December 2022 Jacksonville St. Augustine Natural Awakenings Magazine

Advertise your products or

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.

Hello, and welcome to our December edition. This special time of the year is one of my favorite months, for its focus on renewing our faith and celebrating family traditions. This month we welcome a new advertising partner, featured on page 4. Meet Dalia Philbeck, co-owner of D&D Health, Wellness & Travel. Dalia is a holistic health and wellness coach nurse practitioner, midwife, and wellness travel consultant. Be sure to tell her you found her in Natural Awakenings!

Unity Church for Creative Living invites the community to their ‘come home’ service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, at 7pm each night. On January 8 UCCL is holding their annual White Stone Ceremony at 10:30am. Rev. Yvonne McAndrew looks forward to seeing like-minded truth seekers at these services.

Our main feature this month discusses working together for meaningful change. Trans forming our world starts on page 10.

The sounds of the season may be healing vibrations. Good Vibrations through singing bowls, gongs, vocal toning, tuning forks, Solfeggio Frequencies and binaural beats are discussed in our healing ways feature on pages 14-15. For centuries, we have used sound to heal and cure. Rediscover these ancient practices!

Just in time for the holiday season, Alive Credit Union offers advice on combatting scams and identity theft. We know our readers have benefitted from the helpful financial wellness section sponsored by Alive Credit Union. See this month’s feature on pages 16-17.

Miraculous recoveries and spontaneous healing from incurable disease are explored in our wise words section on pages 18-19. Board Certified psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger has studied spontaneous healing for two decades. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Rediger explains what he’s learn about beating the odds, and offers advice for anyone wanting to take charge of their mind, body and life.

Have you tried planning pickleball yet? Read about it on our fit body section. This fun sport is quickly growing in popularity.

You’ll love the recipes in our Merry Brunching article beginning on page 24, with more recipes online at Najax.com. We tried the protein pancakes with berry swirl, and will definitely make them again on Christmas morning.

From our Natural Awakenings Family to yours, we send blessings for a bright and peaceful holiday season.

Young, Publisher

JACKSONVILLE / ST. AUGUSTINE EDITION

Publisher Rebecca Young

Publisher@NAJax.com

Writer Erin Floresca

Editor Sara Gurgen

Layout Design 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

Facebook.com/naturaljax

NATIONAL TEAM

CEO/Founder Sharon Bruckman

COO/Franchise Sales Joe Dunne Production Designer Gabrielle W-Perillo Financial Manager Yolanda Shebert Asst. Director of Ops Heather Gibbs Digital Content Director Rachael Oppy National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Administrative Assistant Kristy Mayer

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103

NaturalAwakenings.com

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

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

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

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

Rebecca

D&D—Putting the Power Back in Your Hands

Inaddition to providing wellness travel and tantric services, D&D Health, Well ness & Travel offers integra tive health coaching with co-owner Dalia Philbeck, who helps her clients find the healthy lifestyle that works best for them and puts the power back in their hands.

Philbeck is trained as a midwife and nurse practi tioner. This laid the founda tion for her to expand into health coaching. At the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she studied a variety of dietary theories and practical lifestyle coaching methods. With her knowledge, she is able to co-create completely person alized action plans based on her clients’ goals and guide them toward their ideal vision of health within their unique body, lifestyle, preferences and resources.

“I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness,” says Dalia. “This means that I look at how all areas of your life are connected. Does stress at your job or in your relationship(s) cause you to overeat? Does lack of sleep or low energy prevent you from exercising? As we work together, we will look at how all parts of your life affect your health as a whole.”

Typical approaches to healthy eating focus on calories, carbo hydrates, fats and proteins, explains Philbeck. Instead of creating restrictions and listing good and bad foods, she will coach you to explore simple adjustments and implement gradual lifestyle changes. “As these pieces come together, you will find these changes collectively create a much larger impact than originally anticipated.”

“We at D&D, believe each person is fully capable of mak ing well-informed decisions as their own expert—not the latest magazine article or fad diet book,” says Dalia. “As your coach, I will not dictate a diet for you, but together we will explore why some foods make you feel better than others and how to strategi cally use that feedback. Together, we’ll co-create your health goals within reasonable time frames and actionable objectives, so you know exactly what you’re working toward.”

D&D is proud to be a Military Trusted Business and is listed on MyBaseGuide.com

For more information or to make an appointment, visit DDWellnessJax.com/health-coaching. See ad, this page.

Dalia Philbeck

Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Festival

FloridaSolstice Festivals is launching its first Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Festival from December 16 to 18. This ticketed wellness festival will feature onsite camp ing, outdoor yoga, open-air gyms, live music, art, exhi bitions, performances and wellness workshops over three days and 39 acres at the St. Johns County Fair grounds, in Elkton.

“We’re really excited to bring this type of festival to the region,” says Shannon Vivar, founder of WellStylist Lab Inc. and main organizer of Florida Solstice Festivals. “With the help of our community partners, we are creating something special for the holidays. Our festival is the perfect place for friends and families to spend quality time together in nature through movement, mindfulness, entertainment and education.”

Vivar says that festival activities and highlights include a variety of yoga classes, acro workshops, qigong, sound healing, breath work classes, a tantra workshop, fitness classes, DJ sets, live bands, drum circles, acrobats, fire performers, ecstatic dance, outdoor art installations and demonstrations, an astrology workshop, nutri tion classes, tarot card readings, tomahawk throwing, herbalism classes, alternative healing, family health, an artisan marketplace and more.

Nike Master Trainer Jonah Kest will lead four classes through out the weekend, says Vivar. This featured instructor will be joined by a variety of healers and teachers from the local area to include Jax Natural Healing wellness center, Vive Yoga Studio and Blue Cypress Yoga. The music lineup will be presented by Jacksonville-based Mix Theory Studios and will include local fa vorites (Honey Hounds, Baba Caiman, Jimmy Beats Band and the Willow Sisters), musicians, DJs and the dynamic DJ duo project Future Joy.

“Onsite camping makes this celebration even more festive,” says Vivar. “Attendees can immerse themselves in nature and indulge in restorative camping. Our three-day Villager Experience ticket (age-restricted to 18 and over) gives campers access to special morning classes and after-hours DJ parties. Primitive campsite reservations start at $60 for the weekend with access to onsite bathrooms and showers. Premium RV and glamping options are limited. Campers have access to the fairgrounds from Friday, De cember 16, at 9 a.m., through Monday, December 19, at 11 a.m.”

Times/cost: Dec. 16, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., $25 per adult/$5 per teen; Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., $85 per adult/$25 per teen; Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $60 per adult/$25 per teen. Chil dren 12 and under are free. Three-day Villager Experience ticket (must be a registered camper), $240 per adult. All ticket prices will increase by $15 if purchased at the gates. Location: 5840 FL-207 E. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit FloridaSolstice Festivals.com.

Dragon Rises College of Oriental Medicine

Sleep

Leg Relaxer

Hi, I’m Steve Frank and I suffered from sleep apnea for years. My patent-pending formulation has helped thousands return to sleeping well and I use it every night.

My Mom asked leg cramps

Relaxer was the result of my research, and it works for Restless Legs as well!

Master Food and Preservation Volunteer Class Forming

TheUniversity of Florida/IFAS, Duval County Extension Service’s Family and Consumer Sciences volunteer program is recruiting volunteers to assist with delivering research-based information and educational programs in the areas of food preservation and nutri tion. Master Food and Preservation Volunteers (MFPV) will be trained in best food safety practices, food preservation and nutrition education. The MFPV training program will be held virtually and in person at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office, in Jacksonville, from January 25 through February 22—for a total of five consecutive weekly sessions. All training sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m. There will be a charge of $75 to cover supplies. Those interested in volunteering can complete the application online at Tinyurl.com/MFPVJan23. The deadline to accept applications is January 6.

Location: 1010 N. McDuff Ave. For more information, contact Natasha Parks, Family and Consumer Sciences agent III, at 904255-7450, ext. 7452, or nparks@ufl.edu.

Upcoming Events at Unity

Rev.

Yvonne McAndrew, of Unity Church for Creative Living in St. Johns, invites readers to “come home” on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to a spiritual community that is open, welcom ing and infused with love as they offer their Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Ser vice on December 24 and their New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service on December 31. Both services begin at 7 p.m. and are offered in person and streamed on Face book and YouTube.

Unity is a coming home for the soul. Join us this holiday season and feel the love,” says McAndrew.

Then on January 8 at 10:30 a.m., the church will be holding their annual White Stone Ceremony, which will be offered in person and streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

“During this unique service, we invite the divine presence within to gift us with a new spiritual name that will serve as inspiration for the coming year,” says McAndrew. “This service is a favorite of many, as it connects head and heart, thereby supporting the inten tions you desire to set for the new year. Start the new year off by meeting like-minded truth seekers. I look forward to seeing you!”

Location: 2777 Race Track Rd. For more information, call 904-287-1505 or visit UnityInJax.com. See ad, this page.

Serotonin Theory of Depression Debunked

The idea that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance specifically, a serotonin deficiency has been popular and influ ential since the 1960s, leading to the wide use of antidepressants. A recent multi-institution study led by the University of Read ing, in the UK, and pub lished in Molecular Psychiatry has debunked this theory. The researchers did a systematic review of studies on the topic and found no convincing evidence of an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations. The serotonin theory of depres sion has historically provided convincing justification for the use of antidepressants and may discourage people from discontinuing treatment, potentially leading to life long dependence on such drugs.

Ultra-Processed Food Linked with Cancer and Mortality Risks

Under-Appreciating the Benefits of Solitude

Getting lost in our thoughts may improve problem solving, increase creativity, enhance imagination and provide a better sense of self-worth. But in the digi tal age, with immediate and satisfying input at a finger’s tap, it is possible to be “solitude deprived,” says Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University and author of Digital Minimalism.

In a recent study in the Journal of Experimental Psycholo gy, psychologists asked a group of more than 250 univer sity students to sit and wait in a quiet room without doing anything. Researchers found that the students underappreciated their enjoyment and engagement of “just thinking” and instead favored technology-driven distrac tions like internet news-checking. The results suggest an inherent difficulty in accurately assessing how engaging just thinking can be, and may explain why people prefer keeping themselves busy rather than taking a moment for reflection and imagination in their daily lives.

These ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat commercial for mulations comprised of little or no whole foods currently contribute 57 percent of the total daily calories consumed by American adults—a rate which has been continuously rising over the last two decades.

Commonly containing high levels of added sugar, un healthy fats and refined starch, ultra-processed foods neg atively impact gut microbiota and contribute to increased risks of weight gain and obesity. Most of these convenience foods are low in nutrients and bioactive compounds; contain food additives, colors and emulsifiers; and can be poten tially carcinogenic when meats are processed with sodium nitrates and heat treatments or when the packaging leaches its harmful components (like bisphenol A) into the food.

A new study supports the public health importance of staying away from ultra-processed foods, finding a significant asso ciation with colorectal cancer in men The study, led by Tufts University and published in August in The BMJ, looked at the diets of 46,341 men and 159,907 women every four years for 24 to 28 years using food frequency questionnaires.

A second recent study in Italy involving 22,895 adults over the age of 35 compared the role of nutrient-poor foods with ultra-processed foods in the development of chronic disease and early death. Researchers found that both types of foods increased the risk of an early death, especially from cardiovascular diseases. When research ers compared the two types of food to see which contrib uted the most to the risk of an early death, ultra-processed foods were associated with poor health outcomes inde pendently of their low nutritional composition, but not the other way around.

freshidea/AdobeStock.com sergign/AdobeStock.com

Kids Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long recommended that children between the ages of 6 and 12 years obtain nine to 12 hours of sleep per night for optimal health, yet kids are regularly getting less than this rec ommended amount. In a recent study published in The Lancet, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine investigated how insuf ficient sleep affects children’s behav ioral problems, mental health, cogni tion, brain function and brain structure over a period of two years. They con cluded that children that get less than nine hours of sleep per night have notable differences in brain regions that influence memory, intelligence and well-being compared to those that get more than nine hours. As kids’ schedules get busier and they spend more time in front of screens, their average sleep time has decreased. According to the researchers, such insufficiencies in early adolescence can lead to long-lasting neurocogni tive consequences.

Transforming Our World

WORKING TOGETHER FOR MEANINGFUL CHANGE

by Linda Sechrist

With all the chaos occurring in the world today, it is challenging to remain centered and not feel over whelmed. Every shocking headline seems to pull the proverbial rug out from under us. Thought leader Laureen Golden explains the dilemma this way: “Psychologically, we were raised, educated and socialized in a world that no longer really exists. We have a new world that we must navigate, and we need a new psychology, a whole new way of being for that world. Reducing, compartmentalizing, separating things in order to understand them no longer works for us. It’s going to take work to get out of this paradigm.”

Drawing from her background in education and social work, Golden ponders, “How does that new psychology develop when all our institutions charged with cultivating consciousness— schools, families, religious institutions and organizations—are set in the 19th and 20th centuries? Since learning is how we go from one paradigm to another, where do we go to learn the skills and the structures we need to be successful in such a complex world? We can’t do it individually. We must learn in collectives.”

The paradigm shift envisioned by Golden offers an opportunity for us to access innovative methods of learning, discovery and connection, such as sociocracy (a self-governance system based

on the equality of its mem bers); systems thinking (an approach to complexity that looks at the whole and ana lyzes relationships, rather than splitting it into smaller pieces); permaculture (exploring natu ral ecosystems as a whole); circle methods (thinking things through as a group); and Indigenous wisdom (fo cusing on the interconnected ness of all things).

All of these methods focus on an ethos of collaboration and teach us how to discern wisdom, which is different than knowledge. By engaging in these conversations and explorations, we learn that if we tug on any one part of the web of life, we tug the whole web—an important analogy for our times.

A Beloved Community

Co-Creating

an Island of Sanity Through Collaboration

Instead of shouting, “The sky is falling, and the seas are rising,” in response to a world that is unraveling and expe riencing the growing realities of global warming, residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, are embracing resilience. To prove that the future is born in webs of human conversation, the city is counting on collective intelligence to emerge.

Among the tools city participants are employing is The World Café, developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaac, which allows people to host group conversations around thoughtful questions. The concept is designed to evoke deeper listening and give rise to solutions for today’s challenges in a more conscious, intentional and strategic way. Forty citizens have taken The World Café facilita tion course. Employing a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, this methodology enables participants to clarify the context, create hospitable space, explore questions that matter, encourage everyone’s contribution, connect diverse perspectives, listen together for patterns and insights, and share collective discoveries.

Other important work being applied is that of bestselling author and longtime community organizer Margaret Wheatley. Her training, which is designed to cultivate what she calls “Warriors of the Human Spirit,” arouses people’s inherent generosity, creativity, compassion and need for community. Known as a big-systems thinker throughout her 45-year career, Wheatley has concluded

that the only opportunity for change is at the local level. Ques tions that encourage collective learning became integral to creat ing cohesiveness in St. Petersburg this year.

Dr. Donella Meadows’ “systems thinking” has helped St. Peters burg participants understand that living systems begin as net works, shift to intentional communities of practice and evolve into powerful systems capable of influence. Also instructive has been “complexity theory”, which helped participants recognize human systems as organizations, families and communities.

“The city leaders felt conversations were important enough to invest $20,000 to cultivate a culture of conversational leadership in the neighborhoods. Another $25,000 was granted by the Com munity Foundation of Tampa Bay to research the outcomes. Now, the Florida Council of Churches, University of South Florida, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and The Connection Partners have received a Community Vibrancy grant of $14,500 to pilot conversations in three neighborhoods, spreading the skills in creating participatory democracy. Participants will host conversations in their own neighborhoods,” says St. Petersburg resident Sharon Joy Kleitsch, founder of The Connection Partners and a longtime catalyst for applying strategic actions based on the new sciences of complexity theory, strategic thinking and quantum science.

“Those who have used World Café as a tool know that a culture of conversational leadership offers citizens the opportunity to experience a sense of oneness and connectedness. We’ve explored what happens when we share feelings of care, compassion and appreciation toward a beloved community,” says Kleitsch. “We found that group resonance, profound personal involvement and deeply engrossing, interactive conversation sup ports a City of Compassion and an International City of Peace, which St. Petersburg was chosen to be. I want to be sure that people understand that we do not have answers. Together, we are exploring pathways and listening for the answers to emerge.”

Since 2020, a thoughtfully selected group of Florida activists—including partici pants from St. Petersburg— have been holding weekly online Zoom conversations that matter. In 2021, they were joined by participants from Ohio to study the Capra

theworldcafe.com theworldcafe.com

Course, which is based on The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision by bestselling author Fritjof Capra

“What we discovered after only two weeks was that we were ourselves a living system connecting to itself and be coming self-organized,” says Kleitsch. “We became aware that we were learning together. We were sharing what we were learning around subjects such as honoring Indigenous peoples, local food systems, the human right to clean water, reimaging capitalism and many more subjects. We’ve also bifurcated into a Sarasota [Florida] cohort. The key is, we were not random. We were a self-selected study group learning collaboratively, which is the best way I recommend activists study the Capra Course.”

Argerie Vasilakes, who is re searching outcomes, explains that her work is dedicated to helping teams, communities and organizations become more coherent. “I start with traditional ways of thinking about our relationships with nature that native peoples have never forgotten—humans are part of nature, not apart from nature,” she explains. “To me, human organizations, com munities, families and govern ments are also part of nature and examples of natural ecosystems. So, I naturally look at things from a living systems perspective.” Vasilakes advises, “In a group that is learning together, such as those in the St. Petersburg neighborhoods, group conversations organized around questions specifically crafted for the context and desired purpose of the World Café evoke a deeper kind of listening, the most important factor determining the success of a Café. They spark learning conversations that can produce insights and innovation for meeting the challenges they face. Through practicing shared listening and paying attention to themes, patterns and insights, partici pants begin to sense a connec tion to the larger whole.”

According to Wheatley, the important work is to foster critical connections. She believes it is not necessary to convince large numbers of people to change; instead, she suggests we connect with kin dred spirits. Through these re lationships and tools like The World Café, we can develop the new knowledge, practices and commitment that lead to broad-based change.

Wheatley sometimes opens her interviews with an ancient Hopi prophecy that reads as if it were applicable to our current times: “Here now is a river flowing very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid, who will try to hold on to the shore. They are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. The elders say, ‘Let go of the shore, push off and go into the middle of the river. Keep your heads above the water. Know the river has its destination.’ The elders say, ‘See who is in there with you and celebrate.’ At this time in history, we are to take nothing seriously; least of all, ourselves. Gather yourselves. Everything we do now must be done in a spirit of celebration, for we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Seeing who is in the river of chaos with us, we can choose to re spond with, “How can I serve with what I have, where I am?” This is what any Warrior of the Human Spirit would say because in the same river of chaos, there are also the seeds of transformation. In these turbulent times when all the old boundaries are unravelling and all the old certainties are dissolving, there is a possibility for creative transformation if we work together.

Linda Sechrist is Natural Awakenings’ senior staff writer.

n Lynn McTaggart’s books, in cluding: Living with Intention: The Science of Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World and The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous En ergies of a Small Group to Heal Others and the World

A Feast of Light

by Marlaina Donato

Despite the whirl wind of our to-do and places-to-go lists, the wheel of the year turns once more, al lowing us to close another chapter of our lives with grace. If we take a breath, we might notice December’s invitation to kick off our shoes, curl up in our favorite chair and drop down into our heart space.

Whether we light scented can dles for ambience, drink cocoa while sitting around a bonfire or continue time-honored spiritual customs, welcoming the light can ignite hope when we need it most. By cultivating the inner sun, that place deep within us that blazes with resilience and plenty, we not only fortify our selves, but everyone around us. Throughout the year, many of us invest in making healthy choices, but neglect soul sustenance. Swap ping trivial distractions for more face-to-face conversations, answering someone’s forgotten email or bringing a homemade pot of soup to a neighbor that is busy packing for a move creates a feast of light during all seasons.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,” wrote Gautama Buddha, and perhaps we would be astounded to see how far the smallest gesture can travel. Inviting a friend that has no family to a

holiday dinner or out for coffee, spending more quality time with a child or buying a gift card for the receptionist at the dental office begets a chain reaction of small joys. When we fill our bellies with everyday magic, slow down to finish a cup of tea, turn off the news and notice the crescent moon nestled in the twi light, we become more inclined to feel blessed.

A few worthy inspirations to pass along:

n Make it a spiritual offering to choose joy today

n Close the year by letting go of a grievance or an outdated belief

n Tell someone how they bring light into your life

n Share a favorite book that is inspiring

n Acquire a new source of light—a lantern or salt lamp—for your favorite room

n Leave an uplifting quote on a loved one’s voicemail

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

Good Vibrations

THE HEALING POWER OF SOUND

by Gayatri Bhaumik

Magic Bowls/Unsplash.com

For centuries, humans have employed sound in an attempt to heal and cure. The ancient Greeks believed in the power of music, using flutes, lyres and zith ers to treat illness and vibrations to allevi ate mental disorders. Even today, military battalions play music to boost morale.

“Research shows that vibrations are the lan guage of the body,” says Kyle Godfrey-Ryan, the founder of TUNE, a New York-based tech system designed to recalibrate the nervous system with sounds. “When we work with sound, we’re working with vibra tions that can rebalance the nervous system and flood the body with endorphins.”

According to Susy Markoe Schieffelin, a healing practitioner at The Copper Vessel, in Los Angeles, “Sound vibrations work on a cellular level to recalibrate the body. Sound shifts vibrations in the body, both through entrainment—a process by which the vibrations of one object transform to match the higher vibration of another ob ject—and by stimulating electric signals in the brain that support healing frequencies.”

Studies suggest that sound vibrations can unlock energy blockages, release tension and create calm and focus. For this reason, sound healing is frequently prescribed to manage conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some practitioners also report anecdotal meta bolic improvements, from lower blood pressure and decreased cholesterol levels to improved sleep.

TUNE has worked with the National Institutes of Health and the Mayo Clinic to gain scientific backing for the brand’ s devices. “Our technology reduces stress by 54 percent in 15 minutes,” Godfrey-Ryan claims. “It also has a massive impact on

the circadian rhythm, so we’re able to prove better sleep quality, improved metabolism and reduced stress and anxiety.”

Sound healing can take many forms, and each type has specific applications. For example, Schieffelin explains, “Gongs and Ti betan bowls are very clearing and grounding, while crystal singing bowls feel more uplifting and elevating.” It is up to the individual to find a style that works for them and their intended results.

Singing Bowls

Originating in 12th-century Tibet, these metal bowls come in dif ferent sizes, each producing a specific sound vibration that is said to work on a particular part of the brain or body. Several-sized bowls often are used together to create a holistic healing approach. They can be placed directly on parts of the body to stimulate circulation and relax muscles. Singing bowls made of pure crystal quartz are popular for their pure sounds, and are believed to offer stress reduction, chakra balancing and mental clarity.

Gongs

Used in healing since about 4,000 B.C., gong baths, which combine dif ferent tones and melodies to fashion multifaceted vibrations, may positively influence the mind and body by stimulating the vagus nerve. Godfrey-Ryan advises, “Gongs are amazing for trauma release, but gong work is very heavy, so if you’ve never played with sound before, this will be really intense.”

Vocal Toning

Numerous cultures— from ancient Egyptians to Tibetan throat sing ers—have their distinct forms of vocal toning. Hindu mantras can be especially powerful for some people because they harness the energy of specific words and intonations. Among practitioners, seven distinct tones have been linked to specific parts of the body. It is believed that these vibrations can balance the body’s cells and open energetic healing, leading to targeted benefits.

Tuning Forks

While musicians use these devices to ensure that their instruments are set to the correct pitch, they also can be held next to specific parts of the body by individuals seeking healing vibrations, emo tional balance and pain relief. “Tuning forks are fun because you can have a very strong somatic reaction within a few seconds— they’re very powerful,” notes Godfrey-Ryan.

Solfeggio Frequencies

Solfeggio frequencies are musi cal tunes or sound patterns designed to stimulate the brain by syncing brain waves to specific healing fre quencies. Each of the seven most popular solfeggio frequencies sets out to target a certain purpose, from improving relationships and awakening intuition to navigating change and letting go of fear.

Binaural Beats

Binaural beats are soundscapes that create a gap between different frequencies. For example, the tune might have a tone of 210 Hertz (Hz) in the left ear and 200 Hz in the right ear, producing an illu sory tone of 10 Hz, also known as a binaural beat. Brainwaves are thought to automatically align themselves with this auditory tone, which may be useful for improving focus and reducing stress.

Sound healing is finding a permanent place in modern wellness culture as more people experience its rewards. While there are myriad ways to use sound vibrations for healing purposes, it is up to each individual to find the style that resonates with them and achieves the improvements they seek. With regular practice, they may even find relief that is cumulative and long-lasting.

Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and editor. For more information, visit GayatriBhaumik.com.

How to Combat Scams and Identity Theft

Scams and identity theft are the top consumer complaints made to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC's annual look at its Consumer Sentinel Network data base of complaints found that the agency received more than 3 million complaints overall in 2018, with 15 percent related to identity theft.

For example, a simple letter received in the mail could look innocent enough. Its mes sage only asks that you return a phone call to your “mortgage company.” It has the name of your credit union right on the address, so most of us would return that call right away. Even as you call the number, it sounds like the information being asked by the automated system is information that anyone would request in order to pull up your account.

However, the information is instead being collected by the scammers with an ulterior motive. The best course of action is to call the credit union directly. Most financial institu tions, like Alive Credit Union, list their main contact number directly on their website. Call to verify that the institution was the one that sent the letter.

In 2018, there were 14.4 million victims of identity theft. According to Javelin Strategy, each case cost the victim an average of $1,050—and that’s only the cost in dollars. When an individual’s identity is stolen, the thief wreaks major havoc on the victim’s financial health, which can take months, or even years, to recover from.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent yourself from becoming the next victim. Here is your complete guide to identity theft protection:

n Monitor your credit. You can check your credit score for free on sites like Credit Karma.com and order an annual report once a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com. Alive Credit Union also offers free credit monitoring right inside online banking, in partnership with SavvyMoney. Check your score for any sudden hits and look through your reports for suspicious activity.

n Use multi-factor authentication. When banking online, or using any other service that utilizes sensitive information, always choose multi-factor authentication. If possible, use your thumbprint as one means of identification.

n Use strong, unique passwords. Never use identical passwords for multiple accounts. The strongest passwords use a variety of letters, symbols and numbers, and are never

mock-ups or replicas of popular phrases or words. If you find it difficult to remember multiple passwords, consider using a free password service, like LastPass.

n Only use Wi-Fi with a VPN. When using public Wi-Fi, always choose a Virtual Private Network (VPN) instead of your default Wi-Fi settings to keep the sensitive information on your device secure.

n Block robocalls. Lots of identity theft occurs via robocalls in which the scammer impersonates a government official or the representative of a well-known company. Lower the number of robocalls you receive by adding your number to the FTC’s No Call List at DoNotCall.gov.

n Upgrade your devices. Whenever possible, upgrade the operating system of your computer, tablet and phone to the latest versions. Upgraded systems will keep you safe from the most recent security breaches and offer you the best protection against viruses and hacks.

n Shred old documents. While most modern-day identity theft is implemented over the internet or through phone calls, lots of criminals still use old-fashioned means to get the information they need. It’s best to shred all documents containing sensitive information as soon as you don’t need them.

n Keep personal information personal. Be super-cautious about sharing sensitive data, like your Social Security number and banking PINs. It’s also a good idea to use the strongest, most private security settings on your social media accounts to keep hackers out.

n Invest in identity theft protection. If you’re still nervous about being the next victim of identity theft, you may want to sign up for an identity-theft protection service. Alive Credit Union has partnered with LegalShield, a nationwide leader in identity theft services, to provide affordable legal and identity protection plans for you and your family.

If you have been targeted by a scam or are a victim of identity theft, take these steps immediately:

n Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, ask for a free copy of your credit report, and review those reports for evi dence of accounts you didn't open. Fraud unit contacts are: Equifax.com, Experian.com and TransUnion.com.

n Close accounts—including share drafts/ checks or ATM cards—that have been tam pered with or used fraudulently. Contact all financial institutions and lenders, credit card

fraud. Follow up each conversa tion with a letter.

n File a report with law enforcement and insist on get ting a copy of the report or the report number.

n File a complaint with the FTC. Visit Consumer.ftc.gov/ features/feature-0014-identity-theft for more information.

For more than 68 years, Alive Credit Union (ACU) has been committed to serving their community in health care and in select organizations, including Southeastern Grocers and anyone who works in real estate. ACU has set their focus on providing the high est level of member service and to also inspire financial wellness through financial education. That is why they have five certified credit union financial counselors on staff to assist members through hurdles. As a valued mem ber, a person has access to a variety of resources, including credit report review, explanation and analysis; debt elimination counseling; budget assistance; and future financial goal planning.

Federally Insured by NCUA.

Jeffrey Rediger on the Science

of Miraculous Recoveries

by Sandra Yeyati

mind-boggling. Everything has a cause. We just aren’t asking the right questions.

From your studies, who beats the odds and why?

I broke down recoveries into four pillars of healing and well-being that were present in most cases: nutrition, healing the immune system, healing the stress response and healing identity and beliefs.

Can you describe key elements of the first pillar—nutrition?

People who got better when they weren’t supposed to seemed to have a common understanding of nutrition that centered around whole, plant-based foods and the elimination of processed foods and sugar.

Board-certified psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger is an assistant professor at Harvard Medi cal School and medical director of McLean Southeast Adult Psychiatry and Com munity Affairs at McLean Hospital, near Boston. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. For almost two decades, Rediger has studied spontaneous healing, pioneering the use of scientific tools like CT scans and lab tests, as well as personal interviews, to investigate surprising recoveries from incurable diseases. His findings are documented in his bestseller Cured: Strengthen Your Immune System and Heal Your Life, and have been discussed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a TEDx talk and numerous public engagements.

How do you define spontaneous healing?

Science calls these events spontaneous remissions, and doctors are taught they have no medi cal or scientific value. On the spiritual side, they’re called miracles. These terms haven’t been examined with the tools of science. The word spontaneous in this context means without cause. Most doctors see inexplicable healings. To assume that there’s no cause for remission is

In Western countries, we’re taught that most people suffer from over-nutrition and obesity, rather that malnutrition. I believe we have massive malnutrition because of processed foods. When sugar crystals coarse through the bloodstream at high levels—as we see in U.S. diets—it causes little cuts which immune cells repair over and over, creating scab upon scab until you end up with atherosclerosis.

What about the next pillar— healing the immune system?

We need to honor the science of both Louis Pasteur, who proved that germs exist and play a role in disease, and Claude Bernard, who explained that if we take care of the inner terrain (what we now call the micro biome) we won’t get sick. We’re continu ally surrounded by millions of pathogens,

bacteria, viruses—inside and outside of our bodies—that become invaders when something breaks down in our terrain. We overuse medicines, many of which suppress the immune system. So, we need to emphasize the magnificent 30-year research about the microbiome and take care of our bodies to avoid leaky gut and other conditions that act as entrance points for disease.

What about the pillar related to stress?

Most of the people I studied learned to eliminate certain stresses so they could maximize the quality of their remaining time. This led to healing. We have to widen our window of tolerance for stress so it doesn’t keep us in fight, flight, freeze or fawn, and to differentiate between “challenge stress” and “toxic stress”. Running a marathon can be a challenge stress that helps you reach your higher self, expand your understanding of what you can achieve and prompt a repair response for muscles. But if every day you’re told you don’t matter or are unappreciated at work, that toxic stress can wear down your understanding of your value.

The deep chasm we’ve created between mind and body doesn’t exist. Doctors are taught to find symptoms, make a diagnosis and start a medication. But whether a patient comes in for back pain, a heart attack or an autoimmune flare-up, it’s critical to ask them what has been stressful lately and try to get the story of the illness. Usually, that will prompt a cathartic recount of stresses that relate to what’s going on physically. Helping people understand the deeper story of their illness and find a path to healing around that can be life-saving.

Gabor Mate says, “If you don’t know how to say no, your body will eventually say no for you.” Our hospitals are full of people who spent their entire lives taking care of everyone else and being conflict-avoidant. The body keeps the score and tells the story. We can learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us about honor ing the dignity and value that we bring into the world; set up a life and boundaries that support that; and educate therapists and the public about what trauma is and how to recover from it.

Can you explain the fourth pillar—healing identity and beliefs?

This is the big one, which people said was the reason they were grateful for their illnesses. When people are diagnosed with an incurable illness, although they’re terrified, many (more than you would think) are also relieved. They’ll say, “If I only have six months to live, then I don’t have to take over the family business like dad’s pressuring me to do.” That preparation to die often be comes a doorway into a different life. When you decide to focus on what you need and want, that death of the false self allows the birth of a more authentic self that becomes its own journey to healing.

How does spirituality affect healing?

Spirituality has to do with how we feel about who we are, how we experience our value in the world and what kind of universe we live in. Is the universe friendly and caring or unfriendly and uncaring? If we experience ourselves and others as human beings

who have value and bring beauty into the world, that’s very dif ferent from feeling alone, defective or not good enough. How a person feels at a deep, conscious or unconscious level about themselves and the universe is a massive factor in terms of their vitality and health.

What can people learn from your research?

Take compassionate and firm charge of your minds, bodies and life. Doctors teach patients to be passive recipients of care, but the possibilities of healing come from within. It’s not about taking a medication as much as understanding our value, assertively tak ing steps to create a community of people who care about us and developing a path towards healing that’s rooted in an understand ing of our deeper story.

In Western culture, if someone has a medical problem they’re sent to a physician. If they have a psychological problem, they see a psychotherapist. If they have a spiritual problem, they’re sent to the priest, rabbi or imam. That’s helpful, but we also need to stand back and look at the big picture. The people I studied got better because they brought mind, body and spirit together and integrat ed it into an empowering meaning that made sense to them. The spiritual piece can’t be partitioned. It animates the whole.

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

Holiday Events

Christmas Party • Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12noon-5pm Catered lunch. Reservation Required. Make your own ornament! Adults $10 Children $5 Jewelry Show • Saturday-Monday, Dec. 17-19 Gemstones, vintage-inspired, sterling silver, symbols and more! Save 20% off all jewelry purchase over $20.

Healing Events

3 Day Retreat • Friday, Dec. 9 - Sunday, Dec. 11 Create a healthy pathway to connect with your higher self. Receive a Lemurian Crystal, supplies and food included. RSVP. 2.5 Hour Meditation • Sunday, Dec. 25 from 4:30-7pm

PICKLEBALL IS BOOMING

GET INTO A PICKLE FOR HOLIDAY FITNESS

by Jyl Steinback

Forget the gherkins and dills this holiday season; there’s another pickle in town. This one offers a great way to get in shape, increase happiness and bond with family and friends. It’s pickleball: a simple-to-learn sport that requires less run ning than tennis and can be played both indoors and outdoors. Players use oversized ping pong-style paddles to hit a wiffle ball over a low net on a badminton-sized court.

The Economist , and other media, say pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport. While seniors are particularly drawn to it, it is also catching on with all ages. “The fastpaced games make it easier for kids to stay engaged, as well as socialize with their peers,” says Sarah Ansboury, director of pickleball at Palmetto Dunes, in South Carolina. “Many families do pickleball events for holidays and reunions. Pickleball enables people of all ages to participate.”

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), there are 4.8 million pickleball players in America, with 51 percent between 6 and 34 years of age. At the end of 2021, there were 9,524 pickleball courts across the U.S.

In 2020, Mecklenburg County, in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area, opened the eightcourt John Stevens Pickleball Center, the eighth facility in the county where citizens can play the game. Since 2014, the number of public and private courts in the same region has soared from two to more than 100.

The SFIA says growth is happening across the country, with participation spiking 40 percent during the pandemic. In Florida, St. Lucie County unveiled four new courts at its Lakewood Regional Park in September. Even bars are getting into the act, such as Dale Z’s, in Milwaukee, which christened its pickleball court in the same month.

Being a super athlete is not a prereq uisite for playing the game, according to Mac McCullough, a pickleballer in Scotts dale, Arizona. “I used to play other sports, but running and tennis got harder on my knees,” he says. “Pickleball has a lower net and a smaller court, so you aren’t running as much. Still, it gives you a good workout and it’s easier on your joints.”

Ron Alvey/AdobeStock.com

A 2016 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Ex ercise c onfirms that pickleball provides a good workout. Accord ing to the researchers, average heart rate and peak heart rate were higher during pickleball than when walking. Participants burned 40 percent more calories in 30 minutes of the sport than in 30 minutes of walking. Additionally, the study concludes, “Pickleball is more enjoyable than walking at a self-selected speed.”

Dr. Dennis Pena, a podiatrist from Phoenix, says the game has improved his hand-eye coordination. “The more I play pickleball, the better my balance, coordination and movement get,” he says. “It’s a good cardio workout, and I just feel better overall when I play regularly.”

A study from Western State Colorado University indicates that pickleball fosters many health benefits over a wide range of ages. The study followed 15 people between 40 to 85 that played for an hour three times per week. All participants showed improvement in cardio fitness, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Research has confirmed that exercise boosts endorphins, which reduces stress and improves overall sense of well-being. A 2018 study from a group of researchers in the U.S. and South Korea showed that pickleball can help stave off depression, too. It reported that although depression rates are increasing in the U.S., people involved in “serious leisure” such as pickleball are less prone to depression.

It’s not just older people that can benefit from the recreational activity. Teen obesity rates have skyrocketed nationwide, much

of it due to a lack of exercise. Pickleball could help combat this. It is fun, easy to learn, boosts cardio fitness and can be played just about anywhere. Some colleges are now even offering pickle ball scholarships.

Holly Fitzgerald, a physical therapist from Woburn, Massachu setts, gives this advice on how to get ready to play the game: Squats with body mass can help develop and stretch quadri ceps and hamstrings, enabling the ability to compress leg muscles swiftly and consistently. This will help reduce gravitational pull to address the pickleball as it comes at us.

Large arm circles will stretch muscles and prepare them for the considerable movements that occur when striking a ball.

Exercises that develop the core, such as core twisting, are also beneficial.

Places2Play.org provides a search engine to help find a court any where in America. Pickleball is a great way to get family and friends together over the holidays and beyond. It is fun, helps nurture relationships and it is a lot healthier than grazing on holiday leftovers while scanning social media.

Jyl Steinback is the executive director of Shape Up US, creator of the Hip Hope Healthy Heart Program for Children, an author and a recipient of a Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. Reach her at Jyl@ShapeUpUS.org.

SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS

EASY TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY SEASON

by Kirby Baldwin

The holidays are upon us, and that means decking the halls, gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts and treats—and creating a lot of waste in the process. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Americans throw away 25 per cent more trash than at any other time of year. That’s 1 million extra tons each week, primarily due to waste from holiday gifts and décor. Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on consumption to lessen the en vironmental impact of the holiday season without sacrificing any joy.

Savor Local Fare

Ditch grocery store lines and instead shop for the holiday meal at a nearby family farm. By participating in the local food movement, we will not only enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients while supporting the local economy, but also sustain farms that build soil health, promote animal well-be ing and offer a more delicious and nutri tionally superior final product. Purchasing food directly from farmers also eliminates the extra packaging and the carbon foot print of transportation that comes with store-bought goods.

In addition to offering fruits and vegetables for holiday pies and soufflés, regional farms can also be good sourc es for locally sourced grains, holiday meats, baked goods and cheeses. Fes tive cocktails can be purchased from a neighborhood distillery, brewery or winery, many of which source their ingredients from local farmers.

Ronald Mirante, founder of Bone-In Food, runs a weekly food delivery service that provides only sustainable, nutrientdense foods sourced from local farm

partners. According to Mirante, “Shopping for food locally with your farmers for the holiday helps them move offerings they have raised all season long. This empowers the local food community and makes their operations sustainable by preventing food waste and allowing for economic preparation for next year’s harvest.”

For a state-by-state directory of local farmers of meat, eggs and dairy products from 100 percent pastured animals, visit EatWild. com. A directory of family farms and farmers markets, along with restaurants and grocery stores that feature locally produced food, can be found at LocalHarvest.org

Gift Greener

Instead of using unrecyclable gift wrapping paper, switch to a recycled alternative or wrap gifts in pieces of fabric, newsprint or kraft paper that can be repurposed or recycled. To eliminate shopping and wrapping altogether, give the gift of an experience, which allows loved ones to create lasting memories.

Cater experiential gifts to the needs and wants of the recipient. An exhausted new parent will appreciate a restaurant gift certifi cate or a coupon to pay for a babysitter. Give the budding golfer lessons with a local pro, the theater lover tickets to an upcom ing show and the selfless caregiver a spa treatment to help them feel pampered and refreshed. For the person that seems to have everything, make a donation in their name to a worthy cause that matters deeply to them.

According to publishing executive and mother Tacy Quinn, who runs the Instagram account @friluftslivingfamily, “As our kids get older, we love to find outdoor adventure ideas that are fun to do as a family and get us off our screens. One of our holiday gift-giving traditions each year is to purchase or renew a member ship to a local nature organization. Many organizations have great family programs that are included with yearly memberships, so this annual gift means we get a whole year of outdoor experiences to enjoy together. We’ve gone on full-moon hikes, tapped and harvested our own maple syrup, enjoyed solstice bonfire parties and more. Giving a membership gift helps everyone enjoy the out doors and sustain the natural places we love.”

When it’s not possible to gift an experience, shop locally for gifts made of natural materials, such as a beautiful, wooden, cutting board, a cozy pair of wool socks or a piece of pottery handmade by local artisans. Christmas stockings can create unnecessary waste for the sake of filling them to the brim. Try replacing plastic odds and ends with fruits, nuts or handmade treats like cookies or granola for more sustainable—and tastier—stocking stuffers.

Deck the Halls

For the most sustainable holiday tree, opt for a potted or locally cut, native choice. Live trees protect the soil, serve as wildlife habi tats and filter the air during the six to eight years they’re growing. They also create local jobs. After the holidays are over, the potted trees can be planted. Cut live trees should either be mulched or recycled, rather than thrown in a landfill.

Merry and Bright

Making just a few simple swaps in gifting, feasting and decorat ing will ease holiday consumption and lessen its environmental impacts without subtracting any of the joy.

Kirby Baldwin writes for KnoWEwell, the regenerative whole health hub and a collaborative partner of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Daisy Daisy/AdobeStock.com

Merry Brunching

PUT A HEALTHIER TWIST ON FAVORITE RECIPES

by Sheila Julson

When hosting a holiday brunch, it may be tempting to serve breakfast and lunch classics like quiche, eggs Benedict and huevos rancheros, but many of these dishes can be full of hidden calories, unhealthy fats and too much sodium. With a few easy modifications, healthier versions are possible.

According to Jessica Levinson, a New York registered dietitian and author of 52Week Meal Planner, it’s important to read nutrition labels, remove empty calories and introduce nutritious alternatives. As an example, yogurt and granola parfaits may seem innocent, but are often loaded with added sugar. “A serving size of most grano las is only one-quarter of a cup, which isn’t much, so use granola sparingly,” she says, adding that parfaits made with low-fat Greek yogurt and fresh fruit instead of jam are healthier choices.

Traditional quiches are usually made with heavy cream and a buttery pie crust. Levinson recommends a crustless vegetable frittata instead, as it is naturally glutenfree. “If you don’t want to skip the crust altogether, look for a pre-made, whole wheat crust or make your own,” she says. To eliminate dairy, consider using non-dairy milk and omitting cheese in the recipe.

For eggs Benedict, Levinson suggests skipping the hollandaise sauce, topping the poached eggs with mashed avocado and using a whole grain bread or English muffin for the base. “Instead of ham, try smoked salmon, which has beneficial omega-3 fatty acids,” she says.

Whole grain oats are a heart-healthy option, but oatmeal served brûlée-style is topped with additional sugar, notes Frances Largeman-Roth, a New York registered dietitian and author of Smoothies & Juices. “It’s better to opt for oatmeal and fruit, with a drizzle of real maple syrup,” she says. Largeman-Roth likes mixing savory and sweet, to add variety and protein to the brunch plate. “Instead of just having a stack of pancakes, split it with your friends or family, and then have a small, veggie-filled omelet. You’ll feel much more satisfied.”

Planning the Holiday Brunch Spread

When putting together a menu, Levinson advocates incorporating all of the compo nents of a balanced meal: lean protein, carbohydrates from whole grains, fruit and veg gies, and low-fat dairy or plant-based substitutes. She says, “If you’re making pancakes or waffles, use whole grain flour when possible, and serve with a side of yogurt, fresh fruit and real maple syrup.”

According to Largeman-Roth, egg lovers will enjoy a veggie-packed omelet or frit tata with either potatoes or bread on the side, but not both. Watch out for fried foods and use sauces and cream sparingly or find substitutes. If the family is dining out, she cautions that brunch dishes are often served with extra sauces and syrups, adding sodium and sugar. “Try to ask for them on the side,” she advises. “It’s not about com pletely avoiding them, but it’s nice to be able to control the amount that you’re adding to your pancakes or waffles.”

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

Nelea Reazanteva/AdobeStock.com

This healthy dish is a crowd-pleaser any time of year. It’s also glutenfree and can be modified based on whatever veggies are on hand. Omit the feta cheese for a diary-free option.

YIELD: 4 TO 6

SERVINGS

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 cup diced yellow onion

1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup diced yellow bell pepper

1 cup diced green zucchini

1 cup diced yellow summer squash

2 large garlic cloves, minced (1 heaping Tbsp)

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp sweet paprika

26-28 oz diced tomatoes

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp honey

1 tsp cider vinegar

Largeman-Roth

1 cup corn, frozen, fresh or canned ½ tsp kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese 4 large eggs

Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional) Za’atar, for garnish (optional)

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet (straightsided skillet is preferable). Add onions; sauté 2 minutes. Add Ser rano pepper and bell peppers; sauté 4 minutes. Add zucchini and summer squash; sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, turmeric and paprika; stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Reduce heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, honey, cider vinegar and corn; stir in salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced.

Turn off the heat and press the crumbled feta into the tomato sauce. With the back of a spoon, make 4 indentations in the sauce. Crack eggs one at a time into a small bowl and pour into each of the 4 indentations. Carefully drag a spatula gently through the egg whites, being sure not to disturb the yolks. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, gently stirring the sauce and basting the eggs with the sauce. Cover and cook another 3 to 5 minutes for runny eggs. Cook longer for well-done eggs.

Serve with a sprinkling of parsley and za’atar, if desired.

Recipe courtesy of Jessica Levinson.

SHEET PAN PROTEIN PANCAKES WITH BERRY SWIRL

Cooked on a sheet pan, these pancakes make cleanup a breeze and can be prepared the night before. Buttermilk and protein powder add satis fying nutrients.

YIELD: 12 SERVINGS

Cooking spray

2 cups buttermilk

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

4 Tbsp melted ghee or unsalted butter

⅓ cup maple syrup

1¼ cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup vanilla protein powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp sea salt

FOR THE SWIRL:

½ cup strawberries

½ cup blueberries

½ cup raspberries

1 tsp brown sugar

Powdered sugar, for topping

Preheat oven to 425° F. Line an 11-by-17-inch, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment and sides of pan with cooking spray.

Whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, ghee and maple syrup to gether in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients—whole wheat flour and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry in three additions until just mixed. Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Blend the berry swirl ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon of water if mixture is too stiff. Add small dollops of the berry mixture to the top of the pancake batter. Drag a wooden toothpick or skewer through the berry mixture to create a swirled pattern.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 11 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into 12 squares with a knife. Enjoy warm with maple syrup. Can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Frances Largeman-Roth.

photo by Frances

The Best Gift of All

TEACHING CHILDREN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

by Madiha Saeed

Teaching children the value of generosity and kindness is not just good for the world, it is good for our kids, too. Studies have shown that acts of altruism can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, reduce de pression and lower stress levels. Selfless contributions also can foster a sense of belonging, whether they are donating material things, sharing their time or freely conveying love and kindness. A magnanimous child is repaid with benefits that nourish the body and soul.

Empathy and Mirror Neurons

To transform children into givers, they need to learn how to share and comprehend other people’s feelings. Known as cognitive empathy, it involves understanding another person’s emotions on an intellectual level, taking into consideration their situation and anticipating

how they might react.

Since the 1990s, scientists have been researching mirror neurons which respond to actions that we observe in the same way as when we actually perform those actions ourselves. These neurons play a consider able role in the development of speech, language, learning, emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding, so children need to see and receive acts of giving and love to become givers themselves.

Giving Heals

With mental health conditions in children on the rise, charitable behavior can improve their mental well-being and help them secrete “feel-good” chemicals in the brain like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. “I think helping our kids experience the happiness that comes from giving to others is probably one of the most valuable ways we can nurture generosity in them,” says Lara Aknin, an assistant professor of psychology at Simon Fraser University, in Canada. “It sets off this positive cycle. Giving makes people happy and hap piness promotes giving.”

Functional MRIs of people that donate to charities have shown that the act of giving stimulates reward centers of the brain where endorphins are released. These hormones lower cortisol, improve blood circulation, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve

Volunteering

Volunteering makes an immeasurable dif ference in the lives of others and creates a sense of purpose in the person doing it. Sci ence has shown that engaging in volunteer work can decrease depression, reduce stress, increase longevity and help the person stay mentally and physically active. Volunteers get to meet others, develop new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with those that have similar goals and interests. There are many opportunities for children and parents to volunteer through school, religious and nonprofit organizations.

Random Acts of Kindness and Generosity

Random acts of kindness and generosity include smiling, holding the door open for someone and reaching out to loved ones. Include a child in these activities and encourage them to do the same. “When you see your children being generous, point it out and praise them,” recommends The Center for Parenting Education. “Help them put into words the positive feelings they may have as they help others.”

digestion, clear out toxins, help the immune system fight infections and renew energy to repair cells and fight cancer. Other benefits include lower inflammation overall, im proved sleep, decreased feelings of restlessness and reduc tions in chronic pain.

Giving and Social Support

In a 2020 study reported in JAMA Network, researchers found that young adults ages 19 to 20 that perceived higher levels of social support—the feeling that there is someone they can depend on for help should they need it—were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms or suicidal ideation one year later. The study also found that even in cases where people previously experienced mental health problems, social sup port was beneficial for mental health later on.

Love and secure attachments, such as those experienced through acts of giving, strengthen the body; help regulate emotions, attention and behavior; mitigate the effects of stress; and promote lifelong, healthy development.

The most important ingredient to develop a child with a healthy brain and body is love. Children need positive experiences for pathways in their brain and body to work. Developing empathy for themselves and others increases emo tional strength and self-regulation. Improve the life of a child—physi cally, emotionally and spiritually—by teaching them the simple of act of giving.

Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM, is the bestselling author of The Holistic RX, an international speaker, founder of HolisticMomMD.com and director of educa tion for KnoWEwell.com.

vejaa/AdobeStock.com

To transform children into givers, they need to learn how to share and comprehend other people’s feelings.

calendar of events

To submit calendar listings, or for more information about submission requirements, please email

Publisher@NAJax.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk by videoconference – 6:30pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, register at (904) 3759517 or Jacksonville@TM.org and we will send connection information to you by email or text.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Optimize Your Metabolic Health – 11am. Learn three important things about metabolic health and three ways to dramatically improve your metabolic health. Zoom Meeting with Tracy Romeisz, Well ness Advocate. Call 203-948-5241 for info and to register. Free. My.doterra.com/tracyromeisz

Holiday Market & Pet Food Drive – 9-2pm. Every Sunday. Holiday Hill Church. Shop, Eat and Be Merry. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook. Pet food donations requested. 730 Mandalay Rd in Jacksonville.

Beachwalk Farmers Market – 10-2pm. First Saturday Monthly. 100 Beachwalk Club Dr. in St. Johns. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook.

Experience Healing Techniques – 1-3pm. Our healers are trained on energy work, 7 archangels, reconnective healing, singing bowls and more. $15 love offering goes to St. Jude’s hospital. First come first served. Spiritual Uplifts 2186 Park Ave. in Orange Park. 904-292-4555. Spiritualuplifts.com.

Christmas Messages from Spirit and Sacred Oils of the Holiday Season – 2-5pm. A gathering of friends to create peace, comfort and joy by Elaine Molloy & Lin Drechsler, internationally known spiritual healing teachers from the British Isles. $60 pre-pay Venmo @Linda-Drechsler. 941-735-8373 or 904-788-1884.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – 6:00pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly ef fective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, University Park Library, Conference Room 900, 3435 University Blvd N, Jacksonville. Register at 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

Twin Hearts Meditation – 6-7pm. The phases of medi tation are physical exercise, invoking divine blessings, relaxation/cleansing and energizing, self-introspection and inner reflection, activating heart chakra and crown

chakra, achieving illumination, releasing excess energy and expression of gratitude. Free. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville. 904381-8686. Seventh-Wonder.com/events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

Spiritual Wisdom on Conquering Fear – 7-8pm. Presented by ECKANKAR. Pablo Creek Library, 13295 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville. www.eck-florida. org 904-725-7760.

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk by videoconference – 12noon. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, register at (904) 3759517 or Jacksonville@TM.org and we will send connection information to you by email or text.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

3 Day Retreat – through Dec. 11. Create a healthier pathway to connect with your higher self. Cut cords, make healing grids, receive a Lemurian crystal, all supplies and food included. Spiritual Uplifts 2186 Park Ave. in Orange Park. 904-292-4555. Spiritual uplifts.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Vintage Arts Christmas Makers Market – 103pm. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook. 10029 San Jose Blvd.

Murray Hill Pop Up Market – 10-3pm. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook. 4208 Kingsbury St. in Jacksonville. 2nd Saturday of every month.

Holiday Market at the Pier – 11-3pm. 350 A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook.

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk –1:00pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effec tive technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, Room 112, Postell Market, Casino Bldg, 530 Beachview Drive (by Neptune Park), St. Simons Island, GA 31522, register at (904) 3759517 or Jacksonville@TM.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Pranayama & Meditation – 10-11am. Through guided breathing, you will increase the oxygen to your brain and internal organs which facilitates physical healing. Bring mat and accessories. $15 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686. Seventh-wonder. com/events/

28 Jacksonville / St. Augustine NAJax.com

Enjoy the Holidays with your Loved Ones in the Spirit World – 10:30-1pm. International Foundation for Spiritual Knowledge. Cost $36. Reserve your spot and get link at www.ifsk.org or call 407-247-7823.

Yoga Nidra – 11:15am-12:15pm. Guided medita tion to achieve a state of samadhi, enlightenment, or bliss. Bring mat and accessories. $15 4236 St. Johns Ave. 904-381-8686. Seventh-wonder.com/events/

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk – 6:00pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly ef fective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, Regency Square Library, Conference Room, 9900 Regency Square Blvd.ca Jacksonville. Register at 904-375-9517 or Jacksonville@TM.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Fest – Onsite camping, outdoor yoga, open-air gyms, live mu sic, art, exhibitions, performances, and wellness workshops over 3 days and 38 acres at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton. More than 50 classes and workshops, live bands, performances, arts, crafts and more. For info and tickets: www. floridasolsticefestivals.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Fest – Onsite camping, outdoor yoga, open-air gyms, live mu sic, art, exhibitions, performances, and wellness workshops over 3 days and 38 acres at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton. More than 50 classes and workshops, live bands, performances, arts, crafts and more. For info and tickets: www. floridasolsticefestivals.com

Holiday Market – 10-4pm. Indoor & Outdoor. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook. 11924 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville.

Jewelry Show through Dec. 19 – 10:30-6pm. Sparkle and shine with our rare crystal gem jew elry. Gemstones, vintage-inspired, sterling silver, symbols and more. Receive 20% off all jewelry purchases $20 and over. Spiritual Uplifts 2186 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Call for more info 904-2924555. Spiritualuplifts.com.

Christmas Party – 12-5pm. Make a holiday orna ment. Vintage, retro, snowman, beads, unicorn, crystals and more. Attend a free house cleaning class at 2pm. Lunch will be catered. Adults $10 and chil dren $5. Reservations are required. Spiritual Uplifts 2186 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Call for more info 904-292-4555. Spiritualuplifts.com.

Evening Nativity & More – 4-10pm. Murray Hill Presbyterian Church. 940 Talbot Ave. in Jacksonville. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook.

Christmas Messages from Spirit and Sacred Oils of the Holiday Season – 2-5pm. A gathering of friends to create peace, comfort and joy by Elaine Molloy & Lin Drechsler, internationally known spiritual healing teachers from the British Isles. $60 pre-pay Venmo @Linda-Drechsler. 941-735-8373 or 904-788-1884.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Atlantic Beach Farmer’s Market – 10-2pm. 800 Seminole Rd. in Atlantic Beach. Every Sunday. See Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop on Facebook.

Northeast Florida Winter Solstice Fest – Onsite camping, outdoor yoga, open-air gyms, live music, art, exhibitions, performances, and wellness work shops over 3 days and 38 acres at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds in Elkton. More than 50 classes and workshops, live bands, performances, arts, crafts and more. For info and tickets: floridasolsticefestivals.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

Twin Hearts Meditation – 6-7:00pm. The phases of meditation are physical exercise, invoking divine blessings, relaxation/cleansing and energizing, selfintrospection and inner reflection, activating heart chakra and crown chakra, achieving illumination, releasing excess energy and expression of gratitude. Free. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St. Johns Ave, Jacksonville. 904-381-8686. Seventh-Wonder.com/events.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

2.5 Hour Meditation – 4:30-7:30pm. Activate all chakras. Use a yoga mat on the floor or reserve a chair. 15-minute breaks. Lynn will do automatic writing during your session and you’ll have a mes sage typed out to take home. Snacks available. $35. Spiritual Uplifts 2186 Park Ave. in Orange Park. Call for more info 904-292-4555. Spiritualuplifts.com.

plan ahead

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Transcendental Meditation Introductory Talk by videoconference – 6:30pm. All the information you need to make an informed decision about learning this highly effective technique for reducing stress and improving health, Free, register at (904) 3759517 or Jacksonville@TM.org and we will send connection information to you by email or text.

ongoing events

sunday

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

monday

Unlock the Healing Benefits of Essential Oil – 7-8pm. Private one on one zoom call with well ness advocate Tracy Romeisz. Free. Reserve this 1 weekly spot by calling 203-948-5241.

Monday Mantras – Megan Weigel, DNP, ARNP-c, is lighthearted and approachable guide to a year of mindfulness intentions and actions in the form of simple practices to help improve your physical, emotional and mental health. Use it to learn the value of your experiences, voice, heart, and story. 904-543-3510. MondayMantrasWithMegan.com. FirstCoastIntegrativeMedicine.com.

wednesday

Wednesday Pier Farmers Market – 8am-12:30pm. Oceanfront shopping at the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park. Approximately 60-80 vendors can be found at the market selling locally grown produce, baked goods, prepared foods, arts, crafts and more. Free. 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine Bch. 904-315-0952.

Spiritual Enrichment Classes – 7pm. Visit the website for class information. Unity Church for Creative Living, 2777 Race Track Rd, St Johns. 904-287-1505. UnityInJax.com.

Rotisserie Chickens at Native Sun – 9am-6pm. The first round of rotisserie chickens will be ready around 9am. The last run of birds come out around 6pm. Limit two per household. $5/each. 1585 3rd St. N, Jacksonville Bch.

thursday

Farmers Market – 5-8pm. Vendors offer locally grown produce as well as homemade and handmade products. Yamo Italian and Captain Scallywag's food truck are onsite offering local cuisine as well as two other food trucks, which rotate each week. Local musicians provide entertainment throughout the evening. Free. The Artisan Market Coconut Barrel, 3175 US 1 South, St. Augustine.

Concerts in the Plaza – 7-9pm. Bring a chair or blanket to relax on the plaza lawn and enjoy summer evenings filled with music in the heart of historic St. Augustine. Picnic dinners are allowed, but alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the Plaza. Gazebo of St. Augustine's historic Plaza de la Constitución (between Cathedral and King Streets) Downtown St. Augustine. 904- 825-1004.

friday

First Friday Garden Walk – 10am. Join a Ranger the first Friday of every month for a garden walk. No registration required. Walk included with park entry fee of $5 per vehicle. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Info: WashingtonOaks.org.

saturday

The St. Augustine Ampitheatre Farmers Mar ket – 8:30am-12:30pm. Shop more than 100 tents loaded with local produce, flowers, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Admission into the market is free. 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. 904-315-9252.

doTERRA - Tracy Romeisz

ACUPUNCTURE

A WAY OF LIFE ACUPUNCTURE

4337 Pablo Oaks Ct, Bldg 200, Jacksonville • 904-373-8415 AWayOfLifeAcupuncture.com Dr Christine Yastrzemski, NCCAOM, AP AP2255 Dr Sarah Thomas, DACM, AP AP4183 NCCAOM Board Certified Acupuncture Physician specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. We offer the highest quality of care while customizing treatments that best suit your needs.

CBD

HYDROPONIC UNIQUE GOODS

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 9.

ENERGY HEALING

HEALING ENERGY BY TED Ted Kostek 7500 Plantation Club Dr, Jacksonville 904-613-7608 • Healingenergybyted.com

Certified in Reconnective Healing, The Emotion Code, The Body Code, Reiki Master. Powerful healings, with great compassion and care. Clean chakras, aura, entity removal, in-person and remote sessions for humans and animals. See ad, page 13.

ESSENTIAL OILS

TRACY ROMEISZ

doTERRA • Wellness Advocate 203-948-5241 My.doterra.com/tracyromeisz

Let Tracy help you discover the health benefits of essential oils. Learn to optimize your metabolic health. Schedule a one on one zoom call. Reserve this 1 weekly spot today by calling. See ad, page 29

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

JACKSONVILLE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

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

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Find the cause of your health challenge. Our office will create a doctor supervised custom-tailored health program that will include the following: meal planning, supplemental prescriptions, detoxification guidance, food/lifestyle coaching, exercise prescriptions, accountability, on-line patient portal, and more. We utilize the most advanced diagnostics testing available to aid both our diagnoses and treatment. See ad, page 22.

GROCERY

NATIVE SUN

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

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

HERBS

LAURENCE LAYNE, LMT, HERBALIST

Healing Waters Clinic & Herb Shop 26 Clark St, St. Augustine 904-826-1965 • 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 13.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS SPA

SEVENTH WONDER HOLISTIC SPA

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

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.

MASSAGE

CARING PALMS HEALING ARTS

Brian Dean, LMT MA36835 MM41272 315 10th Ave South, 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, Allan Byxbe, Certified Teachers Jacksonville@TM.org • 904-375-9517 Regine de Toledo, Certified Teacher StAugustine@TM.org • 904-826-3838

The TM technique is an effortless, non-religious, evidence-based practice for eliminating stress, increasing well-being and expanding consciousness. Certified Teachers give individual instruction and ongoing support. See ad, page 9.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD

CERTIFIED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTORS

10695 Beach Blvd • 904-299-5300 920 Blanding Blvd, Ste 4 • 904-420-0044 2085 A1A S, St Augustine • 904-299-7373 CMMDR.com

Get your medical marijuana card and pre-certify by phone. Medical marijuana treats more than 250 medical conditions such as: chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s, IBS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, lupus and more. See ad, page 9

SOLAR POWER

EMPOWER SOLAR SOLUTIONS

356 Destination Daytona Ln, Ormond Bch Volusia • 386-327-6937 gosolar@empowersolar.com

Our mission is to make solar energy effortless and affordable. We design energy systems specific to your needs to maximize savings and provide clean electricity for your family. FL Lic. Solar Contractor #CVC57067. See ad, page 21

SPIRITUAL CENTERS

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 7.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

LAUREE MORETTO

Soft Tissue Specialist • MA20965 321-271-1678 Flagler & Daytona Bch LaureeMoretto.com

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

THERMOGRAPHY

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008 • JuneDrennon@

FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

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

YOGA DEN

YOGA

Mandarin | Fleming Island | Southside | Avondale | World Golf Village | San Pablo | Bayard | Crossroads | Oakleaf | Nocatee | Yellow Bluff 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.

ECKANKAR

Natural Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus

before it starts

By Doug Cornell

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast. Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe

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

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?” “One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Longtime users say they haven’t been sick in years. They have less stress, less medical costs, and more time to enjoy life.

Soon people found other things they could use it against.

Colds

Flu

Virus variants

Sinus trouble

Cold sores

Fever blisters

Canker sores

Strep throat Night stuffiness

Morning congestion

Nasal drip

Infected sores

Infected wounds Styes Warts Ringworm Other microbial threats

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact. Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

The EPA says copper works just as well when tarnished.

Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the science teams. He placed millions of viruses on a copper surface. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it.”

CopperZap® is made in the USA of pure copper. It has a 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code NATA33

Go to www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.