.com 646-543-7836

Once you’ve been poisoned by mold, your world changes. You suffer from strange physical ailments, brain fog, as well as mental and emotional crises. Been there, done that, got the Merit Badge. I can help guide you out of the fog. See ad, page 15.

HEALTH FOOD

THE KEFIR CHICKS

Connellsville, PA

TheKefirChicks.com TheKefirChicks@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheKefirChicks

Kathy and Haley, The Kefir Chicks, are two chicks on a mission to bring awareness to everyone about whole foods and gut health through whole, probiotic-packed food medicine – water kefir. See ad, page 7.

HERBS

OLD THYME HERB SHOP, LLC

Lisa Cunningham Old-Fashioned Family Herbalist

308 Liberty St, Perryopolis, PA 724-736-2400

Nothing fancy here; just hundreds of organic bulk medicinal herbs at your beck and call. Heal yourself ~ help others. In service and gratitude always. No Facebook, no website, no social media. Not enough thyme! Just you and I and your blessed healing herbs.

HOMEOPATHY

MELANIE KRNETA

DIP HOM. ACH, Reiki Master 1252 Liberty St, Franklin, PA • 814-428-9895

Facebook: Melanie Krneta Homoeopathy Plus Classical homoeopathic consultations providing individualized care for the entire family. Migraines, hormonal imbalances, PTSD, grief, arthritis, digestive imbalance. Reiki sessions are beneficial for relaxation and pain management. Other services provided are far infrared sauna with medical grade color therapy and Himalayan salt and ear candling.

NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

NAPTURAL BEAUTY SUPPLY 724-307-8487 NapturalBeautySupply.com

Naptural Beauty Supply was created to end the stigma around natural hair by empowering men and women to love themselves naturally. We do this by instilling confidence in our community and increasing convenience by having the tools and services in one place, such as hair and body butters, beard care and apparel. We are beauty supply with naturals in mind! See ad, page 25.

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

DR. ARETI, LLC

Dr. Areti Fitsioris 421 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh 412-419-1537 (call/text) • Facebook.com/Dr.Areti

Dr. Areti is a board-certified naturopathic physician who implements manual therapy, lifestyle medicine, nutritional analysis, and non-invasive methods to address functional and structural imbalances – services are 100% grounded in evidence-based science. She goes the extra mile to identify and address root causes of conditions and to provide ongoing support.

SPIRITUAL

SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC

412-258-0766

• SacredCenteredYou.com

Leza is known widely for her abilities as a sound healer, inspirational speaker and interfaith spiritual counselor. Healing arts services include vibrational sound healing, past life and soul regression, journey work counseling and conscious relationships counseling. Private and group services offered. Lesa Vivio, MS, LPC, CMHIMP, DDiv, DSM.

URBAN FARMING

GROW PITTSBURGH

Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 • GrowPittsburgh.org Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org

Grow Pittsburgh is an urban, agriculture nonprofit that teaches people how to grow food. They envision the day when everyone grows and eats fresh, local and healthy food. Get involved. Take a tour, become a member, learn, volunteer! Visit their website for workshops and events.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE

ROOTED IN SOUND

Wyatt Melius

2000 Smallman St, Pittsburgh 412-609-8999

• RootedInSound.com

Sound massage, Nada yoga, forest bathing, and acoustic-induced meditation. Check the calendar for sound baths on Sundays and Thursdays. See ad, page 15.

SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC

412-258-0766

SacredCenteredYou.com

Offering individual and group experiences that promote healing through self-discovery and personal acceptance. Special focus on sound healing, life coaching, qigong, and vibrational medicine.

WELLNESS

360 CAFÉ LLC

Tyleda Worou Pittsburgh • 724-374-8089 • 360CafeLLC.com

360 Café LLC is an alternative health and wellness business with the goal of helping others to heal from the inside out while taking a holistic approach to healing by offering distance reiki, and crystal healing sessions to help our consumers restore physical and emotional balance.

SALT OF THE EARTH

Himalayan Salt Cave and Crystal Boutique 504 Valleybrook Rd,McMurray, PA 15317 724-260-0472 • SaltOfTheEarthPgh.com

Experience the known ancient healing benefits of halotherapy in the Himalayan salt cave, built from 16 tons of pure Himalayan salt. 45-minute sessions scheduled on the hour. Can be rented for private groups up to 10. Provides an inviting and relaxing environment for events and classes: yoga, meditation, sound healing, and reiki. The crystal boutique offers an array of authentic crystals, jewelry, candles, locally-made bath and body, and Himalayan salt products. The knowledgeable staff will help find the right crystal for you or your home décor. See ad, page 13.

VISIONS REIKI AND SOUL SPA 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane 724-745-1785 • VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com

As a full-service energy-health and wellness center, our goal is to empower people to be the best version of themselves. With the understanding that all wellness begins with a healthy energy system, Visions Reiki and Soul Spa offers holistic services, workshops, and coaching to help you establish a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

YOGA AND MEDITATION

THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH 300 Beverly Rd, Pittsburgh 412-344-7434 • HipYoga.org

The Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh is committed to creating and supporting programs for wellness in body, mind and spirit. Their purpose is to promote personal peace and global unity. Offering a daily schedule of yoga and meditation classes and healing services including massage, reiki and Ayurvedic health consultations. They are a leader in education, providing authentic yoga and Ayurveda certification programs.

classifieds

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA com.

OPPORTUNITIES

ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awakenings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople covering the Greater Pittsburgh area, SW Pennsylvania and Morgantown WV to help others grow their natural health & wellness and sustainable living or green businesses. Commission-based. Full- or part-time. Paying 25% commission. Unlimited potential income. Be a part of something magical! Send resume to Michelle: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

PRODUCTS

McCORMICK FAMILY FARM – 100% grass-fed/finished beef, pasture-raised chicken, and pure maple syrup following beyond organic, regenerative farming practices. 293 McCormic Rd, Portage, PA. 814-472-7259. Facebook: @ TheMcCormickFamilyFarm.

SERVICES

READING POETRY RELAXES – Inquire at: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 4725, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725.

Natural Awakenings Client Testimonial

I have been advertising since the beginning of Natural Awakenings and I have to say. that it has been a great choice! I have gotten a lot of new patients from her magazine. The covers are always colorful and fun! Michelle has been very helpful and she is always available when I need to talk to her. I would highly recommend this magazine if you are considering advertising.

~Dr Janet Lazarus