Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers- June 2023

COLLIER / LEE EDITION

Publisher Sharon Bruckman

Editors Linda Sechrist

Martin Miron

Randy Kambic

Theresa Archer

Design & Production

Contributing Writers

Sales & Marketing

C. Michele Rose

Lisa Avery

Linda Sechrist

Sandra Yeyati

Christine Miller

Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Accounting Amie Delozier

Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT US

General: 239-350-0141

SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Publisher: 239-207-2775

SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

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CEO Kimberly B. Whittle

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©2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Krista Burns, DC

Tarin Forbes, DO, ABFM, ABAARM, FAARFM, ABOIM

Bryce Appelbaum, OD, FCOVD

The Universe is 98% e nergy!

everything found in, above and under has its own dynamic energy!

Our entire body continually vibrates at a subtle level, moving energy and information through our connective tissues.

The L. i .F. e . s ys T em scans nearly 7,000 energy patterns. By identifying which energy vibrations are out of balance, the system can put them back into harmonic balance, allowing your body to return to a state of rest and healing.

Vitality at Every Age

I am looking forward to kicking off the summer season by heading to northern Michigan with my daughter Alina to open up the family lake house after a long winter’s rest. Some of my siblings have already started putting out the dock and boat hoist, sweeping cobwebs, clearing pollen off screens and tidying the yard. We feel lucky our parents bought this property, which we’ve progressively upgraded over the last 60-plus years. What a blessing it has been to have a special gathering spot that holds innumerable family memories.

These days, some of my siblings are adventuring stateside in their RVs or flying off to exotic locations. One sister is motoring from Florida to Alaska, another is traveling to New Zealand to visit her daughter’s family, and others are summering in northern spots with cooler climates. One thing we’ve all discovered in our travels is just how important health is. There’s scant enjoyment without good health and well-being.

Showcasing cutting-edge, expert advice each month in Natural Awakenings all these years has supported my ability to remain active and ready for summer adventures, including some of the 14 bestsellers written by prominent functional medicine advocate Dr. Mark Hyman. I was excited when writer Sandra Yeyati scored an interview with him to discuss his latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life.

On page 28, Hyman discusses some of the latest breakthroughs in longevity science and offers advice to reverse our biological age even as we continue to grow chronologically older. Although he doesn’t mention it in the interview, I found it fascinating to read in his book about the five foods he eats every day for healthy aging: cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, nuts, berries and green tea. It confirmed I am on the right track!

You’ll find Carrie Jackson’s feature story, “What Every Man Wants: Sexual Vitality at Every Age,” to be an eye-opener. New technologies and openminded medical professionals are empowering men to proactively and holistically enjoy overall wellness, as well as a robust sex life long into their later years. See more on page 24.

It’s heartwarming to witness the parenting interactions between my nieces and nephews and their fathers. This new generation is embracing the concept of “Conscious Fathering,” which writer Julie Peterson describes on page 38. It was a joy to learn about young dads embracing the fatherhood role in innovative ways that are designed to strengthen family bonds and create an intentional family culture.

Complementing our Men’s Health issue, we are excited to host an interactive, virtual event every Tuesday in June, featuring eight preeminent experts speaking on topics related to men’s health. See page 5 for more details.

I love summers here in Southwest Florida. We don’t need to travel far to enjoy outdoor activities because we already live in paradise! It is my hope that this month’s issue will inspire you to remain forever young as you bask in the season’s pleasures.

Happy Summering,

Bruckman, Publisher

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spa spotlight 34 therapy brief

Electromagnetic Frequency Assessments for Healthier Homes

Love Yoga Center Adds Ashtanga Mysore Classes

Renee

Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth Healing Arts, in Naples, is providing electromagnetic frequency (EMF) home assessments and mitigation strategies at residences throughout our area. She uses professional meters made by Austria-based company Geovital that measure body voltage, unique from the typical air-measuring devices.

“I am the first to bring this service to the Southwest Florida area,” says Walsh. “With increasing non-native frequencies from cell towers, correlated with a massive uptick in EMF-related illness, we can take back our power by seeing what our exposure is and putting mitigation strategies in place to create ‘sanctuary spaces’ in your home.”

Walsh, who was trained as an EMF radiation specialist by Geovital, which is celebrating four decades of helping create healthy homes, also provides massage therapy at clients’ homes.

For more information, arrange for a free, 15-minute consultation or appointment, call 239-250-5115 or visit AlchemyOfLoveAndTruth.com. See ad, page 22.

Love Yoga Center, in Naples, is providing a relaxing way to start the day with Ashtanga Mysore yoga sessions from 5:30 to 8 a.m. every weekday except new moon and full moon days. Tatiana Tholt, a devoted student of Ashtanga yoga for 18 years, is teaching the method from South India of practicing postures (asanas) in a therapeutic fixed sequence where every movement is synchronized and led by the breath.

A Mysore class is the traditional way in which Ashtanga yoga is taught. The class is not “led” as a whole, but rather all instruction is one-on-one within the group class, with students moving through the sequences slowly at their own pace, individually supervised and assisted by the teacher. Students build their practice by learning the fixed order of asanas one at a time, combining movement with breathing. Each student is given a yoga routine according to their current ability. As they gain more strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration, additional asanas are added to the student sequence.

An Intro to Ashtanga class is also being held at 5:45 p.m. on Mondays for those that would like to learn more about the method before attending the early morning practice.

Location: 4949 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 204. For more information or to register, call 239-692-9747, email om@LoveYogaCenter. com or visit LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

Tatiana Tholt

Renee Walsh

Special Massage Training Series in Naples

The Art of Holistic (AOH) Massage is conducting a three-part series of allday workshops in Naples—AOH Massage Foundation 1: Subtle Body, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 12 ($100); AOH Massage Foundation 2: Touch, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 13 ($150); and AOH Massage Protocol, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 15 ($175). The program is affiliated with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTM) and also offers continuing education (CE) credits.

The first workshop will also being presented at the Florida State Massage Therapy Association Convention and Trade Show at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs on June 27 and also once in July, August and September at AOH Massage.

Along with holistic massage, zero balancing and process acupressure, the practice, owned by Alvina Quatrano, licensed massage therapist and NCBTM-approved CE provider, offers Swedish massage, gentle shiatsu, reiki I and II, CranioSacral Therapy, Somato Emotional Release, movement-oriented bodywork, Esalen massage, two-person massage and more.

Location: 3323 Olympic Dr., Ste. 721. For more information or to register, call 732-766-5276 or visit aohmassage.com. See listing, page 45.

GAEA Guides Kayak Tours Nature and Wildlife

Paddle the Caloosahatchee River, Creeks

Preserve, the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and Lovers Key State Park via two different GAEA Guides kayak tours, both scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday. The tours include sighting dolphins and manatees, and naturalist guides will point out herons, egrets, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and endangered woodstorks, mangrove forests, describe local history, including the native Calusas.

GAEA Guides also conduct sunset/bird rookery kayak tours every day from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the Caloosahatchee River. Other tours include the Mangrove Mazes of Matlacha Pass, Mullock Creek, Bat Kayak Tour, Lovers’ Key Inside Passage, Alligator Creek, Peace River/Hunter Creek and Full Moon.

Cost for all tours: $60/person, which includes all equipment and naturalist guide. For more information or to arrange to be part of a tour, call 239-694-5513 or visit GAEAGuides.com.

Not feeling like yourself anymore?

Dr. Lorraine Maita, the Hormone Harmonizer and Detoxifier, can help you have boundless energy, stable moods, a lean body, sharp, clear mind and balance your hormones so you can feel like yourself again and even better.

If you need support in getting your life back, apply for a free clarity call to see if we are the right fit at https://you.feelgoodagaincourses.com/ foundations-program.

The Feel Good Again Institute

(formerly HowToLiveYounger.com)

Gaining weight, no matter what you do? Tired, have brain fog, moody or “hormonal?”

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Alvina Quatrano

Daily Intense Activity Prolongs Life

A new study in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that short bursts of intense movement are associated with a lower risk of premature death. The UK researchers analyzed data from about 25,000 non-exercisers with an average age of 62 that wore movement tracking devices on their wrists.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to short, sporadic bursts of exertion done as part of daily living, such as walking very fast while commuting to work or climbing stairs. The scientists found that compared to participants that engaged in no VILPA, those that did just one to two minutes of VILPA three to four times daily exhibited a 38 to 40 percent lower risk of death over the course of seven years. They also noted that just a few minutes of VILPA throughout the day reduced cardiovascular disease-related mortality by up to 49 percent. Similar results were obtained when they analyzed vigorous physical activity in roughly 62,000 participants that exercised regularly. VILPA in non-exercisers appears to elicit similar effects to vigorous physical activity in exercisers, suggesting that VILPA may be a suitable physical activity target, especially in people not able or willing to exercise on a regular basis.

New Insights on Water Consumption Requirements

We have been conditioned to believe that eight glasses of water are required each day, but new research published in Science found that daily water needs vary based on numerous factors. Researchers studied 5,604 people aged 8 to 96 from 23 countries, measuring their water turnover—the amount of water lost and replaced each day. They found that for most healthy adults, drinking eight cups of water a day is unnecessary because water needs vary depending on age, sex, body size, physical activity level, athletic status, pregnancy, socioeconomic status and environmental characteristics such as latitude, altitude, air temperature and humidity. People that lived in less developed countries had higher water turnover than people from developed countries. While hydration should be prioritized, most people that pay attention to their bodies and drink when thirsty are likely drinking enough water.

Indian Food Images/ShutterStock.com

Smartphones Make Poor Babysitters

Parents are busy people, often juggling multiple commitments. Add a toddler meltdown to the mix, and it is easy to understand why parents may reach for a tablet, smartphone or other screen to calm and occupy the child. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children pay a price for this strategy.

Researchers at the University of Michigan concluded that the frequent use of mobile devices to calm young children may displace their opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies over time. The cohort study involved a sample of Englishspeaking parents of typically developing children aged 3 to 5. The scientists gathered baseline data at the start of the study, as well as follow-up evidence after three months and six months.

The participating parents used a five-point scale to report how often they used mobile devices to calm upset children. At each follow-up, the child’s executive functioning and emotional reactivity were assessed. The study found that the frequent use of mobile devices for calming young children was associated with increased emotional dysregulation, especially in boys, and included rapid shifts between sadness and excitement, greater impulsivity and sudden mood changes.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Risk of Death

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine determined that vitamin D deficiency increases mortality risk. The findings were based on a survey of the vitamin D levels and genetic data of more than 300,000 people aged 37 to 73 that participated in the UK Biobank, a large-scale cohort study that began in 2006. Almost 19,000 deaths from all causes, as well as from specific causes such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses, were recorded through 2020.

Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreased steeply with increasing concentrations of vitamin D, until reaching 50 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). The odds of death from all causes were estimated to increase by 25 percent for participants with vitamin D levels of 25 nmol/L, compared to those with 50 nmol/L.

Fran.Vila/ShutterStock.com

Greener Grilling

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass. This year, consider adding a few eco-friendly upgrades to America’s favorite summer tradition.

Fuel Source Matters

The biggest environmental impact from outdoor grilling comes from the fuel source. Here is a handy comparison of the options.

n Charcoal briquettes are little chunks of carbon made by baking wood byproducts, sawdust and other additives. Charcoal burns inefficiently and produces caustic smoke before and after the useful temperature for cooking. To reduce the carbon footprint, consider sustainably sourced bamboo or coconut shells to flame up the barbie.

n Gas grills burn fossil fuels like

propane or natural gas. On the other hand, they produce fewer carbon emissions than charcoal, heat more quickly and can be turned off immediately.

n Electric grills may seem more eco-friendly for backyard cookouts, but most electricity is derived from fossil fuels. If the home runs on renewable energy, electric wins. Otherwise, gas grills have a smaller carbon footprint.

n Infrared is the latest in barbecue technology. These pricey outdoor grills can reach high temperatures quickly, use less fuel and cook foods evenly. Because they use electric or gas heating elements that radiate infrared waves to the food, they generally run for less time than other grills. One drawback is that their high temperatures can easily overcook or burn foods, especially ingredients that don’t need high temperatures, like fish, vegetables and other seafood.

Cleaning Is Paramount

Regardless of the fuel source, it is important to keep the grill free of grease and food particles to prevent more smoke. When the grill is still warm, clean the grates with a wire brush. If grates are already cool, scrub with baking soda and water.

Caramelized Fruits and Vegetables

Burgers and ribs may be synonymous with traditional cookouts, but the modern barbecue menu isn’t all about meat. Recipes abound for grilled veggies and fruits that lend a delicious smoky and caramelized flavor to these nutritious foods. Embrace the appeal of slightly charred corn on the cob, browned portobello mushrooms and grill-marked pineapple. If meat-free burgers won’t please the crowd, look for certified organic, grass-fed and locally raised meats.

Artificial Intelligence That Can See With the Mind’s Eye

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Stanford University are using artificial intelligence (AI) to decode human brain scans and determine what a person is picturing in their mind.

Participants underwent brain scans using a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine while looking at more than 1,000 pictures, such as a red firetruck, a gray building and a giraffe eating leaves. This fMRI data was processed by an AI model for roughly 20 hours per patient, as it trained to associate certain brain patterns with the different images.

To test the learning capabilities of the AI model, the subjects were then shown new images while undergoing fMRI. Upon reviewing the brain waves, the AI system generated a shorthand description of each person’s brain state and sketched its best-guess facsimile of the image the participant saw The AI-generated image matched the attributes (color, shape and other details) and semantic meaning of the original image approximately 84 percent of the time. Researchers believe that in a decade the technology could be used on anyone, anywhere.

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Top 10 Benefits of Medical Marijuana for Men

by David Friedman

Men face challenges from coping with stress to managing pain and inflammation. Medical marijuana has emerged as a powerful solution for these issues, offering numerous benefits for men’s physical and mental health. The 10 key benefits of this natural alternative reveal how it can make a significant difference in daily life.

Insomnia

One of the most common problems that men face is sleeplessness, or insomnia. A good night’s rest is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Medical marijuana is known for promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality. Its calming effects help the mind unwind at bedtime, allowing for falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. By enhancing the quality of rest, medical marijuana can boost energy levels, mood and overall performance during the day.

Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to injury, but chronic inflammation leads to health issues including joint pain and reduced mobility. For fitness enthusiasts and athletes, inflammation can be a significant roadblock. Medical marijuana

has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ideal alternative to traditional pain relief medications. Medical marijuana enables men to hit the gym harder and recover faster, staying on top of the fitness game.

Sexual Function

Medical marijuana has been found to impact sexual function and desire in men positively. It can help alleviate performance anxiety and promote relaxation, allowing men to be more present and engaged during intimate moments. Moreover, medical marijuana improves blood flow and increases sensitivity, heightening the sexual experience. A recent study review in Psychology Today found 74 percent said cannabis improved their sexual satisfaction, while 59 percent said it increased their sexual desire. Anecdotal accounts label it an aphrodisiac.

Stress

Modern life is full of stressors such as work, family and financial concerns. Long-term stress can affect mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression and chronic health conditions. Medical marijuana is renowned for relieving stress and promoting a sense

of calm and well-being. Incorporating it into a daily routine can effectively manage stress levels and improve overall quality of life.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects millions of men worldwide. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety can make daily life incredibly challenging. Medical marijuana has been found to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, helping men regain control over their mental health.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in March 2021 in PLOS ONE, found that cannabis was beneficial for PTSD and can positively affect up to 20 percent of recent war veterans. Over the course of a year, the study found that cannabis users reported a greater decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms, and they were more than 2.5 times as likely to no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as those that did not use cannabis.

Focus and Productivity

Contrary to popular belief, medical marijuana can enhance focus and productivity in some users. Specific strains of cannabis, such as sativa-dominant strains, are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. These strains can help men stay alert and focused, making tackling tasks and staying on top of their responsibilities easier.

Anxiety and Depression

Mental health is critical to overall well-being, and medical marijuana has positively impacted many mental health conditions. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress and improving mood, it can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety and depres-

sion. The natural ability to bind with the endocannabinoid system can help balance brain chemistry and provide much-needed relief for those struggling with these conditions. A 2019 study of 103 adult patients found CBD to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications, displaying great promise as a tool for reducing anxiety in clinical populations.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be debilitating and negatively impact daily life. Medical marijuana has proven effective in managing neuropathic pain to cancer-related pain. Its analgesic properties can help reduce the reliance on prescription painkillers which often come with a host of side effects and the risk of addiction.

Appetite and Weight Management

Many men struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, whether due to a lack of appetite or an inability to gain weight. Medical marijuana has been shown to stimulate appetite and help individuals struggling with weight loss, particularly those facing health issues such as cancer or chronic disease. By boosting appetite and promoting a healthy weight, medical marijuana can play a crucial role in improving overall health and well-being. For losing rather than gaining weight, new cannabis strains and products have been released to help with just that. A 2018 analysis by Thomas Clark, Ph.D., showed that cannabis users have a

strongly reduced body mass index and less obesity relative to nonusers, while also revealing an increased caloric intake. The growing legalization of cannabis at the state level has reaffirmed the inverse relationship between obesity and cannabis use, prompting a growing number of professionals to consider cannabis as a therapeutic option for weight loss.

Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for preventing illnesses and maintaining overall health. Research suggests that medical marijuana can support the immune system by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. According to studies published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology, cannabinoids can modulate the function and secretion of cytokines from immune cells, thus offering treatment opportunities for inflammatory diseases.

The benefits of medical marijuana for men are numerous and transformative, providing an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical options without undesirable effects.

David Friedman is the manager of Compassionate Healthcare of Florida, comprised of an expert team of board-certified physicians providing patients in Southwest Florida certifications and guidance on how to safely and effectively use medical marijuana to manage symptoms. For more information, call 833-633-3665. See ad, page 10.

Larissa Smolen

Psychedelic Ketamine Therapy for Men’s Mental Health Crises

by Adam Mitchell, MA

Men’s mental health is an area where improved mental health services can benefit all of society. Ketamine therapy is revolutionizing the way negative psychological and behavioral patterns are interrupted in truly meaningful, lifeenhancing ways.

The plight of men’s mental health crisis is a patchwork of suicidality, drug abuse, and destructive behaviors haunting individuals, not only globally, but here in Collier and Lee county. Supportive psychedelic ketamine therapy provided at MY Self Wellness in Bonita Springs serves to interrupt self-critical patterns of negative mood and unhealthy behaviors that keep many men from fulfilling and authentic lives.

Too many men are tragically more

likely to commit suicide than seek help. According to the Illinois Department of Health, suicide is one of the top 10 causes of death in men. Globally, men die by their own hand at rates three to five times more frequently than women. More men struggle with substance abuse than women, although according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more women seek help for it and other issues than men. Stigmas against needing help—undermining male ideals of strength and unflinching independence—lead men to not seek help, even when in dire need. Rather than seeking help and growing healthy enough to contribute to the community, men too often keep things to themself and never deal with the roots of their angst. Therapeutic use of ketamine

permits men to dig deep and discover how strong they can be after honest self-inquiry and healing.

Men are taught to stuff their feelings away from the knowledge of others. Despite the disguises of strength and social assumptions society encourages men to assume, men too rarely reveal courage in dealing with emotions. Inadequacy, fear, unfulfilled longing and desire for acceptance are issues all people endure, but society discourages men from confronting these emotions. Unattended feelings don’t go away. Rather, they consume us from within and erode the well-being of the world around us. ketamine therapy can be a key to unlock the self-acceptance each man must deliver to himself, the way to reconnect to love within and without.

Stereotypically, men like tools they can use. Ketamine therapy is just another tool, not something that does the job done without proper use. It does not hinge on a therapist to dispense the benefits, despite the therapeutic value of support in the process. Rather, it swings open doors to patients’ own self-discovery, capacities to forgive, powers to love and the psycho-spiritual release toward fuller, more satisfied lives.

It is not up to a doctor, a therapist, medication or the world to make things better for men. It is what we’ve always feared—our psycho-spiritual healing is up to us and the tools we put to wise use. Alone, ketamine doesn’t solve problems, but it can help to clear the mind and heart, loosening knots of suffering which have tormented us long enough.

Adam Mitchell, MA, is the director of clinical research at MY Self Awareness. Call MY Self Wellness at 239908-9958 to arrange a tour of the facilities. Learn about the available healing resources and get answers to any questions as well as a free consultation. See ad, page 23.

Meet Victor Presto, RN Naples Resident

Work: Registered Nurse/President MVP Autism Foundation

Proudest achievement: In 2011, my wife Diane, my son Michael and I founded the MVP Autism Foundation to help those with autism and other varying abilities reach their fullest human potential. Over the past 12 years through our partnership with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation we have placed close to 400 individuals with autism and others with varying abilities in jobs. We have given medical grants to families to defray the cost of uninsured therapies and scholarships to attend training for spelling to communicate programs. We also sponsor weekly yoga and have provided several health and wellness seminars.

Expectations for the future: I look at a future where non-speaking and unreliable speaking autistic individuals are treated with respect and acceptance.

Favorite websites: MVPautism.org, Spellers.org, I-asc.org

Local or global causes supported: We support several nonprofits locally and nationally that provide services to the special needs community.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: Every month it is jam-packed with informative articles and resources that help me live a healthier life.

Where I pick up my copy of Natural Awakenings: Unity of Naples

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: Lake Park Diner and Organically Twisted

How I support my community: Both personally and through our foundation, we are constantly giving back to our community. This past year we sponsored a baseball team for special needs individuals. We have provided mental health counseling during the COVID epidemic and provide triage services for special needs families moving into Southwest Florida.

Favorite inspirational quote: “Quiet people have the loudest minds.” ~ Stephen Hawking, and “My life is my argument.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

What I am doing to be the change I want to see in the world: My life is dedicated to a most underserved and underestimated population in our society; those who are nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic individuals. Through our collaboration with the Naples Spelling to Communicate Center, the MVP Autism Foundation is conducting presentations to medical and educational institutions for the Spellers Method and recently conducted an exclusive screening of the movie Spellers. Through the use of letter boards, non-speaking and minimally speaking autistics learn to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions. This process is creating a paradigm shift in how these individuals are perceived and how they can make significant contributions to our society.

A half hour long beauty consultation that analyzes a series of facial measurements to help determine the moSt Flattering hair Style that you can wear now.

MONTHLY PLANNER

Awakenings

In his 2006 book, The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People are Changing the World, author Paul H. Ray described cultural creatives as self-actualized individuals interested in spirituality and living in alignment with their core values. Their numbers increased by 2018 as indicated in the film The Revolution - Cultural Creatives (Tinyurl.com/ The-R-evolution) which estimates that 200 million people across the world had joined the movement with the numbers increasing annually by 1 percent per year. Ray noted that these individuals, working at creating a wiser and more sustainable culture, felt they were alone in their work to help raise consciousness. Natural Awakenings wants to let cultural creatives know they are not alone by highlighting the work of others in Southwest Florida that are also working to transform themselves and the world.

Meet Charles Patti, Chief Education Officer at MY Self Wellness

How are things different since your awakening? I used to have a doom-and-gloom perspective and lived in a constant state of fear. My awakening experience shifted me from fear to love.

How or what triggered your shift in consciousness?

My experience was triggered by psychedelics, specifically ketamine. It had staying power. I had an experience of oneness, where I became one with everyone and everything. When I realized everything is connected and I was part of the universe, consciousness, God, I was no longer separate. I look at myself and others differently now. Others are my mirrors. If they do something that triggers a reaction in me, I look within.

Have you had any other significant epiphanies?

Awakenings are the synchronistic flow of the evolution of consciousness. The root all suffering is identification with the self. My story was I’m Charles. I’m 40. I used to be drug addict. My father died when I was young. I was a sensitive empath. Overwhelmed by life, I self-medicated with drugs and alcohol. When I awakened to being an extension of the divine, I had to stop poisoning myself. I was so caught up in my story until the awakening. Now I am manifesting my own reality.

Another epiphany was that, “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is not about cleaning your room. It’s about the body, the temple or vessel in which you live. I also realized that the only person I can save or heal is myself. As I heal myself, I heal the world. There are no coincidences.

How has that affected the decisions you have made since then?

I charged towards healing myself fearlessly because the only way out is to go within. I’m living healthier, exercise and have a daily practice of meditation and breathwork. I can only change myself. I remain positive. I focus on staying at higher state of consciousness, being loving to my family, my work at My SELF Awareness and going to the gym.

Charles Patti is the chief education officer at MY Self Wellness at 3541 Bonita Bay Blvd., Ste. 200, in Bonita Springs. Call 239-908-9958. See ad, page 23.

Vear Hoy MS, MS

Converting Food to Energy

LEARNING HOW METABOLISM WORKS

by Linda Sechrist

Metabolism is the process by which the foods and drinks we consume are converted into energy. We may not notice the cellular mechanisms that transform fat and glucose into the oomph in our step, but when they start to wane, we definitely know something is wrong. We may feel lethargic and weak, our brains may get foggy or we may start putting on weight around the belly, with blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels on the rise. In most cases, modifying our diet is the most powerful way to regain vitality and get those biomarkers back on track.

“Metabolic imbalance occurs when the body stores fat but can’t access it or burn it as efficiently,” says Alan Christianson, a naturopathic physician and author of The Metabolism Reset Diet: Repair Your Liver, Stop Storing Fat and Lose Weight Naturally. “In one year, our bodies manage about 1 million calories in and out. We never get exactly what we need on any day, so we must be able to store and release energy in a healthy fashion. However, people get better at storing and poorer at releasing. This is a big part of gradual weight gain and accompanying fatigue.”

Christianson describes good metabolic health as having steady energy levels and maintaining a good body weight. “When there’s too little energy available and the body can’t make energy that well, I see symptoms of metabolic imbalance as mental fatigue and poor memory, less muscular endurance, less recovery from exercise, weight gain and resistance to weight loss,” he explains. “If not addressed, metabolic imbalance can develop into obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

According to Christianson, certain lifestyle choices can throw our metabolism out of balance, including the overconsumption of carbohydrates, processed foods and caffeine; frequent snacking and late-night meals; and poor sleep routines. Too much stress creates a hormonal cascade that promotes storing fat instead of using it.

James Forleo, a doctor of chiropractic and author of Health Is Simple, Disease Is Complicated, recommends the elimination of certain foods that wreak havoc on our metabolism: “The inflammatory agents in much of the food consumed in the Standard American Diet—high-glycemic refined carbohydrates, highfructose corn syrup and other sugars, and hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats—are the biggest offenders of metabolic health.”

Correcting Liver Function

“The key mechanism to correct and maintain metabolic health is helping the liver to function well. Once corrected, it is not difficult to maintain metabolic health if people eat reasonably healthy,” Christianson advises. “The liver is the main site for storing the body’s fuel. It does this in the forms of glycogen and triglycerides. When things go wrong, there’s too much of one relative to the other. We need some glycogen, which comes from carbohydrates, to burn triglycerides—kind of like how you need kindling to burn a log. The problem is triglyceride buildup in the liver.”

Fixing the liver is the central focus of Christianson’s 28-day metabolism reset. “To correct a fatty liver, you need adequate protein and adequate nutrients, but a low enough amount of total carbohydrates and healthy fats,” he says. “You also need adequate levels of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that we get from the food we eat. My metabolism reset guides you in eating less refined and processed foods, and more real, nutritious food; pairing carbohydrates with protein; exercising; managing stress levels; and avoiding sugar.”

Personalized Diet Plan and Nutritional Coaching

Metabolic Balance, a German-based company with certified nutrition coaches around the globe, helps people optimize their health with personalized diet plans and follow-up coaching sessions. “The program was created by Dr. Wolf Funfack, a specialist in internal and nutritional medicine, whose research revealed that every human body can produce all the hormones and enzymes it needs for healthy metabolism. We need to give it the necessary nutrients with the right food, which is precisely what Metabolic Balance does,” says Sylvia Egel, CEO and director of coaching and education.

“Based on an individual’s personal medical history and blood levels, we determine what substances the body lacks to produce all the enzymes and

NEM LUI HUE (LEMONGRASS SKEWERS WITH PORK OR CHICKEN)

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1 lb ground pork or chicken

1 Tbsp finely minced garlic

1 Tbsp finely minced shallot

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

12-15 stalks of lemongrass

Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients, except the lemongrass stalks, in a bowl and mix with hands or a fork. Cover and place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight), allowing the flavors to develop.

Peel the outer layer of the lemongrass stalks. Rinse in water and dry. Take one handful of the ground mixture and wrap it around the end of a lemongrass stalk, gently pressing and molding the meat around the stalk. Repeat with the remaining meat and place on a baking sheet. Grill skewers over coals or on a gas grill for about 6 to 10 minutes until cooked through. Make sure to rub the grill with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil to ensure the skewers don’t stick to the grate.

CHICKEN CURRY

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1 cup vegetables (mushrooms, leeks, onion or cauliflower), chopped

1 chicken breast, diced

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp mild or medium curry powder

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground ginger

1 garlic clove

Vegetable stock

If using cauliflower, parboil the florets and keep the water they were boiled in. Heat the spices in a dry pan until fragrant. Add garlic and vegetables and coat with spices. Add some oil and pour in some vegetable stock (or the cauliflower water) to deglaze the pan. Cook covered for a few minutes until spices and liquid are well combined and the vegetables are coated evenly. Add the diced chicken. Simmer until the chicken is cooked, stirring regularly. Add more vegetable stock or water for a thinner sauce. Serve with some toasted rye bread to soak up the juices.

Recipes and photos courtesy of Metabolic Balance

hormones necessary for their bodily functions,” she explains. “The personal roadmap recommends the right combination of foods to keep the various bodily functions in balance. The foods aren’t based on their caloric content, but rather on their essential components such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements, and the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins.”

According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism,

participation in the Metabolic Balance program led to long-term health improvements due to a high degree of adherence by the participants. According to the researchers, “The emphasis of any dietary program should be set on both the aspect of nutrition as well as the aspect of motivation.”

Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings publications for 20 years.

ARUGULA SALAD WITH MANGO DRESSING

YIELD: 1 SERVING

1½ cup arugula

¼ cup olives, pitted

1 Tbsp chopped shallots

1 mango

Balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the core and cut into small cubes.

Purée the olives with balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Purée some of the mango cubes with the dressing and set aside the remainder.

Add the shallots to the dressing.

Wash, clean and dry the arugula.

Mix in the dressing and sprinkle the remaining mango cubes on top.

Pair this salad with any protein, such as a fish filet.

Photo courtesy of Metabolic Balance

WHAT EVERY MAN WANTS SEXUAL VITALITY AT EVERY AGE

by Carrie Jackson

For men, sexual health is a key, but often overlooked, component of overall wellness. A man in optimal physical shape is able to fully enjoy and participate in sexual activity with an active libido and the ability to sustain an erection. Poor sexual health can lead to depression, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and other troublesome symptoms and conditions.

Fortunately, male sexual function is better understood medically than ever before, and it is more common for men to talk with their doctors and other professionals about topics that

seemed taboo not that long ago. New technology is making it easier to diagnose and treat common problems, and it is widely understood that physical, neurological, hormonal, interpersonal and mental factors all play into sexual wellness. By taking a proactive and holistic approach to their overall wellness, men can enjoy a robust sex drive and performance long into their later years.

Maintaining Libido and Energy

Eric Plasker, a licensed chiropractor and author of The 100 Year Lifestyle, attests that sexual health does not have to decline with

age, and men can proactively counter that myth with mindful lifestyle choices. “If you’re aging in a healthy manner, your libido does not have to decline. By taking part in activities you find fulfilling and nurturing your mind, body and spirit, your sexual energy can stay naturally high,” Plasker explains.

He recommends that people take an energy inventory to assess which activities and lifestyle choices are serving them. “Make a list of all the things you do that help you gain energy and those that drain your energy. This includes the food you eat, hobbies, habits, even people you spend time with. Then see how you can turn the drainers into gainers. For example, if driving in traffic makes you angry, put on relaxing music and do deep breathing exercises to shift yourself into a more positive state. These shifts will make you more energetic, stronger, more passionate and present with your partners, and you’ll have more energy to be sexual and loving,” he says.

Sexual health depends on a healthy nervous system, and maintaining a balanced flow of hormones and neurotransmitters is essential for proper neurological function. According to Plasker, disease, inactivity and inflammation—especially in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints—can cause a communication breakdown.

“Blockages in the nervous system flow can cause disruption to the sexual organs and lead to a compromised libido,” he explains. “Chiropractic adjustments, combined with regular exercise, will help raise cortisol, reduce stress and open up these pathways in the body. I recommend that patients find an activity they enjoy, such as swimming or tennis, so it becomes an enjoyable part of their routine,” Plasker says.

Optimizing Hormones

According to Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist in Sarasota, Florida, strong sexual health and desire is a window to overall health. He helps patients reach their sexual potential with a combination of science-based medicine and holistic practices. “The body is one connected system, and great sexual function is an indication that your body is optimized,” he advises.

While testosterone is widely known to affect sex drive, Gapin looks at the interplay of a variety of other hormones, too. Hormone optimization, testosterone therapy and peptide therapy, which utilizes the body’s own amino acids to increase hormone levels, are non-invasive outpatient tools that men can use to analyze and optimize their sex drive.

“The body produces over 50 hormones, which all contribute to regulating biological processes,” he explains. “Low testosterone can lead to weight gain, anxiety, erectile dysfunction and other serious health issues, including diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Men want to optimize their thyroid and DHT [dihydrotestosterone] levels, both of which can lower the sex drive when

compromised. Vitamin D helps regulate the gut, which controls the health of the entire body. Neurotransmitters, which help release feel-good endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine, are made in the gut and can affect depression, anxiety and other issues that lower libido.”

Gapin stresses that it is more important to think about “optimal” levels of hormones instead of “normal” ranges and encourages patients to move beyond the basic blood tests to assess their health. “Besides sex drive, testosterone also affects cardiovascular health, muscle and bone strength, fat mass, cognitive health and even longevity, so it’s important to be aware of your own levels,” he says. “Every man is different, and the range in which you feel and perform your best is what’s right for you. With medical advice constantly changing, it can be a challenge to keep track of all the recommended tests. DNA testing, epigenetic age assessments, advanced lipid panels, inflammation markers and thyroid testing can all give insight to how the body is functioning as a whole.”

Treating Prostate Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. It is, in fact, the most common cancer among American men. Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men and in non-Hispanic Black men. About six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men that are 65 or older, and it is rare in men under 40.

Gapin asserts that preventative and proactive lifestyle choices can drastically reduce the risk. “New, non-invasive MRI treatments are making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer earlier

by highlighting suspicious areas in the prostate and targeting them for biopsy,” he explains, adding that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a number of treatment options.

“Traditionally, patients would have the prostate removed and undergo radiation. However, these procedures come with a list of disturbing side effects. A newer, FDA-approved treatment called highintensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive procedure that eradicates prostate cancer,” Gapin notes. “HIFU is an outpatient procedure with excellent oncologic outcomes, minimal side effects and quick recovery times.”

Incorporating Lifestyle Solutions

As an osteopathic doctor and integrative medicine practitioner at the Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tarin Forbes looks at the root causes of disease and dysfunction. She, too, considers sexual health an integral component of overall wellness and gives patients the tools to achieve their desired sexual potential. “While every person is different, optimal sexual health usually means that men wake up with a morning erection, desire intercourse on a daily basis and can reach an erection without stimulation or genital contact,” she remarks.

Making mindful choices that prioritize nutrition will naturally improve sexual health. “Nourish yourself with a whole food, plant-based diet rich in nutrients, including nitrate-rich foods and foods rich in vitamin C and folate, which boost nitric oxide, the main compound that increases blood flow,” Forbes says. “Beans, citrus fruits, beets, celery, cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens boost nitric oxide or its bioavailability to improve blood flow. While getting nutrition from food is ideal, supplements such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D and boron can help regulate sex hormones. Avoid certain medications, including over-the-counter medicine such as NSAIDs [non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs] like Advil, acid blockers and even mouthwash, which blocks nitric oxide.”

Forbes also recommends engaging in high-intensity exercises and weight resistance that help increase testosterone and blood flow to the penis. Reducing environmental toxins is another important step, she notes, as plastics, pesticides and other chemicals can rob men of their testosterone,

which not only affects blood flow but also libido.

Forbes cautions that while erectile dysfunction drugs work in the short-term, they can produce unwanted consequences. “Viagra does work to help men achieve an erection by stimulating blood flow to the penis. However, it can cause troublesome side effects including headaches, vision problems and nasal congestion. Non-pharmaceutical alternatives can provide good results without undesirable repercussions. Low-intensity shock wave therapy, a non-invasive outpatient procedure, uses targeted sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis and can be done once or in a series of treatments. Platelet-rich plasma injections use the patient’s own plasma to stimulate new tissue growth in the penis, which can lead to larger and more frequent erections,” she explains.

Forbes says that by having an open dialogue with their medical professionals and exploring holistic treatments, men at any age can feel sexier and more energetic than ever. “Talk about your concerns with your doctor, who may offer referrals to other specialists until the issue is solved. A physical therapist can teach men to strengthen their pelvic floor with Kegels and other exercises. Sexual therapists help men work through mental and psychological issues, which can be as debilitating as physical ones. A psychologist can offer tools for managing depression and anxiety, both of which can contribute to sexual dysfunction, including low libido and performance anxiety,” she says, noting that if a man does not feel comfortable talking with their doctor, it may be time to find a new one.

Many factors contribute to sexual health, and every man’s needs and desires are different. By addressing physical, hormonal, neurological and mental wellness with a combination of conventional and holistic treatments, men can experience sexual performance and enjoyment at any age. “There’s more awareness than ever before about sexual health, and men don’t have to compromise this integral part of their overall wellness,” says Forbes.

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Allistair F/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock.com

Dr. Mark Hyman ON

LIVING HEALTHY TO 100 AND BEYOND

by Sandra Yeyati

Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician and an internationally recognized leader, bestselling author, speaker, educator and advocate in the field of functional medicine. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center, founder and senior advisor for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and board president for clinical affairs for The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is also the founder and chairman of the Food Fix Campaign, dedicated to transforming our food and agriculture system through policy change, and hosts The Doctor’s Farmacy, a podcast with more than 150 million downloads. Hyman is a regular contributor to CBS This Morning, Today, Good Morning America, The View, Fox and CNN. His latest book, Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life, champions the latest science on healthy aging.

Photo by Masha Maltsava

How

is the emerging science on longevity changing the way we view aging?

Many things we’ve come to accept as a normal part of getting older are not. Decrepitude, frailty, disease, diabetes, cancers, dementia—these are optional. We can’t change chronological aging, but we can slow and reverse biological aging by influencing the hallmarks of aging, which are these underlying processes that go awry as we get older.

What are the hallmarks of aging?

In my book I wrote about 10 hallmarks of aging, which are all part of one ecosystem of problems. They’re not separate; they influence each other; and they’re dynamic. It’s things like inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, zombie cells, shortened telomeres, microbiome changes and epigenetic changes, which are changes in how our genes are expressed. They’re all important, but the most important hallmark of aging is called deregulated nutrient sensing, which means how our body interacts with food and how that influences us for good or bad. Problems with nutrient sensing affect almost all the other hallmarks and make them worse.

How can we address deregulated nutrient sensing?

We have built-in longevity pathways and over 3,000 survival genes, and we can activate this innate healing intelligence at any time. A major way to influence four of these pathways is through food. I call them longevity switches, which we need to learn how to regulate to make our health span equal our lifespan.

The first one is activated by too much sugar and starch, which drives too much insulin signaling, causing diabetes, prediabetes, cancer, dementia, heart disease or obesity. When insulin is over-expressed, it causes weight gain, fat storage, inflammation and lots of other problems.

The next one is mTOR [mammalian target of rapamycin], a pathway that makes new proteins and builds muscle, but gets overstimulated because of our constant eating and snacking and eating before bed. mTOR needs to be inhibited periodically by intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating to allow autophagy to happen, which is like a recycling and repair crew that comes in at night and cleans up all the damaged proteins.

The other two pathways, sirtuins and AMPK [adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase], sense a lack of nutrients and switch on survival pathways. If we’re constantly eating sugar and starch, then AMPK and sirtuins are overstimulated, and they’re not given a break to activate these pathways.

What is the role of exercise in longevity?

If it were a pill, exercise would basically fix everything. It’s probably the most potent intervention there is, other than calorie restriction or fasting, and it works on many of the longevity pathways. The most important type of exercise is resistance training as you get older, because you need to build muscle. Without muscle, you become frail and dysfunctional.

Exercise influences our DNA stability; lengthens telomeres; preserves the genome; affects the proteins; regulates mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins; preserves mitochondrial function; prevents zombie cells; helps with stem cells; reduces inflammation, cardiovascular risk and diabetes; and it’s also really important for becoming insulin sensitive.

What is hormesis and how can it help with healthy aging?

Hormesis is the idea that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The concept is not new. We know that exercise, for example, is a stress on the body, but it actually makes you rebound stronger.

When you lift weights or you run, it’s a stress, but you’re getting thinner and stronger. There are other forms of hormesis that activate longevity pathways. Hot sauna therapy reduces your risk of cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent. Cold immersion therapy has many benefits, like increasing dopamine, activating brown fat and regulating metabolism. Fasting is a kind of hormesis, and longer fasts—for a day, three days, a week—are very powerful.

What role does finding community have in this quest for longevity?

The science is pretty clear that the body has innate systems that can be regulated by our thoughts. We now understand the mechanisms by which our social relationships and connections can influence our gene expression and everything from inflammation to insulin resistance to everything else, so building connection with others and building relationships and community is very important.

What longevity strategies do you implement on a typical day?

A lot of this is just habit development and routine. This morning I worked out with my resistance bands for half an hour, took a steam shower and an ice bath, then had a longevity shake with goat whey, creatine, urolithin A and adaptogenic mushrooms. Then I took a walking meeting for an hour-and-a-half outside while I was on a call. Tonight, I plan to spend time with friends. I eat pretty simply most of the time. Last night, I had lamb chops, sweet potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, artichokes (which are a great prebiotic food) and some broccoli with lemon, garlic and olive oil. I take my supplements as well. So it’s very simple, very easy.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings

Straighten Up and Feel Right

TIPS FOR GOOD POSTURE AND A HEALTHY SPINE

by Cristina Parker, PT, DPT

Standing up straight is not just something our parents remind us to do, it also happens to be good for our health. Posture describes the position of the body in space, but the realities of how we stand and move in day-to-day life are much more complex. Healthy postures encourage proper alignment of body structures, while unhealthy postures can lead to a host of issues, including muscle and joint pain, balance impairment and decreased mobility. Awareness of the body’s proper static and dynamic position is essential to maintaining a healthy spine.

The Spine and Its Role in Posture

The body’s main support system is the spine, which consists of three sections. The cervical spine supports the

weight of the head and connects it to the shoulders, enabling us to turn our heads from side to side as well as up and down. The thoracic spine stabilizes the rib cage, which protects the vital organs. The lumbar spine consists of thicker, more robust vertebrae, as they are the main load bearers and enable us to rotate our bodies and bend forward and to the side.

Muscle tightness or joint immobility can shift the spine out of its ideal positioning, causing postural dysfunction. A recent study published in the journal Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science estimates that 66 percent of the population is living with forward head posture (FHP), a cervical spine dysfunction that occurs when the head moves forward in front of the body.

FHP can lead to headaches, migraines and jaw pain. Thoracic kyphosis, a rounded upper back, reportedly impacts 20 to 50 percent of the population and impairs numerous functions, including digestion and breathing. The lumbar spine is at particularly high risk for joint disease as both lumbar muscle strength and pelvic mobility decrease in sedentary individuals. Low back and pelvic immobility are contributing factors for the estimated 103 million individuals worldwide that live with lumbar spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that may cause pain or numbness in the legs.

Three-Step Process to Take Control of Our Posture

STEP ONE: IDENTIFICATION

In her book Rethink Your Position, biomechanist Katy Bowman recommends that we pay attention to a few common signals the body sends out to alert us to an imbalanced weight distribution, including aches in the feet or low back and tension of the shoulders or neck. “Good alignment isn’t about any one fixed position, but a healthy range of positions,” she says. “By focusing less on memorizing postures and more on learning about load on parts of the body, you can optimize your positioning for many different activities.”

Bowman recommends a quick and easy way to self-assess if a postural imbalance is present and, if so, to identify where the imbalance begins: “The body’s joints stack in a vertical line. You can use a plumb line to indicate where your parts are supposed to be. If you take a string with a weight at the end and drop it down from your shoulder, it should line up with the hip, knee and ankle on the way down.”

STEP TWO: CORRECTION

Dr. Krista Burns, co-author of The Posture Principles and founder of the American Posture Institute, recommends a twominute exercise routine, performed while standing against a wall, that addresses

each segment of the spine. Repeat each exercise five times.

1. Neck retraction: Push the head forward away from the wall as far as possible, then pull it back so the base of the skull contacts the wall. Keep the eyes parallel to the horizon, rather than looking up toward the sky.

2. Posture angel : Stand with the back against the wall, elbows bent and tucked in close to the waist. Keeping the back of the hands against the wall, reach up as far as possible then slowly lower back to starting position. This movement, which is like making a snow angel while standing, should be felt between the shoulder blades when performed correctly.

3. Pelvic tilt: Arch the back so there is a small space between the wall and the lower spine, then tuck in the tail, flattening the spine against the wall and closing that space. This exercise helps initiate movement into the lower joints.

STEP THREE: MAINTENANCE

The key to maintaining a healthy posture is frequent movement, which can include an hourly stretch break or a bi-hourly range-of-motion routine to move muscles and joints throughout the day. To make postural exercises a habit, physical therapist and integrative health coach Margie Bissinger recommends pairing an exercise routine with something that is already done multiple times a day–for example, mealtime. “People are busy, so it is hard to always dedicate that mental space to awareness of their head or back position,” she states. “When they pair it with something they’re routinely doing, it becomes a habit, and that is when the mental load of the task starts to go away.”

Cristina Parker holds a doctorate in physical therapy. She is a researcher, health content writer, educator and clinician specializing in neurologic disorders, limbloss rehabilitation and adaptive sports techniques.

A safe, effective, non-surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation and muscle toning. Stimulates and exercises the underlying facial muscles, creating a subtle, visible, contouring lift to firm and tighten the face and neck. Reduces lines and wrinkles. No scarring.

Purely You Spa HydraFacial

by Lisa Marlene

Suitable for virtually any age and skin type, Purely You Spa’s HydraFacial is suitable for teenagers with acne, adults with pimples, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and older patients with sun damage. A medical-grade, hydradermabrasion procedure, it clears out pores and hydrates skin with a combination of serums. With the patented Vortex Fusion, this treatment rejuvenates the skin by extracting impurities, cleansing the face and hydrating it to give it a healthy, plump and youthful glow. The four-step treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, extracting and hydrating the skin with serums that are infused into pores.

The HydraFacial treatment begins with a deep cleanse that gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin. Next, a mix of customized ingredients are applied to the skin to break up any residual dirt and oil clogging pores. Afterward, the HydraPeel Tip is used to vacuum out blackheads, dirt, oil and impurities while hydrating, plumping and nourishing serums are simultaneously applied to the skin.

Enjoy a dewy complexion, soothed and nourished skin without side effects such as irritation, scarring or rashes, repair sun damage and facial discoloration, stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and increase firmness of the skin for an even textured skin with reduced pores and a more hydrated, bright, plump and clear complexion.

“While one treatment can extract and hydrate enough to improve skin health and provide visible results for up to seven days after treatment, we recommend at least one session per month for an optimum effect on brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, oily skin and acne. Corrective treatments can be done weekly or biweekly. Afterwards, I recommend once a month to maintain the skin,” says Purely You Spa owner Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi.

Mention this article before Aug, 1, to receive $20 off the first Hydra-Facial treatment. Coordinate appointments with the Purely You Spa Concierge at 239-331-8266. Available at Purely You Spa’s main location at 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302, in Naples. See ad, page 2.

Rise in Children With Autism

In March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been steadily on the rise. One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018, and one in 150 children in 2000 when the CDC first established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network to track ASD prevalence in this country. Autism was 3.8 times as prevalent among boys (4 percent) as girls (1 percent), and for the first time among 8-year-old children, the prevalence was slightly lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services.

The report included communities in 11 states that participate in the CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network—Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin. Children included in this report were born in 2012 and lived in surveillance areas during 2020. ASD prevalence varied from state to state, with Maryland having the lowest and California the highest observed rates.

239-272-8155

Keeping the Liver Clean

by Dona Parker

The liver is largest organ in the body and one of the busiest, storing glucose from the food we eat, producing bile for digesting fats and filtering harmful toxins out of the blood. The Standard American Diet, combined with the sedentary lifestyle that most individuals live, can cause fatty tissue to build up and result in a sluggish liver, which limits its ability to perform essential tasks.

A diet that includes five to 10 cups of green tea daily, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, as well as turmeric, grapefruit, beets and garlic, can help to prevention a buildup of fat in the liver.

Two of the liver’s 500 vital functions are detoxification of blood and maintaining a healthy level of fat in the bloodstream. Not only acting as a powerful filter removing toxins found in the environment and medications from the blood, the liver is involved in the production of enzymes, hormones and special proteins necessary for blood clotting. Loaded with immune cells like macrophages, which are natural killer cells, T-cells and more, a clean liver is a major contributor to a strong immune system.

One of the best ways to unclog the liver and keep it healthy is with light

therapy. Infrared light saunas, referred to in Finland as the “poor man’s pharmacy”, are a natural way to keep the body healthy. They are most effective when used regularly for detoxifying, especially for individuals that are taking several medications.

In addition, photobiomodulation, involving the release of light waves in different nanometer wavelengths, alters the way the cells produce energy and antioxidants. In turn, this improved efficiency may help heal bones, nerves, skin, tendons and ligaments, lessening pain.

Although it may seem like science fiction, light therapy is a valuable treatment growing steadily in popularity. According to Michael Hamlin, Ph.D., a principal investor at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, and associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, the number of conditions that light therapy can treat is continuously expanding.

Dona Parker is the owner of Tree of Light Whole Body Rejuvenation, which offers infrared saunas and ARRC LED photobiomodulation beds, located at 806 Neapolitan Way, in Naples. For more information, call 239-692-9367 or visit TreeOfLightCenter.com. See ad, page 13.

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Keeping Eyes Sharp

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO VISION HEALTH

by Carrie Jackson

As the windows to the world, our eyes are sensory organs that work overtime. They allow us to take in light, see what is before us and send information for the brain to process. While regular eye exams are important, preventative and proactive maintenance is key to achieving healthy vision.

Dr. Marc Grossman co-founded NaturalEyeCare.com to educate professionals and the public about complementary eye care, which can supplement traditional methods. As both a licensed optometrist and acupuncturist, he believes that the health of the eye depends on the well-being of a person’s entire body. “I treat the person behind the eye, not just the condition. When a patient comes in with glaucoma or a cataract, I look at their history and lifestyle choices to see what could be contributing to it,” he says.  Proper nutrition is crucial for proper eye function. Grossman recommends what he calls a “vision diet” based on the Mediterranean diet, which cuts down on sugar and prioritizes organic, low-alkaline foods, leafy greens and fresh juices. “Carotenoids, found in red or yellow fruits and vegetables, are vital antioxidants for eye health. They include lutein, the yellow pigment in the macula that protects against certain eye diseases, and zeaxanthin, which helps avoid macular degeneration. These nutrients also absorb harmful blue light and are anti-inflammatory. The presence of free radicals and lack of antioxidants in the eyes is directly related to the incidence of many types of eye

disease, including macular degeneration. Consuming antioxidants from food is ideal and can be enhanced with supplements such as CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and curcumin,” Grossman explains.

“Regular aerobic activity combined with meditation or another mindfulness practice is ideal to maintain and even improve vision,” he says. “Thirty minutes of brisk walking or another activity you enjoy four days a week can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and other common eye conditions. Qigong, mindful breathing and yoga help the whole body reset and are low-impact ways to improve circulation.”

Proactively retraining the brain can substantially reduce vision dysfunction. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneer in neuro-optometry, helps adults and children unlock their highest potential by remediating visual developmental delays that impact reading and learning, honing visual skills to elevate sports performance and reorganizing the “visual brain” after head injuries.

“We need to look at eyesight and vision as separate entities. While eyesight is the ability to simply see things like letters on a chart, vision is how your brain derives meaning from the world around us and directs the appropriate action,” explains the Maryland-based optometrist.

Through individualized vision therapy, Appelbaum’s patients learn how to train their eyes, brain and body to work together more efficiently. “Most functional vision problems are actually brain problems, and vision therapy teaches you how to use your eyes to retrain your brain. Through a series of exercises, we enhance skills like focus, depth perception, 3D awareness, eye movement control and visualization,” he explains. The first step is a thorough evaluation, and then, if indicated, personalized treatment is prescribed with doctor-supervised ses-

auremarAdobeStock.com

sions in the office that are reinforced with exercises at home.

Appelbaum also helps professional and amateur athletes more accurately connect to their sport through vision. “From an early age we’re told to ‘keep your eye on the ball,’ but not taught how to do that,” Appelbaum asserts. “Sports vision therapy trains athletes to optimize critical components in their visual processing and reaction. We work with baseball and basketball players, gymnasts, skiers, even fencers who learn to coordinate and visualize the optimal movement in relation to their environment, equipment and teammates. With repeated exercises and self-correction, athletes learn to enhance visual reaction time, depth perception, visuospatial knowledge and hand-eye coordination."

Monitoring screen time is vital to resting overworked eyes. “As a direct result of excessive screen time, we’re seeing a dramatic increase of nearsightedness in young children, as well as headaches, fatigue, eyestrain and motion sensitivity,” Appelbaum says. “I encourage patients to follow the 20/20/20 rule and take a minimum of a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This allows both the brain and eyes to disengage from the near visual stress and relax. In general, looking at larger screens that are further away will also lessen the strain.”

Taking a holistic approach to overall health and wellness will not only preserve but can also enhance our ability to see. “People should discuss visual issues and symptoms with their doctor and seek out functional vision testing, as vision could be the limiting factor in a number of conditions,” Appelbaum advises. “With mindful visual training and healthy lifestyle choices, we can maximize our vision and our life’s potential.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at Carrie JacksonWrites.com.

Conscious Fatherhood

BUILDING A BETTER FAMILY

by Julie Peterson

Some dads believe they need to work long hours so that they can purchase better things and go on fancier vacations, but research shows that, outside of escaping poverty, money doesn’t buy happiness. Even for children, it’s not about stuff or destinations; it’s about time spent together. Fortunately, there are men teaching men to embrace the fatherhood role and take action in ways that matter most.

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

Photo courtesy of Chris Smith

“All men desire to be loved, valued, needed and respected, and to know they are leaving a mark on this world. Many men look for this fulfillment in career and hobbies, but this can be found by embracing their role as fathers,” says Ned Schaut, the Hawaii-based author of The Adventure of Fatherhood. He notes that the way fathers choose to live and perform their parental roles can affect a family for generations. Learning what fatherhood entails isn’t easy for men that grew up without involved dads, which may leave them doubting that they have what it takes to lead their families. “There are endless resources to help us in our businesses or careers, but our society doesn’t get behind the message that strong families matter, that present, engaged fathers matter,” says Chris Smith, founder of Campfire Effect, a coaching business for entrepreneurs in Arizona. “In business, we apply principles around values, culture, leadership and growth, and then we go home and don’t apply these same principles.”

Define Values

The lack of fatherhood guidance led Smith to develop Family Brand, an eightweek program designed to strengthen familial bonds and create an intentional family culture. Part of the process involves parents and their kids understanding who they are and defining their values. The family joins together to come up with a series of statements to hang on the wall as a reminder of their identity and purpose.

Smith Family Brand Statements

n We believe you can be who you want to be.

n Smiths can talk about anything without judgment.

n Smiths are kindhearted.

n Smiths are creators.

n Smiths do hard things.

n Smiths are healthy and active.

n Smiths love and support one another.

Schaut offers a similar lesson plan called Family Core Values, which prompts families to decide where and how to spend their time and money, and to identify what they do and do not want. “It helps us make decisions or have conversations about who we are and how we want to treat others,” he says.

A mission statement hangs on the wall at the home of Ben Greenfield, the Washington-based author of Boundless Parenting: Tools, Tactics and Habits of Great Parents. “It’s a collection of the family values, what the family stands for and holds dear, and what the parents want to pass on to their children,” he explains.

These kinds of value statements help promote positive energy in the home. “If the language spoken at home is limiting and negative, those words become energy that create more of that. We need to use language that is about confidence, kindheartedness and teamwork,” says Smith.

Balance Priorities

According to Schaut, “There will not be an equal balance of time in all categories of life.” Fathers need to understand what matters most to them and then dedicate their time, money and energy in alignment with those priorities.

For Smith, his family comes first, and he makes sure that his business revolves around the home. “We always prioritize family, even if that comes at the price of career,” he says.

Greenfield stacks his priorities in this order: faith first, followed by his relationship with his spouse, family, health and business. His time is meticulously

scheduled so that he can dedicate quality time to all of his priorities. He regularly involves his kids in his spiritual practice and exercise routines to set an example and instill positive habits.

Time dedicated to each child is a priority in strong families. Each of Greenfield’s kids has monthly one-on-one dates with Mom and with Dad, two-on-one quality time every Sunday and daily check-ins every morning and during family dinners. “We’ve noticed that our kids will open up and talk to us during a one-on-one,” Smith asserts.

Discipline With Love

Smith suggests reimagining the way dads approach discipline. “If you tell your kid, ‘What you did was bad,’ it’s hard for them to hear what you say next, because you are attacking them. If we talk about working or not working, you can say, ‘That really doesn’t work and here’s why.’ Kids are then more open to hearing and learning,” he explains.

Discipline needs to be thoughtfully appropriate for each child and each situation. “You have to know and be in tune with your kid,” says Schaut. “When you discipline them, it must come from love and you responding as a dad to the situation, not reacting.”

But talking will never overcome modeling. “What they see you doing is more important than the advice you give them,” says Greenfield. “At the end of the day, kids just want to be seen and loved and heard.”

Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

Leaps and Bounds

KEEPING CANINE JUMPERS INJURY-FREE

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Dogs are natural athletes that leap on and off things multiple times a day, usually without incident. That’s why many people don’t realize that, like humans, dogs can sustain injuries, including soft tissue trauma, such as cuts and bruises; back injuries or slipped vertebral discs; sprains; and broken legs.

Preventing Mishaps in a Jumper

Most active dogs that frolic outdoors will get the occasional scrape, cut or bruise. These common (usually minor) injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the areas they frequent are safe, contained and hazard-free. Broken legs, on the other hand, are more serious and typically do not result from normal, or even vigorous, high-intensity exercise. Bone fractures are generally caused by a sudden impact or great force to the body, such as being hit by a car or falling a long distance. They are most often seen in older pets and excitable risk-takers. The best way to prevent a dog from breaking a leg is to make sure it is under control at all times, especially outdoors.

Getting Dogs in Shape to Avoid Injuries

Back injuries, slipped discs and sprains, including canine cruciate ligament injuries, often occur in poorly conditioned dogs. For example, if a pup has been indoors most of the winter, its muscles have lost tone and atrophied. This also applies to “weekend warriors” that exercise and play at high intensity with their owners only on Saturdays and Sundays. Studies show that well-conditioned muscles can begin to lose their tone and strength in a matter of days. This can set the stage for an injury if the activity level

suddenly jumps significantly, so start by gradually improving a dog’s fitness level. The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes three times weekly, and as pets age, this amount increases. Aim for 40 minutes of rigorous walking or running every day. Consistency is essential for a dog’s muscles and ligaments to stay strong and resilient. This will keep the dog fit and better able to avoid strains, sprains and other injuries. Warming up before exercise is very important. Walk and encourage the dog to stretch its limbs before engaging in more intense exercise, especially with aging dogs.

Avoiding Cervical Disc and Neck Injuries

Cervical disc and neck injuries are often the result of collar strain. Dogs should be trained to walk beside their handler and

heel on the leash. However, even the most well-trained dog will occasionally jump forward suddenly, causing the collar to pull tightly against their neck.

As dogs leap forward in excitement, they pull all the slack out of the leash and apply a great deal of pressure from the collar to their neck and cervical area, potentially resulting in an injury to the cervical disc or other neck problems. Symptoms can include a hesitance to move or lower the neck to eat or drink, and crying outbursts when the head or neck area are touched. Occasionally there can also be lameness in a front leg with this type of injury.

For dogs that habitually pull and whose leash behavior isn’t able to be improved, a harness, Gentle Leader-type head collar or other similar equipment can help distribute the dog’s body weight evenly across the restraint and alleviate the pressure on their neck.

Maintaining an Exercise Regimen

If a dog’s leg muscles aren’t toned, if its tendons and ligaments aren’t stretched and strong, and if its core muscles haven’t been worked and can’t do a good job holding the frame solidly in place, then a sudden burst of activity, even at home, can lead to injuries.

Depending on the geographical location, it is much easier to keep a dog fit during spring and summer months, but the goal should be to keep them exercised year-round. If harsh winters discourage outdoor activities, consider visiting an indoor dog park; exposing them to hydrotherapy or a warm-water dog pool; enrolling them in indoor agility, track training or nose work (a growing sport that encourages dogs to follow their natural hunting instincts); or taking them out on a cross-country skiing adventure.

Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals.

Barefoot Blessings

BASKING IN THE SOUL OF SUMMER

by Marlaina Donato

Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.

Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, well-worn lives.

Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those that do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world.

June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

CottonPro/Pexels.com

calendar of events

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

Psychic Fair – 5-8pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 mins. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 41.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. With Natalie Batty. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of 7 crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

AOHMassage Foundation 1: Subtle Body – 9am-5pm. This workshop will be presented Monthly Summer 2023 as well as at the FSMTA Convention June 27. 7 CEs MT’s FL and NCBTMB. $100. Art of Holistic Massage, 3323 Olympic Dr, Ste 721, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage. com. See news brief, page 9.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

AOHMassage Foundation 2: Touch – 9am-5pm. Part 2 of the hands-on foundational information that precedes learning the AOHMassage 1 and 2 Protocol. 2 CEs. $150. Art of Holistic Massage, 3323 Olympic Dr, Ste 721, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

Reflexology – 9am-3pm. This is an experiential workshop. It can be considered an introductory class to reflexology. Learn simple and effective techniques for keeping the body in balance. $100. Art of Holistic Massage, 3323 Olympic Dr, Ste 721, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com.

Herbs for Relaxation – 3-4pm. Presentation on specific herbs for relaxing and sleep. Includes electronic handout. Recipes will be explained. A relaxing lavender sachet provided. $15. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 15

AOHMassage Protocol – 9am-4pm. Prerequisite to this class: AOHMassage Foundation 1, 2, 3 and/ or Overview. 2nd day available. AOHMassage 1 and 2. $175. Art of Holistic Massage, 3323 Olympic Dr, Ste 721, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com.

Great Bones Book Club & Food Sampling – 1:30-3pm. Looking for answers to help with osteopenia or osteoporosis? Great Bones by Dr. Keith McCormick, 2023, will be our guide to understanding bone loss issues, how to utilize updated testing methods to help your doctor target appropriate treatments and discover how lifestyle changes help preserve and regrow bones. $10. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 303-929-4972. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See listing, page 45.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, pastlife, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 min. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. Join our amazing facilitators for a reiki healing circle every 3rd Sun. Experience an atmosphere of healing while using reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. $10. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

ongoing events

daily

Electromagnetic Frequency Assessments –Renee Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth Healing Arts, in Naples, is providing electromagnetic frequency (EMF) home assessments along with corresponding mitigation strategies at residences throughout our area. For more info, arrange for a free, 15-min consultation or to schedule: 239-250-5115 or AlchemyOfLoveAndTruth. com. See ad on page 22 and news brief on page 8. Sunset/Bird Rookery Kayak To ur – 5:308:30pm. GAEA Guides on the Caloosahatchee River. See 1000s of birds coming in to roost for the night and a great view of the sunset. $60 includes all equipment and Naturalist Guide. Other tours available too. Ft Myers. 239-694-5513. GAEAGuides.com. See news brief, page 9.

sunday

Yin Yoga – 6:30-7:45pm. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

monday

Ashtanga Mysore Open Studio – 5:30-8am. Mon-Fri. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter. com. See ad on page 15 and news brief on page 8. Intro to Ashtanga – 5:45-6:30pm. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Tai Chi with Dee – 6-7:15pm, Experienced Tai Chi; 7:15-8:30pm, Beginner Tai Chi. Also Thurs, 1-2pm, Beginner Tai Chi. Experience readilyavailable “Qi” (life force) through guided breathing and gentle, graceful movement. All levels welcome. $15 (pkgs available). Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 570-417-9823. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

tuesday

Kayak Tour: Royal Palm Park Caloosahatchee River and Creeks – 10am-1pm. Also held Sat. Many birds nest on the island we will go near. We also go up some wild creeks in the Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve. $60. Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-6945513 or GAEAGuides.com.

Estuary Kayak Tour in Estero Bay – 10am-1pm. Also held Sat. Birds, dolphins, manatees and more. Paddle on the beautiful waters of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and the inside waters of Lovers’ Key State Park. GAEA Guides. $60. Bonita Beach. 239. 694-5513. GAEAGuides.com.

Kundalini – 11am. In-studio with DamaDé. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Meditative Yoga & Yoga Nidra – 3:30pm.

In-studio with Peggy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

wednesday

Qigong – 11am. In-studio with Sue. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sangha Midweek Meditation – 6-7pm. Relax and calm the mind and body, and practice meditation and deep listening together with us. Free. Zoom. 941-888-0116. Register: CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group – 6-8pm. Weekly study group meeting based on the Edgar Cayce readings. New members welcome. Free. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. 850-556-7604. JaneSelman@gmail.com. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

thursday

Kundalini Class – 11am. In-studio with Logan Jones. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Candlelight Flow – 7-8:15pm. In-studio and virtual with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

friday

Love Basics – 9:30am. In-studio and virtual with Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Sound Healing – 1-4pm. With Alyssa. nuYou Naples, 3415 Radio Rd, Ste 101, Naples. 239285-0094. nuYouNaples.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

saturday

Holistic Harmony Discounted Herbal Consultations – Thru July. 9am-1pm, by appt. Discounted herbal consultations. For $105 receive a thorough herbal assessment and 2 follow-ups (70% discount). Cost of herbs not included. Counseling of Southwest Florida, 2345 Stanford Ct, Ste 601, Naples. 239-6884585. HolisticHarmonyllc.com

Love Flow – 10-11:15am. In-studio with Tara. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

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 ChristineM@swflNaturalAwakenings.com for Collier County or LisaD@swflNaturalAwakenings.com for Lee County to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE

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 4.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine

David Martin, AP, DOM Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita 239-277-1399 • LotusBlossomClinic.com

Offering treatment for many health issues: pain, anxiety, stress, PTSD, fertility, heart, strokes, digestive and immune disorders. U.S. veterans: no cost with a V.A. referral.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine

6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611 • GulfCoastAcupuncture.com

Specializing in pain, chronic disorders, overall wellness, allergy treatments (NAET) and kinesiology. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to heal all on its own! AP771.

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 4.

BODYWORK

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

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

PAULA TERRY, LMT

239-821-3088, by appt. (Collier & Lee)

Trained at the Upledger Institute, Paula utilizes CranioSacral Therapy combined with Heart-Centered Therapy, Somato Emotional Release™, Lymphatic Drainage, love and nurturement to foster the healing your body needs. Doula services. MA35358.

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 Moving office in progress TBA Ft Myers • 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

Since 1993, Gravity enclosed Colonics using UV/oxygen/ozone sterilized medical grade water. Also more than 33 years Veteran Therapeutic Massage Therapist. Proficient in deep tissue, sports and Relaxing Pure Fiji massage. Reflexology, Crainosacral, Visceral Manipulation, Manual Lymph Drainage and Xp2 System, Heart Centered Therapy, Raindrop Therapy, ear candling, MPS, Halo Photonic BlueViolet Lazer Botanical System, Asyra/Qest4 MSA Biofeedback Meridian Stress Analysis, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER, Power Plate, hyperbaric chamber. MM7376. MA18351.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

UPTOWN CHEMIST

Pharmacy, Compounding, Wellness

Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, PharmD, Owner/Pharmacist

2700 Immokalee Rd, Ste 24, Naples 239-431-4217 • UptownChemist.com

Norman is a licensed pharmacist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in compounding. He offers a personable approach in consultation, practicing with integrative medicine and fostering a relationship with the prescribing doctor; creating a “hometown” pharmacy for all of our patients.

DENTAL HEALTH

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 208 Ft Lauderdale FL 33308 • 855-381-6001 954-945-7355 (new patients)

GoNaturalDentistry.com

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, bio-compatible dentistry. Sedation dentistry. Removing of toxic metals, replacing them with bio-compatible materials. Laser dentistry for painless surgeries and extractions. Zirconia/ceramic implants. Natural bone augmentation/ plasma rich growth factor. Oral DNA testing. Add gums to receding gums.

NAPLES FAMILY DENTIST

Paul D. Mabe, DDS 877 111th Ave N, #3, Naples, 34108 239-566-7737 • GotMySmileBack.com

Biological dentistry for totalbody wellness. Metal and toxinfree. Biocompatible Zircon Implants and metal-free crowns. BPA-free ceramic fillings. PRF: Platelet Rich Fibrin. Ozone Therapy. Sleep Apnea. See ad on back cover.

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 Xrays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 4.

FOOD IS MEDICINE

JOYFUL WELLNESS, LLC

Beth McCarthy

Nutrition Chef, Healthy Lifestyle Coach and Yoga Therapist

719-440-2815 • JoyfulWellnessWithBeth.com

Beth is a food-as-medicine educator, personal chef, yoga therapist and healthy lifestyle and nutrition coach. She offers transformational coaching, personal chef services, party and special event catering, personal and group healthy-cooking classes, private yoga therapy and women’s wellness retreats. Create your journey to joyful wellness today!

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr. Lindsey Berkson, MA, DC, CNS, DACBN, CAN

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

Dr. Lindsey Berkson is a hormone scholar and functional medicine specialist focusing on hormones, anti-aging and medical nutrition at Naples Center for Functional Medicine. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Eduardo Maristany, MD

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

Eduardo Maristany, M.D. is a board-certified internal medicine physician trained in functional/integrative medicine, genomic interpretation, and anti-aging. Dr. Maristany incorporates genomic intelligence and cutting-edge tools to provide his patients with comprehensive genetic health risks and benefits, and a personalized health plan for optimal wellness. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Carol L. Roberts, MD

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

Carol L. Roberts, M.D. has practiced functional/integrative/holistic medicine for 25 years. She provides patients with testing to uncover causes of chronic illness, guidance in resolving health issues and education to assist the patient in her own healing. She is Medical Director at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, formerly the Hughes Center. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Lina Sakr, MD

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

Dr. Sakr is a board-certified internist specializing in metabolic and nutritional medicine, antiaging medicine and women’s health at Naples Center for Functional Medicine See ad, page 47.

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 9.

HEALTHY DINING

FOOD & THOUGHT ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ

2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222

• FoodAndThought.com

Open: Mon-Sat, 7am-9pm; and Sun, 8am-4pm. Florida’s only 100% organic market and café. Fresh produce delivered daily. Homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner. See ad, page 8.

HOLISTIC CENTER

ACCESS HOLISTIC HEALING & HYPNOSIS

Michele Durham, CHHP, AANWP, CH, MBA 840 111th Ave N, Ste 8, Naples, 34108 239-776-2211 • info@accessholistichealing.com AccessHolisticHealing.com

Certified Holistic Health & Hypnosis Practitioner specializing to rebalance the mind/body/spirit. Offering sound and light therapy for pain, medical-grade dry salt and infrared sauna, crystals, books and more. See ad, page 31.

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 glutenfree items. See ad, page 23.

NATURAL & ORGANIC PRODUCTS

ANATTA

447 Broadway, Ste 204 New York City, NY 10013

347-762-1268 • AnattaMarket.com

Anatta is a global online marketplace for natural, organic and raw products from farmers worldwide. The newly-formed company’s products include a variety of essential oils and waters, and its unique business model eliminates overhead costs by connecting customers directly with farmers.

NUTRITION

D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Springs • 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 37.

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 35.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

CINDY BISANTI

Serving All of SWFL

239-202-3151

Everybodyneedsacindy@gmail.com

Personal assistant and parttime house manager to SWFL. Organizer, companion care, errands, personal shopper, meal prep, research, special day and travel planner, et al!

PLANT-BASED CHEF & CATERING

LISA BROWN

Plant-based Chef & Educator

646-642-0083

FreeFlowingHealth.com

Chef Lisa offers customized, personal, plant-based chef services and catering to busy professionals and individuals looking to eat healthier and feel better.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PEACEFUL SUMMIT COUNSELING

Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS

1048 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, #201, Naples, 34102 • 239-450-8090

Specializing in grief/loss, assertiveness training, anxiety, anger management, addictions, depression and relationship problems. See ad, page 19.

TRAVELING MASSAGE THERAPY

TOUGH LOVE WELLNESS

Dianne Nolan, LMT, MLD-C

ToughLoveWellness.com • 239-399-0314

In-home bodywork, flexibility, fitness and wellness coaching, serving Marco Island to Cape Coral. Specializing in post-surgical lymphatic drainage, cupping therapy, athletic performance, headaches/ TMJ, neuropathy, scar tissue, fibromyalgia/“invisible disease” pain management and trauma-informed bereavement/grief massage.

YOGA

MEREDITH MUSICK, LMT, E-RYT 2000

239-269-8846

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