May 2023 Natural Awakenings Magazine Jacksonville - St. Augustine Florida

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 386-736-3838 or email Ads@NAJax.com

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAJax.com

Deadline for editorial: the 8th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NAJax.com

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

NATIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To learn about placing an ad in other markets call 262-623-7948. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com

Publisher Rebecca Young

Publisher@NAJax.com

Writer Erin Floresca

Editor Sara Gurgen

Design & Production Josh Halay Suzzanne M. Siegel

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

Office: 386-736-3838

Publisher@NAJax.com

P.O. Box 731466

Ormond Beach, FL 32173 NAJax.com

Facebook.com/naturaljax

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

National Editor Sandra Yeyati

Editor Brooke Goode

Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin

Design & Production Gabrielle W-Perillo

National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921

Ph: 239-206-2000

NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

© 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.

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

Hello and welcome to our May edition!

This month we celebrate mothers and recognize the people in our lives who blessed us with the qualities that define motherhood. The influence of a mother is impossible to calculate. There’s no role in life more essential, or long lasting. Motherhood is exquisite and inconvenient, challenging and satisfying, and the most important role one can fulfill.

Guest writer and coach, Jocelyn Gordon, is featured in our Healing Ways section for her holistic preconception preparation program, “Make Space for Baby.” Gordon outlines the four pillars of preparation, covered in her six-month program offered to women and their partners.

Breast cancer and it’s connection to cell phone radiation are the focus of Tech Wellness this month. Dr. Devra Davis, president of Environmental Health Trust, has been working for decades on the environmental causes of breast cancer and is now raising awareness about the health risks of cell phone radiation.

Rick Springfield is appearing at the Thrasher-Home Center in Orange Park. Read about it on page 11 and reserve our tickets on THCenter.org website. The center hosts an exciting line-up of acts through summer.

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anna Cabeca

The Path of Spiritual Freedom

DAILY

Monday | May 8th 6:30-7:30 PM

Ponte Vedra Beach Library

Men’s Wellness Series

Join Natural Awakenings and KnoWEwell for a life-changing series entitled The Healthy Man each Tuesday in June at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT.

TOPICS

n Lifestyle choices that add years to a man’s life and life to his years

n Tips to maintain youthful energy, a desired weight and a healthy libido

n Strategies for optimal eye health

n Good posture techniques for peak human performance and pain-free aging

n Habits that create resilient kids and a lasting legacy

(904) 613-7608

Jacksonville, FL

www.healingenergybyted.com

SPEAKERS

n Ben Greenfield, human performance consultant and author of 17 books including Boundless Parenting

n Dr. Eric Plasker, chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle

n Dr. Tracy Gapin, board-certified urologist and author of Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity

n Dr. Krista Burns, chiropractor, founder of the American Posture Institute and author of The Posture Principles

n Christopher Smith, co-founder of Family Brand and the Campfire Effect, creating leaders at home and in business

n Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, board-certified optometrist and pioneer in neuro-optometry

n Dr. Tarin Forbes, board-certified integrative doctor specializing in anti-aging and metabolic medicine

n Dr. Alan Christianson, naturopathic endocrinologist specializing in thyroid disease and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet and The Thyroid Reset Diet

Admission is $59, which includes all Tuesday evening sessions and a one-year membership to KnoWEwell. To learn more and register, visit https://www.knowewell.com/community/mhs2023 or scan the QR Code. See ad on back cover.

101 Library Blvd | Ponte Vedra Beach

Presented by ECKANKAR Jacksonville meetup.com/EckankarinJacksonville

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and Your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and Its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN, FACOG Stress and Libido

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD, DNM Stress and Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health and Homeopathy

Light Therapy for Autoimmune Symptoms

Fatigue is often reported as the most disabling symptom for people with autoimmune disorders, significantly impairing their physical, mental and social quality of life. Autoimmune researchers in Denmark, noting previous studies wherein bright light therapy significantly reduced fatigue related to traumatic brain injury and cancer, devised a study involving multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study was conducted as a randomized, sham-controlled trial of 26 people with MS that reported a Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score greater than 36. Participants received either bright light therapy or a dim red light sham intervention for 30 minutes each morning for two weeks. The bright light therapy decreased FSS scores over the course of the study. However, this benefit occurred in the sham control group as well, highlighting the need for more research on the effects of light therapy on fatigue.

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes With Diet

A Type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis is often regarded as a lifelong sentence and typically treated as such, requiring an increasing number of drugs. However, sustained remission of T2D is now well established.

In a recent primary care-based cohort study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, advice on a lower-carbohydrate diet and weight loss protocols was offered routinely to 9,800 patients with T2D between 2013 and 2021. Overall, remission was achieved in 51 percent of the patients that adopted a low-carb lifestyle, with individuals diagnosed with T2D within the previous year more likely to achieve remission (77 percent) than those that had been diagnosed for longer (20 percent for patients with a T2D duration greater than 15 years). Additionally, about 97 percent of the patients experienced improvements in blood glycemic control. Average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure decreased, and there were also significant financial savings on drugs.

A low-carb diet may give hope to those with T2D as a practical, manageable way to achieve remission, as well as substantial health and financial benefits. Even for those with poorly controlled T2D that may not achieve remission, improvements in diabetic control may be within reach.

Benefits of Water Immersion During Birth

Water immersion during labor is an increasingly popular birthing option for healthy women that experience a straightforward pregnancy, labor spontaneously at full term and plan to give birth in a midwifery-led care setting. The process involves immersion in a birth pool to achieve relaxation and pain relief during the first and possibly part of the second stage of labor. The mother exits the pool for the actual birth, allowing the infant to emerge outside of the water. This method is different from a water birth, during which the woman remains in the pool as the infant emerges into the water and is then brought to the surface to initiate breathing.

In a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ Open, researchers compared the interventions and outcomes of water immersion, water birth and no-water-immersion births. After reviewing 36 studies encompassing the experiences of about 150,000 women, researchers found that water immersion significantly reduced the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, maternal pain and postpartum hemorrhage. There was also an increase in maternal satisfaction and improved odds of an intact perineum with water immersion. Water births were associated with increased odds of the tearing of the umbilical cord from the placenta, making delivery of the placenta difficult, although the absolute risk remained low (4.3 versus 1.3 per 1,000). There were no differences in any other identified neonatal outcomes.

Radiate Wellness HRT Line

Helps Women Look and Feel Their Best

Radiate Wellness helps women radiate through perimenopause and menopause with clean, affordable products. It is locally women-owned and operated, and they know health and wellness isn’t one size fits all. Radiate Wellness helps women navigate the changes of midlife with a holistic approach through mind, body and spirit. They have helped thousands of women through their perimenopause and menopause journey.

They understand women’s struggles with frustrating weight gain, brain fog, drop in libido, and how women often experience disappointment in the way they look and feel. They feel stress and anxiety they have never experienced. Radiate Wellness products give women access to over-the-counter hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and supplements women need most.

Radiate Wellness is physician formulated by a world-renowned hormone doctor in easy-to-use transdermal creams. These creams are absorbed through the skin, resulting in better and more even absorption. They bypass the digestive tract, minimizing gastrointestinal upset. They feel like your favorite body lotion and are applied to thin-skinned areas for maximum absorption, retailing from $38 to $42.

The Radiate Wellness HRT line includes Radiate Balance—a top-rated natural bioidentical progesterone with vitex to ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, perimenopause and estrogen dominance— and Radiate Vitality—the best-selling and most affordable combo of progesterone and bio-est (estriol and estradiol) cream on the market for menopausal women. The line also includes supplements.

For complete details and to shop, visit RadiateWellnessProducts.com. See ad on this page.

Seniors Avoid the Hospital With Nature

New research has found that exposure to natural environments may reduce the risk of hospitalization for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias and Parkinson’s disease. The cohort study included approximately 62 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older that lived in the contiguous United States from 2000 to 2016. Researchers looked at ZIP-Code-level greenness, percentages of park cover and blue space (water) cover, as well as hospitalizations. They found that exposure to greenness, park cover and blue space cover reduced hospitalizations for patients with Parkinson’s. Greenness—but not park or blue space cover—was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Fascia Facts

by Sonya Lefever, M.D., FACC

Fascia is a type of connective tissue found throughout the body that surrounds and supports every organ, muscle and blood vessel. Fascia is continuous, meaning that it literally connects the tips of one’s toes to the top of one’s head. It can also be a “structure” in and of itself; for example, the thick plantar fascia that is found on the bottom of the foot and stabilizes the arch. Fascia also separates muscles from each other, allowing them to work independently and move past each other smoothly.

When fascia is healthy, it is flexible, supple and glides. It stabilizes one’s body structures and gives them strength. It provides joint stability and improves circulation. It allows all the body systems to work together. When fascia is unhealthy, it is sticky, lumpy, tight and forms restrictions, adhesions and distortions. Unhealthy fascia is the cause of muscle knots and trigger points. It can lead to pain and limited mobility. The causes of unhealthy fascia are dehydration, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep quality and stress.

Treatment of unhealthy fascia has not been widely studied, but there are things that we know help maintain healthy fascia or work to restore unhealthy fascia to a healthy state. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water a day and limit your caffeine intake. Stretch at least 10 minutes a day. Start (and continue) a mobility program. Use a foam roller to roll out tight muscles. Use a sauna if you have one available. Ice sore muscles, especially after working out. Ice has been shown to reduce inflammation, resulting in less swelling and pain. Engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week. And, finally, try tai chi.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese meditative practice consisting of slow, deliberate movements. The movements are balanced—left to right, up and down, front to back—reflecting the yin and yang in Chinese philosophy. Yin and yang is a dualistic concept, describing how opposite or contrary forces can be complementary, interconnected and interdependent. The yin and yang of tai chi is thought to be responsible for the movement of “chi”—vital energy, or that which gives life—through the body and can improve circulation, alignment, balance and restore and/or maintain good health.

Tai chi puts minimal stress on joints and gently stretches the fascia (in addition to muscles, ligaments, tendons and the spine). Additionally, it can improve flexibility, strength and balance. As a moving meditation, it has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, which translates into more restful and restorative sleep. In short, the practice of tai chi addresses almost every recommendation to maintain healthy fascia or restore unhealthy fascia back to a healthy state.

The Taoist Tai Chi Society will be starting introductory classes May 2 and 4 at two locations in Jacksonville: Riverside Park United Methodist Church, located at 819 Park Street, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 5616 Atlantic Boulevard.

Sonya Lefever is a cardiologist who practices tai chi regularly. For more information about the classes, call 1-877-398-1108, email Jacksonville.fl@TaoistTaiChi.org or visit TaoistTaiChi.org See ad on page 15.

Tammy Hostetler

Providing

emotional and spiritual support for those at the end of life, and their families. Advance directives, vigils and much more.

Earth-Friendly Delights for Mom

by Marlaina Donato

This year, consider putting an ecological spin on Mother’s Day by showering her with gifts that honor Mother Earth. Here are some sustainable gifting ideas.

FLOWER POWER

Lavish her with an eco-friendly bouquet. Conventional blooms that are flown in from South America can be riddled with fungicides, carcinogen-laden floral foams, sheens and other hazardous chemicals, not to mention the huge carbon footprint required to bring them here. Locally grown, organic flowers at farmers markets, sustainable florists and small-business greenhouses are produced with fewer or no chemicals, support pollinators and require no jet fuel to get to mom’s doorstep.

CHOICE CHOCOLATES

Satisfy mama’s sweet tooth with organic, fair-trade chocolate that helps cocoa farmers earn a living wage and does not promote deforestation. Opting to buy ethical chocolate prevents child and slave labor and provides women equal pay as well as opportunities to own a business. Look for certified, fair-trade labels as well as non-GMO and organic certifications.

BLING BLESSINGS

Adorn her with ethically sourced and sustainable jewelry created from recycled

precious metals, Fairmined Ecological gold and conflict-free gemstones. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations can be found at local artisan fairs or online from eco-conscious jewelers. Look for sellers with sustainable jewelry certifications and those that use recycled, upcycled or reclaimed materials.

CLIMATE CAFÉ

Fill her cup with bird-friendly, shadegrown, fair-trade coffees and teas that offer a healthier caffeine fix while protecting bird populations and canopy cover. Choosing products labeled Rainforest Alliance Certified or Bird Friendly helps to ensure the habitat for 40 species of migratory songbirds that winter in plantations.

LOCAL LUXURIES

There are so many ways to support the local economy while treating mom to an unforgettable experience that makes her feel extra-special. Give her a gift certificate for a massage, aromatherapy session or makeover at an organic salon. Treat her to a fabulous dinner at a vegan restaurant. Subscribe her to receive a monthly produce box from a community-supported agriculture outlet. Pack a healthy picnic and spend the afternoon together at the park. Create a gift basket of goods made by local artisans, including beeswax candles, pottery or body treats like handmade soaps and lotions.

Scientists Invent Battery Made of Paper

Scientists have developed a water-activated, disposable , paper battery, according to a proof-of-concept study published in Scientific Reports

The developers believe that their invention could be used to power a variety of low-power, single-use electronics, such as smart packaging, environmental sensors and medical diagnostic devices, thereby reducing their environmental impact.

The single-cell battery consists of one square centimeter of paper treated with salts. One side is printed with ink containing graphite flakes, which serves as the positive terminal, and the other side is printed with ink containing zinc powder to create the negative terminal. Another layer of ink containing graphite flakes and carbon black is applied over that, linking the battery’s positive and negative ends to two wires secured by wax.

When a few drops of water are added to the paper, the salts dissolve, releasing charged ions that spread across the paper to activate the battery. In tests, researchers were able to reach a stable 1.2 volts. (The voltage of a standard AA alkaline battery is 1.5 volts.) The battery’s performance decreased significantly after an hour when the paper dried. However, after two more drops of water were added, the battery maintained 0.5 volts for an additional hour.

Sulfur Shortage Predicted

According to a study in The Geographical Journal led by University College London, a shift away from fossil fuels and an increase in agricultural demand will cause the demand for sulfuric acid to increase considerably from 246 to 400 million metric tons by 2040. The result is an annual supply shortfall of between 100 and 320 million metric tons, or between 40 and 130 percent of the current supply.

Sulfur is a byproduct of processing crude oil and natural gas. As the world decarbonizes in response to climate change, there will be a diminished supply of both fossil fuels and sulfur. Sulfuric acid is required for the manufacture of phosphorus fertilizers used in global food production and for the extraction of rare metals from ores crucial to the transition to a green economy, such as cobalt and nickel used in batteries.

Unless action is taken to reduce the need for this chemical, the study authors warn, environmentally damaging mining will be required to fill the shortfall.

Using Algae for Industrial Carbon Capture, Food, Fuel and Plastic

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Honda is experimenting with the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii class of algae they have nicknamed “Dreamo”, which can eat twice its weight in carbon dioxide in three to five days, depending on the time of year. Developers are growing Dreamo on the roof of a car factory in Tochigi, Japan, where it can absorb CO2 emissions from manufacturing. It has been genetically modified to grow hardier and five times faster than ordinary microalgae, allowing the growth solution to last months instead of weeks.

The development team is also exploring additional uses for Dreamo. After serving its pollution-fighting role, the algae can be harvested, dried and turned into food, fuel or plastic. Depending upon the amount of nitrogen applied to the algae, its cellular composition can be modified to be either predominantly carbohydrate- or protein-based. When the algae is mostly protein, an enzyme can be added to easily extract the starch to be used as food or as a raw material in animal food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. When the algae is mostly carbohydrate, it can be extracted as glucose and ethanol to be converted into plastic resin or jet fuel.

Rick Springfield to Perform in May

Rick Springfield—the creator of some of the finest power-pop of the ‘80s—will be performing at the Thrasher-Horne Center, in Orange Park, on May 26 starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician has sold 25 million albums and scored 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including Jessie’s Girl, Don’t Talk to Strangers, An Affair of the Heart, I’ve Done Everything for You, Love Somebody and Human Touch.

Springfield is also an accomplished actor. He starred opposite Meryl Streep in the feature film Ricki and the Flash; gave a chameleonic performance as the creepy Dr. Irving Pitlor in HBO’s prestige drama True Detective; earned great reviews for his portrayal of Lucifer on the CW hit Supernatural; and most recently played the insane Pastor Charles on FX’s worldwide hit series American Horror Story

It has been a long and fruitful affair, and one that has gifted him with a powerful connection to his legions of devoted fans that pack his annual fan getaway events, as well as the nearly 100 shows a year he performs both with his band and solo in an intimate “storyteller” setting that he captured on the 2015 CD/DVD and concert film Stripped Down. Though too self-deprecating to discuss his immense appeal, he will acknowledge that the fans connect with him through the music. “I guess they think I’m honest,” he says. “They must like my approach; what I write about. I think they like that I have a sense of humor in it at times. Because the ‘cute’ thing isn’t going to last forever.”

Cost: Tickets start at $39. Location: St. Johns River State College–Thrasher-Horne Center, 283 College Dr., Orange Park. For more information, including upcoming shows, or to purchase tickets, visit THCenter.org See ad on this page.

SOLVING STRESS HOLISTIC TIPS FROM LIFESTYLE DOCTORS

by Linda Sechrist

Medicine is changing as a new class of doctors endeavors to treat the whole person rather than the symptoms of disease, helping their patients achieve optimal health with lifestyle changes, medicine, herbs, supplements and modalities tailored to the individual. No longer reaching for a prescription pad as often, these functional and integrative physicians are spending an average of 45 minutes per office visit. Using their sleuthing skills and innovative skillsets, they ask probing questions about a patient’s current lifestyle and history, pinpoint the root cause of a problem and craft customized solutions.

To help someone manage stress, a functional or integrative doctor may suggest a daily dose of herbal tea, nightly entries in a gratitude journal, a visualization practice, brisk walks, gardening, art therapy, mindful meditation, a nutrient-rich diet that reduces food allergies, yoga poses and regular sessions of qigong or tai chi. Armed with an extensive list of better-for-you choices than addictive, prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers, individuals are empowered

to improve their health and eliminate stress. Studies suggest that 75 to 90 percent of illnesses are stress related. Getting to the root cause before it escalates into cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes is what curious and compassionate doctors do.

“Because sleep is a great resolution to almost anything, it’s one of the first things I consider,” says Carrie Jones, a functional and naturopathic doctor in Portland, Oregon. “Stress can be physiological, caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria and toxins, as well as blood sugar imbalances. Not getting enough sleep, or poor sleep, is stressful to the body, which is on alert all the time.”

According to Jones, finding ways to coax the body into feeling safe can help people relieve stress and get a good night’s sleep.

“People rarely realize that basic things such as joy, play, laughter and a community of supportive people have anything to do with feeling safe enough to sleep deeply. It’s why I inquire about those things,” she explains.

TIPS FOR SOUNDER SLUMBER

n Turn the thermostat down in the bedroom. A cool temperature combats insomnia.

n Snuggle under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure signals the autonomic nervous system to go into rest mode.

n Install blackout shades. Light decreases melatonin, the sleep hormone.

n Avoid alcohol before bed, as it can disrupt the sleep cycle.

n Stop using electronics, including social media, television and phones, two hours before getting under the covers. The blue light emitted by screens restrains the production of melatonin.

Connecting and spending quality social time with friends helps to alleviate stress. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, advises, “Every day, stress causes the stress hormone cortisol to go up and oxytocin, the connecting hormone, to go down, lessening the desire to connect. It’s a double whammy for women in perimenopause and menopause, because hormones are declining, and stress overloads the already overtaxed endocrine system.”

Rebecca Hunton, personalized medicine doctor and founder of Radiantly Healthy MD, in Melbourne, Florida, coaches her patients to modify unhelpful habits. “I’m always looking for that one thing that patients can easily change. Sometimes it’s teaching them the difference between stress resilience and stress avoidance. A stress avoidance activity is spending two hours playing a game on your phone that leaves you beating yourself up and feeling like, ‘Why did I waste all that time?’ If, on the other hand, an activity leaves you feeling energized and wanting to tackle the other things on your to-do list, you just did a stress resilience activity,” says Hunton.

STRESS RESILIENCE ACTIVITIES

n Meditation

n Prayer

n Chanting a mantra

n Expressing creativity, such as cooking or painting

Carol Penn is a dual board-certified physician and movement coach in New Jersey. While observing her 87-year-old father practicing qigong, a form of meditation in motion, she had an epiphany and saw a powerful life lesson occurring before her eyes. “Moving with strength and grace through his practice so close to the end of his life, it occurred to me that he was role-modeling what it would be like for me to be kind to my future self. I teach my patients from this perspective, visualizing their future selves full of health, vitality, wonder and awe,” says the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness.

Qigong has psychological and physical components, regulating the mind, body movement, breath and posture. “It balances and calms the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that you feel less stress upon completion of the practice. Movements are designed to build longevity on a cellular level,” Penn explains.

According to Lorraine Maita, a board-certified functional and integrative doctor in New Jersey, “The body sends out hormonal fight-or-flight signals when it’s distressed. In the initial stages, there’s a release of adrenaline, followed by cortisol, keeping your body on high alert. To most people, stress is just worry, and they’re thinking they’re handling it, but stress can be like a viral program running in the background all the time. It’s still there whether you’re reacting to it or not, whether you’re stuffing it under the surface or not. It’s why you go to therapy with mental stress, or why you need someone to talk to for processing it.”

Maita is a proponent of alternative modalities that help people modulate the stress response. “I recommend HeartMath to my patients, which is self-regulation technology based on more than 32 years of scientific research on the psychophysiology of stress, resilience and the interactions between the heart and brain,” says the author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier.

Jaquel Patterson, a naturopathic physician and medical director of Fairfield Family Health, in Connecticut, might determine if her patient is suffering from chronic stress by testing their saliva for cortisol levels in the morning and evening. Noting that her favorite teas for sleep and relaxation are chamomile and passionflower, she explains that passionflower is for someone that can’t fall asleep because there’s a radio playing in their head. “For dealing with stress, I like adaptogens, such as Siberian ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, holy basil and L-theanine. The stress response requires a lot of B vitamins, along with magnesium and vitamin C,” she says.

Citing Hal Elrod’s book The Miracle Morning, Patterson recommends starting every day with a set of stress-relieving rituals Elrod calls “Life S.A.V.E.R.S.” She explains, “S is for silence, like meditation. A is for affirmations. V is for visualization, so you can visualize how your day is going to be. E is for exercise. R is for reading, and S is for scribing, writing things in a journal.”

Pointing out the differences between stress and anxiety, Patterson notes that anxiety is a continual rumination of thoughts, second-guessing and overthinking. Anxiety can cause stress, but stress can occur without anxiety. People with high anxiety sometimes have heart palpitations. Some stress is good for us. Without any stressors, Patterson cautions, we are unmotivated, lethargic and lacking in enthusiasm.

TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS TO QUIET THE ANXIOUS MIND

n Reflect Orb: This handheld biofeedback device can help an individual self-monitor their body’s physiology and learn to control the involuntary body-mind connection.

n Meditation apps: Insight Timer, Calm and similar apps offer guided meditations, relaxing music videos and meditation instruction for newbies and experienced practitioners.

n YouTube videos: Look for musical compositions with energy frequencies and binaural beats that encourage relaxation, promote positivity and decrease anxiety.

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for almost 20 years.

Why did you write your book?

Because I was heartbroken after speaking to an 8-year-old in Parkland, Florida. I asked him, “Are you looking forward to going back to school?” not realizing his older sibling was one of the teenagers murdered in the Stoneman Douglas school shooting. He responded, “I feel like something bad could happen, and no one will be able to help me—not my parents, not my teachers, not even the president.”

An 8-year-old shouldn’t be afraid to go to school, and if that’s what our society is becoming, then children need resiliency skills, a way to self-soothe, and so do their parents. The book is a response to gun violence, but it also applies to the pandemic and other unprecedented events that cause that kind of internal chaos and disorientation that leads to mood disorders, depression, anxiety and suicidality. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, journaling or something else, mind-body skills can get you back to your center so you can function at a higher level from a place of calm and relaxed awareness, versus out of fear and nervousness.

Carol Penn ON FINDING CALM IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

by Sandra Yeyati

Dr. Carol Penn, double board-certified in family and obesity medicine, is a movement, meditation and mindset coach who teaches people to prioritize selfcare to achieve their best and highest selves. She is certified in mind-body medicine, fitness and personal training, yoga and qigong, and draws inspiration and wisdom from a previous career as a dancer and dance educator with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Penn is the author of Meditation in a Time of Madness: A Guidebook for Talented Tweens, Teens, Their Parents and Guardians Who Need to Thrive

Why do you define meditation as relaxed awareness?

Many people think that you have to sit in a certain posture and have no thoughts to meditate, but that isn’t true. We have 60,000 thoughts a day, and we don’t pay attention to most of them. Meditation allows you to slow your thoughts so they’re not as overwhelming and don’t interfere as much. When thoughts slow down and there’s space between them, your body also begins to slow down. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins are released in the brain, and you feel their downstream effect, which we call relaxation.

What is soft belly breathing?

Many times, you get into this rigid kind of breath where you’re holding your belly in and your shoulders are thrown back. People think they look better if they have a flat, tight belly, and that’s how they’re moving in the world, but they’re not getting the full experience of the breath. Soft belly breathing relaxes the torso, particularly that area just below your navel. This type of breathing allows the diaphragm to push down and massage everything

beneath it, improving digestion and elimination processes and allowing the lungs to fill out from their bases where you pick up all the oxygen and nutrients that need to be carried throughout the body. As you inhale, say the word “soft” to remind yourself to soften and let go of any muscle tension. As you exhale, say “belly” to be reminded not to hold that part of the body in a rigid way.

Why do you say that movement is medicine?

Motion is synonymous with life. There’s always something moving, even when we’re asleep. Even gentle movement helps the body release endorphins, which elevate our mood, reduce pain and bring us pleasure. We want to bring that flow and fluidity into our lives so that we can tap into it on purpose. Have you ever noticed the less you move, the harder it is to move? Movement needs to be encouraged throughout the lifespan.

What movements do you recommend?

One starts in a standing position. Notice how the rib cage moves as you soft belly breathe. Soften the knees, drop the chin to the chest and as you inhale, lift the arms and feel yourself float away slightly from the body to create a gentle undulation of the spine. This stimulates the “mu” receptors that cause our brain to release pain-reducing endorphins.

Another is to shake it off, like when a dog is walking along and all of a sudden their back twitches, they shake and then continue along their merry way. If we’re bothering them, dogs will literally shake it off. They don’t let it anchor in the body, in their muscles and in their nervous system the way that humans do. Some people wake up tired. Their jaw hurts because they were clenching their teeth all night. By shaking off that tension for one to three minutes, you loosen the tight ligaments where we habitually hold tension.

What is “taking your seat on your throne,” and how can it help us?

I came up with that when teaching women how to meditate from a seated position. Women wear so many hats that life can feel weary, so asking them to sit down as if they’re taking a seat upon the throne of their own well-being gives them a way of sitting that’s different than just plopping down and collapsing because they’re exhausted. It shifts the energy and mental picture. You are more than the exhausted mother, executive, wife or caretaker. There’s a regal elegance, calm and quiet strength inside, and we’re going to meet her in our time of meditation.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Taoist Tai Chi a bridge to better health

2023 Spring/Summer Class Schedule

Introductory Classes

Tuesdays May 2 - August 29

Riverside Park Methodist Church 819 Park Street 32204 ARLINGTON

Tuesdays May 4 - August 31 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 5616 Atlantic Blvd 32207

Pre-registration not required. All are welcome at any class. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. We are supported by voluntary, tax deductible donations of participants.

For More Information Contact 1.877.398.1108 jacksonville.fl@taoist.org or visit our website at www.taoisttaichi.org

Taking Control of Our Hormones

NUTRITIONAL TIPS TO SUPPORT THE DELICATE BALANCE

by Sheila Julson

Think of hormones as the body’s messengers, sending signals that affect a host of functions. Produced by the pancreas, thyroid and other endocrine glands and organs, hormones drive our metabolism, impact mood, regulate blood pressure, manage our sleep cycles, influence sexual function and more. Key players are insulin, cortisol, thyroid and growth hormones, adrenaline, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Keeping these hormones in proper balance is critical for health, and imbalances can lead to a wide range of effects, including diabetes, thyroid disease, unintended weight fluctuations, skin problems, fatigue, mood swings and infertility. While inactivity, stress, age and genetics impact hormone production, our food choices can significantly tip the scales.

Dr. Ann Lee is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When treating hormonal, thyroid and adrenal imbalances, she says it is important to focus on foods that provide the minerals and vitamins that support those systems. For women of all ages, she recommends blueberries, asparagus, lettuce, celery and papaya. Teens and women in their 20s can also benefit from apples, bananas, mangoes, avocados, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and most lettuce varieties. The nutrients in these vegetables and fruits become even more important as women reach 30 and for those dealing with menopause, so Lee recommends more frequent consumption of these fresh, whole foods to support the adrenal and thyroid glands.

According to Lee, it is equally important to avoid foods that interfere with hormonal nutrition. She advises women over 50 to lower their caffeine intake. Dairy products contain naturally occurring hormones that can impede human hormone balance and should be eaten in moderation. “The less external hormonal exposure you have, the easier it is for your own hormones to balance,” Lee explains.

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, Lee believes that the trendy eating pattern can deny the body the vitamins and minerals it needs, causing it to produce more adrenalin and cortisol to make up for the loss. “People do intermittent fasting because it might feel good to have more adrenalin, and thus more energy, but it does come at a price—your hormones,” she says.

Most of the foods Lee recommends are low in calories. “In order to curb hunger, you have to eat them regularly, and that goes against intermittent fasting. People that do intermittent fasting often focus on proteins and fats, so they don’t have to eat for a long time, but that can cause adrenal burnout because the body is not getting what it needs,” she explains, noting that avocados and potatoes tend to help people feel full longer.

Jaclyn Downs is a functional nutrigenomics practitioner in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and author of Enhancing Fertility Through Functional Medicine: Using Nutrigenomics to Solve ‘Unexplained’ Infertility. She notes that for hormones to be produced by the body, nutritional cofactors or “helper nutrients” are required. “ Magnesium, zinc and B vitamins are a few of the spark plugs that move these processes and keep the wheels spinning,” she emphasizes. “Grass-fed beef liver or capsules contain all of these.”

According to Downs, menstrual problems can be an indicator of eventual fertility issues. To support female reproductive hormones, she recommends cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These foods also support liver detoxification pathways due to their high concentrations of vitamins and sulfur. “The liver helps clear used or ‘dirty’ hormones,” she notes. Downs also recommends pomegranates, which are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation-producing free radicals. Healthy fats from cold-water, wild-caught fish support pregnant women and growing fetuses. “Folate is often emphasized as a nutrient for pregnant women, but choline is just as important for everybody, regardless of life stage or gender,” Downs notes. Choline is found in egg yolks, sunflower lecithin and shiitake mushrooms. For 50-plus women, Downs prescribes fish or high-quality fish oil, which can benefit brain, liver and hormonal health.

Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Sheila

KALE AND TEMPEH TACOS

In this yummy, low-carb taco recipe, cabbage leaves substitute for the tortillas and are filled with a mixture of protein-packed tempeh, veggies and lots of great spices. Compounds in tempeh called isoflavones serve as a natural remedy for menopausal relief.

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

4 oz tempeh, cubed

½ tsp sea salt or more, to taste

½ tsp black pepper or more, to taste

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne

¼ cup vegetable broth

2 cups stemmed and chopped fresh kale

4 to 6 large, green cabbage leaves, dipped for 30 seconds into hot water to soften

½ avocado, sliced

1 radish, sliced

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

½ lime, cut into wedges

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and tempeh and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika and cayenne, stir, then add the broth and kale. Stir again to combine and cook until the broth thickens and reduces by at least one-half. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Spread the cabbage leaves open on a large plate. Spoon the kale mixture into the center of the leaves. Add some of the avocado, radish slices and cilantro, then fold in the sides like a taco.

Serve with lime wedges.

Adapted from MenuPause. Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Anna Cabeca. Used by permission of Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Skin Fitness

DAILY ROUTINES FOR A RADIANT APPEARANCE

by David J. Sautter

LIFESTYLE TIPS TO IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH

GET ENOUGH SLEEP. A good night’s sleep is essential for skin health. It also helps reduce the impact of daily stress. Aim for no less than seven hours of shut-eye each night.

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Getting our bodies moving is essential to reduce stress levels and improve skin health by increasing blood flow, nutrient delivery and oxygenation to the skin.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET. “An anti-inflammatory diet full of fruits, veggies and healthy fats like those from seeds and nuts will help to keep skin healthy,” says Jennifer Scheinman, a registered dietitian and nutrition coach. “Foods rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and walnuts are great for skin health since they have natural anti-inflammatory properties, and the fats help to keep skin moisturized.”

PRACTICE STRESS-RELIEVING TECHNIQUES. Engage in activities that help manage stress, such as yoga, meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

While many of us work out to tone our muscles, we may be neglecting the largest organ in the body: our skin. Every day, it is exposed to a variety of irritants, including ultraviolet rays, air pollution, extreme weather and highly processed foods. Stress can also cause skin irritations and conditions. To serve its important functions and look healthy, our skin needs a fitness regimen. With a few daily routines, lifestyle modifications and coping strategies, a radiant appearance is within reach.

SKIN CONDITIONS EXACERBATED BY STRESS

ACNE: When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that stimulates the production of pore-clogging oils, which can lead to the formation of acne. Stress also triggers inflammation, which can worsen existing acne.

PREMATURE AGING: Stress can accelerate the aging process by reducing the skin’s elasticity and causing wrinkles and fine lines. It triggers the production of free radicals, precipitating damage to collagen and elastin fibers, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple. When they are damaged, the skin becomes saggy.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS: Stress can trigger or worsen skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, which are characterized by inflammation, dryness and itching.

APPLY SKIN-CARE PRODUCTS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON’S SKIN TYPE. According to Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Clean Skin From Within and Natural Beauty Reset, “The most important care tip is to find skin care with mild acidity [4.5 to 5.4 pH] and natural actives [plant-based extracts] that support the skin microbiome. A healthy skin microbiome means less chance for breakouts, blemishes and premature aging.”

According to Dr. Anne Marie Fine, author of Cracking the Beauty Code, “Air pollution has been demonstrated to prematurely age the skin and cause age spots. This is why you want to make sure to consume antioxidants and use antioxidant-containing, clean skin-care products.”

THERAPIES TO ENHANCE THE SKIN

RED-LIGHT THERAPY DEVICES use infrared light to stimulate collagen pro-

duction, improve circulation and promote healing. This reduces wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging.

MICROCURRENT FACIAL TOOLS use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles , helping to tone, reduce puffiness and promote a youthful appearance.

LASERS DESIGNED FOR HOME USE offer a safe way to treat various skin issues such as wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage and pigmentation problems. They can also help even out skin tone by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.

GUA SHA is an ancient Chinese technique that involves gently scraping the surface of the skin with a special tool to increase blood flow, promote healing and reduce puffiness and inflammation.

OXYGEN TREATMENTS infused into pores using a special device can help nourish skin cells, decrease inflammation, reduce wrinkles and improve overall complexion.

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points to stimulate energy flow, which may improve circulation, reduce tension and promote smoother skin.

FACIAL MASSAGE reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. It promotes circulation, drainage and toning.

David J. Sautter is a certified personal trainer specializing in fitness nutrition and sports conditioning, as well as a professional fitness writer. Learn more at WriteFit.com

Preconception Preparation

FOUR PILLARS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST PARENT BEFORE CONCEPTION

by Jocelyn Gordon

The purpose of this article is to explore the four pillars of physically preparing for conception and a healthy baby.

THE FOUR PHYSICAL PILLARS OF PRECONCEPTION PREPARATION

n Lifestyle Changes

n Reducing Toxic Load

n Managing Stress

n Addressing Unhealthy Generational Patterns

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

The ability to achieve pregnancy and bring a baby to full term should be the most natural thing in the world; however, for many, the journey is not so easy. The rates of unexplained fertility are at an all-time high, the median sperm rates are said to be 0 by 2045, and endocrine and autoimmune imbalances require many women with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and fibroids to extend extra effort (and money) to get pregnant.

Contributing to fertility challenges are environmental toxins, chronic stress and unaddressed intergenerational trauma, which create a predisposition to chronic disease—physical and mental.

Now more than ever, to reclaim the natural birthright of fertility and to ensure healthy generations from your child to their offspring, it is important to orient the body to health well before sperm and ovum meet.

WHAT IS PRECONCEPTION PREPARATION?

Preconception preparation is the process of preparing for the rigors and joys of conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting. A primary focus includes preparing physically by making lifestyle changes, reducing toxic exposures, managing stress and optimizing fertility. The goal of physical preconception preparation is to improve the quality of the sperm and ovum, and the health of the mother and the baby before conception, as well as to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and labor. This may require detoxing to minimize toxic influences from chemicals in consumer products, improving the diet to ensure egg and sperm quality, integrating health interventions to address long-standing chronic issues, optimizing fertility by resetting daily habits, and developing body literacy to identify optimal times for conception.

Emerging science highlights the preconception window of three months to one year before conception as a powerful time for interventions that nurture a healthy pregnancy; vital childhood; and longevity for you, your baby and offspring.

In addition to physical investments and health interventions, an expanded experience of preconception preparation includes emotional and spiritual healing, financial planning, relational well-being and cultivating a web of support.

Lifestyle changes are an important part of preconception preparation for both men and women. Making changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all improve fertility and health.

Inflammation has been linked to cancer, autoimmune disorders and chronic pain. Excessive inflammation is also being identified as a culprit contributing to infertility and delayed fertility. Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins have shown to increase fertility in both men and women by reducing oxidative stress and improving hormone balance. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may help reduce inflammation and protect against damage to the reproductive organs. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to reduce inflammation, improve egg quality and regulate hormones. A study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that B vitamins, such as folate and vitamin B6, could reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm motility in men and hormone balance in women.

Eating a rainbow—having plates and servings with pigment-rich and thus nutrient-rich food—is a great way to start creating a fertility-boosting diet. Be sure to speak with your healthcare providers about your gut health and absorption to identify supplements assisting with your nutrient uptake.

Do you know your body mass index (BMI)? Exercise helps to reduce stress, regulate hormones and improve blood flow in the pelvis. That said, it is important to understand BMI before conception, as being underweight or overweight can cause hormonal imbalances and affect ovulation or sperm health. A study conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that underweight women may take up to a year or longer to conceive, and specifically found that women with a BMI of less than 19 were twice as likely to take longer than a year to conceive compared to women with a BMI between 20 and 25.

Okay, you know the dangers of smoking and excessive drinking on our personal health; however, did you know that both have been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, leading to increased risk of obesity, developmental delays and chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes later in life? Excessive drinking during pregnancy can also have an epigenetic impact on the baby, as the toxins in alcohol can alter the expression of genes. Excessive drinking is defined as consuming more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than seven drinks per week for women.

Nicotine addiction can be hard to beat and social alcohol consumption is normalized in our society. Be sure to seek help for weaning off these substances and habits.

REDUCING TOXIC LOAD

In 2020, a study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that breast milk samples taken from mothers in the United States contained concentrations of flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), dioxins and other harmful chemicals. The same toxins and more have been found in tap water across the U.S.

The environment we live in is filled with toxins, including chemicals, heavy metals and pollutants, that can accumulate in our bodies and lead to a variety of health problems. Research has found that exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, can reduce fertility in both men and women. Reducing exposure to these toxins is an important part of preconception preparation. It is important to note that a detox should be done a minimum of three months or more before trying to conceive. This is to ensure that mobilized toxins (moved outside the cells) are minimal when actively trying to conceive.

Today, you can begin reducing your toxic load by removing nonstick pans from your home, eliminating BPAs, sourcing organic and clean meats and produce, avoiding foods that contain pesticides, and drinking filtered water.

MANAGING STRESS

Sleepless nights, tech overwhelm, excessive demands on one’s time and resources, financial challenges, job insecurity, relationship drama, and unprocessed trauma all contribute to stress and fertility challenges. Physiologically, stress can affect the body in a variety of ways. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which can interfere with ovulation and disrupt the menstrual cycle. In men, stress can reduce the production of testosterone, which can lead to lower sperm count and quality. Stress can also reduce libido and cause sexual dysfunction. Additionally, stress can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues that can further interfere with fertility.

Managing stress is an important part of preconception preparation. A healthy diet, exercise, time soaking up the sun, and reducing toxic load can all help remediate stress. Creating boundaries around tech and cultivating a sleep routine can help balance hormones by promoting healthy circadian rhythms. That said, it is important to recognize emotional and environmental/ circumstantial stress triggers and develop strategies to address them. Talking to a

… continued on page 22

Our combination of both Eastern and Western ideology offers a variety of rare services, soothing Ayurvedic treatments such as Shirodhara and Abhyanga, Body treatments and Massages, Facials, Access Bar’s, Pranic Healing, Sound Healing, Reiki, Couples Packages, Spa Packages, and Many More!

It is important to recognize and address generational trauma so you can experience more joy in life and cultivate joy, health and abundance for your future generations.

therapist or counselor may be beneficial in helping to identify triggers, manage stress levels, and address challenging relationship patterns.

ADDRESSING UNHEALTHY GENERATIONAL PATTERNS

Generational trauma is the transmission of emotional and psychological pain from one generation to the next. It is caused by traumatic events that have been experienced by a parent or ancestor, and can be passed down through generations. This trauma can manifest in physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. It can also lead to a cycle of substance abuse, poverty, violence and poor health outcomes.

Reflect on your life and the health patterns that show up in your family. Consider the traumatic experiences from your childhood and notice how they affect the way you think and act as an adult. Are these experiences you would like for your child?

It is important to recognize and address generational trauma so you can experience more joy in life and cultivate joy, health and abundance for your future generations. Attending to chronic pain and disease, and feelings of depression, anxiety and worthlessness now may help future generations avoid the negative effects of generational trauma, such as chronic health issues, mental health disorders and infertility.

Become a pattern breaker by receiving the help you need to understand, process and heal from your own experiences, as well as the experiences of your forebears.

By investing in the four pillars of physical preparation before conception, you can create a new narrative for you and your future generations: one of joy, health and abundance. With time, dedication and the right support, you can reclaim the natural birthright of fertility and create a healthier, brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jocelyn Gordon helps women and their partners prepare their heart, home, body and relationships for the sacred path of parenthood. She assists with physical preparation, fertility optimization, ancestral healing, emotional well-being, and values and lifestyle visioning to include financial planning and cultivating a web of support. Jocelyn works one on one to address fertility blocks and support clients through the intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) processes. She has helped many women over 35 to become pregnant. Make Space for Baby is Jocelyn’s six-month group holistic preconception preparation program for women and their partners ready to look at all aspects of their life on their way to becoming parents.

If you are interested in one-on-one coaching, email Jocelyn at Contact@JocelynGordon.com. To apply for the next Make Space for Baby cohort, visit JocelynGordon.com/makespace-for-baby.

Emerging science highlights the preconception window of three months to one year before conception as a powerful time for interventions that nurture a healthy pregnancy; vital childhood; and longevity for you, your baby and offspring.

Breast Cancer and Cell Phones

Cell phone manuals tell you not to place your phone directly on your body; however, most women are unaware of these warnings. Numerous doctors recommend that people keep the phone away from the brain and body, especially the breast.

EHT organized a conference at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club featuring breast surgeon Dr. Lisa Bailey, former president of the American Cancer Society of California, who gave a lecture recommending women keep cell phones out of the bra. The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition created educational curriculum for classrooms to prevent breast cancer. In 2017, the California Department of Health released an advisory on how to reduce cell phone radiation stating, “Carry your cell phone in a backpack, briefcase or purse; not in a pocket, bra or belt holster.” The American Academy of Pediatrics and the North Carolina Public Health Department both state “Avoid carrying your phone against the body, like in a pocket, sock or bra. Cell phone manufacturers cannot guarantee that the amount of radiation you are absorbing will be at a safe level.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Dr. Devra Davis, president of Environmental Health Trust (EHT), has been working for decades on the environmental causes of breast cancer. She now is raising awareness about the health risks of cell phone radiation.

Cell phones emit microwave radiation, like your microwave oven, but at much lower power. The World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency for the Research on Cancer classified cell phone radiation as a Group 2B “possible” carcinogen in 2011 and today—more than a decade later—numerous WHO experts recommend an upgraded classification.

Breast tissue absorbs wireless microwave radiation. Research shows a link between cell phone radiation and breast cancer. Case reports are published documenting how women are developing unusual breast cancers directly where they carry their phones in their bras. Young women, even with no family history, are developing this type of breast cancer.

In a case-control study of the association between smartphone use and breast cancer risk among Taiwanese women, participants with smartphone addiction had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer. Individuals with the habitual behavior of smartphone use (more than 4.5 minutes) before bedtime had a significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared to those that used a smartphone for fewer than 4.5 minutes before bedtime. Additionally, a closer distance between the smartphone and the breasts when using the smartphone exhibited a significantly increased risk. Participants that carried their smartphone near their chest or waist-abdomen area had a significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared to those that carried the smartphone below the waist.

n Keep your phone away from your body, and especially out of your bra.

n Turn your phone on airplane mode with Bluetooth off to shut off the radiation.

n Use wired landlines for calls (not cordless).

n Use wired computers for email and internet browsing.

n Educate yourself on the published research.

n Spread the word on social media. Make your bra a #NoPhoneZone!

Source: Environmental Health Trust, a think tank that promotes a healthier environment through research, education and policy. For more information, visit EHTrust.org

Microplastic Overload REDUCING CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

Exposure to plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics is a lifelong inevitability. Researchers are investigating the human health impacts of these synthetic materials, and while we have a growing picture of potential risks, additional scientific exploration is needed to know how petroleum-based polymers affect kids. Though it is impossible to hide from plastics, much can be done to limit children’s exposure.

Global plastic production was estimated to be about 430 million tons in 2021, and humans are continually finding new ways to use it because of its light weight, extreme temperature resistance and low cost. Although plastic takes hundreds of years to fully biodegrade, it breaks down into smaller components that find their way into the ground, air, water, food, clothing, wildlife and our bodies. Microplastics are smaller than five millimeters, while nanoplastics measure from one to 1,000 nanometers. Regardless of size, plastics are packed with toxic compounds, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls.

Studies have shown that microplastics are found in human tissue, including the lungs, placenta and blood. According to research published in Environmental Science & Technology, children consume and inhale an estimated 74,000 to 81,000 particles of microplastics annually. Those amounts could be higher for those that drink more water from plastic bottles than from the tap.

Nano and microplastics (NMPs) build up in the body. Another study published in Environmental Science & Technology reported that by age 18, children accumulate an average of 8,300 particles of microplastics in their tissues, and by age 70 that accumulation grows to 50,100 particles.

A small, but increasing, amount of research links plastic exposure to human health conditions. A review of data to date published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found evidence that exposure to NMPs affects both the digestive and nervous systems. The review identified microbiota alterations, intestinal barrier permeability (leaky gut), oxidative stress, inflammation, neurotoxicity and behavioral disturbances. While toxicological research on NMPs has not specifically focused on child health, kids’ immature defense mechanisms make them particularly vulnerable.

“Microplastics are a big problem for fertility,” asserts Jaclyn Smeaton, a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in fertility. The chemicals found in NMPs pose a threat to children’s future reproductive abilities.

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more durable and can be found in flooring, lubricating oils and personal-care products. According to Yvonne Karney, a

gynecologist and CEO of Vitality Renewal, “Phthalates are hormone disruptors that mimic estrogen. They off-gas chemicals that damage the cell membrane and mitochondria.” Studies have linked this chemical to reduced egg quality, less reproductive success and increased gynecological diseases in women; and lower sperm count, lower testosterone, reduced sperm quality and increased DNA damage in men.

Children have higher levels of exposure and are more vulnerable to phthalates. Research conducted by scientists from Columbia University, University of North Carolina and Harvard University found that phthalates increase children’s risks for learning, attention and behavioral disorders. Another study linked prenatal phthalate exposure to lower IQ and problems with attention, hyperactivity and poor social communication in children. “This is all so new that we are just starting to learn about the effects of microplastics,” Karney remarks.

LIMITING MICROPLASTIC EXPOSURE

“The first tip is avoidance,” Smeaton says. Eliminate harmful plastics, in particular those labeled with the recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols). To protect children, soft vinyl toys, old plastic toys and teething rings should be shunned

“Wear cotton or wool,” recommends Karney. “Air dry synthetic clothes to limit microplastic release. Laundry balls can keep microfibers from breaking off.”

“I can’t overemphasize the importance of ensuring children are eating clean food and drinking clean water,” states Smeaton. In 2020, researchers found microplastics

in fruit and vegetables, with highest levels of microplastics in carrots and apples.

“Eating organic can also help, though when contaminants are in soil or water, they can affect even organic produce,” warns Smeaton. “Limit the consumption of shellfish, rice, tea made using a tea bag, table salt and premade meals. Avoid cans and takeaway cups as these are lined with plastic to protect the food. Even if a container states BPA-free, it may still contain BPA’s cousin, bisphenol S.”

“Employing a water filter is great to remove contaminants, which exist both in city and well water. Reverse osmosis is best, but anything is better than nothing,” says Karney. Look for plastic-free alternatives for cooking and storing food like glass, steel, ceramic and bamboo. Karney also recommends never microwaving foods in plastic, limiting use of bottled water and dusting and vacuuming regularly to remove settled microplastics.

“Avoid exposing children to NMPs in personal-care products,” says Smeaton. She recommends choosing those that meet the standards of the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org/skindeep).

“Pick your battles; focus on what you can control,” Karney advises. “Find things that will not disrupt our life that are doable. It’s not that hard to get a filter for tap water; it is not that hard to get glassware for storing your food.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

Bringing the Bounce Back

INTEGRATIVE TREATMENTS FOR PETS WITH MOBILITY ISSUES

by Ruth Roberts, DVM

All pet owners want to see their animals live long, healthy lives filled with activity, but sometimes our furry friends find it difficult to move comfortably due to aging, injuries and other ailments. While vets often suggest surgery for certain debilitating conditions, less invasive treatments might be just as effective with considerably less risk, particularly for animals that cannot tolerate anesthesia.

For example, a 2013 University of Minnesota study focused on large-breed, overweight dogs with torn knee ligaments. Half of the dogs were treated with medical management consisting of weight loss, pain medication and physical therapy, and the other half received surgery to repair the torn ligament, followed by the same medi-

cal management. After a year, 75 percent of the dogs treated with surgery and medical management were considered treatment successes, based on leg function, quality of life and gait analysis. Surprisingly, 63.6 percent of the dogs that did not have surgery and received only medical management were also deemed successful cases. Before considering surgery or other invasive treatments, integrative pet mobility and rehabilitation (IPMR) might be a good way to help a pet regain its vitality without going under the knife. It is a holistic approach to helping pets recover from injuries, manage pain and improve mobility that combines various techniques to provide a comprehensive and personalized plan for each pet.

“It is all about educating pet parents and preserving the best quality of life for my patients,” says Dr. Joyce Gerardi, of Synergy Integrative Veterinary Clinic. “Over time, my special interests have grown to include platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived and allogeneic amniotic stem cell therapies, acupuncture, food therapy, cold laser, herbal medicine, tuina massage, ozone and physical rehabilitation services.”

Here is a look at a few such modalities.

LASER THERAPY uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain. The procedure involves the application of laser light to the damaged area using a handheld device. The severity of the ailment and the

location being treated determines the length and frequency of treatments. The patient will feel a gentle, warm sensation as the laser technician or veterinarian moves the device over the affected area. Pets usually relax and take pleasure in the calming warmth of laser therapy, which is painless.

PHYSICAL THERAPY is an essential component of IPMR. It involves exercises and stretches that help pets regain strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints. A trained physical therapist can customize a plan that targets specific areas of concern such as the hips, knees or spine. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing pets to move around more easily and enjoy their favorite activities.

ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, all contributing to improved pet mobility.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE involves manipulating the spine to correct misalignments and improve overall function. This can help pets with hip dysplasia, arthritis or spinal injuries.

MASSAGE involves gentle pressure and strokes to relax muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation. Massage can also help pets with anxiety or stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.

NUTRITION: A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help with healing, inflammation reduction and overall health. A qualified veterinarian can recommend a diet plan tailored to each pet’s needs.

EASING A PET’S PAIN WHILE IN TREATMENT

Reducing a pet’s discomfort with full-spectrum cannabinoids or, if needed, prescription pain medications offers better comfort and recovery time. Another option is to reduce a pet’s stress by balancing its adrenal stress hormones.

Ruth Roberts is a holistic veterinarian and certified pet health coach with more than 30 years’ experience.

Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance settles over the years into a seasoned nobility, their routines become as locked into yours as the quietest and kindest of marriages.

~Gail Caldwell

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Email Publisher@NAJax.com for guidelines and to submit entries. We advise confirming in advance directly with the business or organization.

MONDAY, MAY 1

Transcendental Meditation Free Introductory Talk – 6:30pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, Pablo Creek Library, Conference Room, 13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville. Register at 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org

TUESDAY, MAY 2

Taoist Tai Chi Introductory Sessions10:30-11:30am and 7-8:00pm. The Taoist Tai Chi Society® internal arts and methods incorporate stretching and turning into a sequence of movements that reduce tension, improve circulation, and balance and increase strength and flexibility. This first class will provide background information, a demonstration and learning the first 4 moves. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 819 Park Street, Jacksonville. Supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations. jacksonville.fl@taoist.org or 1-877-398-1108. Website: TaoistTaiChi.org.

Twin Hearts Meditation – 6-7p. Falli Shah facilitates this meditation that activates heart and crown chakra, achieving illumination and expression of gratitude. Free, Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 423 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

Pure Romance Virtual Party – 7pm. Sexual health and well-being are essential for healthy living. Pure Romance’s motto to Live Well is embodied in their luxury products that include nutritional supplements, bubble bath, moisturizers and more. Self-care is often overlooked. It’s time to take time for you. Register on Eventbrite by searching for ‘Live Well, Live Alive with Pure romance by Dalia.

THURSDAY, MAY 4

Taoist Tai Chi Introductory Sessions10:30-11:30am and 7-8:00pm. The Taoist Tai Chi Society® internal arts and methods incorporate stretching and turning into a sequence of movements that reduce tension, improve circulation, and balance and increase strength and flexibility. This first class will provide background information, a demonstration and learning the first 4 moves. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5616 Atlantic Blvd. Jacksonville. Supported by voluntary, tax-deductible donations. jacksonville.fl@taoist.org or 1-877-398-1108. Website: TaoistTaiChi.org

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Kundalini Yoga - 8-9:00am. Join Ryan Boulware in an ancient yogic technology, referred to as the yoga of awareness. Balance your chakras and find the source of inner strength, peace and balance. $15 Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa. 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686 or seventh-wonder.com/events/

Farm Tour, Tea Meditation & Pick Your Own Herbs - 6-8pm. Join Clinical Herbalist Kaki Bryan for a tour of her medicinal herb garden. Bring your own 8oz mason jar to blend a personalized tincture or tonic. Also bring a basket or bag and scissors to harvest fresh herbs. $25 for Tour and Tea Meditation and $30 to pick your own herbs. To reserve a spot, visit ClinicalTraditions.com/pages/ learn-herbalism. Event held at 9200 Plummer Rd., in Jacksonville. For more information ClinicalTraditions@gmail.com

ONLINE CLASS: Using Your Psychic/Mediumship Skills in Your Everyday Life3-5:30pm. $41. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. www.IFSK.org 407-247-7823.

Healing Event - 1 pm to 3pm. Come meet our practitioners and experience different healing techniques. Our healers are trained on energy work, 7 archangels, reconnective healing, singing bowls and more. All our practitioners are intuitive healers that are well trained and attuned. Cost $15.00 Love offering goes to St. Jude’s hospital. 2039 Mound St. Orange Park Florida 32073. 904-292-4555 spiritualuplifts.com

MONDAY, MAY 8

Transcendental Meditation Free Introductory Talk – 6:30pm. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. University Park Library Conference Rm. Jacksonville. Register at Jacksonville@TM.org or 904-375-9517.

Experience Spiritual Freedom In Your Daily Life – 6:30-7:30pm. Presented by ECKANKAR Jacksonville. Free. Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Setting Healthy Boundaries - Maximize Energy and Well-Being - 7pm. Join Meghan Varner, health coach & physical therapist and Dalia Philbeck, health coach, nurse practitioner & midwife for a live workshop via zoom to learn to find balance and calm while navigating stress and overwhelm. Stick to wellness goals and become the best version of yourself. Register on Eventbrite by searching for Setting Healthy Boundaries - Maximize your energy and well-being.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Sound Healing by Kellie Norrgard - 6:307:30pm. Gentle yet powerful vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls, quiet your mind and release stress, restoring normal frequency. Dress comfortably and bring mat, blanket and pillow. $25. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa. 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686 or Seventh-wonder.com/events

Transcendental Meditation Free Introductory Talk by Video Conference – 12noon. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. Register at Jacksonville@ TM.org or 904-375-9517 and we’ll send the connection link by email or text.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Beauty & the Beast Tea Party — 2:00-4:30 pm Join us for tea, sandwiches, and cake to receive a rose, an aura picture, a personalized salt bath, and a one-month astrology predictor. $45.00 per person. Call to reserve your seat. 2039 Mound St. Orange Park. 904-292-4555 spiritualuplifts.com

TUESDAY, MAY 16

Twin Hearts Meditation – 6-7p. Falli Shah facilitates this meditation that activates heart and crown chakra, achieving illumination and expression of gratitude. Free, Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 423 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Kundalini Yoga - 8-9:00am. Join Ryan Boulware in an ancient yogic technology, referred to as the yoga of awareness. Balance your chakras and find the source of inner strength, peace and balance. $15 Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa. 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686 or Seventh-wonder.com/events

ONLINE CLASS: Using Your Psychic/ Mediumship Skills in Your Everyday Life - 10:30am-1:00pm. $41. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. www.IFSK.org. 407-247-7823.

Psychic Mediumship Class — 2-5pm with Lynn. Whether you are new or just trying to advance your skills. This class will teach you to grow into your gifts and find your niche. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or just trying to improve your skills. The class will teach you how to discover your gifts. The cost is $45.00 per class 2039 Mound St. Orange Park. 904-292-4555 spiritualuplifts.com

SUNDAY, MAY 21

Reiki Cleansing Circle - 2-3:00pm. Does your Chakra System need to be rebalanced. Spiritually drained, at a crossroad, needing guidance and clarity? Experience 1 hour of energy healing by certified Reiki Masters. Hosted by Touch Massage & Reiki at Seaside Power Yoga Studio in Jax Beach. $50 Bring a yoga mat.

2½ Meditation - 4:00-6:30pm. During this meditation, all seven chakras are activated. Sometimes it is just necessary to relax and practice mindfulness. This is the perfect course for beginners as well as experts, whether you are stressed out and in need of some peace, or you just want to enjoy all the benefits of meditation. You may bring pillows or blankets if necessary. We will take a 15-minute break in between. Snacks will be provided. The cost of the workshop is $35.00 2039 Mound St. Orange Park. 904-292-4555 spiritualuplifts.com

Vegan Cooking Class – 5-7pm. Join Falli and Sunil Shah, for a vegan, Indian cooking class. A delicious meal is freshly prepared in front of you. Class is on outdoor garden deck, weather permitting. $45 Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686. Seventh-wonder.com/events

TUESDAY, MAY 23

Transcendental Meditation Free Introductory Talk – 6pm and 6:30pm. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this effective technique for reducing stress and improving health.

Free. Regency Square Library, Conference Room, 9900 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville. Register at Jacksonville@TM.org or 904-375-9517.

SUNDAY, MAY 28

Pranayama & Meditation by Elizabeth Henrichsen - 3-4:00pm. Guided meditation to Increase the oxygen to your brain and Internal organs, facilitating healing. Class held outside If weather permits. Bring mat and accessories. $15. 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686 or Seventh-wonder.com/events.

Yoga Nidra — 4:15-5:15. Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation. The goal of yoga Nidra is to achieve a state of samadhi (intense concentration), enlightenment, or bliss. Class held outside If weather permits. Bring mat and accessories. $15. 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686 or Seventh-wonder.com/events

Lit Mag Open Mic - 3-4:30pm. Ancient City Poets celebrate the publication of the Florida Literary Magazine, followed by a community open mic. Sign-up at 2:30, free, Maria Reyes-Jones Gallery, 134 Riberia St. Unit 103, St. Augustine. 407-619-1338.

TUESDAY, MAY 30

Make Space for Baby — 12-1:30pm. Are you thinking about getting pregnant this year or in 2024? Would you like to become the BEST version of yourself BEFORE conception? Join this six-month preconception preparation cohort helping you optimize your fertility and up-level your health, relationships, finances, and home as you prepare for parenthood. Led by Jocelyn Gordon, Fertility & Preconception Preparation Coach. Apply Here: or email: contact@jocelyngordon.com

ONGOING

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

TUESDAY

Taoist Tai Chi Introductory Class –10:30-11:30am and 7-8pm. Through March 28. Riverside Park Methodist Church, 819 Park St. 32204.

WEDNESDAY

Sound Bath Healing – 6pm. Move stressful, heavy and sluggish energy off our bodies with the use of vibrations and tones. $33 per session. Touch Massage & Reiki, 6000A Sawgrass Village Circle, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-349-7045.

THURSDAY

Taoist Tai Chi Introductory Class –10:30-11:30am and 6-7pm. Through March30. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 5616 Atlantic Blvd. 32207.

SATURDAY

Sound Bath Healing – 10am. Move stressful, heavy and sluggish energy off our bodies with the use of vibrations and tones. $33 per session. Touch Massage & Reiki, 6000A Sawgrass Village Circle, Ponte Vedra Beach. 904-349-7045.

JACKSONVILLE’S

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

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

Acupuncture

A WAY OF LIFE ACUPUNCTURE

4337 Pablo Oaks Ct, Bldg 200, Jacksonville • 904-373-8415

AWayOfLifeAcupuncture.com

Dr Christine Yastrzemski, NCCAOM, AP AP2255

Dr Sarah Thomas, DACM, AP AP4183

NCCAOM

Board Certified Acu-puncture Physician specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. We offer the highest quality of care while customizing treatments that best suit your needs.

CBD

HYDROPONIC UNIQUE GOODS

862 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville 904-829-4847 • JaxHugs.com

Now carrying Delta products! Hemp is all relaxation without intoxication; research shows numerous health benefits. Garden and hydroponic supplies: Leading brands of soil, nutrients, grow-tents and LED lights. See ad on page 9.

Energy Healing

HEALING ENERGY BY TED

Ted Kostek

7500 Plantation Club Dr, Jacksonville 904-613-7608 • HealingEnergyByted.com

Certified in Reconnective Healing, The Emotion Code, The Body Code, Reiki Master. Powerful healings, with great compassion and care. Clean chakras, aura, entity removal, in-person and remote sessions for humans and animals. See ad on page 4.

Esthetician Services

MAR HEAVENS CO.

Mar Barquinero

Licensed Holistic Esthetician

1449 Live Oak Lane, Jacksonville 407-587-5270

License# FB9776658

For positively ageless skin, weight loss, body sculpting & contouring, antiaging skin-firming & contouring facials. Mar will customize your treatment to address specific needs. Gently exfoliate and renew the tone and texture for a brighter complexion. High frequency for cane and sebaceous skin.

Functional Medicine

JACKSONVILLE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Dr Jon Repole, DC, CFMP 9957 Moorings Dr, Ste 403 Jacksonville (Mandarin) 904-268-6568 • DrRepole.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Find the cause of your health challenge. Our office will create a doctor-supervised, custom-tailored, health program that will include the following: meal planning, supplemental prescriptions, detoxification guidance, food/lifestyle coaching, exercise prescriptions, accountability, online patient portal and more. We utilize the most advanced diagnostics testing available to aid both our diagnoses and treatment. See ad on page 25.

Grocery

NATIVE SUN

1585 3rd St North, Jacksonville Beach 904-853-5497 • NativeSunJax.com

Jax Beach’s community organic grocer, local food and essential items. Order online for curbside p/u.

Herbs

LAURENCE LAYNE, LMT, HERBALIST

Healing Waters Clinic & Herb Shop

26 Clark St, St. Augustine 904-826-1965 8 HealingWatersClinic.com MA0010746 MM005595

A holistic center specializing in pain relief and chronic health issues. Certified in neuromuscular and deep tissue bodywork, myofascial therapy, craniosacral balancing, east-west herbalism. Offering attunement energy healing since 1978. See ad on page 25.

Massage

CARING PALMS HEALING ARTS

Brian Dean, LMT MA36835 MM41272 315 10th Ave South, Jacksonville Beach 904-246-2206 • CaringPalms.com

Professional energy work and myofascial release massage. Reiki, meditation, white light, mediumship, massage, meditation and Reiki classes. Continuing education for FL LMTs. See ad on page 19.

Meditation

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION© CENTERS

Karen & Herb Bandy, Allan Byxbe, Certified Teachers

Jacksonville@TM.org • 904-375-9517

Regine de Toledo, Certified Teacher StAugustine@TM.org • 904-826-3838

The TM technique is an effortless, non-religious, evidence-based practice for eliminating stress, increasing well-being and expanding consciousness. Certified Teachers give individual instruction and ongoing support. See ad on page 15.

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

~Anthony J. D’Angelo

Medical Marijuana Card

CERTIFIED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTORS

10695 Beach Blvd • 904-299-5300

920 Blanding Blvd, Ste 4 • 904-420-0044

2085 A1A S, St Augustine • 904-299-7373

CMMDR.com

Get your medical marijuana card and pre-certify by phone. Medical marijuana treats more than 250 medical conditions such as: chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, HIV/AIDS, Chron’s, IBS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, lupus and more. See ad on page 19.

Solar Power

EMPOWER HOME SOLAR

356 Destination Daytona Ln, Ormond Bch Volusia • 386-327-6937

gosolar@empowersolar.com

Our mission is to make solar energy efforless and affordable. We design energy systems specific to your needs to maximize savings and provide clean electricity for your family. FL Lic. Solar Contractor #CVC57067.

Structural Integration

LAUREE MORETTO

Soft Tissue Specialist • MA20965

321-271-1678

Flagler & Daytona Bch

LaureeMoretto.com

90% of pain is linked to structural misalignment. Your pain is really just a symptom. My work addresses the cause to give you lasting relief. Get your life back now. 25 years experience. MA20965.

Thermography

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008 • JuneDrennon@ FloridaMedicalThermography.com

727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.