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When you are stressed or just need to clear your mind, nature is your refuge. I am lucky to live in the country, where I am surrounded by nature, trees, bees, wildflowers, lightening bugs, nature’s aromas, the singing of birds and fresh air. If I stop to embrace the real beauty, I know right away how wonderous it is, and it makes me deeply happy. I know it’s not always easy for everyone to be immersed in nature, but even a walk down a city street gives you some nature, and there are parks and trails all around.
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There is a trail right around the corner from where I live along a river with a wonderful diversity of plant life, pawpaw trees, may apples, ramps, redbud trees, mushrooms, a great diversity of herbs and more. There are state game lands nearby too, with rivers and trilliums, morels and ramps. Even in the city, there are beautiful parks, green spaces and trails. When I’m out distributing my magazines, I love to stop at parks to take a break and a breather. Aspinwall Riverfront Park is one of my favorites, but there are so many! Sometimes I bring my dog, Olive, with me and we love to walk the parks together. Our rivers are a wonder, too, and I am in awe when I see them. They really are magnificent and deserve more than we give them. They give us so much.
There are countless studies on the positive impact the natural world can have on us. Touching the microbes of the soil, grounding (touching the earth with your feet or skin), just sitting in nature and listening to the sounds or letting the sun hit your skin is healing and soothing, and can calm your soul. Studies have found people that spend time in nature are healthier and happier. I remind myself, and all of you, to remember how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such amazingly beautiful and abundant nature. If you are sad, stressed, anxious, having health issues, worried or just overwhelmed, nature is a part of the prescription for feeling better. Try to make time for it, even if it’s just sitting on your porch!
Michelle Dalnoky, RN, BA, Publisher
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.
10 KEEPING EYES SHARP
A Holistic Approach to Vision Health
12 CONVERTING FOOD TO ENERGY
Learning How Metabolism Works
16 WHAT EVERY MAN
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With Zoe, is located at 2045 Mackenzie Way, Suite 2B, in Cranberry Township.
Owner and stylist Zoe Morris-Almasi, “Everyone deserves a healthier option for their hair care and salon services. Organic hair care gives you the option to maintain a healthy lifestyle and look your best.” She has more than 10 years of experience and passion for the industry.
For appointments and more information, call 321-604-8169 or visit OrganicInspiredWithZoe.GlossGenius.com. See ad, page 7.
The annual Grounded Bike Tour event, with gentle grades and a slow to moderate pace, will feature projects in Larimer and Homewood, with Bakery Square as a starting point at 9 a.m., July 22. Before the ride there will be POGOH bikes available for those that do not have one.
The Pittsburgh region has more than 30,000 vacant lots, many of which are overgrown and unmaintained. Importantly, most of these vacant lots are concentrated in low-income black and brown communities, creating an environmental and racial justice emergency.
Grounded elevates community champions and their efforts to reclaim these abandoned spaces and turn them into vibrant community assets for everyone to enjoy. Participants will see these sites firsthand and meet the neighborhood advocates making change happen. At each stop, the group will speak to community partners, learning about their journey and the transformation of vacant spaces into activated places.
Location: 6425 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh. Sign up at Tinyurl.com/ GroundedBikeTour or GroundedPgh.org.
Joan T. A. Gabel has been named the 19th chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh and first woman in that role since its founding in 1787. She says, “I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead this world-class community of learners, leaders and discoverers from Pittsburgh and Bradford to Greensburg, Johnstown, Titusville and beyond.” The election concluded an extensive search launched after Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced last year that he would transition to the faculty as a professor.
Under Gabel’s leadership since 2019, the University of Minnesota developed its first comprehensive systemwide strategic plan that resulted in record-setting graduation rates and annual research expenditures, as well as increased numbers of startups and patents. She previously served as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina and dean of the University of Missouri College of Business
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Parents are busy people, often juggling multiple commitments. Add a toddler meltdown to the mix, and it is easy to understand why parents may reach for a tablet, smartphone or other screen to calm and occupy the child. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children pay a price for this strategy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the frequent use of mobile devices to calm young children may displace their opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies over time. The cohort study involved a sample of Englishspeaking parents of typically developing children aged 3 to 5. The scientists gathered baseline data at the start of the study, as well as follow-up evidence after three months and six months.
The participating parents used a five-point scale to report how often they used mobile devices to calm upset children. At each follow-up, the child’s executive functioning and emotional reactivity were assessed. The study found that the frequent use of mobile devices for calming young children was associated with increased emotional dysregulation, especially in boys, and included rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, greater impulsivity and sudden mood changes.
Annals of determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.
Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.
A 2022 research study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that herbs and spices may be unsung heroes in the quest for gut health. The three-period, randomized, controlled-feeding study involved 54 obese or overweight adults aged 30 to 75 with at least one other risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as elevated glucose or triglycerides.
Participants consumed the same average American diet for four weeks, along with one of three daily doses of spices and herbs—0.5 grams, 3.3 grams or 6.6 grams—which included cinnamon, ginger, cumin, turmeric, rosemary, oregano, basil and thyme. Fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and the end of each diet period.
Researchers determined that consuming 3.3 or 6.6 grams of herbs and spices per day increased levels of the Ruminococcaceae bacteria, a major player in the maintenance of gut health. The highest levels of this beneficial bacteria were observed among those that consumed the highest levels of herbs and spices. The scientists recommend further investigation to identify the metabolic implications of their findings.
As the windows to the world, our eyes are sensory organs that work overtime. They allow us to take in light, see what is before us and send information for the brain to process. While regular eye exams are important, preventative and proactive maintenance is key to achieving healthy vision.
Dr. Marc Grossman co-founded NaturalEyeCare.com to educate professionals and the public about complementary eye care, which can supplement traditional methods. As both a licensed optometrist and acupuncturist, he believes that the health of the eye depends on the well-being of a person’s entire body. “I treat the person behind the eye, not just the condition. When a patient comes in with glaucoma or a cataract, I look at their history and lifestyle choices to see what could be contributing to it,” he says.
Proper nutrition is crucial for proper eye function. Grossman recommends what he calls a “vision diet” based on the Mediterranean diet, which cuts down on sugar and prioritizes organic, low-alkaline foods, leafy greens and fresh juices. “Carotenoids, found in red or yellow fruits and vegetables, are vital antioxidants for eye health. They include lutein, the yellow pigment in the macula that protects against certain eye diseases, and zeaxanthin, which helps avoid macular degeneration. These nutrients also absorb harmful blue light and are anti-inflammatory. The presence of free radicals and lack of antioxidants in the eyes is directly related to the incidence of many types of eye disease, including macular degeneration. Consuming antioxidants from food is ideal and can be enhanced with supplements such as CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and curcumin,” Grossman explains.
“Regular aerobic activity combined with meditation or another mindfulness practice is
ideal to maintain and even improve vision,” he says. “Thirty minutes of brisk walking or another activity you enjoy four days a week can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other common eye conditions. Qigong, mindful breathing and yoga help the whole body reset and are low-impact ways to improve circulation.”
Proactively retraining the brain can substantially reduce vision dysfunction. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneer in neuro-optometry, helps adults and children unlock their highest potential by remediating visual developmental delays that impact reading and learning, honing visual skills to elevate sports performance and reorganizing the “visual brain” after head injuries.
“We need to look at eyesight and vision as separate entities. While eyesight is the ability to simply see things like letters on a chart, vision is how your brain derives meaning from the world around us and directs the appropriate action,” explains the Maryland-based optometrist.
Through individualized vision therapy, Appelbaum’s patients learn how to train their eyes, brain and body to work together more efficiently. “Most functional vision problems are actually brain problems, and vision therapy teaches you how to use your eyes to retrain your brain. Through a series of exercises, we enhance skills like focus, depth perception, 3D awareness, eye movement control and visualization,” he explains. The first step is a thorough evaluation, and then, if indicated, personalized treatment is prescribed with doctorsupervised sessions in the office that are reinforced with exercises at home.
Appelbaum also helps professional and amateur athletes more accurately connect to their sport through vision.
“From an early age we’re told to ‘keep your eye on the ball,’ but not taught how to do that,” Appelbaum asserts. “Sports vision therapy trains athletes to optimize critical components in their visual processing and reaction. We work with baseball and basketball players, gymnasts, skiers, even fencers who learn to
coordinate and visualize the optimal movement in relation to their environment, equipment and teammates. With repeated exercises and self-correction, athletes learn to enhance visual reaction time, depth perception, visuospatial knowledge and hand-eye coordination."
Monitoring screen time is vital to resting overworked eyes. “As a direct result of excessive screen time, we’re seeing a dramatic increase of nearsightedness in young children, as well as headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and motion sensitivity,” Appelbaum says. “I encourage patients to follow the 20/20/20 rule and take a minimum of a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This allows both the brain and eyes to disengage from the near visual stress and relax. In general, looking at larger screens that are further away will also lessen the strain.”
Taking a holistic approach to overall health and wellness will not only preserve but can also enhance our ability to see. “People should discuss visual issues and symptoms with their doctor and seek out functional vision testing, as vision could be the limiting factor in a number of conditions,” Appelbaum advises. “With mindful visual training and healthy lifestyle choices, we can maximize our vision and our life’s potential.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
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Not feeling like yourself anymore? Gaining weight, no matter what you do? Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”
“I want YOU to Feel Good Again”
by Linda Sechrist
Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.
“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”
Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”
According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.
James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our
metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, high-fructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”
“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”
Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”
Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance
YIELD: 2 SERVINGS
1 lb ground pork or chicken
1 Tbsp finely minced garlic
1 Tbsp finely minced shallot
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
12-15 stalks of lemongrass
Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop.
Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the ground mixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped
1 chicken breast, diced
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp mild or medium curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground ginger
1 garlic clove
Vegetable stock
If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.
Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance.
does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.
“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between
carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”
According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”
Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.
ARUGULA SALAD WITH MANGO DRESSING
YIELD: 1 SERVING
1½ cup arugula
¼ cup olives, pitted
1 Tbsp chopped shallots
1 mango
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the core and cut into small cubes. Purée the olives with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Purée some of the mango cubes with the dressing and set aside the remainder. Add the shallots to the dressing. Wash, clean and dry the arugula. Mix in the dressing and sprinkle the remaining mango cubes on top. Pair this salad with any protein, such as a fish filet.
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by Carrie Jackson
For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.
Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.
Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.
He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.
Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.
“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.
According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a com-
bination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.
While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.
“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”
Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.
Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.
“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDAapproved treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”
As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks.
Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich
in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”
Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone, which not only affects blood flow but also libido.
Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a noninvasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.
Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.
Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.
by Martin Miron
Grow Pittsburgh was established in 2005 by three urban farmers, Barb Kline, Mindy Schwartz and Randa Shannon, who saw a need for an urban agriculture organization in Pittsburgh that supported urban farming within city limits and provided resources, education and support for growers. Kline says. “We incorporated as a nonprofit in 2008, after four successful programs had been established, including Braddock Farms, the Edible Schoolyard Pittsburgh, the Frick Greenhouse and its accompanying Shiloh Farm, and the summer internship program. Our programing has grown substantially since then, and our work today can be summarized in three main approaches.”
They teach people to grow food through a school garden curriculum, teacher training, workforce development for youth, adult workshops and other resources. Grow Pittsburgh grows food for the community at urban farm sites and provides affordable, chemical-free, fresh fruits and vegetables at farm stands and via donations to free food distributions. Since 2022 the work has been aided by expansion into Wilkinsburg at the Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery production site. They also build and support gardens for PreK12 schools and communities throughout Allegheny County.
Their major crops are beefsteak tomatoes, bell peppers, collard greens, kale, carrots, red
beets, salad mix and zucchini. Others include okra, onions, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, berries, turnips, radishes, spinach, peas and herbs. Shannon says, “We also do a spring plant sale. We are also a vendor at the Wilkinsburg Farmers Market and provide produce for the Homewood Farmers Market and a few partner community initiatives that provide produce directly to families and seniors.”
Produce is available across the city this summer: Braddock Farm Stand, Wednesday 3:30 to 6 p.m. Friday 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to noon; Shiloh Farm Stand, Thursday 2:30 to 6 p.m.; Wilkinsburg Farmers Market, Thursday 3 to 7 p.m.; Homewood Farmers Market, Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
Schwartz explains, “We use all-natural, chemical-free growing methods. We cover crop every year and use reduced tillage to improve soil quality, which has improved dramatically over the years since beginning as a vacant lot. We use only organic approved fertilizers and pest control products. Our Shiloh Farm site keeps egg-laying chickens and bees. We provide our chickens with plenty of space and lots of vegetable fresh vegetable scrap. We have very happy hens.”
Shannon reports, “Our mission is to teach people how to grow food and promote the benefits gardens bring to our neighborhoods. The staff is made up of 20 full-time members dedicated to our school gardens, community gardens and farm production sites. We also have about 10 seasonal staff members helping at our production sites throughout the growing season.”
Braddock Farm came online in 2007 with the mission of providing fresh produce for the Braddock community and creating on-farm educational opportunities. In 2006, the mayor of Pittsburgh approached Grow Pittsburgh executives offering cityowned space in Braddock to manage. This project grew slowly as there were multiple issues to deal with. Then they started to rehabilitate the soil and create a space that could provide fresh produce to all residents.
By 2008, there were several raised garden beds established on the property selling produce at the farmstand. Now at nearly one acre, the farm includes three hoop houses, a greenhouse, an office and a walk-in cooler, plus the roadside farm stand. Line says, “Our staff and programming have grown, too, and we now offer fresh produce for sale in Braddock three days a week, while serving nearby community markets in Homewood, North Point Breeze, and Wilkinsburg.” Three other production sites are Shiloh Farm, The Frick Greenhouse and Garden Dreams.
Shiloh Farm is a model of what is possible in urban agriculture on one city lot. Since 2008, Grow Pittsburgh has exchanged
produce for the use of this formerly vacant lot at the corner of Homewood Avenue and Thomas Boulevard, in Point Breeze. Kline notes, “We’ve converted the lot into a small urban farm, complete with in-ground production beds, herbs, figs, raspberries and flowers to draw beneficial insects. Shiloh Farm even has a beehive and a small flock of chickens so we can use local honey and eggs in our workshops and programs. The garden’s back perimeter is marked by a large solar array, which feeds into the neighboring home.”
Garden Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery is Grow Pittsburgh’s newest production site, located at 806 Holland Avenue, in Wilkinsburg. “In Summer 2021, we completed construction of a 2,800-square foot net zero energy greenhouse at Garden Dreams that is powered by an onsite solar array,” she says. “This urban farm and plant nursery, previously owned and operated as a private business by Grow Pittsburgh co-founder Mindy Schwartz, was a treasure in the local urban agriculture community for nearly 20 years. In December 2019, Schwartz donated the property to Allegheny Land Trust to own and preserve with Grow Pittsburgh partnering to run the urban farm and greenhouse operations. The urban farm and greenhouse at Garden Dreams provide plants to urban farmers, schools, community gardeners and home growers throughout our community.”
Grow Pittsburgh hosts open houses and a Zucchini Festival in July and Fall Festival in October. There is a six-week employment and educational program for teens each summer in which students are intimately involved in the workings of the farm from seeding to harvest, additionally learning about leadership, teamwork and how their actions affect the larger food system.
There is a two-year pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture for those that have little or no growing experience, but are interested in exploring a farming career. Participants volunteer four hours per week doing a variety of farm tasks and receive a share of vegetables, as well as free admission to relevant workshops and conferences. Open workshops throughout the year backyard farming practices, how to start a community garden and much more.
Kline advises, “While we work on our strategic plan for 2022 through 2026, our focus is to ensure that all people in our community have the resources, capacity and knowledge to fully realize the benefits that food-growing projects bring to our neighborhoods.” Their three goals are to cultivate the future of urban agriculture in the region by building sectorwide capacity; deepen and enact justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) efforts across the organization and the greater community; and prioritize internal efficiencies and capacity for organizational stability.
Grow Pittsburg is located at 587 Hamilton Ave. #2W, in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit GrowPittsburgh.org.
by Julie Peterson
Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.
“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations. Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”
The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eight-week program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values. The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.
n We believe you can be who you want to be.
n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.
n Smiths are kindhearted.
n Smiths are creators.
n Smiths do hard things.
n Smiths are healthy and active.
n Smiths love and support one another. Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts
families to decide where and how to spend their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.
A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.
These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.
According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.
For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.
Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to
all of his priorities. He regularly involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.
Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.
Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.
Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”
But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,” says Greenfield. “At the end of the day, kids just want to be seen and loved and heard.”
Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM
Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.
Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.
Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.
Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.
As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.
For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.
If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.
Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.
Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.
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.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1
Community Pizza Oven Night – 5-7pm. Hosted by Oasis Farm & Fishery. Join us for our seasonal Community Pizza Oven Nights. Make your own Pizza with fresh, local ingredients in great company, with entertainment and so much more. $Free. Register at EventBrite. Oasis Farm & Fishery, 7238 Fleury Way. 412-242-4920.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
Yoga in the Garden – 10-11am. Hosted by Yoga H’om at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Yoga in front of the Lotus Pond is back! Check in at the Bayer Welcome Center 20 minutes before class to register and pay. All levels. May be cancelled due to weather. 412-444-4464. Info at PittsburghBotanicGarden.org.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4
Spiritual Sounds – 4-5pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Experience healing with the cleansing and grounding vibrations of crystal singing bowls. Michele incorporates crystal bowls, reiki, and guided meditation into each session. $45 at Clients.MindBodyONline.com/Classic/ws. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
Webinar: Fabulous Fireflies – 5-5:45pm. Online event hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join Allegheny Land Trust Senior Director of Education and Curriculum, Julie, to learn about the fascinating world of fireflies. Go to AlleghenyLandTrust. NetworkForGood.com/events/52127-fabulousfireflies-webinar for the link.
Ecolution Fashion Gala: The Unseen World –6-10pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. One-of-a-kind evening of sustainable design and innovative style. Produced by the Green Voice Collective. VIP and VIP General Admission Plus tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission Tickets (Standing
Room) $50 at EventBrite/e/ecolution-Fashion-GalaTickets-557219417277. Info PittsburghEarthDay. org/Ecolution.
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
Agricult(her)ist For a Day! Spend the Day with Miss WV & Other Agriculturists at WVU’s Research Farm – 1-6pm. Hosted by Libera, Inc at WVU Animal Science Farm. Make it a family day or drop by when you can. Introduce kids to female scientists making a difference in the world of STEM, the agriculture industry, and the Mountain State. A day of activities, vendors, speakers, demonstrations, and giveaways. Meet Miss WV 2022, Elizabeth Lynch, and learn about Lila Bear Explor(her) Club – empowering girls across the state. 192 Animal Science Farm Rd, Morgantown, WV.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
Hilton Farm II Farmer’s Market – 8am-Noon. Hosted by Hilton Farm II. Rain or shine, come enjoy the weather. Incredible vendors, products and activities. Fayette Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Tying at 10am, Farm Kids Club Meeting at 11am. Farm Petting Zoo, kids’ activities, community garden. 1048 Smithfield New Geneva Rd, Smithfield. 724-562-9235.
SUNDAY, JUNE 11
Native Plants 101 – 1-2pm. Hosted by Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse. Learn the difference between native, invasive, and ornamental. Explore the answers with Allegheny Land Trust educators
in the Meet Me in the Garden Lecture Series. $Free. Registration recommended at ShopBedners.com/ products/native-plants-101-June-11th. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald.
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
Intermission: Artful Happy Hour Series – 6-9pm. Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Drink. Dine. Dance. Decompress. Take an “intermission” from work and join the party on the third Thursday of the month. Live music, crafted cocktails, complimentary sprit tastings, heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by visiting chefs. Tour the galleries, chill on the patio. Simply BE at AWAACC. Age 21+ in City Stylish Attire. Cash Bar and Hors D’oeuvres. August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave.
SUNDAY, JUNE 18
Drum Circle – 4-5pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanical Garden. Drumming isn’t just fun. It is a link to healing for body, soul, and Earth. Join us to learn the healing properties of drumming. No experience needed. Instruments provided. $Free/donation. All ages. Register at WVBG.org/programs/events/. West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.
TUESDAY, JUNE 20
Botanic Garden Observations: Field Journaling – 6:30-8:30pm. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. Learn to draw in perspective with architect and field educator Kellie Cole. Materials provided. Members $20, Nonmembers $30. Register at WVBG.org/programs/events. West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
Container Workshop: Meditation Gardens –11am-Noon. Hosted by Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse. Create a meditation container garden using plants that stimulate your senses through scent, texture, and color. Place this container outside where you practice yoga or meditate, then enjoy all summer long, Zen style. $60. Includes pot, soil, plants, and instruction. Register at ShopBedners.com/products/ Container-Workshop-Meditation-Gardens-June24th. Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, 315 Coleman Rd, McDonald.
Brunch & Botanicals – 11am-1pm. Hosted by Whole Wellness Center at the Biblical Botanical Garden of Rodef Shalom. We will meet at the Biblical Botanical Garden, then end our time together with brunch. This is a great time to fellowship with other Christians and to share our love of God. RSVP by June 10. Open to men and women age 18-35. WholeWellnessCenter.org.
Dino Detective with Carnegie Museum of Natural History – 4-5pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about dinosaurs! Age 11 and under. Register at EventBrite. Carnegie Museum of Homestead, 510E 10th Ave, Munhall.
Insects with Carnegie Museum of Natural History – 4-5pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Learn about bugs! Kids aged 11 and over. Register at EventBrite. Carnegie Museum of Homestead, 510 E 10th Ave, Munhall.
monday
Hatha I Yoga – 10-11am and 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Hatha II Yoga – 12:20-12:50. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. New lunchtime class with Christianne. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
1 Hood Power Hour – 7-8pm. A virtual forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things political in SWPA and beyond. A virtual public affairs forum featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. 617-517-7600. Facebook. com/1HoodPower.
tuesday
sunday
Hatha I Yoga – 10-10:45am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Art as Therapy – 1-3pm. 2nd and 4th Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. Unlock the therapeutic potential of artmaking. All disciplines and levels. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration required: AtithStudios.com/programs.
The Writer’s Club – 1-3pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. Writers of all experience levels explore writing through discussions, feedback circles, prompts, and creative exercises. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration required: AtithStudios.com/programs.
Spiritual Sounds – 4-5pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. First Sunday each month thru July. Enchanting and energetic healing with cleansing and grounding crystal singing bowl vibrations. Michele combines crystal bowls, reiki, and guided meditation. Tickets $45 at Clients.MindBodyOnline.com/ classic/ws. Salt of the Earth. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.
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.
The Poetry Atelier – 6-8pm. 1st Sunday each month. Hosted by The Space Upstairs. A series of sharing writings and writing processes, with writers invited to read their work, workshop their shared submissions, and experiment together in invented group exercises. Open and inclusive respectful forum. Drop-ins welcome. $5 suggested donation. 214 N Lexington Ave. 412-225-9269.
Hatha I Yoga – 7-7:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Hatha I Yoga – 8:45-9:30am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Sensory Friendly Afternoon – 1-5pm. Second Tuesdays monthly thru Nov 2023. Hosted by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders and sensory issues enjoy a comfortable and accepting museum experience Lights and sounds are adjusted, there are designated quiet areas, and sensory kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets are available. Regular rates of admission apply. Info, PittsburghKids.org/visit/accessibility. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way.
Beginners Yoga – 7:30-7:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga. org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
wednesday
Mindful Museum, 55+ - 9am-1pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museum of Art. Extensive suite of programs and activities for age 55+. Nurtures mind, body, and soul. Includes art paths, meditation stops, drawing, art, chair yoga, art history, social gatherings, guided tours, exclusive digital content, and more. Designed to support novice and experienced learners. Discounted coffee and pastries at Café Carnegie, and $5 parking. One-time registration fee grants unlimited participation. Scholarships available. 412-622-328. $55/members, $85/non-members. Program Registration@ CarnegieMuseums.org.
Hatha I Yoga – 1-1:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Yoga for Balance and Harmony – 1-1:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Harmony Acres Farmer’s Market – 3-6pm. MayOctober. Fresh veggies, wine samples, food trucks. 355 Perryopolis Rd, Belle Vernon. 724-244-7143.
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.
Keep Calm and Carry Yarn – 6-9pm. 18 and over. 2nd Wednesday thru November. Hosted by HackPittsburgh. If you knit, crochet, spin, do needlepoint or any yarny craft, join our monthly Stitch & Bitch. Free to members, $2 donation requested but not required. Entry to venue is on Jumonville St. GPS: (40.437892-79.977705). Official address 1936 Fifth Ave. Info@HackPittsburgh.org.
Mid-Week Reset – 7-7:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga. org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Yoga and Sound Bath – 7-8:15pm. 1st Wed. With Susannah Azzaro. $25. Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
thursday
Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thurs. Hosted by Spruce Street United Methodist Church. All ages and abilities with variations to accommodate 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. 304-292-3359.
Hatha I Yoga – 10-10:45am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Movement and Breath Meditation – 1-1:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Hatha II Yoga – 6-6:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Sound Bath Thursdays – 7:30-8:30pm. Hosted by Rooted in Sound at Green Heiress. One of the world’s oldest wellness practices, sound healing creates space for a deep meditative state using gongs and Himalayan singing bowls to send vibrations throughout your body. Registration required, $30 at RootedInSound.com/Event-Calendar. Green
Heiress, 209 Commercial Ave.
friday
Hatha II Yoga – 8:45-9:30am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga. org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
Hatha I Yoga – 10-10:45am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
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 AlleghenyLandTrust. networkforgood.com/events. 412-741-2750.
Friday Family Walk – 10am-Noon. Hosted by West Virginia Botanic Garden. First Friday of every 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. Preregistration required: wvbg. org or Forms.donorsnap.com/form.
Friday 101 – Carnegie Science Center Fab Lab Public Workshops – 1-2pm. Hosted by BNY Mellon 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: CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
saturday
Morgantown Farmers Market – 8:30-noon. Hosted by Morgantown Farmers Market. Beginning April 29 at Morgantown Market Place, 400 Spruce St, Morgantown WV.
Hatha I Yoga – 10-10:45am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.
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 Photocuring 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.
Second Saturdays at the Space Upstairs –8-11:45pm. Hosted by The Space Upstairs. Begun in 2007, Second Saturdays are the signature jazz happenings at the Space Upstairs. Lightbulbs and couches, coffee tables and deconstructed pianos, vivid splashes of light and projection. Poetry scribbled on the walls. Improvisational postmodern jazz dance by the Pillow Project. Different musical guest each month. Modern speakeasy magic and spontaneous art. Proudly a sober event serving several house-infused waters, specialty iced coffees and seasonal drinks for donation at the Space Bar. $15 at the door. 214 N Lexington Ave. 412-225-9269.
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.
MURRAY AVENUE APOTHECARY
Susan Merenstein, RPH, Holistic Clinical Pharmacist
4227 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh 412-421-4996 • MaaPgh.com
A Compounding Pharmacy
Boutique, Pittsburgh's Pet Pharmacy, and home to LabNaturals CBD. We offer holistic health services— hormone balancing and consultation, pharmacist picked supplements, detox, nutritional counseling, absorbable acetylated and palmitated Glutathione products, and pharmacist-compounded CBD products for people and pets. We are a very specialized compounding only pharmacy and we compound anything that is not one-size-fits-all. Check us out online today. See ads on pages 8, 26 and back cover.
Ginna Bartlett,MA and Ginny Keteles, PTA 3122 Carson Ave, Murrysville ginna@pittsburgheast.cereset.com ginny@pittsburgheast.cereset.com
724-519-7371
Cereset can help your brain free itself, enabling you to achieve higher levels of well-being and balance throughout your life. Let us help your brain help you sleep more and release anxiety, depression, stress and more. See ad, page 19.
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 6.
PHARMACY
SUSAN MERENSTEIN, BSPHARM, RPH, HOLISTIC CLINICAL PHARMACIST
4227A Murray Ave, Pittsburgh 412-421-4996 • LabNaturals.com
Founded by Holistic Clinical Pharmacist Susan Merenstein, LabNaturals offers an anti-aging line of skincare products that are safe, non-toxic and affordable. The company also carries a line of people- and pet-friendly CBD products and offers Vital Health consultation services on functional health and hormone balance. See ads on pages 8, 26 and back cover.
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 6.
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 25.
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.
NUTRADENTIST
Dr. Mark Buzzatto
2555 Washington Rd, Ste 620 Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
412-831-9700 • nutradentist.com
Dr. Mark Buzzatto is a biological dentist who takes a holistic approach to your health. The use of whole food nutrition, biocompatible materials, essential oils, chromotherapy, sound, and spa services create a warm and relaxing environment, and comprehensive care for your family. See ad, page 9.
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.
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!
If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.
~Paulo Coehlo
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.
Zoe Morris-Almasi, Owner/Organic Stylist
2045 Mackenzie Way, Ste 2B, Cranberry Township, 16066
OrganicInspiredWithZoe.GlossGenius.com
321-604-8169
Appointments available: weekdays, evenings and Saturday. Everyone deserves a healthier option for their haircare and salon services. Organic hair care gives you the option to maintain a healthy lifestyle and look your best. More than 10 years of experience and passion for the industry. See ad, page 7.
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.
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. See spotlight article, page 20.
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.
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.
Himalayan Salt Cave and Crystal Boutique
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.
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.
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 19.
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.
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.
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.
READING POETRY RELAXES – Inquire at: wewuvpoetry@hotmail.com or P.O. Box 4725, Pittsburgh, PA 15206-0725.
Humanbeingsareofsuchnaturethattheyshouldhavenotonly materialfacilitiesbutspiritualsustenanceaswell.Without spiritualsustenance,itisdifficulttogetandmaintainpeaceofmind.
– Dalai Lama
