Natural Awakenings Fort Myers/ Naples Florida- April 2021

E R F

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

CELEBRATE

EARTH DAY!

THE HEALTH RISKS OF

CLIMATE CHANGE

SPRING

CLEAN

YOUR BODY

natural REMEDIES

CREATE A CALM HOME

FOR ALLERGIES

April 2021 | Collier/Lee Edition

CoVID-19

IS A CoNCERN

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prOFIcIeNt IN traDItIONal cHINese MeDIcINe & WesterN MeDIcINe

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

COLLIER / LEE EDITION Publisher Sharon Bruckman Editors Linda Sechrist Martin Miron Randy Kambic Sara Peterson Design & Production C. Michele Rose Lisa Avery Contributing Writers Linda Sechrist Sandra Yeyati Sales & Marketing Christine Miller Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Accounting Amie Delozier Website Kristy Mayer

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EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY

Happy Earth Day Classes Start April 5th

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letter from publisher

Learning to Love Mother Earth

I remember my first summer living in Southwest Florida in the early 1980s after having spent all previous summers dipping into the cool lake waters of northern Michigan. It took a couple of years to acclimate to the heat and humidity, but I grew to love this area’s perks, like the sudden onset of afternoon thunderstorms that cool things down and turn my yard into a rainforest, early morning swims in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful sunset walks along the shore that make me feel like I’m living in a Maxfield Parrish painting.

But summers, I’ve learned, can also bring scary hurricanes, which have become increasingly stronger and more frequent over the years.

Despite the stress of boarding up my house and preparing for disaster numerous times over the years, I’ve been pretty lucky, with only minor home damage. In 2017, Hurricane Irma toppled my neighbor’s huge oak tree into my swimming pool.

As we head into another hurricane season, fears linger in anticipation of the kind of storms we saw last year that ramped up quickly and broke records across the board. 2020 set new benchmarks on all disaster fronts, racking up never-before-seen damages in the billions of dollars, including more than 52,000 wildfires that burned 9 million acres across the United States.

The wake-up call that climate change is a key culprit in these astonishing natural disasters is undeniable, but is it too late? With every new wildfire, hurricane and flash flood, people are understanding that the warming of the planet has dire and immediate consequences not only to the Earth, but to our personal health and well-being.

In this month’s feature story, “The Human Costs of Climate Change,” on page 28, Sandra Yeyati focuses on the health consequences of a warming planet, suggesting that these emerging realities offer us opportunity for global transformation and justice. On the public policy front, we can start holding polluters responsible and invest in clean energy, mass transit and mitigation solutions. At the personal level, we can make socially and environmentally conscious consumer and lifestyle choices.

Getting involved locally to ensure a healthy environment is as easy as calling The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and joining their efforts mentioned in “Environmentally Speaking” (on page 19) to make sure that the multiple new towns and villages planned for 45,000 acres in eastern Collier County is done right. If these lands are developed as currently planned, Collier County could add more than 300,000 residents to the present population of 370,000.

It’s time to turn our eco-anxiety into solutions, and in this Sustainable Living edition you will find plenty of great suggestions—including tips for home and body detoxification, helping kids connect to nature and becoming an eco-athlete.

It may sound corny, but get out and hug a tree. Put your toes in the Gulf of Mexico and tell Mother Earth how much you love her this Earth Day and every day. She sustains and nurtures us, and it’s time for us to give back. We need each other.

Happy Spring,

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Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 55-plus 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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Contents 24 HEALTHY HOME

18

How to Detoxify a Living Space

27 SHERYL DEVORE

on Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

28 CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH

The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

32 SPRING CLEANING THE BODY

32

Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

36 ECO-ATHLETES

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

40 BREATHE EASY

Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

44 CREATE A

NURTURING NEST

46 NATURE TO THE RESCUE Kids Come Alive Outdoors

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

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48 FEATHERED FRIENDS The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 11 earth day events 13 reader spotlight 14 health briefs 16 global briefs 18 eco tip 19 environmentally speaking 20 business spotlight 24 green living 27 wise words

32 concious 36 39 40 42 44 46 50 53 55

eating fit body nonprofit spotlight healing ways spa spotlight inspiration healthy kids calendar resource guide classifieds April 2021

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news briefs

Hempra Box Participates at Two April Events

H

empra Box, in Naples, will participate in two events this month. The company will be a vendor at the first Wellness Festival in the Park, sponsored by the Crohn’s Charity Services Foundation, in Riverside Park, in Bonita Springs, from noon to 9 p.m. on April 9 and 10, and at a Sip. Shop. Socialize event at Sidebar Cocktails + Company, in downtown Naples, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 20. Company representatives will be able to assemble a box of personalized CBD products that fits an individual’s lifestyle, wellness needs and interests, and discuss CBD products, including their use and benefits, at both events.

At the Sip. Shop. Socialize session, a free event for shopping and supporting the local community that will include complimentary snacks and beverages, Hempra will provide special offers including a raffle to win a sample kit and a promo code for specials at checkout.

Locations: Wellness Festival, 104450 Reynolds St.; Sip. Shop.

Socialize, 475 5th St. S. For more information on either event, call Hempra Box founder Stacy Roberts at 407-808-6884 or visit SipShopSocialize.com or on Facebook. See ad, page 23.

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New Location for Access Holistic Healing

M

ichele Durham, of Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis, will begin offering Zyto Bioscan, light and sound therapy, hypnosis, salt booth sessions and more at a new location, 27975 Old 41 Road, Suite 200, in Bonita Springs, this month. An open house to learn about these and other services will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 12, and training Michele Durham events for access bars practitioners will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month.

Our digestion, detoxification, immune and hormone systems can be tested via the Zyto Bioscan system. The practice will also provide life and wellness coaching, Conscious 1Vibe crystals, a bookstore, Nature’s Sunshine pure, non-GMO supplements, energy healing with reiki and Access Bars, and IV infusions from Dr. Daniel Stanciu.

Access Holistic Healing will also participate in the Wellness Festival in the Park, sponsored by the Crohn’s Charity Services Foundation, in Riverside Park, in Bonita Springs, from noon to 9 p.m. on April 9 and 10.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 239776-2211, email Info@AccessHolisticHealing.com or visit AccessHolisticHealing.com. See ad, page 37.

earth day events

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

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

find clarity & perspective Clear out emotions that are no longer serving you.

Reiki | Psychic Readings Empowerment Workshops Meditation Coaching in-person or remote session

by appointment only Rita Davis

M.Ed., Reiki Master

For more information, visit the Earth Day Network at EarthDay.org.

Earth Day 24,901-Mile Run/Walk Challenge April 1-30

The goal is to collectively see how many times participants can run the distance of the equator: 24,901 miles. Organizers need at least 415 people to commit to run at least two miles a day for the month to try to reach that number. Runners, walkers or joggers of all fitness levels may join this epic challenge. Recruit friends, family and co-workers. Log miles and report them via results page daily or weekly which will be tallied toward the overall goal.

Free participation. For more information, visit TheVirtualRunChallenge.com/virtual-raceevent/earth-day-24901-mile-challenge. Share your mission by tagging @VirtualRunChallenge and #EarthDayChallenge2021.

www.SoulSessionsWithRita.com Call or Text 941-275-2859

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

April 2021

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earth day events

Earth Day at the Refuge J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 22

Visitors can celebrate Earth Day with free events, tours, birding and biking the refuge.

Paint a spoonbill with Rachel Pierce, take a plant tour or mindfulness walk. Attend the Outdoor Ranger program debut. Wildlife Drive is free and open for hikers and bikers all day.

Location: 1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel. For more information, call 239-472-1100, ext. 236, or visit DingDarlingSociety.org. Sign up at DingDarling.Eventbrite.com.

Earth Day Re-Use and Recycle Roundup

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 22

Acupuncture Center of Naples CUSTOM PRESCRIPTION HERBAL MEDICINE for all your health concerns Dr. Cen has more than 25 years experience in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine.

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239-513-9232

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Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida encourage residents to donate gently used clothing, shoes and books, electronics, household items, computers and cell phones. Also, free shredding of documents is offered by Goodwill Secure Shred. Residents can rid medicine cabinets and homes of unused, unnecessary or expired medicines with safe disposal by Drug Free Collier Operation Medicine Chest. Hazardous household chemicals, all types of batteries, latex and oil-based paints, used motor oil and filters, tires 18 inches or smaller, antifreeze, fluorescent bulbs, ink cartridges, cardboard, plastics #1-7, mercury-containing devices, aluminum electronics, ballasts, and medical sharps and needles are also accepted for collection by Collier County Solid Waste Management.

Location: Naples Town Center parking lot, 3759 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. For more information, call 239-252-7575.

reader spotlight

Meet Valerie Vande Panne Southwest Florida resident Work: I’m the Environmental Reporter at WGCU Public Media, the local NPR station for Southwest Florida.

Regular Achievements: I love uplifting solutions-oriented stories and inspiring people to plant seeds of solutions in their own lives and communities.

Ideas about the Future: I am excited to see how we all evolve to make our environment healthier for all our relatives and for generations to come.

Longest-supported cause: I’ve supported ending the war on drugs since I was about 8 years old, and just couldn’t understand why there would ever be a war on plants, which God made.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: Natural Awakenings has been my go-to for local health information since 1996. I am so grateful for its localization, consistency and accessibility in health stores nationwide.

Most frequented place for healthy food: The beautiful fruit and vegetable garden that surrounds my home.

How you support your local economy: I love supporting local people and families—especially local small farmers, hunters, fishers, crafters, artists, musicians, independent theaters, small businesses, cooperatives, food pantries, shelters, cyclists, public transit, community gardens and more.

Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly and most underrated agent of human change. ~Bob Kerrey

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Hypertension is a global disease that particularly affects people in low-income communities, but a new study by the UK University of Nottingham suggests that beetroot juice may be a practical solution for people with high blood pressure that have little access to diagnostic help or money for medication. Researchers divided 47 people between 50 and 70 years of age in Tanzania into three groups. For 60 days, one group drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice and folic acid; another was given nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo; and the third drank nitrate-depleted beetroot juice. The researchers found that systolic blood pressure dropped by 10.8 millimeters (mm) Hg (mercury) in the nitrate-rich plus folic acid group and 6.1 mm Hg in the nitrate-rich and placebo group. Studies have shown that the high level of nitrates in beets is converted by the digestive system into nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels.

Consider Curcumin and Nano-Curcumin for Heart Health Iranian researchers tested 90 patients undergoing elective heart angioplasty, giving one group 500 milligrams (mg) curcumin, the second group 80 mg nanocurcumin, and the third a placebo. After eight weeks, both types of curcumin significantly improved cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C levels. They also boosted antioxidant levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and reduced C-reactive protein levels, indicating less inflammation. The nano-curcumin, however, produced even better results in five of those indexes, leading the authors to conclude that the effects of curcumin on the nano formula may be more conducive for cardiac patients due to its high bioavailability. Nano-curcumin is made through a process that encapsulates the herb, allowing it to be metabolized better.

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Drink Beet Juice to Lower Blood Pressure

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health briefs

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

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Keep Off Junk Foods for Cognitive Wellness

Make Lifestyle Changes to Ease Reflux The heartburn symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) affect about one-third of Americans, many turning to medications. Based on evidence from 116,000 women in a long-running Nurses’ Health Study, Harvard University researchers have found that GERD symptoms can be reduced by up to 37 percent by adopting five lifestyle strategies: 30 minutes of moderate to heavy exercise per day; not smoking; maintaining a normal weight; limiting acidic beverages like coffee and tea to two cups per day; and following a “prudent diet” with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy, fish and poultry. The more faithfully the guidelines were followed, the lower the risk of symptoms. Benefits were also realized for women using treatments like proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists.

According to senior author Andrew T. Chan, M.D., MPH, this study was among the first to link physical activity to the control of GERD. He notes, “Being physically active may help with the clearance of stomach acid which causes heartburn symptoms.”

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B12 and Prenatal Supplements Gain Official Nod In updated 2020-2025 dietary guidelines, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have endorsed the specific use of certain supplements, noting that underconsumption of some nutrients among Americans is linked to health concerns. The guidelines advise that infants being fed breast milk exclusively or partially should be given a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day beginning soon after birth and perhaps continuing for more than a year. Women that are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a daily prenatal vitamin and mineral supplement. Pregnant or lactating women that follow a vegetarian or vegan diet are advised to talk to their healthcare provider about supplementation to ensure that they get adequate amounts of iron, vitamin B12, choline, zinc, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The guidelines also state that some older adults may require vitamin B12 supplements, noting concerns over the amount of the vitamin absorbed from food.

MAY

Coming Next Month

Sustainable Fashion Plus: Top Women’s Health Concerns

April 2021

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global briefs

Group Hug

World Watchers

While human activity has transformed 75 percent of the Earth’s surface and 66 percent of ocean ecosystems, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services determined in a 2019 assessment that approximately 1 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction, some in mere decades. In response to the crisis, more than 50 countries representing 30 percent of the world’s land-based biodiversity, 25 percent of its land-based carbon sinks, 28 percent of important areas of marine biodiversity and more than 30 percent of ocean carbon sinks have united as the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC 30x30), avowing to preserve 30 percent of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.

The group announced its goal at the One Planet Summit for Biodiversity in January, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, along with the World Bank and the United Nations. “We call on all nations to join us,” Macron said in the video launching of the plan. Biologist E.O. Wilson has called for the “conservation moonshot” of protecting half of the land and the sea. Goals include preventing biodiversity loss, solving the climate crisis and preventing pandemics.

Deforestation, which contributes to warming the planet, is a key factor behind the 40 percent increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the beginning of the industrial age. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration in 2018 was 407.4 parts per million, higher than it’s been in almost 1 million years. Avoiding deforestation is much better than conducting reforestation efforts after the fact, and should be a key global climate change mitigation strategy, says Jennifer Alix-Garcia, a researcher at Oregon State University.

The Global Land Analysis and Discovery System (GLAD), founded in 2016 by the University of Maryland’s Department of Geographical Sciences, is based on high-resolution satellite imaging from the NASA Landsat Science program.

Subscribers can access data via a free interactive web application, Global Forest Watch. So far, forest loss has declined 18 percent in African nations where GLAD provided alerts when detecting deforestation activities.

Previously, government agencies and other groups had to use reports from volunteers or forest rangers.

sarah brown/Unsplash.com

Deforestation Alert System Mitigates Climate Change

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Nations Band Together to Preserve One-Third of the Planet

Freedom of Information

A two-year, open-access project organized by more than 20 organizations, including Wellcome, in London, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in Seattle, and Dutch NOW—some of the world’s largest research funders—began requiring in January that scholarly papers published from the work they fund be made immediately available for public reading at no charge. The initiative, Plan S, may usher in the end of journal subscriptions and allow anyone to read scientific literature. Plan S has already prompted several titles, including Nature, to offer open-access publishing for the first time.

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image courtesy of PlanS.org

Access Expanded for Scientific Papers

Wilderness Woes

Silver Lining

National Wildlife Refuges are Overwhelmed and Understaffed

dulcey ima/Unsplash.com

President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida’s Pelican Island as the first unit of what would become the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1903 to shield brown pelicans from hunters. Now, the world’s largest set of 568 refuges, encompassing 95 million acres dedicated to preserving wildlife, is under pressure from increasing numbers of visitors, maintenance needs and chronic underfunding. The system has lost more than 700 staff positions since 2011, despite growing by 15 refuges. Managers of the system under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) report that staff morale is low.

Local conservation nonprofits have stepped in with fundraising and volunteers, but the lack of resources throughout the refuge system is limiting its capacity to provide healthy habitat for birds and other wildlife. Essential infrastructure is crumbling and staff can’t provide the community outreach and visitor services they want to offer. The FWS oversees 25,000 structures and 14,000 roads, bridges and dams. Many of them have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funding. Advocates claim that a remedy will require $900 million per year, while the system’s 2020 budget was only $502.4 million.

Honest Ingredients

Global sales of organic products totaled $90 billion in 2017 according to the 2018 edition of the study The World of Organic Agriculture, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture and Organics International. In the U.S., the figure is $50 billion, or 5 percent of all grocery store sales. Demand for organic products is increasing, more farmers cultivate organically, more land is certified organic and 178 countries report organic farming activities.

The challenge is to safeguard organic standards from large corporations that buy up organic brands and try to weaken U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements. This has led to an erosion of both organic standards and consumer trust in the organic labeling of products such as eggs, milk and grains.

To restore public trust, the Organic Consumers Association is committed to exposing the fraudulent players in the organic industry while fighting for stronger organic protections. At one time, states could develop their own rules for organic food production and processing. But in 1990, Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which created the National Organic Program and the National Organic Standards Board. Foods labeled USDA Organic are the gold standard for health and sustainability.

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Protecting the Organic Marketplace

Discarded Safety Gear Used to Build Highways

With the plethora of used, disposable face masks accumulating worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, avenues of incorporating them into the recycling stream are underway. An estimated 6.8 billion disposable masks are used around the world each day. Researchers at RMIT University, in Melbourne, Australia, have formulated a new road-making material comprised of a mix of shredded single-use face masks and processed building rubble designed to meet civil engineering safety standards.

Their study in the journal Science of the Total Environment shows that using the recycled face mask material to make one kilometer of a two-lane road would use up about 3 million masks, preventing 93 tons of waste from going to landfills.

Roads are made of four layers—a subgrade, base, sub-base and asphalt on top. All the layers must be both strong and flexible to withstand the pressures of heavy vehicles and prevent cracking. Processed building rubble, or recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), can be used on its own for the three base layers, and adding shredded face masks to RCA enhances the material while addressing environmental challenges.

April 2021

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ACUPUNCTURE

FACELIFT

Planting more trees can slow down climate change. Science magazine reports, “The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation.” The Arbor Day celebrations this month make it an apt time for taking actions that benefit both urban areas and open spaces.

More than 166,000 square miles of forest habitat—approximately the size of California—in the tropics and subtropics have been decimated in the last 13 years, and about 2.7 million square miles of forest worldwide remain threatened, according to a recent study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Some major ways to take action include: Avoid buying products linked to deforestation.

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Pressure lawmakers to make supply chains sustainable while balancing the need for regulation with the concerns of farmers and businesses. Urge policymakers to enact zero-deforestation policies and bolster the rights and control of forests for local communities and indigenous people, says the WWF. Donate spare change. By joining Plant Your Change for All (PlantYourChange. com), all debit or credit card purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the balance applied toward planting trees. Working together with the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) (ArborDay.org) and Eden Reforestation Projects, the initiative has already planted more than 3 million trees, offsetting 5 million miles of vehicle carbon emissions.

Become a member of the ADF and receive 10 free trees, along with tree nursery discounts; help to qualify a community to receive the Tree City USA designation; or get involved with National Arbor Day, generally celebrated on the last Friday in April, but observed on different days in some states.

The organization’s website includes ideas for conducting virtual celebrations if local chapters are not holding public events due to the pandemic.

Also consider participating in other ADF programs such as the Alliance for Community Trees and NeighborWoods Month.

Support the planting of city trees. According to a recent study from the U.S. Forest Service reported in Treehugger.com, the nation’s urban canopies, currently home to approximately 5.5 billion trees, provide roughly $18 billion in annual benefits via the removal of pollution from the air, carbon sequestration, reduced emissions and improved energy efficiency in buildings.

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eco tip

environmentally speaking Environmentally Speaking is intended to alert, inform and educate residents of Collier and Lee counties regarding educational events and threats that challenge our unique and delicate Southwest Florida ecosystem.

On April 27, seize the opportunity to make sure that the future of Collier County is brighter than that looming on the horizon. A huge area of 45,000 acres (the size of Washington, D.C., or two Fort Lauderdales) in eastern Collier County is vulnerable to intensive development. If these lands are developed as currently planned, this county of approximately 370,000 full-time residents could add more than 300,000 residents in multiple new towns and villages. Consider what additional mining and thousands of sprawling, five-acre homesites could mean for the future of our drinking water, wildlife, daily commute and rural heritage.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida needs help to make sure that the development is done right. To fully understand the environmental issues involved and the impact of present Rural Land Stewardship Area (RLSA) plans, watch April Olson, senior environmental planning specialist, speak at a RLSA workshop (Conservancy.org/our-work/policy/eastern-colliercounty) and visit Conservancy.org/our-work/policy/ rural-lands-stewardship-area for complete details of what is at stake in the future of these 300 square miles of ecologically sensitive and agricultural lands.

Attend the Apr. 27, 9 a.m. Board of County Commissioners meeting on the third floor of the administration building at 3299 Tamiami Tr. E., Ste. 303. Call April Olson at 239-262-0304 to find out how to help.

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Coming Next Month

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Collier/Lee Counties

by Lisa Marlene

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Buti Yoga, a dynamic ogita Yoga asana practice fused Boutique, in with primal moveeast Bonita ment, tribal dance, Springs, is owned by plyometrics (jump Joyce Sharp and her training) and deep core daughter Sidnie, both engagement, is for all yoga instructors who levels. Some knowlshare a passion for edge of yoga postures health, wellness and is good. Buti means yoga. Their boutique “the cure that has been reflects this in the hidden or kept secret”. variety of yoga classes The practice guides suitable for all levels, as students within to find well as the yoga clothes the cure for what is they feature from a Sidnie (left) and Joyce Sharp holding them back. variety of brands such Water and a towel are necessities. as Onesie, Funky Yoga, Niyama Sol and Buti Lite offers all of the elements of a Yoga Democracy, as well as accessories, Buti Yoga class with a lower impact focus. yoga props and yoga mats.

Playlists may include the oldies, but all levAbout choosing “Yogita” as the name els are welcome. Some knowledge of yoga of their boutique, Joyce explains, “Yogita postures is recommended. means enchanted, the state or condition of Chair Yoga, a gentle form of yoga for a yogi. One aspect of this state is a sense of all levels, ages and physical conditions, connection within ourselves, others and is practiced sitting in a chair or standing the universe. That’s what we strive to create using the chair for support. Many yoga here in all the classes we teach.” postures, breathing techniques, meditation Yoga Basics, for students new to yoga or anyone yearning to return to the basics and and techniques of relaxation are done with the aid of this prop. create a strong foundation for yoga pracYoga Movement with Music comprises tice, targets foundational yoga postures asanas incorporated with an upbeat playlist along with modifications, awareness of for fluid transitions inspired by the beat. Fobreath and safe alignment. cusing on core stability and strength-buildYogita Slow Flow connects movement of ing. this fun. sweaty class includes modificathe body with the flow of breath through tions. Some yoga experience is suggested. vinyasa practices and sun salutations with Vintage Vinyasa, an energetic class with modifications. The class ends with breath vintage music from the ‘60s through the awareness relaxation or meditation. Some ‘90s, helps the mind and body unwind into knowledge of yoga poses is needed. the yoga practice. All levels are welcome.

Yogita All Levels, a well-rounded practice, integrates modifications, amplifications and Yogita Yoga Boutique is located at 12870 right alignment with safety at the forefront.

Yogita Power, a moving meditation, links Trade Way 4, Ste. 110, in Bonita Springs.

For more information call 239-908-3572. postures and breath, allowing for being in Visit YogitaYogaBoutique.com. See ad, the present moment throughout the class. page 35.

Some knowledge of yoga is recommended.

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Discover the Tap Water Cancer Connection

by Linda Sechrist

A

ccording to the Environmental Working Group (Ewg.org), water filters are necessary to remove or reduce the myriad chemicals that contaminate our nation’s drinking water, some of which are linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Offering healthy water tips, EWG suggests that no matter where we live or how pure we think the water is, tap water likely contains chemicals we should not be drinking.

An EWG 2017 investigation of drinking water data found more than 250 chemicals in U.S. public water systems. More than half of these chemicals are not regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are not subject to any safety standards.

Most Common Contaminants

Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater, and is also added to drinking water by many water systems.

Long-term ingestion of fluoride in water increases dental fluorosis and can cause bone cancers, while low doses have the potential to alter thyroid function and childhood brain development.

Chlorine, according to a report from the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, increases the risk of cancer. The disease among people that drink chlorinated water is up to 93 percent higher than for those using water that is not. Chlorine destroys the beneficial gut bacteria, where an estimated 70 percent of our immune system originates.

Chloramines, a byproduct of chlorine and ammonia, is colorless, odorless and 22

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Offering healthy water tips, the Environmental Working Group suggests that no matter where we live or how pure we think the water is, tap water likely contains chemicals we should not be drinking. tasteless. They are also considered carcinogenic and more difficult to remove from water than chlorine.

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing volatile organic chemicals (VOC) that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. They act as free radicals in the body, triggering cell damage and are highly carcinogenic, even in small amounts.

Hexavalent chromium 6, the cancercausing chemical made notorious by the film Erin Brockovich, can damage the liver and reproductive system, and delay skeletal development of children. The EPA national survey of chromium-6 concentrations in drinking water revealed that the contaminant was found in more than 75 percent of water systems sampled.

Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, both linked to cancer, are routinely found in drinking water, sometimes above EPAregulated limits. Additionally, arsenic, known to cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, as well as harm to the skin and lungs, can come from natural, industrial and agricultural sources.

Never assume tap water is free of worrisome chemicals. Instead, check the local water utility website for a drinking water quality report (CollierCountyFl. gov; LeeGov.com). Utilities are required to produce these reports annually.

Allini Water Systems of Naples, located at 1660 Trade Center Way, Ste. 5, in Naples, uses no chemicals in its filtration system, only organic carbons and bioceramics.

Multimedia filters feature a self-cleaning process that does not require monthly filter changes or maintenance. Call 239451-4393 for a free water test and consultation. Visit NaplesWaterFilter.com. See ad, page 11.

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green living

Healthy Home

How to Detoxify a Living Space

by Yvette Hammett

A

s the world moves into its second year of a viral pandemic, many of us are still spending most of our time at home—working, exercising, hanging out with family and as with any other year, cooking and cleaning. There’s no better time to take stock of these surroundings and purge them of any toxins—gases, inhalants or fumes—that may be contributing to a harmful environment.

Start with the air. Research shows that indoor air is two to five times more toxic than the air outside, due to inadequate ventilation. This condition, coupled with fumes from synthetic fibers, makeup, paints, cleansers or even a baby’s plastic toys, can contribute to health issues and a less environmentally beneficial abode. A straightforward solution—in addition to getting rid of the pollution-causing objects—is to open the windows and use fans to recirculate the air. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can safely remove many contaminants, but don’t spritz a commercial air freshener: A University of Washington study found that eight widely used air fresheners released an average of 18 chemicals into the air, some of them hazardous, including the likely human carcinogen acetaldehyde.

tatiana/Pexels.com

Purge plastics. Perfluorinated compounds PFAS and PFOS, known as “forever chemicals”, are found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, and products that resist grease, water and oil. They have been found to cause a wide range of health problems from kidney and testicular cancers to endocrine disruptions. Consider doing a clean sweep of the house to determine which of these can be replaced, paying special attention to plastics. “If you really limit plastics to a few things, you are fine,” says Heather Patisaul, Ph.D., a neuroscience and toxicology expert at North Carolina State University.

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Reconsider kitchenware. Eliminate all nonstick cookware, Patisaul advises. “Use ceramic and other materials that do not have perfluorinated chemicals.”

Debbie Steinbock, a nutrition counselor at Mindful Family Medical, in Boulder, Colorado, suggests replacing plastic storage containers, which can leach chemicals when heated. “Use a cast iron skillet and use glass jars and mason jars for food storage.”

Chuck out toxic cleaners. Many commercial kitchen, bathroom and other cleaning products are loaded with chemicals linked to asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, hormone disruption

and neurotoxicity. They can be particularly toxic for children: A recent Canadian study found that repeated use of a disinfectant reduced beneficial gut bacteria in toddlers, probably contributing to obesity.

A good place to start in cleaning out the cleaners is at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website ewg.org; its Healthy Living Home Guide evaluates the health risks of 2,500 cleaning products. It also advises a simple strategy of using vinegar and water or baking soda.

Take it a step further. The new EWG downloadable Healthy Living app makes it easy to use a smartphone to check out 120,000 products for toxic ingredients, including cosmetics and foods. “It has a barcode scanner to scan your favorite lipstick or shampoo, and it will pop up an ingredient list and give it a score,” says Patisaul. The database includes ingredients not found on packaging and scores products on a zero to 10 scale. “It pretty much has to be water to get a zero,” she says.

Yvette Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammettHull49@gmail.com.

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Get the lead out. Andrew Rooney, deputy director at the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, sees lead, which causes brain damage and other serious defects, as a major risk present in water supplies and the paint of older homes.

“The thing I want to emphasize is there is no safe level of lead exposure, so eliminating exposure sources is the best protection for your health,” he says.

Drinking water contamination comes from the distribution lines and plumbing fixtures, with lead leaching out from repairs or adjustments. “Having your household water tested by a certified lab is the best option to determine if you have water issues,” he says. Consult state and local health agencies for guidance on lead paint or lead in the water lines and how to remove it. Also consider a water filter: ConsumerReports.com has a comprehensive rating of models from pitchers to under-sink setups.

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Let Mother Nature Help with Spring Housecleaning

A

by Lee Walker

fter replacing conventional cleaning products in the home with non-toxic alternatives, many people are pleased to discover that they feel better physically and experience fewer headaches, skin rashes and brain fog, breathe better and suffer less sneezing and coughing. This is due in part to the fact that unlike commercial brands, Mother Nature’s ingredients aren’t harmful to a home’s two-legged or four-legged inhabitants.

Many store-bought cleaning products contain chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive damage, depression of the central nervous system, skin irritation, asthma and thyroid disruption, as well as liver and kidney damage. Few ingredients are evaluated for safety before entering the marketplace, and companies are not required to list them all on product labels.

Spring is a good time to clear out leftover cleaning products in the storage cabinet, but with little knowledge of product claims about being green or non-toxic, replacing them with botanically based products can be confusing. Researching third-party green certifications such as those from EcoLogo, Green Seal and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on labels can be confusing and even overwhelming. So turning to a reliable source for guidance is an alternative, especially if they have given the products a trial run in their own household kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, floors and windows. Rather than purchasing online, consumers might want to consult helpful and knowledgeable associates at Food & Thought, in Naples, or at Ada’s Natural Market, in Fort Myers, to elicit the most satisfying results.

At Food & Thought, Jill Acker keeps up to date with industry education on environmentally friendly products such as Seventh Generation, Clean Well, CitraSolv, Safe Hands, Granite Gloss and Glass Gloss. She talks enthusiastically about the safe cleaning power of these botanically based products that she uses in her own home. “Seventh Generation, Clean Well products and CitraSolv are effective. I like supporting the local economy, so I use Granite Gloss and Glass Gloss, which are concentrates produced by the Cleanzing Company, based in Naples,” says Acker, who notes that Barbara Sabran, from the Cleanzing Company, will be demonstrating the company’s housecleaning products for interested customers in the store from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 24.

Ada’s Natural Market customer service associates advise that customers reach for Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Cleaning Vinegar, a multipurpose surface spray with the scent of sweet mandarin. Pet- and people-friendly, it’s formulated to tackle a variety of household surfaces, including the kitchen and bathroom.

While making up a shopping list for spring housecleaning items, it may be wise to consider adding a few spring space clearing items, as well. Local proprietors such as Laurie Barraco, owner of Mystical Moon’s two locations in Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers, as well as Beth 26

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Brown Rinella, owner of Goddess I AM Healing & Meditation Center, in Naples, have a lot of experience in the area of metaphysics, energetics and conscious living.

“After cleaning your house, Smokeless Sage Spray can clear spaces in the home, around your body and your personal belongings. Sage has long been an herb preferred by indigenous peoples to clear energy in any space. The spray is an alternative to burning the sacred plant. We carry the spray, which is great for places where the traditional burning of sage is not possible. I spray it generously around any area I want to cleanse. It’s made with 100% percent essential oils and gives the same effect without the smoke. We also carry sage wands,” says Barraco.

Rinella also clears her home and store with sage, as well as sweetgrass and other items such as a bell, crystals, bowls of blessed water and singing bowls, which she uses to break up stagnant energies that are not in her highest and best interest. She sells all these items and more in her store. “I love water as a blessing and protection. I put water in a pretty bowl, hold it my hands and say over it, ‘I ask that this water be blessed with the light of source and hold protective energies here.’

I leave the bowl in the room or I use a small paintbrush to symbolically wash all the doorways, creating a clearing for anyone entering or leaving the rooms,” explains Rinella.

The cleansing of space assists in clearing the mind and allowing connection to spirit.

Physically cleaning and symbolically clearing a space allows for a natural energetic cleansing to occur, making any space ready to receive.

Local Resources

Ada’s Natural Market & Green Leaf Café, 7070 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-9399600. AdasMarket.com. See ad, page 31.

Food & Thought Organic General Store and Café, 2132 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com. See ad, page 10.

Goddess I Am Healing & Art Center, 600 Goodlette Rd., Naples. 239-228-6949.

GoddessIAm.com. See ad, page 49.

Mystical Moon, 8890 Salrose Ln., Ste. 107, Ft. Myers. 239-939-3339; 8951 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 255, Bonita Springs. 239-301-0655.

TheMysticalMoon.com. See ad, page 6.

wise words

Sheryl DeVore on

Appreciating Nature and Wildlife

by Randy Kambic

A

s we spend more time outside for pandemic safety to exercise and reduce stress, Sheryl DeVore suggests maximizing these experiences by being more aware of the wonders we see and the need to preserve them.

The award-winning author of five books on science, health and nature also writes for the Birds & Blooms national magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Natural Awakenings Chicago. With degrees in writing and education from Northwestern University and Northern Illinois University, respectively, plus extensive studies in biology and botany, she assists the Illinois Audubon Society, including writing for and editing a 2019 book on the state’s endangered species.

Is climate change impacting wildlife and nature?

Recent worldwide studies are showing how climate changes affect bird migration times, bloom times of plants and mammal behavior. All of this is interconnected and can harm the environment and the flora and the fauna that live within it. For example, we’re finding that the relationship between healthy oak woods and migratory birds like warblers is being affected by climate change. Warblers time their migrations to pass through regions when oaks are just starting to leaf out. Insects are attracted to the buds and the early leaves, and warblers

are attracted to the insects. Once the leaves emerge, chemicals in the oaks deter the insects and there isn’t any food for the warblers. Climate change can cause the oaks to leaf out early, so if warblers arrive on their normal schedule, they’ll find less food and therefore have less energy to make it to their nesting grounds. Plants and animals are trying to adapt in different ways, and this can be a huge issue if climate change continues.

Are there any new trends you’ve noticed in people growing vegetables at home?

Especially during the pandemic, people that have limited space are learning that they can grow their own food at home—growing vegetables and herbs in containers, both indoors and outdoors. Online classes can be helpful in teaching them to grow vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, spinach and peppers, which are great sources for antioxidants and vitamins. This trend coincides with the movement to eat healthier.

Have you seen any changes in how people observe nature during the pandemic?

When I go to forest preserves, parks and nature centers, even in my neighborhood, I have noticed more people, including families with their children, outdoors. Parents can inspire their children anywhere to learn

to appreciate nature. Ask a child what kind of tree is in the yard. Maybe they can take a photo or draw a picture of it to create a memory and inspire them to want to learn more. Ask them, “What’s that bug on that plant?” or, “What is the bird that’s singing?”

There’s so much for them to enjoy.

What can we do to try to protect and preserve the environment?

Sometimes people think they can’t make a difference as individuals. Small things can make a difference—have a ripple effect. People volunteer to return native habitats to their past, remove non-native species, plant new ones. Volunteers are planting and restoring prairies, woodlands. In your own backyard, you can plant native species or create a butterfly garden or capture rainwater in a rain barrel to water your plants, which will conserve resources. There are so many things you can do with the family.

Why should we care about endangered species?

Endangered species serve as canaries in a coal mine. When their numbers decline, that can be a signal that something is going wrong with the environment. When DDT was widely used in the U.S., the bald eagle and other species began to decline. The DDT thinned their egg shells so they weren’t able to raise their young.

They showed us that DDT pollutes and harms the environment, and in turn, humans. By discovering that, by saving eagles, we helped save ourselves.

By protecting endangered species, we truly are saving ourselves. We don’t know what unknown species are out there that might be useful in helping to treat diseases. Anyone who sees an endangered species knows how satisfying an experience this is, and to me, it also translates to a healthier mind and body.

For more information, visit SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer.

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND OUR HEALTH cottonbro/Pexels.com

The Human Costs of a Warming Planet

by Sandra Yeyati

G

lobal warming is not just threatening polar bears far away in the Arctic, and its effects are not somewhere in the distant future. With every new wildfire, hurricane and flash flood, people are understanding that the warming of the planet poses dire consequences for human health right here, right now. It’s personal, and while some sectors of the population are unfairly and disproportionately impacted, we are all in harm’s way.

This is no time to panic, say climate and public health advocates, but rather a moment for preparation, adaptation and mobilization. Prospects are hopeful as we tackle new realities together and evolve our conversations about climate change so we can build resilient, thriving communities.

The good news is that many of the individual and policy changes we need to make are exciting opportunities for positive transformation and justice.

usgs/Unsplash.com

Health Threats in Our Midst

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The warming of the planet is becoming more noticeable. “That historic two weeks anywhere in the United States where it’s the heat wave of high summer is now six weeks to two months,” says Jay Lemery, M.D., professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado and co-author of Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health. “There are parts of the Middle East now where you can’t be outside and meaningfully cool your body during certain parts of the day.”

“With warming, we’re seeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, extreme precipitation, flooding and sea level rise, all of which have health consequences,” says Surili Patel, director of the Center for Climate, Health and Equity at the American Public Health Association. “With rising temperature and heat waves, we’re seeing heat stroke, dehydration, diarrheal disease, cardiovascular distress and respiratory illnesses. Extreme weather like wildfires, hurricanes and flooding cause direct injuries, as well as vector-borne illnesses (Lyme

OSORIOartist/AdobeStock.com

disease carried by ticks or dengue fever and malaria by mosquitoes), mold and harmful algal blooms that happen when it’s really hot, but also show up in places that otherwise wouldn’t have because of the combination of heat and flooding.”

Lemery notes that incidences of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases are moving higher in altitude and latitude, affecting historically naive populations that have not had levels of disease immunity, the infrastructure or cultural habits to protect them. “These are huge killers worldwide, and we’re seeing more and more of that,” he says.

“When you have a warmer winter, spring starts earlier, trees bloom early and pollen season starts early too, and longer exposure to pollen increases your risk of having an asthma attack,” says Professor Amir Sapkota at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, adding that the Northeast is heavily impacted by this phenomenon.

“Here in Colorado, in the summer heat, we have these huge swaths of wildfire smoke hanging over Denver, and people come in to the emergency department.

Their inhalers aren’t working anymore, and they’re having chest pain and shortness of breath when they’re on oxygen at baseline,” says Lemery. “These are people normally able to walk across a parking lot with their walker and their oxygen, but now they can’t. We see this all summer long, and we admit them for asthma exacerbation, shortness of breath and COPD (i.e., emphysema), but what we don’t write down is that the air quality is the worst it’s been all year, or that it’s the hottest day of the year.”

“Air pollution contributes to climate change, but it also gets into your lungs and irritates them, exacerbating chronic respiratory illnesses, and can even lead to a heart attack,” says Jennifer Roberts, director of the Path of Positive Communities program at EcoAmerica, noting that the biggest culprits are carbon emissions from coal-burning power plants, diesel fuels and ground-level ozone, which is created when pollution reacts to heat and sunlight.

“With sea level rise, things are flooding more often and we get septic tanks overflowing, sending fecal matter into our drinking water supplies and exposing

April 2021

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us to diarrheal diseases. We also see offices and industrial sites getting flooded and, whether it’s paint, fertilizers or other toxins, those get into our water and it’s very unhealthy,” Roberts says.

The Most Vulnerable Among Us Certain segments of the population are more at risk. “Lower socioeconomic groups are suffering more from extreme heat events. The urban heat island effect, which unfortunately correlates very well with poorer neighborhoods, means that they’ll have heat waves seven to 10 degrees hotter in their neighborhoods than surrounding places with more green space,” Lemery says.

“You see the public health infrastructure less robust to be able to attend to communities of color—like you saw with COVID. There are also physiologic vulnerabilities. Climate change affects the very young, the very old and the very sick much more because of their preexisting vulnerabilities, and then we have geographic vulnerabilities—people who live on the coast without sea walls or in flood plains. As sea level rise proliferates, and that data is really straightforward, they’re going to be going under increased storm surge stress and flat-out flooding.”

gen and taking up carbon,” says Roberts, who adds that much can be done to restore and protect streams, ponds and lakes from the ill effects of pollution and development.

“You get volunteers to clean up the gunk and increase regulations for developers to keep stuff out of the waterways.”

hazards with “credible messaging repeated over and over again with clarity and no hedging: Wear a mask. Stay indoors during high-heat events. Don’t let children play outdoors when the air quality index is at a dangerous level.”

There are many ways to mitigate threats.

As experts point out, we know what to do, and it’s just a matter of putting our attention and resources on their implementation. “One of the biggest ways is let’s remove the sources of harmful spewing pollution—move away from coal, oil and gas—and invest in clean sources of energy, which will also create jobs in these new industries,” says Patel.

Another big step would be to promote mass transit and active transportation— walking and biking—over individual, gasguzzling vehicles. Patel advocates for local investments in bike lanes and sidewalks that encourage the switch. Both Lemery and Roberts express excitement about clean-running electric cars as potential game-changers in transportation.

Planting trees and vegetable gardens are easy, community-building solutions. “Trees are very beneficial to everything from shade to water filtration to producing oxy-

Eco-Anxiety and Making Positive Change

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

Sapkota advocates for the development of early warning systems so that local health departments can anticipate and adapt to impending extreme weather events, directing resources to the most impacted and vulnerable communities. In some cases, moving people out of flood plains and vulnerable coastal areas through eminent domain might be needed.

Lemery believes that doctors are in a prime position to counsel their patients on preventive measures against climate 30

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Achievable Public Health Solutions

Jessica Schiff, a second-year master of science student at the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health, struggles with eco-anxiety—the depression, anxiety or dread associated with climate change. She says, “It impacts the decisions I make for my life and the future, just trying to think about overall impacts. Where is my food coming from? Do I want to have kids or adopt? Should I live in the suburbs or the city because of transportation and fossil fuel consumption? This all adds a layer of unease or uncertainty about the future. Sometimes I look at Greta [Thunberg] and how far she’s taken things, and feel guilty about not taking things to such an extreme. Is it hypocritical for me to care about climate change but still eat meat occasionally or take a plane to explore the world?”

Schiff deals with eco-anxiety by taking action. “We’re not going to reverse climate change at this point, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take steps to slow it down or reduce emissions. There are many small things we can each do, like biking or walking instead of taking a car or bus and reducing our use of plastic. It’s a process. You can’t do it overnight, but if you make a lot of small changes, and if everybody makes small changes, that has a bigger effect.”

Roberts acknowledges the power of small, individual actions, but stresses that we should not let the big polluters off the hook. “We need to continue to press for policy changes, holding polluters accountable, passing regulations based on protecting human health and climate, requiring cleaner cars and buildings, and more.

That’s the only way we will get to the scale of change needed to truly bring global warming to a halt.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a writer living in Naples, Florida. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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conscious eating

Spring Cleaning the Body Simple Ways to Detox Naturally

by April Thompson

A

s we shake off the sluggishness of winter, many of us feel an urge to “spring clean” our bodies with a detox or cleanse. Yet health experts say such programs should help jumpstart new healthy habits and not necessarily be seen as a short-term fix.

“The air we breathe, the water we drink, the cosmetics we use, the materials we build with and most notably, the food that we eat, are loaded with chemicals that are toxic to our metabolism,” says Alejandro Junger, a Los Angeles cardiologist, author and founder of CleanProgram.com. “The systems in the body designed to clear toxicity are overwhelmed, and this leads to the imbalances and damage that is at the root of most diseases today.”

Detoxification functions are performed by many different organs and tissues, including intestinal flora, the immune system, the nervous system and the liver, so its imbalances can manifest in diverse ways, according to Junger. “Symptoms of detox imbalance include sleep and mood disorders, anxiety, rashes, lack of energy and libido, autoimmune disorders, inflammation and cancer.”

While some health professionals say that detoxes are unnecessary because the body is capable of cleansing itself, others make a compelling case for the need to help it along, given our heightened exposure to manmade toxic elements. Information of varying repute swirls around the internet, offering approaches ranging from juice cleanses to total fasts.

Simple dietary strategies can help sweep out toxins, explains Robin Foroutan, an integrative dietitian and nutritionist in New York City. She points to cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, collards and kale, which promote cytochromes P450, a family of enzymes critical in helping toxins clear the body. She also recommends foods high in fiber that can bind to toxins and bile, and transport them out of the body through the stool. Berries, green tea and turmeric are also helpful for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; even water facilitates the excretion process, supports the lymphatic system and replenishes fluids lost through sweat. Using a water filter and eating organic foods when possible also reduces incoming toxins, she says.

Healthy smoothies are a great way to get water, fiber and easily digestible nutrients into our body at the same time, according 32

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Everyday Toxin Cleaners

Fasting (occasionally for a prolonged period, such as three days without food) and intermittent fasting (abstaining from food for a shorter period, such as 16 hours per day on a regular basis) are great tools for deeper detoxification, says Junger. “Digestion takes energy and resources from the detox functions, so eating less, eating less often and allowing time for digestion to stop so that detox can intensify is crucial.”

For a comprehensive detox, experts recommend working with a health practitioner to assess toxic burdens and develop a personalized plan. Russell Jaffe, a physician in Ashburn, Virginia, crafts a detox program based on four self-assessments, including digestive transit time, urine pH, hydration levels and vitamin C levels.

Jaffe claims our bodies are burdened by excess acid, rendering them less resilient to stress and resulting in fatigue, illness and infection risks. “When we enjoy a diet rich in greens, fruits, vegetables, minerals and antioxidants, our cells become more alkaline and more resistant to everyday stress,” he states.

Experts emphasize that a short-term program must be part of a longer-lasting lifestyle and diet shift. “It is not enough to do periodic detoxes if you go back to old habits. I offer these programs as a jumpstart in hopes that participants feel so much better that they never want to go back to what they were doing and eating before,” says Junger.

Connect with Washington, D.C., freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Sweet Mango Smoothie Sweet fruit paired with spinach for an extra dose of fiber, vitamins and super-green-detoxifying antioxidants won’t change the taste of this beloved fruit smoothie.

1 cup fresh or frozen mango 1 to 3 cups spinach ¼ cup packed mint ½ cup coconut water ½ cup coconut milk 1 Tbsp chia seeds 1 serving dairy-free protein powder Handful of ice

photo by kaitlyn noble

Deep Detox

Detox Delights

Skin and chop mango. Wash spinach. Remove mint leaves from their stems and rinse them with water. Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until smooth (30-60 seconds). Pour and serve immediately. Sprinkle chia seeds on top if desired.

Recipe by Kaitlyn Noble of the Clean Program.

Vegetable Yum Soup Soups help provide the body with nutrient- and fiber-rich vegetables in an easy-to-digest format, while soup broths help supply water for detoxification and a sense of satiety.

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated 1 stalk lemongrass, minced ½ tsp crushed red pepper ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped 5 to 6 cups vegetable stock 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 3 Tbsp cilantro or parsley, chopped Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté garlic, ginger, lemongrass and crushed red pepper. Stir in the mushrooms, sweet potatoes and bell pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add the stock, bring to boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the coconut milk and soy sauce, and stir. Serve sprinkled with cilantro or parsley (optional). photo by kaitlyn noble

to Junger. “When using a good, clean, protein powder in addition to fruits and leafy greens, healthy fats such as nuts, and coconut or cashew milk, a smoothie can provide us the nutrients needed to support our energy for hours,” he says. Adding herbs like mint or holy basil (tulsi) and spices like turmeric and cinnamon elevate both flavor and healing. Liquids such as celery juice provide highly concentrated nutrients and hydration, but lack the fiber of a blended drink. Both juices and smoothies give overtaxed digestive systems a needed break.

Source: Russell Jaffe, The Joy in Living: The Alkaline Way. April 2021

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The Scoop on Intestinal Microbiome

by C. Robin Filkill-Berry

A

ccording to the publication Environmental Microbiology, intestinal microbiology has undergone a renaissance since 2000, due to recognition that the gut microbiome plays a central role in the health. While microbiome has become a new buzz word, particularly regarding the distal gut, researchers have not determined what the genetic makeup of the microbes, composed of bacteria, bacteriophage, fungi, protozoa and viruses mean relevant to the body’s overall chemistry.

While there is still much about the internal and external microbiome that remains to be understood, it is known that these microbial communities likely play a critical role in the healthy human im-

mune system and metabolism, because from a systems perspective, everything matters. We are what we eat and breathe.

We have healthy and unhealthy microbiome, making it important to keep it all in balance, just as an avid aquarist keeps their fish tank balanced to avoid an overgrowth of algae. To maintain a healthy balance, it’s essential to breathe fresh clean air, especially mindful meditation breaths and eat non-GMO and organic when possible. GMO products are not natural for the body’s ecosystem.

Additionally, it’s wise to observe the rules of food combination for complete and efficient digestion. For example, avoid eating protein with starches and carbohydrates; don’t eat fruit with nuts or cheese with

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beans. Foods that don’t digest well together can cause indigestion, fermentation, gas, bloating and the creation of toxins.

In the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a specific lung time from 3 to a.m. and a large intestine time from 5 to 7 a.m. Both represent the element of air, and each plays a major role in the other because air passes through both. Meditative breathing exercises superoxygenate the entire body and promote healthy tissue growth. Without this, the mouth can develop yeast and fungus overgrowth that can imbalance the entire gut.

While there are numerous considerations to maintaining a balance of the microbiome, a well-rounded daily routine should include these suggestions. n Drink an amount of clean water that equals half the body weight. For example, if the body weighs 140 pounds, drink 70 ounces of clean water. n Engage in meditative and purposeful breathing exercises. n Eat live, non-GMO foods, grown organically when possible. Eat the seven different vegetables and five different fruits that are listed as good for personal blood types (O, A, B and AB). Reference WebMd.com/ diet/a-z/blood-type-diet for food combining suggestions. Rotate foods to avoid creating an imbalance or sensitivity. n Take time out for 15 minutes of raw sunshine without sunscreen. n Consume food enzymes and probiotics, especially when the systems have been compromised with prescriptive medications, surgery, or over-consumption of sugar, carbohydrates, dairy, meats and in general, unhealthy lifestyle practices. n Get plenty of rest. n Practice annual and quarterly cleansing for all elimination organs—colon, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin.

Robyn Filkill-Berry is the owner of R B Institute, located at 13550 Reflections Pkwy., Ste. 5-502 and 5-503 (behind Jason’s Deli), in Fort Myers. The Florida state licensed massage therapist has 25 years of experience as a colonic irrigation therapist. For an appointment, text 239-939-4646. For more information, visit RobynBerry.com. See ads, pages 21 and 38.

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Eco-Athletes

Working Out with the Planet in Mind

by Marlaina Donato

F

rom human-powered gyms that generate electricity to Earth-friendly activewear, professional and recreational athletes alike are increasingly working out with the planet in mind. Taking a recycled yoga mat to class, nixing the plastic water bottle and going “plogging”—picking up litter while out for a run—are just a few examples of eco-fitness in motion.

“We believe that movement and nature go hand-in-hand, yet the world of sports isn’t as green as it should be, with plastic bottles at events, junk food in canteens and monotonous movement in the gym,” says Saraï Pannekoek, co-founder of the Sustainable Athlete Foundation, which strives to create a sustainable sports environment through coaching, workshops and campaigns.

sonally gratifying, it also makes you keenly aware of just how far the world is from taking action sufficient to keep climate change in check. We all need to do more,” says Bruce Rayner, founder and chief green officer at Athletes for a Fit Planet, in Portland, Maine, who was enlightened to the problems firsthand at a half-ironman distance race. “When I got to the finish line, I was given my obligatory plastic water bottle. I looked around for a recycling bin, and all I saw was an overflowing trash bin.” Founded in 2008, Rayner’s organization partners with pro-environment races like the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, recently named the most sustainable 10-miles-or-less race in the country.

djileAdobeStock.com

Fueling Up, Protecting Natural Resources

Working Out Green

Links between personal fitness and environmental toxicity are critical. Sixty percent of clothing is manufactured with fossil fuel-derived plastics, and activewear rates highest for eco-toxic fibers. Choosing workout clothes made from sustainable bamboo and cotton can soften the impact. With name brands like Adidas offering sustainable footwear, staying fit doesn’t need to increase the toll on the environment. Pannekoek, who hosts the Sustainable Athlete Podcast with co-founder Paul Venner in Amsterdam, emphasizes personal responsibility. “We believe that there isn’t a quick fix. It’s all about habits and conscious behavior, while still being able to peak perform.”

Supplementing the usual gym routine with self-powered workouts and outdoor activities like gardening, sustainable charity races and hiking are sound choices that can help to buffer climate change. “Being eco-centric enriches life and enhances health, but while it’s per36

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A pillar of the eco-fitness movement is eating clean and going plant-based for the health of people and planet. “Diet is a big part of being eco-fit. The best action you can take is to support local farms, specifically organic farms,” emphasizes Rayner.

To minimize global greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, eating more nutrition-packed produce, whole grains, legumes and nuts instead of animal products supports sustainability. For Adam Layzell, sports therapist, nutritionist and author of How to Train Your Vegan: The Comprehensive Guide to Plant-Based Fitness, going vegan is a win-win situation.

“A vegan diet encourages fat loss, improves endurance and recovery and has plenty of all the necessary components such as protein to build strength and muscle.” Layzell underscores that the vegan diet preserves animals and their ecosystems, prevents deforestation and destruction of wild land and lowers the impact on climate change and global warming.

Athlete Engagement

For Lewis Blaustein, managing editor of GreenSportsBlog.com, climate change action and sports are an ideal marriage. He recently launched EcoAthletes.org to encourage sports figures to speak up about global warming. “Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world.’ EcoAthletes aims to show that athletes are the agents of that change and that they, by mobilizing millions if not billions of fans, can do so on climate.” Blaustein sees a surge of climate-concerned athletes leading radical changes. “There will be many different looks—from athletes endorsing green products à la solar power, electric vehicles, etc., to athletes speaking out for environmental/climate justice in a similar fashion to WNBA and NBA players on Black Lives Matter.”

Pannekoek concurs, “All small steps taken still go a great distance. Elite athletes are role models. If they would support more conscious brands to influence the youth, we believe that they can make such a difference.”

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

WHAT WE CAN DO Bruce Rayner: n After pandemic restrictions lift, when signing up for a race, pick one that’s local and carpool with friends.

n Washing polyester clothing means microplastics are in the wastewater, which means they make their way into the environment. Consider getting a filter for your washing machine that catches microplastics. n Tell race directors that you appreciate their efforts to be more sustainable.

Adam Layzell: n Reuse clothes to lower the carbon footprint and plastic production. Go to the charity shop, borrow, repair and buy second-hand.

n Choose reusable water bottles. n Exercise in nature, a great way to appreciate what we need to be protecting. n Litter pick when exercising in nature. Have a

small backpack and clean up as you run.

n Change your movements instead of doing simple repetition over and over again. n Replace sugary snacks with quick, energizing exercises throughout the day. (We call this “movement snacks”.)

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Saraï Pannekoek: n Consume intentionally and more mindfully.

Think and act long-term instead of going for quick fixes.

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nonprofit spotlight

Yvette Stafford

How One Person Can Make a Difference

by Linda Sechrist

T

he words, “That’s not possible,” don’t exist in Yvette Stafford’s vocabulary. The founder of Crohn’s Charity Service Foundation (CCSF), Stafford is a shining example of what one committed person can accomplish with a positive attitude and determination.

The story of how she helped not only her son, but a whole community, can serve as an inspiration.

Stafford’s son Kyle Drexall was 18 years old in his first year of college when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

The inflammatory bowel disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract that can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, anemia and malnutrition. Sometimes causing life-threatening complications, Crohn’s can be managed, but it’s not curable.

Generally, medications such as steroids and immunosuppressants are prescribed to slow the progression of this autoimmune disease.

When Kyle was prescribed Remicade at a cost of $8,000 every eight weeks and an additional $2,300 for the infusion, the situation became more dire. Faced with the mountainous medical costs, Stafford set to work on getting Kyle on disability so she could get help with medical bills. “It was a hard fight,” says Stafford, who created the nonprofit foundation to raise money for her son and many other with Crohn’s.

During the five years Kyle was on Remicade, the side effects could be debilitating, which is why he began researching online to find an alternative. “He found medical marijuana, which was a good thing, because he was

down to 98 pounds, looking like a dead man walking and we were talking burial insurance.” When Kyle began to see that he could totally depend upon it, Stafford lent her energy and enthusiasm to medical marijuana cheerleader attorney John Morgan, who supported two proposals to get marijuana legalization on the ballot in 2020. On April 9, Stafford will honor Morgan at the Crohn’s Charity Service Foundation’s Wellness Festival in the Park from noon to 9 p.m. at Riverside Park, in Bonita Springs.

Stafford made cannabis a headliner for the festival in the park, choosing to showcase many of the dispensaries that are only located in Lee County. “We’ll have CBD booths and educational speakers, and of course lots of fun games and activities for kids. I met the speakers while I was fighting shoulderto-shoulder with John to get people to vote yes on Amendment 2.

“My son lost five years of his life to Crohn’s. Today he weighs 160 pounds and I get to see him every day. That’s been my motivation, along with feeling the need to help others. We both want to get the word out about Crohn’s, and now our food bank,” says Stafford, whose CCSF food bank (ccsffL.org) bus travels around distributing cooked and uncooked food to 2,500 people a month thanks to No Kids Hungry, which donated the money for the bus that called Blueberry. Continuing to look for ways to help her community, Stafford smiles a big grin and quips, “I’m sure I haven’t done all that can be done yet.”

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healing ways

Breathe Easy Natural Remedies for Allergy Woes

A

by Ronica O’Hara

s the one in five Americans suffering from allergic rhinitis can miserably testify, the fragrant breezes of spring aren’t much fun when they bring on sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and a runny nose. The fifth-most common chronic disease in the country, allergic rhinitis—also known as hay fever—is aggravated in spring by rising pollen levels, but can occur year-round from exposure to mold, household dust mites, pet dander and vehicular air pollution.

Common remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants bring their own share of afflictions, including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness. “By undertaking natural therapy for allergies, however, one can avoid and mitigate the unpleasant symptoms of allergies with no need for medication,” says Carrie Lam, M.D., an integrative and functional medicine doctor in Tustin, California. “Instead of loading up on drugs, you can take care of yourself in a more natural way and avoid nasty side effects.” Here are some non-pharmaceutical approaches.

Probiotics: In a 173-person, double-blind study, a probiotic blend of Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, Bifidobacterum bifidum G9-1 and Bifidobacterium longum MM-2 lowered hay fever symptoms and improved participants’ quality of life during allergy season, report University of Florida researchers in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (Read labels to locate these strains in yogurts, kefirs and supplements.)

laura negrato/AdobeStock.com

Sublingual Immunotherapy: To desensitize the body, small amounts of specific allergens in the form of tablets or liquid drops are placed under the tongue, making it a gentler and safer process than allergy shots. Numerous studies have shown it to be safe and efficient in the treatment of respiratory tract allergies, reports JoAnn Yanez, ND, executive director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC). After getting a diagnosis and a first dose from a health practitioner, the tablets or drops can be taken at home.

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Quercetin: Found naturally in apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, red wine and black tea, this antioxidant inhibits the release of histamine and hampers the IgE antibodies formed during allergic reactions. As a 400-milligram (mg) supplement, it takes about a month to kick in.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): When freeze-dried as an extract or used as a tea, this prickly roadside weed is a nontoxic

natural antihistamine. In one study, 58 percent of participants found that 300 mg per day relieved their symptoms.

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Omega-3s: Anti-inflammatory fatty acids found in such foods as tuna, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oil can help reduce symptoms, research suggests. In a Japanese study, eating fish lowered respiratory symptoms for women, while fast food and sugary drinks worsened respiratory stress.

Nasal Rinse: Using a neti pot with saline solution to rinse allergens out of nasal passages provides quick relief for stuffy, runny, irritated noses. In one study, people using them reported a 64 percent improvement in chronic sinus symptoms and a better quality of life. An ancient Ayurveda technique popularized by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Oz, the pots cost about $20 in pharmacies. Nasal sprays, although easier to use initially, aren’t as effective, studies show.

Unpasteurized Honey: “Local honey contains tiny amounts of pollen from nearby flowers, which can make you less sensitive when you’re exposed to them outdoors,” says chiropractor and nutritionist Josh Axe, Nashville-based author of Ancient Remedies. A Malaysian study of 40 hay fever sufferers found that high doses of local honey, taken along with an antihistamine, reduced sneezing and nasal decongestion more effectively than the antihistamine alone.

Acupuncture: Based on established research, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation recommends acupuncture for hay fever patients that want to avoid pharmaceuticals.

Homeopathy: To stimulate the body’s natural healing process, homeopathy uses highly diluted doses of herbs and other substances. Although it’s best to work with a homeopath, two helpful remedies commonly found in health food stores are Allium cepa 30C, for watery eyes, sneezing and a runny or irritated nose; and Kali bichromicum 30C, for persistent sinus congestion with thick nasal discharge.

Anti-Allergen Cleaning: Simple steps recommended by AANMC to lower airborne allergens include using a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the vacuum cleaner; replacing AC filters frequently; changing out of clothes and showering when coming in from the outdoors to rinse off pollen; leaving shoes outside; changing the air filter in the car; and avoiding toxic inhalants with synthetic ingredients like perfumes, body sprays, scented candles, room sprays, air fresheners and dryer sheets.

Ronica O’Hara, a natural health writer, can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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diet of organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices isn’t only necessary for a healthy body, it’s also considered an excellent diet for the skin. A refined and sensual blend of fruits and herbal extracts can restore a natural balance. When the largest organ of the body, the skin, meets bits of parsley and cucumber layered under an herbal paprika treatment, the encounter draws blood to the surface and speeds up the circulation. This helps skin to breathe and increases its absorption of oxygen. Such a natural process brightens, clarifies and evens the skin tone.

At Purely You Spa, in Naples, paprika is more than a pretty red spice; it is a great source of vitamin C, even more than most citrus fruits. Paprika protects the skin by packing an age-defying antioxidant punch that fights the effects of free radicals. It also restricts the production of the pigment melanin, which makes the skin brighter and lightens age spots.

Improving skin health and reducing systemic inflammation are important for a radiant face.

Fresh pulp from the stone crop cactus plant finishes off the oxygen facial, increasing the skin’s capacity to attract water. A succulent plant native to Hungary, stone crop is super-hardy, growing in several other climates outside Hungary while maintaining critical moisture. Aside from helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten the complexion, the versatile plant also assists in firming stressed skin, toning the epidermis and moisturizing to reduce early signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as dark or age spots.

Just as stimulating the body’s circulation is a benefit of exercise, increasing the circulation in the face has the same effect.

Considered an immune-enhancing treatment, the skin gets a great workout that encourages cell turnover so young cells can rise to the surface.

This facial includes an LED light therapy treatment. Options are 50 minutes or 70 minutes.

Purely You Spa, located at 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302, in Naples, offers the oxygen facial. For more information or to make an appointment call 239-331-8266. To see more self-care services offered, visit PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad, page 5.

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Create a Nurturing Nest

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M

ore than being a roof over our heads, home is where we live, love and heal. This past year, we all have been reminded of the importance of having a refuge; a place that shelters not only our physical beings, but our souls, too.

With ongoing pandemic restrictions, we have more time on our hands, and with this comes a blessed opportunity to catch up with our bliss. Living space should be inspired space.

Creating a haven doesn’t require remodeling the kitchen or buying new furniture, only distilling new joy from the mundane. Adding a luxurious throw to a sofa or putting books to read in a pretty basket by an easy chair invites us to tend to the muchneglected inner life. Putting cut flowers at the bedside or turning a chair toward the sunlight says, “Yes” to life and renewal. Playing uplifting, infectious music on laundry day rouses an element of fun. Practicing easy principles of feng shui—the art of placement—can get previously stagnant energy moving.

Repositioning furniture for optimal flow and creating more open space are simple actions that can lighten heavy thoughts or memories. Home is a harbor of habit, and breaking out of the usual routine can be transformative. Here are some activities to try. kelly sikkema/Unsplash.com

BreaSt cancer

inspiration

n Reserve an evening every week for an old-fashioned “Sunday supper” by candlelight or have a rainy-day indoor picnic on the floor in the living room. n Add one item per day for a month to a bag intended for a local thrift store and then follow through by dropping it off. n Tidy the desk every other day and keep it uncluttered.

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n Hang new art prints, photos or paintings to set a new mood. Consider bright splashes of color—a set of red cups, a turquoise pillow or sunny yellow bathroom towels.

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n Bring the seasons in; hang a garland of faux ivy, roses or autumn leaves over the showerhead.

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Kimberly Lemons, CCT lemons2860@aol.com 44

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n Buy or adopt low-maintenance indoor plants like philodendrons and snake plants for a spot of lovely green, even in deep winter.

In a world that fosters a “grass is always greener on the other side” mentality, cultivating soul-nourishment is a sure way to turn the humblest space into a castle.

Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss.

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healthy kids

Nature to the Rescue Kids Come Alive Outdoors

image courtesy of Meraiko

by Ronica O’Hara

A

s Angela Hanscom of Barrington, New Hampshire, watched her preschool daughters at play, she realized that a surprising number of their friends had problems with balance, coordination and muscle weakness, conditions she was attuned to as a pediatric occupational therapist. Teachers told her that compared to past years, young children were falling out of chairs and bumping into each other and walls more often—all evidence of poor proprioceptive skills, the “sixth sense” ability to feel and position the body in space.

Hanscom also realized that almost none of the children played outdoors, which “fascinated and scared” her. Nationwide, even before the lockdowns and online schooling 46

Collier/Lee Counties

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brought on by the pandemic, the average child spent seven hours per day looking at screens and only seven minutes per day playing freely outdoors. Recent studies show that today’s children have poorer hand grip strength, slower running speeds and lower cardiovascular fitness levels than previous generations. Meanwhile, a growing body of research finds that spending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier and more functional.

Hanscom’s solution was to establish TimberNook, camps in which children from 18 months to 14 years of age are encouraged to explore natural settings in imaginative, largely unstructured, minimally supervised play. Now in its eighth year, 38 TimberNook-affiliated camps are located in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia. Hanscom’s book, Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children, has garnered more than 300 fivestar reviews on Amazon.com.

“Children thrive physically, mentally and emotionally when they are given frequent outdoor play experiences, especially with other children. When children do not get enough of these opportunities, it comes at a great cost to their development,” she says.

Journalist Richard Louv, author of the seminal Last Child in the Woods, agrees.

“The scientists who study the human senses no longer talk about five senses, they list conservatively nine or 10, and some believe that humans have as many as 30 senses,” he says. “Yet today, children and adults who work and learn in a dominating digital environment expend enormous energy blocking out many of the human senses—including ones we don’t even know we have—to focus narrowly on the screen in front of the eyes. That’s the very definition of being less alive. What parent wants his or her child to be less alive? Who among us wants to be less alive?”

That dawning realization is motivating parents and teachers to find ways to get their children actively involved with nature in ways that open their senses while also moving their bodies. This often means hitting the local trails and nature preserves, sometimes with binoculars, bug jars, bird and plant guides and a

scavenger list in hand. “‘Hiking’ can be a bit of a drag to young children, but ‘exploring’ (while still hiking) helps open their minds to the beauty and wonder of the outdoors,” says Tanya Gray of Woodstock, Georgia, a homeschooling blogger at TwoPineAdventure.com.

To improve kids’ hearing, Lilach Saperstein, an Israeli audiologist who hosts the podcast All About Audiology, asks children to close their eyes and describe only what they hear. “The wind, the rustle of leaves, a running water stream, crickets, birds, their own breathing, the swish of their sleeve or pant—this is a great way to introduce mindfulness, as well.”

To awaken sight, sound and smell, Boston plein air artist Diana Stelin hands kids paper and art supplies out in nature. “Allowing kids to sit with sounds around them and with smells of various seasons makes them truly feel part of our grand universe.

It also allows their minds to quiet down and reset, making them pay more attention to detail, to their inner landscapes and to people around them.”

To engage the sense of taste, Malorie Thompson, editor of TheVeganInsider.com, takes her children foraging for edible plants on treasure hunts on a trail or around their Northern California neighborhood. She says, “Bonus activity: use the foraged food to make a meal afterward!”

Most of all, nature should be both physical and fun. “Point excitedly at the full moon, shout at it and say hello. Pick up leaves and chestnuts and rocks and create beautiful art together. Stop to smell the twigs and flowers and roll on the grass—who can make it faster down the hill? Make sandcastles and animals. Tie colorful ribbons on tree branches. Look for the shapes of animals in the clouds,” says Milana Perepyolkina, of Salt Lake City, who wrote about forest bathing in Gypsy Energy Secrets.

“The only way to get your children to be excited about nature is for you to be excited about nature first,” she notes.

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Family Time in the Woods Richard Louv, a prominent nature writer and a co-founder of The Children & Nature Network (C&NN), offers 500 ways for families and communities to connect to the natural world in his book Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life. Here are more wise words.

Be a hummingbird parent. One parent says, “In the range from helicopter to neglect—I probably fall a bit more toward helicopter. In fact, I call myself a hummingbird parent. I tend to stay physically distant to let them explore and problem-solve, but zoom in at moments when safety is an issue (which isn’t very often).” Notice that she isn’t hovering over her kids with nature flash cards. She stands back and makes space for independent nature play—albeit not as free as she experienced as a child; this play is important, nonetheless.

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Create or join a family nature club. Nature clubs for families are beginning to catch on across the country; some have membership lists of 400-plus families. The idea is that multiple families meet to go for a hike, garden together or even do stream reclamation. We hear from family nature club leaders that when families get together, the kids tend to play more creatively—with other kids or independently—than during singlefamily outings. C&NN’s Nature Clubs for Families offers a free downloadable guide on how to start your own.

Get the safety information you need. Become familiar with good resources for safety tips in the outdoors, including those with information on how to guard against ticks.

Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s cdc.gov. AudubonPortland.org offers tips on living with a variety of urban wildlife.

bam0309@gmail.com 501 Goodlette Road, Suite B-104 Naples, FL 34102 April 2021

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natural pet

Feathered Friends The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

by Julie Peterson

Complex Commitment

Birds follow only dogs and cats as the country’s favorite companion animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lovebirds, budgies and canaries have an average lifespan of eight or more years, but can live to be 20. Typically, larger birds live longer.

Because it’s common for birds to outlive their owners, the Avian Welfare Coalition, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, helps ensure these pets are included in wills and estate planning.

Birds need to chew, and if they play outside their cages, must be kept away from hazardous items. Besides droppings, birds also create dander and dust. “Cleaning her cage and the room is a two-hour project every week,” says Luther.

There’s also the potty mouth. Kata May learned some unsavory phrases from her previous owner. She sometimes screams, “Shut the hell up!” or, “Turn that #@%&ing thing up!” to get the TV at the desired volume.

Babette de Jongh, an animal communicator and romance author in Bay Minette, Alabama, once knew a bird that routinely screamed, “Fire!” resulting in 911 calls.

“Birds can be loud,” says de Jongh. “They generally try to be louder than the ambient noise in the room.”

Luther agrees, saying, “You can hear my bird yell from a city block away.”

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Happy and Healthy

Talking birds are delightful. Some mimic human language, others understand word meanings and use them appropriately.

“Birds are as intelligent as a young child and as emotionally temperamental as a toddler,” says Mary Miller, who has raised budgies and the small- to medium-sized parrots known as conures at her home in Buffalo and has worked with other birds in rescue facilities.

Luther agrees that birds don’t just mimic what they hear. “They understand like a 2- to 3-year-old child. When we are cooking dinner, she will ask, ‘For me?’ or, ‘Can I have some?’”

Kata May also articulates her fondness for the pizza delivery person with, “I love you!” Then, “Mmmmmm, thank you,” in anticipation of a treat.

Even without words, birds are excellent companions. “If raised correctly and interacted with on a regular basis, birds can be very affectionate. They are highly intelligent and social animals, so they form deep and lasting bonds with humans,” says de Jongh.

Nutrition is key to a raising a bird.

Leslie Moran, a Reno-based holistic animal nutrition and care consultant, is working to end avian malnutrition through the Healthy Bird Project, which conducts nutritional research on exotic species. Traditional grain and seed mixes lack essential nutrients and contribute to unbalanced protein intake for caged and companion birds. Moran’s goal is to move

passakorn/AdobeStock.com

K

ata May is a 30-inch-tall, blue-and-gold macaw. “It’s nice to come home and have a conversation with a snuggly bird,” says Joshua Luther, who took over care of the avian when he was 13 years old and she was 11. Now 17 years later, Kata May holds a commanding presence in Luther’s home in Columbus, Wisconsin. “She’s set up where our dining room should be, so my wife and I can sit and talk or play with her.”

Luther notes that the cherished pet has a bit of a temper and can bend the bars on her $1,000 cage if she’s bored or angry. Considering the bird has a bite force of 1,800 pounds per square inch, it’s sensible to keep her happy, which could be for another 50 years.

the food industry toward the inclusion of more wholesome choices. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at the grocery store, but parrots need specific, high-quality, tropical bird food, which can be hard to find,” says Luther.

Keeping a tropical animal healthy also requires bathing, temperature control, clean air and water, exercise and mental stimulation. Costs vary. Owning a small parakeet could include the purchase or adoption price ($12 to $65); cage ($30 and up); food; toys; and checkups (typically less than $200 a year). A large macaw might cost $500 to $5,000. Supplies, food and vet care could top $2,000 the first year.

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Don’t Shop, Adopt

Birds are available from breeders and pet stores, but there are many needing adoption. Sanctuaries struggle to care for animals with such long lifespans and complex needs, including diet, space, intellectual stimulation and emotional bonding. Lacking proper care, birds may develop mental illness and pluck out feathers or bite, but happy birds can be snuggly, social and fun.

Rosemary Wellner, of Mountainside, New Jersey, has owned parakeets, cockatiels and lovebirds. Currently, she has two parrots, the oldest is 24. “Many people do not understand… but birds feel true attraction for their companions—and who doesn’t want to be loved?” she says.

Julie Peterson is a health and wellness writer.

Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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Aura Photos Crystals Cappy, a 23-yearold white-eyed conure, resides in Mountainside, New Jersey, with his lifelong human companion, Rosemary Wellner.

Readings/Healing Inspirational Gifts (239) 228-6949 600 Goodlette Road N. Naples FL 34102

Classes & Events Psychic Development 2 Monthly Psychic Fairs Goddess Gatherings Energy Healings

www.goddessiam.com April 2021

49

calendar of events The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2 Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master Class – Apr 2-4.

6-9pm, Fri; 10am-6pm, Sat-Sun. Join reiki master teacher Pattie Carney for an in-depth weekend of reiki master training. Available online and in person. Social distancing, HEPA filter, masks. $235 includes manual.

Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399 or Pattie@pcarney.net.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 Art and Meditation Cards Workshop – 10am2pm. With Lulu Carter. Intuitive, creative and fun, explore your imagination, art materials and peace. Create a set of meditation cards. Register: HappinessBeyondBorders.com. See ad, page 21.

MONDAY, APRIL 5 Virtual Florida Food Waste Prevention Week – Apr 5-9. Join for a dynamic and comprehensive week filled with special activities and events designed to raise awareness and inspire behavior change to reduce food waste at home, work and in our communities. Reducing food waste is an important strategy in climate change mitigation and environmental conservation. Info: SaveTheFoodfl.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 9 Access Holistic Healing and Hypnosis Vendor Booth – Apr 9-10. Noon-9pm. Michele Durham. is now offering Zyto Bioscan, light and sound therapy, hypnosis, salt booth sessions and more. Learn more about these services at the Wellness Festival in the Park, Riverside Park, Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs.

Info: 776-2211, Info@AccessHolisticHealing.com or AccessHolisticHealing.com. See news brief on page 10 and ad on page 37.

Hempra Box Vendor Booth – Apr 9-10. Noon-9pm.

Company representatives will be able to assemble a box of personalized CBD products that fits one’s lifestyle and wellness needs and interests, and discuss CBD products, including their use and benefits. Learn about these benefits at the Wellness Festival in the Park, Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Info: 407-8086884. See news brief on page 10 and ad on page 23.

Wellness Festival in the Park – Apr 9-10. Noon9pm. Co-presented by The Crohn’s Charity Service Foundation and the city of Bonita Springs. Attendees on Friday will be able to meet doctors to learn about ways to treat Crohn’s and other diseases and engage CBD dispensaries, The following day will feature a Wellness Celebration, plus local busi-

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SATURDAY, APRIL 17 Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with some of Naples’ most experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 minutes. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 Earth Day 24,901-Mile Run/Walk Challenge – Apr 1-30. The goal is to collectively see how many times participants can run the distance of the equator: 24,901 miles. Organizers need at least 415 people to commit to run at least two miles a day for the month to try to reach that number.

Runners, walkers or joggers of all fitness levels may join this epic challenge. Free. Info: TheVirtualRunChallenge.com/virtual-race-event/earth-day24901-mile-challenge. See article, page 11.

LMT. One hour. $10. Please do not let money stand in the way of participating. Call 732-266-5276 to discuss. $10. aohmassage.com/project/60-minutegood-points-seva-self-care.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

nesses, live reggae music, food trucks, CBD booths, educational speakers on CBD edibles, liquid and other forms, a children’s play area and more. Free admission. Riverside Park, Old US 41 Rd, Bonita Springs. Info: 200-7214. See ad, page 22.

Psychic Fair – 5-8pm. Mini-readings with some of Naples’ most experienced psychics and healers.

Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, pastlife, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 minutes. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6-8:30 pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly.

BYO chair. Handicap access. Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples.

Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11 Light Code Activations – 9-10:30am. Join for channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $22. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Reiki Circle – 5-6pm. Join in circle with amazing facilitators for a reiki healing circle every 2nd Sunday.

Experience an atmosphere of healing while using reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. Great for healing emotional and physical pain, non-invasive. $10. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd, Naples. GoddessIAm.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 12 Access Holistic Healing and Hypnosis Open House Event – 10am-6pm. Hosted by Michele Durham. Now offering Zyto Bioscan, light and sound therapy, hypnosis, salt booth sessions and more at a new location. Learn more about these services at 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs. Info: 776-2211, Info@AccessHolisticHealing.com or AccessHolisticHealing.com. See news brief on page 10 and ad on page 37.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13 Good Points Self-Care Sinus and Ear Release Acupressure One-Hour – 7-8pm. Webinar Style Acupressure for Anyone self-care series by Soul Lightening International. Seva Stress Release and many other releases offered by Alvina Quatrano,

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Hempra Box Vendor Booth at Sip. Shop. Socialize – 5:30-7:30pm. Company representatives will be able to assemble a box of personalized CBD products that fits one’s lifestyle and wellness needs and interests, and discuss CBD products including their use and benefits. Complimentary snack and beverage. Raffle.

Sidebar Cocktails + Company, 475 5th St S, Naples.

Info: 407-808-6884 or SipShopSocialize.com. See news brief on page 10 and ad on page 23.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 Earth Day at the Refuge – 7am-4pm. Join for free events, tours, birding and biking the Refuge. Paint a Spoonbill with Rachel Pierce, take a plant tour or mindfulness walk. Attend the Outdoor Ranger program debut. Wildlife Drive is free and open for hikers and bikers all day. JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel. Info: 4721100, ext. 236 or DingDarlingSociety.org. Register: DingDarling.Eventbrite.com. See article, page 11.

Earth Day Re-Use and Recycle Roundup – 9am4pm. Hosted by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, donate clothing, shoes and books, electronics, household items, computers and cell phones.

Free shredding of documents by Goodwill Secure Shred. Medication safe disposal by Drug Free Collier Operation Medicine Chest. Hazardous household chemicals, batteries, paints, used motor oil and filters, tires, antifreeze, fluorescent bulbs, ink cartridges, cardboard, plastics #1-7, mercurycontaining devices, aluminum electronics, ballasts, and medical sharps and needles accepted by Collier County Solid Waste Management. Naples Town Center parking lot, 3759 Tamiami Tr E, Naples.

Info: 252-7575. See article, page 11.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6-8:30pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly.

BYO chair. Handicap access. Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples.

Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

plan ahead SATURDAY, MAY 1 Women’s Health Acupressure Webinar – 9am-6pm.

A proactive approach to the health and well-being of all women using the ancient healing modality of acupressure. It was formulated honoring the sacredness of the female. 8 CEs for LMTs. $125. aohMassage. com/project/the-womens-health-protocol.

Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: 6929747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 15 The Path of Silence: Attaining Freedom From Within – Noon-noon. This seven-day virtual silent retreat is a promise of freedom like you’ve never experienced. Free yourself from harmful patterns, reconnect with your inner child, heal old wounds, and recalibrate your compass to create the life you deserve. $400. TheGaiaRevolution.com/silentvirtual-retreat.

ongoing events

thursday The Path of Being Gifts & Books – Thru Apr. 8am1pm. Find lovely items such as crystals, candles, bath bombs, bath salts and gift ideas. Santini Plaza, 7205 Estero Blvd. 437-5141 or ThePathOfBeing.com.

monday

daily

Virtual Community Flow – 6-7am. With Debby.

Virtual only. Hosted by Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

Recorded Phone Readings – 10am. Phone sessions to connect with a seasoned, professional, spiritual advisor to help navigate through personal challenges. $40-$95. The Mystical Moon, 8890 Salrose Ln, Ste 107, Ft Myers. TheMysticalMoon.com.

Self-Care Gentle Yoga – 10:45-11:45am. With Ottilia, Virtual only. Hosted by Love Yoga Center.

Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

sunday Virtual Gentle Yoga – 8-8:30am. With Rita. Enjoy 30 minutes of gentle yoga from the comfort of your living space. All ages and levels. $7. Register: Bit. ly/yogarita111.

Learn Access Bars and Become a Practitioner – 9am-5pm. 3rd Sun. Become a certified practitioner in one day. Learn the 32 points on the head that when gently touched, release thoughts, feelings and emotions that keep us blocked. Class includes: book, three head charts, two giving and two receiving sessions. $350. Access Holistic Healing and Hypnosis, 9853 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 215, Naples. 776-2211.

AccessHolisticHealing.com/access-bars.

Usui/Holy Fire Reiki I & II Workshop – 10am5pm. In-person and online with Pattie Carney, Usui/Holy Fire III reiki master and teacher. Social distancing, HEPA filter, masks. $190 includes manual. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. Register: 277-1399. Pattie@ pcarney.net.

Drum and Dance Circle – 6:30-9pm. Drummers, dancers, jugglers, everyone welcome. BYO chair and instrument or come just to enjoy. Social distancing and face masks encouraged. Check for updates on Facebook page: Fort Myers Drum Circle. Free.

Downtown Library, Ft Myers. Facebook.com/ groups/fortmyersdrumcircle.

tuesday Tai Chi – 11am-noon. With Hector. In studio only. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Preregistration required: 692-9747.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

Reiki Share with Chat Rooms – 6:30-8pm. 1st Tues. Join for monthly reiki share online using distance reiki. Begins with a Holy Fire meditation and then chat rooms for private sessions. Free.

Register by email to receive the Zoom link: Pattie@pcarney.net.

Multidimensional Healing Group – 6:30-8pm on Zoom. Connecting and healing with spirit guides and loved ones in spirit. Mediumship master Patti Wilson facilitates therapeutic conversations with loved ones that have crossed over and helps you develop your own abilities in multi-dimensional communication. $30/class or $100/4-classes.

Register: 270-1876, SpiritualCoach@hotmail.com.

Sunset Slowdown – 7-8pm. With Jen. Virtual only. Hosted by Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

wednesday Virtual Vinyasa Flow – 7-8am. With Ottilia. Hosted by Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

Virtual Chi Yoga – 4-5pm. With Sue. Hosted by

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:45-7:45pm. In person with Jenny Hong. Participants will comfortably lie down or sit while the frequencies reverberate throughout the body, promoting deep relaxation and healing on all levels. Physical distancing and face masks required. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, LLC, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers. 277-1399.

Preregister: JennyLotusBlossom@gmail.com.

LotusBlossomClinic.com/events.

Gentle Flow Class – 7-8pm. With Megan. In studio and virtual. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. Preregistration required: 692-9747.

LoveYogaCenter.com.

friday The Path of Being Gifts & Books – Thru Apr. 8am1pm. Find lovely items such as crystals, candles, bath bombs, bath salts and gift ideas. Beach Baptist Church, 130 Connecticut St, Ft Myers Bch. 437-5141 or ThePathOfBeing.com.

Virtual Yoga with Love and Mat – 9-10:15am.

With Kandy Love via Zoom. Props: mat, two blocks, two or three blankets, yoga belt (or strap), chair, wall nearby. Free/donation. Info/register: YoginiKandy62@gmail.com.

Virtual Yoga Basics – 11am-noon. With Diana.

Virtual only. Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

Gentle Flow – 4-5pm. With Heather. In studio and virtual. Hosted by Love Yoga Center. Preregistration required: LoveYogaCenter.com.

saturday SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6-8pm. 2nd & 4th Sat. Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and self-expression. Family friendly.

BYO chair. Handicap access. Check Facebook for updates. Free. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples.

Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

MAY

Coming Next Month

Top Women’s Health Concerns Plus: Sustainable Fashion

April 2021

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community resource guide

STUART WRIGHT, ND

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email NAadvertising@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

BIOFEEDBACK

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES

WHOLELISTIC SOL WITH NIKKI RENEE

Dr. Xiu Qiong Cen, AP, OMD (China) 5683 Naples Blvd, Naples 34109 P: 239-513-9232 • F: 239-513-9293 DrCenAcupuncture@gmail.com

Licensed acupuncture physician with 28 years experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more. See ad, page 12.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com Offering acupuncture treatment to U.S. Veterans at no out-ofpocket cost. Requires referral thru a V.A. doctor. Dr. David Martin, AP, treats pain, other chronic conditions and PTSD using acupuncture, e-stim, cold laser, acupressure and Chinese medical massage.

See ad, page 35.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine 6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611 • GulfCoastAcupuncture.com Specializing in pain, chronic disorders, overall wellness, allergy treatments (NAET) and kinesiology.

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to heal all on its own! AP771.

975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd, Ste 114, Naples 34110 • 305-699-4834

Board-certified biofeedback technician specializing in raising your total body’s vibration, Neuro Emotional Transformations, stress, PTSD and chronic disorders. Begin your personalized wellness journey today.

BODYWORK ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE Est. 1991 Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 AOHMassage.com

Remote sessions by donation during COVID-19 call or Zoom.

Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Reflexology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CEs. Free self-massage video at AOHMassage.com.

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee) Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with Heart-Centered Therapy, Somato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs. Doula services.

MA35358.

THERAPY ON THE GULF

AYURVEDA CHRISTINA CARLIN, AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Ayurveda Clinic, Massage & Yoga Therapy 501 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Ste A107, Naples 34102 • 239-450-6903 Practicing holistic medicine since 1987. Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, specializing in highly personalized Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle consultations, Massage and individual Yoga sessions for chronic and acute problems. Pancha Karma, Shirodhara and skin care. Ayurveda and Yoga Study program available. MA0023929, MM0008584, FB0716888. See ad, page 6.

Anthony F. Hansen, LMT, MFR, CST, ML,D/CDP 824 Anchor Rode Dr, Naples 34103 239-262-8722 Tony is celebrating his 20th year as a therapist. He practices myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy and is a certified lymphedema therapist.

Free infra-red sauna. MA32797 MM21480.

Certified Advanced Rolfer Advanced Cranial Therapist Advanced Visceral Therapist Certified Movement Educator Naturopathic Wellness Consulting

By Appointment: 239-272-6443 Over 30 years excelling in quick pain relief. Specializing in back pain, structural integration & alignment, all joint-pain-related issues, mobility improvement, sports injuries, non-chiropractic spinal release. MA36890.

CHIROPRACTOR NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Michele Pelletiere 3411 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 302, Bonita Springs • 239-949-1222

N.S.A. Practitioner level III. “Healing waves” release tension throughout the body, increasing wellness and quality of life, promoting new strategies for a healthy spine and nervous system.

COLON THERAPY RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 13550 Reflections Pkwy, 5-502 & 5-503, Ft Myers • 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com Since 1994, gravity-enclosed UV/ Oxygen/Ozone sterilized medicalgrade water colonics, therapeutic, relaxing, chair, sports, prenatal massage, Craniosacral/SER, Heart Centered therapy, manual lymph drainage & XP2 System, visceral manipulation, HALO Photonic Blue-Violet Laser Botanical System, Asyra/Quest4 MSA Bio Meridian Stress Analysis, ear candling, Lakota YLEO Raindrop Therapy, Tuning Fork/Crystal/Bowls Therapy, reflexology, MPS, cupping, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER sessions, Power Plate, Hyperbaric Chamber, PER 2000 PEMF and notary. MM7376. See ads, pages 21 and 38.

DENTAL HEALTH ROGER J. PINT, MPH, DMD

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 111 Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-676-8730 BonitaDentalStudio.com Dr. Pint can join your health journey and play a role in minimizing toxicity; this includes protection while removing dental materials plus consultation. All X-rays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 34.

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DENTISTRY

HEALTHY DINING

LASER DENTISTRY

Mark Corke, DDS 1550 Matthew Dr, Ft Myers 33907 239-936-5442 • FortMyersLaserDentist.com Dr. Corke enjoys working with holistic patients and practitioners on the journey to wellness. His practice “gets it” and is worth the trip to Fort Myers to experience his many services. From dental lasers to ozone he has many tools and a sympathetic ear. See ad, page 25.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

FOOD & THOUGHT ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ

2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222 • FoodAndThought.com Open Mon-Sat 7am-8pm.

Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 10.

HOLISTIC CENTER ACCESS HOLISTIC HEALING & HYPNOSIS

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Michele Durham, CH, MBA 27975 Old 41 Rd, Ste 200, Bonita Springs, 34135 office: 239-301-3501 • cell: 239-776-2211 AccessHolisticHealing.com

Eduardo Maristany, M.D. is a board-certified internal medicine physician trained in functional/integrative medicine, genomic interpretation, and anti-aging. Dr. Maristany incorporates genomic intelligence and cutting-edge tools to provide his patients with comprehensive genetic health risks and benefits, and a personalized health plan for optimal wellness. See ad, page 55.

Specializing in hypnosis, QHHT, NLP, SRT. Offering sound and light therapy, massage therapy, reiki, access bars, salt therapy, Conscious1Vibe crystals and bookstore.

Joined by Dr. Daniel Stanciu offering IV Infusions and nutrition testing. See ad, page 37.

Eduardo Maristany, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Carol L. Roberts, MD 800 Goodlette Rd N, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • NaplesCFM.com Carol L. Roberts, M.D. has practiced functional/integrative/holistic medicine for 25 years. She provides patients with testing to uncover causes of chronic illness, guidance in resolving health issues and education to assist the patient in her own healing. She is Medical Director at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, formerly the Hughes Center. See ad, page 55.

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine Office: 239-444-5636 • UpstreamMD.com Dr. Torres is a board-certified internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certified Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 12.

EYES WIDE OPEN

239-948-9444 • SilviaCasabianca.com Neuroscience-based, holistic counseling (via televideo) to help you regulate emotions, cope with change, stress, depression or anxiety.

Empathic parenting guidance. Sliding scale. Online CEUs for health professionals. Call for further information.

LIFE COACH LULU CARTER

Top Expert in Science of Happiness Positive Pyschologist Coach – 30 Years of Experience Chief Happiness Officer/President of House of Gaia 239-290-7008 • Lulu@HouseOfGaia.org HappinessBeyondBorders.com HouseOfGaia.org Ready for positive changes in your life in 2021? First session is free – call to schedule. Private sessions on-line, affordable packages. Get inspired, learn, transform and be happy! English, Spanish and Portuguese. See ad, page 21.

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907 Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Ph: 239-939-9600 • Fax: 239-288-6210 AdasMarket.com Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market-prepared foods.

1000s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 31.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS ANATTA

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013 347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com Anatta is a global online marketplace for natural, organic and raw products from farmers worldwide.

The newly-formed company’s products include a variety of essential oils and waters, and its unique business model eliminates overhead costs by connecting customers directly with farmers.

NUTRITION D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Sprgs 239-676-5249 • D-SignedNutrition.com Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nutrient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body.

See ad, page 49.

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028 ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the first reason for working with a nutrition coach.

Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 38.

YOGA MEREDITH MUSICK, LMT, E-RYT 2000 239-269-8846

We have to make the choice—every single day— to exemplify the truth, the respect and the grace that we wish for this world. ~Oprah Winfrey 54

Collier/Lee Counties

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Master Yoga Teacher and massage therapist with 28 years experience, serving Naples since 1999. Sun-damaged skin repair clinician, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports and neuromuscular therapy, cranio facial and TMJ relief, heal injuries. Improve posture: alignmentbased yoga and posture classes.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. Must be pre-paid. Email listing, include billing contact info, by 10th of month prior to publication to: NAClassifieds@ NaturalAwakenings.com.

FOR RENT LUXURY TREATMENT ROOM/OFFICE – In professional and wellness center. $420/month all-inclusive. Perfect for massage, acupuncture, aesthetics or similar. Vicinity of 41 and Pine Ridge.

239-398-5578.

PRODUCTS OZONE MACHINE – AHW 1024 model, like new. $300, includes oxygen tank. Originally $495 plus $110 regulator. 239-821-0253.

SERVICES SOUNDS OF CELEBRATIONS & HEALING – By JamesSteven Farnsworth. The Fiddle Flowers Fiddle Gram. Gift of 12 beautiful roses in a vase and gift card, plus a lovely mini concert of violin/ fiddle music. Special intro price: $55 local delivery.

Additional services: Artistic Violin Performance: weddings and all special events. The Healing Violin: Transformative Sound therapy for the elderly and those affected by physical and mental disabilities. Graceful-Passages: Funerals and End of Life Celebrations. Call/text: 510-292-7786, JsfViolin@ gmail.com. TheHealingViolin.com.

Promote your special service, class or event in our print and online calendar. Easy to use!

Affordable options. Visit swfl.naturalawakenings. com/pages/calendarlistings.

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