April 2021 Jacksonville St. Augustine Natural Awakenings Magazine by Jacksonville St. Augustine Natural Awakenings Magazine

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

SIMPLE WAYS TO

DETOX YOUR BODY

MAKE YOUR HOME A NURTURING HAVEN Natural Remedies for ALLERGIES NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors April 2021 | Jacksonville / St. Augustine | NAJax.com

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letter from publisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Welcome to our April edition, focusing on cleansing

body, mind and spirit and creating a nurturing and safe home environment. As we move further into this year with a pandemic still affecting us, shaking off sluggish energy and jump-starting body and mind is top priority for many. Spring cleansing and detoxing is explained in easy steps in our conscious eating section. You’ll love the sweet mango smoothie and vegetable soup recipes. Health by Design’s Dr. Kristy Harvell offers the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program with personal support to ensure your success. Detoxifying your living space is easily accomplished with the simple steps in our green living section. From drinking water to indoor air, a healthy home is within reach. One of Florida’s smallest backyard birds is the ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn the plants that attract these tiny fliers. Author Katie Tripp offers an extensive list of native flowers for hummingbirds in the Florida & fauna section. Native milkweeds attract and nourish hummingbirds as well as monarch, queen and soldier butterflies. Tripp explains how planting a garden with a particular animal visitor in mind is rewarding when that species makes its appearance. Scientists who study human senses believe we may have as many as 30 senses. Sedentary, indoor lifestyles with hours of screen time block out many of the human senses, including some we don’t even know we possess. Spending family time in the woods with unstructured activity is a great way to wake up your senses. As more parents are home schooling, they’re finding nature is a wonderful teacher. Children and adults alike benefit from the sensory stimulation and effects of grounding that can only be found outdoors. Increase your outdoor time while temperatures are still moderate. Spring in Florida is the shortest season. We hope you enjoy this April edition, and find fun things to do in our calendar.

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Spring has returned. The earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke

JACKSONVILLE / ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION

Publisher Rebecca Young Publisher@NAJax.com

Writer Erin Floresca

Editor Sara Gurgen

Calendar Editor Sara Peterson

Design & Production Melanie Rankin

Graphic Design Josh Halay

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Jacksonville / St. Augustine Office: 386-736-3838 Publisher@NAJax.com P.O. Box 731466 Ormond Beach, FL 32173

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April 2021

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 11 CREATE A

NURTURING NEST

12 HEALTHY HOME

How to Detoxify a Living Space

14 SPRING CLEANING THE BODY

Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

18 BREATHE EASY

Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

20 NATURE TO THE RESCUE

Kids Come Alive Outdoors

22 ECO-ATHLETES

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

24 SHERYL DEVORE

on Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

26 FEATHERED FRIENDS

The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise in Natural Awakenings, please call 386-736-3838 or email Ads@NAJax.com. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email calendar events to: Editor@NAJax.com. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets. Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com. NAJAX.COM 4

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DEPARTMENTS 5 event briefs 6 health briefs 7 global briefs 9 community spotlight 10 eco tip 11 inspiration 12 green living 14 conscious eating 17 inspired reading

18 healing ways 20 healthy kids 22 fit body 24 wise words 25 florida & fauna 26 natural pet 28 calendar 30 resource guide

event briefs

Ayurvedic Cooking Class and Therapies

oin Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa owner Falli Shah and her husband, Sunny, for an Ayurvedic cooking class from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 11. During this event, the pair will teach attendees how to make khichari—a dish known in Ayurveda to be cleansing, balancing and protein-rich. “This meal includes a vegetable side dish, salad and papadum—an Indian flatbread that is thin and cracker-like, often eaten as a snack,” says Falli. The class will be held on the spa’s outdoor deck, overlooking the garden. According to Falli, Ayurveda aims to balance the body’s energies, known as the three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. “These energies consist of the five basic elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth. It is an ancient practice meant to heal the whole body, Falli and Sunny Shah mind and spirit,” she explains. “At Seventh Wonder we recognize the key to health is to honor our true nature.” In addition, Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa’s in-house Ayurvedic practitioner, Vaidya Goswami, offers many different Ayurvedic treatments including Shirodhara, Abhyanga and Indian Head and Shoulder Therapy, to name a few. “His specialty is in pain management and weight loss ritual. He works with clients to structure treatment plans and makes remedies, tailored specific to your needs, with all-natural ingredients from India,” affirms Falli. Cost for cooking class: $45. Location: 4236 St. Johns Ave., Jacksonville. To register, call 904-381-8686 or visit Seventh-Wonder.com/events. A full list of Ayurvedic treatments can be found at Seventh-Wonder.com/Services/Ayurveda-Treatments/. See listing, page 30.

Compassionate Communication Five-Week Class

d Boardman, of Unity Church for Creative Living, in Saint Johns, is presenting a five-week course based on the groundbreaking book Nonviolent Communication, by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D., from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom beginning April 14. In this very interactive class, participants will engage in hands-on exercises, enjoy deep discussions and meet like-minded people to take this transformative journey with them. “If you want to create deeper connections, develop more meaningful relationships, break down barriers to communications and defuse arguments, I encourage you to join me for this Ed Boardman five-week journey as we learn a new language of compassion, connection and understanding,” says Boardman. Cost: $100. Purchase aforementioned book prior to class. For more information or to register, call 904-287-1505 or visit UnityInJax.com. See ad, this page. April 2021

B12 and Prenatal Supplements Gain Official Nod In updated 2020-2025 dietary guidelines, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have endorsed the specific use of certain supplements, noting that under-consumption of some nutrients among Americans is linked to health concerns. The guidelines advise that infants being fed breast milk exclusively or partially should be given a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day beginning soon after birth and perhaps continuing for more than a year. Women that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a daily prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. Pregnant or lactating women that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are advised to talk to their healthcare provider about supplementation to ensure that they get adequate amounts of iron, vitamin B12, choline, zinc, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The guidelines also state that some older adults may require vitamin B12 supplements, noting concerns over the amount of the vitamin absorbed from food. 6

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Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nanocurcumin, and the third a placebo. After eight weeks, both types of curcumin significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels. They also boosted antioxidant levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced C-reactive protein levels, indicating less inflammation. The nano-curcumin, however, produced even better results in five of those indexes, leading the authors to conclude that the effects of curcumin on the nano formula may be more conducive for cardiac patients due to its high bioavailability. Nano-curcumin is made through a process that encapsulates the herb, allowing it to be metabolized better.

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Hypertension is a global disease that particularly affects people in low-income communities, but a new study by the UK University of Nottingham suggests that beetroot juice may be a practical solution for people with high blood pressure that have little access to diagnostic help or money for medication. Researchers divided 47 people between 50 and 70 years of age in Tanzania into three groups. For 60 days, one group drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice and folic acid; another was given nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo; and the third drank nitratedepleted beetroot juice. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 10.8 millimeters (mm) Hg (mercury) in the nitrate-rich plus folic acid group and 6.1 mm Hg in the nitrate-rich and placebo group. Studies have shown that the high level of nitrates in beets is converted by the digestive system into nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.

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Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health

Make Lifestyle Changes to Ease Reflux The heartburn symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) affect about one-third of Americans, many turning to medications. Based on evidence from 116,000 women in a long-running Nurses’ Health Study, Harvard University researchers have found that GERD symptoms can be reduced by up to 37 percent by adopting five lifestyle strategies: 30 minutes of moderate to heavy exercise per day; not smoking; maintaining a normal weight; limiting acidic beverages like coffee and tea to two cups per day; and following a “prudent diet” with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and poultry. The more faithfully the guidelines were followed, the lower the risk of symptoms. Benefits were also realized for women using treatments like proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists. According to senior author Andrew T. Chan, M.D., MPH, this study was among the first to link physical activity to the control of GERD. He notes, “Being physically active may help with the clearance of stomach acid which causes heartburn symptoms.”

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health briefs

global briefs

Silver Lining Discarded Safety Gear Used to Build Highways

Wilderness Woes

National Wildlife Refuges are Overwhelmed and Understaffed

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President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida’s Pelican Island as the first unit of what would become the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903 to shield brown pelicans from hunters. Now, the world’s largest set of 568 refuges, encompassing 95 million acres dedicated to preserving wildlife, is under pressure from increasing numbers of visitors, maintenance needs and chronic underfunding. The system has lost more than 700 staff positions since 2011, despite growing by 15 refuges. Managers of the system under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report that staff morale is low. Local conservation nonprofits have stepped in with fundraising and volunteers, but the lack of resources throughout the refuge system is limiting its capacity to provide healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife. Essential infrastructure is crumbling and staff can’t provide the community outreach and visitor services they want to offer. The FWS oversees 25,000 structures and 14,000 roads, bridges and dams. Many of them have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funding. Advocates claim that a remedy will require $900 million per year, while the system’s 2020 budget was only $502.4 million.

Honest Ingredients

Global sales of organic products totaled $90 billion in 2017 according to the 2018 edition of the study The World of Organic Agriculture, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and Organics International. In the U.S., the figure is $50 billion, or 5 percent of all grocery store sales. Demand for organic products is increasing, more farmers cultivate organically, more land is certified organic and 178 countries report organic farming activities. The challenge is to safeguard organic standards from large corporations that buy up organic brands and try to weaken U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements. This has led to an erosion of both organic standards and consumer trust in the organic labeling of products such as eggs, milk and grains. To restore public trust, the Organic Consumers Association is committed to exposing the fraudulent players in the organic industry while fighting for stronger organic protections. At one time, states could develop their own rules for organic food production and processing. But in 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which created the National Organic Program and the National Organic Standards Board. Foods labeled USDA Organic are the gold standard for health and sustainability.

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Protecting the Organic Marketplace

With the plethora of used, disposable face masks accumulating worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, avenues of incorporating them into the recycling stream are underway. An estimated 6.8 billion disposable masks are used around the world each day. Researchers at RMIT University, in Melbourne, Australia, have formulated a new road-making material comprised of a mix of shredded single-use face masks and processed building rubble designed to meet civil engineering safety standards. Their study in the journal Science of the Total Environment shows that using the recycled face mask material to make one kilometer of a two-lane road would use up about 3 million masks, preventing 93 tons of waste from going to landfills. Roads are made of four layers—a subgrade, base, sub-base and asphalt on top. All the layers must be both strong and flexible to withstand the pressures of heavy vehicles and prevent cracking. Processed building rubble, or recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), can be used on its own for the three base layers, and adding shredded face masks to RCA enhances the material while addressing environmental challenges. April 2021

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community spotlight

Yoga Den Oakleaf Offers Integrative Wellness Center by Erin Lehn

harlie “Rose” Carter, LMT, RYT, RN, co-owner of Yoga Den Oakleaf along with her husband, Twain, originally began her healing career as a massage therapist. Around seven years in, she chose to expand her offerings and pursued a degree in nursing. “I wanted to continue serving others in a healing profession, and the umbrella for nursing was huge,” says this avid learner, who considered several nursing avenues—from labor and delivery to dialysis and oncology. “I had to commit to these units for six months to a year, but I just kept switching,” explains this holistic practitioner. “At some point it was obvious I wasn’t going to find my purpose in nursing.” While coming to that realization was disheartening, this gifted intuitive, tarot card reader and psychic medium, knew it was valuable information that would help point her in the right direction. “I was doing a lot of inner work at the time,” she recalls. “I was coaching myself, reading tons of books, and researching anything that would help me on my own healing journey.” It was during this intense time of personal transformation that Carter envisioned her path. “I just had this ‘a-ha’ moment—I wanted to create a healing center focused on natural, holistic and spiritually-focused modalities.” That was when the idea for her first business, Hedge Life Metaphysical Wellness Center, came into being. On July 1, 2019, Carter opened the doors to her new space, offering massage, reiki and intuitive guidance, along with psychic and tarot card readings. Eventually, she added coaching to her list of services as well. “Hedge Life truly is my dream coming together all under one roof,” says this devout believer in following one’s intuition. “The path might start out unclear, but it will lead us where we need to go.” Speaking of intuition, during the 2019 holiday season, Carter sensed that significant changes were on the horizon. “I felt like something massive was coming,” she shares. “And I had a really strong sense that it would be the last Christmas I spent with some of my family.” Three months later, her sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and her health declined rapidly. “I began going back and forth from Florida to Ohio, doing everything I could to help. The pandemic hit, but I was so focused on my sister, I didn’t even realize the gravity of it.” During this time, Carter intuited needing to add another layer to her self-care routine. “I kept hearing ‘do yoga, do yoga, do yoga,’” she says. “However, there were no yoga studios near me. Then, I saw a Yoga Den franchise ad and something clicked. “I sent them an email to let them know there was a missed opportunity as there were zero yoga studios in Oakleaf. And…I added that I was open to the possibility if it was a good fit.”

Not long after she sent that email, Carter received a phone call from Kelly Chufo, the Director of Franchising for Yoga Den. “She wanted to meet up, but it was right when COVID hit. Kelly was like ‘I know everything is shut down so we can’t do yoga, but we certainly can still talk about yoga!’” The ladies met, hit it off, and left their meeting feeling Charlie and Twain Carter inspired. “I resonated so much with the Yoga Den philosophy and having a yoga studio fit perfectly into my vision for Hedge Life.” Carter chose to pursue the franchise opportunity and began securing financing, attending the yoga teacher training program, and adding the yoga studio to her space—all while enduring the loss of her sister and ex-husband in April, and later losing her mother to cancer, against the backdrop of a global pandemic. “There’s no way I could have done any of this without my husband,” she affirms. “I am profoundly grateful for him. He is a huge supporter of my dreams.” Additionally, Carter adds that she is thankful for her Yoga Den team. “I was really blessed to get the juicy fruit cream of the crop yoga instructors. They’re wonderful collaborators. Our yoga community loves them just as much as we love our yoga community,” says this passionate yogini, who shares that nothing warms her heart more than seeing new practitioners advancing through levels as they increasingly become more adept at yoga. “Our Yoga Den studio really is welcoming space. We keep a very chill atmosphere around here,” she says. “Our students know they can show up on the mat, however they are on any given day. Just come as you are.” Yoga Den Oakleaf is located at 8540 Argyle Forest Blvd., Unit 7B, in Jacksonville. For more information, call 904-569-9842 or visit Yoga-den. com/location/oakleaf-studio and HedgeLifeForMindBodySpirit.com. See ad, page 8. April 2021

eco tip

The Benefits of Planting Trees More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

Planting more trees can slow down climate change. Science magazine reports, “The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation.” The Arbor Day celebrations this month make it an apt time for taking actions that benefit both urban areas and open spaces. More than 166,000 square miles of forest habitat—approximately the size of California—in the tropics and subtropics have been decimated in the last 13 years, and about 2.7 million square miles of forest worldwide remain threatened, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Some major ways to take action include: Avoid buying products linked to deforestation. Pressure lawmakers to make supply chains sustainable while balancing the need for regulation with the concerns of farmers and businesses. Urge policymakers to enact zero-deforestation policies and bolster the rights and control of forests for local communities and indigenous people, says the WWF. Donate spare change. By joining Plant Your Change for All (PlantYourChange. com), all debit or credit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the balance applied toward planting trees. Working together with the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) (ArborDay.org) and Eden Reforestation Projects, the initiative has already planted more than 3 million trees, offsetting 5 million miles of vehicle carbon emissions.

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Support the planting of city trees. According to a recent study from the U.S. Forest Service reported in Treehugger.com, the nation’s urban canopies, currently home to approximately 5.5 billion trees, provide roughly $18 billion in annual benefits via the removal of pollution from the air, carbon sequestration, reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency in buildings. NAJax.com

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Legal

Become a member of the ADF and receive 10 free trees, along with tree nursery discounts; help to qualify a community to receive the Tree City USA designation; or get involved with National Arbor Day, generally celebrated on the last Friday in April, but observed on different days in some states. The organization’s website includes ideas for conducting virtual celebrations if local chapters are not holding public events due to the pandemic. Also consider participating in other ADF programs such as the Alliance for Community Trees and NeighborWoods Month.

inspiration

Create a Nurturing Nest by Marlaina Donato

n Reserve an evening every week for an old-fashioned “Sunday

supper” by candlelight or have a rainy-day indoor picnic on the floor in the living room.

n Add one item per day for a month to a bag intended for a local thrift store and then follow through by dropping it off. n Tidy the desk every other day and keep it uncluttered.

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ore than being a roof over our heads, home is where we live, love and heal. This past year, we all have been reminded of the importance of having a refuge; a place that shelters not only our physical beings, but our souls, too. With ongoing pandemic restrictions, we have more time on our hands, and with this comes a blessed opportunity to catch up with our bliss. Living space should be inspired space. Creating a haven doesn’t require remodeling the kitchen or buying new furniture, only distilling new joy from the mundane. Adding a luxurious throw to a sofa or putting books to read in a pretty basket by an easy chair invites us to tend to the muchneglected inner life. Putting cut flowers at the bedside or turning a chair toward the sunlight says, “Yes” to life and renewal. Playing uplifting, infectious music on laundry day rouses an element of fun. Practicing easy principles of feng shui—the art of placement—can get previously stagnant energy moving. Repositioning furniture for optimal flow and creating more open space are simple actions that can lighten heavy thoughts or memories. Home is a harbor of habit, and breaking out of the usual routine can be transformative. Here are some activities to try.

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n Hang new art prints, photos or paintings to set a new mood. Consider bright splashes of color—a set of red cups, a turquoise pillow or sunny yellow bathroom towels. n Bring the seasons in; hang a garland of faux ivy, roses or autumn leaves over the showerhead. n Buy or adopt low-maintenance indoor plants like philodendrons and snake plants for a spot of lovely green, even in deep winter. In a world that fosters a “grass is always greener on the other side” mentality, cultivating soul-nourishment is a sure way to turn the humblest space into a castle. Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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green living

Healthy Home How to Detoxify a Living Space by Yvette Hammett

s the world moves into its second year of a viral pandemic, many of us are still spending most of our time at home—working, exercising, hanging out with family and as with any other year, cooking and cleaning. There’s no better time to take stock of these surroundings and purge them of any toxins—gases, inhalants or fumes—that may be contributing to a harmful environment.

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Start with the air. Research shows that indoor air is two to five times more toxic than the air outside, due to inadequate ventilation. This condition, coupled with fumes from synthetic fibers, makeup, paints, cleansers or even a baby’s plastic toys, can contribute to health issues and a less environmentally beneficial abode. A straightforward solution—in addition to getting rid of the pollution-causing objects—is to open the windows and use fans to recirculate the air. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can safely remove many contaminants, but don’t spritz a commercial air freshener: A University of Washington study found that eight widely used air fresheners released an average of 18 chemicals into the air, some of them hazardous, including the likely human carcinogen acetaldehyde. Purge plastics. Perfluorinated compounds PFAS and PFOS, known as “forever chemicals”, are found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, and products that resist grease, water and oil. They have been found to cause a wide range of health problems from kidney and testicular cancers to endocrine disruptions. Consider doing a clean sweep of the house to determine which of these can be replaced, paying special attention to plastics. “If you really limit plastics to a few things, you are fine,” says Heather Patisaul, Ph.D., a neuroscience and toxicology expert at North Carolina State University. Reconsider kitchenware. Eliminate all nonstick cookware, Patisaul advises. “Use ceramic and other materials that do not have perfluorinated chemicals.” Debbie Steinbock, a nutrition counselor at Mindful Family Medical, in Boulder, Colorado, suggests replacing plastic storage containers, which can leach chemicals when heated. “Use a cast iron skillet and use glass jars and mason jars for food storage.” Chuck out toxic cleaners. Many commercial kitchen, bathroom and other cleaning products are loaded with chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption 12

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and neurotoxicity. They can be particularly toxic for children: A recent Canadian study found that repeated use of a disinfectant reduced beneficial gut bacteria in toddlers, probably contributing to obesity. A good place to start in cleaning out the cleaners is at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website ewg.org; its Healthy Living Home Guide evaluates the health risks of 2,500 cleaning products. It also advises a simple strategy of using vinegar and water or baking soda. Get the lead out. Andrew Rooney, deputy director at the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, sees lead, which causes brain damage and other serious defects, as a major risk present in water supplies and the paint of older homes. “The thing I want to emphasize is there is no safe level of lead exposure, so eliminating exposure sources is the best protection for your health,” he says. Drinking water contamination comes from the distribution lines and plumbing fixtures, with lead leaching out from repairs or adjustments. “Having your household water tested by a certified lab is the best option to determine if you have water issues,” he says. Consult state and local health agencies for guidance on lead paint or lead in the water lines and how to remove it. Also consider a water filter: ConsumerReports.com has a comprehensive rating of models from pitchers to under-sink setups. Take it a step further. The new EWG downloadable Healthy Living app makes it easy to use a smartphone to check out 120,000 products for toxic ingredients, including cosmetics and foods. “It has a barcode scanner to scan your favorite lipstick or shampoo, and it will pop up an ingredient list and give it a score,” says Patisaul. The database includes ingredients not found on packaging and scores products on a zero to 10 scale. “It pretty much has to be water to get a zero,” she says. Yvette Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com.

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conscious eating

Spring Cleaning the Body Simple Ways to Detox Naturally by April Thompson

s we shake off the sluggishness of winter, many of us feel an urge to “spring clean” our bodies with a detox or cleanse. Yet health experts say such programs should help jumpstart new healthy habits and not necessarily be seen as a short-term fix. “The air we breathe, the water we drink, the cosmetics we use, the materials we build with and most notably, the food that we eat, are loaded with chemicals that are toxic to our metabolism,” says Alejandro Junger, a Los Angeles cardiologist, author and founder of CleanProgram.com. “The systems in the body designed to clear toxicity are overwhelmed, and this leads to the imbalances and damage that is at the root of most diseases today.” Detoxification functions are performed by many different organs and tissues, including intestinal flora, the immune system, the nervous system and the liver, so its imbalances can manifest in diverse ways, according to Junger. “Symptoms of detox imbalance include sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, rashes, lack of energy and libido, autoimmune disorders, inflammation and cancer.” While some health professionals say that detoxes are unnecessary because the body is capable of cleansing itself, others make a compelling case for the need to help it along, given our heightened exposure to manmade toxic elements. Information of varying repute swirls around the internet, offering approaches ranging from juice cleanses to total fasts.

Simple dietary strategies can help sweep out toxins, explains Robin Foroutan, an integrative dietitian and nutritionist in New York City. She points to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale, which promote cytochromes P450, a family of enzymes critical in helping toxins clear the body. She also recommends foods high in fiber that can bind to toxins and bile, and transport them out of the body through the stool. Berries, green tea and turmeric are also helpful for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; even water facilitates the excretion process, supports the lymphatic system and replenishes fluids lost through sweat. Using a water filter and eating organic foods when possible also reduces incoming toxins, she says. Healthy smoothies are a great way to get water, fiber and easily digestible nutrients into our body at the same time, according 14

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Everyday Toxin Cleaners

Fasting (occasionally for a prolonged period, such as three days without food) and intermittent fasting (abstaining from food for a shorter period, such as 16 hours per day on a regular basis) are great tools for deeper detoxification, says Junger. “Digestion takes energy and resources from the detox functions, so eating less, eating less often and allowing time for digestion to stop so that detox can intensify is crucial.” For a comprehensive detox, experts recommend working with a health practitioner to assess toxic burdens and develop a personalized plan. Russell Jaffe, a physician in Ashburn, Virginia, crafts a detox program based on four self-assessments, including digestive transit time, urine pH, hydration levels and vitamin C levels. Jaffe claims our bodies are burdened by excess acid, rendering them less resilient to stress and resulting in fatigue, illness and infection risks. “When we enjoy a diet rich in greens, fruits, vegetables, minerals and antioxidants, our cells become more alkaline and more resistant to everyday stress,” he states. Experts emphasize that a short-term program must be part of a longer-lasting lifestyle and diet shift. “It is not enough to do periodic detoxes if you go back to old habits. I offer these programs as a jumpstart in hopes that participants feel so much better that they never want to go back to what they were doing and eating before,” says Junger. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Sweet Mango Smoothie Sweet fruit paired with spinach for an extra dose of fiber, vitamins and super-green-detoxifying antioxidants won’t change the taste of this beloved fruit smoothie. 1 cup fresh or frozen mango 1 to 3 cups spinach ¼ cup packed mint ½ cup coconut water ½ cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp chia seeds 1 serving dairy-free protein powder Handful of ice

photo by kaitlyn noble

Deep Detox

Detox Delights

Skin and chop mango. Wash spinach. Remove mint leaves from their stems and rinse them with water. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth (30-60 seconds). Pour and serve immediately. Sprinkle chia seeds on top if desired. Recipe by Kaitlyn Noble of the Clean Program.

Vegetable Yum Soup Soups help provide the body with nutrient- and fiber-rich vegetables in an easy-to-digest format, while soup broths help supply water for detoxification and a sense of satiety. Yield: 4 to 6 Servings 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 stalk lemongrass, minced ½ tsp crushed red pepper ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped 5 to 6 cups vegetable stock 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 3 Tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté garlic, ginger, lemongrass and crushed red pepper. Stir in the mushrooms, sweet potatoes and bell pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the stock, bring to boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the coconut milk and soy sauce, and stir. Serve sprinkled with cilantro or parsley (optional).

photo by kaitlyn noble

to Junger. “When using a good, clean, protein powder in addition to fruits and leafy greens, healthy fats such as nuts, and coconut or cashew milk, a smoothie can provide us the nutrients needed to support our energy for hours,” he says. Adding herbs like mint or holy basil (tulsi) and spices like turmeric and cinnamon elevate both flavor and healing. Liquids such as celery juice provide highly concentrated nutrients and hydration, but lack the fiber of a blended drink. Both juices and smoothies give overtaxed digestive systems a needed break.

Source: Russell Jaffe, The Joy in Living: The Alkaline Way. April 2021

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The Benefits of

CLEANSING by Dr. Kristy Harvell

lthough Americans currently spend 20 percent of our income on “health” care, somehow, we’ve managed to be one of the sickliest nations in the world. More than 80 percent of the U.S. population is overweight, and many suffer from heart disease, cancer and stroke. The World Health Organization attests that 75 percent of all American deaths are diet-related. All major health conditions are heavily influenced by our toxic environment, in addition to poor diet and lifestyle choices. The good news? Many ailments can be prevented and even reversed with easy-toimplement diets and lifestyle habits—beginning with a cleanse. Whether it’s exposure to chemicals on the job, undue stress or repeatedly eating nutritionally void foods, our bodies are constantly being exposed to more toxins than they can eliminate. Most people living in contemporary society could benefit from a cleanse, especially those suffering from any health symptoms that reduce the quality of their life. A whole foods cleanse, such as the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program, is beneficial for replenishing and revitalizing the body. Whole food cleanses are safe and effective at supporting the organs of detoxification. In addition to lifestyle choices, a good cleanse features a nutritious diet that focuses on a balanced protein, carbohydrate and fat intake.

What to Expect from a Cleanse: n Improved weight management n Increased energy and vitality n Better digestion n Less bloating n Clearer skin n Shinier hair n Better sleep n Clearer thinking n Decreased joint pain n Improved allergy symptoms

Most importantly, cleansers will welcome a new relationship with food that can easily be incorporated into everyday living. Dr. Kristy Harvell is the founder of Health by Design, located at 2002 Southside Service Rd. in Jacksonville. To sign up for the cleanse or to learn more about how she guides clients through the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program, call 904-363-3374 or visit HealthByDesignFL.com/21day-purification-cleanse.

inspired reading

Review of Leslie Kean’s Book

Surviving Death by Marilyn Jenquin

The Path of Spiritual Freedom

Go beyond the ordinary — Find the truth that lies within you and discover how you are creating your own reality every moment.

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health briefs

Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer Researchers followed more than 36,000 Japanese men older than 40 for an average of 13.2 years. They found that those that consumed culinary mushrooms three times a week had a 17 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight to Lower Cataract Risk A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition used adherence to dietary guidelines and total diet scores to assess the effects of diet on cataract risk. The researchers followed 2,173 older Australians for five and 10 years in two phases. They found that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a healthy diet, reduced the risk of developing cataracts.

Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria

A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

Researchers followed more than 36,000 Japanese men older than 40 for an average of 13.2 years. They found that those that consumed culinary mushrooms three times a week had a 17 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits. SK Design/Shutterstock.com

Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria

New research offers potential paths for treatment for the nearly 20 percent of patients with high blood pressure that don’t respond well to medications. University of Florida College of Medicine researchers, testing 105 volunteers, found that the populations of gut bacteria differed between hypertensive individuals with depression and those without depression. A second study by Italian researchers found that patients with heart attacks had different bacteria in their guts than patients with stable angina.

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health briefs

Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades

Sixth-graders that received mindfulness training each day for eight weeks experienced lower stress levels, less depression and improved academic performance compared to their peers in a control group that studied computer coding, report Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. In addition to that 100-student study, researchers surveyed 2,000 students in grades five through eight and found those that showed more mindfulness tended to have better grades and test scores. They also had fewer absences and suspensions.

December 2019

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Persephone Healing Arts Center is located at 485 6th Ave. N., in Jacksonville Beach. To learn more, call 904-246-3583, visit DrPautz.com or join them for one of their monthly open houses. Join them on Facebook. See ad on the back cover.

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Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer

Another unique remedy at Dr. Pautz’s disposal is therapeutic eurythmy, an expressive form of movement therapy. Based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, eurythmy uses movements to express sounds and music. One of the few medical doctors to be certified in eurythmy, Dr. Pautz uses this approach to supplement the treatment of a variety of physical, medical and emotional ailments. Somewhat like its Asian counterparts, tai chi and yoga, eurythmy helps a person connect to and experience the nontangible realities of spirit and energy that are essential for all souls. Dr. Pautz’s varied background and extensive training provide her with myriad treatment choices to draw from in her practice. Whether addressing cancer, diabetes, asthma, common cold, multiples sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS or any other illness, her treatments are personalized, insightful and far-reaching. By balancing Western and integrative medicine and avoiding chemical drugs whenever possible, Dr. Pautz provides each patient with the opportunity for a road map to longlasting, deep-seated health changes through nutritional and lifestyle advice, naturopathy, homeopathy, counseling, anthroposophic medicine, and art and movement therapy.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

be in balance for ultimate well-being leads to personalized treatments that examine and help each individual to achieve their level of optimum health. This insightful approach often offers relief to patients who have exhausted their traditional western medical options and are seeking help in alternate methods. Patients may also undergo extensive counseling to facilitate profound lifestyle changes and new ways of looking at things. They receive individualized nutritional guidelines in the hopes of facilitating improved health and releasing what needs to be transitioned. The philosophy “you are what you eat” has never been as true as in today’s quick meal society, and few know the effects of dietary choices better than Dr. Pautz. Providing your body with the fuel and tools necessary for its well-being is the first building block toward total health and healing. Combining her knowledge of medicine and nutrition, she targets habits that contribute to particular disorders and advises her patients in their diets to strengthen their immune systems and help their bodies stay strong. In treating her patients, Dr. Pautz has noticed that their nutritional habits have stemmed from a lack of knowledge about how to prepare healthful dishes. After encountering this need for education, she developed classes in the past that were focused on nutritional cooking, emphasizing the use of whole grains, tons of herbs, fresh fruits and vegetables. With a healthy diet as a base to grow from, therapies then perform better as the body becomes more receptive, receiving the aid the therapies provide. Dr. Pautz can easily suggest recipes in-session with wholesome foods that might be a first step in implementation.

Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight to Lower Cataract Risk

A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD Combining Traditional, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine for Well-Being and Balance n the east coast of Florida, just a few blocks from the ocean, sits one of the South’s few anthroposophically oriented medical practices. The Persephone Healing Arts Center, in Jacksonville Beach, has a wonderful, natural atmosphere enhanced by the spirit and focus of A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD. Brought up in a Waldorf school environment, Dr. Pautz is double board certified in both integrative and internal medicine and combines the best of both worlds in her treatment of patients. Her goal is to help her patients achieve their highest level of well-being and balance, using natural approaches whenever possible. This philosophy is evident from the first view of the center: a cozy waiting room looks out onto a lovely garden area where patients can relax in the sun or rest in a spot of shade beneath the trees. Care here is particularly unique—first visits can be two or more hours of one-on-one time with the physician. Dr. Pautz takes time to learn all she can about a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and then fuses her knowledge of traditional, integrative and anthroposophic medicine (a philosophy that embraces physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the human being) to provide individual recommendations designed to work on the root of the problem. Her treatments are focused on lifestyle changes, counseling and nutrition, and this focus helps her patients not only deal with their health issues, but also maintain their higher level of wellness once the immediate problem is dealt with. Dr. Pautz’s technique has particularly helped those with chronic disorders and diseases such as depression, autism, cancer and any other internal medical disease. Her conviction that all facets of the person must

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition used adherence to dietary guidelines and total diet scores to assess the effects of diet on cataract risk. The researchers followed 2,173 older Australians for five and 10 years in two phases. They found that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a healthy diet, reduced the risk of developing cataracts.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades

community spotlight

Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria

Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center tested stool samples of 858 men and 877 women in Los Angeles and Hawaii with a mean age of 69—regarded as an ethnically diverse study population with varied food intakes. The study found that those with higher quality diets also had significantly better gut bacteria diversity, a factor linked to reduced risk for a variety of diseases. Diet quality and a reduced risk of developing chronic disease is strongly associated with fecal microbial diversity.

Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria

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A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

Combining Traditional, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine for Well-Being and Balance

community spotlight

n the east coast of Florida, just a few blocks from the ocean, sits one of the South’s few anthroposophically oriented medical practices. The Persephone Healing Arts Center, in Jacksonville Beach, has a wonderful, natural atmosphere enhanced by the spirit and focus of A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD. Brought up in a Waldorf school environment, Dr. Pautz is double board certified in both integrative and internal medicine and combines the best of both worlds in her treatment of patients. Her goal is to help her patients achieve their highest level of well-being and balance, using natural approaches whenever possible. This philosophy is evident from the first view of the center: a cozy waiting room looks out onto a lovely garden area where patients can relax in the sun or rest in a spot of shade beneath the trees. Care here is particularly unique—first visits can be two or more hours of one-on-one time with the physician. Dr. Pautz takes time to learn all she can about a patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being and then fuses her knowledge of traditional, integrative and anthroposophic medicine (a philosophy that embraces physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the human being) to provide individual recommendations designed to work on the root of the problem. Her treatments are focused on lifestyle changes, counseling and nutrition, and this focus helps her patients not only deal with their health issues, but also maintain their higher level of wellness once the immediate problem is dealt with. Dr. Pautz’s technique has particularly helped those with chronic disorders and diseases such as depression, autism, cancer and any other internal medical disease. Her conviction that all facets of the person must A. Schaeffer-Pautz, MD

December 2019 9

Marilyn Jenquin has been involved in spiritualism since 1980. She is a professional medium; spiritualist teacher; and founder and director of the International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit religious educational foundation established in 1999. She teaches British-style evidential mediumship, and is also available for private readings. For more information, visit her website, ifsk.org, or email her at Dependablepcf@ EarthLink.net. See ad, this page.

ECKANKAR

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Being a professional medium for nearly 40 years, I know those that have passed are absolutely able to communicate with their loved ones left behind after their death. I’ve brought in details that no one would have the ability to know except the “spirit loved one” and the physical person—something that happened between only the two of them. Many times those receiving a reading left with happy tears because they knew they had been speaking to their loved ones. Netflix has a series based on this book. Many of the people in the book are also in the Netflix series. This book, and the Netflix series, would be a good place to start to understand the change called death or to reinforce your already-held beliefs.

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eslie Kean is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. She approaches Surviving Death as an investigative journalist would: based on facts and scientific studies. She covers past lives, out-ofbody/near-death experiences, communication with the spirit world, apparitions and those that have died yet explain traveling to other dimensions. She researches to find those that would be considered experts in these fields as well as those that have actually experienced each of the topics she covers. I first learned about her when I heard her in an hour-long interview on National Public Radio. Personally, this book made sense to me, as my father, when he was 46, had a severe heart attack and was at one point clinically dead. His description of what he saw and felt was just as explained by the people interviewed for this book. He lived to be 95, and for the rest of his life he never feared death. My father talked about that experience many times. He was dead, yet knew everything that they did to his body to revive him. While he was clinically dead, he was told it wasn’t his time to pass and he needed to return to his body. He felt no pain while out of his body and experienced immediate pain upon again being “alive”.

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healing ways

Breathe Easy Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

by Ronica O’Hara

s the one in five Americans suffering from allergic rhinitis can miserably testify, the fragrant breezes of spring aren’t much fun when they bring on sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose. The fifth-most common chronic disease in the country, allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—is aggravated in spring by rising pollen levels, but can occur year-round from exposure to mold, household dust mites, pet dander and vehicular air pollution.

Common remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants bring their own share of afflictions, including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness. “By undertaking natural therapy for allergies, however, one can avoid and mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of allergies with no need for medication,” says Carrie Lam, M.D., an integrative and functional medicine doctor in Tustin, California. “Instead of loading up on drugs, you can take care of yourself in a more natural way and avoid nasty side effects.” Here are some non-pharmaceutical approaches. Probiotics: In a 173-person, double-blind study, a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2 lowered hay fever symptoms and improved participants’ quality of life during allergy season, report University of Florida researchers in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Read labels to locate these strains in yogurts, kefirs and supplements.)

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Sublingual Immunotherapy: To desensitize the body, small amounts of specific allergens in the form of tablets or liquid drops are placed under the tongue, making it a gentler and safer process than allergy shots. Numerous studies have shown it to be safe and efficient in the treatment of respiratory tract allergies, reports JoAnn Yanez, ND, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). After getting a diagnosis and a first dose from a health practitioner, the tablets or drops can be taken at home.

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Quercetin: Found naturally in apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, red wine and black tea, this antioxidant inhibits the release of histamine and hampers the IgE antibodies formed during allergic reactions. As a 400-milligram (mg) supplement, it takes about a month to kick in. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): When freeze-dried as an extract or used as a tea, this prickly roadside weed is a nontoxic

natural antihistamine. In one study, 58 percent of participants found that 300 mg per day relieved their symptoms.

75th ANNIVERSARY!

Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in such foods as tuna, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oil can help reduce symptoms, research suggests. In a Japanese study, eating fish lowered respiratory symptoms for women, while fast food and sugary drinks worsened respiratory stress. Nasal Rinse: Using a neti pot with saline solution to rinse allergens out of nasal passages provides quick relief for stuffy, runny, irritated noses. In one study, people using them reported a 64 percent improvement in chronic sinus symptoms and a better quality of life. An ancient Ayurveda technique popularized by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, the pots cost about $20 in pharmacies. Nasal sprays, although easier to use initially, aren’t as effective, studies show. Unpasteurized Honey: “Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby flowers, which can make you less sensitive when you’re exposed to them outdoors,” says chiropractor and nutritionist Josh Axe, Nashville-based author of Ancient Remedies. A Malaysian study of 40 hay fever sufferers found that high doses of local honey, taken along with an antihistamine, reduced sneezing and nasal decongestion more effectively than the antihistamine alone. Acupuncture: Based on established research, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recommends acupuncture for hay fever patients that want to avoid pharmaceuticals. Homeopathy: To stimulate the body’s natural healing process, homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of herbs and other substances. Although it’s best to work with a homeopath, two helpful remedies commonly found in health food stores are Allium cepa 30C, for watery eyes, sneezing and a runny or irritated nose; and Kali bichromicum 30C, for persistent sinus congestion with thick nasal discharge. Anti-Allergen Cleaning: Simple steps recommended by AANMC to lower airborne allergens include using a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the vacuum cleaner; replacing AC filters frequently; changing out of clothes and showering when coming in from the outdoors to rinse off pollen; leaving shoes outside; changing the air filter in the car; and avoiding toxic inhalants with synthetic ingredients like perfumes, body sprays, scented candles, room sprays, air fresheners and dryer sheets. Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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healthy kids

Nature to the Rescue Kids Come Alive Outdoors

image courtesy of Meraiko

by Ronica O’Hara

s Angela Hanscom of Barrington, New Hampshire, watched her preschool daughters at play, she realized that a surprising number of their friends had problems with balance, coordination and muscle weakness, conditions she was attuned to as a pediatric occupational therapist. Teachers told her that compared to past years, young children were falling out of chairs and bumping into each other and walls more often—all evidence of poor proprioceptive skills, the “sixth sense” ability to feel and position the body in space. Hanscom also realized that almost none of the children played outdoors, which “fascinated and scared” her. Nationwide, even before the lockdowns and online schooling 20

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brought on by the pandemic, the average child spent seven hours per day looking at screens and only seven minutes per day playing freely outdoors. Recent studies show that today’s children have poorer hand grip strength, slower running speeds and lower cardiovascular fitness levels than previous generations. Meanwhile, a growing body of research finds that spending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier and more functional. Hanscom’s solution was to establish TimberNook, camps in which children from 18 months to 14 years of age are encouraged to explore natural settings in imaginative, largely unstructured, minimally supervised play. Now in its eighth year, 38 TimberNook-affiliated camps are located in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia. Hanscom’s book, Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, has garnered more than 300 fivestar reviews on Amazon.com. “Children thrive physically, mentally and emotionally when they are given frequent outdoor play experiences, especially with other children. When children do not get enough of these opportunities, it comes at a great cost to their development,” she says. Journalist Richard Louv, author of the seminal Last Child in the Woods, agrees. “The scientists who study the human senses no longer talk about five senses, they list conservatively nine or 10, and some believe that humans have as many as 30 senses,” he says. “Yet today, children and adults who work and learn in a dominating digital environment expend enormous energy blocking out many of the human senses—including ones we don’t even know we have—to focus narrowly on the screen in front of the eyes. That’s the very definition of being less alive. What parent wants his or her child to be less alive? Who among us wants to be less alive?” That dawning realization is motivating parents and teachers to find ways to get their children actively involved with nature in ways that open their senses while also moving their bodies. This often means

hitting the local trails and nature preserves, sometimes with binoculars, bug jars, bird and plant guides and a scavenger list in hand. “‘Hiking’ can be a bit of a drag to young children, but ‘exploring’ (while still hiking) helps open their minds to the beauty and wonder of the outdoors,” says Tanya Gray of Woodstock, Georgia, a homeschooling blogger at TwoPineAdventure.com. To improve kids’ hearing, Lilach Saperstein, an Israeli audiologist who hosts the podcast All About Audiology, asks children to close their eyes and describe only what they hear. “The wind, the rustle of leaves, a running water stream, crickets, birds, their own breathing, the swish of their sleeve or pant—this is a great way to introduce mindfulness, as well.” To awaken sight, sound and smell, Boston plein air artist Diana Stelin hands kids paper and art supplies out in nature. “Allowing

Family Time in the Woods Richard Louv, a prominent nature writer and a co-founder of The Children & Nature Network (C&NN), offers 500 ways for families and communities to connect to the natural world in his book Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life. Here are more wise words.

kids to sit with sounds around them and with smells of various seasons makes them truly feel part of our grand universe. It also allows their minds to quiet down and reset, making them pay more attention to detail, to their inner landscapes and to people around them.” To engage the sense of taste, Malorie Thompson, editor of TheVeganInsider.com, takes her children foraging for edible plants on treasure hunts on a trail or around their Northern California neighborhood. She says, “Bonus activity: use the foraged food to make a meal afterward!” Most of all, nature should be both physical and fun. “Point excitedly at the full moon, shout at it and say hello. Pick up leaves and chestnuts and rocks and create beautiful art together. Stop to smell the twigs and flowers and roll on the grass—who can make it faster down the hill? Make sandcastles and animals. Tie colorful ribbons on tree branches. Look for the shapes of animals in the clouds,” says Milana Perepyolkina, of Salt Lake City, who wrote about forest bathing in Gypsy Energy Secrets. “The only way to get your children to be excited about nature is for you to be excited about nature first,” she notes. Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

Be a hummingbird parent. One parent says, “In the range from helicopter to neglect—I probably fall a bit more toward helicopter. In fact, I call myself a hummingbird parent. I tend to stay physically distant to let them explore and problemsolve, but zoom in at moments when safety is an issue (which isn’t very often).” Notice that she isn’t hovering over her kids with nature flash cards. She stands back and makes space for independent nature play—albeit not as free as she experienced as a child; this play is important, nonetheless. Create or join a family nature club. Nature clubs for families are beginning to catch on across the country; some have membership lists of 400-plus families. The idea is that multiple families meet to go for a hike, garden together or even do stream reclamation. We hear from family nature club leaders that when families get together, the kids tend to play more creatively—with other kids or independently—than during single-family outings. C&NN’s Nature Clubs for Families offers a free downloadable guide on how to start your own. Get the safety information you need. Become familiar with good resources for safety tips in the outdoors, including those with information on how to guard against ticks. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cdc.gov. Audubon Portland.org offers tips on living with a variety of urban wildlife. April 2021

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Eco-Athletes

Working Out with the Planet in Mind by Marlaina Donato

rom human-powered gyms that generate electricity to Earth-friendly activewear, professional and recreational athletes alike are increasingly working out with the planet in mind. Taking a recycled yoga mat to class, nixing the plastic water bottle and going “plogging”—picking up litter while out for a run—are just a few examples of eco-fitness in motion. “We believe that movement and nature go hand-in-hand, yet the world of sports isn’t as green as it should be, with plastic bottles at events, junk food in canteens and monotonous movement in the gym,” says Saraï Pannekoek, co-founder of the Sustainable Athlete Foundation, which strives to create a sustainable sports environment through coaching, workshops and campaigns.

sonally gratifying, it also makes you keenly aware of just how far the world is from taking action sufficient to keep climate change in check. We all need to do more,” says Bruce Rayner, founder and chief green officer at Athletes for a Fit Planet, in Portland, Maine, who was enlightened to the problems firsthand at a half-ironman distance race. “When I got to the finish line, I was given my obligatory plastic water bottle. I looked around for a recycling bin, and all I saw was an overflowing trash bin.” Founded in 2008, Rayner’s organization partners with pro-environment races like the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, recently named the most sustainable 10-miles-or-less race in the country.

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Fueling Up, Protecting Natural Resources

Working Out Green

Links between personal fitness and environmental toxicity are critical. Sixty percent of clothing is manufactured with fossil fuel-derived plastics, and activewear rates highest for eco-toxic fibers. Choosing workout clothes made from sustainable bamboo and cotton can soften the impact. With name brands like Adidas offering sustainable footwear, staying fit doesn’t need to increase the toll on the environment. Pannekoek, who hosts the Sustainable Athlete Podcast with co-founder Paul Venner in Amsterdam, emphasizes personal responsibility. “We believe that there isn’t a quick fix. It’s all about habits and conscious behavior, while still being able to peak perform.” Supplementing the usual gym routine with self-powered workouts and outdoor activities like gardening, sustainable charity races and hiking are sound choices that can help to buffer climate change. “Being eco-centric enriches life and enhances health, but while it’s per22

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A pillar of the eco-fitness movement is eating clean and going plant-based for the health of people and planet. “Diet is a big part of being eco-fit. The best action you can take is to support local farms, specifically organic farms,” emphasizes Rayner. To minimize global greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, eating more nutrition-packed produce, whole grains, legumes and nuts instead of animal products supports sustainability. For Adam Layzell, sports therapist, nutritionist and author of How to Train Your Vegan: The Comprehensive Guide to Plant-Based Fitness, going vegan is a win-win situation. “A vegan diet encourages fat loss, improves endurance and recovery and has plenty of all the necessary components such as protein to build strength and muscle.” Layzell underscores that the vegan diet preserves animals and their ecosystems, prevents deforestation and destruction of wild land and lowers the impact on climate change and global warming.

Athlete Engagement

For Lewis Blaustein, managing editor of GreenSportsBlog.com, climate change action and sports are an ideal marriage. He recently launched EcoAthletes.org to encourage sports figures to speak up about global warming. “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ EcoAthletes aims to show that athletes are the agents of that change and that they, by mobilizing millions if not billions of fans, can do so on climate.” Blaustein sees a surge of climate-concerned athletes leading radical changes. “There will be many different looks—from athletes endorsing green products à la solar power, electric vehicles, etc., to athletes speaking out for environmental/climate justice in a similar fashion to WNBA and NBA players on Black Lives Matter.” Pannekoek concurs, “All small steps taken still go a great distance. Elite athletes are role models. If they would support more conscious brands to influence the youth, we believe that they can make such a difference.” Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

WHAT WE CAN DO Bruce Rayner: n After pandemic restrictions lift, when signing up for a race, pick one that’s local and carpool with friends.

n Washing polyester clothing means microplastics are in the wastewater, which means they make their way into the environment. Consider getting a filter for your washing machine that catches microplastics. n Tell race directors that you appreciate their efforts to be more sustainable. Adam Layzell: n Reuse clothes to lower the carbon footprint and plastic production. Go to the charity shop, borrow, repair and buy second-hand.

n Choose reusable water bottles. n Exercise in nature, a great way to appreciate what we need to be protecting. n Litter pick when exercising in nature. Have a

small backpack and clean up as you run.

n Change your movements instead of doing simple repetition over and over again. n Replace sugary snacks with quick, energizing exercises throughout the day. (We call this “movement snacks”.)

mast3r/AdobeStock.com

Saraï Pannekoek: n Consume intentionally and more mindfully. Think and act long-term instead of going for quick fixes.

April 2021

wise words

Sheryl DeVore on

Appreciating Nature and Wildlife by Randy Kambic

s we spend more time outside for pandemic safety to exercise and reduce stress, Sheryl DeVore suggests maximizing these experiences by being more aware of the wonders we see and the need to preserve them. The award-winning author of five books on science, health and nature also writes for the Birds & Blooms national magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Natural Awakenings Chicago. With degrees in writing and education from Northwestern University and Northern Illinois University, respectively, plus extensive studies in biology and botany, she assists the Illinois Audubon Society, including writing for and editing a 2019 book on the state’s endangered species.

Is climate change impacting wildlife and nature?

Recent worldwide studies are showing how climate changes affect bird migration times, bloom times of plants and mammal behavior. All of this is interconnected and can harm the environment and the flora and the fauna that live within it. For example, we’re finding that the relationship between healthy oak woods and migratory birds like warblers is being affected by climate change. Warblers time their migrations to pass through regions when oaks are just starting to leaf out. Insects are attracted to the buds and the early leaves, and warblers 24

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

are attracted to the insects. Once the leaves emerge, chemicals in the oaks deter the insects and there isn’t any food for the warblers. Climate change can cause the oaks to leaf out early, so if warblers arrive on their normal schedule, they’ll find less food and therefore have less energy to make it to their nesting grounds. Plants and animals are trying to adapt in different ways, and this can be a huge issue if climate change continues.

Are there any new trends you’ve noticed in people growing vegetables at home?

Especially during the pandemic, people that have limited space are learning that they can grow their own food at home—growing vegetables and herbs in containers, both indoors and outdoors. Online classes can be helpful in teaching them to grow vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, spinach and peppers, which are great sources for antioxidants and vitamins. This trend coincides with the movement to eat healthier.

Have you seen any changes in how people observe nature during the pandemic?

When I go to forest preserves, parks and nature centers, even in my neighborhood, I have noticed more people, including families with their children, outdoors. Parents can inspire their children anywhere to learn

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to appreciate nature. Ask a child what kind of tree is in the yard. Maybe they can take a photo or draw a picture of it to create a memory and inspire them to want to learn more. Ask them, “What’s that bug on that plant?” or, “What is the bird that’s singing?” There’s so much for them to enjoy.

What can we do to try to protect and preserve the environment?

Sometimes people think they can’t make a difference as individuals. Small things can make a difference—have a ripple effect. People volunteer to return native habitats to their past, remove non-native species, plant new ones. Volunteers are planting and restoring prairies, woodlands. In your own backyard, you can plant native species or create a butterfly garden or capture rainwater in a rain barrel to water your plants, which will conserve resources. There are so many things you can do with the family.

Why should we care about endangered species?

Endangered species serve as canaries in a coal mine. When their numbers decline, that can be a signal that something is going wrong with the environment. When DDT was widely used in the U.S., the bald eagle and other species began to decline. The DDT thinned their egg shells so they weren’t able to raise their young. They showed us that DDT pollutes and harms the environment, and in turn, humans. By discovering that, by saving eagles, we helped save ourselves. By protecting endangered species, we truly are saving ourselves. We don’t know what unknown species are out there that might be useful in helping to treat diseases. Anyone who sees an endangered species knows how satisfying an experience this is, and to me, it also translates to a healthier mind and body. For more information, visit SherylDeVore.wordpress.com. Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.

Throughout the year, pink and red tropical sage are available to feed pollinators, and add color to the garden even during winter. Planting a garden with a particular animal visitor in mind is incredibly rewarding when that species makes its first appearance. It is equally exciting to observe all of the other critters that benefit from landscapes designed with intention. Gardeners have an important role to play in creating and restoring habitat for wildlife, including magnificent hummingbirds. Find nurseries that carry these and other native plants at PlantRealFlorida.org.

photo by Katie Tripp

florida & fauna

Tropical sage is one of the tubular-shaped flowers that provides nectar to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

A Native Garden for Hummingbirds

by Katie Tripp

ne of my clients recently requested a garden designed to attract hummingbirds. The ruby-throated hummingbird nests in our region and is observed most frequently. Tubular flowers in warm colors are key to attracting these tiny fliers. Plants that feed hummingbirds have an added benefit of attracting bees and butterflies, too. Two of our native milkweeds, butterfly and pink swamp milkweed, will provide nectar to hummingbirds and serve as a host plant for monarch, queen and soldier butterflies. Beachside residents should include salt-tolerant Cherokee bean and necklace pod in their landscapes, and these interestingly shaped shrubs can be planted inland as well. If you are looking for an understory tree to add to the landscape, consider red buckeye, whose spring blooming-red flowers are very popular with hummingbirds. Two of our native vines are attractive to hummingbirds: coral honeysuckle and crossvine. Vines can be grown on a trellis, fence or tree snag. Landscapes with a pond, bog or water garden should include cardinal flower, scarlet hibiscus, and swamp rose mallow for hummingbirds. I created a small bog garden in my backyard, just outside my office window, so I could have cardinal flower in my landscape. Every day for months while the bright-red cardinal flowers were present, hummingbirds would visit the flowers to feed. The second-most popular hummingbird attractor in my yard is firebush. I also love the many zebra longwing butterflies and gulf fritillary butterflies that nectar on firebush flowers. The flowers of two of our native azaleas, the Florida flame and Florida pinxter, attract hummingbirds, too. In early spring when the azaleas are in bloom, lyreleaf sage appears in my yard, and its pale-purple flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Katie Tripp, Ph.D., is the owner of Natural Beauty Native Florida Landscapes, LLC. She created her business to educate Floridians about the importance of utilizing native plants and to help residents create wildlife habitat. Tripp is the current President of the Pawpaw chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and a member of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries. Connect with her at 727-504-4740 or NaturalBeautyFlorida@ gmail.com. See ad, this page.

Native Flowers for Hummingbirds Common Name

Scientific Name

Butterfly Milkweed Cardinal Flower Cherokee Bean Coral Honeysuckle Crossvine Firebush/Compact Firebush (not north of Volusia County) Florida Flame Azalea Florida Pinxter Azalea Lyreleaf Sage Necklace Pod Red Buckeye Scarlet Hibiscus Swamp Milkweed Swamp Rose Mallow Tropical Sage – red and pink

Asclepias tuberosa Lobelia cardinalis Erythrina herbacea Lonicera sempervirens Bignonia capreolata Hamelia patens Rhododendron austrinum Rhododendron canescens Salvia lyrata Sophora tomentosa Aesculus pavia Hibiscus coccineus Asclepias incarnata Hibiscus grandiflorus Salvia coccinea

Natural Beauty

Native Florida Landscapes, LLC  Design  Installation  Maintenance

Katie Tripp, Ph.D. 727-504-4740 NaturalBeautyFlorida@gmail.com

April 2021

natural pet

Feathered Friends The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets by Julie Peterson

Complex Commitment

Birds follow only dogs and cats as the country’s favorite companion animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lovebirds, budgies and canaries have an average lifespan of eight or more years, but can live to be 20. Typically, larger birds live longer. Because it’s common for birds to outlive their owners, the Avian Welfare Coalition, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, helps ensure these pets are included in wills and estate planning. Birds need to chew, and if they play outside their cages, must be kept away from hazardous items. Besides droppings, birds also create dander and dust. “Cleaning her cage and the room is a two-hour project every week,” says Luther. There’s also the potty mouth. Kata May learned some unsavory phrases from her previous owner. She sometimes screams, “Shut the hell up!” or, “Turn that #@%&ing thing up!” to get the TV at the desired volume. Babette de Jongh, an animal communicator and romance author in Bay Minette, Alabama, once knew a bird that routinely screamed, “Fire!” resulting in 911 calls. “Birds can be loud,” says de Jongh. “They generally try to be louder than the ambient noise in the room.” Luther agrees, saying, “You can hear my bird yell from a city block away.” 26

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

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Happy and Healthy

Talking birds are delightful. Some mimic human language, others understand word meanings and use them appropriately. “Birds are as intelligent as a young child and as emotionally temperamental as a toddler,” says Mary Miller, who has raised budgies and the small- to medium-sized parrots known as conures at her home in Buffalo and has worked with other birds in rescue facilities. Luther agrees that birds don’t just mimic what they hear. “They understand like a 2- to 3-year-old child. When we are cooking dinner, she will ask, ‘For me?’ or, ‘Can I have some?’” Kata May also articulates her fondness for the pizza delivery person with, “I love you!” Then, “Mmmmmm, thank you,” in anticipation of a treat. Even without words, birds are excellent companions. “If raised correctly and interacted with on a regular basis, birds can be very affectionate. They are highly intelligent and social animals, so they form deep and lasting bonds with humans,” says de Jongh. Nutrition is key to a raising a bird. Leslie Moran, a Reno-based holistic animal nutrition and care consultant, is working to end avian malnutrition through the Healthy Bird Project, which conducts nutritional research on exotic species. Traditional grain and seed mixes lack essential nutrients and contribute to unbalanced protein intake for caged and companion birds. Moran’s goal is to move

passakorn/AdobeStock.com

ata May is a 30-inch-tall, blue-and-gold macaw. “It’s nice to come home and have a conversation with a snuggly bird,” says Joshua Luther, who took over care of the avian when he was 13 years old and she was 11. Now 17 years later, Kata May holds a commanding presence in Luther’s home in Columbus, Wisconsin. “She’s set up where our dining room should be, so my wife and I can sit and talk or play with her.” Luther notes that the cherished pet has a bit of a temper and can bend the bars on her $1,000 cage if she’s bored or angry. Considering the bird has a bite force of 1,800 pounds per square inch, it’s sensible to keep her happy, which could be for another 50 years.

HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

the food industry toward the inclusion of more wholesome choices. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at the grocery store, but parrots need specific, high-quality, tropical bird food, which can be hard to find,” says Luther. Keeping a tropical animal healthy also requires bathing, temperature control, clean air and water, exercise and mental stimulation. Costs vary. Owning a small parakeet could include the purchase or adoption price ($12 to $65); cage ($30 and up); food; toys; and checkups (typically less than $200 a year). A large macaw might cost $500 to $5,000. Supplies, food and vet care could top $2,000 the first year.

Don’t Shop, Adopt

image courtesy of Rosemary Wellner

Julie Peterson is a health and wellness writer. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Cappy, a 23-yearold white-eyed conure, resides in Mountainside, New Jersey, with his lifelong human companion, Rosemary Wellner.

Feature: Integrative Hospital Care Plus: Holistic Pediatrics HEART-CENTERED LIVING

FEB

Feature: Heart Health Plus: Eco-Friendly Weddings FOOD & NUTRITION ISSUE

MAR

Feature: Regenerative Organic Farming Plus: Plant Medicine for Mental Health SUSTAINABLE LIVING ISSUE

APR

Feature: Climate Change Health Impacts Plus: Healthy Home WOMEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

MAY

Feature: Top Women’s Health Concerns Plus: Massage & Bodywork MEN’S WELLNESS ISSUE

JUN

Feature: Integrative Men’s Health Plus: Treating Depression Naturally THE FOOD CONNECTION

JUL JOIN US EACH MONTH IN 2021!

Birds are available from breeders and pet stores, but there are many needing adoption. Sanctuaries struggle to care for animals with such long lifespans and complex needs, including diet, space, intellectual stimulation and emotional bonding. Lacking proper care, birds may develop mental illness and pluck out feathers or bite, but happy birds can be snuggly, social and fun. Rosemary Wellner, of Mountainside, New Jersey, has owned parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds. Currently, she has two parrots, the oldest is 24. “Many people do not understand… but birds feel true attraction for their companions—and who doesn’t want to be loved?” she says.

JAN

Feature: Food as Medicine Plus: Better Sleep THE HAPPINESS ISSUE

AUG

Feature: Boost Happiness & Well-Being Plus: Back-to-School Wellness Tips INSPIRED LIVING ISSUE

SEPT

Feature: Creativity in Health & Healing Plus: Integrative Pain Management HEALTHY PLANET

OCT

Feature: Living a Simpler Lifestyle Plus: Breast Health MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

NOV

Feature: Conscious Dying Plus: Brain Health HOLIDAY ISSUE

DEC

Feature: Uplifting Humanity Plus: Boosting Immune System April 2021

calendar of events

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

To submit calendar listings, or for more information about submission requirements, please email Publisher@NAJax.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1

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386-736-3838

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – 6:30pm. By videoconference. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. Register: 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org for connection information by email or text.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 Understanding the Elementals – 1:30pm. Elementals are beings of consciousness associated with nature, and include earth, air, water and fire. Within each are living beings, fairies, little people, elves, gnomes, water nymphs, fae, unicorns, crystal creatures and more. Join this magical exploration of another world that is all around us. Rev. Judi Weaver is a spiritual trance channel. $30. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Rev.Judi. Weaver@gmail.com or 386-503-4930. Understanding and Maximizing Your Relationship With Your Spirit Guides – 3-5:30pm. Online class. $36. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge: 407-247-7823. ifsk.org. Talking Stick Circle – 5pm. Native American gathering shares ancient teachings as channeled from our elders. Traditional cleansing and synchronization of soul through sacred drumming. Bring instruments, family, friends and children. Andrew Jackson Davis Bldg, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Rev.Judi. Weaver@gmail.com or 386-503-4930.

SUNDAY, APRIL 4 Celebrate Resurrection Day – 10:30am. Join on Facebook to celebrate the risen Christ within. Or subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 Spiritual Enrichment Classes – 7pm. Visit the website for class information. All classes are conducted via Zoom. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11 Unity Church for Creative Living Sunday Service – 10:30am. Join on Facebook Live to travel the journey of spiritual unfoldment together. Or subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com. Channeled Guided Meditation – Jesus & Mother Mary – 1pm. Via Zoom. Rev. Judi Weaver is a trance channel and will lead this deeply spiritual meditation of traveling into higher vibrations to receive specific guidance and love messages from Mother Mary and Jesus. The month of April, Passover and Easter are profound energetic times of longing for a curiosity to know more. Join this sacred gathering where you can connect with these energies of unconditional acceptance and love vibrations. $20. Register: SpiritualServices.online/.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

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Find Your Animal Spirit – Shamanic Journey – 5pm. Join Grandmother Sun Spirit, designated Grandmother of Cassadaga, for this sacred spiritual event. She will lead the group through the ancient rhythmic drumming for this shamanic journey. In Native teachings Animals and Animal Spirit Guides are highly regarded messengers of knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth. Individuals will be spiritually guided within our Mother Earth and travel to meet their Animal Spirit Guides who can provide specific guidance messages. $30. Holistic House of Holly Hill, 1126 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill. Info: Rev. Judi.Weaver@gmail.com or 386-503-4930.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – Noon. By videoconference. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. Register: 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org for connection information by email or text. Spiritual Enrichment Classes – 7pm. Visit the website for class information. All classes are conducted via Zoom. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com. Compassionate Communication – 7pm. Join Ed Boardman via Zoom for a five-week course based on Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD’s book Nonviolent Communication. $100. Registration required. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Road, St. Johns, FL 32259, 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 Understanding and Maximizing Your Relationship With Your Spirit Guides – 10:30am-1pm. Online class. $36. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge: 407-247-7823. ifsk.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18 Unity Church for Creative Living Sunday Service – 10:30am. Join on Facebook Live to travel the journey of spiritual unfoldment together. Or subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 Spiritual Enrichment Classes – 7pm. Visit the website for class information. All classes are conducted via Zoom. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – 1pm. By videoconference. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. Register: 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org for connection information by email or text.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Unity Church for Creative Living Sunday Service – 10:30am. Join on Facebook Live to travel the journey of spiritual unfoldment together. Or subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com. Heart 4 Souls Spiritual Sunday Guidance – 2pm. A virtual monthly event. Guests receive an overall group message from the heart, followed by a live channeling session where Universal Light Beings provide guidance and answer questions for spiritual wisdom and support you with the expansion of your soul: God Source, Great Spirit, Arch Angels, Masters, Spirit Guides, Lemurian’s, etc. Free via Facebook Live virtual gathering on Heart4Souls. Info: 386-503-4930. Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com. SpiritualServices.online.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 Spiritual Enrichment Classes – 7pm. Visit the website for class information. All classes are conducted via Zoom. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St. Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – 6:30pm. By videoconference. All the info you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health. Free. Register: 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org for connection information by email or text.

plan ahead SATURDAY, MAY 1 Talking Stick Circle – 5pm. Join for a Native American gathering to share ancient teachings as channeled from our Elders. We will follow the tradition of cleansing and synchronize our souls through the sacred practice of drumming. Bring your instruments, family, friends; children are always welcome. Andrew Jackson Davis Bld, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. Info: Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com or 386-503-4930.

FRIDAY, MAY 7 Awakening to a New Understanding of You – 4pm. Via Zoom. Everyone can feel that changes are happening but understanding what that means for you is the real question. What am I feeling? What am I seeing? What am I hearing? How do I know that? Join to share what each of us have been receiving from the Universe! As a tribe we will support one another through this auspicious time. Receive Trance Channel guidance from Universal Light Beings for the group and plus a mini-reading for personal guidance. $20. Register: SpiritualServices.online/.

SATURDAY, MAY 8

Coming Next Month MAY

Top Women’s Health Concerns

Plus: Sustainable Fashion

Truth Beyond is Found Within – 9am. Join Spiritual Trance Channel, Rev. Weaver for this unique and highly evolved workshop of tapping into your conscious mind to learn basic tips and tools for independent Channeling. Channeling involves consciously shifting your mind and mental space in order to achieve an expanded state of consciousness. Through channeling you can receive personal guidance and messages for your highest purpose and spiritual growth. $40. Hosted at Holistic House of Holly Hill, 1126 Riverside Dr, Holly Hill. Info: Rev. Judi.Weaver@gmail.com or 386-503-4930.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 Gala Days in Cassadaga – 10am-4pm. Gala Days have returned to Cassadaga. Join for mini-readings and receive messages and guidance from the God Source, Masters, Angels, and Universal Light Beings for your highest intention. Mini-readings for $30. Tent at Tom Berkner Bld, Cassadaga. Info: 386-503-4930. Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com or SpiritualServices.online.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

386-736-3838 April 2021

community resource guide

MASSAGE

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

GROCERY

ACUPUNCTURE NATIVE SUN

A WAY OF LIFE ACUPUNCTURE

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

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 Acupuncture Physician specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. We offer the highest quality of care while customizing treatments that best suit your needs. See ad, page 11.

CBD

J a x B e a c h ’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 • 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, page 10.

HYDROPONIC UNIQUE GOODS

8622 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville 904-829-4847 • JaxHugs.com 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, page 13.

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, on-line patient portal, and more. We utilize the most advanced diagnostics testing available to aid both our diagnoses and treatment. See ad, page 13.

Jacksonville / St. Augustine

SEVENTH WONDER HOLISTIC SPA 4236 St John’s Ave, Jacksonville 904-381-8686 • Seventh-Wonder.com

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HOLISTIC WELLNESS SPA

A true sanctuary away from the stresses of the world since 2002. Offering: Ayurveda consultation and services, natural alternatives to facelift, massages, facials, eyebrow threading/tinting, reiki, pranic healing, ear coning, sauna, and a Himalayan salt room.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FIRST COAST INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Megan Weigel, DNP 14215 Spartina Ct, Jacksonville 904-543-3510 FirstCoastIntegrativeMedicine.com

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A holistic, heart-centered and evidence-based approach to care for people living with neurological conditions and symptoms. Dr Weigel has nearly 20 years experience in neurology and neurological care. See ad, page 21.

A WAY OF LIFE ACUPUNCTURE 4337 Pablo Oaks Ct, Bldg 200, Jacksonville • 904-373-8415 AWayOfLifeAcupuncture.com

Licensed professional massage therapists provide Swedish, deep tissue, therapeutic, hot stone and other therapies. Massage can play a huge part in your overall health. MM37388. See ad, page 11.

CARING PALMS MASSAGE AND REIKI Brian Dean, LMT MM40693, MA36835 476 Osceola Ave, Jacksonville Beach 904-246-2206 • CaringPalms.com

Professional massage and energy work. Many styles of massage, Reiki, meditation, mediumship, massage & Reiki classes. Continuing education for Florida LMTs. See ad, page 10.

MEDITATION TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION CENTERS

• Karen & Herb Bandy, Certified Teachers 904-375-9517 • Jacksonville@TM.org • Regine de Toledo & Richard Pinto, Certified Teachers 904-826-3838 • StAugustine@TM.org 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, page 23.

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 re-certify by phone. Medical marijuana treats more than 250 medical conditions such as: chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s, IBS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, lupus and more. Call for PTSD evaluation. See ad, page 31.

METAPHYSICAL STORE SPIRITUAL UPLIFTS

2186 Park Ave, Ste 102, Orange Park 904-292-4555 SpiritualUplifts.com Metaphysical services, including life coaching, spiritual readings, energy work, crystal healings, biomat, aura photography, chakra and astrology reports and more. World-renowned speakers and demonstrations to further your spiritual journey. See ad, page 23.

NUTRITION/KINESIOLOGY HEALTH BY DESIGN

Dr Kristy A Harvell 2002 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville 904-363-3374 • HealthByDesignFL.com Nutrition Response Testing™ gets to the underlying cause of your condition by testing for food sensitivities, heavy metals, and chemical toxins. A Clinical Nutrition Program will be designed for your individual needs. See ad, page 32.

PSYCHIC CHANNEL REV JUDI WEAVER

Heart 4 Souls Inc, Ormond Beach Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com 386-503-4930 • Heart4Souls.com

energy distance.

Channeled spirit messages, crystal light healer, divine personal guidance, shamanic practitioner, spiritual counseling, guided meditations, home/property blessings, vision quest journeys. For individuals or groups—in person, virtual/on-line, phone or

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

YOGA YOGA DEN

Mandarin | Fleming Island | Southside | Avondale | World Golf Village | San Pablo | Bayard | Crossroads | Oakleaf Yoga-Den.com Founded in 2002, all Yoga Den teachers are graduates of YogaDen’s nationally accredited 200hour TT Program. Members may use their key tags at all locations with Passport Membership. Hundreds of weekly classes. Our philosophy is No Judgement, and all levels will feel welcome. See ad, page 8.

UNITY CHURCH FOR CREATIVE LIVING IN ST JOHNS 2777 Race Track Rd, St Johns 904-287-1505 • UnityInJax.com

Unity offers positive, practical teachings that support spiritual evolution and abundant living. They take an extremely positive approach to life, emphasizing our Oneness in God and the goodness in people and all life. Join to travel the journey of spiritual unfoldment together. See ad, page 5.

April 2021

Fresh Start! Ready for a Spring Detox?

21 DAY PURIFICATION CLEANSE Join the April Contest Submit a testimonial Enter to win a 60-minute coaching session with Scott AND Dr. Kristy’s new e-book Check out the website for details

Thursday April 29

6:45pm | In-person

Essential moves for pain relief. This interactive class, led by Dr. Adrienna, will teach you the main causes of back pain and takes you through supervised stretches that relieve lower back pain. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat.

Monday April 19 6:45pm | Zoom or In-person Ever wonder what those labels on your foods, cleaning products and body care really mean? Wish there was a simple way to know what to stay away from?

Family Wellness Center

April 2021 Jacksonville St. Augustine Natural Awakenings Magazine

Articles inside

resource guide

fit body

healthy kids

event briefs

conscious eating

inspiration

community spotlight

global briefs

inspired reading

green living

health briefs