Natural Awakenings Magazine, Broward County, Florida Current November 2020 by Natural Awakenings, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida

E R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

PREVENT

TYPE 2

DIABETES

HERBS THAT SOOTHE

PETSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SKIN PROBLEMS

LIGHTEN UP

THE THANKSGIVING FEAST

NATURAL BEAUTY

SKIN CARE RECIPES Plus ECO-BURIALS

Gain Ground

November 2020 | Broward County, FL | NaBroward.com

Your Health is Your Wealth

octors have predicted that this is the first generation where the parents will outlive their children. Why is that? That is horrific. I don’t want to outlive my daughter. I want to empower the young people to learn how to be fully engaged and responsible for their health. As a holistic biological dentist for 30-plus years, I have seen it all and helped so many, old and young. If you are young and are having health issues, I want to empower you to learn.

disease because of her dry mouth—she has issues with her bottom front teeth which are connected to the bladder meridian. She had been suffering from many UTIs. In her 20’s, she’s afraid she will end up in dialysis. This is why a healthy mouth is important. I am so grateful that these young people are taking responsibility, coming to my office and addressing these health issues. If these things are left untreated, habits don’t change and you don’t own your health, you will suffer. You have to own it and be responsible. You don’t get sick if you are taking care of yourself—eating right, drinking water, working out. Your habits will make or break your health and your oral health. We have to be mindful. I hope that I see you and your loved ones who are suffering soon so we can teach you how to get healthy starting with your mouth.

This month we have had a lot of young people coming to our office. I am in shock what I am seeing in the mouths of my younger patients. Rampant decay due to poor oral habits; perforations of the enamel into the inside of the teeth; hollow teeth; decay to the bone; people in their 20’s with gum disease. When you have decay that is into the bone, those teeth are hopeless. I had a young man who came because his wife insisted. He had many root canals and abscesses into the sinus, migraine headaches, bad odor in his mouth and gum disease. Usually, you see people in their 50’s with a mouth like that—not in their 20’s. I asked him to explain how his mouth got this way, and he confessed that he loves to drink soda by the gallons, every day. Drinks such as soda or even healthy drinks like lemon water are acidic and will erode the teeth; you need to use a straw.

In 2020, let’s make our health a priority. Your health is your wealth. Take action. Call us today. Use code #NANOV20 for $50 off your new patient consultation exam and X-rays. For more information or to book an appointment, call 954-938-4599 or visit GoNaturalDentistry.com. We will take care of your needs and get you healthy again—pain-free! Love,

Other patients have decay from smoking. A similar young patient had asthma and had been taking a steroid that suppressed her immune system; she developed gum

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Contents 12 NATURAL BEAUTY Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin

14 THE GREEN BURIAL REVOLUTION

Sustainable End-of-Life Options

16 PREVENTING TYPE 2 DIABETES

Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease

20 SKIN-SOOTHING HERBS FOR DOGS AND CATS

Simple Ways to Reduce Itching

22 GIVING THANKS

FOR A HEALTHY FEAST

How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare

To the healthcare professionals who are risking their lives during this epidemic, thank you for fighting COVID-19 on the front lines.

Broward County, Florida edition

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24 HEALING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT

Stress and the CNS

DEPARTMENTS 8 news briefs 10 health briefs 11 global briefs 20 healing ways 14 green living 20 natural pet

22 conscious

eating 25 ask the therapist 26 calendar 27 classifieds 29 resource guide

Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 60 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 954-630-1610 or email us at info@NaBroward.com. Display ads: NaBroward.com/display-ad. Community Resource Guide: NaBroward.com/crg Classifieds: NaBroward.com/classified. Due date for advertising: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Submit news items and ideas to: info@NaBroward.com. Editorial guidelines: NaBroward.com/guidelines. Local news: NaBroward.com/submit-brief. Articles: NaBroward. com/submit-article. Editorial due date: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: info@NaBroward.com. Calendar overview: NaBroward.com/calendar. Mark Your Calendar (MYC) ads: NaBroward.com/myc. Calendar due date: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 954630-1610. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

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letter from the publisher

he hundreds of daily choices we make determine our tomorrows. This November is the month that comes around every four years, with voters selecting who they want to be representing us both locally and nationally. If you’ve registered, please do take the time to cast your vote. November’s the month of a national holiday—Thanksgiving. It’s a time to cast our vote, taking the time to be reflective with gratitude. How has working together and sharing resources enhanced your life? What do you see at the table you sit at for Thanksgiving? Even if it’s only a bowl of rice and beans, one can be grateful that so many have worked together to make these foods available to us. Be grateful for your friends and family. For many, physically sharing a meal with them may not be possible this year; be grateful anyway. We can focus on all the things that we have and envision a better tomorrow. The bounty we can build upon with our imaginations helps us to shape the world in which we live. Imagine being at your best and highest during this point in time where it’s so important for us to work together globally. That concept works the same for individual families, neighborhoods, communities, towns, cities, and so forth. This month’s issue has a very informative and important article on Type 2 diabetes. According to the article (page 16), over 67 million of us in the U.S. don’t even know we are in a prediabetic

state. We learn we can choose to educate ourselves on the signs and change our lifestyle to prevent the onset of the disease. With our Conscious Eating department article (page 22), you will find some toothsome and healthy choices for lightening up this year’s Thanksgiving fare. Consider the positive consequences of updating and modifying traditional foods at the table to reflect and support better health, not just for yourself, but for the health of your family and friends. We’ve included some amazingly tasty recipes this month that you can proudly share. We’ve placed some Thanksgiving recipes online at naBroward.com. It’s important to be taking special care of our skin, our largest organ, and one that wraps our bodies and helps to keep us safe. We have some special tips on homemade

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masks that can help to take care of our skin, along with a detailed description of homemade masks with healthy ingredients to nourish and enhance our skin. See page 12. As always, we’ve included additional articles and briefs for our community of readers for which we all are grateful. Be thankful for your day, your month, and your ability to make healthy choices. “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” – Henry Van Dyke

Susan Q Wood Publisher

news briefs

Environmental Films at 35th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

t this year’s 35th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), Natural Awakenings Broward County is sponsoring the screening of Last Call for Tomorrow, at 1 p.m., on Nov. 13, at Savor Cinema, 503 Southeast 6th St., Fort Lauderdale. Last Call reflects on the crises facing all life on Earth. We are witnessing the “sixth mass extinction” of our planet, losing about 200 species a day. Humanity has killed 83 percent of all wild mammals and half of all plants. Of the birds left in the world, 70 percent are poultry chickens and other farmed birds. Global industrial pollution is killing over nine-million people a year through bad air and water. We face a clear choice: radical political transformation or deepening mass extinction. To secure a sustainable future, it is high time to upgrade how we think, who we are and how we live (youtube/-dU0PRTYfL4). Two additional screenings of Last Call include 1 p.m., on Nov. 18, at Cinema Paradiso, in Hollywood, and now through 11:59 p.m., Nov. 22, in the comfort of your home via FLIFF's Virtual Festival (FLIFF.com). FLIFF will also premiere American Humane’s first feature documentary, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Helen Mirren, showcasing the critical efforts of certified zoos and aquariums to preserve millions of species on the verge of disappearing forever. The third film, For the Love of Conch, reveals the underwater world of the Queen Conch— jewel of The Bahamian archipelago. Humans have become their greatest threat; through an international effort, we can preserve this treasure for future generations. FLIFF's closing day film is the epic science adventure Ancient Caves which follows paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Earth's climate. Ancient Caves will be screened in IMAX 3D at Museum of Discovery and Science, in Fort Lauderdale. 8

Broward County, Florida edition

Other environmental films include Fish & Men which exposes the high cost of cheap fish by revealing how our choices as consumers drive the global seafood trade, threatening local fishing communities and public health, and features Opeka, an Argentine priest and former professional soccer player who fights poverty and politics to teach destitute families living in Madagascar’s largest landfill how to build their own houses and their dignity. Seating limited to maintain social distancing. Masks required and temperatures taken at the door. The theater has UCV air filtration; operated by the Broward County Film Society, the theater, auditorium and restrooms are sanitized between shows. See ad page 19.

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

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The Path to Become a Natural Skincare Formulator

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atural skincare is made from ingredients found in nature, including plantderived, carrier oils, butters, spices, roots, flowers, essential oils, and also natural substances derived from animals such as beeswax and minerals. In the present time, the use of natural products is not unknown anymore; many have made the decision to use safer products on the skin and avoid harmful preservatives. In Fields of Nature, you will find a complete approach to wellness that includes formulation techniques. Learning to prepare and formulate natural skincare products can be an amazing career, encouraging the use of creativity and imagination. There is no need to be a chemist or get a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or cosmetic science in order to create fabulous and safe natural skincare products. Fields of Nature has a collection of accredited courses of high quality, affordable for beginners and entrepreneurs, including preparing natural skincare products using cacao-derived ingredients, preparing products to age gracefully, and introduction to aromatherapy and essential oils, to mention some. For more information about the courses, registration, start date and cost, visit FieldsOfNature.shop or email Hello@FieldsOfNature.shop. See ad page 9.

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Metabolicassociated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common form of chronic liver disease affecting up to one quarter of the population worldwide. Associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity, MAFLD is quickly becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer and has been linked to more severe COVID-19 outcomes. With no effective pharmacological treatments, the focus has been on reducing weight by 7 to 10 percent. But a new study from Trinity College, in Dublin, based on liver biopsies of 24 patients, found those that undertook 12 weeks of aerobics had significant improvements in markers of liver and metabolic health, even without weight loss, making exercise theoretically more important than losing pounds. The positive results were not sustained once the exercising stopped, leading researchers to recommend follow-up programs in community settings.

Try Flaxseed Oil to Reduce Weight and Body Mass Index Flaxseed, with its high nutritional value and low glycemic profile, has been shown to lower blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes. To see if flaxseed as an oil has similar effects, Iranian researchers gave 40 overweight and prediabetic patients either 2,000 milligrams of flaxseed oil or a placebo daily for 14 weeks. The flaxseed oil did not produce lower inflammatory or glycemic markers than the placebo, but it did lead to significantly greater weight loss and a lower body mass index. A 2019 study of 50 obese and overweight adults found that consuming milled flaxseed for 12 weeks resulted in more than 20 pounds of weight loss, lower body mass index and greater reductions in triglycerides and inflammatory markers compared to a control group. pixabay/Pexels.com

Vitamin B12, an essential dietary nutrient typically derived from animal sources, poses a special challenge for vegans; its deficiency is linked to anemia and nervous system damage. Aside from supplements and foods fortified with cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin, a new natural approach has been documented by University of Helsinki researchers: fermenting dough using Propionibacterium freudenreichii bacteria, commonly used to make Emmental cheese, along with Lactobacillus brevis to improve microbial safety, produced enough B12 to fulfill the nutritional need for vegans. During the three-day fermentation process, rice bran and buckwheat bran had the highest B12 production. “In situ fortification of B12 via fermentation could be a more cost-effective alternative. And as a commonly consumed staple food, grains are excellent vehicles for enrichment with micronutrients,” says study author Chong Xie.

MA# 30315

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Get B12 in a Vegan Diet from Dough Fermentation

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health briefs

Burned Out

global briefs

Climate Change Impedes Wildfire Reforestation Efforts

Nearly 6,000 scientists signed a pledge to #ShutDownSTEM on June 10, the day of the Strike for Black Lives across higher education. (STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.) They canceled lab meetings, halted research projects and actively confronted perceived racism in their institutions in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Particles for Justice (ParticlesForJustice. org) physics collective members Brian Nord and Chanda Prescod-Weinstein helped develop the idea for the strike. They called on university science departments, national laboratories and all others engaged in scientific endeavors to stop business as usual for that one day. The aim was educating themselves and their colleagues about the role of their own institutions in perpetuating white supremacy and creating concrete actions they could take to reduce anti-Black bias after the strike. According to the Pew Research Center, only 24 percent of college faculty members were nonwhite as of 2017, and a study published in the March edition of the journal BioScience found that Black, Latino, Native American and other underrepresented scholars account for only 9 percent of faculty members in STEM fields.

A study published in Global Ecology and Biogeography of 22 burned areas across the southern Rocky Mountains found that forests are becoming less resilient to fire, turning into grasslands and shrublands instead. The research team, led by the University of Colorado at Boulder, projects that by 2050, as little as 3.5 to 6.3 percent of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forests in the region will be able to recover after fires. Encompassing 710 square miles, from southern Wyoming through central and western Colorado to northern New Mexico, researchers used satellite images and ground measurements to reconstruct what the forests looked like before fires and assess how well the forests were recovering by counting juvenile trees and observing tree rings. The study shows that forest recovery declines significantly under warmer, drier conditions caused by climate change. The number of acres that have burned annually across the country has already doubled since the 1990s, so it may be better to plant seedlings in regions more likely to bounce back rather than in dry sites no longer suitable for survival.

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Scientists Confront Academic Racism

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Equality Matters

November 2020

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healing ways

Natural Beauty Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin by April Thompson

kin, our largest organ, plays an important role in supporting and protecting the rest of the body. That’s why it should be treated kindly by using natural, chemical-free ingredients. Many U.S. beauty products contain hidden chemicals, including dozens of ingredients that are banned in other counties. Even products labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain potentially harmful petrochemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group. A natural skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Balms, masks, scrubs and toners can be made from healthy, everyday products already present in most homes. “Oats, yogurt, coconut oil, honey: there are many kitchen staples that you can easily use in your skincare routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, founder of the Herbal Academy, in Bedford, Massachusetts, and author of Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book. As an example, face masks can be made with ingredients from the spice rack, including turmeric and black pepper. “One-ingredient treatments, like a honey or yogurt mask, feel so good and are easy to make,” says Stephanie Gerber, the Nashville author of Hello Glow: 150+ Easy Natural Beauty Recipes for A Fresh New You. Facial, body and foot scrubs are great beginner creations, according to Stephanie Tourles, author of Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty. The Marble Falls, Texas, esthetician recommends starting with a base of 12

Broward County, Florida edition

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sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond, plus a few drops of an essential oil. Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product. Her favorites are lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense. Lemon, lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure. “Scrubs are wonderful for softening, soothing and exfoliating the skin,” Tourles says, cautioning that salt scrubs can sting if applied after shaving or waxing. Other common ingredients that can be added are oats, almonds or sunflower seeds ground in a coffee grinder. When mixed with water, cream or yogurt, they offer a moisturizing facial treatment. Tourles loves homemade body balms using oil and a thickener such as cocoa butter or beeswax. “Balms are easy to make, great for kids and good for dry cuticles and lips. You don’t have to worry about ingredients spoiling. They condition the skin and smell great,” she says. In harsher weather, skin requires a little extra TLC. Tourles suggests a hydrating winter toner made with a 50/50 mix of aloe vera juice and rosewater. “Honey is also nice for the face and incredibly hydrating for winter,” she says. “Simply warm a little bit, apply it to your clean face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.” “People often forget to apply more moisturizer in winter. One of the best things you can do is exfoliate your face with a simple scrub to slough off dry, dead skin. Use gentler ingredients for your face than your body, like oats, baking soda or almonds ground finely,” says Gerber. For chapped lips, she recommends a gentle exfoliant like sugar and honey applied as an antibacterial lip scrub. “Matcha green tea makes a beautiful mask that astringes and tones skin. Combine it with aloe gel and honey for some soothing moisture in the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation,” says Adelmann. Some products are best purchased from a commercial source. “You can make many preparations at home—from masks to cleansing scrubs, cleansers, lotions and creams—but when these recipes contain water, they have a short shelf life. If you are looking for something with a longer shelf life, you’re going to run into more complicated instructions incorporating preservatives,” says Adelmann. “Moisturizers, creamy cleansers and hand creams have the steepest learning curve to craft yourself,” says Tourles. “Trying to emulsify watery ingredients like herb tea and aloe vera with oils, butters or waxes is like mixing oil and vinegar in a salad dressing; these ingredients want to separate.” According to Gerber, sunscreen is another product worth buying rather than trying to make at home. Homemade or store-bought products aside, the best skin enhancer is a drink of water, according to Gerber. It doesn’t get easier or more economical than that. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Excerpted from Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book, by Marlene Adelmann

Green Tea Facial Mask

Green tea contains polyphenolic flavonoids called catechins, which are strongly antioxidant. It’s also an astringent and antiinflammatory. Matcha green tea (a powder) makes a beautiful green mask that astringes and tones skin. Combined with aloe gel and honey for soothing moisture, this is a great recipe for the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation. 2 Tbsp matcha or another green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaf powder 4 tsp aloe vera leaf gel 1-2 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients and mix well. Adjust proportions, as needed, to achieve the desired consistency—add more honey

and/or tea powder if it’s too fluid, or more aloe if it’s too thick. Apply gently to the face, avoiding the eyes. Leave in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Rinse the face with warm water and lightly pat it dry with a towel. Follow with moisturizer.

Turmeric Facial Mask

This is an anti-inflammatory, astringent and nutritive face mask with antimicrobial action that is well-suited for acne-prone skin. Combining turmeric with a fat, like yogurt, mitigates its staining effects. Test this recipe on a small area of skin before using. 1 Tbsp plain yogurt 1 tsp turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome powder 1 tsp raw honey Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm

water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

Black Pepper Facial Mask

Piperine, a well-studied constituent of black pepper, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and can benefit acne-prone or mature skin. Mix ground peppercorns with body or facial scrub ingredients for a terrific exfoliant. Black pepper also does wonders for dull skin, encouraging blood to flow to the surface for a healthy radiance. Test this recipe on a small area of the skin before using and consider wearing gloves, as this recipe may discolor fingernails. 1 tsp plain yogurt ¼ tsp black pepper (Piper nigrum), ground Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. After washing the face, apply this mask and let it set for approximately 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

November 2020

photos by Herbal Academy

Homemade Mask Recipes

green living

The Green Burial Revolution by Sandra Yeyati

here’s an emerging movement in the funeral industry, fueled by environmentalism and a yearning to accept mortality and reclaim a connection to Earth and to each other. Although it seems revolutionary, a green burial is as old as humanity, while the conventional burial commonly practiced in the United States is only a bit over 150 years old. Continuing a practice that began in the Civil War, the conventional funeral typically involves embalming with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde to preserve the body for viewing. Elaborate metal and varnished hardwood caskets are lowered into cement or steel burial vaults and entombed in memorial

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Sustainable End-of-Life Options

parks, where lawns are maintained with heavy machinery and liberal applications of herbicides and pesticides. These materials are not just polluting the Earth, but depleting resources only to bury them forever. “You can build a replication of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco annually with all the metal placed in the ground. Why would we bury these materials that people could actually be using?” says Elizabeth Fournier, a licensed mortician in Portland, Oregon, and author of The Green Burial Guidebook. In a true green burial, the body is put in repose in its natural state; refrigeration or dry ice replaces embalming fluids. Families

may choose to bathe and dress their loved one’s body, wrap the body with a natural cotton shroud or place it in a casket made of sustainably grown and biodegradable materials including pine, bamboo, wicker or even cardboard. The burial site has a more natural feel, with indigenous plants, meadows and soil untouched by chemicals. The grave is dug and refilled by hand, while family and friends use ropes to lower their loved one directly into the earth. “You’re going back to nature. Your body will decompose and in turn it can nourish the environment. New life will come from your death,” says Ed Bixby, owner of Steelmantown Cemetery Companies and president of the Green Burial Council, which certifies eco-friendly cemeteries and funeral services. Natural burial sites are public recreational havens where people can hike, birdwatch, cross-country ski or camp. These beautiful cemeteries are full of life and regeneration. “The neat part is that they’re using their income stream for open-space preservation—buying property, using it for burial purposes and dedicating that land so that it will always be open and green,” says Robert Prout, a third-generation funeral director in Verona, New Jersey. Every state has at least one natural burial site. There are hundreds nationwide, and 11 of them are legal preservation grounds, owned and managed by conservation or state agencies. As people learn more about green

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A Greener Cremation

lthough cremation is greener than a conventional funeral, it is still not as ecological as a natural burial. The process requires a fair amount of natural gas or oil, and releases toxins into the air, especially if the person is embalmed, has mercury tooth fillings or was treated with chemotherapy. The carbon footprint of cremation can be offset when scattering cremains by mixing them into soil and planting a tree in memory of the person or encasing the ashes in a reef ball to give back to the ocean. A controversial new type of cremation that is legal in only a handful of states—alkaline hydrolysis—offers an even more eco-friendly option. A low-heat water and lye bath slowly dissolves the flesh and neutralizes toxins, leaving only the bones, which are then processed to create ash-like remains. Time will tell if this method is widely adopted.

photo by Brian Olson

burials and request them, traditional cemeteries are setting aside areas for these alternatives. Bixby is encouraged by the hybrid models. “It’s helping change the direction of the funeral industry. We’re empowering and educating families. That’s how we’re going to grow this movement,” he says. A green burial will usually cost less than the conventional one. “The environment is suffering, and people’s wallets are suffering,” says Fournier. “People are realizing that you don’t have to spend a lot of money after someone has passed away to show your love.” In some towns, backyard burials are an option, too. From an emotional and spiritual perspective, there’s a lot to be said for a green burial. “It’s been so clinical for so long, where you wear your black suit. You sit on the sideline. The gravedigger and undertaker do everything. You’re sort of a spectator,” says Fournier. “By being a part of the process, there’s a greater sense of acceptance. You can see a lot of the pain and grief wash away,” says Bixby. “It allows us to not only care for our dead, but also not be so afraid of our common denominator. We’re all going to die. It shouldn’t be a scary, disconnected experience.” Overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a burial at sea is yet another green option in which the body decomposes naturally on the ocean floor. To find a state-by-state list of natural burial sites, visit GreenBurialCouncil.com. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease by Marlaina Donato

ix decades ago, only one American in 100 had diabetes. Today, it’s almost one in 10, including rising numbers of youth and one in four people older than 65. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2, once known as adult-onset diabetes, which is linked to diet, obesity, inactivity, environmental toxins, heredity and other factors. It can wreak havoc throughout the body—attacking blood vessels, eyes, nerves and organs—and make COVID-19 harder to combat. The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm of diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition, not a disease. It exists in a particular environment; when you change the environment, you can change the condition,” says San Francisco-based Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D., author of Wave Goodbye to Type 2 Diabetes. That’s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes, 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A key player is the pancreas, a multitasking organ of both the 16

Broward County, Florida edition

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endocrine and digestive systems, which produces insulin to help make and store energy from sugars, as well as enzymes to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. While Type 1 diabetes, a genetic autoimmune disease, negates the body’s ability to produce insulin, Type 2 results from an insufficient or improper use of insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and high triglycerides. Insulin resistance—the body’s improper use of insulin—can also be a sneaky forerunner to the disease, often manifesting as excessive abdominal fat, fatigue and frequent infections years before hyperglycemia—too much sugar in the blood—becomes evident. “Diet and lifestyle play a tremendous role,” says Lauren Bongiorno, a virtual diabetes health coach and creator of The Diabetic Health Journal. “Increasing insulin sensitivity is a multi-prong approach, most notably influenced by improving circadian rhythm, reducing stress, eating lower glycemic carbs, reducing animal fats and increasing activity.”

The American Diabetes Association cites excess weight and lack of exercise as significant risk factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes, while recent studies also point to impacts from toxic air, chemicals and mercury exposure. Research published in 2018 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International reveals a correlation between exposure to phthalates found in plastics and the incidence of new-onset Type 1 diabetes in children, suggesting that the loss of beta cells from phthalate exposure leads to a compromised insulin response. “Plastics containing BPA can mimic estrogen (xenoestrogens) and can contribute to insulin resistance, insulin oversecretion, beta cell exhaustion and the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes,” says registered dietician and nutritionist Brenda Davis, the Alberta, Canada, author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook and Kick Diabetes Essentials. An earlier Indiana University study published in Diabetes Care showed young-adult exposure to mercury can raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent. Davis adds, “Heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, have been linked to impaired insulin secretion and decreased insulin sensitivity.” Choosing organic produce and fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp and catfish, is advised.

Medication Backlash

Improving gut flora is vital in improving most health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. “Microbes in the gut that have become toxic for a multitude of reasons create an inflammatory response. This type of assault repeated over time increases the risk of fatty liver and compromised cells—conditions linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity,” says Steinberger. Research published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that antibiotic use, especially narrowspectrum ones, can contribute to diabetes. The side effects of certain medications like statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs has been debated for decades, and 2019 research published in Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews concludes that statins can more than double the risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially for people taking them for two years or longer.

Sleep and Sugar

The National Sleep Foundation considers sleep deprivation a significant diabetic risk factor and recommends that people take melatonin as a sleep aid and avoid working night shifts. It cites a study in which healthy adults that were restricted to four hours of sleep for just six nights exhibited a 40 percent reduction in their ability to break down glucose. Although the role of dietary sugar in diabetes is debated by scientists, evidence shows a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes and sugar, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in the diet. A 2015 review of 21 studies published in The British Medical Journal found that regular intake of sugary beverages can lead to diabetic conditions even when obesity is not a factor. Many holistic health advocates identify all sweeteners, including “healthy”

Strategies to Prevent Diabetes

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Hidden Environmental Factors

Nutrition Tips from Brenda Davis The foundation of the diet should be whole-plant foods—organic, whenever possible—deriving the vast majority of calories from vegetables, legumes, fruits, intact whole grains, nuts and seeds, which are rich in protective components, such as fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Eliminate or minimize inflammatory items, including fatty dairy products like cheese and ice cream, ultra-processed and fried foods, refined carbohydrates like sugar and white flour, alcohol and meat—especially red and processed varieties. Avoid all sugarcontaining beverages.

Holistic Reminders from Lauren Bongiorno “All areas of our lives are linked together, and if one area is depleted, it’s going to impact your ability to thrive in the others. The 8 pillars of diabetes wellness within my practice are exercise, diet, sleep, stress, selflove, relationships, energy and diabetes management. For improved blood sugar management and sustainable habit changes, you must identify where you are least fulfilled and work to fill that gap.”

Inspiration from Nicki Steinberger “The area where we are most vulnerable, without a doubt, is our own toxic thoughts. Because our thoughts and beliefs trigger emotions which lead us to action and non-action, mindset is the first place to investigate to understand the results of our lives.”

November 2020

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alternatives like honey and maple syrup, as sugars that harbor similar potential. This mindset is harmonious with glycemic index recommendations, so avoiding any added sweeteners and opting for fresh, low-glycemic fruits like berries, citrus and apples, as well as eschewing pasta, white rice and bread, can go a long way toward maintaining healthier blood sugar levels. Stevia, an herb, is a better sweet substitute. Preferable in drops or bulk form rather than blended with sugars, it’s been shown to help control blood sugar.

Promising Phytotherapy

Insulin-supporting medicinal herbs offer many benefits for Type 2 diabetics. Aloe vera, bilberry, cinnamon, goldenseal, bitter melon, milk thistle, fenugreek, fennel and gymnema sylvestre, among others, have been found to aid in the utilization and production of insulin. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a heavy hitter for reducing blood glucose and buffering the kidneys and liver from the metabolic side effects of high blood sugar. Herbs that support 18

Broward County, Florida edition

the liver, such as milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke, are other noteworthy plant medicines, especially when blood sugar fluctuates from high to low. Renata Atkinson, a clinical herbalist in Greenbelt, Maryland, says of blood tests, “Clinical trials have shown that many of these herbs can have a significant effect on the clinical markers for diabetes and prediabetes in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose and HbA1C, or glycosylated hemoglobin.” Animal and in vitro studies show that they impact blood sugar by slowing digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the release of insulin and modulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver. Some of Atkinson’s favorite plant allies are hawthorn, hibiscus and tilia for their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as lipid, glucose and vascular support. Atkinson also emphasizes the wisdom of keeping it simple. “I encourage clients to incorporate culinary herbs and spices into their daily diet, like cinnamon, NaBroward.com

fennel, garlic and onions. For someone taking insulin, it’s important to introduce herbs slowly and be sure to take them with meals, monitor blood glucose levels closely and keep their physician informed of herbal protocols and follow their physician’s recommendations.” Improving diet choices can be highly rewarding and fun, too. “Not only does eating well not have to be tortuous, it can be enjoyable, inspiring and creative,” says Steinberger. “It helps to keep it simple by using fresh, whole foods with basic herbs and spices.” Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, B complex and chromium are also valuable in managing Type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols— antioxidants found in tea and unsweetened cacao nibs—also pack a healthy punch. Alpha lipoic acid, found in broccoli, spinach and fish oil, can help to reduce inflammation. Berries, kale and other nutrientpacked greens, nuts, sweet potatoes and beans promote sugar balance and are versatile for delicious, healthy meals.

Whole-Body Healing

Holistic bodywork modalities such as acupuncture also support diabetic health. In 2019, Iranian researchers reported in the journal Hospital Practices and Research that biofeedback training lowered glucose levels and improved the quality of life for diabetic patients. “The biggest mistake I see people with diabetes make is to view the mental piece as not as important as the physical,” says Bongiorno. Linking all the vital threads in the complex web of Type 2 diabetes, she adds, “I would say to start with the basics— plant-based foods, exercise, stress management and better sleep. When you have a solid base, your body will be less susceptible to the other factors.” Thriving is possible through commitment and wise choices. As Davis says, “There is strong and consistent evidence that many people who are motivated to reverse Type 2 diabetes can succeed in this task.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

natural pet

Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats Simple Ways to Reduce Itching by Greg Tilford

Broward County, Florida edition

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allergens. More specifically, they inhibit inflammation, while omega-6 fatty acids typically found in grains and vegetable oils stimulate inflammation. Both processes are necessary for healthy body functioning, but an imbalance of too much omega-6 sets the stage for skin allergies, a dull coat and excessive shedding. Liver deficiency is another common factor to consider. The liver is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and acids needed to break down and assimilate food while also filtering waste from the bloodstream. If the liver is deficient in any of these functions, excess waste that cannot be eliminated via normal pathways will wreak havoc on the body, often manifesting as a skin condition. If this happens, symptoms commonly recognized as pyoderma, eczema or psoriasis will increase as the body tries to eliminate the waste, pushing the toxins outward and away from vital internal organs toward the skin. In addition to dietary adjustments, liver support is helpful when it comes to skin problems, and this is where herbs come in. svvvita/AdobeStock.com

rom allergies to liver deficiency, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. A dog’s or cat’s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances. Skin problems in pets have many causes, yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable. While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly, most forms of skin and coat disease are caused by deeper issues that can be extremely difficult to identify and address. Chronic or recurring skin conditions that cannot be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep. And while topical salves, liniments, shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain, they will not likely address the root causes of a dog’s or cat’s skin ailment. For that, the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs. Many cases of chronic skin issues in dogs and cats are either directly attributable to or strongly influenced by inappropriate and allergy-inducing ingredients in pet foods. Be critical about the quality of pet foods and avoid those that contain meat byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, as well as all grains, especially wheat and corn. It’s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supplement to dogs and cats. The omega-3 fatty acids in these marine lipids play critical roles in regulating immune system inflammatory response to

Burdock root

(Arctium lappa). This herb has an ancient history as a skin remedy. It contains inulin, an indigestible polysaccharide constituent that serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial microflora in the gut and improving digestion. It also contains a broad variety of compounds that gently stimulate the liver at various levels to help detoxify the body and aid in transporting waste out of the bloodstream. Burdock can be

Dandelion

(Taraxacum officinale). The roots and leaves are highly nutritious. They contain a complex assortment of liver-supporting compounds as well as diuretic properties that aid the body in eliminating toxins via urination.

Red clover

(Trifolium pretense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum). These are well-known blood cleansers worth considering. Look for formulas that contain a balanced array of all three. Greg Tilford is the CEO of Animal Essentials Inc., a natural pets supplement company. He is the author of five books, including Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life. For more information, visit AnimalEssentials.com.

Topical Herbs that Relieve the Itch

o heal a pet’s skin problems from the inside-out with good food and supplementation can take a few weeks. In the meantime, the itchy misery can be reduced with topical remedies. One of the most effective approaches is herbal astringents that work by quickly tightening skin and subcutaneous tissue, reducing inflammation and redness. n Witch hazel. This herbal extract can be purchased as a clear liquid at any drugstore. It’s also the primary active ingredient in many commercial hemorrhoid ointments, as it reduces inflamed membranes very quickly. A dab or two of witch hazel applied with a cotton ball can work wonders against flea or mosquito bites. It’s important to know that most products are made with isopropyl alcohol, which is quite toxic if ingested in large amounts. Therefore, this extract should be reserved for situations in which only a few dabs are needed (i.e., don’t use it as a rinse). Better yet, look for witch hazel extract made with ethanol (grain alcohol) or vegetable glycerin, an edible palm oil derivative used in natural soaps and cosmetics for its emollient, skin-soothing qualities. n Aloe vera. With its antibacterial properties, aloe vera gel works especially well when spot-applied directly to hot spots or insect bites. However, unless combined with an emollient, the drying and tightening properties of aloe vera could further exacerbate discomfort caused by dry, chapped skin. n Calendula. Calendula officinalis, small marigold, is easy to grow or purchase in dry bulk form at natural product retailers. Cooled calendula tea, liberally applied to an animal’s skin and coat, can bring fast relief to inflamed skin and accelerate the healing of open sores. To make a soothing skin rinse, simply infuse two to four tablespoons of dried calendula flowers into a quart of near-boiling water. Allow the tea to cool completely, drench the pet with the tea and allow it to drip dry. n Tea. Peppermint, chamomile and green teas are great for relieving itchy skin. Infuse four to six tea bags of any (or all) of these herbs into one quart of boiling water. Cool thoroughly and rinse the animal. Not only will it feel better, it will smell great, too.

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found as a tincture or a fresh root at many health food stores. Grate the fresh root liberally onto the pet’s food at each mealtime. Burdock is fairly neutral in flavor and very safe, so there’s no need to worry about overfeeding.

photo by Brian Olson

conscious eating

Giving Thanks for a Healthy Feast How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare by April Thompson

ue to travel restrictions, tighter budgets and concern for family members that may be older or have underlying health conditions, Thanksgiving might be a smaller affair this year, but that’s no reason to give up on having a scrumptious, celebratory meal. With a little creativity and lots of flavor, our treasured American holiday need not suffer. Giant turkeys may not grace as many tables as usual, so it’s the perfect time to up the side-dish game, embracing healthier options and taking full advantage of an abundant supply of delicious, in-season produce. To right-size the Thanksgiving spread for carnivores, “Get a Cornish hen or another small bird from a local poultry producer, or consider turkey parts like breasts or thighs, instead of cooking an entire big bird,” advises Steven Satterfield, co-owner and executive chef of the Miller Union restaurant, in Atlanta, and author of Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. For sides that rate high in both nutrition and taste, the James Beard winner favors in-season veggies like brassicas and Asian greens. “Napa cabbage is great roasted, grilled or prepared raw as a salad. Brussels sprouts shaved on a mandolin and sautéed briefly with shallot and garlic, and dressed with apple cider vinegar and diced apple, is another nice option,” Satterfield says. One of his go-to dishes is a root vegetable salad with shaved celery root, walnuts, apples and dried cranberries with a simple dressing

Broward County, Florida edition

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of olive oil and lemon. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin offer a nutritional edge over white potatoes, giving them top billing at Satterfield’s holiday table. He suggests simplifying the traditional sweet potato casserole by first parboiling, straining, peeling and cutting the potatoes into thick chunks, and then baking with lemon juice, nutmeg and water. “The sweet potatoes will caramelize and form a natural syrup. It has a bright and refreshing flavor without adding the usual butter, marshmallows and sugar,” he explains. According to Satterfield, many nutritious bitter greens are plentiful this time of year, including chicory, radicchio, frisée and endive. “Last Thanksgiving, I made a chicory salad with dates, pecans, shaved parmesan and persimmon with a sherry vinaigrette with olive oil and shallots. The sweetness of the fruit balances nicely with the bitter greens, which add fiber and help with digestion and the circulatory system.” Thanksgiving offers a good opportunity to go meatless, according to Kim Campbell, vegan chef and author of The PlantPure Nation Cookbook. “There is a substitute for every animal product out there, so it’s not hard to make traditional recipes plant-based,” says the Durham, North Carolina, native. Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh, rather than dried, herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, as well as natural binding agents like lentils, flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water. “Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying,” she says. “Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.” Campbell encourages people to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce and learn how to cook in season. Fruit-based desserts can be a great way to showcase what’s in season and still keep guests light on their feet. “You don’t have to use crust or a lot of added sugar for something like an apple crisp or cobbler,” she says. Annemarie Ahearn, founder of the Salt Water Farm cooking school, in Lincolnville, Maine, also suggests a healthful rethinking of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. “Instead of a green bean casserole, consider blanched green beans with almond and cranberry. Dried cranberries can go in a salad, rather than a sauce. You can have the same ingredients and keep the same focal point, but use less cream and dairy,” says the author of Full Moon Suppers at Salt Water Farm: Recipes from Land and Sea. Ahearn, who teaches a class on Thanksgiving cooking, encourages people to take a stroll after the main meal to let food settle before having dessert. She also suggests serving some dishes at room temperature to relieve the pressure of having everything arrive hot at the table. For those unable to be with extended family, Satterfield suggests trading recipes in advance, and then having a virtual Thanksgiving by sharing a visual image of how the meal turned out. “You can even send leftovers if you’re in the same vicinity,” he says. Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Savory Thanksgiving Dishes Mushroom Gravy

This rich, flavorful gravy is perfect over potatoes and veggie loafs. It’s easy to prepare and inexpensive. Yield: 4 servings 1 onion, minced 6 white button mushrooms, chopped 2½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock, divided ½ tsp minced garlic ½ tsp dried thyme ½ tsp dried sage ½ tsp crushed dried rosemary

1 Tbsp cooking sherry 2 Tbsp tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ¼ cup whole wheat flour ¼ tsp black pepper Sea salt to taste

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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onions and mushrooms in one-half cup of the vegetable stock. Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, sherry, tamari and nutritional yeast, then continue to sauté for just a minute or two over high heat. Pour the remaining vegetable broth into a bowl and whisk in the flour until there are no lumps. Add to the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the gravy has reached its peak thickness, about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell.

Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole

photo by Kim Campbell

Yield: 6 servings Preheat oven to 425° F. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes and sea salt. Place the flour, milk and bread crumb mixture into three separate bowls. Bread the onion rings by coating them in the flour, the milk and then the breadcrumbs. Several onion rings can be prepared at the same time. Place the breaded onions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Place the sauce ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and Breaded Onion Rings: 1 large white or red onion, sliced into ¼-inch thick rings 2 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes ½ tsp sea salt (optional) 1¼ cups whole grain flour 1 cup nondairy milk Sauce: 1½ cups nondairy milk ½ cup raw cashews 2-3 garlic cloves 1½ Tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp onion powder ¼ tsp nutmeg 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

2 tsp apple cider vinegar ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper Veggies: 12 oz fresh mushrooms (any variety), sliced or chopped 2-3 Tbsp dry white wine for sautéing 24 oz frozen green beans, French cut or whole

creamy. Set aside. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, sauté the mushrooms using small amounts of white wine to prevent the mushrooms from sticking. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Place the thawed green beans and mushrooms into nine-by-13-inch casserole pan. Pour the cream sauce over the vegetables, distributing the sauce evenly. Top the casserole with the baked onion rings and cover with foil. Bake at 375° F for 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes. Chef’s note: You can soak your cashews if you don’t have a high-powered blender for easy blending. This creamy white sauce can be used for scalloped potatoes, creamed corn or even on pasta. Reprinted from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell. Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible. November 2020

Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup Delicious maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon and cranberries are boiled down to a syrupy, slightly sweet and spicy sauce. The cranberries “pop” under the heat and give this side dish a gorgeous ruby color.

Healing from the Inside-Out Stress and the CNS

Yield: 2 cups 12 oz whole fresh cranberries or 1 package ¾ cup real maple syrup ½ cup water ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store bought 1 cinnamon stick Take the cranberries and place into a large sieve. Pick out any berries that look damaged (black spots, mushy, white). Wash and drain. Pour the cranberries into a medium-large pot. Add the maple syrup, water and orange juice. Stir to combine. Place the cinnamon stick in the center. Heat the berries on medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until syrupy and richly red. You will hear the cranberries “pop” as they cook; don’t be alarmed. Remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a covered container in the fridge.

Broward County, Florida edition

by TJ Robinson

ccording to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, five of the top 10 stressors (not ranked in order) are death; divorce; personal injury and illness; loss of employment; and retirement. Some of these five stressors may be experienced by a greater number of people today than in recent past years due to the 2020 pandemic. Stress affects the central nervous system (CNS) and can short circuit the communication in the body—like getting a distorted picture on the television. One important structure which responds to stress that can get “stuck” constantly on “ready” or high alert is the reticular activating system, also known as the reticular alarm system (RAS). This structure, important to survival, is made up of neurons that are interrelated, and extends from the base of the head (midbrain) down through the lower back of the head (brainstem) and into the spinal cord for varied distances. RAS is the body’s “ready-alert” system. When activated, it increases the sympathetic nerve activity and adrenaline levels in the blood. The function of RAS is to save life, yet when chronically in high ready-alert state, there is a cost in terms of increased occurrences of stress diseases and more rapid aging. Know there is a way to help cope with these stressors, restore clear communication in the body and help prevent future stress-related diseases and rapid aging. With craniosacral therapy (CST), a light touch, hands-on approach, the CNS (the body’s communication system) can be

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restored. The craniosacral therapist “listens”, with a highly calibrated light touch, to the quality of the craniosacral rhythm which the body regulates and maintains to feed and nurture the delicate nervous tissue. The therapist can “feel”, with the aid of this rhythm, where there are “stuck” tissues caused by stress. These stuck tissues can cause anxiety, lack of movement, pain and bodily dysfunction.

TJ Robinson, a local craniosacral therapist, knows firsthand the healing wonders of craniosacral therapy. Having suffered from both physical and emotional loss, she explains, “I know what craniosacral therapy has done for me in restoring my nervous system, relieving my pain and helping me feel good again. I want to do that for others. It takes time for the restoration, however, it is so worth it to have quality of life back.” For more information and appointments, call 954-234-3299 and/or visit TotalBalance4u.com. See ad page 29.

ask the therapist

Managing Fear in Times of Chaos Karen Kaye, LMHC

Dear Karen Kaye, I have noticed lately that I am usually in a state of fear over something: the pandemic, the economy, the government, the weather, and issues in my own life. Please advise me on how to stop my fears. Sincerely, Sam

Dear Sam, My first thought is never try to stop fear. Stopping, resisting or avoiding fear will only make fear grow. It is like a science experiment: whatever you push down will gain mass and volume. There are good reasons for fear. Fear can act as an indicator that it is time to wake up and notice something painful. Fear can also tell us when we are going the wrong way. In fact, when we don’t listen to our gut about our fears, we can get into accidents, marry the wrong person and make poor decisions. So, it is what we do with the fear, Sam, that matters most. Some people overreact; some people underreact; and some avoid fear altogether. I know, personally, as a conscious being living in a still unconscious world, awareness can be both a blessing and a curse. It is important though that all the “hype” does not fall in on us and make us feel helpless and hopeless. Therefore, take the time (sometimes with a therapist) to identify exactly what your fear is now and what it is stemming from, since all humans have certain emotional patterns. Keep rearranging, prioritizing and facing each fear individually so that the quantity of potential fears doesn’t overwhelm you. Then, create a plan of how to take a step forward through the fear.

You will be amazed what even the smallest movement will accomplish by facing your fears. As you address your fears, your energy will shift and you will be one less person on the planet in fear. This has a huge effect in changing the resonance of the planet! Do not take on the world’s fears until you have handled your own, one–byone. The goal is not to be fearless. Fearless is “cocky” and unconscious and won’t get the job done. It is in these moments of chaos that we see whether our choices will allow us to

either flourish or pull us under. All the best, Karen L. Kaye, LMHC Remember, on a spiritual level we adhere to the philosophy that everything happens for a reason…out of the bad comes good. It takes time. Currently accepting new clients, sessions take place via telehealth to ensure safety. If you are interested in scheduling a session, call 954-384-1217 or email KarenKayeCares@bellsouth.net. See ad page 29.

EDIBLES NOW AVAILABLE 210 DAY PRESCRIPTIONS NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR FLOWER FAST, EASY, & CONFIDENTIAL

November 2020

calendar of events

e at Natural Awakenings know that supporting the health of our population is of the upmost importance. We encourage everyone to be conscious of the social distancing mandate and to support our community by following the health guidelines set forth by our health professionals, and, of course, using common sense. We have received multiple reports from our providers of wellness and health services about how seriously they take following and maintaining the strictest guidelines as it relates to their office environments in creating the most safe and clean space they can for those that need to come in and use their services. For any doctor appointment, class, or service provider you want to visit, attend, or participate, we suggest you

Local ongoing calendar items for the community may be submitted online at NaBroward.com/calendar-event. We do not accept phone calls for these items. call ahead to address any questions you may have and then to confirm your appointment. To help stimulate and encourage the continuation of connecting our readers and providers of services, we now include information for us to connect via the internet through our various electronic devices. We understand the importance of being able to stay “in touch” with one another and thus support the expansion of online events, podcasts, webinars, Skype, support sessions, and other communication software systems that can be utilized for us to stay connected and stay safe. We have also increased the word count for Date-Specific Calendar items to be up to 55 words, and Ongoing Calendar items may include up to 45 words for each one.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13

IANDS South Florida- International Association for Near Death Studies — 1st Sunday monthly, 4:30–6:30pm Meeting - Pavilion’s Gym (behind Main Hospital) Discussions include; Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies, are welcomed. University Hospital, 7201 N. University Dr, Tamarac. Questions Reverend Gail Fein, 305.798.8974.

Men and Women’s Support Group: Conscious Awareness — 8–10pm. $25 per session. Designed for men and women to learn from each other regarding relationships, self-worth and the rewrite of negative patterns. Contact: Karen Kaye, LMHC, 954.384.1217 (landline).

35th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) — Natural Awakenings Broward County is sponsoring the screening of Last Call for Tomorrow, at 1 p.m. at Savor Cinema, 503 Southeast 6th St., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, go to FLIFF.com or call 954.525.FILM.

ongoing events

sunday Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary — 9am– 5pm. Classes for Interfaith Ministry Ordination. A Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750. Thubten Kunga Ling Buddhist Center: Zoom classes — Meditation Hour: 10–11am an overview of meditation including basic meditation techniques, breathing meditation, mindfulness meditation, visualization meditation, and analytical meditation, Tibetan Mahayana Tradition. Coping with Difficult Times: 11am–12pm. For details and other classes, visit ThubtenKungaLing.org. Catholic Mass (non-Roman Catholic) — 10:30am, (+ Sat 5pm) The Parish of Sts. Francis & Clare, staffed by Franciscan friars. 2300 NW 9th Ave (Powerline Rd), Wilton Manors, 33311, 954.731.8173.

Interfaith Sacred Celebrations of Spirit — Weekly on Sunday evenings 6:30–7:30pm at Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution at a Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750.

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

tuesday Schedule something for your health.

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

Issues like obesity do, as you well know, have a knock-on effect to diabetes. So we all are better off if we invest early in prevention. ~Jacinda Ardern 26

Broward County, Florida edition

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Sunset Yoga at Holiday Park — Free, donations accepted. 6:30pm. Call Mardi for additional info 786.227.2173.

Free Reiki Circle — 10–11am. Divine Love Institute & Gift Shop, 2832 Stirling Rd, #H, Hollywood FL 33020. Conveniently located just west of I–95 on Stirling Rd, 954.920.0050.

thursday

The Sistrunk Farmers Market — 10am–2pm. Locally, organically grown fruits & vegetables, old fashioned family fun, Artisan Market Vendors. Market hours EBT & SNAP accepted at the Market. Corner of Sistrunk Blvd & NW 10th Ave, Ft Lauderdale.

Free Tai Chi Classes — 5–6pm. Relax your mind and body at ATOM’s Wellness Center! Tai Chi is a low-impact, slow-motion exercise that can treat & prevent many health problems. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E. Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft. Lauderdale. 954.763.9840 ext. 219. Free Teletalk on Ancestral Clearing/Emotional Release — 7pm, last Thursday of month. Learn how to release blocks and limiting beliefs and change energetic thought patterns, to move ahead to live with freedom, fulfillment and happiness! Call Ilka for details: 754.222.6971. My Awakening Story — 7pm. My awakening, twin flame, psychic abilities story, shared weekly, episodically, anonymously. Floored, Just Floored, Type “floored JustFloored” in YouTube search bar.

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

saturday

Rock Kirtan: Sacred Devotional Singing — bi-weekly 7–8:30pm, $10. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Call Rev. G. 917.579.3750. Daily — 9:30pm Join Sheri Kaplan for a Nightly Virtual Sound Healing Meditation on Zoom Live Stream. bit.ly/livestreamsoundbath. Call 646.876.9923 EST- bit.ly/localzoom -Meeting ID: 846 189 611-Virtual Tip Jar.

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

Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude. ~Louie Schwartzberg

DECEMBER

Coming Next Month

Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

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

November 2020

community

Resource Guide (crg) orking together we are W stronger. Why we may want to take a closer look at

the Community Resource Guide this month. We have added some new resources and there are several resources that seem to be “grayed out.” What does that really means for us? As we have been in continued communication with our advertisers who have either had their businesses closed down due to mandates, or other reasons at this time during the pandemic, many of these businesses were looking for ways to share that they are offering additional ways to connect, such as, an individual appointment, Video-Conferencing, Facebook, Zoom, email, website, etc. Collectively the idea of graying out their street address was created, and thus some of our resources listed, have a portion of their information in gray ink instead of black, denoting that their business location is currently in transition to being once again fully operational.

Community Resource Guide photos and logos, beginning this month, are in full color, as our clients express how important their brand is to their business. Business CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

name and our client’s preference for contacting them, either a web address or telephone number.

Some of the businesses that are listed here that are “GRAYED OUT” may be in the process of fully reopening. As the CDC guidelines are reviewed and put in place for the safety of us all, some companies may be “partially open.” As that can mean different things to different companies, we suggest you contact the individual companies to get the latest information. The views of our digital version of the magazine NaBroward.com/issues/ continues to grow. Included within these GRAY CRG listings, additional links, besides the standard website, may be included, such as Instagram or LinkedIn. They are “active” within our digital issues, as our clients share the importance of having these links active. According to Google, “Links help our crawlers find your site and can give your site greater visibility in our search results.... Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote by page A for page B.”

You may want to connect with our advertisers, and thanks to the collaborative process, the integrative health and wellness industry is growing. Be healthy; stay well.

COLON THERAPY A COLON CARE CENTER

NEW LIFE UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

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

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

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

COUNSELING/THERAPY KAREN KAYE, HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST, LMHC

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

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY PERFECTING TOUCH

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

TOTAL BALANCE 4 U

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

Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade. ~Ruth Bader Ginsburg

November 2020

community resource guide DAY RETREATS THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT

604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-604-7930 ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com ThermaeRetreat.com FB: @thermaeretreat IG: thermae.ftlauderdale Thermae Retreat

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

See page 28: “Resource Update”

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

ONLINE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FIELDS OF NATURE

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

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

See ad page 9.

One-to-one tutoring available.

PRONUNCIATION COACH DENTAL HEALTH BRENT J. BRACCO, DDS – COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY 2467 E Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-771-5300 DrBrentBracco.com

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

DIVINE ENERGY HEALER ADVANCED RAPID HEALING

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

PERFECT YOUR AMERICAN ACCENT

Professor Alice Wujciak / woo-jack / 954-963-7661 PerfectYourAmericanAccent.com Upgrade your accent and speak English confidently. “Quick fixes to language issues.”

PSYCHOTHERAPY A HEALING SPACE

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

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry.

INTEGRATIVE HYPNOSIS FORT LAUDERDALE HYPNOSIS AND COACHING

Catherine Edelson MA, CH 2550 N Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-745-0735 InFocus@CatherinEdelson.com FB business: Fort Lauderdale Hypnosis Hypnotists believe everything is hypnosis. We offer powerful, ecological and practical solutions to each client. Benefits are obvious as you allow it to happen!

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

Broward County, Florida edition

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

Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. ~Jacques Maritain NaBroward.com

SALON

DECEMBER

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

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

Coming Next Month

Spending Locally Plus: Creating Community & Connection

WELLNESS CENTER DEEP ROOTS FAMILY WELLNESS 9532 Griffin Rd. Cooper City FL 33328 954-434-1800 DeepRootsHolistic.com

Natural treatments for enhancing fertility, supporting pregnancy and postpartum, natural children’s remedies, lasting relief from pain, fatigue, i n s o m n i a , a n x i e t y, a n d migraines. Your personal consultation is free. MA39137

WHOLISTIC PHYSICIAN DR. AMADI’S WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER

Hepsharat Amadi, M.D., L.Ac. 10189 W. Sample Rd Coral Springs FL 33065 954-757-0064 954-757-2612, fax DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com GreatNaturalDoctor.com

Primary Health Care with a Natural Approach including Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, Quantum Biofeedback, Weight Loss, Detoxification, Natural Allergy Tr e a t m e n t , H e r b a l a n d Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Counseling and Circulation enhancement/BEMER therapy.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

954-630-1610 November 2020

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Natural Awakenings Magazine, Broward County, Florida Current November 2020

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