WOMEN LEADING a Greener Future Best Grains for a GLUTEN-FREE Lifestyle
Natural Solutions for Hormone Balance
The Latest on Lyme Disease
Feeling Groovy With Dance Classes
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In our Green Living Department article, Female Environmentalists, author Kelcie Ottoes celebrates the contributions of women in sustainability. She notes those women including Eunice Newton Foote who have paved the way for environmental science. The article spotlights six inspiring female leaders driving change in environmental justice, renewable energy, and community resilience. For a deeper dive into the inspiring journeys of these environmental champions, turn to page 26.
into reclaiming hormonal harmony and enhancing well-being, turn to page 16.
For the Conscious Eating Department, Balancing Gluten delves into the complexities of gluten sensitivity and the booming gluten-free market. From undiagnosed celiac disease to nonceliac gluten sensitivity, understanding the impact of gluten on the body is crucial. The article explores the intricate relationship between gluten, gut health and the microbiome, shedding light on how dietary changes affect inflammation and overall well-being. Turn to page 18 on navigating the gluten debate and finding harmony in your being via diet.
Our Feature Article, The Road to Hormonal Harmony, by Marlaina Donato, explores the intricate balance of hormones in our bodies, impacting everything from mood to fertility. From oxytocin’s role as the conductor to the interconnectedness of thyroid and adrenal health, the article delves into solutions for achieving balance, including diet, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness practices. For a deeper dive
Identifying and Treating Lyme Disease delves into the complexities of Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as management and prevention, in our Healing Ways Department read on page 22. Misdiagnosis, elusive symptoms, and reliance on conventional antibiotics underscore the need for a multifaceted approach. The author mentions that lifestyle interventions, prevention strategies, and staying informed are pivotal.
The author of Footloose Fitness, this month’s Fit Body article, explores the liberating benefits of dance classes beyond mere physical exercise. The article discusses how dance elevates mood, fosters social connections, and enhances overall well-being. Diverse styles cater to all ages and abilities. Sashay to page 20 and learn how dancing can even boost brain health.
Inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment await us. Every story has the potential to enrich one’s life and broaden one’s perspective.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
- C.S. Lewis
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The Pride Center’s Wellness Program offers a number of free services to enhance the health of one’s mind, body, and spirit. Located in Wilton Manors, their 5.5-acre campus offers easy access and plenty of parking.
The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once, and people with certain risk factors should get tested more often. Order a free Home HIV Test on Pride’s website or stop into The Pride Center for an in-person test; either way, results are ready in a few minutes. The center also connects individuals to treatment and prevention options as needed.
Take advantage of Pride’s free services, including Quit Tobacco, Stress Management, and Social Media Navigation, available in-person as well as through a virtual meeting. These one-on-one single sessions help individuals down the path to kicking nicotine, reducing stress, and managing social media feeds. As to free holistic services, the center offers a number of classes, including Reiki, Sound Bath, Yoga, and support groups (free classes vary; see website for information and registration).
Location: 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors. For more info, visit PrideCenterFlorida.org/Wellness and/or call 954-463-9005. See ad page 7.
Dr. Hepsharat Amadi is a wholistic family doctor, one of whose specialties is balancing hormones—naturally. Women’s bodies are very complex, and hormones play a major role in their physiological functioning.
In menstruating years, problems with hormone imbalance can cause such symptoms as irregular periods, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, and more. In childbearing years, sometimes the slightest hormonal imbalances can cause problems with conception or bringing a pregnancy to term. Even after childbirth, hormonal imbalances such as slight hypothyroidism can cause postpartum depression. Of course, in peri-menopausal or menopausal years, hormone deficiency or imbalances can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue or irritability and, over time, may contribute to problems such as osteoporosis.
Expertly wielding quantum biofeedback, Dr. Amadi assesses which hormones a person needs and in which amounts. This ensures that the patient takes only those hormones actually needed. Beyond female and male hormones, she also assesses adrenal and thyroid hormones. With those patients not able to be addressed adequately with bioidentical hormones alone, Dr. Amadi can remedy this with dietary changes, herbs, glandular extracts, and/or homeopathic remedies.
Location: 10189 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs. For more information and appointment, call 954-757-0064, email DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com, and/or visit GreatNaturalDoctor.com. More on ads, pages 17 and 31.
A 2023 Gallup Poll found that 62 percent of adults aged 18 to 35 say they drink alcoholic beverages, down from 72 percent two decades ago. The poll noted that young adults also drink less frequently and are less likely to drink to excess. As a result, bars like Happy Accidents, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, are increasing non-alcoholic options to cater to young consumers. The bar offers five mocktails that use ingredients such as matcha, garam masala and capsaicin oils to create complex and flavorful alcohol-free alternatives.
Mingle Mocktails was created by a recovering alcoholic looking for a way to feel included during social outings while choosing not to drink alcohol. Mingle offers flavors such as Key Lime Margarita and Cucumber Melon Mojito that are available in readyto-drink cans, as well as in bottles for more premium mixing. NielsenIQ reports consistent double-digit growth in the nonalcoholic beer, wine and spirits market. The movement toward non-boozy alternatives is praised by experts for its positive impact on health and well-being, including improved sleep, energy, mental clarity, immunity and mood.
Seasonal allergies are not just a concern for children and can develop or worsen as we age. According to Dr. Gailen Marshall, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the prevalence of seasonal allergies among adults has increased, with about a quarter of U.S. adults reporting allergies compared to 19 percent of children.
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances such as pollen or grass as threats, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Moving to a different region with different pollen seasons can also trigger adultonset allergies. Societal and environmental shifts such as climate change, globalization and air pollution have contributed to the increased prevalence of allergies among individuals of all ages.
While it is possible for children to outgrow their allergies, it is more challenging for adults to do so. Lifestyle changes, such as spending more time indoors or moving to another region, may help some individuals see improvement in their symptoms. Immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing the person to small amounts of their allergen, is known to be an effective treatment for allergies regardless of when symptoms start.
In a study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, scientists investigated the effects of green spaces on osteoporosis and bone mineral density by analyzing data held in the UK Biobank of almost 400,000 people with an average age of 56, just over half of whom were women. In addition to the participants’ bone mineral density, the researchers calculated annual average exposures to air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, based on residential postal codes. Those living closer to green spaces, natural environments and domestic gardens had greater bone mineral density and a five percent lower risk of developing osteoporosis. In addition to air pollution, the scientists noted that psychological stress and physical activity levels appeared to influence the impact of green spaces on osteoporosis risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of low bone mass, a precursor of osteoporosis in adults 50 and older, is 51.5 percent in women and 33.5 percent in men. Osteoporosis weakens bones; increases the risk of fractures, chronic pain, reduced mobility and disability; and reduces quality of life. It affects nearly 20 percent of women and 4.4 percent of men.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, fatigue and sleeping difficulties. Scientists do not fully understand what causes it. In a randomized, controlled study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology involving 114 women, researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was superior to educational materials alone in reducing catastrophic negative thinking associated with fibromyalgia.
CBT is a form of psychological treatment that usually involves efforts to change thinking and behavioral patterns. Strategies include facing fears instead of avoiding them, using role play to prepare for potentially problematic interactions and learning to calm the mind and relax the body.
To measure the participants’ responses to CBT, researchers used various assessment tools alongside functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures the small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity. The participants that received eight weeks of CBT experienced a reduction on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, compared to a smaller drop in the group that received only educational materials. Furthermore, fMRI scans indicated changes in brain patterns following CBT, suggesting its effectiveness in addressing catastrophic thoughts. By providing evidence of tangible brain changes, this research can help validate the reality of chronic pain, which is often dismissed as being “all in your head.”
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, which include preeclampsia, complicate 2 to 8 percent of pregnancies and are estimated to cause 45,000 maternal deaths annually worldwide. These disorders are also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, the leading cause of death among children worldwide.
Calcium supplementation of 1500 to 2000 mg per day, divided into three doses, during pregnancy has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2011 to reduce the risk of preeclampsia in populations with low dietary calcium intake. Previous trials of high-dose calcium supplementation of at least 1000 mg per day reduced the risk of preeclampsia by more than half and the risk of preterm birth by 24 percent. However, only a few countries have implemented routine high-dose calcium supplementation in pregnancy due to adherence concerns and high cost.
preterm birth was recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine. In each trial, 11,000 first-time pregnant women were enrolled. The results indicate that low-dose calcium supplementation was as effective as the high-dose in terms of the risk of preeclampsia. The trial in India, but not the one in Tanzania, showed that the low-dose calcium supplement was as effective as the high-dose with respect to preterm birth.
The findings of two independent, randomized trials conducted in India and Tanzania to compare the efficacy of low-dose calcium supplementation (500 mg per day) to high-dose calcium supplementation (1500 mg per day) in reducing the risk of preeclampsia and Ivan Jekic
During the Cold War, American activities caused radioactive contamination in three countries, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report about the status of these sites.
In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the U.S. conducted 67 nuclear tests at the Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll between 1946 and 1958. Rising sea levels caused by climate change could mobilize the radioactive contamination, posing risks to fresh water and food sources. According to the GAO, RMI officials (and residents) believe the U.S. Department of Energy is downplaying the current risk to human health posed by climate change-induced disturbances. Improvements in communication and environmental remediation strategies are recommended.
In Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark), the contamination stems from a closed nuclear reactor that powered a U.S. military research base. Radioactive liquid is frozen in ice sheets, which Denmark is monitoring, as there is concern that climate change could release the contamination. While some studies suggest that much of the waste has decayed and will be diluted by melting ice, others highlight the presence of chemical waste such as polychlorinated biphenyls that could pose health risks.
In Spain, two U.S. defense aircraft collided in 1966, spreading radioactive debris on the town of Palomares. The countries worked together to remediate the area after the accident, but some radioactive contamination remains. Both countries signed a 2015 statement of intent to further clean up the site, but they still have not reached a final agreement.
According to a recent study published in Tectonics, scientists have completed the mapping of Zealandia, a largely submerged continent located below the Pacific Ocean roughly between New Caledonia and New Zealand. Zealandia covers an area of approximately 1.9 million square miles, nearly half the size of Australia. Only 5 percent of the continent is above water. The continent was first discovered seven years ago, but this study has provided a comprehensive map of its boundaries.
By analyzing rock samples and magnetic maps, researchers were able to gain insights into how Zealandia formed and separated from nearby landmasses. The granite samples collected from the northern portion of Zealandia contained zircon crystals, which hold valuable information about the continent’s geology. Through radiometric dating, scientists determined that these crystals formed around 100 million years ago, coinciding with the breakup of the supercontinent that once contained Zealandia.
Magnetic mapping was also used to provide a broader understanding of Zealandia’s shape and structure. The researchers found that highly magnetic rocks were aligned with fracture zones in the oceanic crust, indicating the stretching of the supercontinent’s crust prior to the breakup. This analysis helped confirm Zealandia’s geological connection to Antarctica and Australia.
A recent study published in the journal Science reveals the discovery of a large hydrogen gas deposit deep within the Bulqizë chromite mine, in Albania. The findings have sparked optimism among researchers that there may be substantial underground reservoirs of hydrogen capable of meeting global power demands for a low-carbon solution. Hydrogen can be burned without releasing greenhouse gases.
While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, access to it on Earth has been limited, as it tends to escape into the atmosphere. The existence of natural hydrogen seepages has been known for thousands of years, but it was believed that only small amounts of hydrogen could be found underground. This perception has been challenged in recent years, when significant hydrogen gas reservoirs were discovered in Mali, Europe and South America.
The research team believes that the Bulqizë mine holds 5,000 to 50,000 tons of hydrogen—well short of the millions of tons sought by energy-focused prospectors. Nevertheless, this discovery is confirmation that hydrogen gas can be trapped effectively underground. The technological means to efficiently extract and utilize these reservoirs are still in development.
Mexico is taking a stand to protect its ancient corn varieties from the potential contamination caused by genetically modified (GM) seeds by phasing out GM corn by 2024. The move has sparked tension with the United States. Nearly 30 percent of all U.S. corn exports went to Mexico between 2018 and 2020. U.S. officials are arguing that the ban violates the countries’ trade agreement and are demanding scientific evidence to support Mexico’s claim. There is concern among American policymakers that the ban on GM corn could lead to further restrictions in the future.
Mexican officials assert that GM corn poses risks to human health and threatens their country’s agricultural traditions and cultural
The New England Aquarium reported an aerial sighting of a gray whale 30 miles off the coast of Nantucket Island. Gray whales, which lack dorsal fins, have not been seen in the Atlantic Ocean for more than 200 years, having been hunted out of existence. This is the fifth sighting in Atlantic and Mediterranean waters in the last 15 years. Scientists believe that the melting of Arctic ice caused by global warming may be at play.
According to the aquarium, “The Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean in Canada, has regularly been ice-free in the summertime in recent years, partly due to rising global temperatures.” Without the sea ice that usually limits the range of gray whales, they can “potentially travel the Passage in the summer, something that wouldn’t have been possible in the previous century.”
Orla O’Brien, an associate research scientist in the aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, said, “These sightings of gray whales in the Atlantic serve as a reminder of how quickly marine species respond to climate change, given the chance.”
identity. Corn originated in Mexico nearly 10,000 years ago, and the country is home to more than 59 unique varieties. These native varietals have evolved to adapt to the local environment, with some being more drought tolerant and pest resistant. GM corn poses the risk of genetic contamination, as pollen from GM crops can crosspollinate with native varieties, altering their genetic makeup and making them less suited to their specific conditions.
Some experts argue that banning GM corn alone will not be enough to protect native corn, pointing to the decline in small-scale farms as a greater threat. Conservation efforts, they assert, should focus on not only storing seeds in gene banks, but also supporting the vital contributions of traditional farmers.
The ecological impact of disposable feminine hygiene products is substantial. Nearly 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators are thrown into U.S. landfills every year, generating more than 200,000 tons of waste. Most of these products are made of (and wrapped in) non-biodegradable plastic and contain dangerous pesticide residues, bleach and phthalates. From an economic standpoint, the average woman spends about $12,800 on menstrual care in her lifetime.
To reduce the plastic waste that languishes in landfills and waterways, environmentally conscious women are increasingly turning to more sustainable options, including reusable, biodegradable and organic products that are healthier for both people and the planet without compromising on functionality. Although reusable products are more expensive, they are worn over and over again for years, making them more costeffective in the long run.
Menstrual Cup: Made with medical-grade silicone, this alternative to disposable tampons is worn inside the vagina to collect flow, rather than absorb it. It is safe and easy to use. A cup holds four to six times more than a single tampon or pad, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours before rinsing and reinserting. Most people have to empty it only in the morning and evening.
Menstrual cups can be worn while swimming, running or dancing. To sterilize between periods, a one-to-two-minute boil
and thorough drying keeps the cup ready for next time. With proper care, a cup can last years.
Period Underwear: Absorbent, machinewashable and hygienic, period underwear uses a layered approach to leak-proofing with a moisture-wicking top layer, absorbent core layer and waterproof liner. Simply rinse after use and drop it in the next load of laundry.
Reusable Pads: Thin and flexible, reusable pads can absorb more than a disposable counterpart and typically last three to five years. Some companies make their reusable pads from organic cotton and spandex, with edge-to-edge protection and snap closures to keep them in place. Simply rinse them in cold water and throw them in the washing machine. For lighter days, reusable pantyliners are also available.
Organic Tampons and Pads: Although disposable, tampons and pads made from organic cotton are healthier for both people and planet because they are free of BPAplastic, dyes, pesticides, dioxins, fragrance, chlorine or other synthetic materials. Look for companies that provide plastic-free applicators and compostable wrappers and packaging.
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The rise in prevalence of celiac disease and related conditions, and shifts toward paleo, keto and other gluten-free diets, have driven the gluten-free products market from $973 million in 2014 to $6.5 billion in 2022. The market for these products is expected to reach $15.1 billion by 2032 according to The Brainy Insights, a market research company. However, switching to gluten-free products is not a one-size-fits-all decision.
Celiac disease affects an estimated 1 percent or approximately 3 million Americans, although approximately 60 to 70 percent of those have not been diagnosed, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. The illness is an autoimmune condition that results in tissue damage in the small intestine, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain, gas and bloating, cognitive impairment, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, anemia, skin rashes and joint pain. It is diagnosed with blood tests and confirmed by taking pictures inside of the small intestine.
The National Institutes of Health report an additional 6 percent of Americans may have a related condition known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While some symptoms of intolerance or sensitivity to gluten are similar to those with celiac disease, NCGS does not come with intestinal damage. Symptoms of NCGS also may occur outside the intestines such as heartburn, feelings of fullness, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, depression, a foggy mind and fibromyalgia-like symptoms.
For those allergic to wheat or other grains containing gluten or that have gluten-related disorders, permanently eliminating gluten is a must. This includes inhaling it, eating it and encountering it through skin or hair.
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, spelt, semolina, farro, barley and rye. These grains are a source of fiber, B vitamins, trace minerals and other nutrients. Many studies have associated whole-grain consumption with improved health outcomes. For instance, as part of a healthy diet, wheat has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain.
Gluten interplays with the bacteria in the gut. The journal Nutrients published a review in 2021 of various studies that evaluated the effects of a gluten-free diet on the microbiome of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found that a gluten-free diet reduced the bacterial richness and affected gut microbiota composition of patients in all three groups. In patients with celiac disease or NCGS, the gluten-free diet created a positive effect on gastrointestinal symptoms and helped restore microbiota population by reducing the population of pro-inflammatory
species. However, in healthy patients, a gluten-free diet had a negative effect on the gut by decreasing the number of beneficial species and increasing the number of bad microorganisms.
According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, changes in the amount or activity of good bacteria have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.
“Changes in your diet can alter your microbiome within one to two days,” says Dr. Tom O’Bryan, an expert on wheat-related disorders, NCGS, celiac disease and their link to autoimmune diseases. “When you go on a gluten-free diet, you remove prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut. This then causes the bad bacteria to flourish and reproduce, resulting in increased inflammation in your gut, a contributor to disease.” This makes sense as 70 to 80 percent of immune cells are present in the gut.
Whether a gluten-free diet is required because of a gluten-related disorder or by choice, it is essential to add prebiotic foods to replace the beneficial impacts lost when eliminating wheat and other grains. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements are a start, but consumption of vegetables is the key.
“Probiotics are most effective when they are combined with a high-fiber diet featuring a variety of vegetables,” says O’Bryan. He recommends at least one daily serving of root vegetables, such as rutabaga, turnip, parsnip, radish, carrot and sweet potato, and two daily servings of prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, onion, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, legumes, artichoke, apples and cocoa. “I also recommend a forkful or more of fermented foods each day. Vary it up with some sauerkraut, kimchi, miso or fermented beets, or drink some kefir or kombucha.”
“If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort, give a healthy, gluten-free diet a try for at least 30 days and assess how you feel,” recommends Michelle Ross, a board-certified nutrition specialist, licensed dietician
and functional medicine practitioner. “My recommendation is to stay away from the gluten-free aisle. The truth is many people that switch to a gluten-free diet often turn to processed gluten-free foods. The focus should be on consuming whole, real, unprocessed foods.”
Even for those without gluten-related conditions, too much gluten can create its own health complications. In a 2015 study published in Nutrients, gliadin, a component of gluten, was administered to biopsies taken from the small intestines of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found each group experienced increases in inflammatory markers and in markers of leaky gut, with the healthy group having the greatest increase in interleukin 10, a rapidly
activated pro-inflammatory cytokine that defends the body against microbial invasion.
For otherwise healthy people, finding a balance between enough gluten to feed gut probiotics but not so much that it results in gut permeability issues is important. “If you decide to continue consuming gluten, opt for whole or minimally processed einkorn wheat, rye, barley, spelt and Kamut wheat,” says Ross. “These grains have not undergone hybridization and are not typically sprayed with glyphosate before harvesting. Additionally, consider consuming sprouted or fermented forms of these grains, as they can be more digestible.”
Deborah Bevilacqua is a journalist and contributor to Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation.
This salad is full of cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, which have a nutrient called diindolylmethane (DIM) that helps process estrogen in a healthier way. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc, which supports progesterone production, and magnesium, which can help with period cramps. Avocado and olive oil are rich in hormone- supportive omega-3s.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 head purple cauliflower
¼ head white cauliflower
¼ head broccoli or 1 cup Brussels sprouts
2 Tbsp canned red kidney beans (optional)
½ avocado, sliced
1-2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Pinch of salt
Dash of black pepper
Preheat oven to 320°F. Cut cauliflower and broccoli into florets (or slice Brussels sprouts in half) and add them to a baking tray. Drizzle the veggies with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place into preheated oven to roast for about 15 minutes. Stir the vegetables and roast for another five to 10 minutes until forktender and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Combine with other ingredients.
Recipe courtesy of Deborah Matthew.
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
2 cups dried mung beans, soaked in water for 8-12 hours
1 Tbsp coconut oil, ghee or olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
14 oz spinach, kale, collards or any other greens
2 tsp Celtic sea salt
1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
2 cups quinoa
7½ cups water
Optional: cilantro, avocado
Heat oil in a pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot); add onion, garlic and cumin. Sauté until fragrant; stir occasionally. Add greens, soaked mung beans, quinoa and water. Put the lid on, and pressure cook for 12 minutes. Once pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir in coconut milk. Top it off with fresh avocado and cilantro before serving.
Recipe courtesy of Aumatma Simmons.
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Fort Lauderdale 33308
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Michelle Morris, the heart and soul behind Bombay Room Yoga, has curated a sanctuary wherein individuals embark on transformative wellness journeys. As an accomplished facilitator, ERYT 500 yoga instructor, Sound Healer, Mind Mastery Coach, and HeartMath Certified Trainer, her dedication to guiding others toward self-awareness and transformation is unparalleled.
Morris’s own journey began in 2011 when she left the corporate world in pursuit of fulfillment. Yoga—initially a refuge from a
herniated disc—evolved into her passion for teaching. With extensive training, including specialized programs in Yoga for Kids and Yoga for Golfers, Morris fulfilled her dream in 2018 of owning Bombay Room Yoga.
Morris and her team of certified instructors, registered with Yoga Alliance and passionate about their craft, guide individuals through a variety of classes tailored to specific needs. From traditional yoga sessions to specialized offerings like chakra alignment, sound healing, and Mindful Thinker Group Discussion
Talks, the team ensures that everyone feels supported and empowered on their journey.
Immerse one’s self in the Opus SoundBed for an experience of pure sonic bliss. SoundBed uses vibroacoustic technology to deliver low-frequency vibrations throughout the body for deep relaxation and receptivity.
Morris’s dedication extends beyond business; it’s a mission to cultivate a community where everyone feels at home. Newcomers are welcomed with a special offer, inviting them to experience the studio’s transformative energy firsthand. Morris states, “The outside world is the reflection of your inside world, and in order to change anything in your outer world, you have to change your inner world.”
At Bombay Room Yoga Studio, they believe that wellness is not just a destination but a journey. Step into their sanctuary and embark on your path to self-discovery and wellbeing. Whether you seek physical strength, mental clarity, or emotional balance, their studio is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Beyond yoga, Bombay’s studio boutique offers a curated selection of essentials and treasures, including yoga mats, accessories, essential oils, and locally sourced goods. Arriving early for class allows for a browse.
Lastly but not least, Bombay Room Yoga’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its competitive pricing and flexible class schedules (available seven days a week), ready now to those embarking on their ongoing journey of self-discovery and well-being. See ad page 31.
Like a well-built home, the human body’s quality of life depends upon a sturdy foundation. A complex, hormonal matrix determines our vitality and impacts major areas of health, including growth and development, stamina, sleep cycles, bone health, blood sugar levels, fertility,
weight and mood. Fifty hormones take turns keeping us alive, as well as impacting lesser concerns such as hair and skin quality.
Excessive stress, certain pharmaceutical medications, hormonal contraception, autoimmune diseases and, in rare instances, tumors
can throw the body into metabolic chaos. Supporting these fundamental allies through lifestyle changes that include a nutrient-packed diet, improved gut health, supplementation and medication, when needed, can help us get back on track. Most importantly, prevention is possible with the same approach.
“Hormones are the behind-the-scenes influencers, ensuring your body operates smoothly and adjusting to the ever-changing demands of your environment and internal states. When this delicate balance is thrown off, the consequences can be widespread, affecting virtually every aspect of your health,” affirms North Carolina-based hormone specialist Deborah Matthew, M.D., author of This Is Not Normal: A Busy Woman's Guide to Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance.
Even a slight imbalance of certain hormones—whether a deficiency or an excess—can compromise digestion, raise low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), downgrade sex drive, foster cognitive issues, amp up anxiety and even affect heart rhythm. Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise also play a role in disturbing equilibrium. Matthew explains, “Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate many functions well beyond the realm of reproductive health. They are produced by your endocrine glands and circulate through your bloodstream, delivering critical instructions to every tissue and organ.”
Like orchestra players, hormones work together, but the hormone oxytocin is the conductor. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, cannot be produced or used properly without oxytocin. Good gut health also depends on it. “The most powerful hormone in our body, hands down, is oxytocin. It also happens to be an alkalinizing hormone and helps oppose the negative, chronic effects of cortisol, our stress hormone,” says Anna Cabeca, a triple-boardcertified OB-GYN and author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16 and MenuPause. “Oxytocin is what we refer to as the love and bonding hormone. It’s also a longevity hormone—muscle-regenerating, mood-elevating, pain-relieving and immune-boosting. It is vital to have a high level of it if we want to boost and support the other hormones.”
Cabeca recommends boosting oxytocin naturally. “It can be as simple as thinking of something that puts a smile on your face, brings you joy and happiness, makes you laugh or gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside,” she explains, adding that cultivating a sense of gratitude “will help boost your oxytocin level and reduce your stress hormone cortisol, which, when too high, leads to inflammation and acidity.” Her other go-to oxytocin allies are funny movies, being in nature, hugs, intimacy, therapeutic massage and activities with others like yoga classes, hiking or team sports.
The symbiotic relationship between the thyroid and our stress-fighting adrenal glands is also fundamental in systemic harmony. A 2015 study published in European Thyroid Journal revealed that 5 percent of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also had an underlying primary adrenal insufficiency. An older study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2009 showed that 41 percent of patients with compromised adrenal function also suffered from hypothyroidism.
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“In today’s high-stress environment, our cortisol production can become dysregulated. This is often called ‘adrenal fatigue’, although that term is not recognized by the conventional medicine world,” says Matthew. “This cortisol dysregulation often results in profound tiredness, cravings for salt or sugar, reliance on caffeine for energy and difficulty handling stress.” She notes that despite its widespread occurrence, adrenal compromise slips between the cracks of conventional diagnosis. Recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems is vital.
“A holistic approach to thyroid and adrenal health considers the entire spectrum of an individual’s health, lifestyle and emotional well-being,” Matthew says. “Holistic practitioners often employ comprehensive testing to uncover subtle imbalances, utilize natural supplements like adaptogenic herbs to support function and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes that address underlying causes of thyroid and adrenal symptoms.”
For many, planning a family is one of life’s high points, but according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 percent of married women under the age of 30 struggle to conceive; about 22 percent of married women between ages 30 and 39 are hit the hardest. The frustration can be agonizing. “I often say that infertility is not a diagnosis; it’s a symptom,” attests Aumatma Simmons, a double-board-certified naturopathic doctor, endocrinologist and fertility specialist at the Holistic Fertility Institute, in Berkeley, California. “When we consider infertility as a symptom, we start understanding that it is the check-engine light that our body is giving off, trying to tell us something is out of whack. Maybe it’s the hormones or something somewhere else in the body. The root causes must be discovered and addressed.”
Common contributors to infertility include amenorrhea (absent periods) caused by physical or emotional stress, weight extremes (obesity or underweight) and age. Simmons underscores the role of diet and lifestyle in both women and men. “It is well-researched that lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol and marijuana can contribute to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, there is
ongoing research about the role of sedentary lifestyles and body mass index as potential indicators of pregnancy outcomes. Even blood sugar and inflammation in the male partner can impact fertility, as well as a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy to term.”
Simmons directly attributes food habits to egg and sperm quality, asserting, “Diet is vital in the role of implantation. There are studies that have shown that gut inflammation contributes to uterine inflammation, which directly affects implantation and pregnancy outcomes.” She also connects the dots between the mental and emotional health of both parents and baby success. Negative talk, poor selfesteem, responsibility overload and an inability to let go or ask for help can also foster infertility.
Everyday foods for hormonal happiness include healthy, high-fat foods like avocados, raw butter, ghee, egg yolks (rich in choline and iodine for healthy thyroid function), soaked nuts and seeds, flaxseed, hemp and olive oil; clean proteins like quinoa, organic pasture-raised poultry and beef, wild-caught fish, lentils and beans; and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, garlic and fresh cilantro. Avoid trans fats, sugar and refined carbs, which trigger inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance.
Taking a few steps toward a more balanced body can go a long way. Cabeca emphasizes, “Deep, restorative sleep is essential to regenerate and rebalance. Physical activity is absolutely necessary for hormone circulation throughout the blood and lymphatic system, so doing things that make you huff and puff and sweat daily is critical.” She also recommends alkalizing the diet by amping up hydration and fortifying meals with low-carbohydrate food sources, low-glycemic fruits like berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables and sprouts. Adding intermittent fasting to the mix also packs a positive punch, especially as progesterone and estrogen levels decrease with age and we have a higher risk for developing insulin resistance.
Matthew recommends cortisol-lowering activities like meditation, yoga and breathwork, which help balance cortisol levels, improve our resilience to daily stressors and support overall hormonal health. She also stresses the importance of seven to nine hours of restful sleep by “establishing a consistent bedtime routine, minimizing exposure to blue light from screens before bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom. Many of your hormones are produced at night while you are in a deep sleep.” More shut-eye also regulates stress hormones and helps to repair the body’s cells and tissues.
Life is better when our bodies are happy, and change begins with small, inspired steps. Cabeca reminds us, “Create a life rhythm that works for you.”
Marlaina Donato is a visionary artist, composer, author of several books and long-time journalist for Natural Awakenings. Connect at
n times like today, when every aspect of society seems to be in chaos, one easy response is to escape—through
drugs, alcohol, comfort food, non-stop entertainment or any other convenient mind-numbing practice Many are defaulting to this “cure” for their discomfort. Others, feeling insecure, angry, and demanding change, agitate to take society back to what they remember as the “good old days.” They may not be clear about what exactly made the past better, but are more than willing to listen to people who place the blame for current troubles anywhere but where it actually belongs: on economic inequality and injustice.
Most of us forget that another choice is possible. We can create a future completely di erent from the present or the past—one that expresses our most deeply felt desires to live together in peace, happiness, and prosperity. In fact, this choice is being reinforced, or perhaps stimulated, by the planetary energies now at play We are currently in the midst of a major transition between two ages moving from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius, and such transitions tend to create chaos as the energies of the two constellations involved compete with each other The energies of Pisces support individuality and devotion to separate religions or causes, while Aquarian energies promote cooperation, group e orts, synthesis, and brotherhood. As our planet moves closer to Aquarius, the
polarization and divisions among people and ideas will diminish, and we will find more common ground.
So, now is the time to take advantage of the energies and to put forth visions of a world that would benefit all people—not just a few. In mundane terms, we need to expand the “Overton window”—the range of ideas that voters find acceptable—to include ideas that are not currently in the public eye—ideas that might at first be considered idealistic or even impossible to attain. For politicians to support policies outside of the window would be political suicide, as they would not be seen as legitimate options by society. Therefore, since it’s politicians who will be deciding the policies that will determine our future, we need to voice our desires for the kind of world we want, to make sure they are among the available options in the public discourse
How do we bring our ideas forward? The key is to have a unified vision, to voice it in large numbers, and to do so powerfully. Fortunately, we don’t have to do this alone We have help in the form of the great spiritual teacher—Maitreya by name who is here to accompany our transition into the Aquarian age, and we will see him soon. He has said that peace can be established and our societal ills transformed by simply sharing planetary resources more equitably, creating justice in every societal institution, and restoring and
preserving our environment. We can count on him to galvanize people of goodwill to champion these priorities when he appears publicly, but we can start now.
We can talk about the future we want to our friends and relatives, call and write the president and our Congressional representatives on a regular basis about it, and spread the ideas through our social media outlets. There is power in numbers, and the 99% of us non-wealthy are by definition the majority We just need to project our vision of sharing and justice powerfully in as unified a way as possible everywhere, and together we can create a future that works for everyone
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In The World Teacher for All Humanity, Benjamin Creme discusses the extraordinary ramifications of Maitreya’s appearance and teachings. Awaken to a world of infinite possibility if we’re all willing to share!
Getting fit offers many health benefits, including stress management and better cardiovascular health, but stepping into a dance class can also increase levels of feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce pain and boost mood. From fusion dance to ballroom and hip hop, today’s studios provide plenty of diversity in their class offerings; a welcoming, nonjudgmental approach; and encouragement for all ages to try something new.
“These days, there are many entries into dance that are non-performance-based— dancing just for the joy of it, to feel the endorphin rush that happens when moving your body to music,” says Jessica Gleason, founder and lead instructor of Seattle Dance Fitness, in Shoreline, Washington. Aside from the perks of better balance and a stronger, more supple body, dancing can help us build solid social bonds, too. “Step into a dance fitness class at a gym, studio or community center, and you will definitely meet new people, foster relationships and feel like you’re a part of a bigger community, all things that are positive for your mental health and well-being,” Gleason adds.
Kelly Peckholdt, owner and director of Positions Dance Studio in Babylon, New York, champions the “emotional regulation due to the release of serotonin when you are dancing. I personally always feel so much better after a dance class.” She reminds us that we do not need to be born with a talent to boogie. “A lot of people believe that they must be flexible or have good balance in order to try a dance class, but we dance so that we can gain those benefits. Moving your body is for anyone at any age and any shape or size.”
Taking up joyful swing or invigorating salsa can not only support muscle and joint health, but also get us to a healthier weight. A 2015 study led by Dr. Nick Smeeton, a UK lecturer at the University of Brighton Department of Sport and Exercise Science, revealed that many dance styles, including ballroom, ballet and contemporary, can burn more calories than running, cycling or swimming. The research team, which measured key biomarkers in adult dancers, found that up to 600 calories could be burned in one hour.
A 2017 meta-analysis of 18 studies involving ballroom, contemporary, jazz and cultural dance forms, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, found significant improvement in stamina, muscular strength and balance in older adults, as well as improved psychological well-being. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, dance can be a boon to the skeletal system. The brain is also positively impacted by doing a little cha-cha or line dancing. Research published in 2017 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience reports improved cerebral white matter—the part of the brain that governs thought processing and speed—through folk dancing.
“There is so much more to dance than classical ballet,” Peckholdt
A 2017 meta-analysis of 18 studies involving ballroom, contemporary, jazz and cultural dance forms, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, found significant improvement in stamina, muscular strength and balance in older adults, as well as improved psychological well-being.
says. “I think that ballet, tap and jazz are very manageable for older adults, in perhaps a beginner-level class.”
Gleason recommends four branded modalities that are popular these days: Zumba, a cardio workout with Latin-inspired dance moves; Jazzercise, a high-intensity workout that blends dance with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training; REFIT, a dance class that incorporates emotionally uplifting and community-building components to keep students motivated; and WERQ, a cardio-dance workout that incorporates trending pop and hip-hop music.
To find a class, Gleason suggests Googling “dance workout near me”. She also advises a healthy amount of patience when trying something new. “We always remind newcomers that it takes some time to learn the moves and that they aren’t supposed to look and move like the instructor. They are supposed to move and look like themselves.”
For some, taking the plunge and walking into a studio is the hardest part. Gleason inspires us when she says, “So many people tell me it took them forever to try a class because they were nervous about trying, but once they did, they wished they’d done so sooner.”
Lyme disease, a complex and often misdiagnosed illness, affects approximately 476,000 people annually in the United States. Found in all 50 states and every continent but Antarctica, it is transmitted primarily by the Ixodes tick, more commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick. If not promptly addressed, the ailment can lead to long-term health complications. Thanks to advancements in medicine, the identification and treatment of Lyme disease continues to evolve and improve.
The story of Lyme disease began in the 1970s with a community outbreak of facial palsy and arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut. An explanation for this mysterious illness did not surface until the early 1980s, when Willy Burgdorfer, an investigator for the National Institutes of Health, discovered a bacterium in ticks from the area (Borrelia Burgdorferi), laying the foundation for modern testing and diagnostic methods.
There are several complicating factors that make a Lyme disease diagnosis difficult. The characteristic bullseye-shaped rash is present in less than half of cases and may disappear quickly. Early signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes are easily mistaken for other illnesses.
The utility of early lab testing is limited because the process takes several weeks
and can lead to false negatives. This leaves physicians to rely on observable symptoms and rule out other possible causes. A doctor will also ask if a patient has been out in the woods or grassy areas where they might have been exposed to blacklegged ticks.
Tom Moorcroft, DO, the founder of Origins of Health and an investigator of medical mysteries, refers to Lyme disease as “the new great imitator and instigator,” describing its ability to mimic various other diseases, often at the same time. For people experiencing persistent symptoms, comprehensive lab testing may be needed to distinguish between Lyme and other tick-borne and non-tickborne diseases.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, including fever, rash, facial paralysis and arthritis. While conventional antibiotics remain a cornerstone for early-stage treatment, emerging research increasingly recognizes and supports the role of natural and botanical medicine.
In a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine, seven botanical agents were identified as promising treatments for Lyme disease, including black walnut, Japanese knotweed, sweet wormwood, cat’s claw and Chinese skullcap. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract caused a complete eradication of the B. Burgdorferi bacterium in their study. The scientists recommended additional research to determine dosages and extract combinations that might offer hope for those suffering long-term symptoms.
The integrative and functional medicine approach to treating Lyme disease is multifaceted and customized, taking into account an individual’s health history, environmental factors and unique physiological responses. The overarching goals are to target the infection, bolster the immune system, manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. According to Dr. Darin Ingels, a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of The Lyme Solution, “All other therapies, no matter what they are, probably aren’t going to be as effective until you’ve really taken care of your gut health and your mental and emotional being.”
Lifestyle interventions are critical in this holistic treatment. A diet rich in whole foods, clean proteins and minimal grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods can mitigate inflammation and aid recovery. Complementary practices such as regular exercise, sauna sessions, Epsom salt baths, sufficient sleep and stress management techniques play vital roles in healing and preventing long-term complications.
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spending time in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check the skin for early tick detection and removal. Upon discovering a tick, remove it promptly and monitor the bite area for signs of a rash or infection. If symptoms appear, quickly seek guidance from a healthcare professional with expertise in Lyme disease.
A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining a robust immune system and can bolster the body’s defenses, potentially reducing the risk of developing chronic Lyme disease.
• International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ilads.org) is a global nonprofit that promotes research, education and policy associated with Lyme and associated diseases.
• LymeDisease.org offers support and information curated by patients.
• TickSpotters from the University of Rhode Island (Tinyurl.com/ tickspot) provides tick identification information and sciencebased risk assessments.
• Local health departments can provide updated information and recommendations for specific areas.
Lyme disease presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating a multifaceted and individualized approach to its management. Integrative and functional medicine offer an effective strategy, combining conventional medical treatments with lifestyle and natural therapies. This holistic approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey, ensuring not just the treatment of Lyme disease, but also the promotion of long-term wellness and quality of life.
Jill Valerius is a dual-board-certified physician in family and integrative medicine with an additional certification in functional medicine. Learn more at NowHealthPalmer.com.
Life’s most wondrous gifts are the babies that come into the world every day, but the clinical birth environment is not always an ideal choice for everyone. Modern midwifery, a safe alternative, honors its ancient roots by aiming to provide a comfortable and beautiful passage for both mommas and little ones. In countries like France, Sweden and Japan, midwives are involved in almost 75 percent of deliveries at birth centers, homes and hospitals. The practice is less popular in the U.S., with only 12 percent involving midwives in 2020.
“The birth experience became very medicalized at the turn of the last century out
of necessity. However, midwives have been delivering babies for centuries in all types of settings. Birth is a natural process that does not necessarily need to take place within the confines of the hospital setting,” says Paul Quinn, a certified nurse-midwife in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and author of several books, including Prenatal Possibilities: Recipes for a Healthy Pregnancy… and Beyond.
Prenatal and perinatal psychologist Susan Highsmith, in Tucson, Arizona, notes, “Care in birth centers and at home can be far more personal. For women who experience low-risk pregnancies, a natural, home
birth or birth-center birth can be a satisfying and safe alternative to a hospital birth. There are a host of benefits for the baby that are not possible in hospital settings where protocols take precedence.”
One of the advantages of a natural birth is the mother-child bonding encouraged in a non-clinical setting. “Babies should not be placed in nurseries, but should be immediately placed on the mother’s body and allowed to seek and find the breast,” Highsmith explains. “Being taken away from the mother, as is frequently done in hospitals, is anathema.”
Aside from facilitating the birth process, midwives can provide medical care, prescribe medications and order blood tests and imaging. Many are nurses and wellversed in any situation that might arise before, during and after labor.
Doulas focus on nonclinical care by providing physical and emotional comfort, keeping expectant mothers informed and facilitating communication with the midwives
and obstetricians on the team. For Brooke Stenzler, a relationship coach in Bradenton, Florida, bringing a doula onto her birth team was an unexpected blessing. “It freed up my husband to be present in a different way, and the doula provided the tender, maternal care that
I needed,” she says. “Prior to the birth, I met with my midwife for regular prenatal checkups. She came to my house a month or so prior to the expected birth date to make sure everything was set up properly for a home birth. I also had a couple of meetings with my doula prior to the birth, so she could get clear on my goals and needs. She also provided a prenatal massage.”
Stenzler and her brothers were all home-birth babies, so when it came time to plan her own pregnancy, choosing to have a midwife and a doula was an effortless decision. Her own midwife was seasoned, thus earning her confidence. “She knew what signs to look for if there were a serious situation that might require transferring to a hospital,” she says. “I trusted that she would let me know if she felt that was necessary.”
Choosing to partner with a midwife and/or doula can be the first big step in a happy, healthy birth, but there are some things to consider. State laws differ as to what a midwife can and cannot do, and insurance coverage varies from company to company. Thorough research is recommended to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Quinn recommends beginning a search for the right person as early as possible. “Not all midwives or doulas practice the same. There needs to be a sense of trust, and a woman needs to choose someone who makes her feel safe, heard, respected and valued,” he advises. “It’s okay to ask focused questions and inquire about a midwife or doula’s education. Ask for references. Check the in ternet for reviews, both good and bad, and verify if licensure is applicable. It’s also a good idea to check for any disciplinary action from the state.”
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Bringing the next generation into the world is a hard job, one that demands support for body, mind and spirit. “Ask any questions that relieve fears, doubt or uncertainty beforehand. This is a mutually loving and, literally, life-enhancing relationship,” says Highsmith. “Birth is a sacred event, which deserves reverence.”
Maya Whitman is a regular writer for Natural Awakenings.
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English author Virginia Woolf once said, “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman,” illustrating the predicament of accomplished females that never received the recognition they were due. One example was Eunice Newton Foote, who presented her findings on the greenhouse effect at the 10th annual meeting for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1856, only to be eclipsed by John Tyndall, who was credited for this discovery even though his work on the subject was carried out two years later.
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution pronouncing that “full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.” In recent years, impactful women
like African American space scientist and mathematician Katherine Johnson and Hispanic astronaut Ellen Ochoa have begun to be acknowledged for their contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Still, many more women remain on the sidelines.
Only 30 percent of the world’s researchers and less than one-third of the STEM workforce are women. Paradoxically, women are more impacted by climate change than men, given that 70 percent of individuals living in poverty are women. Females have less access to resources and education and are often dependent on natural resources that are impacted by global warming for their livelihood.
“Climate change affects everyone. It does not discriminate, yet, sadly, women’s voices are not heard enough, and women are even
invisible at times,” says Sangeeta Waldron, author of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations. “Women, particularly in vulnerable regions, are the first to be impacted by climate change, as they are the ones who will need to collect the water from distant wells or rainfall when there is a drought; or who work on farms when the male members of their families have gone to the cities to earn a living, when their crops run dry due to lack of rain or in some places have too much rain; or who fight against the big fossil fuel companies that encroach on their land, organizing their community to fight back.”
Waldron also laments, “Neither do we see enough female representation at the negotiating table when discussing climate policies.
The latest data and images from COP28 [28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] reinforce this; 140 world leaders were scheduled to speak, and only 15 were women. It highlights the gender gap despite improvements from previous COPs.”
“Many women are playing a tremendous role in the green economy and are creating a sustainable, just and resilient economy,” says Quinn Antus, the program manager of emerging markets, carbon management and carbon dioxide removal for the state of Colorado. Here are some examples of female champions.
Yohana Tesfamariam Tekeste developed a new type of insurance to help farmers in eastern and southern Africa reduce their vulnerability to climate change. Haein Shin supports international education development, curating content about the environment, digital and financial literacy, and employment readiness. Nzambi Matee, a Young Champion of the Earth recipient, created bricks made of discarded plastic waste, finding a solution for littering and the housing crisis in Kenya. Naomi Davis founded Blacks in Green, which strives to be a national network for environmental justice and economic development that closes America’s racial health/wealth gap.
Zoë Gamble Hanes is the president of CleanChoice Energy, which helps make renewable energy accessible for all through solar farms and other clean-energy solutions. She says, “Sustainable practices only benefit from bringing in diverse voices. We’ve found ourselves in the midst of a new-age industrial revolution that requires a diverse talent pool to reach success. By empowering more women to join sustainable efforts—especially within the renewable energy sector that has traditionally been a male-dominated industry—we can usher in a new generation of passionate leaders with different, and important, perspectives, all working toward the goal of creating a greener, more sustainable future for years to come.”
Including women in sustainability is not just about equality, it is about leveraging human talent, insights and creativity to address climate change, food insecurity, equity and other pressing issues of our time. The facts are that the global temperature is rising, the ocean is getting warmer, extreme-weather-related events are increasing in frequency and glaciers are melting. Our best hope for addressing these issues is if everyone participates.
Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.
Most of us can remember the first time we felt soft, cool grass under our bare feet or noticed sweet ozone in the air after a wild thunderstorm. The sometimes-incompressible wonders of Gaia sustain our existence, boggle our minds and inspire us to contemplate our place in the great universal order. Our love affair with this beautiful planet begins early, but it is easy to forget this sacred partnership in the mundane whirlwind of adult life. Like any other vital relationship in our lives, it is all too easy to take it for granted and allow ourselves to put forth minimal effort.
Whether we till the soil in our backyards, pick up trash along a hiking trail, choose eco-friendly cleaning products or simply pause to witness a glorious sunset, we are all custodians of the Earth. Fighting the
good fight to decrease our toxic impact, preserve our woodlands and clean up our oceans can seem overwhelming, and like most dedicated caregivers, sometimes we feel weary.
We can gain a second wind by setting aside the alarming to-do lists and focusing on what is being accomplished daily. When we choose to weave simple tasks into the tapestry of ordinary days, our children learn by example, and the chain remains unbroken. Most importantly, fulfilling our part in the whole need not be boring, too serious or time-consuming—it can be downright joyful.
Ways to give back to the planet:
• Plant a pollinator-friendly backyard or patio flower garden.
• Buy local produce and farm products whenever possible.
• Post short, informative social media posts about our allies: the bees, bats and opossums.
• Use less plastic.
• Go paperless when paying bills.
• Nix lawn chemicals, leave a portion of grass to go to seed and opt for green lawn care.
• Plan a local family vacation and support the neighboring economy.
• Learn creative ways to reuse, recycle and upcycle.
• Get more exercise and save on gasoline by walking to local businesses when possible.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
NOTE: Visit NABroward.com/calendar to Add Your Event by the 10th of the month for print; certain restrictions apply. Email NaturalAwakeningsFLA@gmail.com for details on using Natural Awakenings to promote events online and in print!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine.
Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months! — Learn how to become licensed Acupuncturist. Financial Aid available 954-763-9840 ext. 213 or admissions@atom.edu
ATOM Intern Clinic Open to the public — Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by Licensed Acupuncturist. Appointments M-Sat: 954-763-9840 ext. 201, Ft. Lauderdale. ATOM.edu
SUNDAY, MAY 19
iRest Yoga — 1–2:30pm. Free. iRest is proven to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia. Class will include discussion, life skills suggestions, and a 40-minute meditation. Oakland Park Yoga Studio. Register at WellnessProgramiRestYoga. Eventbrite.com
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Emotional Healing and Mindset Shifts
Classes — Join us for transformative and engaging discussions! Different topics each month. 5-6pm, free. Held the last Thursday each month on Zoom. Call Ilka Handshaw to reserve your spot: 754-222-6971.
THURSDAY, MAY 30
Experience States of Peace, Joy, and Inner Strength — 7-8pm. Quiet Your Restless Mind In 3 Minutes or Less · How to Sharpen Your Mental Capacity · How to Conquer Fear. EDT, Online. Free Registration. NityanandaShaktipatYoga.org/florida/ —
THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Experience States of Peace, Joy, and Inner Strength — 7-8pm. Quiet Your Restless Mind In 3 Minutes or Less · How to Sharpen
Your Mental Capacity · How to Conquer
Fear. EDT, Online. Free Registration. NityanandaShaktipatYoga.org/florida/
MONDAY, JULY 8
Spiritual Response Therapy Integrated Online Certificate Program — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (3 hr. sessions), through July 31. Instructor Malabika Shaw, Spiritual Intelligence Coach and Teacher. For details call or text Malabika, 515-720-9520. Visit VisionWholistic.net
Flower Picnic in the Park — 10:30amNoon $111 (& Monday - Thursdays), Enjoy a purposeful picnic! Create a fresh flower crown, dine brunch alfresco. Register, limited space. TY Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL. Jowana at houseofpetali@ gmail.com.
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1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm. Meeting Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Locations vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.
ATOM Intern Clinic Open to public — Appointments Monday thru Saturday. Experience the benefits of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Low cost acupuncture and herbal treatments. Students supervised by Licensed Acupuncturist. 954-7639840 ext. 201, Ft. Lauderdale. atom.edu
Restorative Yoga — Second Tuesday monthly. Noon-1pm. Oakland Park Yoga Studio. Free. Gentle Yin-restore and stretching yoga allows you to drop deep into the meditative aspects while loosening tight muscles and joints. Register WellnessProgramRestore.Eventbrite.com.
Pines Iyengar Yoga — Enjoy yoga classes with Asha! Tuesday/Thursday, 5:15-6:15pm. Specializing in small group and individual sessions. Enjoy personalized classes that cater to your needs. Call 954-866-3209 for directions or visit PinesYoga.com
Thursday
Hatha Yoga with Tracy Manzueta — 6-7pm. Free. 1st Thursday each month. Bring your mat. Sessions may include breath work and sound healing. Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors. Register: GiveButter.com/ WellnessProgramHathaYoga
Saturday
Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash (third Saturday monthly). Kayaks, and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own. Location varies. Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.
Talk@Ten Saturday with Jon Albee — 1011am, free. Regenerative backyard gardening protocols with an occasional seed exchange. Diversity for richness and balance. Urban Farming Institute (UFI), 1101 NE 40th Ct, Oakland Park, 954.696.9577.
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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.
ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD
104 SE 1st St., Ft 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 metalfree 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, bio-compatible dentistry.
• Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with biocompatible 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.
INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER
Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD
333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317
954-792-6266
Chebanudmd@comcast.net
See ad page 6.
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.
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.
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.
ACTIVXCHANGE
Rebecca Marshall, MS, LMHC, CBP 305-735-1283
ActivXchange.com
Gain support, skills, and tools for nurturing and tending your emotional well-being. Increase confidence in navigating change, regulating emotions, strengthening relationships, and cultivating greater ease.
INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS
786-553-5871
JosianeApollon@gmail.com
TheIntegrativeWellness.com
Find inner power through compassionate love, Qi Gong, and EMDR therapy.
Foster self-love, harmony, balance, and relational integrity in your relationships. Change your life today!
NATURA DERMATOLOGY & COSMETICS
800 E Broward Blvd, Ste 507 Fort Lauderdale Florida 33301 954-537-4016
NaturaDermatology.com
VISION WHOLISTIC
Malabika Shaw
515-720-9520, Plantation
MalabikaShaw@hotmail.com
VisionWholistic.net
Clear your pathways to mind-body-spirit wellbeing with veteran SRT Healer and Spiritual Coach Malabika. Discover simple techniques to align with your highest potential.
CHOICE THERMOGRAPHY
Nicole Austin, C.T., L.E
2740 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 101 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33306
954-634-5511, ext 101 ChoiceThermography.com
DR. AMADI’S WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER
Hepsharat Amadi, M.D., L.Ac. 10189 W. Sample Rd
Coral Springs FL 33065 954-757-0064
DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com
GreatNaturalDoctor.com
Primary Health Care with a Natural Approach including Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Quantum Biofeedback, Weight Loss, Detoxification, Natural Allergy Treatment, Herbal and Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Counseling, Circulation enhancement/BEMER therapy, BrainTap and NeuralChek. See ad page 17.
BOMBAY ROOM YOGA
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.
ATLAS CLINICS
41 N Federal Hwy, Suite D Pompano Beach, FL 33062 754-432-3653
Pompano@AtlasClinics.com
AtlasClinics.com
Most innovative chiropractic technique utilizing spinal engineering software and soundwave technology fixing the root cause of dis-ease in the body without neck twisting or cracking.
Experience the revolutionary EMsella Chair for stress urinary incontinence. Utilizing electromagnetic technology, it strengthens pelvic floor muscles, restoring bladder control and aiding sexual wellness. Just 30 minutes, fully clothed, yields 11,200 muscle contractions, painless yet potent for lasting benefits. Schedule your FREE TRIAL now. Call today! Natural Awakenings magazines are freely available at doctor offices, fitness centers, book stores, health care facilities, public libraries, and more. Following are Featured Locations that also carry our free publication:
Michelle Morris 3354 NE 33rd St, Ft Lauderdale 954-567-1110
BombayRoomYoga@yahoo.com
BombayRoomYoga.com
Experience guided spiritual and physical growth on your yoga journey. Disconnect from the outside world and connect within with our expert instructors. Join us now!
