Natural Awakenings Broward County, FL April 2021 by Natural Awakenings, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida

EE H E A L T H Y L I V I N G R F

HEALTHY

PLANET

healthy kids

NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors

CLIMATE CHANGE

WHAT A WARMING PLANET MEANS TO YOUR HEALTH

SPRING CLEAN YOUR BODY

CELEBRATE

EARTH DAY!

April 2021 | Broward County, FL | NaBroward.com

How to Age Gracefully by Dr. Yolanda Cintron

Did you know that you can keep your teeth fit just like the rest of your body? Hi everybody, Recently, I have had way too many young patients with rampant decay and health issues such as endometriosis, cancer, thyroid, irregular painful periods, migraine headache, sinus infection, diabetes, and more. Why would a young person have any of these issues? Your body was created to be perfect. There is a disrupter creating these issues and it might be in your mouth. If your health is suffering and you are young, please look into how your health habits could be affecting your oral health. The key word here is HABIT; what are the habits you indulge in every day that are setting your health goals back? There’s a whole process of how we keep our teeth fit. The fitness of your mouth is really important, very simple, and this is what you do: 1) Brush and floss after every meal 2) Get a cleaning every three months (six months is too long!) 3) Eat organic alkaline foods every day 4) Drink mineral water and fresh juices (no soda or sugar!) 5) Visit your biological dentist to remove all toxins and heavy metals Don’t allow things to go untreated but rather develop new healthy habits and own your health now. Getting a cleaning every three months is a great way to maintain your healthy mouth and is better than having to have open heart surgery in 10 years. Because gum disease goes straight to your heart, maintaining healthy gums will increase your longevity by 15 years. Start now! This is a time in history that is providing you the opportunity to be sovereign over your own health by being responsible. You don’t get diabetes and gum disease because you’re working out, eating right, sleeping eight hours, drinking water, doing all the things you need to do properly. It’s been said in medical circles that this is the first generation that parents are going to outlive their children— that is horrific. I have a 28-year-old daughter; I don’t want to outlive my daughter. That is not the normal process of life.

I want to empower the young people to learn how they can be fully engaged and responsible in owning their health. I want to empower the young people to learn that soft drinks, colas, anything that is acidic, will damage the enamel and your teeth. If you drink waDr. Yolanda Cintron ter with lemon, use a straw; stay away from all things bubbles as they are known to open the enamel and the dentin, allowing things to penetrate, eroding the enamel. Some health issues in my patients are caused by root canals and heavy metals that need to be removed, and others are due to bad health habits and diet or a combination thereof. It’s very simple to get sick if you aren’t keeping healthy habits. I am from Puerto Rico where the diets are rich in carbohydrates and fried foods. All my uncles and cousins had diabetes and only those who decided to make a change in their diet and their habits were the ones that did not develop it. Eat greens, fruits, vegetables (not fried foods and processed foods); change your habits and change your life! The functions of our bodies are failing because the environment we are in and the things we consume are toxic. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Good news is, in our office, and we see it often, my young patients are getting well after years of health issues. Let me help you remove any oral toxins that can lead to disease. If you want to know more about keeping a clean temple starting from your mouth, visit our office and enjoy this holistic approach to dentistry. Shared with Love, Dr. Yolie In 2021, let’s make our health a priority. Your health is your wealth. Take action; call us today. Use code #NAAPR21 for $50 off new patient consultation exam and X-rays. For more information or to book an appointment, call 954938-4599 and/or visit GoNaturalDentistry.com. We will take care of your needs and get you healthy again—pain-free!

Advertorial ~ International Center for Dental Excellence • 2021 E. Commercial Blvd., Ste 208, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 GoNaturalDentistry.com • DrYolie.com • Info@DrCintron.com • Office, 954-938-4599 • Cell, 561-289-8721

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What a

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Contents 15 CELEBRATE EARTH

DAY 2021 VIRTUALLY

16 CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH The Human Costs of a Warming Planet 18 SPRING CLEANING THE BODY

Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

20 ECO-ATHLETES

NATURAL AWAKENINGS HAS A

NEW

WEBSITE We’ve launched a brand-new, comprehensive online hub for all things healthy and sustainable. Check us out to see the exciting features we’re rolling out for readers and advertisers alike.

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

22 NATURE TO THE RESCUE

Kids Come Alive Outdoors

24 SHERYL DEVORE

On Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

25 LIBERTY

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DEPARTMENTS 9 news briefs 10 health briefs 11 global briefs 14 eco tip 15 earth day events 18 conscious eating

20 fit body 24 healthy kids 24 wise words 26 calendar 27 classifieds 29 natural awakenings directory

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April 2021

letter from the publisher

his April issue is filled with possibilities. We celebrate holidays, and Natural Awakenings takes a closer look at climate change and how that impacts our daily lives. This month’s feature article (page 16) includes a discussion on climate change as a health threat, its effects on the most vulnerable, and seeing public health issues as more readily solvable through a concerted global effort. Our first official Earth Day, April 22, 1970, showcased support for environmental protection. Since then, it has steadily grown; today, there are 193 nations worldwide participating in events at the local level to raise awareness of pollution issues of all sorts, from the visible we may see as smog or floating debris and toxins on our waterways to the other type which is invisible—the nonpoint source pollution. This type of pollution takes its toll, stealthily adhering to the law of gravity—as in runoff. What are our environmental priorities? Earth Day can be celebrated every day and should be our default setting—the ecology of steward-responsible health for our environment, ergo ourselves. Check out the local events that are being hosted in the area https://www.NaBroward.com/calendar. Families who attend local Earth Day events can introduce their children to environmental issues in a fun, meaningful way. Constructive

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leadership by organizations, from local level to national level, pushes forward better legislation to preserve and protect our planet and ourselves. Our Fit Body department’s article, EcoAthletes, on working out with the planet in mind (page 20), includes conversations with many athletes. One runner speaks about receiving the obligatory plastic bottle of water at the end of the run, and when he finds no recycling bins, he is internally motivated to action. With many more of us finding ways to make a difference—to be willing to modify our lifestyles to work more in harmony with nature—we note considerable progress on this front. Our website (NaBroward.com), which supports our print magazine, is becoming more useful every day as local businesses see how easy it is to add their business information to the Online Directory, then add an event or promote a special.

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Through unity and the open sharing of information on so many aspects of health, we can become empowered. This month’s Healthy Kids article (page 22) talks about the great outdoors and the myriad benefits to playing outside in a natural environment. Fortunately, around the urban landscapes, there are local parks, many of which have mini-wilderness areas that can be explored. Don’t forget your binoculars! This month’s Conscious Eating department article by April Thompson is timely for spring and a full detox and body cleanse. Enjoyably learn simple ways to detox naturally (page 18). You may even want to dust off your blender or juicer and whip up a smoothie. Recipes can be found on page 19. Finally, we give thanks to the tensof-thousands of Community Resource Centers that carry Natural Awakenings across the U.S., offering our monthly publication free to the public. We are grateful for this service of such value. Celebrate Health!

The more you understand yourself, the more you will understand the world. ~ Paulo Coelho

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news briefs

Heal the Planet Honors Earth Day April 25

eal the Planet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about daily choices and how these choices directly impact individual overall health and well-being as well as the health of the planet. Their flagship Seed Program provides children with vital life skills to encourage better choices regarding nutrition, sustainability, mindfulness and the power of choice. Their Young Planet Leader Contest inspires the young generation to take action in co-creating a more abundant future for all. Heal the Planet’s Snyder Park Programs were created to connect the local community with nature, hosting free monthly guided nature tours, ServiceLearning, and Permaculture Workshops as well as local monthly Beach Clean-Ups. Heal the Planet offers many other programs and resources aimed at educating and empowering people with mindful consumption such as 100 Ways to Heal the Planet and their sister website, TheConsciousBuyer.com. On April 25, Heal the Planet Day honors and celebrates Earth Day, offering up a fun-filled day of experiential family activities, workshops, live music and entertainment, healthy food vendors, and shopping in a conscious vendor village. Sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and collaborating with local organizations welcome. For more information or to get involved, visit HealThePlanet.com and/ or email Info@HealThePlanet.com. See ad this page.

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Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure 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 nitrate-depleted 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.

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nano-curcumin, 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 nanocurcumin, 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.

Keep Off Junk Foods for Cognitive Wellness

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New research from Rush Medical College, in Chicago, shows that regularly cheating on a healthy diet undermines its cognitive benefits. For 19 years, researchers followed 5,001 adults over age 65 that were asked to eat the Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on daily servings of fruit, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, fish, potatoes and unrefined cereals, plus moderate wine consumption. Every three years, their cognitive abilities were tested and their diets reviewed, including how often they ate a Western diet of fried foods, sweets, refined grains, red meat and processed meats. After almost two decades, those that adhered most faithfully to the Mediterranean diet were cognitively 5.8 years younger than those that followed it the least.

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Honest Ingredients

global briefs

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.

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Discarded Safety Gear Used to Build Highways

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.

April 2021

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Protecting the Organic Marketplace

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Dr. Yolanda Cintron International Center for Dental Excellence

u 2021 E. Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 u 855-381-6001 • Info@DrCintron.com GoNaturalDentistry.com

o Natural Dentistry is a biological holistic dental practice. A biological dentist recognizes the link between oral health and general health. Dr. Yolanda Cintron acknowledges that diseases and materials in the mouth can have a lasting impact on the other systems in the body. RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW Wellness Services: Amalgam Removal; Full Mouth Rejuvenation; Crowns and Bridges; Laser Dentistry; Sedation Dentistry; Plasma Rich Growth Factor; Root Canal Removal; and much more Areas of specialty: Concentration is on patients who seek a holistic experience, including those with chronic illness and cancer as well as those wanting full mouth reconstruction and removal of toxic chemicals replaced with materials that are 100% compatible with the body. Philosophy on healing: Dr. Cintron states she promoted all year is God’sProfiles instrument to get you healthy. She has dedicated her entire career to learning the long. PLUS, they are best technologies to provide her patients a holistic biFeaturedIt online for 12 ological experience. isn’t just about the teeth— it is aboutmonths overall health—and she is committed in the Annual to helping each patient attain this goal. Business Guide. “And whatever you do,Profile do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” ˜ Colossians 3:23 NKJV

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eco tip

The Benefits of Planting Trees More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

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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.

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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. 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. 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. NaBroward.com

earth day events

Celebrate Earth Day 2021 Virtually

Earthfest: April 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature and get up-close and personal with wildlife at the Sawgrass Nature Center. Nature exhibits, community garden info, children activities and plant giveaways. Sawgrass Nature Center, 3000 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs. SawgrassNatureCenter.org

The COVID-19 pandemic may be with us for some time, but there are still many ways to participate in the 51st anniversary of the global environmental movement. The Biden administration will host world leaders at an Earth Day 2021 global climate summit on April 22. Many important environmental events have occurred on Earth Day since 1970, including the 2016 signing of the Paris Agreement, as Earth Day continues to be a momentous and unifying day each year. Be a part of this historic climate summit by taking action to restore the Earth.

aynanza 2018: April 21, 9 a.m.-noon. Join thousands B of volunteers for the largest shoreline cleanup of its kind in South Florida. Baynanza is a fun and fulfilling event where volunteers can help make a difference in important ecological systems in South Florida, including Surfside’s sunny beach. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and bring gloves, water and snacks, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a hat and sunglasses. Meet at Surfside’s Community Center at 9301 Collins Ave. To sign up, visit MiamiDade.gov/derm.

For more information, visit EarthDay.org.

Beach Cleanup and Environmental Art Festival: April 21, 10 a.m. The Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) has partnered with Free Our Seas and Beyond for the cleanup and festival at MEEC, 4414 N Surf Road on Hollywood Beach. The beach cleanup and fair will harness the power of art to shed light on environmental solutions and inspire change. HollywoodFL.org

These local Earth Day events will take place nearby or in a digital format. Taking a pledge to go pesticide-free, committing to reducing meat from our diet or organizing an online community climate discussion are other ways to honor the cause safely from home.

Earth Day at Daggerwing Nature Center: April 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free family event features a variety of activities, including live animal encounters, crafts, environmental science demonstrations, a butterfly plant sale, ladybug release and more. Daggerwing Nature Center is located in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park at 11435 Park Access Road, off Cain Boulevard between Glades Road and Yamato Road, west of Boca Raton. pbcNature.com.

Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it! ~Yuri Gagarin

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April 2021

CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH

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by Sandra Yeyati

lobal warming is not just threatening polar bears far away in the Arctic, and its effects are not somewhere in the distant future. With every new wildfire, hurricane and flash flood, people are understanding that the warming of the planet poses dire consequences for human health right here, right now. It’s personal, and while some sectors of the population are unfairly and disproportionately impacted, we are all in harm’s way. This is no time to panic, say climate and public health advocates, but rather a moment for preparation, adaptation and mobilization. Prospects are hopeful as we tackle new realities together and evolve our conversations about climate change so we can build resilient, thriving communities. The good news is that many of the individual and policy changes we need to make are exciting opportunities for positive transformation and justice.

Health Threats in Our Midst

The warming of the planet is becoming more noticeable. “That historic two weeks anywhere in the United States where it’s the heat wave of high summer is now six weeks to two months,” says Jay Lemery, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado and co-author of Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health. “There are parts of the Middle East now where you can’t be outside and meaningfully cool your body during certain parts of the day.” “With warming, we’re seeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, extreme precipitation, flooding and sea level rise, all of which have health consequences,” says Surili Patel, director of the Center for Climate, Health and Equity at the American Public Health Association. “With rising temperature and heat waves, we’re seeing heat stroke, dehydration, diarrheal disease, cardiovascular distress and respiratory illnesses. Extreme weather like wildfires, hurricanes and flooding cause direct injuries, as well as vector-borne illnesses (Lyme disease carried by ticks or dengue fever and malaria by mosquitoes), mold and harmful algal blooms that happen when it’s really hot, but also show up in places that otherwise wouldn’t have because of the combination of heat and flooding.” 16

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The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

Lemery notes that incidences of mosquito-and tick-borne diseases are moving higher in altitude and latitude, affecting historically naive populations that have not had levels of disease immunity, the infrastructure or cultural habits to protect them. “These are huge killers worldwide, and we’re seeing more and more of that,” he says. “When you have a warmer winter, spring starts earlier, trees bloom early and pollen season starts early too, and longer exposure to pollen increases your risk of having an asthma attack,” says Professor Amir Sapkota at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, adding that the Northeast is heavily impacted by this phenomenon. “Here in Colorado, in the summer heat, we have these huge swaths of wildfire smoke hanging over Denver, and people come in to the emergency department. Their inhalers aren’t working anymore, and they’re having chest pain and shortness of breath when they’re on oxygen at baseline,” says Lemery. “These are people normally able to walk across a parking lot with their walker and their oxygen, but now they can’t. We see this all summer long, and we admit them for asthma exacerbation, shortness of breath and COPD (i.e., emphysema), but what we don’t write down is that the air quality is the worst it’s been all year, or that it’s the hottest day of the year.” “Air pollution contributes to climate change, but it also gets into your lungs and irritates them, exacerbating chronic respiratory illnesses, and can even lead to a heart attack,” says Jennifer Roberts, director of the Path of Positive Communities program at EcoAmerica, noting that the

The Most Vulnerable Among Us

Certain segments of the population are more at risk. “Lower socioeconomic groups are suffering more from extreme heat events. The urban heat island effect, which unfortunately correlates very well with poorer neighborhoods, means that they’ll have heat waves seven to 10 degrees hotter in their neighborhoods than surrounding places with more green space,” Lemery says. “You see the public health infrastructure less robust to be able to attend to communities of color—like you saw with COVID. There are also physiologic vulnerabilities. Climate change affects the very young, the very old and the very sick much more because of their preexisting vulnerabilities, and then we have geographic vulnerabilities—people who live on the coast without sea walls or in flood plains. As sea level rise proliferates, and that data is really straightforward, they’re going to be going under increased storm surge stress and flat-out flooding.”

Achievable Public Health Solutions

The experts agree that it’s important to frame climate change as a public health issue because it brings a sense of urgency to act. “If it isn’t a crisis, if it isn’t something we’re seeing every day on the front page, then you forget about it. And when you forget about it, the funding doesn’t come,” says Patel, whose work focuses on underprivileged communities that need special attention and funding. Sapkota advocates for the development

to water filtration to producing oxygen and taking up carbon,” says Roberts, who adds that much can be done to restore and protect streams, ponds and lakes from the ill effects of pollution and development. “You get volunteers to clean up the gunk and increase regulations for developers to keep stuff out of the waterways.” OSORIOartist/AdobeStock.com

biggest culprits are carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants, diesel fuels and ground-level ozone, which is created when pollution reacts to heat and sunlight. “With sea level rise, things are flooding more often and we get septic tanks overflowing, sending fecal matter into our drinking water supplies and exposing us to diarrheal diseases. We also see offices and industrial sites getting flooded and, whether it’s paint, fertilizers or other toxins, those get into our water and it’s very unhealthy,” Roberts says.

of early warning systems so that local health departments can anticipate and adapt to impending extreme weather events, directing resources to the most impacted and vulnerable communities. In some cases, moving people out of flood plains and vulnerable coastal areas through eminent domain might be needed. Lemery believes that doctors are in a prime position to counsel their patients on preventive measures against climate hazards with “credible messaging repeated over and over again with clarity and no hedging: Wear a mask. Stay indoors during high-heat events. Don’t let children play outdoors when the air quality index is at a dangerous level.” There are many ways to mitigate threats. As experts point out, we know what to do, and it’s just a matter of putting our attention and resources on their implementation. “One of the biggest ways is let’s remove the sources of harmful spewing pollution—move away from coal, oil and gas—and invest in clean sources of energy, which will also create jobs in these new industries,” says Patel. Another big step would be to promote mass transit and active transportation— walking and biking—over individual, gas guzzling vehicles. Patel advocates for local investments in bike lanes and sidewalks that encourage the switch. Both Lemery and Roberts express excitement about clean-running electric cars as potential game-changers in transportation. Planting trees and vegetable gardens are easy, community-building solutions. “Trees are very beneficial to everything from shade

Eco-Anxiety and Making Positive Change

Jessica Schiff, a second-year master of science student at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, struggles with eco-anxiety—the depression, anxiety or dread associated with climate change. She says, “It impacts the decisions I make for my life and the future, just trying to think about overall impacts. Where is my food coming from? Do I want to have kids or adopt? Should I live in the suburbs or the city because of transportation and fossil fuel consumption? This all adds a layer of unease or uncertainty about the future. Sometimes I look at Greta [Thunberg] and how far she’s taken things, and feel guilty about not taking things to such an extreme. Is it hypocritical for me to care about climate change but still eat meat occasionally or take a plane to explore the world?” Schiff deals with eco-anxiety by taking action. “We’re not going to reverse climate change at this point, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take steps to slow it down or reduce emissions. There are many small things we can each do, like biking or walking instead of taking a car or bus and reducing our use of plastic. It’s a process. You can’t do it overnight, but if you make a lot of small changes, and if everybody makes small changes, that has a bigger effect.” Roberts acknowledges the power of small, individual actions, but stresses that we should not let the big polluters off the hook. “We need to continue to press for policy changes, holding polluters accountable, passing regulations based on protecting human health and climate, requiring cleaner cars and buildings, and more. That’s the only way we will get to the scale of change needed to truly bring global warming to a halt.” Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. April 2021

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 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 18

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knappe/GettyImages

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 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.

photo by kaitlyn noble

Deep Detox

Detox Delights

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

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

Eco-Athletes

insta_photos/AdobeStock.com

fit body

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.

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-milesor-less race in the country.

djileAdobeStock.com

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 personally 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 20

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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

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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.”

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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

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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.

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Saraï Pannekoek: n Consume intentionally and more mindfully. Think and

act long-term instead of going for quick fixes. 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”.)

April 2021

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. 22

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Hanscom also realized that almost none of the children played outdoors, which “fascinated and scared” her. Nationwide, even before the lockdowns and online schooling 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 five-star 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 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.

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. 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 problem-solve, 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 singlefamily 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. AudubonPortland.org offers tips on living with a variety of urban wildlife.

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April 2021

wise words

Sheryl DeVore on

Appreciating Nature and Wildlife by Randy Kambic

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

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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. sergmakssmol/Adobestock.com

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.

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. NaBroward.com

Parents can inspire their children anywhere to learn 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.

Platitudes and outer positive attitudes are not sufficient. Living Light and Love, Being Light and Love, in silence, is key. #1 Soos (Armenian). Mushin. Quiet. Peace. #2 As man eases up “running the show”,

Liberty by Chatelaine Liberty—freedom from tyranny of one’s own mind and thoughts—is a newfound grace and talent and innate divine substance, to be awakened and kept wellfed. Especially important to the divine feminine energy, liberty allows one the freedom to allow mu shin or no mind its berth, its divine right, to prove itself yea or nay within our consciousness ascension. All new territory, we enter realms unknown, with some fear yet greater desire

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for this wholistic happening. Letting go takes great courage, trust and belief in one’s self, Self and higher. Its very belief stokes the fire within and allows us to rise. Stay within heart. Allow the various flames to encompass, enfold, increase one’s Love capacity, to become a beaming star whilst still on Earth. H.O.M.E. (Heaven On Mother Earth) within. The Temple of Peace, be ye. Don’t wear on the outside what must be managed from within.

Evolution organically does grow The most exciting adventure beginning within, Stay in the pineal, the Eye of the Pin. Internal guidance is awakened in thee, And with Light and Love, sets all free, exponentially. Peace guides our Planet and Love steers our Stars as we enter the Age of Aquarius, a time of freedom from pain and suffering, ongoingly, As We become atoned with All That Is, in joie de vivre!

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April 2021

calendar of events TUESDAY, APRIL 13

SUNDAY, APRIL 25

UPCOMING EVENT, MAY 4

Animal Totems and the Gemstone Kingdom — 6-6:30pm. Free. Learn about crystals & animal medicine from Margaret Ann Lembo. The wisdom of animals and their matching gemstones help you to work on yourself. Find out a little about animal medicine teachings from a variety of creatures. Zoom: http://bit.ly/3bm7KIK 561-369-2836.

6th Annual Heal The Planet Day — in honor of the 51st Earth Day celebration. 10am - 4pm, free of charge. Join us for a fun-filled day of environmental Family Activities, Workshops, Live Music and Entertainment, Healthy Food Vendors, and Conscious Vendor Village. Esplanade Park, Ft. Lauderdale. https://healtheplanet.com/events/ heal-the-planet-day/ All CDC Guidelines will be implemented.

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine — Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months & be on the path to become a Licensed Acupuncture Physician. We are now accepting applications for our Spring class which starts May 4, 2021. Contact us at admissions@atom.edu or call 954-763-9840 ext. 213. Financial Aid & approved for VA Benefits.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20 Free Online Intro to Laura Norman Reflexology Training Class — 8-9pm. How to Add to Your Services, start a New Career, and Experience a Unique Holistic Method of Reflexology on Zoom. Class includes powerful, nurturing, and relaxing Foot, Hand, Face, & Ear Reflexology techniques anyone can learn. Bring a friend! Register online: reflexology-training.lauranorman.com/ registration-free-intro-class.

ongoing events

sunday Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary — 9am– 5pm. Classes for Interfaith Ministry Ordination. A Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750. Catholic Mass (non-Roman Catholic) — 10:30am, (+ Sat 5pm) The Parish of Sts. Francis & Clare, staffed by Franciscan friars. 2300 NW 9th Ave (Powerline Rd), Wilton Manors, 33311, 954.731.8173. IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies — 1st Sunday monthly, 4:30–6:30pm Meeting - Pavilion’s Gym (behind Main Hospital) Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. University Hospital, 7201 N. University Dr, Tamarac. Questions Reverend Gail Fein, 305.798.8974. Interfaith Sacred Celebrations of Spirit — Weekly on Sunday evenings 6:30–7:30pm at Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution at a Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750.

Free Yoga In The Park —Holiday Park, Ft. Laud. 33304 Mon. Nights 6 p.m.-7 p.m., call Mardi: 786-227-2173 Men and Women’s Support Group: Conscious Awareness — 8–10pm. $25 per session. Designed for men and women to learn from each other regarding relationships, self-worth and the rewrite of negative patterns. Contact: Karen Kaye, LMHC, 954.384.1217 (landline).

tuesday Schedule something for your health.

wednesday Free Tai Chi Classes — 5–6pm (except Holidays). Relax your mind and body at ATOM’s Wellness Center! Tai Chi is a low-impact, slowmotion exercise that can treat & prevent many health problems. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E. Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft. Lauderdale. 954.763.9840 ext. 219.

thursday BUSINESS PROFILES Build Your Wellness Dream Team: Business Profiles NaBroward.com

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monday Chiropractic — Every 1st Monday, 5–6pm. Free, attendees will receive a discount off their first visit. New Life Upper Cervical Chiropractic, 820 S. State Road 7, Plantation, 33317. Phone: 954.389.8297.

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Free Teletalk on Ancestral Clearing/Emotional Release — 7pm, last Thursday of month. Learn how to release blocks and limiting beliefs and change energetic thought patterns, to move ahead to live with freedom, fulfillment and happiness! Call Ilka for details: 754.222.6971.

friday Monthly Gallery Night, Meet the Artists, Show & Sale — 6–11pm, (second Friday ea. mo). A great gathering of varied talents. Host/Artist: Michael D. Colanero. Uncommon Gallery, 2709 E Commercial Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, 954.336.4305.

saturday Reiki Healing Circle — 9–10am, Free. Usui Reiki Circle. All are welcome. Love & Light Spiritual Emporium, 1419 E Commercial Blvd. Ste B, Oakland Park, FL, 33334, 954.261.3878. Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash and make new friends (third Saturday each month). Kayaks and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own is encouraged. Location varies. Info, Robert Figueroa, 917.652.1050.

Free Reiki Circle — 10–11am. Divine Love Institute & Gift Shop, 2832 Stirling Rd, #H, Hollywood FL 33020. Conveniently located just west of I–95 on Stirling Rd, 954.920.0050. The Sistrunk Farmers Market — 10am–2pm. Locally, organically grown fruits & vegetables, old fashioned family fun, Artisan Market Vendors. Market hours EBT & SNAP accepted at the Market. Corner of Sistrunk Blvd & NW 10th Ave, Ft Lauderdale. Rock Kirtan: Sacred Devotional Singing — bi-weekly 7–8:30pm, $10. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Call Rev. G. 917.579.3750. Daily — 9:30pm Join Sheri Kaplan for a Nightly Virtual Sound Healing Meditation on Zoom Live Stream. bit.ly/livestreamsoundbath. Call 646.876.9923 EST- bit.ly/localzoom -Meeting ID: 846 189 611-Virtual Tip Jar.

classifieds To order a listing order online: NaBroward.com/pages/classified. Due date is the 10th of the month. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine, get real results, distributing monthly to over 25 cities throughout Broward County. Call our office today 954-630-1610.

MEDITATIONS M E D I TAT I O N S F R O M T H E DIVINE CONSCIOUSNESS – 2 on 1 CD “Everything Is in Bloom,” “Our True Being” Gabriele-Publishing-House.com Toll-Free: 844-576-0937.

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KnoWEwell.com

YOUR ONE-STOP SOLUTION TO HEALTH CARE A REGENERATIVE WHOLE HEALTH COMMUNITY & MARKETPLACE THERE IS NO SIMPLE WAY TO DESCRIBE KNOWEWELL BUT THINK BIG! “WebMD meets Match.com, HomeAdvisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Indeed for Regenerative Whole Health, all in one place for the benefit for everyone.”

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Broward County, Florida edition

NaBroward.com

natural awakenings directory

ow, more than ever the importance of taking care of our health, both individually and communitywide, working together we are stronger.

hy we may want to take a closer look at the Community Resource Guide, becoming known as the Natural Awakenings Directory to be more in concert with our rapidly developing online presence through our new, interactive, highly functional website NaBroward.com. In print, on the following pages, there are several resources that seem to be “grayed out.” What does that really mean for us? As we have been in continued communication with our advertisers who have either had their businesses closed down due to mandates, or other reasons at this time during the pandemic, many of these businesses were looking for ways to share that they are offering additional ways to connect, such as, an individual appointment, Video-Conferencing, Facebook, Zoom, email, website, etc. Collectively the idea of graying out their street address was created, and thus some of our resources listed, have a

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

COUNSELING/THERAPY

portion of their information in gray ink instead of black, denoting that their business location is currently in transition to being once again fully operational. Some of the businesses that are listed here that are “GRAYED OUT” may be in the process of fully reopening. As the CDC guidelines are reviewed and put in place for the safety of us all, some companies may be “partially open.” As that can mean different things to different companies, we suggest you contact the individual companies to get the latest information. The views of our digital version of the magazine NaBroward.com/archives continues to grow. Included within these GRAY Directory listings, additional links, besides the standard website, may be included, such as Instagram or LinkedIn. They are “active” within our digital issues, as our clients share the importance of having these links active. According to Google, “Links help our crawlers find your site and can give your site greater visibility in our search results.... Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote by page A for page B.” You may want to connect with our advertisers, and thanks to the collaborative process, the integrative health and wellness industry is growing. Be healthy; stay well.

COLON THERAPY A COLON CARE CENTER

NEW LIFE UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

820 S State Rd. 7, Plantation FL 33317 954-389-8297 TopDocFL.com Upper Cervical Chiropractic, light force extremity adjusting, whole-food nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, The Emotion C o d e , E n e rg y m e d i c i n e , Mysofascial release.

Michele Miglino, LMT/CCT 837 SE 9th St. Deerfield Beach FL 33441 954-421-0703 954-695-6595, cell AColonCareCenter.com

Colon hydrotherapy is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness, and to keep your body functioning at peak efficiency. MM18325, MA0007506.

KAREN KAYE, HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST, LMHC

1500 Weston Rd. Weston FL 33326 954-384-1217 KarenKayeTherapist.com Therapists.PsychologyToday.com/ rms/name/Karen_L_Kaye_MS,LMHC_ Weston_Florida_35986 Take the journey inward. I counsel individuals, couples and families. Holistic approach with 40 years experience. I write the monthly “Ask the Therapist” column for Natural Awakenings. Virtual appointments available.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY PERFECTING TOUCH

Kathy Bates Wilton Executive Suites 2312 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-647-9010 PerfectingTouch1@ymail.com Cranial sacral therapy - CST- a light touch approach releasing tension and restrictions, reducing pain and dysfunction. Therapeutic massage also available. Feel good within yourself. MA70919.

TOTAL BALANCE 4 U

TJ Robinson 2800 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 211 Ft. Lauderdale FL 33308 954-234-3299 Feel good again! Restore your vitality and vibrant health! Release stress and “stuck” areas in your body that cause chronic pain. Your safety is priority – COVID compliant. MA24266, MM30072

We have to make the choice—every single day—to exemplify the truth, the respect and the grace that we wish for this world. ~Oprah Winfrey

April 2021

Coming Next Month MAY

Top Women’s Health Concerns

Plus: Sustainable Fashion

natural awakenings directory DAY RETREATS THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT 604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-604-7930 ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com ThermaeRetreat.com FB: @thermaeretreat IG: thermae.ftlauderdale Thermae Retreat

An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy.

DENTAL HEALTH BRENT J. BRACCO, DDS – COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

2467 E Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-771-5300 DrBrentBracco.com

Do you wait till it hurts to see the dentist? Enhance your smile at our new tranquil, state-of-theart office. We have been providing wholistic family dental care since 1985. Most insurance accepted. Mon – Thurs, 7:30am – 5pm.

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-938-4599 GoNaturalDentistry.com

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry. • Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with bio-compatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums. See ad page 2.

DR. YANI HOLISTIC AND HEALING DENTISTRY Dr. Yani, DMD 212 SE 12th St (Davie Blvd) Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 954-525-6010 info@Yanidmd.com Yanidmd.com

We follow strict amalgam removal protocols incorporating nutritional supplements for safe mercury detoxification ~ IAOMT member. To promote better healing, our hygiene care incorporates ozone and essential oils for gum treatments. Only mercury-free biocompatible crowns and dental materials used. Free holistic toothpaste recipe. See ad page 11.

DIVINE ENERGY HEALER ADVANCED RAPID HEALING

Nina Presman 33 Southeast 4th Street, Suite 102 Boca Raton, Florida, 33432 561-654-0177 AgelessServices@gmail.com AdvancedRapidHealing.com My gift is to be guided by Divine Love to permanently eliminate any emotional, physical and mental pain or issues replacing them with health, prosperity, happiness, joy, love, and Enlightenment to reach your highest potential.

INTEGRATIVE HYPNOSIS CATHERINE A. EDELSON MA, CH

954-745-0735 TheBest@FunctionalHypnosis.com

Access the best toolkit nature gave you with Hypnosis! Your first Hypnozoom session is 50% off. Hypnotists believe everything is hypnosis. We offer powerful, ecological and practical solutions to each client. Benefits are obvious as you allow it to happen!

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. ~Dr. Seuss 30

Broward County, Florida edition

NaBroward.com

natural awakenings directory MUSCLE THERAPY HUNTER METHOD

Stephanie Hunter, Owner & Developer 185 E. Indiantown Rd., Ste. 118 Jupiter, FL 33477 561-747-8700 DoYouHunter.com Many people with pain feel frustrated and hopeless, masking symptoms, instead of getting the real relief they deserve. We offer a proven approach that changes muscle memory. Significant, lasting relief from issues like Vertigo, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder and more. • Self-Treatment Courses • DIY Therapy for Dogs. MA15772, MM24536

SALON HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO

Ibana Villasenor 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7 Boca Raton FL 33431 561-372-5354 HairHolistic@gmail.com HairHolistic.com

Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalp-hair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or eco-friendly dyes, and formaldehyde-free keratine.

Coming Next Month MAY

Sustainable Fashion Plus: Top Women’s Health Concerns

ONLINE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FIELDS OF NATURE

Maritza Corona 954-213-8014 Hello@FieldsOfNature.shop FieldsOfNature.institute Quality and affordable online Vocational Training Courses. Learn to prepare Natural Skincare Products. Study from the comfort of your home through our study platform guided by Tutor. One-to-one tutoring available.

PSYCHOTHERAPY A HEALING SPACE

Kris Drumm, LCSW, ACHT 954-549-0263 AHealingSpaceWiltonManors.com Uncover and transform limiting and damaging belief systems with individual and group therapies, including heartcentered hypnotherapy and inner child healing. Free one half-hour consultation offered.

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. ~Randy Pausch April 2021

Natural Awakenings Broward County, FL April 2021

Articles inside

NATURE TO THE RESCUE

SHERYL DEVORE

ECO-ATHLETES