WHOLE BODY ALIGNMENT
Survey of Old and New Complementary Therapies
Sweet Dessert Favorites
Cold-Therapy BasicsBest Practices
Traversing the Dark Night of the Soul
Evolving Fair Trade Goals
How Ergonomics Prevent Chronic Pain
Customer Testimonial:
The first time I smelled this perfume, it was love at first scent. The scent is unique, fragrant and long lasting. As a person who has sensitivity toward certain brands of makeup and perfume, I am very careful what products I use. I have used this perfume for quite some time now and I have never had any allergic reaction to it. This perfume is produced with the finest ingredients, and the person who wears it will stand out in a good way. I am a loyal customer, and I will continue to use this amazing perfume. — Carol C.
Join the email list and save 10% on first order.
• Dietary Influences on Health and Disease
• Nutrition and Aging
• The Herbal Medicine Chest
• Detoxification and Healing
• Antioxidants
• Health Psychology
Welcome to our October issue, filled with insights to enhance your well-being and enrich your life. We invite you to turn the pages of this month’s magazine, exploring a diverse range of topics that touch on health, wellness, and seasonal delights.
Our feature article delves into the world of bodywork modalities, showcasing how these once-alternative practices have found their place in mainstream healthcare. From ancient techniques to modern therapies, discover how over 180 different approaches are transforming wellness, pain management, and recovery. Chiropractors and massage therapists are at the forefront of this evolution, integrating advanced technologies to enhance patient care. To learn more about these healing arts and their impact on conditions like cancer, addiction, and chronic pain, turn to page 16.
As we celebrate National Dessert Month, we take a sweet journey through the history and cultural significance of our favorite treats. From time-honored classics to innovative, health-conscious alternatives, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Curious about the evolution of desserts and looking for options that align with your dietary needs? Find the full scoop on page 11.
In our Healing Ways section, we explore the growing trend of cold therapy. From invigorating ice baths to state-of-the-art cryotherapy chambers, discover how controlled exposure to cold can potentially reduce inflammation, improve circulation,
and enhance recovery. While not suitable for everyone, cold therapy offers intriguing benefits for those looking to boost their resilience and overall health. Dive into the details on page 20 to learn how to safely incorporate this practice into your routine.
The Fit Body article addresses a crucial aspect of modern life: ergonomics. In Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play, we examine how our daily postures and repetitive motions impact our health. With expert advice from physical therapists and ergonomists, you’ll find practical tips to prevent common conditions and set up ergonomic workstations. Protect your body in our screen-focused world by turning to page 24 for essential insights.
We encourage you to approach these topics with curiosity and an open mind, always consulting with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your routine.
May this issue inspire you to thrive in all aspects of your life, embracing both traditional wisdom and modern innovations on your journey to wellness.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ~ Maya Angelou
Susan Q Wood Publisher
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA EDITION
CONTACT US
Natural Awakenings
3900 Galt Ocean Dr #1403 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 NaturalAwakeningsFla@gmail.com 561-626-5584
Publisher Susan Q Wood
Editor Cheryl Hynes
Design & Production Robin White Contributing
&
MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS
Yearly subscriptions are available, $39 for 12 monthly issues.
Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines
NATIONAL TEAM
CEO Kimberly B. Whittle
CMO Vee Banionis
Sr. VP Operations Brian Stenzler, DC
National Sales Darleene Lee
National Editor Sandra Yeyati
Editor Brooke Goode
Copy Editor Melanie Rankin
Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin
Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite
Production Flip180
Customer Service Dani Bucad
CONTACT
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B
Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000
NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com
Cover Image by: Africa images
© 2024 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.
Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call 561-626-5584 to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.
We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
Natural Awakenings is printed on recyclable newsprint.
Yana Tikhonova from Getty Images/CanvaPro
NAPC:
Discover the Power of Homeopathy with Dr. Nazir
Dr. Iqbal Nazir, a homeopath with over 35 years of experience, offers natural healing solutions through his practice, Homeopathy Cure. Nazir combines his clinical and pharmaceutical expertise to provide safe, alternative treatments for various conditions without the side effects associated with conventional medications.
Homeopathy, based on the principle of “like cures like”, uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Nazir’s practice offers personalized consultations, a comprehensive glossary of treatable conditions, and a unique Homeopathy Education Program (HEP) for those interested in learning more about this alternative medicine approach.
The clinic provides custom-formulated remedies for conditions ranging from anxiety and allergies to prostate issues and skin problems. Patients can benefit from Nazir’s extensive knowledge and experience in developing targeted homeopathic solutions.
For those seeking a natural path to wellness, Homeopathy Cure offers a promising alternative.
For appointments or inquiries, call Dr. Iqbal Nazir at 954-226-3652 or email him at HomeopathDr71@gmail.com. Visit HomeopathTreatment.com for additional information. See ad page 31.
Health Briefs
Toxic Metals Found in Tampons
Tampons are used by the majority of menstruating women. An inaugural study published in Environment International measured the concentration of 16 metals and metalloids (elements that have characteristics of both metals and nonmetals) in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines. The researchers detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. Nonorganic tampons were higher in lead concentrations, and organic tampons were higher in arsenic. The metals may come from agricultural or manufacturing processes. Additional research is needed to determine whether and to what extent the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue assimilates these metals.
Forever Chemicals Linked to Metabolic Disease
A study led by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and published in Environmental Health Perspectives evaluated the effects of early-life exposure to forever chemicals. The researchers focused on the effects of tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCFD), a persistent organic pollutant, on a group of 4-week-old mice that were fed TCFD for five days, compared to the control group that did not ingest the chemical. They examined the animals’ gut microbiomes and other markers of metabolic disease after the initial five days and again three months later. The scientists found that the TCFD permanently disrupted the gut microbiome and caused a higher body weight and glucose intolerances after three months. These results suggest that human exposure to chemicals such as TCFD during childhood could contribute to metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Douglas Cliff from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth
Cervical ripening is the natural process of softening and opening the cervix before labor begins. Pregnant women that need labor induction, have an overdue pregnancy or encounter risks to their health or their baby’s health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, may need assistance ripening the cervix. In a study published by Complementary Medicine Research involving 96 low-risk women with term [39 to 40 weeks] pregnancies, half of the participants received a daily vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil prior to delivery; the other half received a placebo. The need for labor induction was significantly higher in the placebo group, showing that the vaginal use of evening primrose oil could be safe and effective for cervical ripening in lowrisk, full-term pregnant women.
Where you are is a result of who you were, but where you go depends entirely on who you choose to be.
~ Hal Elrod
Awaken the Beauty Within & Perfect Your Curves
• Improve texture, tone, laxity, redness, browns & luminosity
• Effectively treat: rosacea, prominent vessels, acne, and scars
• Wave goodbye to jiggly arms and saggy skin
• Come out of hiding with cellulite reduction
• Wasting time and money shaving daily? Save with painless laser hair removal
• Legs dragging? Leg vein treatments with minimal downtime or discomfort
• Feel strong again. Non-invasive or surgical body sculpting with sexy results
• Post-covid, semiglutide & hormonal hair loss got you down? Revive your natural hair follicles.
• Improve your body composition scientifically, more muscle & less fat.
• Laser assisted liposculpture with or without autologous natural fat transfer to face and body
• Natural fillers derived from your own blood with minimal processing
• Get your juicy back & beat the bedroom blues. Painless non-invasive solutions.
Deborah A. DeMarta, MD, FACS, FAARFM
Cleveland Clinic Trained l You deserve truly qualified and certified care!
INSTITUTE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
New Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease currently relies on cognitive exams and the observation of symptoms, followed by a brain scan or spinal tap to look for the buildup of beta-amyloid protein. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involving more than 1,200 Swedish patients with memory complaints showed promise for a blood test diagnosis, which would be easier and less costly to administer.
Participants received an initial diagnosis by a primary care physician or specialist doctor and then got the blood test—which is developed by C2N Diagnostics (C2ND) and measures the buildup of tau proteins—as well as a confirming brain scan or spinal tap. While the doctors’ initial diagnoses were 61 percent (primary care) and 73 percent (specialist) accurate, the C2ND blood test proved to be 91 percent accurate. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the works for this and other competing blood tests.
Boy Scouts Save Life Mid-Flight
On a Southwest Airlines flight to LaGuardia Airport, a flight attendant asked over the public address system if there was a doctor on board. Three doctors and a nurse responded to the request and began treating a man in cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Because CPR is exhausting to do for more than a few minutes, the professionals needed help, at which point a group of boy scouts returning from the Philmont Scout Ranch, in New Mexico, jumped into action and helped perform CPR for 40 minutes until the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Pittsburgh.
To receive training and certification in this life-saving skill, contact the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
European Union Bans Mercury Dental Fillings
Dental amalgam, a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay, is made by mixing a powdered alloy of silver, tin and copper with liquid mercury. The European Union already bans its use for treating children under 15 years old, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. New rules adopted by the European Council completely ban the use of dental amalgams for all ages starting in 2025, unless deemed strictly necessary by the dental practitioner to address the specific medical needs of a patient. In this country, the use of dental amalgam is permitted even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that exposure to mercury may pose a greater health risk to pregnant and nursing women, newborns and infants, children younger than 6 and those with neurological disease, impaired kidney function or an allergy to mercury.
The heat of autumn is different from the heat of summer. One ripens the apples, the other turns them to cider.
~ Jane Hirshfield
Studying Animals From Space
In 2025, the Max Planck Society, a German research organization, plans to launch into space five miniature satellites, each the size of a Rubik’s Cube, as part of the International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (ICARUS) project, which is designed to track the movements and body temperature of tagged animals, as well as the surrounding air temperature, air pressure and wind speed. Tiny solarpowered tags and artificial intelligence applications will allow scientists to gather and evaluate data on migration, nesting and mating patterns, while also determining the environmental and human conditions that may lead to an animal’s death. Because of advancements in tagging modalities and ICARUS’s relatively low cost, tags may also be employed to follow more obscure species, as well as things such as glaciers and plastic debris.
Dr. Ilona Fotek, DMD, MS: Concierge cosmetic dentist and certified naturopath specializing in holistic and biologic treatments. Focuses on restoring natural, youthful smiles for confidence and beauty.
Dr. Paul Fotek, DMD, MS: Double board-certified biologic periodontist at Prestige Periodontal and Implant Center. Expert in implant esthetics, practicing alternative approaches for accelerated healing and health. Together, they founded BioHealth Aesthetics & Wellness, offering personalized treatments for holistic health and aesthetics. Using advanced technology and concierge service, they help patients achieve comprehensive wellness goals.
Visit: 4600 Military Trail, Suite 210, Jupiter, FL 33458
Ocean Noise Pollution
There are an estimated 33 million boats, including more than 90,000 ships, among the world’s commercial fleets, and most are powered by engines, propellers or other machinery that makes noise. A study published in the journal Science found that the increase in shipping has contributed to an increase in low-frequency sound pollution that can negatively affect fish, invertebrates, marine mammals and birds by impacting foraging, mating and resting.
The sequestration of additional greenhouse gases in the oceans has changed their sound-absorbing capabilities, making them potentially noisier. Other climate changes, such as warmer surface temperatures, changes in salinity due to melting polar ice and more frequent and violent storms, may also contribute to the problem. Additional research is needed to help policymakers implement appropriate countermeasures.
claffra from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Smashing Pumpkins
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans purchase 1.3 billion pounds of Halloween pumpkins and throw away more than 1 billion pounds, most of which winds up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Diverting jack-o-lanterns away from landfills and turning them into compost can reduce the environmental footprint of this popular holiday tradition, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enriching the soil.
Across the nation, people are hosting pumpkin smash parties to compost the spooky gourds. These events foster a sense of community spirit, provide a forum to discuss broader environmental issues and turn a post-Halloween chore into a fun, ecofriendly activity.
Planning Tips
• Time and Place: Schedule the party shortly after Halloween when people are looking to dispose of their pumpkins. Choose a centrally located area such as a public park, community center or school playground. Be sure to obtain any required permits and coordinate with the waste management department.
• Partnerships: Contact environmental groups, schools or businesses to help with logistics, promotion and the distribution of educational materials about composting and sustainability. Local farms or community gardens may be interested in receiving the composted pumpkins.
• Promotion: To attract participants, it is important to explain the purpose of the pumpkin smash and how it benefits the environment. Spread the word on social media using engaging visuals and hashtags related to Halloween, pumpkins
and sustainability. Design and distribute eye-catching flyers. Contact or send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels.
Event Recommendations
• Smashing Station: Create a designated area for pumpkin smashing and offer instructions on how to safely smash the pumpkins. Be sure there are enough tools for everyone, including mallets, hammers or even baseball bats. Safety is paramount, so provide goggles and gloves for proper protection. Set up a first-aid station in case of any minor injuries.
• Compost Collection and Distribution: Create a designated area for compost collection and ensure there are clear signs directing participants to take their smashed pumpkins there. Coordinate with local farms or gardens for compost pickup. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving no debris behind.
• Educational Booths: Set up stations where participants can learn about composting and the benefits of reducing food waste. Provide brochures, posters and hands-on demonstrations to engage both kids and adults, and consider inviting local experts to give short talks or answer questions.
Sweet Nostalgia
Celebrating National Dessert Month
by Deborah Bevilacqua
Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.
“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergenfree bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They celebrate long-held family recipes, cultural traditions and the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.
From Ancient Times to Modern Bites
Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate
confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries. Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.
American Favorites
Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.
Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.
Apple pie is synonymous with American
culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.
“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”
While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New Yorkstyle cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.
The Sweet Benefits of Desserts
Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.
Healthy Alternatives
Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.
Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter
Conscious Eating
include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairy- and nut-free chocolate chips.
For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.
Celebrating National Dessert Month
To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessertthemed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.-
Volcano Surprise Brownie Cupcakes
YIELD: 12 CUPCAKES
STRAWBERRY LAYER
3 large fresh strawberries, quartered
1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 Tbsp lemon juice
CARAMEL LAYER
¼ cup smooth cashew or almond butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 date, pitted
2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted 1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract
BROWNIE MIXTURE
2 Hu brand chocolate bars (choice of hazelnut, cashew, almond or cashew raspberry)
1 cup smooth cashew butter
1 large egg
½ cup maple syrup
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp Himalayan salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips, plus extras to sprinkle on top
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare the strawberry layer by combining the strawberries, maple syrup or honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and pour off the liquid, retaining the strawberries. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator to cool while preparing the other layers.
To make the caramel layer, first soak the date in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cut it into small pieces and drop them in a blender along with the other ingredients, blending for 40 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
Place the brownie mixture ingredients in a bowl, except the chocolate chips and Hu chocolate bars. Blend using an electric, hand-held mixer. Once combined into a batter, fold in the chocolate chips.
Line a 12-cupcake baking tray with unbleached paper liners. Put one heaping tablespoon of the brownie mixture in each cupcake liner to coat the bottom. Break Hu chocolate bars into squares and place one square on top of the brownie mixture. Spread one teaspoon of caramel sauce on top of the chocolate. Add strawberries to the caramel layer. Top with additional brownie mixture until the liner is three quarters full. Sprinkle with a few mini chocolate chips.
Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes. Remove and place on a cooling rack. They are delicious at room temperature, cold from the refrigerator or frozen.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
Apple Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
YIELD: 8-10 SERVINGS
BASE
2½ cups almond flour
2 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp Himalayan salt
⅓ cup melted coconut oil
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
STRAWBERRY FILLING
2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp maple syrup
RHUBARB FILLING
2 cups rhubarb stalks, sliced
1 Tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup
APPLE FILLING
2 large honey crisp or pink lady apples, peeled and sliced thin
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp lemon juice
CASHEW STRAWBERRY CREAM TOPPING
1 cup raw cashews
3 Tbsp boiling water
2 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbsp maple syrup
4 large fresh strawberries
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix all base dry ingredients together in a bowl until there are no lumps. In a separate bowl, mix the base wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients and blend with a fork to form a loose dough.
Grease a 9-inch pie dish with coconut oil. Gently pat the dough onto the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Place in oven for 10 to 12 minutes until light brown. Remove and let cool. Set aside.
“The nuclear arms race is like two sworn enemies standing waist deep in gasoline, one with three matches, the other with five.
~ Carl Sagan
Place strawberry filling ingredients in saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from stove and drain off fluid. Set strawberries aside to cool.
Place rhubarb filling ingredients in a saucepan, cover with water and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain off fluid and set aside to cool.
Place apple filling ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the apple slices are slightly tender, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Drain fluid and set aside.
Blend the cream topping ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
Arrange the apples in a circular pattern on the pie crust followed by the strawberries and rhubarb. Spread the cashew strawberry cream on top of the pie, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.
Courtesy of Lynn Feder
Fair-Trade Environmentalism
How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet
by Megy Karydes
In a 2021 study by sustainability consultancy GlobeScan, 41 percent of U.S. respondents said they had changed their purchasing choices to make a difference on economic, social or environmental issues. Walk into a grocery store today and the likelihood of finding fair-trade coffee or chocolate is higher than five years ago. The same GlobeScan study found that about 80 percent of U.S. consumers were aware of the Fairtrade America certification, viewed it favorably and would pay up to 35 percent more for Fairtrade coffee. The trend is clear: people are increasingly seeing their everyday shopping as an important way to make a difference.
None of this is by accident. Large and small nonprofits—such as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) America, which fights global inequality to end poverty and injustice, and Chicago
Fair Trade, a grassroots coalition—as well as independent retailers have been raising awareness by advocating on behalf of farmers and producers for years. Another growing trend in the fair-trade space is an understanding that environmental concerns need to be part of the conversation.
Sustainability Goals
Eric Muñoz, associate director for Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems at Oxfam America, notes one of the key issues of concern for their organization is an acknowledgement that hunger and poverty are concentrated in rural areas. Fair-trade efforts address those inequalities while also supporting community engagement and dialogue, democratic participation in decision-making and women’s empowerment.
“Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households are those that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he remarks. “Farmers involved in or selling into global supply chains, or even regional or national value chains, find themselves at a disadvantage. They are least able to negotiate a good return on the cost of their goods, or access markets that are going to adequately compensate them for their work and benefit from their labor. Fair trade is an effort at getting at that issue.”
Environmental concerns are inextricably involved in fair-trade negotiations. Nancy Demuth, director of outreach for Chicago Fair Trade, cites the example of coffee bean farmers in East Africa that are dealing with the negative impacts that unpredictable weather patterns have on their yields. “Those farmers will be farming less, and that means they’re earning less money,” she explains. “If they are using unsustainable environmental techniques, then that might be negatively impacting their soil health, and in 10 to 20 years’ time, their soil will be less productive.” To be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals and reduce waste and emissions.
Retailers Leading the Way
Since 2010, Tracy Zhu has been selling fairtrade items at her clothing shop, Tango Zulu, in Port Gamble, Washington, and about two years ago, many of her customers began to ask for environmentally responsible products. “There seems to be more awareness of the waste and pollution in the garment industry,” Zhu says. “People are interested in sustainable clothing and also items made from clothing scraps, like upcycled kantha dish towels [made of quilted rags].”
Melissa Kendrick of Sojourns, a fair-trade retailer in Birmingham, Alabama, has likewise changed her inventory to serve a burgeoning interest in conservation. “Upcycled items received lots of attention, and more and more, we saw customers reacting to the information we posted about sustainability aspects of our products,” she says. “Now we see them actively asking about and seeking out items that have a
The Weston A. Price Foundation teaches about healthy foods of the past and how to incorporate them in the present. We explain the science of why certain foods are healthy, where to get them and how to prepare them.
Request a free copy of our 28-page booklet about Dr. Weston A. Price’s research:
Timeless Principles of Healthy Traditional Diets: westonaprice.org/infopack (703) 820-3333 westonaprice.org
Become a member: $40 $30/year for our quarterly journal and more. Use code NA30
smaller environmental footprint. We even have a section in our online shop that highlights items that are exceptionally eco-friendly.”
Zhu and Kendrick are responding to a rising and vocal support for companies and brands that align with their interests and values. Consumers increasingly ask questions about issues beyond the working conditions or compensation of the people producing the items. They want to know how fair trade impacts the environment and are willing to shift their purchasing power accordingly.
Reducing Consumption
Dampening uncontrolled consumerism is also a concern. “Part of what we do is talk about stopping the madness of mindless consumption,” notes Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade. The nonprofit hosts free clothing swaps, fashion shows featuring recycled garments and opportunities to engage with other advocates at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S.
What consumers do makes a difference, and Demuth encourages individuals to do all they can where they live. “Pick something that is of interest to you and see if you can make one switch,” she recommends. “Do one thing to make a positive difference, rather than overwhelm yourself by trying to suddenly shop 100 percent ethical, because it’s impossible to do that in our society.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Aquir from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro
The Rise of Bodywork Modalities
Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts
by Marlaina Donato
Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques
Full-Spectrum Acupuncture
According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.
Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.
“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist, registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.
“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.
Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.
For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.
Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye—may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.
Chiropractic Goes High-Tech
With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.
The chiropractic use of electric current-based muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.
As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland,
tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”
Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.
New Horizons
Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha, among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema,
Grateful Aging
Coming in November
a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.
Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.
Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.
Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”
Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated
proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.
Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.
Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Mariah
Resurrecting From Life’s Darkest Hours
by Marlaina Donato
“My bones knock together at the pale joints, trying for foothold, fingerhold, mindhold,” wrote Mary Oliver in “Crossing the Swamp”, a visceral poem about finding opportunity to thrive from the bog of life’s dark challenges. If we live long enough, most of us experience a rising from the ashes after burning in the fires of loss, failure or trauma, but sometimes even the most sure-footed and resilient individuals can unexpectedly slip into a deep chasm of futility or questioning.
Dark nights of the soul can follow great periods of growth and clarity, descending upon even the strongest of psyches, rattling the bones with intensity. The black wave can come softly at first, simply inviting us to take inventory or retreat into contemplation. Other times, it sucks out our life force and swallows us whole upon impact.
Unlike other varieties of depression or contraction, the soul’s dark night submerges us until we surrender to metamorphosis. The gestation of a new self can be difficult, and it is easy to forget that the
Love isn’t about finding the right person, it’s about becoming the right person.
~ Anonymous
darkness in which we find ourselves is a nourishing womb. We just need to allow ourselves to experience the process.
Despite the internal urge to disengage from the world and curl into a fetal ball, finding support from spiritual mentors, trusted friends or family members is vital. Expressing our vulnerability can be the most frightening yet most sacred of acts that can light the way for a spirit that feels broken when it is actually breaking open.
Oliver compared herself to a “poor dry stick” in the great swamp, a bough that “after all these years, could take root, sprout, branch out, bud—make of its life a breathing palace of leaves.” We, too, can be reborn with a greater capacity to give and to receive—to reach into a heaven of possibility because our roots survived an unprecedented storm.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
pierluigipalazzi from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge
From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers
by Madiha Saeed, M.D.
Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.
According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”
Benefits of Cold Therapy
According to Tom Moorcroft, a board-certified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
Maloof notes the following benefits:
• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Robert Pavsic from Getty
Images/CanvaPro
“People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”
• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.
• Inflammation and Recovery: Coldwater immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s
bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.
• Immune System: Regular cold therapy
may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.
• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.
• Fertility and Reproductive Health:
The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility
by Dr. Susan Fox
Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.
For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.
Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:
• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.
• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.
• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.
• Increases in testicular cancer rates.
• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.
Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.
There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.
Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.
• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.
Contraindications
Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.
Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:
• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.
• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.
• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a
maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.
• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.
• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.
• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.
• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.
“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”
Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play
How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury
by Maya Whitman
Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.
The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the long-term effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.
The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.
Pressure Points
According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve,
which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.
“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.
Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.
“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.
Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”
Exercise Ergonomics
Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.
For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing is sues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with ankle-supporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
NATIONAL PRODUCT PICKS
Therasage is the gold standard for energy healing, naturally healing infrared, negative ions and eliminating EMFs.
Therasage.com
Scan to register for educational webcast to learn more.
A NEW fun and interactive series dedicated to the health and well-being of Preschoolers and their families.
WORLD MUSIC, MOVEMENT, MINDFULNESS, CREATIVE PLAY, TIME IN NATURE & POWER OF THE HEART! SUBSCRIBE today!
Scan to learn more and subscribe.
Founded in 1932, Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicines, is best known for its popular Arnicare® line of pain relievers and Oscillococcinum® flu reliever.
BoironUSA.com
Save 20% with code NA20
OB/GYN-formulated Rejuvenates vaginal tissue, restores natural moisture, and helps prevent bladder leaks.
DrAnnaCabeca.com/ products/julva
The Case for Cloth Diapers
Saving Money and the Environment
by Kelcie Ottoes
Disposable diapers hit the shelves in 1948 and have become a household staple. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group estimates that 28.8 billion diapers were sold in 2023 in the United States. Parents concerned with environmental, monetary and other associated costs of disposables are moving back to cloth diapering.
“Both my husband’s mom and my mom mentioned that they cloth-diapered. They said it was really no big deal. Cloth diapers used to be the norm just a few generations ago,” says Kate Sawyer, a water and wastewater professional in Durango, Colorado.
Health Benefits
Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more
permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead. A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene,
Zuzule
phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins. A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.
Cloth diapers are made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp, which generally do not contain perfumes, polyacrylate (a super-absorbant polymer) or chlorine that can strip away protective bacteria, causing a baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. Look for organic versions free of toxins from the farm and factory.
Unlike disposables designed to absorb moisture quickly and keep it away from the skin, cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the baby’s bottom must be cleaned well and allowed to dry before applying a fresh diaper.
Toddlers wearing cloth diapers can feel the wet sensation against their skin and are more aware of when they have relieved themselves, making potty training easier. According to an article in Parenting Science, approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.
When washing cloth diapers, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, use recommended amounts of detergent, run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove all the soap, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can be irritants. Responding to parents that don’t want to deal with the messiness of cloth diapers, Sawyer says, “No matter what, you’re going to deal with poop as a parent. Using cloth diapers actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens—cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”
A Cleaner Option
Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first
year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.
Parents that use cloth tend to buy between 20 and 40 diapers, which can last up to 400 washes if they’re well maintained and can be repurposed into dust rags to extend their life. Although they usually do not pile up in landfills, cloth diapers still pose some environmental concerns. Hot water and energy are needed to wash and dry them. Cotton is also a chemically dependent crop, but when regenerative organic principles are employed, the cotton-growing process conserves water, protects biodiversity and avoids toxic fertilizers and herbicides.
Cheaper in the Long Run
The average cost of one disposable diaper is 29 cents; cloth diapers are about $2 to $21 each. “It can be expensive to get started [with cloth diapers], but the long-run savings more than make up for the upfront costs,” says Leah Black, a mom and founder of Cheeks Ahoy, a reusable babywipe company in Canada. “You don’t have to buy all brand-new stuff. Well-made cloth diapers will last much longer than your child’s diapering stage, so there is nothing wrong with looking for gently used cloth diapers.”
A Flexible Approach
Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an all-ornothing decision. Many use disposable diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.
Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
NOTE: Visit NAPalmBeach.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!
SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 12
Free Intro to Herbal Medicine — noon1pm. Selecting herbs and how vibrational flower essences and earth-based practices fit into a holistic health model. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.
Ongoing Events
Today
Highlight Your Ongoing Event Here! — Our readers attend published health and wellness events. Order using our online system at NAPalmBeach.com. Due date for ordering is the 10th of the month for the following month’s publication.
Tuesday
Flower Essence Guided Meditation with Sound — 9:30-11am. Meditations are led by Gina Kearney, inspired by vibrational flower essences and crystal sound bowls. $55. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/ classes
Friday
Holistic Health Expert Consultation — Noon-5pm. 1st Friday, Explore insights for health and spiritual well-being. Experience mind, body, spirit healing. Enhance your life with nutritional support and spiritual guidance. Michelle Cohen, Foundation for Divine Love, 505-501-0501.
Saturday
Create Powerful Crystal Grids — 9-11am. $40 deposit for Crystal Grid materials. Manifest your intentions. Selection/arrangement of crystals guided by Rena Joy. Soothe Your Soul, 827 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. Limited registrations 561-650-2226. facebook.com/sootheyoursouljunobeach.
Room For Rent
Room Available for Rent – in a beautiful healing center in Delray Beach. Call 561-498-1414.
Services Available
Caregiver FL License – Latina, good cook available for private care, great references. Call Nina 561-789-5265.
Licensed and Bonded CNA – Available for private care full-time day. References upon request. Compassionate Heart for Loved Ones at Home, 678-464-8681.
Ways to Advertise...
Place your ad here – Natural Awakenings Magazine gets real results. Reach our readers (for the print issue and the online digital issue). Call 561-626-5584 for more information or order online: NAPalmBeach.com/ pages/classified
Use our Online Form
Easy ordering online – NAPalmBeach. com/pages/classified. Due date — 10th of the month for the following month’s issue.
NAPalmBeach.com/calendar Featured Events, $25 CALENDAR
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email NaturalAwakeningsFLA@gmail.com to request our media kit.
Acupuncture
GARDENS WHOLISTIC
HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Bill Rice, DC, LAc, DCBCN 4360 Northlake Blvd., 2nd Floor Palm Beach Gardens, 33410 561-439-6644
Healthy-Answers.com
Experience Feeling Great!
Dr. Rice – a wholistic physician serving patients since 1977 using Acupuncture, Kinesiology, Gentle Chiropractic care and Nutritional Counseling. We Listen • We Care • We Get Results.
Alternative Medicine
THE HEALING CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
16244 S. Military Trail, Suite 120 Delray Beach FL 33484
561-498-1414
DoctorEsther49@gmail.com Elishea.com
Dr. Esther Elisha, AP is a Hadassah Medical School graduate MD practicing alternative medicine.
• Acupuncture • Homeopathy • Holistic Therapy • Tailored Wellness Programs • Pain Management • General Health Enhancement
We accept all major insurance companies. Call to see if yours covers acupuncture!
Ayurvedic Practitioner
AYURVEDA SARAH
954-829-8910, Delray Beach
AyurvedaSarah@gmail.com
Ayurveda-Sarah.com
Schedule a free call with Sarah to learn how her Ayurvedic approach addresses digestive issues, autoimmune conditions, and more through tailored nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle guidance.
Beauty & Health
ONENESS PERFUME
OnenessPerfume.com
Scents of Unity: Perfumes That Embrace Our Shared Humanity. Discover a fragrance that harmonizes with your values. Join the Movement.
Think Noble • Feel Noble • Be Noble
Scan the display ad’s QR code. See ad page 2.
Breathwork
EMERGENCE BREATH
561-630-2280
EmergenceBreath.com
Experience the life-giving benefits of Emergence Breath. Heal and rejuvenate your body, mind, and emotions. Replace negativity with peace, passion, and joy. See ad page 18.
Chiropractic Physician
INNER HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC, LLC
Dr. Kristina Jensen, DC, Reiki Master 1000 Linton Blvd., Suite A7 Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-272-0388
InnerHealthChiropractic@hotmail.com IHCChiro.com
Serving South Palm Beach County since 1992.
We are committed to providing our patients with healthcare that is effective and affordable in a friendly and family oriented environment.
Conscious Tree Trimming
WOODY’S CREW TREE AND LANDSCAPE
561-325-8917
WoodysTreeCrew@gmail.com
Experienced, Licensed and Insured. ISA Certified Arborist Techniques Used. Trees Big or Small We Do Them All!
See ad page 19.
Craniosacral Therapy
EILEEN YOCHEVED HANDE, BS, MA, LMT Back in Balance 7025 Beracasa Way, Ste 202C Boca Raton, FL 33433 561-715-6185
BodyMassageAndBeyond.com
Upledger Certified CranioSacral Therapy for All Ages and Alternative Pain Management/Advanced Manual Therapies.
I have developed innovative approaches to Pain Relief through the integration of these Advanced Healing Therapies for the treatment of: Trauma/Anxiety, Stress, Migraines, TMJ, Car Accident Injuries, Sciatica, Neck/ Back Pain, etc. Since 1993. MA14975, MM10999
Dating
REVOLUTION DATING
Kelly Leary, M.S. Miranda Capparelli
5090 PGA Blvd #208, Palm Beach Gardens 561-630-XOXO (9696) 772-932-HERE (4373) RevolutionDating.com
Are you single? Call to meet the Award-Winning Matchmakers, established in 1991. Every client is prescreened in person at their well-established office. Trusted confidentiality is their practice, and love is their language. Reserve your spot in the club and connect today! #LoveMore2024 #TellYourFriends
Community Resource Guide
Dental Health
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.
Fine Art
CHERIE BENDER, FINE & COMMISSIONED ART STUDIO
561-789-1648
CherieBender.com
Bring joy to your office and home through positive and inspirational art.
Please call for your complimentary consultation to make your vision a reality. CherieBender.com.
Functional Medicine
MERNA MATILSKY, M.D., FAARM, AND ABAARM
Boca Center for Healthy Living 2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 245 Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-994-2007
BocaMed.com Facebook.com/bocaimaginewellness
Services Provided by Dr. Matilsky include Integrative Medicine, Age Management Medicine, BioIdentical Hormone Therapy, Healthy Lifestyle Management, and Weight Loss Programs.
Herbal Medicine
HERBS & OWLS
Gina Kearney, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist
725 N Hwy A1A, D-10, Jupiter, 33477
561-768-9005
HerbsAndOwls.com
Offering Private Herbal Consults, Flower Essence Therapy and Herbal & Shamanism classes. Visit our Herb Shop with 200+ herbs, barks, flowers and roots plus, tinctures, oils, crystals and more!
Holistic Coaching
MAJESTIC WELLNESS
Tamara
925-980-8189, Boca Raton
Majestic-HealingForWellness.com
Who can benefit from Crystal Light Reiki Therapy? Everyone!
Unlock inner peace with the Ultimate Mind, Body, and Soul treatment.
Remote sessions available; office coming soon.
Holistic Hair Salon
GLISTEN ORGANIC SALON
14545 S. Military Trail
Phenix Salon Suites, Suite 102 Delray Beach, FL 33484
561-767-0371
GlistenOrganic@gmail.com GlistenSalon.com
“Where nature and beauty meet.” A hidden jewel in the heart of Central Delray. Come and relax in the serene, private environment while receiving the finest in organic and conventional services and products. Let our experience and professionalism guide you to Delray’s First and Best Organic Salon. Celebrating 13 years! See ad page 27.
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 formaldehydefree keratine.
MARYLUZ HAIR SALON
Marilu White
201 N US Hwy 1, Ste H-2, Jupiter, 33477 561-972-4363
MaryLuzHairSalon.com
MaryLuz specializes in organic hair color, treatments for all ages. Using vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free products, they ensure healthier, vibrant hair. Spanish & English spoken. Se habla Español.
Holistic Veterinarian
HEALING HEART
Nancy A. Keller, DVM, CVH, CVA, CVC 222 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33435
561-740-1313
561-740-0819, fax
Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Medicine. Holistic Veterinary Care for our animal friends. See ads on page 8 and 12. By appointment only. Joy is not a season, it’s a way of living. ~ Kalley Heiligenthal
Homeopathy
HOMEOPATHY CURE
Dr. Iqbal Nazir, M.S.D.Pharm, D.H.S. Licensed Lab Medicine Practitioner 954-226-3652
HomeopathTreatment.com
Natural Cure in Homeopathy of most diseases and symptoms. No side effects.
Call Doctor Iqbal Nazir, Functional Homeopathic Specialist for an appointment today.
Integrative Medicine
DEBORAH A. DEMARTA, MD, FACS, FAARFM
Institute of Health & Wellness 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, 34994 772-539-9556
InstituteHealthWellness.com
Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine. Colorectal Surgery and Functional GI, hormone replacement, food allergy and nutritional testing, IV vitamin therapy, heavy metals testing, medical aesthetics, THERMIva vaginal rejuvenation, ThermiSmooth skin tightening, HALO skin resurfacing, BBL BroadBand Light skin therapy, laser hair removal, botox and fillers, skin care, weight loss. See ad page 7.
Intuitive Consultant
DR. DEBORAH ARMENTI
561-285-1479, Fort Lauderdale AMysticalAge@yahoo.com
AMysticalAge.com
Clairvoyant/Psychic/Medium/ Medical Astrologer
Guidance that helps you with when, what, and why of past and present experiences. Be empowered to a higher level of mind. Expertise includes guidance on paving the way for a more fulfilling future, in relationships, family, finance, spiritual/ health, path fulfillment and life purpose.
Massage
PREMIER MEDICAL MASSAGE
Michell Robinson
1025 N L St, Lake Worth Beach, 33469
561-900-6743
MarPerkins561@gmail.com
PremierMedicalMassage.com
Expert medical massage therapist specializing in pain relief and improved mobility. Helping those who’ve struggled to find effective solutions reclaim comfort and freedom of movement.
Psychic
TARA KARRON
561-444-8102, West Palm Beach
TaraKarron@live.com
TaraKarron.com
Tara channels Archangel Michael and your spirit guides to offer clarity and closure using third eye visions and cards.
Video chat or in-person sessions available.
Supplements
THE HERBAN SHAMAN
561-254-8692
Contact@TheHerbanShaman.com TheHerbanShaman.com
Retail and wholesale supplements.
Certified Organic, All Natural Ingredients. Offering you the cleanest products fueled with extraordinary benefits to target your health needs. See ad page 18.
Veganism
THE RAW VEGAN LIFE COACH
561-616-9603, landline
Amy@TheRawVeganLifeCoach.com TheRawVeganLifeCoach.com
Want better health? Try going raw vegan! Amy’s 3-step transformational course will improve your life, with support and inspiration every step of the way.
Wellness
TRANSITIONS WELLNESS & PERFORMANCE CENTER
14141 US Hwy 1, Juno Beach 33408 561-402-6132
Info@StayCalmAndFloat.com StayCalmAndFloat.com
Relax • Recover • Restore. Our passion is to provide our local community with holistic alternatives to healing, recovery, Performance, and traditional medical options and procedures. See ad page 20.
Yoga
EVOLVE YOGA & WELLNESS
Neil Berger 1009 N. Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, Fl 33461 561-890-5880
Info@EvolveYogaWPB.com
Discover a soothing oasis for mind and body. Experience rejuvenating yoga classes, invigorating cold plunges, and relaxing infrared saunas. Nourish yourself with healthy foods in our tranquil studio. See ad page 21.
Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~ Mark Twain
