Natural Awakenings Pittsburgh July 2023

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I know we can’t all get out to farms or even farmers markets, but try to make it happen this summer. If there is a farmers market near you, make a point of going there instead of the grocery store. I miss fresh food when it’s not available, and nothing in the grocery store tastes as good as it does from the farmers market or the farm. Do you know what else I miss? Talking to and meeting people at the farms and farmers markets!

In many parts of the world, that is still how people shop; at markets where fresh food is sold. When I was in Morocco a few years ago, there were markets in every town, village and city that sold everything from fresh fruits and veggies to meat, raw or cooked, breads and bakery items, coffee and tea, and those famous spices.

It was not only a place to buy daily necessities, but also to meet and socialize with friends and neighbors or catch up on the news. People in Western cultures suffer greatly from loneliness and I see our shopping habits as being a part of that trend. Now you don’t even have to leave the house, which is super convenient, but isolates us even more. Get out and see people and take a friend or relative, especially one that may not be able to get out themselves. It’s a great idea for an outing.

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

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.

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I grow some of my own food, but I also enjoy going to the markets to see what others have available and check out the scene. In this area, we have urban gardens, farms and markets, and the same all around in the surrounding neighborhoods, towns, villages, boroughs and townships. There are even U-pick farms!

If you are able, go to one every week, be it nearby or even travel around visiting different farmers markets and roadside stands with homegrown deliciousness! Nothing tastes as good as farm-fresh eggs or a freshly picked cucumber! I am anxiously awaiting salsa season, and I don’t mean the dance! I’m waiting for the tomatoes to ripen! One of my absolute favorite things!! Fresh tomatoes!

Last week, I got some beets and ate the greens and baked the beets to make beet pickled eggs! My grandmother always had a jar of them in the fridge, and I really enjoy making and eating this local specialty. Try to get out and enjoy the fresh food of the season, or even ask a friend to pick up some fresh treat for you. You can’t beat the taste, nutrition and opportunity to socialize with some really awesome people!

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 GUT HEALTH FOR KIDS

Clever Strategies for Picky Eaters

12 HUES OF HEALTH

Benefits of a Colorful Diet

16 THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION

How Soil and Human Health Are Related

20 FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE GARDEN

Regenerative Techniques for a Healthy Ecosystem

22 CREATING AN OASIS IN THE FOOD DESERT

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New Genre of Performance Art

The Nights of Grief & Mystery, an improbable, ceremonial night of words, wonder and spirit work, will be performed from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., August 25, at This Is Red. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The world tour includes Israel, USA, Scandinavia, UK/Scotland, Australia/New Zealand before traveling across their home country of Canada, supported in each location by a group of local volunteers.

Stephen Jenkinson and Gregory Hoskins have crafted a new genre of performance in an evening that combines stories and observations from their personal histories. In the wake of COVID-19 and accompanying local and global crises, their work creates a salve and passage forward through grief, a new approach to mortality. Jenkinson shares, “The current appetite is for either distraction or distress, and we seem to be in neither business.”

Admission is $25 and up. Location: 605 E. 9th Ave., Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit OrphanWisdom.com/event/nogmpittsburgh. For more information, visit ThisIsRedEventSpace.com.

Biblically Accurate Garden

TheRodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden is open for the 37th summer season from June 1 through September 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Founded by Rabbi Walter Jacob and his wife, horticulturalist Irene Jacob, in 1987, the exhibit helps visitors understand many of the plants mentioned in all three holy scriptures—Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Quran.

As the largest such garden in North America, it is the only one to feature an ongoing program of research and publication. The pastoral setting includes a waterfall, a desert, a stream and a representation of the River Jordan, which meanders through the garden from Lake Galilee to the Dead Sea. More than 100 plants are labeled with corresponding biblical verses and displayed among replicas of ancient farming tools. Among the specimens are wheat, barley, millet and herbs valued by the ancient Israelites. Olives, dates, pomegranates, figs and cedar trees round out the historic and educational inventory. New plants join the garden annually.

Admission is free. Location: 4905 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh. For more information, call 917-861-0989.

Organic Inspired with Zoe is an organic salon suite located inside the Sola Salons in Cranberry Township.

I offer PPD & PTD-free color lines as well as Henna.

I am OPEN NOW and excited to meet you and answer your questions about organic services and hair color. I encourage a complimentary consultation and patch test prior to color services. New clients will receive a 10% discount during June!

@organicinspiredwithzoe

2045 McKenzie Way • Suite 2B

Cranberry Township • PA

Zoe Morris-Almasi Owner / Organic Stylist

Know the Facts About Sleep

Getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night is as important to optimal health as diet and exercise. Science is learning more every day about the benefits of sleep and the risks of sleep deprivation. Not only can adequate sleep help us feel and perform better, it has also been shown to provide longer-term benefits such as reducing medical risks, helping us look better as we age, and even lengthening our life. Sleep may turn out to be the single best predictor of overall health and well-being.

There is a 48 percent increased risk of developing heart disease for people not getting an adequate amount of sleep. Sleep disorders and chronic low sleep have been shown to contribute to weight gain and obesity. Sleep deprivation over time can age your brain three to five years.

We are three times more likely to have a compromised immune system and catch a cold if we don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Collagen, which is critical to healthy skin, is produced while sleeping. Without enough sleep, we may appear older, with more visible fine lines and wrinkles.

Research has shown an increased risk of irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness and fuzzy thinking for individuals not getting enough sleep. Three-quarters of individuals suffering from depression also suffer from a lack of sleep. Prolonged lack of sleep can disrupt the immune system, limiting the body’s ability to fend off bugs. There is a 36 percent increase in the risk of colorectal cancer for individuals with insomnia or sleep disorders.

We live in an increasingly stressful world which competes for our time and attention. Only one in five Americans receives the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each night, with 30 percent of the working population getting less than six hours. Catching up on sleep over the weekend may seem like a solution, but that’s a myth. Regular sleep each night is the only way to be fully rested. The body will always pay a price for its sleep deficit.

Cereset’s patented BrainEcho technology is non-invasive, safe, proven and highly effective to support restful sleep using brain-initiated sound to help the brain relax, reset and balance itself to its natural state. For more information, call 724-519-7371 or visit Cereset.com See ad, page 19.

Close Relationships May Influence Physical Well-Being

A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science has found that a person’s close relationships may either benefit or undermine physical health. The three-week study involving 4,005 participants looked at how both positive and negative relationship experiences affect the body, and how daily fluctuations in those interactions may influence changes in well-being, as reflected in selfreported stress levels and coping abilities, as well as blood pressure and heart rate reactivity biomarkers.

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

Seniors Want Fewer Prescriptions

Pilot Program Reveals Benefits of Four-Day Work Week

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

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

In a new National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan involving adults aged 50 to 80, the vast majority of respondents expressed an interest in cutting back on prescription medications. Eighty percent would be willing to

stop taking one or more drugs if their healthcare provider said it was possible, and 26 percent had already stopped taking at least one drug they had been taking for more than a year. When asked which meds they would be most interested in stopping, 43 percent named their heart disease pills for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, 13 percent mentioned diabetes medicines and 10 percent included pain management prescriptions.

These results reflect a growing trend dubbed “deprescribing”. According to Deprescribing.org, a researcher-led online resource, it is the planned process of reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be of benefit or could be causing harm. The goal is to reduce medication burden or harm while improving quality of life. Seniors interested in cutting down on the drugs they are taking should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and helpful to do so.

Photo by 13MoonsPublishingServices.com

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Gut Health for Kids

CLEVER STRATEGIES FOR PICKY EATERS

by Sheila Julson

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

Tickle Their Palate

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

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

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

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

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

Sneak in the Fiber

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

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

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

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

Add a Pinch of Fun

Katrina Lien, the program development specialist for Sanford fit, a children's fitness

Vladislav Noseek/AdobeStock.com

program in rural South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, suggests that parents find ways to engage and empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.

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

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

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

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

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

Building Bridges Day Event

LET’S BUILD BRIDGES TOGETHER

First Annual Event

Saturday 12th August, 9:30am

Building Bridges Day is a community-focused event that promotes unity and connection among all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or differences.

This event marks the First Annual observance of Building Bridges Day. This event will feature various activities, such as mural painting and community dialogues to foster relationships and encourage collaboration. There will be performances from different cultures, live band, food vendors and more.

Highmark Stadium Parking

510 W Station Square Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (703) 229-7359

Hues of Health

BENEFITS OF A COLORFUL DIET

by Veronica Hinke

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

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

Keeping a medley of wholesome choices in the house is a good tactic to help a family adopt a rainbow-based diet. According to Registered Dietitian Olga Kras, “Not any single fruit or vegetable

provides all of the nutrients we need. Making a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables visible increases the likelihood that they will be part of a daily routine.”

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

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

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

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

Hoogendyk recommends farmers markets, individual farm stands and community-supported agriculture subscriptions to discover the freshest, in-season ingredients. When it comes to cooking and putting meals together, a sense of adventure and enjoyment is paramount, she says. Her coleslaw recipe includes red and green onions, radishes and red cabbage. “I don’t like coleslaw to be boring,” she quips, adding that her next project is to pickle an ingredient she has never pickled before: celery. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

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

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

Dwayne

Watson/ShutterStock.com

CHEESY CAULIFLOWER MUSHROOM STEAKS

This dish can be served as a meal or cut into smaller pieces and presented as party appetizers. Caulifl ower provides vitamins B6 , K and C, magnesium and fi ber. It is also a great source of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, two types of antioxidants that have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Button mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus and folate. They also contain polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols and carotenoids, which are associated with cancer-fighting properties.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

4 slices of cauliflower, ¾-inch thick

1 tsp cooking spray

4 tsp olive oil

1 Tbsp dry Italian seasonings

2 cups fresh brown button mushrooms, sliced

2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp fresh thyme for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400º F and spray two large baking sheets with cooking oil. Place the cauliflower slices onto one of the baking sheets. They need lots of space between them and shouldn’t overlap. Brush each side of the cauliflower steaks lightly with the olive oil and season with sea salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.

In a mixing bowl, add mushrooms, minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and pepper, then toss to coat well. Spread the mushroom mixture on the other oil-sprayed baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. As an alternative, sauté the mushroom mixture in a medium pan with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes.

Once done, remove the pans from the oven. Sprinkle roasted cauliflower steaks with cheese and top the cheese with the roasted or sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sprinkle with fresh thyme and enjoy.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jennifer Carden.

SUMMER BROCCOLI SOUP WITH HERB CROUTONS

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

YIELD: 2 TO 6 SERVINGS, DEPENDING ON PORTION SIZE

FOR SOUP:

6 cups broccoli florets, chopped

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 generous pinch of sea salt

1 pinch of chili pepper flakes

3 Tbsp butter

FOR CROUTONS:

1 cup diced bread

2 Tbsp melted butter

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

Bring the stock to a boil. Add the sea salt and chili flakes. Add the broccoli and cook until fork tender and bright

croutons.

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

COMING IN AUGUST

Back to School

MARINATED BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

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

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 lb mixed-color baby beets

1 cup orange juice

1 cup apple cider

1 cup honey

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch grain mustard

3 oz goat cheese

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

3 oz olive oil

3 oz chopped pistachios

1 toasted baguette, sliced

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

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

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

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

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION

HOW SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH ARE RELATED

by Kelcie Ottoes

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

Human Microbiome

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

The gut microbiome includes both helpful and potentially harmful microbiota that coexist peacefully in a healthy person.

But certain diets, or the use of antibiotics or other bacteriadestroying medications, can upset the balance, a state known as dysbiosis, which can impair the microbiome’s functions, leaving the body susceptible to disease.

Soil Microbiome

The soil microbiome has many parallels to the human gut scenario. It consists of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses—microorganisms that play an important role in maintaining the health of the soil. They do this by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients and protecting crops against harmful pathogens.

Regenerative organic farming practices that promote biodiversity and disdain the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers develop robust soil that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes.

Photo by Rodale Institute

In such settings, farmers don’t need to use chemicals, because the microbiome creates disease-resistant soil to fight off threats.

The Nutrition Link

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

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

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

According to Jack Gilbert, a pediatrics professor at the University of California San Diego and co-founder of the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, “There is an indirect relationship between a healthy soil microbiome and healthy gut microbiome. While we need healthy soils to grow plants, a healthy soil microbiome does not equal a healthy gut microbiome.”

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

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

Digging in the Soil

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

Gilbert has largely built a career on the benefits of getting his

The Promise of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

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

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

Photo by Rodale Institute

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

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

While diet, lifestyle and genetics play a role in the host-specific differences, the microbiome composition in adults is also based on exposure to microbes in the environment. According to DiChiara, there is no perfect profile for the gut microbiome, and our gut microbial communities ebb and flow.

“If a specific strain of bacteria suddenly disappears, perhaps due to an illness, another species can take on its task,” she explains. “Like nature, it’s about working together on our behalf.”

Diversity, richness and symbiotic behavior of the gut microbes are central to

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

Human Impact on Soil Health

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Rodale Institute

Photo by Rodale Institute

Fighting Climate Change in the Garden

REGENERATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM

by Julie Peterson

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

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

According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden and co-founder of Savvy Gardening.com, “Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your gardening practices and reduce time and budget in the long term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of human disturbance.”

LAYER SOIL

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

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

Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible. In some cities, free compost is available through community compost hubs where residents drop off bins of yard and food waste. “Purchasing commercially produced compost may be a worthwhile investment, particularly when growers are just getting

started and soil quality is poor,” suggests Bryan O’Hara, the Connecticut author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture: PesticideFree Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing Nutrient-Rich, HighYielding Crops.

PLANT PERENNIALS

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

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

EMBRACE BIODIVERSITY

“When you’re fostering biodiversity, you’re supporting the mutualism that naturally exists in wildlife. You’re increasing and improving ecological relationships,” says Murphy. Instead of planting monoculture rows in a vegetable garden, mix up the plants the way Mother Nature does, Walliser recommends. And if abandoning tidy rows of the same type of plant seems too unruly, interplant the rows: a few beans, a tomato, flowers, then more beans and peppers, for example.

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

AVOID CHEMICALS

Skip the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. “Even organic pesticides can be harmful to pollinators and pest-eating beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings and others,” says Walliser. A chemical-free, biodiverse garden is a safe place for beneficial bugs. Trust that the good bugs will find the bad bugs and there will be balance.

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

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

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

Creating an Oasis in the Food Desert

by Martin Miron

The Oasis Project (TOP) focuses on economic mobility education, employment, entrepreneurship and the physical environment. Their Oasis Farm & Fishery (OFF) is a unique Black-led urban market garden in the Homewood neighborhood. It was designed to be a literal oasis for local residents with the revitalization of four vacant lots into an off-grid, aquaponic (indoor fishery) and hydroponic (soilless) laboratory, an outdoor classroom, a playground, an edible park and green spaces that are all accessible to the public. Bible Center Church (BCC) was founded and led by Ralph and Bernice Groce from 1956 to 2003. In 2004, their grandson, Dr. John Wallace, returned to Pittsburgh, and he and his wife, Dr. Cynthia Wallace, assumed leadership. Under their leadership, TOP was launched in 2011 as the community and economic development division of BCC to ad-

dress the immense disparities in opportunities and outcomes for young people and promote the positive development of the racially and economically segregated neighborhood of Homewood and its contiguous communities.

The University of Pittsburgh Katz Business School and the Business of Humanity Project began collaborations with TOP in 2016 to build the bioshelter adjacent to administrative offices along Fleury Way. Upon opening, the building became the official home of OFF. The current facility is equipped as a direct current-powered greenhouse that stores 1,750 gallons of reclaimed rainwater. Next door is a hoop house-style greenhouse capable of extending the growing season into cooler months. Other amenities include a 24-panel solar canopy, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a brick pizza oven, an outdoor classroom, a straw bale garden, an edible park, a satellite farm and an African American heritage garden.

OFF Director of Farm and Education, Tacumba Turner, is an African American farmer and educator who is dedicated to connecting learners of all ages, activists, institutions and community partners in their efforts to grow a richer future where people are empowered to feed themselves while improving the environment around them. OFF grows staple vegetables that are well-suited to the growing conditions of Southwestern Pennsylvania such as salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash and more. They also specialize in nutritional, hard-to-find produce that honors the Afro/ Black, Indigenous and Afro/Indigenous population by teaching about pre-colonial foods and lifestyles.

In 2022, Oasis Farm & Fishery produced a milestone harvest of more than 100 pounds of fresh produce picked in one day that totaled 1,630 pounds counting the Homewood Food Access Working Group.

Food produced at OFF is distributed through a Deeply Rooted Veggie Share CSA subscription box service and at the Homewood Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Everyday Café at 532 North Homewood Avenue. People can subscribe to the CSA at OasisFarmAndFishery.org/veggie-subscription for a four-pound share valued at $25.

OFF follows organic growing standards and sound food safety and harvest protocols. They teach classes on implementing permaculture practices into home and urban agriculture settings, and an Integrated Plant Health Management plan reinvigorates soil and employs crop rotations, insect netting, beneficial insects and raised beds to reduce the need for harsh chemicals. They also feel it is important to honor Indigenous methods, cultural traditions and ancestral foodways; for example, a portion of the Edible Park features planting beds that follow a snake-like shape in remembrance of the serpent, which is sacred to native peoples.

Agroecology is a form of art, movement, practice and process of social and ecological transformation that involves the re-evaluation of sacred relationships with land, water, air, seeds and food; (re)recognizes humans as co-creators that are an aspect of the planet’s life support systems; values the Afro/Indigenous experience of reality and ways of knowing; visualizes the importance of women and feminine energies as vital to our collective liberation; cherishes ancestral and communal forms of knowledge, experience and lifeways that began in Africa and continue throughout

the Diaspora; and is rooted in the agrarian traditions, legacies and struggles of the Black experience in the Americas.

Examples include cultural organizing, inclusive economic models, reclaiming democracy and re-Indigenizing food and agricultural systems. A veggie subscription program uses a sliding-scale pricing system, considering preferences and feedback, regardless of income level.

Oasis Farm & Fishery is located at 7238 Fleury Way, in Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-242-4920, email OasisFarmAndFishery@bcpgh.org or visit OasisFarmAndFishery.org.

PROTECTING PETS FROM LYME DISEASE PREVENTION

AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TIPS

by Paige Cerull

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

Disease Prevalence in the U.S.

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

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

Symptoms in Cats, Dogs and Horses

Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic. “We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains. Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also expe-

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

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

Preventing Tick Bites

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

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

Removing a Tick

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

Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the

bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for advice,” she says.

Caring for an Infected Pet

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

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

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

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, JULY 1

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Night Market – 5-10pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership at Market Square. Fridays and Saturdays through October. Awesome outdoor pop-up shopping market and festival featuring Pittsburgh’s most creative independent vendors. Clothing, furniture, candles, food, drinks, and more. Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, 412-566-4190.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Pittsburgh Vegan Festival – 11am-6pm. Hosted by Sundae. Food trucks outside, over 100 vendors inside! Food, dessert, wellness, dance and yoga classes, Thai, belly, and break-dancing demos, live harp music, animal rescue, and more. A portion of profits will be donated to nonprofits Humane Action PGH, and Among the Wildflowers Sanctuary. Tickets $5 at PittsburghVegan.com. Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd, Monroeville. Crouse Run Guided Forest Bath – Shinrin-Yoku – 3-6pm. Hosted by Rooted in Sound. Shinrin-yoku means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest breathing.” It is a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. We will combine the sounds of the Singing Bowls with nature in this meditation. $55. Register at RootedInSound. com/event-calendar/. 412-609-8999. Crouse Run Forest, 2684 Wildwood Rd, Hampton Township. Birding By Ear – Summer Sounds – 5-6pm. Online event hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited and Frank the Bird Guy. Learn the sounds of summer. Listen to the various sounds made by birds and learn what they are probably saying. Free. Find the Zoom link under “upcoming events” at Facebook.com/ WBUofVentura.

SUNDAY,

JULY 9

Sensory-Friendly Mornings at Pittsburgh Glass Center – 10am-Noon. Hosted by Pittsburgh Glass Center. Sensory-friendly experience in a safe and welcoming environment. Live glass blowing demonstrations with ASL interpretation and a designated quiet zone for visitors of all ages. Borrow a sensory kit (noise-canceling headphones, paper fans, fidget toys and more) from the front desk. Free and open to the public. Info at PittsburghGlassCenter.org. 5472 Penn Ave.

MONDAY, JULY 10

Leaf an Impact: Environmental Science Summer Camp – 9am-4pm Mon-Fri. Hosted by The Citizen Science Lab. Age 8-11. Environmental science combines geology, hydrology, chemistry, and ecology, offering something for every young scientist. The future of our planet is in their hands. $290. Register at TheCitizenScienceLab.org/Programs/Summercamps. Various camps available through August. The Citizen Science Lab, Pittsburgh’s first community life sciences laboratory, 1699 Washington Rd. TheCitizenScienceLab.org. 814-830-3100.

Monday Morning Yoga with All Bodies Welcome – 9:15-10:15am. Hosted by East End Food Co-op.

Start your week with this gentle yoga class. Includes movement, breath work, final relaxation. All abilities, flexibility, and experience welcome. Chair or fflexibilityn. Free. Tickets at EEFCyoga.Eventbrite. com. Drop-ins ok. Info AllBodiesWelcomeYoga. com. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Home Food Preservation: Freezing – 2-3:30pm. Registration deadline noon, 7 July. Online webinar hosted by Penn State Extension. This series provides scientific background, preparation tips, and safe processing methods to preserve food at home. $5. Register to receive link. Extension.psu.edu/customer/account/login/referer/ or call 1-877-345-0691.

Salt Cave Crystal Bowl Sound Bath Meditation w/Brooke Smokelin – 6-7pm. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Sound Healer Brooke Smokelin begins a musical meditation journey with a relaxation sequence, flows into meditation and guided visualization, then dissolves into the pure tones of quartz crystal singing bowls. $55. Register at Clients.MindBodyOnline. com/classic/ws. Salt of the Earth, 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

Y12SR Relapse Prevention Group – 8:15-9:30pm. In person and online, hosted by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Recovery services for those seeking holistic relief from addiction. Join Yoga for 12-Step Recovery on Thursdays at Yoga Factory Pittsburgh (space limited) and online. Complete member form, sign waiver, and register for session at YogaRecoveryPGH.com. $Donation requested. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, 3418 Penn Ave.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

The Green Book: Guide to Freedom – Film Screening – 6:30-8:30pm. Hosted by the Senator John Heinz History Center. This 2019 Smithsonian Channel documentary details how “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” an annual travel guide created by Victor H. Green in 1936, helped Black Americans travel more safely and with some dignity in segregated America. Yoruba Richen, award-winning documentarian and director the film, will discuss the film after the screening. $Free. Registration required at HeinzHistoryCenter.Salsalabs.org/Green-Book-Film-Dcreening/ index.html. Attendees can tour the exhibit The Negro Motorist Green Book beginning at 5:30pm. Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St. 412-454-6000.

SATURDAY JULY 15

Yoga & Mindfulness Group Training – 12:30-1pm. Hosted in person and online by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Designed for certified yoga instructors with at least 200 hours of certification. This 3-day course teaches yoga aimed at mindfulness skill building, trauma processing, and emotional awareness. Based on the Yoga for 12-Step Recovery model, this training uses yoga asana, energy healing, breathwork, meditation and mindfulness to inspire health. Provides 12 hours of continuing education approved by the Yoga Alliance. Training dates are 7/15, 7/22, and 8/5. $250. Register at YogaRecoveryPGH.com/events. 3418 Penn Ave. Yoga in the Park Allegheny Commons West – 1011am Saturdays thru August. Hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Free, all ages, all levels. Meet at 638 W Ohio St. Info CounselingWellnessPGH.com/ yoga-in-the-park.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Pittsburgh Indian Festival ’23 – Noon-7pm. Hosted by Desi Dhamaaka and Meenakshi Aggarwal. Dive into incredible food with diversity of cuisine, music and art in the rich heritage and beautiful culture from various states if India at Carnegie Park. Info Meenakshi Aggarwal 412-715-2748. Carnegie Park, 938 Forsythe Rd.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Webinar: Which Came First, Butterflies or Moths? – 5-5:45pm. Online event hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join Allegheny Land Trust Senior Director of Education and Curriculum, Julie, to learn some of the fascinating biology behind moths. Register and find the link at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood.com/events/55770-magnificent-mothswebinar. Consider adding a donation to support our high-quality programs.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Picklesburgh – Fri, Sat, Sun, July 21, 22, 23. Hours vary. Hosted by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Venture into the delectable world of all things pickled – from classic dill to adventurous and creative flavors, handcrafted food and artisan drinks from local chefs. Pickle-themed snacks and merchandise, contests, live music. Free admission. Boulevard of the Allies from Stanwix St to Smithfield St. Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, 412-566-4190.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Co-op Crafts – with Creative Reuse – 11am – 1pm. Hosted by East End Food Co-op. Turn recycled materials into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. All material provided by Creative Reuse. Register at EventBrite. com/d/United-States--Pennsylvania/East-End-FoodCo-op/. Bring an open mind, and we’ll cover the rest. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

Beginner Bird ID Class: Summer Edition! – 5-6pm. Online event hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited and Frank the Bird Guy. Struggling to identify birds in your yard or neighborhood? This class will focus on the most common species you might see and how to tell them apart. Free. Find the Zoom link under “upcoming events” at Facebook.com/WBUofVentura.

MONDAY, JULY 24

Community Cultures Fermentation Series: Pickles

n’ Pop (fermenting berries) – 6-7:30pm. Hosted by East End Food Co-op with Trevor Ring, founder of Community Cultures. Harness the flavor of berries through wild fermentation. Take home lactofermented berries and wild soda to ferment at home. Follow directions for correct door entry to conference room. $20/member, $25/non-members at EventBrite. com/d/United-States--Pennsylvania/East-End-FoodCo-op/. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Carnegie Museum Free Days & Discounts – 10am5pm. Hosted by Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Awesome Adventures, Awesome Events – Pittsburgh. Museum admission is $12 after 3pm on weekdays. Use promo code AFTER3 at checkout. See all discount offers at CMOA.org/visit/discount-offers. Bank of America card holders and employees, see link to free days at CarnegieMuseums.org/Bank-of-America-MuseumsOn-Us. Info CarnegieMuseums.org. 4400 Forbes Ave. Co-op Crafts – with Creative Reuse – 11am – 1pm. Hosted by East End Food Co-op. Turn recycled materials into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. All material provided by Creative Reuse. Register at EventBrite. com/d/United-States--Pennsylvania/East-End-FoodCo-op/. Bring an open mind, and we’ll cover the rest. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

MONDAY, JULY 31

Community Cultures Fermentation Series: Intro to Koji & Tempeh – 6-7:30pm. Hosted by East End Food Co-op. Explore the wonders of mold-based ferments with a focus on koji and tempeh. Learn how to make an incubator at home. Follow directions for correct door entry to conference room. $20/member, $25/non-members at EventBrite.com/d/UnitedStates--Pennsylvania/East-End-Food-Co-op/. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

plan ahead

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

savethe date

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

9th Annual Pittsburgh VegFest – 11am-5pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh VegFest. An outdoor ‘go-to’ summer festival in the heart of the city bringing the best veg food, music, shopping, speakers, yoga demos, and family and pet friendly entertainment together, celebrating the vibrant and diverse animal advocacy in the Steel City. $Free. Join us at the Allegheny Commons East Park, East Ohio St. Info PittsburghVegFest.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

savethe date

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Building Bridges Day – 9:30am-1:30pm. Hosted by Building Bridges. A community focused event promoting unity and connection among all individuals regardless of background or differences. Featuring mural painting, community dialogue, cultural performances, live bands, vendors with school supplies, food, and more. Join us at the Highmark Stadium parking lot, 501 W Station Dr. Info 703-229-7359.

ongoing events

sunday

Squirrel Hill Farmers Market– 9am-1pm. Thru Nov. Hosted by CitiParks. Local freshly picked fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods etc. SNAP accepted. Info CitiParks.net. Beacon/ Bartlett Parking Lot.

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.

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

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.

WVU Core Arboretum Nature Connection Series – 6-8pm. Through August. Hosted by WVU Core Arboretum. Meet at the woodland amphitheater to learn about nature from regional and local experts. Free. Visit Arboretum.WVU.edu/#calendar for topic. WVU Core Arboretum, Monongahela Blvd and Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV. 304-293-0387.

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.

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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.

Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program –6-9pm. Online course beginning Oct 2023, ending March 2024. Hosted by Penn State Extension. Applications accepted until August 31, 2023. Fee $200. If interested, contact Susan Shoemaker, svs7524@ PSU.edu. 724-438-0111.

Intermission: The Artful Happy Hour – 6-9pm. Third Thursdays monthly. Hosted by August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Bring your favorite co-worker and enjoy live music, crafted cocktails and specialty hors d’ oeuvres and unwind while you tour the galleries and chill on the patio. 980 Liberty Ave. 412-339-1011.

Y12SR Relapse Prevention Group – 8:15-9:30pm. In person and online, hosted by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Recovery services for those seeking holistic relief from addiction. Join Yoga for 12-Step Recovery on Thursdays at Yoga Factory Pittsburgh (space limited) and online. Complete member form, sign waiver, and register for session at YogaRecoveryPGH.com. $Donation requested. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, 3418 Penn 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. Northside Farmers Market – 3-7pm. Thru Nov 17. Hosted by CitiParks. Local freshly picked fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods etc. SNAP accepted. Info CitiParks.net. Allegheny Commons Park at East Ohio St and Cedar Ave.

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.

community 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.

APOTHECARY

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 7, 25 and back cover.

BRAIN WELLNESS

CERESET PITTSBURGH EAST

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.

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 7.

FUNCTIONAL HEALTH

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 7, 25 and back cover.

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 7.

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 15.

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.

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

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.

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!

To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.

~Mahatma Gandhi

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.

ORGANIC SALON

ORGANIC INSPIRED WITH ZOE HAIR SALON

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 6.

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 11.

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

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

• SaltOfTheEarthPgh.com

504 Valleybrook Rd,McMurray, PA 15317 724-260-0472

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.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

DR. JANET LAZARUS DMD, DENTIST , has decided as of June 9th, 2023 that she will no longer be practicing dentistry at this time and until further notice. Patients who wish to request a copy of their dental records can submit a written request to P.O. Box 194 Ligonier, PA 15658 which should include their name, phone number and email address. Dr. Lazarus wishes to thank all of her patients for their trust and support over the years.

SERVICES

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

When the world wearies and society fails to satisfy, there is always the garden.

~Minnie Aumonier