Natural Awakenings Magazine, Broward County, Florida, February 2023

Our Special Edition this month on Heart-Healthy Living includes several articles that provide insights and tips for creating an internal environment that supports heart health

This month’s feature article by Dawn Carr, A Holistic Approach to Eradicating Modern Day Slavery, is about Professor Dr. Roza Pati’s inspirational stand toward ending this global scourge, leading the way to collaborate with a multitude of organizational types worldwide. Expand your heart; be inspired; read how these organizations are making a difference in addressing human trafficking and how you can make your own, beginning on page 16.

Bruce Cryer on His Love Affair with the Heart is this month’s article in the Wise Words Department, reminding us of the power and intelligence of the heart in coordinating all dimensions of our body and mind. Through focused breathing, Cryer shares how he connects himself to all of humanity as one heart(beat). Read more about his simple yet effective method for tapping into this power . Open to page 20 and keep yourself young at heart—incorporating the strategy/therapy of life-long learning.

New Chapter is an inside view into the process of the acquisition of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation (NAPC) by KnoWEwell, two successful companies, each promoting health and wellness, uniting. NAPC and KnoWEwell conjoin to provide a wider platform, becoming a “solution for consciousness, healing, and hope.” See page 26.

The Conscious Eating Department article on Nourish the Heart delves into topics such as fiber, fat, protein, beverages, and probiotics. Also included are recipes for two main dishes to enjoy and add to your collection—maybe don your apron and turn to page 12.

Our Healing Ways article this month is about mindfulness and the health benefits of being present in the presence of the now moment. Additionally, couples research indicates that practicing gratitude and forgiveness can contribute to both

physical and emotional health. Read what therapists say about the many ways a few moments of mindfulness practice can usher in the ability to build stronger, healthier relationships.

Children observing the kind, caring interactions of their caretakers/parents will model that behavior themselves. For a deeper dive into this higher consciousness process, see page 14.

Healthy habits begin in childhood. This month’s Healthy Kids Department article serves to remind us about the importance of setting the stage for a healthy lifestyle through the foods and beverages we choose for our children to enjoy. What actions can we take for children to bloom into strong, resilient adults? How can we maintain a healthy heart? Learn what functional medicine research reveals about the connection between food and its impact on the health of our internal organs, like the liver. Heart-Healthy Kids by Ana-Maria Temple, M.D. is found on page 22.

The human body is a most complex technology, with the heart’s energetic reach quite profound. Keeping the heart open/soft and peaceful allows for the true “currency” to circulate, especially beneficial when it’s the currency of love outflowing into the world of form. No better legacy can one continuously give, breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, exuding the energy of gratitude/Love. This February, may we all begin and maintain our healing journey to wholeness, allowing this heart-based month to be a reminder to embrace heart-based consciousness ongoingly, upgrading our ability to live synchronistically a life of purpose, meaning, and value.

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit—the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.”

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Susan Q Wood Publisher

A Bomb Inside Your Mouth?

by Dr. Yolanda Cintron

For this month’s article, we want to talk about a beautiful patient, a young athlete who was diving in Bali when she had a stroke. She also has an infected root canal on the lower left first molar #19, which is in the meridian of the large intestine and the left lung. It has connections

• Watch the Root Cause movie on tubitv.com.

• Learn why they are dangerous!

• Once you’ve educated yourself, please have them safely removed.

Here at our office, we use PRGF (Plasma Rich Growth Factors) which will promote healing. We use colloidal silver, hydrogen peroxide, ozone water, 2.5 acid water, saline water, and then regular pH-balanced water to help disinfect and decontaminate the socket where infection resides.

This particular patient had a surgery on the carotid artery after her stroke and she is now on blood thinners to purportedly prevent another. Had she known she had an infection on a root canal tooth, we would have removed the infection from her jaw then, post-healing, placed an implant to restore the bite.

In the neurosurgeon’s mind, she needs to be on blood thinners for the rest of her life, but here at our office, the obvious infection is in her mouth. Once that’s out, she will feel much better and won’t have to worry about the root canal causing her any more harm.

to the pituitary gland, vertebrae and spinal cord segments C5, C6, C7, T3, T4, L4, L5, the ethmoid sensory cells, the musculature of the upper and lower extremities, trunk, the joints: big toe, foot, inner knee, sacroiliac joint, radial hand, elbow, shoulder, and other relationships such as: conditions of the anus (diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, polyps), coccygodynia, excretion of citrates, oxalates, phosphates and urates, hypothalamus and venis, lumbago, myalgia (legs) and more. There is no need for a young and healthy person to suffer from a stroke because of a root canal.

• Say NO to root canals.

Time and time again, we have seen patients’ symptoms fade away once they remove all of the infection in their mouth, whether it be periodontal disease, an infected root canal, old and decayed mercury fillings, or cavitations. Sometimes the symptoms fade away within one day! It’s like a weight being lifted off one’s shoulders. You’re cleaning your body and it thanks you!

Think about this for a second: If you need to change the oil in your car every 3-4,000 miles for it to run smoothly and not break down, as well in order for our bodies to not break down, we must eat clean but not stop there; we also need to de -

tox because even the cleanest food will have some form of contamination such as glyphosate for example, which is an herbicide that is contaminating all our produce today.

Here at our practice, we use the Zyto Scan biofeedback machine which will tell you what in your body is out of balance and what is in balance, including diet and nutrition, the hormonal/endocrine system, your gastrointestinal tract, immune stressors such as inflammation, even hydration, and more. It then creates a report stating what is out of balance and what supplements will help you put it back into range. Dr. Cintron will review the report with you and guide you in the right direction. The consultation is about an hour or two and you will leave with lots of homework and hope!

In addition, we also have the CyberScan biofeedback machine that uses Tesla science and can read 50 million signals in your body. In order to determine whether the immune system is under stress, CyberScan scans the morphogenetic (formholding) energy fields surrounding every cell in the body and compares the findings to the database of electromagnetic signals. Any resonance between the client’s signals and the database’s electromagnetic information will be registered as an energetic imbalance in the body. Possible imbalances include acute, chronic/ degenerative conditions as well as electromagnetic fields, chemicals, pesticides/herbicides, viruses, hormones, heavy metals, geopathic stress, radiation, or other negative environmental and emotional influences.

Learn more when you call to set up your consultation.

In Love, Dr. Yolie

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources, and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Upgrading via Hypnotherapy

Imagine feeling so wonderfully good, calm, powerful, and steady. Notice how you are breathing. Let your body respond to this empowered state: shoulders might lift back and relax down, you lengthen—grow a little bit taller. Feels so good.

Did you know that your brain does not know the difference between your imagination and reality? That means every time you believe

a thought, the brain sets off the neuro-cocktail that matches. So, what happens if you believe that you are worthless? Your brain and then so your emotions send the not-so-pleasant feels of being worthless. This is where Leslie Seckelman, certified hypnotherapist, offers to step in. As a hypnotherapist, she is trained to help the individual release their old, raggedy beliefs and update to new thoughts, beliefs, and yes, the good-feels.

Many today are in serious need of upgrading those thought and belief patterns that no longer serve them. Working with a certified hypnotherapist can help to release old wounds, clearing the space for those good feelings of joy to return.

Certified Hypnotherapist Leslie Seckelman can be reached at 541-301-9685, Harmony Resounds Wellness Studio, Harmony.Resounds@gmail.com. See ad page 30.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, it goes to his heart. ~Nelson Mandela

Zinc for Colds and Flu

Mental Health Benefits of Breastfeeding

Add maternal mental health benefits to the well-documented physical advantages that breastfeeding offers to moms and their infants. A systematic review published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that breastfeeding was associated with overall improved maternal mental health outcomes. A majority of the studies concluded that breastfeeding was connected to fewer mental health symptoms. Thirty-six of the 55 articles reported significant relationships between breastfeeding and reduced symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Notably, when breastfeeding challenges arose or when the actual experience of breastfeeding didn’t meet expectations, five studies reported negative mental health symptoms.

The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may have protective effects on mental health due to the release of oxytocin—also known as the love hormone—which is associated with decreased maternal stress levels and anxiety. This suggests that breastfeeding may have immediate, shortterm effects on maternal mood. Further research is needed to help provide better personalized breastfeeding and mental health counseling to moms.

Weighted Blanket for Better Sleep

A study published in BMJ Open evaluated the use of zinc for the prevention or treatment of acute viral respiratory tract infections (RTI) in adults. As a treatment for colds and flu, zinc reduced symptoms by two days, compared to the placebo. The researchers surmised that of 100 people with upper respiratory infections, 19 of them recovered by day seven as a result of the zinc treatment. Symptom severity appeared to be lower for those treated with zinc—with improvements seen by day three. Those taking zinc experienced an 87 percent lower risk of developing severe symptoms.

In terms of the prevention of colds and flu-like illness, taking zinc was found to have a modest effect compared to the placebo, with one out of 20 infections prevented. Preventive effects were most significant in reducing severe symptoms. Overall, there was evidence suggesting zinc might prevent RTI symptoms and shorten its duration. Researchers were unable to clearly ascertain the efficacy of different dosages and delivery (oral or nasal spray).

Weighted blankets may be a non-drug option to help ease conditions like insomnia and anxiety by allowing the body to release more melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) at bedtime.

In a new study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden measured the amount of melatonin, oxytocin and cortisol in the saliva of subjects after sleeping with either a light blanket or a weighted blanket. They found that using a weighted blanket helped naturally increase production of melatonin by 32 percent. There were no significant changes in the levels of oxytocin, cortisol or sympathetic nervous system activity.

The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.

~Paul Hawken

Put your heart, mind and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.

Herbal Toothpaste Deemed Safe and Effective

Toothpaste containing certain plant-derived extracts was found to be effective in the prevention or treatment of gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis, according to a study published in Dentistry Journal The authors noted that people should still get regular, in-depth cleanings and treatments to maintain oral hygiene, and that antibacterial herbal extracts have safer toxicity profiles for human use.

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with a previous diagnosis of gingivitis or initial stages of periodontitis were given an experimental toothpaste or the control toothpaste for a 60-day trial period, during which time they brushed twice daily. The experimental toothpaste contained chemical components and extracts of German chamomile, sage, arnica and echinacea. The control toothpaste contained only chemical active ingredients.

The herbs used in the study showed positive antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial

actions. Patients in the experimental group experienced diminished bleeding of the gums and teeth whitening. The indices of gingivitis, general oral hygiene, plaque, tartar buildup and mild periodontitis decreased in both groups over the trial period. While both toothpastes eliminated several bacterial periodontal pathogens, the experimental one was more efficient against several of them.

Put On a Happy Face

According to a new study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Human Behaviour, positioning our facial muscles into a smile can actually cause us to feel happier. Researchers collected data from 3,878 participants across 19 countries, using three techniques:

n Mimicking facial expressions of actors seen in photos

n Moving the corners of their mouths to their cheeks using only their facial muscles

n Using the “pen-in-mouth” technique, which moves facial muscles in a simulated smile shape

The study found a noticeable increase in feelings of happiness from people that mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears.

~Swami Sivananda

Turning Vegetable Waste into Plastic

The World Economic Forum estimates that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year and that 98 percent of single-use plastic products are made from fossil fuels. So, the prospect of replacing the petroleum in plastic with a plant material is exciting news for the planet and humanity.

Toresyoku, a Japanese firm, has developed technology that efficiently removes cellulose (dietary fiber) from plant material for use in plastic production. Using vegetable waste, such as cabbage cores, rice husks, coffee grounds and the leaves and stems of tomatoes and broccoli from local farms, the company extracts the cellulose

through hydrolysis (heating under pressure in water) and component decomposition (using enzymes).

Not only does the cellulose reduce the use of petroleum-based materials, but it may also increase the strength of the plastic being made for products such as plastic bottles, appliances and car bumpers. The company expects to start operating their factory soon and be able to process up to a ton of plant waste a day. While other companies have been able to extract cellulose from wood chips, Toresyoku’s technology is more efficient and can be done for a fraction of the cost of competing technologies.

Reforestation Is More Than Planting Trees

The United Nations designated 2021 to 2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. To that end, the European Union and 26 nations, along with donor support, recently pledged $16 billion to protect, restore and sustainably manage forests. A significant portion of the monies will be spent on reforestation.

Many reforestation projects focus on the number of trees planted, with less attention to how well they survive, how diverse the resulting forests are or how much carbon they store. A study of data from 176 reforestation sites found that on average only 44 percent of newly planted trees last more than five years, with some sites reporting a sapling survival rate of less than 20 percent.

Several studies have explored ways to improve survival rates. Promising measures include planting near mature trees, fencing out cattle, improving soil conditions, planting native species first to pave the way for other tree species and involving local people to support reforestation efforts.

Sharks Win!

In a groundbreaking decision, world governments have awarded increased protections to 54 species of sharks at the 19th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “This decision is the most significant step toward improving global shark management that countries have taken,” says Mark Bond, a biologist at Florida International University and an advocate for the CITES protections. “It will ensure international shark trade is regulated and traceable.”

Sharks and rays, which are fished for their fins and meat, are the second most threatened vertebrate group in the world, with a third of them threatened with extinction. The inclusion of these sharks on the CITES list helps ensure only legal and sustainable trade in fins and meat is taking place. Almost every shipment of shark products will now require a permit to prove that trade meets legal and sustainability requirements. Before the decision, there were few restrictions in place around the globe.

New Africa\ShutterStock.com

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.

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.

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

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

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

“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.

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 NATA35.

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.

The right food choices don’t just prevent heart disease and help shrink artery plaque, they also nourish and heal the heart. For a healthy ticker, enjoy these five food groups every day.

Fabulous Fiber

Fiber is the roughage in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, and it is loaded with agebusting nutrients. Eating fiber suppresses appetite, promotes weight loss, improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, decreases inflammation and feeds a healthy gut microbiome. The challenge is to get more fiber every day. Too often, people consume fiber from processed grains and flour, and the sugar load that comes with grain fiber has many adverse impacts on heart health. The best option is to enjoy daily fiber from the following sources: three cups of colorful vegetables; two pieces of fruit, such as one cup of berries and one apple; two handfuls of nuts and seeds; and one-half to one cup of beans.

Smart Fat

Clinical studies show that enjoying fats from seafood, extra-virgin olive oil and nuts decreases the risk of a heart attack and stroke without causing weight gain. Healthy

Nourish the Heart

FOODS THAT PROMOTE CARDIAC HEALING

by Steven Masley, M.D., FAHA, FACN, CNS

fats improve cholesterol levels, assist with blood sugar control, are critical for the brain, improve hormone balance and reduce inflammation.

Fats enhance the texture of food, adding that smooth, creamy mouth feel to a meal that makes eating a pleasure. Enjoy healthy fats from avocados, seeds and dark chocolate daily.

Clean (Not Mean) Protein

Raising animals in large-scale conventional operations with cruel living conditions is not just mean, it also produces less nutritious meat that can be loaded with hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Choose clean protein instead, which does not contain added hormones, pesticides and other toxins. Good sources of protein are organic dairy products and eggs, wild seafood and animal protein that has been grass-fed or organically fed while living on open pasture. Beans are also a great protein-packed choice that improves blood sugar and cholesterol profiles. They are the most powerful anti-aging food ever tested.

Beneficial Beverages

Start with at least four cups of water per day. It doesn’t matter whether it’s flat or sparkling, so long as it’s pure. Pure water can be purchased or made at home or at work with a reverse osmosis filter system. Except for people that are caffeine sensitive, one to two servings of caffeinated beverages can be enjoyed daily. In moderation,

those tea and coffee pigments are good for us.

Don’t forget a fiber- and protein-rich smoothie to stay satisfied and revved up all morning. A balanced and delicious recipe includes one serving of protein powder, frozen organic cherries or blueberries, almond milk and chia seeds.

Take advantage of the option to enjoy wine with dinner—just be sure to limit wine intake to no more than two servings daily. Avoid any beverage with added sugar or commercial sweeteners. Don’t be fooled into drinking juice; without the fiber, fruit juice is much closer to drinking soda than to eating fruit.

Powerful Probiotics

Not only do probiotics help gut function— a healthy gut microbiome decreases inflammation and supports weight control. The latest research reveals that the microbes in the gut have a dramatic impact on the risk for heart disease, as well. Because healthy microbes feed on fiber, eating fiber is good for the gut microbiome, too.

The right gut microbes offer numerous benefits. They lower harmful cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure to normal levels, assist with weight loss, decrease inflammation and decrease production of trimethylamine N-oxide (also known as TMAO), a marker for heart disease. Support the gut microbiome by eating probiotic food sources daily, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled veggies and miso.

Dr. Steven Masley is a physician, nutritionist, trained chef, clinical professor at the University of South Florida and creator of health programs for public television. He is the author of The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up Learn more at DrMasley.com

FRITTATA WITH SPINACH, MUSHROOMS AND CHEESE

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS

½ lb fresh spinach, washed and drained, stems removed, chopped

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ medium sweet onion, finely chopped

2 cups mushrooms, sliced

½ tsp sea salt

RATATOUILLE

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

1 medium eggplant (remove ends and any damaged skin), cut into 1-inch cubes

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium sweet onion, diced

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp oregano, dried

½ tsp fines herbes (or Italian herb seasoning), dried

3 small zucchini, chopped into ½-inch cubes (about 2½ cups)

2 small yellow squash, chopped into ½-inch

1 tsp Italian herb seasoning

2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped

8 large cage-free, organically fed eggs

2 Tbsp organic, whole fat milk (or sour cream)

½ cup organic Comté (or Gruyère) cheese, grated

¼ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375° F. Place spinach in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Cover with a lid and allow to steam on high heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain; squeeze out excess water. Set aside. Heat a sauté pan to medium heat; add olive oil, then onion; stir occasionally. After 1 minute, add mushrooms and continue heating for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms

have softened. Add garlic and Italian herbs and heat 1 minute, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Stir in the Comté or Gruyère cheese, steamed spinach and sautéed onions with mushrooms.

Grease a pie dish with extra virgin olive oil, then pour the egg and vegetable mixture into the pie dish. Sprinkle Parmigiano Reggiano cheese over the top.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it has the texture of custard—trembling and barely set. For a golden crust, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes of baking, but don’t over-bake, or it will get tough. Check it 5 minutes before it’s supposed to be done.

This recipe and photo were excerpted from The Mediterranean Method. © 2019 Steven Masley, M.D. Used with permission of Harmony Books. All rights reserved.

cubes (about 2 cups)

2 Tbsp white wine

3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2½ cups)

4 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp fresh rosemary, diced

1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

⅛ tsp paprika or cayenne powder (or

1 lb firm tofu, cubed, or 15 oz cooked cannellini beans (optional)

Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, basil, and/ or thyme)

This fragrant side dish from southern France is packed with nutrients. It goes well with chicken or fish, and especially a soufflé.

To convert this from a side dish to a complete meal, add 1 pound of cubed tofu or 15 ounces of cooked cannellini beans.

Can be served hot or cold and usually tastes better when served the next day.

Steam eggplant on the stove top for 6 minutes or microwave in a glass container for 4 minutes. Cook until tender.

Heat a pan on medium heat and add olive oil; add the onion, salt, black pepper, oregano and fines herbes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until onions are soft and translucent.

Add zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant and wine; stir. Cover and heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.

Add the tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 to 10 minutes, until squash softens and the flavors blend.

For a touch of heat, add paprika or cayenne pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Excerpted from The 30-Day Heart TuneUp. Copyright © 2021 Dr. Steven Masley, Used with permission from Little, Brown Spark, New York, NY. All rights reserved.

Love in the Present Moment

MINDFULNESS FOR COUPLES

by Marlaina Donato

Jam-packed schedules and answering the demands of everyday life can trip us up and break the spell of even the most solid intimate partnership. With dulled senses, it is easy and all too common to go on autopilot. Like abandoned gardens, heart-unions can become casualties of neglect and the absence of joy.

Mindfulness—awareness and cultivation of the present moment—has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and deepen our appreciation of what we have. Relationships can expand and strengthen when couples practice the art of being in the “now”. A 2021 study involving 1,360 heterosexual couples published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy indicates that gratitude and forgiveness also contribute to satisfaction, both relational and sexual.

Conscious Hearts

“Mindfulness practice comes in many forms: journaling, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, tai chi or breathwork, to name just a few. By routinely practicing mindfulness, we are able to deepen our own awareness of what we are feeling and how we want to respond to someone we care about,” explains Moraya Seeger DeGeare, in-house relationship expert for Paired, an app for couples.

Maci Daye, the author of Passion and Presence: A Couple’s Guide to Awakened Intimacy and Mindful Sex says, “Even a few minutes a day of mindfulness practice can rewire the brain, build new habits and help us dis-identify from our limiting beliefs, stories and intense emotions.” This is a critical factor in transcending personal triggers and promoting conflict resolution. She emphasizes that couples often go into fight-or-flight mode because they feel threatened by their partner’s non-verbal behavior or are triggered by old, painful wounds.

Daye, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist, notes, “Mindful couples are less attached to being ‘right’ and explore their own sensitivities instead of blaming their partners.” Once “awakened intimacy” is put into practice, couples become interested in each other’s perspectives and team up to heal and grow. In addition to formal training, she suggests bringing presence to all aspects of life. “Couples can engage their senses when they hug, touch or hold hands,” Daye explains. “They can pause to look at each other when they say hello and goodbye. They can slow down and taste their food, savoring every bite. These behaviors also make sexual experiences more sensual, intimate and connecting.”

Taking a few moments for eye contact, the brush of a hand or compassionate interaction can strengthen bonds. DeGeare, who is also a couple’s therapist at BFF Therapy, in Beacon, New York, recommends slowing down together to get in sync. “This could be going for a walk, cooking or listening to the same podcast and talking about it later. It helps the body tune into your partner a bit and connect. The time you spend doing this outside of the bedroom will deepen your connection in the bedroom.” She suggests bringing movement like a shared dance or yoga class into the mix to foster connection, as well as setting “dedicated times to check in through the week or month, uninterrupted.”

A Deeper Dive

Daily verbal exchanges beyond the mundane can amplify resonance between two people. “Asking ques tions is vitally important, as it cultivates curiosity—but not the day-to-day questions, such as, ‘What are you doing today’ or ‘What do you want for dinner?’” says Debbie Lambert, co-author of The Mindful Couple. The Del Mar, California, couples counselor and life coach encourages people to ask, “What scares you today? What is the most important thing that you would like to create today? What was one thing that made you grateful today, and what is one thing that disappointed or frustrated you today? What is one thing I can do for you today? These types of questions scrape the surface of knowing and create intimacy and connection.”

Lambert compares the practice of mindfulness to a beautiful dance—flowing, loving and creative—that can change future generations. “The energy from such a dance extends far beyond the couple,” she says. “It can be felt intimately by anyone in its presence. When parents dance this dance, their children are bathed in a high-vibrating energy. They feel safe and loved. Most importantly, they learn a model for how to be in a loving relationship.”

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.~Buddha

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ERADICATING Modern Day Slavery

by Dawn Carr

Taking a holistic approach to the extremely complex global issue of modern day slavery (human trafficking) requires the efforts of many disciplines and, for survivors, it’s a lifelong journey with heart-centered healing and personal empowerment. Becoming educated about what trafficking is and how to recognize victims should involve government entities, law enforcement, mental health counselors, the private sector, and organizations, all working together to identify these crimes, promote changing laws and policies, and helping victims become empowered leaders.

The journey to getting more involved starts by seeing the value of every individual, and then educating ourselves about

this scourge that occurs in nearly all cultures and countries. For those who have been coerced, kidnapped, or born into slavery, we have to collectively demand their freedom to reconnect with their families. Some enslaved people are hidden while others live in plain sight. Modern day slaves are all around us, as service providers, workers in a manufacturing facility, workers in the fields, crew members on a ship, or anyone at other locations. A person who has been trafficked loses their freedom to change jobs.

Therefore, many organizations working together is the key to meaningful cultural change. This article is about one organization and one woman whose mission is working with others to eradicate

Prof. Dr. Roza Pati

human trafficking—meet Prof. Dr. Roza Pati. Inspired by her work against human trafficking since the early 1990s, Dr. Pati founded in 2010 the John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy, an institute she continues to direct. Formerly a Member of Parliament and a Cabinet Member serving as the Secretary of State for Youth and Women of Albania, Dr. Pati has a wealth of experience in public service and academia. In 2012, Dr. Pati was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and had the honor at that time of being the only person selected to represent the United States to serve as a Member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican. In 2020, she was appointed by Pope Francis to serve as Member of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, The Vatican. She is a globally published author of books, book chapters and law review articles in multiple languages and she lectures at academic, governmental and intergovernmental institutions around the world.

Located in Miami Gardens, The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy of St. Thomas University College of Law is at the forefront of work that upholds and advances the inherent value, worth, and dignity of each human being. For more than a decade, the Academy has been developing education programs, conducting research, and advocating for laws and policies to fight human trafficking throughout the world and to empower survivor leadership in our global community.

The Academy offers specialized training and technical assistance to countries, government entities, academic institutions, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and the community at large on a multitude of issues related to the crime of trafficking. To date, the Academy has influenced thousands of leaders and community members domestically and abroad. As part of St. Thomas University College of Law’s LL.M./J.S.D. Program in Intercultural Human Rights, the Academy addresses human trafficking from the perspective of human rights law and the development of every person as a whole person. This college is the first

academic institution in South Florida to shed light on the magnitude and scope of human trafficking, and it is one of the pioneers in fighting human trafficking nationwide.

Since 2004, under the leadership of international scholar and expert, Prof. Dr. Roza Pati, laws and policy recommendations were formulated as The Miami Declaration of Principles on Human Trafficking. This declaration has guided

law- and policy-makers nationally and internationally.

In 2010, Dr. Pati formally founded the Academy with the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. In 2017, the late John J. Brunetti, a successful South Florida businessman and philanthropist, made a generous donation to the Academy that now proudly bears his name, enabling it to continue working

as a premier institution for training and education about human trafficking.

Today, the Academy continues its legacy as a trailblazing leader in viewing trafficking as a gross violation of human rights and an affront to human dignity. Its interdisciplinary approach to human trafficking includes considering solutions that go beyond the justice system. The focus of the Academy’s curriculum is human trafficking as a crime and a social phenomenon, deeply ingrained in the culture of countries of origin, transit, and destination.

Each year, the Academy develops a robust curriculum delivered in ex cathedra style and through interactive working groups, all taught and facilitated by leading experts who provide innovative perspectives, insights, and a wealth of experience and knowledge with participants.

The Academy focuses on reading the signs of the times and in empowering men and women of goodwill to renew

their commitment to improving human conditions and reducing the vulnerability that makes people susceptible to human trafficking worldwide. By way of example, focus has been put on the issue of migration, particularly the refugee and migration crisis and the related increases in criminal activities, including human trafficking and smuggling. Organized criminal activity is on the rise, and its modus operandi is beyond ruthless. The Academy has influenced law- and policymakers internationally as well. Every year, the Academy, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and the Global Ties Miami, hosts delegations of international government officials and professionals from every continent to highlight the need for a vanguard involvement of institutions of higher education

in ethical leadership as they address modern-day slavery in their daily work through education, research, advocacy, and survivor empowerment.

For more information and to learn how you can be a part of the solution to eradicating this scourge to humanity, please visit HumanTraffickingAcademy.com

For more information, contact The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy, St. Thomas University College of Law, 16401 NW 37 Ave., Miami Gardens, FL 33054. 305-623-2320, HumanTrafficking@stu.edu.

Dawn Carr is a high-powered national and international consultant to charitable and human rights organizations, multinational corporations, and governments and has worked with notable personages in the entertainment industry, arts, and health and wellness.

— a safe space to report tips, seek services, and ask for help — the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Wholistic Being

by Chatelaine

As a people, we are human kind, As a oner, we each have a mind; Opinions, beliefs, prejudices, too, Such primitive thinking, it’s time for new. The great shogun overcomes by not opposing. Pray to stand upright; know we are still learning how to “be” after centuries of doing before analyzing/knowing the possible conse quences of that doing for at least seven times seven generations to come.

Deep and wise ecology—individual, planetary, cosmic, Cosmic Mother Nature—is our best guide. Indwelling— that still, small voice heard only in the private quietude of one’s personal space—she is complemented by her male energy within (Shakti/Shiva, Prakriti/Purusha, Yin/Yang). Indwelling in the spine of every functioning human on Earth, the two energies

intertwine, marrying, for inner Unity, helping to create a wholistic Being. The many personalities that have developed in us in response to life unify into one (pineal gland).

Shakti and Shiva, married within, Unifying all “I’s” in the Eye of the Pin (pineal gland in the mid-center of brain), Making us Whole, Complete, all “IN”. No agenda; no self; Free form; win-win.

Ongoing inner peace becomes the wedding gift for this merger. This doesn’t mean there will not be challenges; challenges are always aplenty in this dimension of Earth, however, readily resoulved and used as catalysts for synchronicity, harmony and positive growth in an organic evolution happening everywhere, all the time.

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You are what you eat, PLUS how you breathe, sleep, and work. The mouth is to humans what roots are to plants. Is your mouth a health asset, or liability? See an Airway Mouth Doctor: a new breed of family dentists.

Dr. Felix Liao gained international acclaim for having identified “Impaired Mouth Syndrome” as the overlooked source of many medical, mood and dental issues, and developing a “Holistic Mouth” intervention framework for correcting the root causes of many conditions that are otherwise very difficult to permanently resolve.

Discover Impaired Mouth Syndrome: Get to know the red flags for yourself and your kids. Practitioners learn how you can empower your patients’ total health. Join free Webinar to learn more. 

“I can’t unsee it [signs of impaired mouth] now. Every time I take a class with Dr. Liao, I leave with at least a dozen new pearls of knowledge. It’s has been life-changing and paradigm-shifting.” – Dr. Teresa Scott, Spring, Texas

Dr. Felix Liao, DDS

BRUCE CRYER on His Love Affair With the Heart

by Kirby Baldwin

Bruce Cryer has been called a Renaissance man because of a varied, four-decade career as a singer, actor, dancer, publisher, author, marketing executive, teacher and coach. In New York City, he played The Boy for 800 performances in the world’s longest running musical, The Fantasticks. He co-authored the book, From Chaos to Coherence: The Power to Change Performance, was lead writer of the Harvard Business Review article titled “Pull the Plug on Stress” and taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Cryer was part of the original leadership team and former CEO of the HeartMath Institute, which has scientifically studied heart-brain communications and deepened our understanding of how the workings of the heart can influence human perceptions, emotions, intuition and health. For three decades, he has dedicated himself to developing and teaching stress reduction and resilience techniques that tap into the power and intelligence of the heart.

As one of the leaders of HeartMath, what did you hope to achieve?

Part of what motivated me to join the original HeartMath team was the notion that the heart is much more than a pump. The values we associate with the heart—courage, wisdom, love, compassion—were being viewed as completely separate from the physical heart. Before founding HeartMath, Doc Childre discovered that anything he did in life that succeeded—a job, a diet, an exercise program, a relationship—worked better if he “put his heart into it”. Childre also realized that every major religion, culture and civilization revered the heart throughout history. However, the Western scientific method had reduced the human body to individual components and viewed the heart as a “fantastical machine”. This perspective was inadequate to explain the profound feelings of love, care and even grief we experience in the heart.

How has HeartMath evolved through the years?

The core message of HeartMath has always been this: Human beings have a remarkably well-integrated system with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The heart’s intelligence helps to coordinate all these aspects. The phrase “follow your heart” has actual scientific meaning.

HeartMath’s work has been validated through more than 400 peer-reviewed studies. When we started in the early 1990s, we were a research, education and training organization. Our discoveries using heartrate variability proved to a mainstream, scientific audience that individuals can regulate their hearts, minds and emotions to produce profound changes in health, wellbeing, brain function and performance.

How can HeartMath positively impact people’s lives?

HeartMath is a beautiful and simple system that allows people to adapt to life’s relentless change and uncertainty and find balance. The brain directly benefits from the heart’s balancing capacity, which then facilitates expression, communication, listening, reaction times, coordination and emotional strength. Having survived two life-threatening conditions and then rediscovering many

sources of creative expression in myself, I’ve learned that our capacity to keep growing and learning is one of the greatest gifts of being human. Research is now confirming that the more we stay active, interested and curious in life, the more we continue to create a flexible, youthful brain. A childlike spirit of delight and wonder is something we can tap into our entire lives.

How do you practice HeartMath in your own life?

I use heart-focused breathing many times each day. The idea is to inhale for about five seconds and then exhale for about five seconds while keeping your focus in the area of the heart. This 10-second cycle is the optimal pace allowing our systems to find balance and coherence. Sometimes I sit and radiate love to someone I care about or a situation in trouble. Heart-focused breathing has been an integral part of my life for 30 years. I do this not

only to maximize my own health physically, mentally and emotionally, but also to connect with humanity as one family, one heart.

Why do you encourage people to develop heartfocused coherence?

The heart is a key center of intelligence for our human system. The practice of breathing and focusing our attention on the heart is the first step to bring the heart and brain into coherent alignment. As we breathe in qualities we value—kindness, compassion, love—and then exhale worries, tension, anxiety or fear, a surprising power is unleashed. More than 30 years ago, I dedicated my life to this path of the heart. It’s an incredible journey.

Kirby Baldwin writes and edits for KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub and the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Heart-Healthy Kids

SETTING A COURSE FOR CARDIOVASCULAR WELLNESS

by Ana-Maria Temple, M.D.

When a middle-aged, thin adult comes to the hospital with heart attack symptoms, the doctors will ask about family health history; alcohol, drug and cigarette use; current medications; and cholesterol levels. But because the person is thin, they may not question their diet. In reality, the food choices we’ve made since childhood may determine our likelihood of developing heart disease as adults. Heart-healthy diets for kids can establish a healthful baseline and set them on a path to lifelong wellness and longevity.

Studies have demonstrated that the development of coronary atherosclerosis begins in childhood. These findings have been replicated in studies of children of different ethnic backgrounds across the globe.

Characterized by the deposition of fatty material (plaques) on the inner walls of arteries, atherosclerosis contributes to heart disease and heart attacks.

The immediate reaction may be to blame genetics for heart disease in young children and assume it is outside of our control, but this

assumption would be wrong. Genetics are only a blueprint. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress level and our exposure to environmental toxins determine how our house is built. “Genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger,” wrote Judith Stern, professor of nutrition and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epigenetics is the study of how our behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way our genes work. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center demonstrated the effects of genetic malleability in a study involving agouti mice that have genetically mutated to produce obese offspring that develop heart disease, diabetes and cancers. The scientists fed two groups of these unhealthy mice different diets. One group ate standard mouse food. The other consumed standard mouse food plus vitamin supplements, including choline, folic acid, B12 and betaine.

The agouti mice mothers that were given a vitamin-supplemented diet produced offspring that were healthy, without evidence of heart disease or other problems, while the mice that ate a regular diet without nutritional supplementation continued to produce terribly unhealthy mice. What humans can surmise from this study is that parents have the power to alter their children’s gene expression and subsequent heart disease risk.

To raise healthy adults, a child’s nutrition is where to start. As Mark Hyman, M.D., an internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine, says, “Chronic disease is a food-borne illness,” and one of the biggest dietary culprits is sugar. It leads to the development of plaque in the arteries and wreaks havoc on the health of Americans. In the 1980s, the low-fat craze prompted food companies to remove fat from foods and replace it with sugar to preserve taste. A whopping 240 sugar alternatives followed, including corn syrup, rice syrup and dextrose.

The liver can process only 24 grams of added sugar per day. Any extra sugar gets turned into fat, which contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In the U.S., adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, according to the American

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Heart Association. That’s more than three times the amount the liver can handle.

Parents can begin to shield their children from this dangerous ingredient by steering them away from sugary drinks. We all know that sodas are full of sugar, but even organic juice boxes, sports drinks, flavored waters and coconut waters contain loads of the stuff. Choose water or coconut water without added sugar, and wean kids off of juice by gradually diluting it. Also consider fruit-infused waters or bubbly, carbonated water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Start reading food labels and encourage kids to become sugar detectives. It is not about categorizing food as evil or bad. It’s about learning together which foods and drinks help their little hearts become stronger and more resilient. When they grow up to be heart-healthy, middle-aged adults, they will be thankful.

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is an integrative pediatrician and wellness educator in Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more at DrAnaMaria.com.

BABY STEPS TO LIVING GREENER

TIPS FOR LOWERING TOXINS IN THE HOME

by Tom O'Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN

Millions of Americans are spending more time in their homes as employers embrace work-at-home arrangements following the pandemic. Many families have redesigned living spaces to accommodate one or more offices, and as they streamline their abodes, it is important to also take care of any potential hazards.

Some dangers around the house are easy to spot, like toys left in a hallway where people might trip or exposed electrical wires that could cause a fire. Other hazards are not as obvious but equally dangerous. Daily exposure to invisible household toxins, for example, can cause serious health consequences.

Almost beyond comprehension, the average person is exposed to 700,000 to 2 million toxins each day, and some of these

are “forever chemicals” that never leave the body or take decades to be expelled. This huge toxic burden can accumulate in the body, strain the immune system and compromise overall health. “The research is very clear—huge, huge, strong correlations between toxin load and most of your autoimmune diseases,” remarks Joseph Pizzorn, ND, author or co-author of six textbooks for doctors and seven consumer books, including, most recently, The Toxin Solution

The good news is that many of these threats can be corrected with a little insight, planning and budgeting. Changes to our everyday choices can go a long way toward keeping our bodies and homes healthy and safe, while also creating a greener and healthier environment.

The Air We Breathe

The air inside our homes can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air, containing pollutants such as mold, smoke, out-gassing chemicals, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses. There are many portable HEPA and carbon air filter options available at different price points that will help remove contaminants. According to a 1989 Clean Air Study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, common houseplants can remove organic pollutants from indoor air and, when combined with activated carbon air filters, are more effective. Examples of such plants are the Boston fern, spider plant, variegated snake plant, peace lily, English ivy, cornstalk dracaena and many other inexpensive varietals.

Between the Sheets

Flame-retardant chemicals in our sheets, mattresses, mattress pads and even pajamas out-gas minute amounts that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Because we spend approximately onethird of our lives in bed, it is important to ensure that the sleeping environment is as healthy as possible. Consider switching to organic cotton options for all bedroom items. Pressboard furniture is soaked with formaldehyde; replace it with solid wood pieces to reduce exposure to off-gassing. Turn off Wi-Fi at night to reduce exposure to EMF radiation. These changes can be made gradually, as the budget allows; think of

them as an investment that will pay off with improved sleep and wellness.

In the Kitchen

For many of us, turning on the faucet for a glass of water can produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including lead, arsenic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also known as the “forever chemicals.” The Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database (ewg.org/ tapwater) provides a searchable database of contaminants found in drinking water by zip code.

Investing in a water filtration system is a great way to avoid these chemicals. They, too, are available at different price points. Whether it’s a countertop unit, a filter mounted on the faucet, an undersink device or a whole-house system, the best solutions include charcoal granulation, a two-micron filter and reverse osmosis.

Smart swaps in cookware and bakeware are also a must. Begin by replacing nonstick pans with stainless steel, glass or cast-iron options. If replacing them all at once isn’t economically viable, start with the most damaged and scratched pans and continue as finances allow.

Food storage can be another source of toxins. Studies have found that certain chemicals in plastics can leach into our food. Move away from plastic storage containers to glass, and swap plastic wrap for a non-toxic alternative like beeswax wrap or reusable bowl covers.

In the Bathroom

Clean the shower head and install a chlorine shower filter. Gradually begin to replace soap and shampoo with nontoxic products that contain all-natural ingredients; specifically look for ones that are paraben-free, gluten-free, and organic.

For other personal products such as perfume, move away from synthetic fragrances, which can contain endocrinedisrupting chemicals, and replace them with all-natural alternatives such as essential oils. Toothpaste should be glutenand fluoride-free. Newer options contain hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral—which can be an alternative to fluoride and help remineralize teeth. Replacing makeup all at once can be costly, so begin with lipstick and lip balms and look for gluten-free alternatives.

Baby Steps

While it may feel overwhelming to embark upon a green living journey, positive change doesn’t happen all at once. Pick one area and make baby steps. Even small, incremental actions can have a powerful cumulative impact on the mind, body and planet.

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is the founder of theDr.com, author of The Autoimmune Fix and chief health officer for KnoWEwell, the parent company of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

A New Chapter— Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope

by Brooke Goode

In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.

By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for wellresearched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest franchise publishing network in the health and wellness industry.

As the magazine’s 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, Natural Awakenings was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, “The why that

has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission statement that inspired me to create Natural Awakenings: to inspire and empower people to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”

The world’s delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. “The critical issues we now address in Natural Awakenings—like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency,” Bruckman said. “The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on grander scale.”

Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder

and CEO of KnoWEwell. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match. com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.

A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.” Combining her

entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings , KnoWEwell’s mission is to transform health care by inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.

Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp., creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.

A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help

Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.

While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the Institute for Responsible Technology, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”

Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.

Hope for People and Planet

Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, “Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes.” Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.

Rodale Institute, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crises. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”

Research by Rodale Institute has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale Institute researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”

Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long

Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.

Looking Forward

The World Economic Forum reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper

“The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism.

The good news is that the local Natural Awakenings print magazines, together with KnoWEwell's Regenerative Whole Health Hub, a global digital ecosystem, are forging the paradigm shift. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. “We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all—our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”

Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor. Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

Virinaflora/shutterstock.com

calendar of events

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months! 9am5pm. Learn how to become a licensed Acupuncturist. Enrolling Now! Spring class starts May 3, 2023. Financial Aid available. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 East Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Call 954-763-9840 ext. 213 or admissions@ atom.edu. atom.edu.

sunday

Flower Picnic in the Park — 10:30amNoon $111 (also available Monday through Thursdays), Experience the joy of a purposeful picnic! Create a fresh flower crown, delight in the beauty of flowers and dine brunch alfresco. Register early, space is limited. TY Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL. Email Jowana at houseofpetali@gmail. com for details.

IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies

1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Locations will vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.

wednesday

Group Hypnosis Class — 7pm Last Wednesday each month for only $20. Let yourself be transported into ease with this amazing Group Hypnosis Class led by Leslie Seckelman, CHT. HarmonyResounds.com. 541-301-9685.

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) Intern Clinic Open to the public 9am-5pm. Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by a Licensed Acupuncturist. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 East Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Appointments: 954-7639840 ext. 201, atom.edu.

ongoing events

thursday

Max Meditation System™ — 7pm. Made for today’s modern seeker, Max Meditation is based on a fusion of ancient Yogic techniques and Zen mind training mixed with modern psychological science and Neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Max Meditation is a guided meditation experience at Temple Medicine, 120 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 101. Phone: 954-406-8199.

friday

Healing stress and anxiety thru essential oils, grounding and breathing techniques class — 2:45-3:45 PM, last Friday of each month. For February, it’s the 24th. Lauderdale by the Sea Community Center, 4501 N. Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale. To Register (or for details) call Ilka at: 754-222-6971.

Additional Local Events are Posted & Featured Online! NAbroward.com/calendar

saturday

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. Information, Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.

daily

Multisensory Revitalization Chakra Alignment Vibrational Healing Sessions Activate & reset the cells in your body with Sound Healing, Tesla Energy Waves, Intuitive Reiki, Access Bars, to rebalance & reset your physical, emotional, spiritual, & energetic bodies. 38 S Federal Highway #4, Dania Beach. Sheri Kaplan, By Appt. 786-419-1389.

natural awakenings directory

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. Order online: NAbroward. com/pages/directory

BEAUTY & HEALTH

ONENESS PERFUME

OnenessPerfume.com

Oneness ~ Let the beauty of this essence and its message inspire peaceful co-existence; may it encircle all nations and all peoples with the loving gift of gratitude to encourage co-creation and renewal of our sacred planetary home – knowing in spirit – We Are All One. See ad page 2.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

COAST TO COAST CHIROPRACTIC HEALTHCARE

716 NE 2nd Ave, Ft Lauderdale, 33304 954-300-2065

Coast2CoastChiropractic.com

We’re committed to providing the highest-quality chiropractic care possible in order to improve the lives of our members and change society’s current sick care paradigm.

DANCE

JODY’S NIA DANCE

Jody Dancer, Black Belt Nia Teacher 954-383-9667, Pompano Beach

JodyDancer@yahoo.com

StarBallroomDance.com

Nia? Natural, lyrical dance moves that energize and strengthen your body, uplift your spirit, intrigue your mind, and bring J oy and friends to your life.

DENTAL HEALTH

ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD 104 SE 1st St., Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-525-5662

ADWCenter.com

Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metal-free braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea.

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD

2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308

855-381-6001

954-945-7355 (new patients)

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 5.

INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER

Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317

954-792-6266

Chebanudmd@comcast.net

Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 28.

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 15.

ECO FRIENDLY DUCT CLEANING

ECO AIR DUCT CLEANING

305-952-0444

Admin@EcoAir-DuctCleaning.com

EcoAir-DuctCleaning.com

We are a health-conscious, environmentally friendly, company focused on reducing the negative impact of hard toxins in our environment, for better health, and well-being. See ad page 25.

EDUCATION

ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM)

100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301

954-763-9840

ATOM.edu

ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public. See ad back page.

HOLISTIC HAIR 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 scalphair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or ecofriendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine.

HYPNOTHERAPY

EXCEPTIONAL HYPNOTHERAPY

Leslie Seckelman, Certified Hypnotist

541-301-9685

www.HarmonyResoundsWellness.com/ebook

Ready to feel alive again and free from anxiety?

Now available, The Anti-Anxiety Ebook, so you can be free to enjoy your life!

MYSTERY TEACHINGS

SPIRIT IN TRANSITION

Matthew Koren 954-406-8199, Oakland Park Activate.SpiritInTransition.com

Engage with powerful tools of an ancient Mystery School—the Lineage of King Salomon. These teachings support your conscious evolution into a perfected Light being, to become aware of our mission to serve worldwide. Join us for advanced spiritual training in meditation, alchemy, kabbalah, sacred geometry, astral travel, and more! See ad page 21.

REIKI

THE SEEDING REIKI

Rita Zachelmayer RH Reiki Master Shaman 370 Camino Gardens Blvd., Suite 112 Boca Raton, FL 33432 561-573-7569

RitaZachelmayer@icloud.com

TheSeedingReiki.com

Reiki is a technique that brings relaxation, stress reduction, and harmony. It’s a chance to take a break and to be kind to yourself. Our pets love reiki too!

THERMOGRAPHY

CHOICE THERMOGRAPHY

Nicole Austin, C.T., L.E 2740 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-634-5511

ChoiceThermography.com

Get to the root cause and monitor your body for inflammatory changes. Nicole Austin, Clinical Thermographer, offers NonInvasive Full Body & Breast Imaging.

Servicing both Men & Women.

TUNING FORK THERAPY

YCC TUNING FORK THERAPY

Yvette C. Candelario

5130 N Fed Hwy, Ste 7, Ft Lauderdale 929-554-0281

YvetteCCandelario@outlook.com

YCCHealingTherapy.com

Our most popular service: Medium Reading, $100. A 30-minute Tuning Fork therapy with 30-minute crystal healing, $130. Other products and services are available. See ad page 21.

CLASSIFIEDS

Order Classified Ads online: NAbroward.com/pages/classified. Due date — 10th of the month.

SPACE AVAILABLE

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine, get real results, distributing monthly throughout Broward County. Call 954-630-1610 for more information.