Natural Awakenings Fort Myers/Naples June 2020

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Power Up Your

IMMUNE SYSTEM

HAPPY FOODS Feel-Good

Eating Tips

Brain Pleasers

Six Ways to Boost Blood Flow

June 2020 | Collier/Lee Edition

CoVID-19

IS A CoNCERN

Strengthen your immune system to keep you healthy!

Look and feel younger with a visit to Tree of Light

ExpEriEncE a full-body photon clEansE Improve circulation, increase nutrient transfer to the cells, detoxify cells of waste and free radicals, and reduce inflammation - the leading cause of most mortal disease.

Try it for yourself!

Age in reverse.

INFRARED SAUNAS

Come relax with us! Saunas promote fewer chronic

health problems, lower mortality risk and better immunity to colds and flu.

THE BALLANCER PRo FDA cleared for Lymphatic drainage!

State of the art compression therapy.

“

I found Tree of Light and am so glad I did.

I went to their website and read the material and found that a lot of research has been going on regarding this type of therapy. I went to check it out and was impressed as soon as I walked in the door. Calming, very clean and private. Dona will answer all questions and makes you feel comfortable. I have completed multiple sessions and will continue. I have muscle pain and arthritis and I feel better afterwards. For me a much better alternative than drugs!

McM 2

”

Collier/Lee Counties

AARC LED CHAMBERS

Heal the body naturally! Light therapy has been used for years to

treat injuries, arthritis and neuropathy. Sooth back and neck pain. Light therapy thickens the skin which in turn reduces wrinkles.

www.treeoflightcenter.com Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation

806 Neapolitan Way • Naples, FL 34103

CALL for more information: (239) 692-9367

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

June 2020

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NEW

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A Top 50 Healthcare Company of 2019

A NEW

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PARTNERSHIP

WITH EXCITING NEW MEMBER BENEFITS!

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June 2020

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prOFIcIeNt IN traDItIONal cHINese MeDIcINe & WesterN MeDIcINe

liu’s aCupuNCtuRe CeNteR

• • • • •

pain Management paralysis restoration Infertility Mental Health Immunity adjustment

• • • • •

auto accident Diabetes & complications Hormone Dysfunction chronic complex Disorders Overweight & addictions

Dr. Zhongwei liu, a.p.

O.M.D. & M.D. in China Authentic Traditional Medicine Prestigious Education in China

OpeN eVeRY DaY 8aM - 11aM

50+ Years Clinic Experience High Quality Chinese Herbs

Naples CliNiC 803 Myrtle terrace • Naples, Fl 34103

239-298-9076 • www.liusacupuncture.com

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 Lisa Marlene Linda Sechrist Lee Walker Sales & Marketing Christine Miller Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Accounting Amie Delozier Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT US 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $28 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

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Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakenings.com

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7 June 2020

THANK YOU

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

letter from publisher

Moving Forward We missed you last month! For the first time in 26 years, we made the painful decision not to print a monthly issue of Natural Awakenings. It didn’t make sense for us to throw away the beautiful April magazines that couldn’t be distributed to closed businesses. Fortunately, we were able to keep our main distribution locations filled through the end of May. As a result, we are more grateful than ever to be able to print our June issue and distribute it throughout Southwest Florida.

In the last couple of months, our Natural Awakenings office felt lonely whenever I stopped in to pick up mail and nurture the plants. Staff members that used to collaborate up close and personal have been using Zoom and other technology to stay connected.

We’ve taken advantage of this time to grow and develop our online reach and digital offerings, and our revamped website adds features that will benefit advertisers and the community. One of those is the ability to enter and update calendar listings online, even if you’ve missed our print deadline. You’ll also see information there about our new exclusive partnership with a digital marketing program that really works. Visit SWFL.NaturalAwakenings.com for more information.

One of our newest projects is an exciting partnership with a dynamic new online platform. Serendipity brought Kimberly Whittle and myself together about a year ago when we discovered how aligned our company missions were and how well they complement and support each other. If you love the information and resources you find in Natural Awakenings, you will appreciate the added features and opportunities this natural health and well-being community has to offer. See pages 4 and 10 for more information and visit KnoWEwell.com for special discounts this month on memberships.

If you are like me, you might be sticking closer to home this summer or exploring safer ways to travel. I was curious when I read that RV, van and camper rentals were way up this year. On page 34, “Everyday Adventures” introduces you to several people that travel either full- or part-time in vehicles, including a local couple that is building out their new van and planning future trips. Staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or find adventure. “Transformative Staycations,” on page 30, presents creative ways to make memories and experience new places and activities while staying close to home.

Social isolation and uncertainty about the future are tough, but there are also silver linings—opportunities for us to grow and find enlightenment. When writer Sandra Yeyati asked David Hamilton during this month’s interview for “Kindness in the Pandemic Age,” what opportunities he sees for humanity, he said, “We have been called to unify, to recognize that we are part of the same human family.” (Page 40) Some day soon, we will be able to safely congregate, hug our family and hang out with our friends. Perhaps these tough days and months of separation are renewing our appreciation for each other and strengthening our resolve to exercise kindness as much as possible every day.

Spread the Love,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher 8

Collier/Lee Counties

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 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 LOCAL BUSINESS

26

No Longer Business As Usual

26 FEEDING HAPPINESS

Lift Your Mood with Feel-Good Foods

30 TRANSFORMATIVE

STAYCATIONS

Finding Respite and Adventure Close to Home

34 EVERYDAY ADVENTURES

Taking to Vans & RVs for Life on the Road

36 HOMEBODY WORKOUTS

34

Getting Fit Without a Gym

38 POWER UP YOUR BRAIN Six Ways to Boost Blood Flow

40 DAVID HAMILTON

on Kindness in the Pandemic Age

44 FAMILY STORIES

Help Kids Cope During Tough Times

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE

To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, contact Christine Miller at 239-272-8155 or email ChristineM@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com for Collier County or Lisa Doyle at 239-851-4729 or email LisaD@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com for Lee County. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

Email articles, news items and ideas to: NAEditor@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. Deadline for editorial: the 10th of the month. Or visit: swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/ Resources.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

Email Calendar Events to: NACalendar@Natural AwakeningsMag.com or fax to 239-434-9513. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

REGIONAL MARKETS

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For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

46 FATHERS KNOW BEST 48 HEALING THE

36

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope

DEPARTMENTS 10 news briefs 16 health briefs 18 global briefs 22 community spotlight

25 eco tip 26 conscious eating

29 business spotlight

34 green living

36 38 40 42 44 46 51 55 56

fit body healing ways wise words therapy spotlight healthy kids inspiration calendar classifieds resource guide June 2020

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news briefs

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

Partners with KnoWEwell Collaborative

N

atural Awakenings Publishing Corp.

(NAPC) is entering into a partnership with KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and is a Founding Patron of The KnoWEwell Collaborative.

KnoWEwell, a 1% for the Planet company, received the Top 50 Healthcare Companies award from the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Whittle says, “It’s one centralized, private, secure online platform to inspire and empower individuals with today’s knowledge, evidenced-based resources and collaborative ‘wholistic’ community to help them address the root causes of chronic diseases and achieve optimal health and well-being.”

Whittle points out that KnoWEwell is “the missing link designed to provide people with peace of mind throughout their life journey—a collaborative with personal and professional benefits for all in the ‘wholistic’ ecosystem: individuals, families, providers and organizations. Our purpose is to improve the health of humanity and our planet.”

NAPC and KnoWEwell are perfectly mission aligned, adds Whittle. “Natural Awakenings’ well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living played a significant role in fueling the wellness revolution. We’re grateful to collaborate with them.”

NAPC Chief Executive Officer Sharon Bruckman says, “Our Natural Awakenings family of 60 publishers is excited about the new resources and opportunities this new partnership brings to our community of readers, providers and organizations. We are honored to be playing such a significant role in the launch and future growth of this incredibly sophisticated platform which will result in tremendous benefits to members.”

For more information, see ads on pages 4 and 33 and visit swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com.

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Durham Provides Online Hypnosis Program

M

ichele Durham, MBA, a certified hypnotist, member of the National Guild of Hypnotists and owner of Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis, is offering the 7 Path Self Hypnosis program live online via Zoom from 9 a.m. to noon on June 6 and 11 through 13.

Michele Durham

Participants will gain an introduction to hypnosis, along with learn how the system in which she is certified works to empty negative and refill positive programming in the subconscious mind and how to selfinduce the benefits. Questions can be answered both before and at the end of sessions, and the program includes a 72-page study guide workbook.

Cost: $169. For more information or to register, call 239-776-2211, email Info@AccessHolisticHealing.com or visit AccessHolisticHealing.com.

See ad, page 28.

Assuage Reopens with Special Offer

T

o celebrate their reopening, Assuage Spa Luxury is providing a 15 percent discount on any massage or facial treatment throughout June at their Naples and Fort Myers locations for Natural Awakenings readers.

Both Assuage locations offer five different skin and seven massage treatments, a full line of health and beauty products, and a membership program.

Locations: 1201 Piper Blvd., Unit 1, Naples, and 9407 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste. C, Fort Myers. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-333-1450 or visit AssuageCenters.com. See ad, page 28.

Three Helpful Treatments Discount for Services at at Tree of Light in Naples Organic Skincare & Bodyworx

T

he Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation Center, in Naples, is offering a trio of treatments that can strengthen the immune system in addressing many of the toxins we face daily, including free radicals, pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, prescription drugs, water impurities, personal care products, cosmetics, and nutritional deficiencies in food that can cause inflammation and mitochondria dysfunction. Sessions on their infrared sauna; Balancer Pro state-ofthe-art, U.S. Food and Drug Administrationcleared compression therapy for lymphatic damage; and ARRC LED light chamber can be booked online or by phone.

“If the immune system is strong, it has the capacity to fight bacteria that enters the body,” says owner Dona Parker. “I have been open throughout this crisis because my clients understand the benefits of these types of treatments and felt this was one of the safest places to be for their overall health.”

Other benefits of a full-body photon cleanse include helping with other chronic health problems such as arthritis, neuropathy, and back and neck pain, along with lowering mortality risk and slower aging.

Location: 806 Neapolitan Way. For more information, call 239-692-9367 or visit TreeOfLightCenter.com. See ad, page 2.

A

s part of reopening during the current crisis, customers that visit Organic Skincare & Bodyworx, in Naples, during June will receive a 10 percent discount on all services, including facials, makeup, massage, spray tanning, waxing, LED light therapy and microdermabrasion. A coupon (the ad on page 3) needs to be presented at time of purchase to obtain the special savings.

In resuming operations and welcoming previous and new customers, the salon will follow all U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines with strict sanitation and hygienic goals being followed.

Location: 13240 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 207. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-514-4494 or visit OrganicSkincareAndBodyworx.com. See ad, page 3.

BEMER and Hydrogen Sessions at SPARK Health

S

PARK Health Technologies, in Naples, is offering 100, 20-minute BEMER microcirculation and hydrogen sessions for $15 this month.

Also, sauna session packages are available at a 30 percent discount when completed by the end of August if purchased in June.

BEMER technology addresses sleep, physical discomfort and circulation issues. Hydrogen inhalation reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function, freeing up energy. The ozone sauna offers whole-body detoxification that helps with hormonal issues, brain fog and weight loss. Weekend and evening appointments are available for both kinds of sessions.

Location: 11983 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 150. For more information or to make an appointment, call 802-752-6342 or visit SPARKHealthTechnologies.com. See ad, page 17.

June 2020

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news briefs

CBD oiL available Fort Myers Chiropractic here!

Studio Reopens

F

ort Myers Chiroprac-

With over 20 years experience ticof Studio is providing helping families get back to after its services onLIFE Mondays, sports and otherTuesdays unexpected and Thinjuries ursdays and chronic illnesses of all kinds, by appointment.

ChiDr. Christine Hoch is someone you ropractic adjustments want on your uniquely healthcare team. restores muscle flexibility, joint motion

and most profoundly, ner- Dr. Christine Hoch Providing: vous system integration to DiSCount Functional medicine LaB ServiCeS the entire to heal and avaiLaBLe FAST weight loss body, helping the body function better from head to toe and from Have your Spinal adjustments blood drawn. the inside-out.

Acupuncture no prescription “While chiropractors adjust the spine to Physiotherapy or doctor’s access the nervous system, weorder aren’trequired. simply Sports medicine back doctors,” says owner Dr. Christine Dry needling a fraction of Hoch. “KnowledgePay is power.

When you unLaser therapy the derstand how something works, it iscost! much Medical massage more beneficial. When people understand they don’t need to stay in pain and how Learn more!

FortMyersChiroStudio.com we here at Fort Myers Chiropractic Studio 239-243-8735

can help, can| be benefi in their 12655 New Brittany Blvdthis #13W Fortvery Myers, FLcial 33907 everyday endeavors.’

Location: 12566 New Brittany Blvd., Ste. 13W. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-243-8735, email FrontDesk@ FortMyersChiroStudio.com or visit FortMyersChiroStudio.com. See ad, page 15.

Ada’s Expands Delivery Routes

A 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.

Arthritis • Chronic Pain • Injuries • Insomnia • Stress Menopause • Stroke Recovery • Shingles • Anxiety Migraines • Fibromyalgia • Well-being • Bell’s Palsy & More 5683 Naples Boulevard • Naples, FL 34109 Dr.Xiu Qiong Cen A.P., D.O.M Licensed Acupuncture Physician

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Collier/Lee Counties

239-513-9232

www.AcupunctureCenterOfNaples.com swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

da’s Natural Market, in Fort Myers, has established new delivery routes in our area to make it easier and safer for customers planning their grocery shopping to avoid crowds at the store by staying home and saving time. Deliveries can now be arranged on Tuesdays to South Fort Myers (33912 and 33908); Wednesdays to Sanibel Island (33957); and Thursdays to Cape Coral (33991, 33914, 33904 and 33990).

Delivery fees vary based on address and day of the week the order is placed.

Orders for these expanded routes need to be placed by noon on the day before the

requested delivery date. Ada’s also offers safe in-store shopping and curbside pick-up.

Location: 7070 College Pkwy. For more information or to place a delivery order, call 239-939-9600, email Info@AdasMarket.com or visit AdasMarket.com. See ad, page 37.

Lotus Blossom Offers Both Direct and Online Services

L

otus Blossom Clinic, in Fort Myers, is now open for more than emergency care patients, providing Chinese and other natural medicine services and treatments, along with their herbal and vitamin pharmacy and more robust online offerings.

They are taking every precaution to ensure patient safety, including installing medical-grade HEPA filters, daily sanitization procedures and masks worn by all that enter or serve within the clinic.

Reiki and other energy healers are available for distance healing via Zoom calls. Deb Martin, co-director with David Martin, says, “We can be there together, ‘entrained’ with your reiki practitioner, being that conduit of universal, healing energy.” A free virtual reiki share is conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

An expanded online presence includes an online store and a new YouTube Channel called Spoonful Experiences – Holistic and Natural. The practice broadcasts a mini-experiential session with more than 20 healers and teachers for subscribers each Tuesday at 2 p.m. Dr. David Martin is available for free, 30-minute consultations via telemedicine or Zoom if the client prefers.

Location: 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2. For more information or to make appointment, call 239-277-1399, email Deb@LotusBlossomClinic.com or visit LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad, page 15.

Global Wellness Day Features Peterson Presentation

G

wen Peterson, founder of Spiritual Communities Network (SCN), will conduct a free, live, online presentation as part of Global Wellness Day (GWD) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 13. Her participation as part of her Spirit of Wellness series will be available via Zoom. The virtual event will offer 30-minute talks, demonstrations and more regarding solutions to wellness during COVID-19.

SCN is a global community of teachers and seekers of spiritual growth with classes and events held both virtually and locally with Peterson, as mentor of insights and illuminations, helping others to refocus, re-energize and recreate lives.

“This year’s GWD is very timely, as now more than ever, the world is focused on wellness,” says Peterson, who is also leader of the Naples FemCity Collective that supports businesswomen.

For more information, call 239-595-1587, email SpiritualCommunitiesNetwork.com@gmail.com or visit SpiritualCommunitiesNetwork.com and InsightsAndIlluminations.com. See ad, page 11.

June 2020

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Laser Dentistry “Creating New Smiles Every Day”

• Mercury Free & Mercury Safe • Holistic Approach • CEREC One Visit Crowns • Gentle laser treatment of gum problems and cavities • Ozone for Cavities

• Kids love the Waterlase!

• Nitrous oxide gas, oral sedation • Orthodontics • Cosmetic dentistry • It’s worth the trip!

We Now Offer Lip Tie & Tongue Tie Laser Revision

1550 Matthew Drive | Fort Myers, Florida 33907 239-936-5442 | www.FortMyersLaserDentist.com

news briefs

Mystical Moon Offers Online Features

M

ystical Moon, in Bonita Springs and Fort Myers, is presenting some of their classes via Zoom.

Founder and owner Laurie Laurie Barraco Barraco has created a free Facebook private group entitled the Astral Lounge. They are offering in-store shopping and curbside pick-up on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., along with online ordering that can be obtained curbside or via delivery.

“We are all dealing with shifts and adjustments to our lives during the great ‘global reset’. We feel it’s essential to stay connected with our tribes during these times of change,” says Barraco, who is offering meditations, messages and mystical how-to classes. “We have received excellent feedback from our clients who have attended our Zoom classes. We are here holding the light for our community as we navigate through these exciting and challenging times.” They continue to provide phone sessions for clients with an added feature that sessions can be recorded if desired.

Locations: 8951 Bonita Beach Rd., Ste. 255 and 8890 Salrose Ln., Ste. 107. For more information, call 239-301-0655, email Info@TheMysticalMoon.com or visit TheMysticalMoon.com. See ad, page 46.

It is better to travel well than to arrive. ~Buddha

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Collier/Lee Counties

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CBD oiL available here!

With over 20 years of experience helping families get back to LIFE after sports and other unexpected injuries and chronic illnesses of all kinds, Dr. Christine Hoch is someone you want on your healthcare team.

Providing: Functional medicine FAST weight loss Spinal adjustments Acupuncture Physiotherapy Sports medicine Dry needling Laser therapy Medical massage

DiSCount LaB ServiCeS avaiLaBLe Have your blood drawn. no prescription or doctor’s order required.

Pay a fraction of the cost!

Learn more! FortMyersChiroStudio.com 239-243-8735

12655 New Brittany Blvd #13W | Fort Myers, FL 33907

June 2020

15

Natto, a fermented soybean dish of Japan, offers postmenopausal women protection from bone fractures, concludes a new study in The Journal of Nutrition. Studying 24 years of records of 1,417 Japanese women older than 45, researchers found that compared to those women that rarely ate natto, those that consumed one to six 40-gram packs a week had 21 percent fewer fractures and those consuming more than seven packs had 44 percent fewer fractures. Tofu and other soybean products had no effect on fracture risk. With its strong smell and sticky consistency, natto is an acquired taste, but is also one of the few plant sources of vitamin K2, which activates bone-building proteins. Other studies have linked it to healthier gut flora, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and a stronger immune system.

Consume Olive Oil to Fight Off Aging In what might be good news for teetotalers, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that it’s not the resveratrol in red wine that increases the life span of cells of those following the Mediterranean Diet, but the fat in olive oil that activates the critical pathway which prevents age-related diseases. “This pathway has been linked to almost all of [aging diseases]. It’s the roots,” says Doug Mashek, Ph.D., a professor in the departments of medicine and biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics.

His studies suggest that the benefits of olive oil are most pronounced when coupled with fasting, limiting caloric intake and exercising. “We found that the way this fat works is it first has to get stored in microscopic things called lipid droplets, which is how our cells store fat. And then, when the fat is broken down during exercising or fasting, for example, is when the signaling and beneficial effects are realized,” Mashek explains.

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Eat a Plant-Based Diet to Lessen Stroke Risk People that eat a vegetarian diet rich in nuts, vegetables and soy may have a lower risk of stroke than others with diets that include meat and fish, concluded a new study in the journal Neurology. Taiwanese researchers studied two groups of healthy people over age 50 that lived in Buddhist communities in which drinking and smoking were discouraged and vegetarian diets were followed by about a third of residents. Compared to the meat- and fish-eaters, vegetarians consumed less dairy, animal protein and fat, about the same amount of eggs and fruit, and more fiber and plant protein. In the group of 5,050 people studied for six years, vegetarians had a 74 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked, than nonvegetarians. In the group of 8,302 people followed for nine years, vegetarians had a 48 percent lower risk of overall stroke than nonvegetarians, a 60 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 65 percent lower risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. “Stroke can also contribute to dementia. If we could reduce the number of strokes by people making changes to their diets, that would have a major impact on overall public health,” says study author Chin-Lon Lin, M.D.

ANTONIO TRUZZI/Shutterstock.com

Decrease Bone Fractures with Natto

K321/Shutterstock.com

bitt24/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

Aleksandrs Muiznieks/Shutterstock.com mi_viri/Shutterstock.com

Try Chinese Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis A Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal mix known as Gegen Quinlian decoction, when combined with standard Western pharmaceuticals, is more effective in treating the painful condition of ulcerative colitis than pharmaceuticals alone, concluded a Chinese review of 22 studies that included 2,028 patients with the disease. Typically used to heal diarrhea and gastrointestinal inflammation, the herbal mix produced few adverse reactions and resulted in low recurrence rates, researchers said.

Andrii Zastrozhnov/Shutterstock.com

Maintain a Healthy Gut to Sidestep Colorectal Cancer In a study that for the first time establishes a direct link between the microbes inhabiting our bodies and the genetic alterations that drive cancer development, researchers from the Hubrecht Institute, in the Netherlands, have found that mutations linked to colorectal cancer can be caused by common gut bacteria carried by about one out of five people.

By exposing cultured human mini-guts to a particular strain of E. coli bacteria, they observed that the bacteria induced a unique pattern of mutations in the DNA of human cells that was also found in the DNA of patients with colorectal cancer, implying that these mutations were induced by the “bad” bacteria.

Green Up Cities to Reduce Violent Crime Well-designed and maintained green spaces in cities such as parks, community gardens and tree-lined streets lower the rate of violent crimes, make communities safer and keep people healthier, concluded Cornell University and University of Virginia researchers that conducted a meta-study of 45 papers studying the links between greenery and crime. In particular, more green spaces, such as community gardens converted from vacant lots, decrease gun violence, six studies found. But poorly designed green space with inadequate maintenance, bad lighting and excessive nearby traffic can help crime take root and spread.

Do you want a

whole body cleanse?

The HOCATT™ ozone sauna uses 8 technologies to CLEAN CELLS • • •

Enhances immune system Improves energy Aids weight loss (burns 600 calories in 30 minutes)

Call 802-752-6342 for discounted pricing on your first 30-minute sauna. www.SPARKHealthTechnologies.com 11983 N Tamiami Trail • Suite 150 • Naples, Fl

June 2020

17

Generating Electricity from Rain

A surprisingly high voltage can be generated from raindrops using a field-effect, transistor-style structure, reports a new study from the City University of Hong Kong in the journal Nature. A single drop can muster 140 volts, enough to briefly light up 100 small LED bulbs.

The new design couples an aluminum electrode with an indium-tin oxide electrode layered with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material with a quasi-permanent electric charge. When a raindrop hits the PTFE/tin surface, it bridges the two electrodes and creates a closed-loop circuit that helps fully release any stored charges. The technology could handle sustained rainfall, as well. If there are continuous drops, the charge accumulates and eventually hits a saturation point. Building rooftops could supplement some of the electricity used inside, and electric boats could extend their range.

Sentinel Trees Give Advance Warning

The United States, Europe and China are growing “sentinel trees” in strategic locations around the world to receive advance warnings of destructive pests that could destroy native plantings.

According to a study published in Plos One, “Sentinel nurseries represent one potential mechanism to address the current lack of knowledge about pests in the countries from where live plants are shipped and the threats they represent to native flora and crops in importing countries.” As global trade intensifies, the risk for accidental importing of and exposure to new invasive pests is a constant worry for entomologists and arborists, stimulating a search for new tactics to prevent future losses.

Amy Lutz/Shutterstock.com

Splashy Solution

ifong/Shutterstock.com

Pest Alarm

global briefs

Beware the Air Mindfulness Training May Reduce Paranoia

In news that may be useful for people dealing with the stress of the global pandemic, researchers from the University of London have found that just one week of practicing mindfulness—moment-to-moment awareness—reduces feelings of paranoia. The research, published in the journal Mindfulness, was based on questionnaires of 494 people, enabling researchers to find a correlation between paranoia and judgemental thinking.

They found that higher levels of nonjudgement predicted lower levels of paranoia, even in individuals that had a predisposition for it.

Then, 68 people were selected and divided into two groups: one that was asked to go through a prerecorded, guided mindfulness session once per day, and one that acted as a control. The session consisted of a quick body scan, mindful breathing and awareness exercises.

The results showed a drop in judgmental thinking and paranoia in the mindfulness group.

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People continuously exposed to air pollution are at increased risk of dementia, especially if they also suffer from cardiovascular diseases, reports a new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, published in the JAMA Neurology. Researchers examined nearly 3,000 adults with an average age of 74 living in the Kungsholmen district in central Stockholm for up to 11 years. Of those, 364 people developed dementia. The district’s annual average level of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in width is high by Swedish standards, but low compared to international standards.

Heart failure and ischemic heart disease both enhanced the dementia risk, and stroke explained almost 50 percent of air pollutionrelated dementia cases, according to the researchers.

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Dementia Linked to Air Pollution

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Researchers from Japan’s Osaka University have found how the thermoelectric effect, or converting temperature differences into electricity, can be best used to power small, flexible devices, reports the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. Future healthcare applications will require internet connectivity between billions of sensors, and the devices that enable them must be small, flexible, reliable and environmentally sustainable. Batteries are not optimal because continually replacing them is inconvenient and expensive. Many researchers have optimized device performance solely from the standpoint of the thermoelectric materials themselves. “Our approach is to also study the electrical contact, or the switch that turns the device on and off,” explains Tohru Sugahara, the corresponding author of the study.

“The efficiency of any device critically depends on the contact resistance.”

Thermoelectric power generators are self-sustaining, self-powered and have no moving parts. Solar power and vibrational power do not have all of these advantages.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~Maya Angelou 20

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Tofu Takeaway

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Isoflavones Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Observational research published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association, states that tofu and other foods that contain higher amounts of isoflavones are associated with a moderately lower risk of heart disease, especially for younger women and postmenopausal women not taking hormones.

Researchers at Harvard Medical Schools’ Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from more than 200,000 people that participated in three health and nutrition studies; all participants were free of cancer and heart disease when the studies began. Consuming tofu, which is high in isoflavones, more than once a week was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of heart disease, compared to a 12 percent lower risk for those that ate tofu less than once per month. Tofu and whole soybeans are rich sources of isoflavones.

Chickpeas, fava beans, pistachios, peanuts and other fruits and nuts are also high in isoflavones.

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June 2020

21

community spotlight

Paula Terry

A Massage Therapist with an Eclectic Background and Meaningful Life

by Linda Sechrist

A

nyone pondering how to live a more meaningful life can learn something from Paula Terry’s stories. The licensed Naples massage therapist and doula credits the blessings in her life to the wisdom gained from experiences that were the result of living a heartcentered life that led her to see the precious gift that she was born with, the one that life had been nurturing all along.

After 17 years of managing the propagation area at Pine Island Nursery and growing Florida native wood ornamentals, Terry didn’t need the popular job search book What Color is Your Parachute: A Practical Manual for Job Hunters and Career Changers. She simply knew that she needed to leave her chosen career.

“Although I’d made a conscious decision to get a degree in agriculture so that I could be a grower, as the amount of pesticides used in the industry increased, I was alarmed by the health risks. Not a fighter or a lobbyist who wanted to use my energy confronting the pesticide issue, I left

the industry and Pine Island, one of Florida’s last fishing villages It’s a beautiful, rural community where the worst day is better than a good day anywhere else,” advises Terry. She followed an inner guidance tugging her toward doing something with living things until she could figure out exactly what it was.

Terry went to work for a Naples health food store, Martha’s Natural Foods, now Nature’s Garden, that she had frequented since childhood. There she met the captain of a 103-foot motor yacht owned by a couple building a home in Port Royal. “The captain was looking for someone to varnish the vessel’s wood during summer months. When the couple, who wintered in the Bahamas, met me, we had instant bonding. In the two years I was with them, I was treated as one of the family and participated in everything from fishing and diving to creating an elegant dinner setting on a desolate island in the Exumas.”

When the couple contracted to have another yacht built, which would take two years, Terry received excellent letters of

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recommendation and returned to Martha’s, where she met another gentleman that introduced her to a woman that wanted a chef and a nanny for four young children.

Over the next eight years with the second couple, Terry traveled the world. “Now grown, the children have babies of their own and continue maintaining a relationship with me,” she says.

After 10 years of service to others, Terry finally recognized her inherent gift for making people feel comfortable and good about themselves. To put the gift to optimal use, she attended Florida Health Academy to study anatomy and physiology. “I wanted to learn how to bring people and their bodies into harmony. The academy was where I met my husband. We’re still madly in love 19 years later,” says Terry, who notes that her husband, supportive of her work, encouraged her interest in midwifery.

During the process of enrolling in a Heart Centered Touch workshop. Terry’s husband Tom suggested that she should make her trip even more worthwhile by doing something life-changing afterward.

She did, and it was. Eight days with Carrie Kenner, doula educator and founder of Big Belly Services, in Seattle, changed everything and led Terry to Ina Mae Gaskin’s Farm Midwifery Center and a 10-day workshop in midwifery assistance. Tom accompanied her so they could experience communal living. “I’ve returned twice for caregiver weekends,” says Terry, who takes her continuing education (CE) seriously.

“I annually take CE classes not to only maintain my license, but also to immerse myself in the protocols of modalities that I can use on my massage table. This January, I did a nine-day intensive with John Barnes, a physical therapist internationally recognized for myofascial release. With an excellent command of anatomy and physiology and the numerous modalities I have trained in, including lymph drainage therapy and craniosacral applications for pediatrics and obstetrics, along with my studies of cognitive behavior therapy, my clients and I collaborate to foster harmony and love in the body.”

For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-821-3088, email Paula.

DoulaLove@gmail.com or visit DoulaLove.org.

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June 2020

23

Local Business

No Longer Business As Usual

by Linda Sechrist

T

he COVID-19 monkey wrench, unexpectedly tossed into our personal lives and business livelihoods, halted routine homelife and commerce as usual, forcing businesses accustomed to providing hands-on services and close human interaction to think creatively. Local small business owners Caroline Thonon, founder of Beautiful Health, in Naples, as well as Deb and David Martin, co-owners of Lotus Blossom Clinic, in Fort Myers, have been determined to survive the incredibly challenging circumstances.

Beautiful Health

Seven days before receiving the sheltering in place order, work on Beautiful Health’s new e-commerce website was completed. “The site, a big investment for Thonon, wasn’t live yet. “We had no immediate plans for launching and Caroline Thonon promoting it so that people surfing the web for organic, natural beauty and health products could find us. Fortunately, I had been in my green clean beauty business long enough to nurture and establish a base of faithful clients. We notified them that the site was ready for online orders,” explains Thonon.

Creating a demand for natural skin care and beauty products when the majority of women were only leaving home for necessities and essential work required imaginative thinking. “We came up with the idea of three different Care Packages with natural and organic products intended for self-care. Some products included were a body scrub, body lotion, locally handmade soap, stress tea, skin care made with calendula and star flowers. The concept wasn’t a moneymaker. We absorbed shipping and packaging costs.

It kept us busy and we survived,” says Thonon.

Using her health coaching experience, Thonon also created videos on subjects such as how to improve digestion that suffers under stress and how to make hand sanitizer using Thieves oil, a blend of essential oils.

“I work with a great team of professionals who were excited to safely reopen with limited hours. To protect our clients during treatments, therapists wear masks and appointments are scheduled every two hours. We also provide clients a free mask and hand sanitizer.

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Lotus Blossom Clinic

The Martins stepped out of their handson, personal clinic experience comfort zone to create Spoonful Experiences, a unique online event offering a connecting and supportive presence intended to build community. “For this we are collaborating with 20 of our clinic’s practitioners and teachers to create an outreach experience that builds a community of people who are aware of the power of natural and holistic medicine. Our initial and primary offerings are three-to-10-minute experiential videos providing education on ancient methods used for prevention, maintaining wellness and reversing chronic ill-health conditions. Spoonful Experiences are designed to give people more choices regarding their own healthcare: empowering the use of natural healing mechanisms already inherent in the body,” explains Martin, who notes that this was not a direction they intended to pursue prior to sheltering-in.

“We recently took over an adjoining space we had been considering adding to our clinic for nine years. Wanting to be more eclectic and add more to our menu of services, we doubled our size and brought in new practitioners and modalities. Looking at future prospects, we think the next six months are going to be most interesting. With so many positives and negatives, the future will be determined by how we collectively respond. I feel the need for unification now and we are doing our part to bring that about with our online events,” advises Martin. She shares that the crisis has led to the clinic promoting a newly developed online store to sell prevention and wellness kits, most of which contain Chinese herbs.

To protect clients, Lotus Blossom Clinic installed a hospital-grade HEPA filter that arrests very fine particles.

“The staff wear masks and Dr. David meets everyone at the door to take their temperature. All of these measures, including social distancing, are taken seriously as we open up for physical classes/events such as Crystal Bowls with Jenny Hong on Thursdays,” advises Martin, who along with Thonon, believes that managing a positive mindset is essential when confronting such challenging circumstances.

Local Resources

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2, Fort Myers.

Call 239-277-1399. Visit AcupunctureInFortMyers.com. See ad, page 15.

Beautiful Health, 4947 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 105, Naples.

Call 239-241-5111. Visit BeautifulHealth.biz. See ad, page 19.

eco tip

(left arm extended downward) to alert bikers that may be traveling behind.

Biking During the COVID-19 Crisis Regular Tips Apply to Pedaling

Ljupco Smokovski/Shutterstock.com

During the coronavirus crisis, biking is especially recommended, as it provides exceptional aerobic and cardio exercise, relaxation and because it maintains social distancing. Keeping in mind proper equipment, fitness, safety and other factors can make it even more fulfilling during this difficult period.

Choose the right bike. Those designed for roads and pavement are generally lighter and have more gears than mountain bikes, which have more shock-absorbing features, plus more lower gears to help traverse inclined terrain. Urban and commuting bikes feature a slightly more upright riding position that allows better sightlines and improved visibility by motorists.

Use a bike shop with mechanics that test and adjust the bikes they sell, including determining the proper seat height—which facilitates proper alignment of hips and a full rotation—and the ideal distance from the handlebars to the seat tube. Back, knee or hip pain may develop if a cyclist has to stretch his or her legs to get to the pedals, according to the League of American Bicyclists. A biker doesn’t get proper leg extension if the seat is too low. The legs should

be almost, but not totally extended at the lowest point in pedaling.

Safety takes many forms. Even well-marked bike lanes don’t guarantee safety, so use caution. Some motorists are careless about entering bike lanes and don’t correctly stop at crosswalks or look behind before opening doors. Keep at least five feet from the sides of cars to avoid being hit. Don’t weave in and out of traffic, always don a helmet, signal turns and watch out for runners and walkers. Use the stop signal

Proper pedaling can help prevent strains. In addition to

ensuring they’re employing proper leg extension, it’s advised that bikers pedal a little faster in a lower gear; ideally, 75 to 90 revolutions per minute, which is easier on the knees with less muscle fatigue than traveling slower in a higher gear.

Routine maintenance includes

“cleaning and lubing the chain, replacing brake pads, and changing and fixing a flat tire,” according to major bike and outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc. (rei.com). The website has helpful tips on tools to obtain, along with basic information on bike maintenance, cleaning and fixing a flat tire.

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Feeding Happiness

Lifting Moods with Feel-Good Foods

W

by Marlaina Donato

hether it’s a pandemic, a breakup or a busy day with the kids, heading to the kitchen for a carb fix or a pint of ice cream is a common knee-jerk response to stress. It’s easy to get caught in a whirlpool of poor eating when our bodies need nutritional support more than ever.

Sustained or chronic stress can reduce levels of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters linked to feelings of both satiety and happiness. “When serotonin levels are normal, it leads to both emotional satisfaction and a sense of fullness after a meal,” says Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe, in New York City and Dubai. “Conversely, when serotonin levels are low, it can lead to depression and a tendency to reach for sweet and starchy foods.”

“Finding healthier substitutes that are less processed can make a huge impact.”

Experts agree that concentrating on weight loss or super-strict diets during times of adversity might do more harm than good. “Focusing on the need to lose weight during crisis will only do two things—make you feel guilty if you’re not eating what you think you’re supposed to and potentially make you eat more out of guilt,” says Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Jennifer Neily, in Dallas.

Opting for healthier versions of favorite comfort foods is a doable compromise that can prevent endorphins from plummeting after the usual temporary spike.

“With the right ingredients and recipes, we can satisfy our cravings for sweet, salt, creamy or crunchy with healthier upgrades of our favorite junk foods,” says Marlowe.

Avoiding Extremes

Friendly Fare

Stress-eating sparks only temporary physical and emotional fulfillment. “When your brain is in need of energy, it can mimic the symptoms of depression and anxiety,” notes Tara Waddle, holistic life coach at The Center of Balance, in Greeley, Colorado.

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Eating to stay healthy during hard times can tickle the taste buds without a lot of invested time. Marlowe’s go-to favorites like homemade banana ice cream or chocolate truffles not only take minutes to prepare, but fortify the brain. For must-have salty fa-

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vorites, she suggests opting for snack foods seasoned with unrefined or pink Himalayan salt, fresh guacamole, salsa, olives or pickles. Filling a seaweed sushi wrap with avocado can be a satisfying and easy snack.

For easy-exotic, Marlowe says, “I always keep coconut milk and unsweetened curry paste on hand to whip up a red Thai curry, my favorite 15-minute dinner.

Simply add fresh or frozen vegetables and protein of choice and you have a satisfying, flavorful meal that is faster than delivery.”

Waddle’s healthy comfort foods include nuts of different flavors, dried fruits and baked Brussels sprouts with nitritefree bacon, black pepper and a sprinkle of nutmeg. “The food you consider comfort food is comforting because it’s familiar,” she says. “When you start eating healthier food more often, it will become comfort food. Just keep trying new things.”

Keep it Simple

The kitchen can be our greatest ally during any life-storm, but having a stress-free strategy is key, especially paying attention to emotional states. “Ask yourself, ‘Is it head hunger or belly hunger? Above the neck or below the neck?’ If it’s the latter and that’s truly what is desired, don’t deny yourself, but choose with conscious understanding. Savor the flavor,” says Neily.

Marlowe recommends easy meal planning and maintaining an eating schedule. “This helps remove some of the stress and decision fatigue that comes with figuring out what to eat in the moment, especially with random ingredients in the fridge.” Food shopping can be an instant junk food trap. Waddle’s approach is a sure way to outsmart impulse buying based on habit. She says,“Start with the produce department first. This fills your cart with fresh foods and your cart will be full by the time you get to the snack aisle.”

Self-compassion can be one of the most important, yet overlooked considerations. “Regardless of what you choose to eat, be gentle with yourself,” notes Waddle.

“The guilt of eating poorly is more damaging than the food.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

conscious eating

Sweet Recipes for Healthy Snacking Banana Ice Cream 2 overripe bananas ¼ tsp vanilla extract

photo courtesy of Maria Marlowe

Add-Ins: choose as many as desired 2-3 tsp cacao powder 1 Tbsp almond butter 2-3 tsp carob powder 3-4 pitted dates ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 cup frozen strawberries 6 mint leaves 1 Tbsp coconut flakes (or coconut butter or shredded coconut) 1 Tbsp ginger 1 Tbsp almond butter or almonds ½-inch peeled ginger piece

Five-Minute Chocolate Truffles Truffle

3 Tbsp cacao powder 1½ cups dates, pitted 3 Tbsp shredded coconut, unsweetened

photo courtesy of Maria Marlowe

Toppings (choose a few) Cacao nibs Cacao powder Sesame seeds Shredded coconut Pistachios, crushed Walnuts, crushed Acai powder Goji powder Maqui powder Pomegranate powder

Peel bananas, break in half and put in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Place all ingredients (banana base plus the add-in ingredients of choice) into a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, and blend on high until soft-serve ice cream consistency is reached, which should be in about 30 to 60 seconds.

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Taste to determine whether any more add-ins are needed and re-blend if desired.

Spoon out and serve.

Source: Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Maria Marlowe

Add cacao powder, dates and coconut to a blender. (A bullet blender works well.)

Blend until a paste is formed, which should only take a few seconds. Roll about a tablespoon or so of paste into a ball. Repeat.

Choose a topping, sprinkle it onto parchment paper and roll date ball in it to coat.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

June 2020

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Deborah Lee Rossiter/Shutterstock.com

Fast, Healthy Pasta Gluten-free bean and legume-based pastas provide more fiber and protein compared to traditional pasta, points out Marlowe. She suggests placing a steamer basket full of chopped veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and squash over boiling pasta water for a quick pasta primavera.

Add some garlic sautéed in olive oil and a little salt and pepper.

Feel-Good Foods Serotonin boosters for better mood and digestive harmony:

kiwis, bananas, pineapples, plums, all types of berries, tomatoes, raw cacao nibs, 90 percent dark chocolate, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, butternuts (related to walnuts), almonds, eggs, beans, oats, protein-rich foods, sea vegetables, avocados, Swiss chard, beets, green tea and spices like turmeric.

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artichokes, ripe bananas, tahini, wheat germ, almond butter, leafy greens, lentils, chickpeas, black beans, papaya, red beets, apples, watermelon, blueberries and prunes.

sonchacha/Shutterstock.com

Michele Durham

Dopamine boosters for better mood and memory, and warding off neurodegenerative diseases:

business spotlight

Solving their problems and

Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine A Smorgasbord of Wellness Solutions

by Linda Sechrist

T

IV therapy is a medical treatment that infuses fluids, vitamins, nutrients or other healthy substances directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip. While a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals best nourishes the body when it has digestive function difficulties, injecting nutrients directly into the bloodstream may be the best option. IV nutritional therapy is used to improve eye and heart health, support the immune system, slow aging, detoxify and more. The most common types of intravenous vitamin therapy are the Myers’ Cocktail and high-dose vitamin C.

Myers’ Cocktail

This IV therapy, generally consisting of vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, calcium and zinc, is used to treat depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, fibromyalgia and asthma, as well as other health conditions.

High-Dose Vitamin C Therapy

Intravenous vitamin C therapy administered by a medical professional increases circulating vitamin C levels by 70 to 100

together so that function is restored naturally when the body heals itself is what DeStefano considers most

times the amount that oral o Advanced Regisvitamin C can. In times of tered Nurse Praccompromised health, low titioner Doreen doses of intravenous vitamin DeStefano, owner of Root C can help to keep the imCauses Holistic Health & mune system robust.

Medicine, in Fort Myers, The amount of time for an individual’s health rea session varies depending on sembles a complex puzzle the condition treated and the with lots of pieces. Solving amount of vitamin C delivtheir problems and getting ered. These infusions have the pieces to fit together so Doreen DeStefano been used to treat common that function is restored colds, heart disease, chronic pain, joint naturally when the body heals itself is what DeStefano considers most rewarding about pain, acute viral infections and fatigue.

Some providers also use high-dose vitamin her work. The health services offered by C therapy to aid the body’s natural recovDeStefano are comprehensive. ery process.

Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy

getting the pieces to fit

Intravenous Glutathione

Glutathione, the body’s master detoxifier and antioxidant used by every cell, is most active in the liver, where the majority of detoxifying occurs. Glutathione, which supports all cells, is exceedingly beneficial to the immune system. Oral glutathione doesn’t work because the digestive system breaks it down before it enters the bloodstream.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Chamber

This all-natural therapy is effective for ageless bodies and beautiful skin. HBOT utilizes pure oxygen to increase the amount in the blood. Superficial capillary beds get “supersaturated” with oxygen that enters through the skin and breathing. The higher O2 level increases the circulation of blood and lymph, nourishing cells and cleansing.

The chamber uses no tanks. Relaxing onehour treatments leave individuals feeling rested and energized.

HBOT applications include skin and body rejuvenation, anti-aging, weight loss, skin toning, cellulite and wrinkle reduc-

rewarding about her work. tion, stem cell proliferation and others.

Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea respond well to HBOT, which increases collagen production and chances of hair follicle growth after re-implantation.

HBOT can help with digestive disorders from nutrient absorption to irritable bowel syndrome.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

BHRT, combined with lifestyle modifications, changes in diet and increased levels of exercise effectively fights the aging process. Combined with a holistic approach, BHRT helps improve a host of symptoms and prevents osteoporosis, mental decline, heart disease, loss of energy and vitality and even breast cancer is some cases.

BHRT use is aimed at restoration of natural hormone levels in men and women.

Health Optimization Counseling

Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine also offers health optimization counseling.

This includes food allergy testing, telomere testing, vitamin and antioxidant status testing, in addition to other types of serum and saliva testing.

Integrated Skincare, also owned by DeStefano, offers non-surgical facial rejuvenation, including platelet-rich plasma and stem cell rejuvenation, micro-needling, cryotherapy, medical-grade chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion and LED light therapy.

Location: 12734 Kenwood Ln., Ste. 4. For more information, call 239-425-2900, email Frank.RootCauses@gmail.com or visit RtCausesMD.com.

June 2020

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Transformative Staycations

Finding Respite and Adventure Close to Home

S

taycations—sticking close to home for new travel experiences—was a growing trend even before the COVID-19 pandemic turned it into a practical necessity for many of us. Staycations reduce costs, minimize travel time and also lower our carbon footprint by eliminating international travel. Happily, they don’t reduce the pure pleasure of finding new adventures, exploring untrammeled nature, seeing the familiar with fresh eyes and meeting people from all walks of life. All of that is close at hand, and especially when compared to foreign jaunts, the price is right.

A good place to start is by checking out state and regional parks, often overlooked gems offering scenic miles of trails for hiking, biking, birding, fishing, picnicking and other activities. “Whether mountains, prairies, rivers, forests in the country or heart of the city, there is always a state park waiting to welcome you, no matter what kind of recreation you enjoy,” says Jason Clay, spokesperson with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

In Colorado parks, people can, for example, river raft in the Arkansas Headwaters Recre-

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ation Area; boat, fish and hammock camp in Jackson Lake State Park; and rock climb in Eldorado Canyon.

Parks can be discovered and trail maps downloaded by visiting TrailLink.com, run by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. It provides searches for nearby trails using parameters such as distance, types of activity and wheelchair accessibility. Its smartphone TrailLink app is free to download and $30 per year for unlimited customized use.

State, local and regional parks across the country offer rich educational opportunities for kids and adults alike, including naturalist-guided activities, bird and botany walks, lessons in local history, ecology and geography, and more. Several states offer free admission to all state-run parks, including Hawaii, Tennessee and Illinois. State-by-state listings of fees and policies can be found at Tinyurl.com/StateParkPasses.

Making a Quick Getaway

Weekend forays into natural and rustic settings can be ideal escape valves for people needing a simple, quick change of venue.

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Camping, of course, is always an option, but for those that want to be in nature in a more comfy fashion, using “cabin” as a search word works well in websites like Airbnb.com and TripAdvisor.com. The option of glamping—or glamorous camping—offers surprisingly luxurious stays outdoors in tents, pods and domes; check out Glamping.com.

Getaway.House offers woodsy outposts in 10 locations equipped with “tiny house” cabins around the country designed for quick escapes from cities. “If you were at your desk in need of an escape, you could cut out early and be there by 6 p.m.,” says Vice President of Marketing Rachel Mansfield. The private experience, with no check-in desk or communal areas, enables it to continue operating safely during the pandemic. The cabins, designed to blend in with their natural surroundings, are equipped with food for purchase, stove, books, radio, firewood, fire pit and Adirondack chairs, as well as a map for local hikes and adventures.

“I did a getaway at a point in my life where I wanted some time alone, away

PH888/Shutterstock.com

by April Thompson

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

from commitments, to figure out what my next chapter in life was going to be,” says Paige Conner Totaro, of Alexandria, Virginia, the founder of Unquote Travel, a web-based tour agency focusing on small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures.

“You can change your environment without going very far, and that in turn can change the way you think about things. Little things like sleeping on the other side of the bed can help you shake up your brain.”

Local Attraction

Local-led excursions are another way to see our home turf through a new lens. Airbnb Experiences, offered virtually everywhere that Airbnb lists lodging, are one-of-a-kind tours and classes designed and hosted by locals with unique expertise. Experiences run the gamut from neighborhood tours on foot or bikes with athletes to museum tours led by local artists or art historians. Many include a hands-on learning component, like how to make mosaics in a community art space or cook a local delicacy from a family recipe. Similar tours and experiences can be found on TripAdvisor’s Things To Do listings. WithLocals.com, whose mission is “to break down the barriers between travelers and locals worldwide,” also offers foodie fun and off-beat adventures.

Kelly Kniewel stumbled onto tour guiding after experiencing burnout in her previous career in the beverage industry.

An Airbnb Experiences host, Kniewel now leads small group tours of Chicago, introducing locals and visitors alike to many of its little-known facets. “I’ve fallen in love with my city all over again

doing these tours,” says Kniewel, a selfproclaimed history geek.

She loves to take guests inside Art Deco and Beaux Arts buildings they may have passed before without realizing the gorgeous art and architecture that exists inside, such as the library-turned-cultural center, Chicago Cultural Center, boasting two impressive glass domes, one designed by Tiffany Glass.

Another favorite excursion is taking guests on a water taxi tour. “It’s a cheap and unique way to see Chicago. The water, both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, is so much a part of who we are as a city.”

During the limitations imposed during the COVID-19 period, Airbnb and other websites began offering experiences online, allowing people from all over the world to connect and make pastries with a Swedish baker, draw with a Mexican cartoonist, learn about apartheid from a South African or experience a day in the life of an American Olympic bobsledder.

Traveling the World Without Leaving Home

Hosting travelers can bring new meaning to a staycation, offering a rich opportunity for cross-cultural exchange without any exchange of currency. The popular CouchSurfing.com connects travelers with locals offering free use of a couch, air mattress or spare bedroom. Available in more than 200,000 cities worldwide, it has 14 million members and sponsors local language exchanges, dance classes, hikes and dinners, so there are opportunities to make new friends and have new experiences even without offering a place to sleep. (During COVID-19 restrictions, these activities were moved online.)

Similar organizations that offer opportunities for local hosting (including low- or no-cost lodging) include Servas.org, established in 1949, which stresses world peace and cultural exchange, and preinterviews potential guests and hosts to ensure safety; GlobalFreeloaders.com, a free registry for hosts and guests that do their own online screening and matching; and EvergreenClub.com, in which hosts provide a bed-and-breakfast homestay for travelers over age 50 for $20 a night.

An exciting option for homeowners is HomeExchange.com, a $150-a-year service that allows people in far-flung places to switch homes, either directly or through a staggered point system so they can truly live like locals.

John Fackenthal, of Rockville, Maryland, has hosted more than 100 couchsurfers from 29 countries, and loved every experience. “I had a big apartment in the heart of Washington, D.C., when I first started hosting, but lived alone and felt a little isolated. I wanted to bring back the youth hostel feel from travels in my younger days, where you’d hang out with fellow travelers and go hiking, share a meal or play cards,” he says.

A web developer, he recalls such memorable guests as a carpenter in his 60s from the Pacific Northwest that helped him with fixer-upper projects, a pair of pro volleyball players from the Czech Republic and two young women from China that prepared him a massive traditional Chinese feast “with all four burners going,” he says.

“It’s restored my faith in humanity. I’ve encountered nothing but wonderful June 2020

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Agrotourism, in which working farms open the barn doors to visitors for day or overnight trips, has the added advantage of supporting local agriculture. AgritourismWorld. com and FarmStayUS.com provide listings for farm stays worldwide searchable by type, such as Christmas tree farm, vineyard, orchard, dude ranch or alpaca farm.

The 40-acre Taos Goji Farm and Eco-Lodge Retreat, in Taos, New Mexico, is one such venue. “My husband and I returned to the land nine years ago after many years working as professionals in stuffy offices. The farm has been developed for our family and others who wish to be close to nature and to live off of the land,” says co-owner Elizabeth vom Dorp.

The farm is open for paid guests, as well as to the volunteers known as “Wwoofers” that come through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms to help raise goji berries, fruits, vegetables

Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

Be a Weekend Farmer

and free-range chickens. All cabins date from the early 1900s, including an old dairy barn converted into a duplex and five sheep herder cabins. The farm is surrounded by a national forest, so many guests visit to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, rafting and ballooning. “Families with children love to come and pick berries, collect eggs and pet the animals. We have rescue alpacas, sheep, goats, chickens and turkeys,” says vom Dorp.

While the world may still be at the mercy of unfortunate circumstances this summer, travel is ultimately a state of mind. By staying open, curious and present, there are always new encounters and discoveries underfoot very close to home.

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

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Everyday Adventures Taking to Vans and RVs for Life on the Road

M

by Sandra Yeyati

any Americans choose to travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) or well-equipped vans with all the comforts of home—no hotels, just the open road and a tank full of gas. Cindy Jane is a Florida naturalist, vegan advocate, accomplished artist and wife to land surveyor Kevin Georgeson. Now 50 years old, she’s had a dream since she was 18 to travel the country in a van, visiting state and national parks, hiking trails and spending quality time in nature. She envisions setting up an easel and painting in inspiring settings. “It’s about getting out of that social norm of always knowing what the next day is going to be like, doing the same thing every day. I like a little bit of the unknown, the unexpected. I want to see things. I want adventure. I want the freedom that comes with going,” she says.

The couple purchased a 2018 Ford Transit van with low mileage and a little warranty left on it. Together, they are customizing it to create a comfortable home away from home to satisfy Jane’s wanderlust. Crafty and resourceful, they voraciously watch YouTube videos to learn the ins and outs of solar panels, electrical hookups, kitchen countertops, insulation and 1,000 other details that go into a suc-

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cessful buildout. They’re taking their time to do it right after investing thousands of dollars already. To document their progress and hopefully inspire others, they record videos on Jane’s smartphone and post them to her website (ArtfulVeganNomad.com).

Val and Nick Wheatley are veteran nomads, having travelled the world for almost four years in all kinds of rides, including the 1994 Ford Bronco they drove across the U.S. for six months. Camping outdoors was challenging, and they vowed never again to travel in a vehicle without a bed. They purchased a Ford Econovan to explore New Zealand and sold it three months later when they left. In Germany, where beautiful campgrounds and free public lots with inexpensive electric and water hookups are plentiful, a rented RV was the way to go. With experience, the couple has come to prefer converted vans or smaller RVs, thanks to their fuel savings and easier maneuverability in cities and on narrow country roads.

According to the Wheatleys, traveling and living in close quarters has its drawbacks. Cleaning out portable toilets and taking showers at truck stops can be challenging, but for the avid explorers,

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

these inconveniences were always eclipsed by jaw-dropping scenery and cultural immersion in new countries. “Because we had wheels and time, we got to see some cool stuff off the beaten track that most people that were visiting for a weekend or week never see,” says Val. Offering tips, tricks, candid descriptions and inspiring photography of their many world-trotting experiences, the couple’s travel blog (WanderingWheatleys. com) tallied more than 600,000 visitors last year. Through online advertising and affiliate programs, they earned enough money for living and travel expenses. “The world actually isn’t a scary place at all. People all over the world in every culture are friendly and welcoming,” Nick says.

For those looking to connect with fellow travelers, there are numerous recreational clubs that offer base camps, programming and social opportunities. One such club is Sisters on the Fly (SistersOnTheFly.com), an all-women outdoor adventure club founded in 1999 by Maurrie Sussman and her sister Rebecca Clarke with a penchant for small, vintage trailers that are restored and embellished by their owners.

With 9,000 active members and an organizer in each state, these resourceful and festive ladies hold more than 1,000 events nationwide every year, including fly fishing, guided tours, kayaking, mountain climbing, biking and more. “It’s about being outdoors and meeting amazing women. We love going into the national parks, taking back roads and visiting all the small towns,” Sussman says.

Living in an RV or van full-time has become an attractive option for many people, including college kids looking for inexpensive housing or retirees on limited incomes. “I think more and more we’re seeing people who value their time more than a bunch of possessions,” says Jane. “Maybe that means working less and living more frugally, so you see a rise in minimalism and van life.”

For a wealth of information on vans and RVs as full-time options, as well as in-depth interviews with van lifers, visit Bob Wells’ YouTube channel CheapRVLiving.

Sandra Yeyati is a freelance writer. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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fit body

Homebody Workouts Getting Fit Without a Gym

W

by Marlaina Donato

hen getting to the gym is not possible, there are plenty of options to explore for at-home workouts. From finding fun ways to stay fit to getting loved ones involved, figuring out what works and committing to a few simple goals is a good start.

Although it may be hard to pull ourselves up from the couch during periods of adversity, sticking to an exercise program can help boost immunity and emotional resilience. “Not feeling like exercising is common during stressful times, but try to remember how good you feel afterward and the sense of accomplishment. Remember the why,” says life coach Suzanne King, in Marlton, New Jersey.

Begin With the Basics

Trainers agree it’s important to see working out and taking care of our health as an investment, and having a plan goes a long way. “You would never just brush off a business appointment if it was in your calendar and you knew you had to attend,” says personal trainer Chris Wong, in Oakville, Ontario. “The simple act of put36

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ting it in your schedule makes it real. Now you have a responsibility. Now you have structure.”

Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS fitness and health show Step it up with Steph, concurs: “Once I started viewing workouts as my own personal confidenceboosting time, a lightbulb went off in my head and I became addicted to this time with myself.” The Chicago-based personal trainer recommends lightening up. “Find something fun. Do something goofy like dancing around. Schedule this in and instead of ‘workout’, call it ‘pump-up time for me’.”

Getting outside and hitting the trails or walking every evening after dinner is a great way to get oxygen-infused aerobic time. “Use outdoor space to your advantage,” says Wong. “I’ve taught boot camps at parks, and one game I like doing is Touch 20 Things. Run around and touch 20 things at least 15 to 20 feet apart, but don’t touch the same thing twice. He also suggests doing sprints or bear crawls for distance exercise and step-ups on park benches or large rocks. “If a park is not

available, similar things can be done in your backyard. Just have fun with it.”

Tetiana Rostopira/Shutterstock.com

Exercising Outside the Box

Working out with a different rule set offers an invitation to add a new twist to a usual favorite. “I personally practice martial arts every day, but that can be done in a variety of ways,” says Wong, pointing to gentle qigong, shadow boxing, breathing exercises, footwork drills and heavy bag training.

He recommends exercising every day, but limiting more intense workouts to three or four times a week. Cardio exercises such as walking and bicycling are a good daily choice, while high-intensity interval training workouts can be accomplished with minimal or no equipment. There are a variety of methods with timing elements that can be used to get a good workout.

For example, with the As Many Rounds As Possible regimen, three exercises are done back-to-back for as many rounds as possible in a 10-to12-minute period.

Exploring free online classes on YouTube and other platforms opens up even

more options, including yoga, Pilates and dance classes. Many trainers offer virtual workouts over Zoom or Skype live in real time. There are also mobile apps with workouts available for download.

The Support Factor

Partners or family members can help each other to stay on a workout schedule.

“You can set up a chart for you and your family members to put a star or checkmark once you’ve finished a workout.

Turn it into a competition, and whoever has the most stars at the end of a few weeks gets to pick the workout for the whole family to do,” suggests Mansour.

Partners can also make a pact to take care of the kids when it is the other’s turn to grab some fitness time.

Being motivated is easier with some self-love, King reminds us: “You can begin something new by fully appreciating yourself with daily gratitude.”

A Home Workout

Stephanie Mansour suggests this quick workout: 4 Run and march in place, punching your fists in the air.

4 Hop over a tile line on the floor and back. Both of these count as cardio.

4 After 60 seconds, add in some strength training, like 10 squats or half push-ups on your hands and knees.

4 After that, do 10 repetitions of an ab exercise such as crunches or toe taps.

4 Then repeat the circuit for as much time as you have. This adds aerobic and strength aspects to the workout.

Marlaina Donato is an author and composer.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

June 2020

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POWER UP YOUR BRAIN Six Ways to Boost Blood Flow

by Ronica O’Hara

meat for soy and fish protein, eating antioxidant-rich produce such as pomegranate, blueberries, spinach and kale, and consuming lots of nitrate-rich food like celery and leafy greens which are converted to NO in the body. He especially recommends beets—one study reported that in juice form, it increases nitric oxide levels by 21 percent in 45 minutes—as well as dark chocolate. In a Harvard study, older people that drank two cups of hot chocolate a day for 30 days had improved blood flow to the brain and better memory.

2

Take amino acid supplements. “Consuming supple-

ments containing both L-arginine and L-citrulline are welldocumented to boost the production of endothelium-derived NO,” says Ignarro. “Adding antioxidants to the amino acid mix provides added benefit by increasing NO levels.” He recommends pomegranate extract, cocoa flavonols and omega-3 supplements.

3

Move the body. Fast walking, running, cycling, swimming,

ball playing, weight lifting and yoga all help improve cranial blood flow, says Ignarro: “Physical activity stimulates the production of NO in all arteries, including those in the brain.” In one study, women over 60 that walked for 30 to 50 minutes three or four times a week increased ongoing cranial blood flow up to 15 percent. Yoga exercises like downward dog and shoulder stands also raise blood flow in the head.

O

ur brain has many well-known structures like the amygdala that detects danger and the prefrontal cortex that enables planning, but we often take for granted the 400 miles of blood vessels that push through a liter of blood per minute, carrying in oxygen and nutrients, and porting out wastes. “Our brains are highly metabolic organs, so they require lots of nutrients and oxygen to function properly, and those can only get to our brain when we have good blood flow,” says naturopathic physician Emilie Wilson, of the Synergy Wellness Center, in Prescott, Arizona.

When that blood flow is optimal, we feel energized and clear-headed; when it’s low, we feel foggy and listless. Low levels of cranial blood flow have been linked in brain imaging studies to strokes and dementia, as well as bipolar disorder, depression and suicidal tendencies. The first imperative for healthy cranial blood flow is to make sure our blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol numbers are in a healthy range. Health practitioners can help us address that, as well as the conditions linked to reduced blood flow—heart disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes, anemia, depression and smoking. To boost brain blood flow, specific lifestyle strategies have proven to be highly effective:

1

Eat strategically, especially beets and chocolate.

Nitric oxide (NO) is made in the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that line blood vessels; it relaxes the inner muscles of those vessels, maximizing blood flow. “The continuous formation of NO in the brain is essential to life,” says prominent pharmacologist Louis Ignarro, Ph.D., who received the Nobel Prize in Science in 1998 for discovering that humans produce NO and that it lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. He advocates passing up

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swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

4

Play music. Research using functional magnetic resonance imaging published in Scientific Reports found that blood flow in the brain increases when people listen to music they love, whether it’s Mozart or Eminem. In a recent study, Weightless, a song written by the British group Macaroni Union along with sound therapists, reduced participants’ anxiety levels by 65 percent and physiological resting rates by 35 percent.

5

Do a chanting meditation. Kirtan Kriya, a 12-minute

daily meditation that includes chanting, finger movements and visualization, “has been researched for over 18 years and has documented benefits in increasing blood flow to the brain,” says Krystal Culler, senior Atlantic fellow with the Global Brain Health Institute, in San Francisco and Ireland. YouTube offers several versions, as does the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (Tinyurl.com/12MinuteYogaMeditation).

6

Consider acupuncture and craniosacral therapy.

“Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to boost blood flow, and it can also relax tense muscles in the neck and head, which can impair blood flow more than we realize,” says Wilson. She also recommends the gentle, hands-on-head approach of craniosacral therapy: “It can directly improve blood flow by removing restrictions, and it can also rebalance sympathetic and parasympathetic functions, which has beneficial effects on our nervous system and on blood flow.”

Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Orla/Shutterstock.com

healing ways

Local Practitioners Offer Ideas for Improving Brain Health

I

by Linda Sechrist

mproving brain health doesn’t need to be complicated. Two local health practitioners, Michele Durham, owner of Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis, in Naples, and Deb Martin, coowner of Lotus Blossom Clinic, in Fort Myers, suggest that it can be as simple as downloading an app to a smartphone and shopping in the right aisles of the grocery store.

BrainTap

In client sessions, Durham uses BrainTap’s neuroalgorithms that produce brainwave entrainment—the synchronization of brainwaves to a specialized sound—with no user effort. “Different than meditation, which can put the brain in an alpha state, the technology of BrainTap provides clients with a complete spectrum of brainwave activity with calming and rejuvenating effects in 10 to 20 minutes.

This serves to balance the nervous system and inoculate individuals against everyday life stressors,” says Durham.

Each BrainTap session is encoded differently to ensure maximum neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, resulting in a flexible and resilient brain. The science behind this brainwave entrainment technology relies on four key elements—binaural beats (two different tones, separated in frequency by only a few Hertz, one in each ear), guided visualization, 10-cycle holographic music (sonic technology that produces a 360-degree sound environment), isochronic tones (equal intensity pulses of sound separated by an interval of silence), and gentle light pulses in the headset that travel through the retina and ear meridians, sending direct signals to the brain.

Many programs offering calm and soothing music or guided meditations do not restore the natural balance of the brain.

BrainTap, available as an app on smartphones, is backed by neuroscience and research, and involves optimizing the potential of the brain.

“BrainTap changed Durham’s life. “I don’t worry, overthink things and stress as much,” says Durham, who sometimes uses a BrainTap headset like the one she offers her clients in office sessions. At home I listen to BrainTap via the app. I particularly like the theta sessions, which quickly get me into a meditative state with results that are the equivalent of taking a delicious afternoon nap. BrainTap programs have also helped to diminish my nega-

tive behavior patterns and replace them with more positive ones.

My clients report that BrainTap programs help them maintain focus, concentrate better, enhance memory and recall, write more creatively and build a more resilient mind and body,” advises the veteran business owner.

Focus on Tasty Gateway Brain Foods

“While there are unhealthy gateway foods that can send us down the slippery slope of ‘bet you can’t eat just one’ on a binging sled, there are healthy and delicious gateway foods such as raw cacao, recognized as a superfood for the brain. Whether in the form of powder or nibs, this delicious form of raw chocolate produces feelgood chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and tryptophan, as well as endorphins such as anandamide (aka the bliss chemical) that are generally produced by exercise. Other associated results from eating raw cacao are the production of the “love chemical” phenethylamine, dopamine and tryptophan. Raw cacao is rich in a phytonutrient known as a flavonol. Flavonols have been shown in numerous studies to improve blood flow to the brain, which results in more oxygen and significant improvements in mental focus and attention span,” explains Martin.

Another tasty brain food is the wild blueberry. Research has demonstrated that wild blueberries that contain polyphenols, have significant positive effects on memory, response times, concentration and mood. They improve cardiovascular function and reduce inflammation. Nature’s tasty little tidbits can be consumed in many different ways, including in smoothies, mini muffins, chia pudding and energy bars.

The foods we eat have a significant impact on the structure and health of the brain. Eating a brain-boosting diet supports the function of this energy-intensive organ, which uses approximately 20 percent of the body’s calories. “My husband David, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental medicine, and I offer information on Food as Medicine in our virtual Spoonful Experiences Telesummit, archived on our Lotus Blossom Clinic Facebook page,” advises Martin.

Local Resources

Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis, 9853 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 215, Naples. Call 239-776-2211. Visit AccessHolisticHealing.com. See ad, page 28.

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2, Fort Myers. Call 239-277-1399. Visit AcupunctureInFortMyers.com. See ad, page 15.

June 2020

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David Hamilton on Kindness in the Pandemic Age

by Sandra Yeyati

D

avid Hamilton has authored 10 books, including The Little Book of Kindness, How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body and The Five Side Effects of Kindness. He holds a doctorate in organic chemistry and spent four years in the pharmaceutical industry developing drugs for treating cardiovascular disease and cancer.

During clinical research trials, he noticed that a significant number of people experienced health improvements while on fake, or placebo, drugs. This inspired a career change more than 20 years ago, when he became a writer and public speaker teaching people how to understand and harness the mindbody connection to improve health.

We are genetically wired for kindness. The genes that produce the kindness hormone are some of the oldest in the human genome, like 500 million years old. So, our natural state is to care, to be kind and compassionate. But in life, we get caught up in everyday stresses and worries—financially, work-wise and in relationships—that often obscure that natural tendency to care. When a lot of that stuff is taken away, people’s natural sense of kindness and compassion come to the surface.

Have you noticed an increase in kindness during the current pandemic emergency?

Absolutely. We’ve been called to unify, to recognize that we are part of the same human family. There’s a global outpouring of compassion. We’re transforming, becoming more aware of our own kindness and the needs of other people.

On another level, I saw a meme that said, “It feels like the universe has sent us home to our rooms to think about what we’ve done.” There’s research that correlates an increase in viruses and parasites over the last couple of years to a loss in biodiversity due to human action, like knocking down rain forests and humaninduced climate change. Species extinctions are 1,000 to 10,000 times greater today than they’ve ever been in recorded history, except for 65 million years ago

I think so. In the past, you said things like, “Hello, how are you?” as a greeting. But now, when people say it, they really mean it. There’s a sense of genuine compassion that I think is coming out in everyone on a scale that I’ve never seen before. We’re feeling empathy for people that are suffering, but also feeling empathy for each other, because we realize that everyone is in a similar place.

bam0309@gmail.com 501 Goodlette Road, Suite B-104 Naples, FL 34102 40

Collier/Lee Counties

How do you explain this upsurge in kindness during social distancing and isolation?

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

Do you see an opportunity for a shift in collective consciousness?

when an asteroid crashed into the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Parasites, viruses and bacteria have nowhere else to go, so they’re jumping species, from bats to humans, for example. We’re being called spiritually not only to be more compassionate and kind to each other, but also to recognize the damage we’re doing to the planet and to be more respectful of nature, the environment and animals.

What are the positive physical effects of kindness?

Physiologically speaking, kindness is the opposite of stress.

Where feeling stressed can increase blood pressure, tense the nervous system and suppress the immune system, feelings induced by kindness reduce blood pressure, calm the nervous system and elevate the immune system.

Are certain acts of kindness better than others?

It doesn’t matter what you do. What matters most is that you do it because you mean it; you genuinely have a sense of empathy and want to help someone. All of the physiological benefits of kindness come because the feelings induced by kindness generate what I call kindness hormones, the most important one being oxytocin, which is a female reproductive hormone that also plays a big role in cardiovascular health.

Can a small act of kindness really make a difference in the world?

Absolutely. It’s been charted scientifically that if you do something kind for somebody, that person will be kind or kinder to five other people over the next day or two because of how you made them feel. Those five people will be kind or kinder to five further people, which turns into 25 people, and each of those 25 will be kind to five people, which takes it to 125 people’s lives that can be changed and affected in small and large ways three social steps away from you simply because of one tiny little thing you did.

Sandra Yeyati is a freelance writer in Naples, Florida. Connect at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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For more info about advertising and how to participate in Natural Awakenings of Collier/Lee counties,

call 239-272-8155

June 2020

41

therapy spotlight

lenium daily. DeStefano offers intravenous nutrient therapies, which include high-dose vitamin C therapy.

Vitamin C and Ozone Therapy

Ozone Therapy

for Prevention and Wellness

by Linda Sechrist

A

lthough not conventional medicine’s standard of care, ozone therapy and vitamin C infusion are nonetheless effective measures to consider for prevention and wellness.

Both are administered by medical professionals.

Vitamin C

According to the published results of 2018 Vitamin C in the Critically Ill – indications and controversies study in PubMed, vitamin C is recognized for its immune-enhancing effects, potent antioxidant properties, and the ability to promote T-cell and natural killer cell proliferation. Among its many other roles, it functions as a specific coDoreen DeStefano factor for biochemical reactions. One of the conclusions reached by researchers that conducted the study is that while some questions remain answered, there is little data to suggest that short-term, high-dose vitamin C would elicit major harm.

Doreen DeStefano, an advanced registered nurse practitioner and owner of Root Causes & Holistic Medicine, in Fort Myers, frequently refers to the International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM) and the physicians of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service (OMNS), for current medical research.

Advises DeStefano, “An OMNS March release noted, ‘It is very important to maximize the body’s anti-oxidative capacity and natural immunity to prevent and minimize symptoms when a virus attacks the human body. The host environment is crucial. Preventing is obviously easier than treating severe illness... Intravenous vitamin C can be used right along with medicines when they are indicated… The basis for using high doses of vitamin C to prevent and combat virus-caused illness may be traced back to vitamin C’s early success against polio, first reported in the late 1940s.’”

ISOM additionally recommends that along with early high dose intravenous vitamin C, taking vitamin D3, magnesium, zinc and se-

Dr. Carol Roberts, medical director for the Naples Center of Functional Medicine, advises there are several methods for administering ozone therapy. The first, “Major autohemotherapy (MAH), is similar to an IV vitamin drip. The difference is that an individual’s blood is first withdrawn from a Dr. Carol Roberts vein into an IV bag. Medical ozone is then infused into the bag. After blood and ozone are mixed together, the mixture is then dripped back into an individual’s vein,” says Roberts, who advises that ozone therapy can also be transdermal, and that some dentists use it to sterilize cavitations.

Sue Mahany, owner of SPARK Health Technologies, LLC, in North Naples, facilitates transdermal sessions using hyperthermic ozone and carbonic acid transdermal technology (HOCATT). During a 30-minute HOCATT session in a personal ozone steam sauna, an individual sits with only their head exposed to the air while their body receives the benefits of ozone through their skin, along with carbonic acid, steam, photon light and oxygen. During a session, the individual is inhaling pure oxygen delivered via two small tubes inserted into the nasal passages. The system helps to boost the immune system, reduce stress, rebalance hormones and boost energy.

“Ozone and vitamin C are powerful tools for stopping a virus dead in tracks at any stage. The tragedy is nobody is listening in the U.S., while thousands of doctors are using it in Europe,” advises Roberts. Never inhale ozone. If it enters the mouth, nose or eyes, it can burn and cause coughing, nausea, vomiting or headaches.

Local Resources

Naples Center for Functional Medicine, 800 Goodlette Rd., Naples.

Call 239-649-7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com. See ad, page 59.

Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, 12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 84. Call 239-425-2900, email Frank.RootCauses@gmail.com or visit RtCausesMD.com.

SPARK Health Technologies, 11983 N. Tamiami Tr., Ste. 150, Naples. Call 802-752-6342 or visit HocattUSA.com. See ad, page 17.

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Listed below are just a few of the crystals recommended; many of which are available at SilverEagleGallery.com. New ones are added daily.

Crystals and Gemstones for Calming Anxious Minds

by Deborah Nelson

D

ay after day of living life under the constant, chronic cycle of stress and uncertainty brought about by the current pandemic makes it difficult to feel centered and safe. Although stress is an inevitable part of life, when it becomes excessive, it can lead to debilitating anxiety, fear, worry or even panic attacks.

Anxiety is one of many conditions that respond well to therapeutic gems. Turning to the natural, gently supportive remedy of healing crystals and gemstones can be a way to alleviate unsettling feelings, release stress and feel calmer. Unlike medication, which is all about treating the symptoms, using calming crystals for anxiety and stress relief helps to calm and heal mind, body and spirit.

Crystals can be tucked into a pocket or purse, worn near the skin and placed around the home as a gentle reminder to care for ourselves on a deeper level. Spend some time arranging gemstones in patterns or grids. For the most effective stress relief, try holding or being near healing crystals while meditating or resting.

The energy of crystals works best by setting aside any skepticism about their capabilities. Begin by selecting a crystal and holding it gently within the palms of the hands. Relax and allow the crystal to help quiet the mind and reconnect to the universally healing vibrations of the Earth. Open the mind and senses to feel the subtle calming energy.

Today, a volume of books exists on the subject of gemstones and crystals, as well as what each is best used for and how they can be arranged in patterns and grids. Working with the healing power of crystals takes time and practice. The more time spent with crystals the more peaceful, gentle, healing energy can be felt.

 Amethyst provides clarity when feeling confused, alleviates anxiety and helps establish a sense of emotional control.  Angelite provides gentle, calming and support and aids in sorting out confusion.  Black tourmaline shields us from negative energy and electromagnetic pollution.  Blue lace agate eases anxiety and calms nervous energy.  Celestite helps in gaining understanding and promotes inner peace.  Fluorite helps in letting go of grief and lessens the fear of change.  Labradorite protects from irrational fears and helps in finding order in chaos.  Lepidolite is calming and encourages patience and optimism.  Rose quartz calms emotions; invites love and relieves frustration.  Sodalite calms the mind and eases panic attacks.

Deborah Nelson is the owner of Silver Eagle Gallery. For more information, call 239-403-3033. Silver Eagle Gallery is located at 850 Fifth Ave. S., in Naples. For more information, visit SilverEagleGallery.com. See ad, page 41.

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FAMILY STORIES Help Kids Cope During Tough Times I

by Ronica O’Hara

n these challenging times as our children struggle to cope with a swiftly changing world, one of the best things we can do is simply to let them know what strong stuff they come from. Decades of research show that children that know their family’s stories—especially how their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other forebears overcame adversity—have the ability to handle societal and personal trauma better.

“Family stories help children feel safe, secure and grounded,” says psychology professor Robyn Fivush, Ph.D., director of the Family Narratives Lab at Emory University, in Atlanta. “The stories provide a sense that they belong to something larger than themselves.” In the midst of unsettling events, she says it’s especially important for children to know that the family has been through hard times before and persevered.

Emory research shows that children, teens and young adults that know more of their family’s narratives have a greater sense of control over their lives, more self-esteem, better grades, higher social competence, less anxiety and depression,

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and fewer behavior problems. After 9/11, children that tested high in measures of family narratives proved to be more resilient and less stressed.

Family stories can be of loss—“Once we had it all”—or of triumph—“We came up from nowhere”—but the most powerful stories are those that show both the peaks and the valleys, the hilarious escapades and deep losses. “Even simply hearing what other people wish they could have done differently helps to offer children a broader perspective to current experiences,” says Carrie Krawiec, a family therapist at Birmingham Maple Clinic, in Troy, Michigan. Accounts of the deepest trauma also prove formative: Knowing how their great-grandparents survived the Holocaust gave young adults a sense of gratitude, pride, courage and a greater religious commitment, a University of Pennsylvania study found.

Stories unfold easily at holiday dinners and during long car rides; even during an ordinary dinner, some kind of story—“Guess what happened today at the store?”—occurs about every five minutes,

Fivush’s research shows. But summer vacation or days spent together inside a house provide a special opportunity for kids to dive deeper into their family background.

For example, they can write an essay about a grandparent or aunt, write and direct a play with siblings, make a scrapbook, read history or novels to study events that took place during a specific time period, write a song or story from the ancestor’s point of view, research and draw a family tree or create a mini-documentary based on an interview with an older relative.

This is the quiz used in family narrative research, but Fivush cautions that the 20 questions are only a starting point, and many more can be created. Nor does getting the facts exactly right matter—those can easily be in dispute among family members. “It is the telling, the sharing and the listening that is more important than the story itself,” she says.

Do you know some things about what happened when your brothers or sisters were being born?

Do you know how your parents met?

Do you know some of the jobs that your parents had when they were young?

Do you know where your mother grew up?

Do you know where your father grew up?

Do you know where some of your grandparents grew up?

Do you know where some of your grandparents met?

Do you know where your parents were married?

Do you know what went on when you were being born?

Do you know the source of your name?

Do you know which person in your family you look most like?

Do you know which person in the family you act most like?

Do you know some of the illnesses and injuries that your parents experienced when they were younger?

Do you know some of the lessons that your parents learned from good or bad experiences?

Do you know some things that happened to your mom or dad when they were in school?

Do you know the national or ethnic background of your family?

Do you know some awards that your parents received when they were young?

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Do you know the names of the schools that your dad went to?

Do you know about a relative whose face “froze” in a grumpy position because he or she did not smile enough?

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Getting Started with Family Narratives jannoon028/Shutterstock.com

ACUPUNCTURE

Read more about family narratives at Robyn Fivush’s Psychology Today blog: PsychologyToday.com/intl/blog/the-stories-our-lives Ideas for writing and craft projects: Tinyurl.com/ CreatingAFamilyNarrative Questions kids can ask family grownups: Tinyurl. com/ClassroomRoots

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Fathers Know Best

D

ads, lighten up. Yes, all dads project their own fears and hopes on their children. If Dad dreamed of becoming a first baseman for the Yankees, he’ll push Johnny into baseball, ignoring his son’s preference for woodworking. If Dad harbored hopes of being the next Hemingway, he’ll praise Mary’s poetry, and maybe skip a few of her tedious soccer games.

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by Neal Allen

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cess goals on their kids. It’s not built into fatherhood to let kids willy-nilly develop their own talents and dreams.

Does that ruin the kids? Who knows? It happens in just about every family, so good luck finding a control group for the experiment.

There may be no hope for the kids, but how about the dads? What might happen if they notice this odd behavior and how might that lighten their own loads?

Most of us dads, most of the time,

A dad is best remembered in his capacity for love, kindness, forgiveness, everyday strength and friendliness. initially take on the responsibility of fatherhood—income, protection, education—with drive and purpose. We make compromises with our pre-dad selves.

The sports car gets traded in for a minivan. Playing guitar becomes a hobby, not a professional goal. We sign on at the warehouse. New dads around the country are making these changes every day, and mostly with alacrity.

It’s later, when the perfect infant becomes the complaining toddler or rejecting teenager, that the vexing notion arises that another life could have been lived. This form of nostalgia—for what never came—is bitter. The word “nostalgia”, after all, comes from the Greek for “the pain of going home”.

But by seeing himself project his dreams on his children, a father can also see how he’s holding onto a suspect belief that another life would have been better. With maturity, a dad can revisit his adolescent dreams; not nostalgically, but with the wisdom that comes with age. Did I really have a chance at the Yankees? Be real. Weren’t there two guys in high school alone who had more talent?

Asking these questions, a father might even notice that no one in the family measures his worth in worldly achievements. A dad is best remembered in his capacity for love, kindness, forgiveness, everyday strength and friendliness. Your child may know you’re a master carpenter.

But what she remembers is that day when you gently showed her the right way to hold a hammer.

Neal Allen is a spiritual coach and author who shares seven children, stepchildren and grandchildren with his wife, writer Anne Lamott. His book on a new path to personal freedom will be released by Hierophant Publishers in spring 2021. For more information, visit ShapesOfTruth.com.

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Healing the Immune System Autoimmune Breakthroughs Offer New Hope

by April Thompson

S

ome 23 million Americans suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases—a category comprised of more than 80 conditions, including fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes. These pernicious disorders are notoriously difficult to diagnose, even harder to treat and can be debilitating, diminishing the quality of life for sufferers.

Another commonality is the increased prevalence of autoimmune disease in women versus men; in the case of lupus, for example, a nine-fold difference. Some early indicators are that this may be related to a “gene dosage effect”, as men with XXY chromosomes have the same risk of developing lupus as other women, and women with XXX chromosomes (known in medical parlance as “superwomen”) have an even higher risk of autoimmune disease, according to Judith James, 48

Collier/Lee Counties

chair of the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, in Oklahoma City.

Yet there is hope on the horizon, as scientific discoveries unlock important insights about the manifestation and progression of autoimmune diseases leading to new treatments and prevention tips. Evidence is also mounting around the role of diet and lifestyle in autoimmune conditions, giving patients new avenues for taking charge of their health instead of simply waiting for a cure.

Autoimmune diseases are chronic and can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, digestive tract and blood vessels. Each disease carries its own set of symptoms, but inflammation is nearly always present, and are all connected by how the immune system attacks

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

the body’s healthy tissues. “Those shared characteristics hold the potential for shared treatments, and ultimately potentially common cures,” says Jane Buckner, president of the Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), at Virginia Mason, in Seattle, which works to advance the prediction, prevention, reversal and cure of immune system diseases.

“I’m excited about our progress toward prevention. We are working to understand those tipping points in transitioning into disease that help us understand who is at highest risk, and helps give very directed therapies,” says James.

Self-Healing from Autoimmunity

By her early 20s, Mickey Trescott, of Willamette Valley, Oregon, was bedridden and had lost her job to autoimmune

bluedog studio/Shutterstock.com

disease. At one point, doctors thought it was multiple sclerosis (MS); she was dizzy, numb, falling over and slurring her speech.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s and celiac diseases, affecting the thyroid and small intestine, respectively. Trescott, a nutritionist, chef and author of The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, had been vegan for 10 years, but had a feeling that her body needed something different.

She found an early version of what would become known as the autoimmune protocol (AIP), and in following its guidelines, began to find relief. Trescott connected with other women and started a private Facebook group to share information on what was improving their condition from which the AIP community sprung. AIP, an elimination diet that seeks to reset the immune system by cutting out inflammation-causing foods and treating leaky gut, has much in common with the paleo diet and promotes vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods. However, every individual comes out of the AIP process with a customized diet.

For Trescott, “Gluten is a forever-no, and I am also allergic to dairy and sensitive to a lot of nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers.” It took three years to recover most of her functioning, and although she had been a personal chef, it was still challenging to determine a new approach to eating that didn’t include the grains and legumes that had been staples of her diet.

Trescott is still on medications, including the same thyroid support she’s relied on from the start. “There is a misconception that the AIP is an alternative to conventional medicine. We really pride ourselves on using all the tools in our toolbox, including surgery, medication and lifestyle changes,” she says.

Anecdotal successes like Trescott’s have led researchers to pursue funding to test the AIP’s efficacy. In a pilot study of 18 individuals with an average sick time of 19 years that didn’t respond to traditional medication, 73 percent were in clinical remission at the end of the trial, having followed the AIP. “It was a small sample size, but the results are promising,” says Trescott.

Physician, Healed Thyself

Like many physicians, Terry Wahls focused on treating her patients with drugs or surgical procedures—until the Iowa City doctor was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Within three years, despite conventional medical treatments, her back and stomach muscles had weakened to the point where she needed a tilt-recline wheelchair, and by the summer of 2007, she could no longer sit up.

Though Wahls had been a vegetarian on a low-fat diet for 20 years, she went back to eating meat and gave up all dairy, wheat and grains, but still wasn’t improving. Delving back into the science of her condition, Wahls realized that mitochondrial support was key, and the speed of her decline slowed while taking a cocktail of vitamins to support its functioning.

It wasn’t until she took a comprehensive approach to optimize everything she could take in through her food rather than relying on supplements that she saw radical results: Her brain fog, fatigue and pain went away and she biked around the block for the first time in six years. “Taking in nutrients in the form of food rather than supplements, you get related compounds and thousands of others in biologically anticipated ratios,” explains Wahls. “I still do take some supplements, but the magic is the food.”

Those key ingredients, says Wahls, include magnesium, zinc, selenium, sulfur, amino acids, cholesterol, omega-6 and omega-3s, fats, carnitine and creatine. Her rule of thumb for daily intake is three cups of leafy green vegetables; three cups of

sulfuric vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms and onions; and three cups of deeply pigmented vegetables, plus sources of protein for meat eaters and vegetarians.

While her work was initially not accepted, today she has funding from the National MS Society and her research has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. “Basic science is now showing that the microbiome has a huge impact on the immune system activity and the brain; the food we eat can turn gene expression on and off,” says Wahls, who hasn’t taken any drugs for her autoimmune condition since 2008.

Buckner cautions against patients trying to manage disease with lifestyle changes alone, without giving available allopathic treatments a fair try. “People do better if they are treated early and aggressively. They are reliant on fewer medications down the road and don’t have permanent damage if they seek treatment early.”

However, even researchers focused on pharmaceutical approaches acknowledge the importance of diet and lifestyle.

Meggan Mackay, professor of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, at Northwell Health, in Manhasset, New York, believes this can play a critical role in disease management.

She cites numerous studies showing exercise as a stress-buster positively influencing disease outcomes, as well as a more specific study looking at the benefits of adding fish oil and vitamin D to the diets of lupus patients. “The rise in obesity, which is linked to increased inflammation in the U.S., may be one of reasons we are seeing more autoimmune disease than ever,” says Mackay.

At-risk individuals should be aware of factors under their control, adds James. “If someone is worried about autoimmune disease running in their family, monitoring and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and avoiding smoking and other high-risk behaviors can help improve their chances.”

Even sleep patterns can play a role in disease manifestation, says the researcher.

In one study, individuals at high risk for autoimmune disease that slept less than seven hours per day were more likely to develop an autoimmune condition, according to James.

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There are some clear links between autoimmune diseases, such as the genetic predisposition that runs in families. “Someone with rheumatoid arthritis may have a sister with celiac disease, for example, and one individual may suffer from multiple autoimmune conditions. We can learn from these common genetic links,” says Buckner. These common links can serve as important clues. For example, Buckner says they are able to demonstrate changes in T cells in diabetes and MS that are the same, which might lead to common treatments for the two conditions.

While the process from basic scientific discovery to development of effective treatment can be slow, there are some concrete breakthroughs autoimmune researchers are excited about, having demonstrated ability to both prevent and delay disease. Citing a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “They have demonstrated in kids at high risk for developing Type 1

diabetes the ability to delay onset for at least two years. It’s an incredibly exciting finding,” says Buckner.

Mackay is hopeful about advances in basic science addressing specific immune system abnormalities linked to inflammatory problems. “Lupus is very challenging to diagnose and treat because it can affect every system in the body,” says Mackay, whose research team has focused on lupus

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for decades. “The only forms of treatment have been very immune-suppressive medications that shut down the immune response. None of these medications are specific, so in shutting down the immune response to treat lupus, they in turn interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infection and cancer.” Researchers are now honing in on single cells from biopsies that indicate which proteins are abnormal, thereby helping develop more selective therapies, she says.

Seeing progress in the lab is one thing; seeing it in the waiting room is another, and that’s where autoimmune scientists and clinicians are really beginning to note a difference. “I’ve seen patients for 25 years, and when we started, we had very few options in my clinic, which was full of wheelchairs,” says Buckner. “In the last 20 years, we have seen an explosion in research and available treatments. I don’t have wheelchairs in my office anymore.”

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

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Common Links Serve as Research Clues

Lee County Chapter of Climate Reality: Climate Change and its Effect on Our Lives Zoom Meeting – 7:30-8:30pm. This PowerPoint will present the causes of our warming climate, its effects on our food and water supply and solutions. Info: ClimateReality.LeeCountyChapter@gmail.com and ZOOM link.

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.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 Tarot Part I – 2pm. Learn the meanings of the cards and how to utilize this wonderful tool. A Rider Waite deck is required. $30. Part II on 6/9 at 2pm.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Virtual Reiki Share by Zoom – 6:30-8pm. 1st Tue. Join Pattie Carney, Usui and Holy Fire master reiki teacher and others. Open to the general public, whether you have reiki experience or not. Begins with group guided meditation and moves to distance reiki in private chat rooms. Join online a few minutes before 6:30pm. Free. Visit Lotus Blossom Clinic on Facebook. Register: Pattie@pcarney.net. See ad on page 15 and news brief on page 13.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 Lee County Chapter of Climate Reality: Climate Change and its Effect on Our Lives Zoom Meeting – 7:30-8:30pm. This PowerPoint will present the causes of our warming climate, its effects on our economy and solutions. Info: ClimateReality.

LeeCountyChapter@gmail.com and ZOOM link.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 Ethical Wisdom: Masters in Study of Human Character – 10am-noon. With Alvina Quatrano, LMT. Join for a lively discussion using higher minds of the day for guidance in our daily life. Relate the field of ethical behavior with several well-known and popular teachers’ timeless guidelines relevant today.

Stimulate your thought process about your application of ethics in your personal and professional life. 2 CEs for NCBTMB, FL MTs. Upon registration, attendees will receive a DropBox link for materials and Zoom class link. $25. Register: aohMassage.com/project/ aohm-ethics-with-the-masters/.

BioMat Treatments – 11am-5pm. Weekly BioMat treatments infused with tourmaline, jade and am-

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ethyst to help raise vibrations, open the third eye and realize your potential. Also helps with dreams and peaceful sleep. EFT, chakra clearing and cleansing offered with Joan. $50. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Usui Reiki Level II – 7pm. Learn long-distance healing method using channeled universal life force energies. Symbols, visualizations, meditations and exercises included. Attunement and certification available upon completion. Prerequisite: Usui Reiki Level I. $50. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Seven-Path Self Hypnosis Zoom Program – 9amnoon. Continues Jun 11-13; 9am-noon. With Michele Durham, MBA, a certified hypnotist, member of the National Guild of Hypnotists, and owner of Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis. Participants will gain an introduction to hypnosis and learn how the system works to empty negative and refill positive programming in the subconscious mind, plus how to self-induce the benefits. Includes Q&A and 72-page study guide workbook. $169. Register/info: 776-2211, Info@ AccessHolisticHealing.com or AccessHolisticHealing. com. See ad on page 28 and news brief on page 10.

Tarot Talk Saturday – 10am-5pm. Just when you think you have it figured out something or someone comes along and there you are again, peeling that onion. At Tarot Talk, receive short, yet powerful in-store and online readings. $25/20 minutes. The Path of Being, 15248 S Tamiami Tr, Ste 300, Ft Myers. 437-5141.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 Tarot Part I – 7pm. Learn the meanings of the cards and how to utilize this wonderful tool. A Rider Waite deck is required. $30. Part II on 6/9 at 7pm.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing and Galaxy Show –7-8pm. Enjoy the sounds of crystal bowls underneath the stars and planets in air conditioned comfort. Bring a mat, blanket and pillow, if desired. Our Yoga Place, Coconut Point Mall, Estero. If the venue is closed join LIVE on Facebook: Firefly Within or recorded on YouTube. Free. Donations welcomed.

Contact Firefly Within: 980-3257.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Tarot Talk Saturday – 10am-5pm. Just when you think you have it figured out something or someone comes along and there you are again, peeling that onion. At Tarot Talk, receive short, yet powerful in-store and online readings. $25/20 minutes. The Path of Being, 15248 S Tamiami Tr, Ste 300, Ft Myers. 437-5141.

Global Wellness Day (GWD) – 10am-5pm.

Gwen Peterson, founder of Spiritual Communities Network (SCN), will conduct a free, live, online presentation. Her participation as part of the Spirit of Wellness series will be available via Zoom. The virtual event will offer 30-minute talks, demos and more regarding solutions to wellness during COVID-19. SCN is a global community of teachers and seekers of spiritual growth with classes and events held both virtually and locally. Info: 595-1587, SpiritualCommunitiesNetwork.com@ gmail.com. SpiritualCommunitiesNetwork.com and InsightsAndIlluminations.com. See ad on page 11 and news brief on page 13.

MONDAY, JUNE 15 SEVA Stress Release Acupressure for Self-Care – 9am-noon. With Alvina Quatrano, LMT. Webinarstyle 3-hour class teaches an acupressure protocol (The SEVA Stress Release) that can be used for self-care, addressing a wide range of needs: general relaxation and well-being or extreme shock and stress. Learn through demonstration and handson practice. Includes chakra tai chi. Continuing education contact hours available through Soul Lightening International. COVID-19 discount: $50 ($60 value). Class materials via DropBox link. Info: SoulLightening.com.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 A Lesson in Tarot – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn how to read tarot cards for yourself, friends and family.

Receive hands-on instructions plus spend time doing readings. $10. The Path of Being, 15248 S Tamiami Tr, Ft Myers. 437-5141.

Be the Friend He Needs

Lee County Chapter of Climate Reality: Climate Change and its Effect on Our Lives Zoom Meeting – 7:30-8:30pm. This PowerPoint will present the health effects of climate change, including the chances of more pandemics such as coronavirus and solutions. Info: ClimateReality.LeeCountyChapter@gmail.com and ZOOM link.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 Intro to Reflexology Zoom Class – 9am-3pm.

Includes breaks. With Alvina Quatrano, LMT. Join for a fun, informative and relaxing class that anyone can do it. Family members, nurses, general CEs for MTs NCBTMB & FL. COVID-19 discount: $75 ($100 value). Register: aohMassage.com/project/ art-holistic-massage-aohm-foundation-3.

Sacred Soul Nature School Open House – 6-7:30pm. Limited enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Visit the horses, chickens, and classroom at this holistic learning center. Holistic approach to learning, small class size, music, mindfulness, yoga, music, art, Spanish, French, geography, history, math, writing and reading offered. Call for directions. 287-5074.

SacredSoulNatureSchool.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

For Women Only (CBC) – 7pm. A monthly gathering for women over the age of 21 only. The purpose is to discuss women’s issues in society, religion, relationships and to have women support and help empower one another and network. Have fun after venting in a safe environment. Refreshments will be served. $5. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

NFSH The Healing Trust Community Healing Session – 6:15-8:45pm. Join to receive the gift of energy healing therapy. Refresh, regenerate and bring love into your being! Arrive at 6:15pm; session continues until 8:45pm. No walk-ins. $20/ check or cash to Karen Coratelli-Smith or cash.

Unity of Naples, Fellowship Hall, 2000 Unity Way. RSVP: kSmith727@comcast.net or 692-9120.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

-AManatee®

Access Bars Practitioner Certification Class – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Michele Durham. Access Bars is 32 points on the head stimulated to release electromagnetic energy for relaxation, and to reduce anxiety, stress and depression and self-limiting beliefs. In this full-day class, receive a manual, two head charts, and two Access Bars sessions, plus give two sessions and watch a short video. Bring a light lunch; water provided. Certification upon completion. $350. Access Holistic Healing & Hypnosis (tentatively), 9853 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 215, Naples.

Register: 776-2211, Info@AccessHolisticHealing. com. AccessHolisticHealing.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

savethemanatee.org Photo © Patrick M. Rose

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Usui Reiki Level II – 2pm. Learn long-distance healing method using channeled universal life force energies. Symbols, visualizations, meditations and exercises included. Attunement and certification available upon completion. Prerequisite: Usui Reiki Level I. $50. The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 939-2769.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Tarot Talk Saturday – 10am-5pm. Just when you think you have it figured out something or someone comes along and there you are again, peeling that onion. At Tarot Talk, receive short, yet powerful in store and online readings. $25/20 minutes. The Path of Being, 15248 S Tamiami Tr, Ste 300, Ft Myers. 437-5141.

Adopt

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

Lee County Chapter of Climate Reality: Climate Change and its Effect on Our Lives Zoom Meeting – 7:30-8:30pm. This PowerPoint will present the effects of climate change on our national defense and solutions. Info: ClimateReality.LeeCountyChapter@ gmail.com and Zoom link.

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Psychic Faire – 10am-4pm. Join for monthly reduced special on readings and services. Choose from an assortment of well-established and gifted psychics and healers. Tarot readers, soul chart progression, full chart astrology analysis, oracle card readers, rune caster, mediums, chakra cleansing and alignment and BioMat treatment, including EFT or chakra clearing and cleansing. $25/25 minutes.

The Labyrinth, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. 939-2769.

Tarot Talk Saturday – 10am-5pm. Just when you think you have it figured out something or someone comes along and there you are again, peeling that onion. At Tarot Talk, receive short, yet powerful in store and online readings. $25/20 minutes. The Path of Being, 15248 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 300, Ft Myers. 437-5141.

plan ahead Date TBD: Clinical Acupressure I: Basic Applications Webinar – With Alvina Quatrano.

This 4-day class will be presented once a week or other configuration. 24 CEs MTs manual of 75 protocols. Approved for AHNA, NCBTMB. Register: 732-266-5276. $645 ($695 value). Info: SoulLightening.com.

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ongoing events NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email NAcalendar@naturalawakeningsmag.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com/advertising to submit online.

Virtual Yoga with Chairs – Mon-Thur. 9-9:45am.

With Kandy Love. Start your day with love and yoga and chairs via Zoom. Class content: breathing, grounding, immune system enhancing, focusing and quieting. Free/donation. Info: YoginiKandy62@ gmail.com.

Gentle Yoga – 6-7pm. Gain flexibility, mobility and balance using gentle movements and breath to calm and relieve stress. Emphasis on seated postures and standing balance. This class is suitable for beginners. $20/person. Dim Jandy Ranch, 13151 Pinto Ln, Ft Myers. 651-283-7590. DimJandy.com/ classes.

sunday Drum and Dance Circle – 6:30-9pm. Drummers, dancers, jugglers, everyone welcome. BYO chair and instrument or come just to enjoy. Under the pavilion by the water in Centennial Park, Ft Myers. Alternate location is the downtown library.

Check for updates on Facebook page: Fort Myers Drum Circle.

monday Gentle Yoga – 9:15-10:15am. Gain flexibility, mobility, and balance using gentle movements and breath to calm and relieve stress. Emphasis on seated postures and standing balance. This class is suitable for beginners. $20/person. Dim Jandy Ranch, 13151 Pinto Ln, Ft Myers. 651-283-7590.

DimJandy.com/classes.

Virtual Mat Yoga Combo (Chairs & Mat) – 6-6:45pm. Also Wed. Via Zoom. Class content: breathing, grounding, immune system enhancing, focusing, and quieting. Free/donation. Info: YoginiKandy62@gmail.com.

Journey Within Meditation – 6-7pm. Join likehearted people for a guided meditation with crystal

Virtual Qiqong with JaySun – 10am. With Jason Wechs on Facebook. Time for blue skies and palm trees with your meditative qigong master and Lotus Blossom Clinic affiliate. Facebook Page: Jason Wechs. Info: LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Virtual Mat Yoga Combo (Chairs & Mat) – 6-6:45pm. Via Zoom. Class content: breathing, grounding, immune system enhancing, focusing and quieting. Free/donation. Info: YoginiKandy62@ gmail.com.

daily

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 6:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Cape Christian Fellowship, 2110 Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral. Barbara S: 410-0081. FoodAddicts.org.

dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. St Leo Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Rd, Bonita Springs. Mary: 216870-0653. FoodAddicts.org.

singing bowls. Comfortable meditation seats and blankets provided. Bring water to drink and an open heart. Free. Donations accepted. Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery, 780 Seagate Drive, Naples.

FireflyWithin.org.

Gurdjieff/The Fourth Way Discussion Group – 7-8pm. An exploration of the teachings of G I Gurdjieff, with readings and discussion. Introductory sessions meet in Bonita Springs. Info: 565-1410.

TheGurdjieffSocietyOfFlorida.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7-8:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction.

No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. 13510 N Tamiami Tr, Ste 6, Naples. FoodAddicts.org.

tuesday Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Gulf Coast Church of Christ, 9550 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Ft Myers.

Andy: 850-4467. FoodAddicts.org.

wednesday Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 9am. A 12-step program for food addiction. No

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group – 6-8pm. New members welcome. Unity Church of Ft Myers, 11120 Ranchette Rd. Info: 850-556-7604.

UnityOfFortMyers.org.

thursday COVID-19 Antibody Testing – Noon-3pm. Offering antibody serum testing. $214. Fort Myers Chiropractic Studio, 12655 New Brittany Blvd, Ste 13W, Ft Myers. 243-8735. FortMyersChiroStudio.com.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 1:30pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Ft Myers Community of Christ, 368 Herron Rd, N Ft Myers. Cheryl: 603702-1898. FoodAddicts.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 7pm. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Riverside Church, 8660 Daniels Pkwy, Modular B, Ft Myers. Andy: 850-4467. FoodAddicts.org.

friday Virtual Mat Yoga with Props – 9-10:30am. With Kandy Love. Via Zoom. Class content: breathing, grounding, immune system enhancing, focusing and quieting. Free/donation. Info: YoginiKandy62@ gmail.com.

saturday Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) – 10am. A 12-step program for food addiction. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr, Naples. Sandy: 301-9387503. FoodAddicts.org.

With the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation causing uncertainty for citizens worldwide, Natural Awakenings is more committed than ever in supporting your health and well-being.

For the latest updates on local events and information, visit us online at: swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com 54

Collier/Lee Counties

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

SWFL Community Drum Circle – 6:30-8:30pm.

3rd Sat. 6:30-8:30pm. Meets once a month (check Facebook for updates). Drummers of all nations and spectators are welcome to attend for community drumming, dancing, hula-hooping and selfexpression. Meet at the bandshell. Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave S, Naples. Facebook group: SWFL Community Drum Circle.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $25 for up to the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word.

To place an ad, email NAClassifieds@ NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

FOR RENT FOR LEASE – New Executive Wellness Suites $400-$550 month/lease at RB Institute, Inc. Must have Florida state license, liability insurance and occupational license. 13550 Reflections Pkwy 5-503, Ft Myers. 239-939-4646.

LUXURY TREATMENT ROOMS available in professional Pilates & Therapeutic Wellness Center. Perfect for massage, nutrition, electrolysis or similar. Located close to Pelican Bay and Park Shore just off Tamiami Tr North and Pine Ridge, in North Naples. From $410/mo. Call Jim at 398-5578.

Healing Artisan Jewelry Sage & Incense Aura Photos Crystals Readings/Healing

SERVICES INSURED WITH YOGA MAMA –Tara Mina, Independent Insurance Agent, protecting Florida families, offering health/wellness benefits, survivor benefits and income protection. Call 239-989-5229 or email TaraMindful108@gmail.com.

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

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

www.goddessiam.com

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

JULY

Beyond Factory Farming plus: Gut Health

Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services:

Cooking Classes • Eco-Friendly Farm Equipment Farmers’ Markets • Organic Food Stores • Garden Supplies • Herbalists Homeopathy ... and this is just a partial list!

AUGUST

Biological Dentistry plus: Environmental Education

THE SELF-EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

SEPTEMBER

Emotional Well-Being plus: Adaptive Yoga

CONNECT WITH OUR READERS | THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at:

239-272-8155 June 2020

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community resource guide 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.

ASTROLOGY

ACUPUNCTURE ACUPUNCTURE CARE OF NAPLES

Charles Caccamesi, Acupuncture Physician, DOM 501 Goodlette Rd N, Unit D100, Naples 239-877-2531 • AcupunctureCareNaples.com New England School of Acupuncture graduate with 30 years experience. Charles specializes in complex symptomology, chronic pain conditions, expert FDA-approved low light laser therapy for pain.

ACUPUNCTURE CENTER OF NAPLES 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 15.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Oriental Medicine Naples & Ft Myers • 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.

CAROL BELLIS

Astrology, Tarot & Soul Coach 508-728-4680 CarolBellis.com Astrology and tarot readings, coaching and scheduled events.

Certified in several alternative healing modalities with decades of experience.

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.

BIOFEEDBACK FIREFLY WITHIN, LLC

Karin S Wolfe, CBS Bonita Springs • 239-980-3257 FireflyWithin.com • Info@FireflyWithin.com Certified Biofeedback Specialist by the Natural Therapies Certification Board. Testing nearly 7,000 patterns in your body, mind and spirit, and providing energy to the most imbalanced areas creating a space for healing. A consultation and report is provided with each session. CBS#5563.

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 COVID19 call or Zoom. Zero Balancing, Process Acupressure, Reiki. Webinar classes all discounted; call for registration. Reflexology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CE’s.

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swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

MARVA SLETTEN, PT, LMT, CLT-LANA, CTP

Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2-3, Ft Myers • 239-910-7577, by appt.

Certified in the Trager® approach bodywork and movement awareness, lymphatic drainage and lymphedema treatment. Also providing massage and physical therapy for orthopedic and neurological conditions.

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.

STUART WRIGHT, ND

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 19 and 23.

CUPPING BODYWELLNESS OF NAPLES, LLC Mary Lambrecht, LMT, FB, CCT 1000 9th St N, #203, Naples 34102 BodyWellnessOfNaples.com 239-595-2094 • MaryVSRT2@aol.com

Cupping aids lymphatic activation, toxin release, reduced muscle pain and scar tissue, increased oxygen flow in fascia and muscular tissue. Experience immediate results for rehabilitation, fascial release when enhanced with therapeutic massage therapy. New expanded wellness center also offers specialized skin care and facial treatments. Serving Naples since 2004. MA#40467, MM#23474, FB#9754375. Nationally certified NCBTMB #398123-00, CCT (Certified Cupping Therapist International Cupping Therapy Association).

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 21.

DENTISTRY 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 14.

ENERGY HEALING REV. KAREN CORATELLI-SMITH

nfsh-TheHealingTrustTrainingusa.org HugsForHappiness.com 239-692-9120 • KSmith727@comcast.net Certified instructor & practitioner, NFSH-The Healing Trust & ThetaHealing. Past Life Regression Counselor, Shaman Mesa Carrier, CranioSacral therapy, Esoteric Healing, Seraphim Blueprint, spiritual counselor.

ENERGY MEDICINE MARY PAT FITZGIBBONS, RN,

Health Touch Certified, Nurse Coach Board-Certified 2502 2nd St, #103, Ft Myers • 740-607-4038 Stuck? Lost? In pain? Move forward when you change your energy and your thoughts. Blend coaching and Healing Touch for powerful change and new direction!

HILLIS PUGH

Soul Mentor & Energy Facilitator 773-569-2527 Hillis@HillisPugh.com • HillisPugh.com Let's release old thoughts, patterns and energy! Hillis is a certified psychic medium, reiki and Lemurian Light energy practitioner.

Let's co-create a deeper soul connection together. 10% off all services for NA readers.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HEALTHY DINING 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

9853 Tamiami Trl N, Ste 215, Naples 239-776-2211 • AccessHolisticHealing.com Info@AccessHolisticHealing.com Certified. Now offering online-hypnosis sessions. Call for free consultation. Offering wellness coaching.

Light and sound therapy to heal stress, change behaviors and relieve pain from arthritis, neuropathy, etc.

Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. Reiki and more! See ad, page 28.

Carol L. Roberts, MD 800 Goodlette Rd, Ste 270, Naples 34102 239-649-7400 • HughesCenterNaples.com

AHA! A HOLISTIC APPROACH CENTER

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 59.

Offering many natural healing options in a single location: acupuncture, clinical psychotherapy (RRT, hypnotherapy, couples therapy), energy work, therapeutic massage, Transformational Breath®, full-spectrum infrared sauna, classes (yoga, tai chi, stretch ’n strength), workshops, retail therapy and more. See ad, page 36.

15971 McGregor, Ft Myers • 239-433-5995 AHolisticApproachCenter.com

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.

Try to be like the turtle, at ease in your own shell. ~Bill Copeland

WELLBRIDGES, INC

9200 Bonita Beach Rd, Ste 213, Bonita Springs 239-481-5600 • 239-481-5603 fax DebPost.com Comprehensive, fully integrated health care individualized for adults and children. Chronic fatigue, male and female hormone imbalance. Digestive disorders, women’s health care, autism, ADHD and related issues. See ad, page 20.

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EYES WIDE OPEN

JULY

THE FOOD CONNECTION ISSUE

Coming Next Month

Gut Health

Plus: Beyond Factory Farming

NUTRITION

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.

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 28.

MEDICAL SPA ASSUAGE SPA

9407 Cypress Lake Dr, Ste C, Ft Myers 33919 1201 Piper Blvd, Unit 1, Naples 34110 239-333-1450 • AssuageCenters.com The finest relaxation treatments from around the planet have been brought to Fort Myers. Each technique is perfected for your mind, body, face and skin. See ad, page 28.

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 43.

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 37.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS ANATTA

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013 347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com

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Collier/Lee Counties

COSMIC MOTHER DIANE DALPE, MPA-LRM Co-Creator of "Tell A Fortune by Daphne" App 239-919-3724 • TellAFortune.com

Renown TV and radio personality and intuitive life coach uses her patented deck of cards (cardomancy) to channel insightful answers and predictions for wise decision making related to relationships, finances, career and health issues. 20% discount on services when mentioning this ad.

REALTOR KAREN L. BEATTY, ABR, GRI

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.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 239-272-8155

PSYCHIC INTUITIVE CARD READER

Downing-Frye Realty, Inc Naples • 239-269-7788 Klbeatty48@aol.com • KarenBeatty.com Florida native, loving and selling Naples since 1977. Karen knows the market, offers expert counseling with efficient reliability. She takes the stress out of buying or selling and gets the job done with a smile. Choose Karen for ease and joy in your real estate transaction!

The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.

swfl.NaturalAwakenings.com

~Kobe Bryant

Be Well, Stay Well

RECORDING STUDIO FARMADELICA SOUND

Howard and Lainie Wulkan Pine Island in Bokeelia, FL 239-785-0809 facebook.com/FarmadelicaSound/ Full-service conscious and energized recording studio: music, meditations, affirmations, channeling, audio books, commercials, podcasts. Global marketing.

With Physician-recommended Vitamins & Supplements

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE CARING MEDICAL REGENERATIVE MEDICINE CLINICS Ross Hauser, MD Katherine Worsnick, MPAS, PA-C 9738 Commerce Center Ct, Ft Myers 239-308-4747 • CaringMedical.com

Specialists in stem cell therapy, PRP and H3 Prolotherapy: the most scientifically curative regenerative injection method for chronic pain, sports injuries and arthritis. Since 1993, we’ve helped patients who have plateaued with other pain “management” treatments to permanently resolve their pain, nerve entrapments and disabling symptoms without surgery or medication. See ad, page 47.

Destress & Relax Package 20% OFF PACKAGE ($34 SAVINGS) WITH CODE RELAX THROUGH JUNE 30, 2020 VIEW MORE VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS ONLINE

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

Carol L. Roberts MD, ABIHM

Eduardo Maristany, MD

Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN

Order online at NaplesCFM.com or call 239-649-7400!

800 Goodlette Rd. Suite 270, Naples, FL 34102 NaplesCFM.com | 239-649-7400

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Contact us today for ad rates. 239-272-8155 June 2020

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