Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers- July 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

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Christine Miller

Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Accounting Amie Delozier

Website Kristy Mayer

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SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

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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.

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SUMMER SPARKLES

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wildflowers in our hair.

~Susan Polis Schutz

Everyone loves summer, which is likely why you and I have chosen to live in Southwest Florida. Even during the hottest months, plenty of people visit our area because of its beautiful beaches and delightful amenities. Longer daylight hours means more time to greedily partake in pleasures under the sun. I love to linger along the coastline after sunset as the cooler evening air comes in. Summertime is a state of mind fixed in our collective consciousness from our carefree childhoods. It’s the season that invites us to be more fully awake, engaged and open to everything around us, succumbing to childhood curiosity once again.

It’s also a time to do as little as possible and just be. The heat encourages our sluggish tendencies, allowing us to savor life’s gifts and waste time guilt-free. “Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability,” the philosopher Sam Keen wrote. Even if our plans are no more ambitious than to take a nap, read a new book or float in a pool, this is the season for relaxation and “the pursuit of happiness”—a consequential phrase in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

On Independence Day, we celebrate freedom from tyranny and the right to life and liberty, too. This year’s anniversary may be more important today than ever before, because our nation has become more divided than ever and American democracy seems to be hanging by a thread.

To celebrate the Fourth of July this year, here is my mantra: We honor dissent as part of our patriotic history and temper our anger against those with whom we disagree, understanding that the acceptance of different perspectives is the bedrock upon which our political system was built. We listen and empathize and work together to create solutions. We open our hearts to the perspectives of others, listen more and talk less, debate issues without hatred, vigorously question leaders and passionately stand up for human rights. We fight to eliminate laws and loopholes that diminish democracy.

No matter where you are on in the political spectrum or what your faith or beliefs, this country is worth fighting for and celebrating. Because it was built by people from different cultures and beliefs, we all have a place, and we all belong.

Enjoy your summer celebrations and quiet moments. Be kind and spread the love! We hope this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings helps keep you and our planet healthier and happier.

Happy Summering,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

HOW TO ADVERTISE

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

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS

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

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REGIONAL MARKETS

Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! NaturalAwakeningsPublishingCorp.isagrowingfranchised familyoflocallyownedmagazinesservingcommunitiessince 1994.Toplaceyouradinothermarketscall239-206-2000.For franchisingopportunitiescall 239-206-2000oremailNatural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.

Personal Assistant and Household Manager

Busy entrepreneurs, working spouses or extended family households can rely on Cindy Bisanti, owner of Everybody Needs a Cindy, as a trusted assistant in accomplishing meaningful, sometimes tedious tasks. As a personal and household assistant, Bisanti is available three days of the week for mornings or afternoons for shopping errands, making travel arrangements or reservations, organizing and managing home improvement projects, assisting in event planning and more.

“When elderly parents are at home, it becomes demanding for working families to take care of them in the midst of their busy schedules. They cannot be left unattended, as they need constant care and companionship. In such cases, another scope of my business is being responsible for all tasks relating to their welfare, and I can keep them attended and in good company. Having a personal assistant means less stress and better overall mental and physical health for all involved.”

Cost varies. For more information, call 239-202-3151 or email EverybodyNeedsACindy@gmail.com. See ad, page 47.

Tough Love Wellness Provides Essential Services

Dianne Nolan, a traumainformed concierge medical massage therapist based in Naples, and owner of Tough Love Wellness, specializes in treating sports and repetitive motion injuries, as well as pre- and postoperative manual lymphatic drainage for patients. She also provides holistic pain management for those with long COVID, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease and other autoimmune illnesses.

As the official massage therapist for the Florida Everblades hockey team, Nolanis also a women’s wellness coach for busy moms and other high-performers recovering from chronic stress and burnout. She uses PEMF frequency therapy and red light in her practice to help speed wound healing and regulate the nervous system.

She customizes treatment plans based on each patient’s needs and cupping therapy helps increase blood flow and oxygen to tissues, smoothing cellulite, scars and adhesions. Inoffice and event chair massage is available.

For more information or to book a session or consultation, call 239-399-0314 or visit ToughLoveWellness.com. See ad, page 47.

Cindy Bisanti

Dianne Nolan

Happy Healthy Hours for Discounted IV Therapy

Root Causes Holistic Health and Medicine, in Fort Myers, is featuring Healthy Happy Hours, deeply discounted therapeutic nutrient intravenous (IV) treatments from expert IV therapy providers, from 2 to 5 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Four separate options are available to address conditions such as recovery from the heat and humidity, energizing the body and optimizing nutrient status. First-time clients will visit with a practitioner first to conduct a brief physical exam and obtain a health history to ensure suitability for IV nutrient therapy.

“We’ve been doing therapeutic nutrient IVs for 18 years,” says Doreen DeStefano, DPN, NhD, APRN. “No one in Southwest Florida has more knowledge and experience in this specialty. Root Causes offers the widest range of nutrient IV therapy available. Rarely do we open the practice to general IV therapy because we practice such intensive and specialized nutrient therapy. Take advantage of our expertise now before our seasonal patients return.”

Cost: One-time fee of $55 to become a member of the practice; $145 for IVs during Happy Hours. Walk-ins are welcome, but only during Happy Hours. Location: 12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 56. For more information, call 239-425-2900 or visit RtCausesMD.com. See ad, page 32.

Goddess I AM Events in July

GoddessI AM, in Naples, will host a variety of special and ongoing weekly events this month. A Light Codes Activations session will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on July 9; a one-hour Herbs for Inflammation presentation is set for 3 p.m. on July 12; and a Psychic Fair will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 14. Sound Bath and Guided Meditations with holistic healer Judy Wilder take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Thursdays are marked by Zen Meditation sessions with Marvin from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a one-hour Temple of the Goddess devotional service. On Fridays, Beth Brown-Rinella conducts Sacred Guided Meditations at 10 a.m. online via Zoom.

Location: 600 Goodlette Rd. N., Ste. 103. For more information or to register for events, call 239-228-6949 or visit GoddessIAM. com. See ad, page 41.

Seniors Want Fewer Prescriptions

In a new National Poll on Healthy Aging by the University of Michigan involving adults aged 50 to 80, the vast majority of respondents expressed an interest in cutting back on prescription medications. Eighty percent would be willing to stop taking one or more drugs if their healthcare provider said it was possible, and 26 percent had already stopped taking at least one drug they had been taking for more than a year. When asked which meds they would be most interested in stopping, 43 percent named their heart disease pills for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, 13 percent mentioned diabetes medicines and 10 percent included pain management prescriptions.

These results reflect a growing trend dubbed “deprescribing”. According to Deprescribing.org, a researcher-led online resource, it is the planned process of reducing or stopping medications that may no longer be of benefit or could be causing harm. The goal is to reduce medication burden or harm while improving quality of life. Seniors interested in cutting down on the drugs they are taking should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and helpful to do so.

Close Relationships May Influence Physical Well-Being

A new study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science has found that a person’s close relationships may either benefit or undermine physical health. The threeweek study involving 4,005 participants looked at how both positive and negative relationship experiences affect the body, and how daily fluctuations in those interactions may influence changes in well-being, as reflected in self-reported stress levels and coping abilities, as well as blood pressure and heart rate reactivity biomarkers.

The researchers observed that people with more positive experiences and fewer negative ones reported lower stress, improved coping skills and better physical functioning. They also noted that ups and downs in negative relationships were especially predictive of outcomes like stress, coping and overall systolic blood pressure.

Effects of Cannabis Use Before and After Surgery

In January 2023, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine published guidelines recommending that all patients undergoing anesthesia be screened and questioned about cannabis use, including how much and how often they use, how they take it and when they last used it.

One of the largest studies on the effects of cannabis use on sedation, published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, looked at 250 patients undergoing an endoscopy while under anesthesia. Those that reported regular cannabis use required significantly higher doses of anesthesia than nonusers. Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that daily cannabis users required a higher dose of sedatives prior to an endoscopy than weekly or monthly users.

On a related note, a 2018 study published in the journal Patient Safety in Surgery reported that marijuana use may interfere with painkillers after surgery. The study looked at 261 trauma center patients and concluded that marijuana use, especially chronic use, may affect the pain response to injury and require higher doses of opioids for pain management.

Photo by 13MoonsPublishingServices.com

Solar Community Hubs

Nearly half of the world’s population has no access to the internet. Dell Technologies, in partnership with Computer Aid International, is addressing the gap for people that might benefit the most. They convert old shipping containers into customizable, solar-powered internet centers, called “solar community hubs”, that connect community members to the digital world. The hubs are well-lit, well-ventilated classrooms that use energy-efficient Dell technology and air-cooled servers. Each hub supports up to 40 people at a time and offers up to 20 users a wireless connection to learning materials.

The hubs provide digital skills to further education and open economic opportunities for the local community; allow micro and small enterprises to create jobs; and enable financial sustainability by offering services and products that go beyond education, such as telemedicine.

The first hub was placed in the Brazilian Amazon town of Boa Esperança in March 2022. Dell and the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability also installed equipment, including drones and environmental monitors, to track deforestation in the area. During the first week of March 2023, more than 200 alerts about tree loss were posted from Boa Esperança. Three hubs currently exist in Brazil and South Africa, and Dell will soon add two hubs in Egypt that are focused on career and life skills, as well as another in Australia, centered on preserving and protecting Aboriginal art and culture.

photo courtesy of Dell_Technologies__community

Saving the Fading

Night Sky

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History "Lights Out" exhibit, in Washington, D.C., is helping people understand that light pollution is a global problem with broad impact. The effects of light pollution go beyond our diminishing view of the stars; it also impacts ecosystems and cultures on Earth.

The exhibit features more than 100 photographs, nearly 250 objects, a history of human-made light, interactive experiences, tactile models and a theater program to discover why dark nights matter, rekindle a connection with the night sky and consider how much light at night is enough.

Astronomers rely on light, both visible and invisible, to understand celestial bodies, and their view of the universe has become increasingly obstructed by artificial light. Biologists have observed light pollution’s toll on plants and animals— from harming coral reefs’ moonlight-triggered reproduction to bats’ ability to pollinate flowers and the grim consequences of disoriented migrating birds. Another area of the exhibition presents people’s ancient and modern-day connections to the night sky through photographs, stories and cultural items.

Visitors also learn about simple but meaningful actions they can take to reduce light pollution, such as aiming outdoor lights downward and using the dimmest settings.

Kids’ Sparkle Spa Day at Purely You Spa

urely You Spa 2, in North Naples, will present Kids’ Sparkle Day from 5 to 6 p.m., July 26. Functional esthetician, integrative health coach and massage therapist Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi and her two children; Dalton, 5, and Jaden, 6, will demonstrate the fun and interesting side of good habits.

Activities include healthy snacks, sanitation discussion, age-appropriate skin cleansing, theme park meditation, stretch yoga, organic foot soak, unicorn organic sugar scrub, lavender calming play dough, cucumber relaxation and a surprise gift bag.

It’s essential to start young when teaching children habits because they develop them by age 9. Both bad and healthy habits can be hard to break, so the earlier we introduce healthy habits, the more likely they will be instilled for years to come, allowing the child to enjoy good health and beautiful skin.

Good skin care and sanitation habits begin early in childhood, even before kids are old enough to understand why it’s important to brush their teeth, wash their hands before they eat and after using the bathroom or playing, as well as after sneezing or coughing.

Cost is $49 for ages 5 to 12. Limited to 10 children. Newest Purely You Spa location is on the second floor of the Wellness Suites (behind Food & Thought 2), at 7935 Airport Rd., in Naples. RSVP by Jul. 24 at 239-331-8266. For more information, visit PurelyYouSpa.com. See ad, page 2.

Purely You Spa Job Expo

PPurely You Spa will conduct a job fair expo from 2 to 6 p.m., August 2, for people seeking an exciting career in health, wealth, wellness and beauty, and businesses looking to promote their products and employment opportunities. CEO and functional medicine practitioner Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi is giving the public, businesses and job candidates the opportunity to meet, network and form strategic partnerships in an industry that generates more than $100 billion in revenue worldwide. Vendors will have two minutes to speak publicly and raffle off an item.

Become a vendor to participate and share valuable information on a business and products with the public and job candidates; to meet and interact with other vendors regarding how to benefit from their business or products, or to find a dream job.

Recognized for outstanding customer service, innovative technology, customized organic skincare and massage treatments, Purely You Spa garners five-star reviews on Google. With 10 treatment rooms at two locations, there are openings for four to six qualified massage therapists with a desire to work more than two days per week.

Cost is $25/per person to attend and $350 per vendor table. Tickets will be available for a Purely You raffle and there will be a silent auction with proceeds donated to nonprofits that help kids and young adults speak positively, love themselves and make healthy choices for their lives. For location and more information, visit PurelyYouSpa.com or email Jenn@PurelyYouSpa.com with the subject line: Health Wealth, Wellness, Beauty Expo and Job Fair. See ad, page 2.

Dalton (left) and Jaden

Meet Michael Presto Naples Resident

Your work: I am not working now as I continue to study the hierarchy of spelling to communicate. I have recently reached a major milestone, and now am learning to use the computer keyboard so I may be autonomous. I would like to write about life with autism and spelling to communicate. On behalf of the MVP Autism Foundation here in Naples, I have demonstrated spelling on communication boards to numerous professionals.

Proudest achievement: I have become humbly proud of my communication achievements. Autism and apraxia make it quite difficult for an individual like me. I am a minimal speaker that has just learned how to use letter boards to communicate. I learned to spell and read at 2 years old, but could not verbally respond to language, so people assumed that the comprehension was not there. Using the letter boards has given me a voice. My S2C spelling practitioners, along with my mom and dad, have supported and allowed me to reach a major milestone in my life.

Expectations for the future: It is my greatest hope that all non-speaking and minimally speaking autistics will also have the same opportunity that I have had using letterboards to communicate. It has changed my entire life!

Favorite websites: Spellers.com, mvpautism.org and I-asc.org.

Local or global causes supported: The Spellers Revolution and all the organizations that are helping to promote this form of communication.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: The tremendous resources that my family has gained from it. We appreciate alternative therapies.

Where you pick up your copy of Natural Awakenings: Unity of Naples.

Most frequented health food restaurants: Organically Twisted (great walnut tacos) and True Food Kitchen.

How I support my community: In conjunction with The MVP Autism Foundation, in Naples, I have shown spelling to communicate on letter boards to numerous professionals such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, and in medical facilities and educational settings. I’ve also demonstrated to individuals with autism, as well as their families, and to families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, and of course other autistics like me.

Favorite inspirational quote: “Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say.”

Rosemary Crossley

What I am doing to be the change I want to see in the world: My life’s mission is lived every day as I use spelling to communicate and teach others about this method.

How Should I Wear My Hair?

Root Causes Holistic Wellness Solutions

by Lily Viola

At Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, in Fort Myers, prevention and wellness, as well as solving the root causes of a patient’s serious health challenges, rather than lessening symptoms, is a top priority for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Doreen DeStefano. Owner and founder DeStefano enjoys solving complex health puzzles and getting all the pieces to fit together so that function is restored naturally when the body heals itself. It’s what she finds most rewarding about her work.

The health services offered at Root Causes include a comprehensive intake of the patient’s history, which DeStefano spends hours studying for clues that reveal more than the obvious. Then, there’s the research for possible alternative therapies. “I generally spend three hours on the initial consultation and another two hours working up a protocol for the patient. A protocol in holistic medicine is a living thing, because I’m continually changing it according to the patient’s response, unlike in the standard of care world. That’s where you don’t deviate even if the patient isn’t responding to the treatments or is having uncomfortable side effects,” says DeStefano.

One of the holistic treatments she has been using to treat certain types of cancer is mistletoe. A 2014 article in Johns Hopkins Magazine, “Are Mistletoe Extract Injections the Next Big Thing in Cancer Therapy?” tells the story of a 37-year-old

woman with colon cancer whose cancer had spread to her liver. The doctor informed her that she had just an 8 percent chance of surviving for more than two years.

At her physician’s suggestion, she had 20 percent of her liver removed, but refused his recommendation for chemotherapy. Instead, she consulted a specialist in complementary therapies that had seen positive effects from injections of mistletoe extract. “The liquid, derived from the poisonous, semi-parasitic mistletoe plant, has been a popular natural remedy in treating cancer in Europe for years.” The woman has been cancer-free since the operation on her liver and attributes her turnaround to a combination of surgery, diet and exercise, and the mistletoe.

“Mistletoe extract’s efficacy, safety, and dosage recommendations have all been thoroughly tested during the course of John Hopkins’ multiyear study. I follow these kinds of studies, and others, closely so I can keep up- to- date on treatments for my patients. I also attend conferences and listen to lectures online and in -person. It’s the only way to stay on top of the ever-changing world of holistic medicine,” says DeStefano.

Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine is located at 12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 4, in Ft. Myers. For appointments and more information, call 239-425-2900, email Frank.RootCauses@gmail.com or visit RtCausesMD.com. See ad, page 32.

Doreen DeStefano

Holley Rauen, Southwest Florida RESET board member and secretary, was recently presented the inaugural Holley Rauen Environmental Leadership Award at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers (UUCFM). Recognizing significant contributions in the protection and stewardship of the natural environment of Southwest Florida (SWFL), the award pays tribute to the Fort Myers resident whose vision, advocacy and determination exemplify the power and importance of community environmental leadership.

As a beacon of environmental justice in SWFL, UUCFM sponsors this award and invites nominations from the fivecounty region for 2024 and in coming years to continue recognizing positive environmental leadership in the community. Candidate qualifications will be vetted by UUCFM and the SWFL RESET Center, a consensus-building community that serves as a convener for collaborative actions to reset human impacts on global warming and ecological systems

HOLLEY RAUEN ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

by Linda Sechrist

through transformative education.

The award will be given annually to a citizen (groups not eligible) of SWFL that has led a successful resource conservation effort which benefits SWFL and its residents directly; acted as a community catalyst for programs, initiatives or ventures that demonstrate a commitment to the future of the Earth and its biodiversity; and anyone that has become a model for future leaders in business and education or has been an exemplary citizen or policy maker that has implemented decisions, although they may entail risks, to help the community take the next step toward environmental sustainability.

Rauen, a founding member of the SWFL RESET Center, says, “I am deeply honored to have this award named after me. I hope it inspires many individuals to protect and defend our precious waters and land.” She previously served on the Happehatchee board of directors, a nonprofit Corkscrew Road eco-spiritual retreat center founded by environmental warrior Ellen Peterson (1923-2011). The five-acre property along the Estero River has been transferred in ownership to the village of Estero to be used as a park.

Rauen also served on the board of the Environmental and Peace Education Center and co-founded a chapter of the Pachamama Alliance in Lee and Collier counties. The nonprofit global community works to create a sustainable future that works for all through their transformational programs and travel. She also helped establish the first Peace Day in the Park celebration in Fort Myers, and later became a waterkeeper ranger for Calusa Waterkeeper.

Known for leading the first of many prayer blessing ceremonies for protecting water that began with Betty Osceloa, a Native American Everglades educator who is a member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida from the Panther Clan. Rauen also served as an organizer and support person for Osceola in leading her prayer walks around Lake Okeechobee. Passionate about protecting the water, she joined Fort Myers resident John Heim in his Southwest Florida Clean Water Movement. Rauen’s latest activity was tending raised beds at the Bill Brewer UUCFM community gardens, which donated produce to Cultivate Abundance, a faith-based organization addressing food insecurity and other livelihood challenges in low-income, migrant farmworker communities of SWFL Florida and beyond.

Recalling a memory from her 16 years in Ft. Myers as an environmental and peace activist, Rauen says, “I moved here from California on the day the U.S. bombed Iraq. I looked around for a group of activists and found no one, so I made a ‘Don’t bomb Iraq’ sign and went to city hall to sit on the steps alone. I eventually turned my attention to protecting the water as I lived along the Caloosahatchee River. As a worship associate for UUCFM for 10 years, I wove nature into my sermons and reflections, trying to help congregants fall in love with nature. The Pachamama Alliance was a huge influence. Their game-changer and drawdown intensives wove everything together for me and created my global mindset and higher activism consciousness than I’d ever experienced before.”

Holley Rauen

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 Carol L. Roberts, M.D., TransformationalMedicine.net

How are things different since your awakening?

No one gets a “certificate of adulthood” to prove they are a grown-up. Awakening is like putting on your big girl pants and taking over your own life, seeing for the first time how you might fit into the bigger picture and do something meaningful with your time on Earth.

Who or what triggered your shift in consciousness?

Two illegal actions; one that I was forced to make if I wished to be the captain of my trajectory. I was in my sophomore year at Harvard (imagine what it took to get there for a girl from the Bronx with no connections, no money—only a strong drive and a pretty good brain). I found myself, stupidly, despite my best efforts, pregnant. Did what I needed to do without the help of my parents, who remained blissfully ignorant. My intro to adulthood.

The second was my first psychedelic experience: LSD in a tiny apartment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I was treated to an astronaut’s view of the world, seeing and hearing the thoughts of the tiny, insignificant ant-like humans down below. Each one of them thought he/she was the center of the universe. I thought them grandiose and absurd, and spent the next hour laughing at my species from above. Then it occurred to me that they were also pathetic, and I was one of them! I cried for them. I went back and forth, laughing and weeping, changing my view of this planet and its human dramas forever.

Lately, I’ve been wondering if indeed, they might be right? That what they are doing, the choices they make every minute of every day, do really matter in the big picture? What if?

Have you had any other significant epiphanies?

So many. Like the moment someone suggested I might become a doctor. I had never aspired to such a thing, but as soon as the words were uttered, I felt a punch to my gut, pow! I knew for sure it was the perfect right thing for me to do. Past-life memories? Probably. Listening to my body? For sure.

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

I want to help more people awaken. All ages are capable, no excuses there. That said, legally you must be over 18 to participate. I currently am providing psychedelic journeys individually and in groups in your home or a private home with adequate preparation and supervision, and plenty of time to process. I believe this is one powerful tool to help people make the leap from our competitive, more or less barbaric species to the next iteration of human—more compassionate, less reactive, more cooperative, happier and more peaceful.

We have so much potential, each one of us, no matter our age, and awakening that potential in others is what I want to do from now on!

Carol L. Roberts, M.D., is the founder of Transformational Medicine. For more information, call 941-213-3005.

Carol L. Roberts, M.D.

We have so much potential, each one of us, no matter our age, and awakening that potential in others is what I want to do from now on!

Natural Ant Control for the Home

The warmer weather can bring unwanted pests, including ants, into homes and apartments. Conventional pesticides and ant traps can be toxic to humans, pets and the environment. This season, consider using one of these safer antcontrol alternatives.

KEEP COUNTERS CLEAN

First and foremost, maintain kitchen counters and floors free of food particles. Tightly seal food containers, wipe countertops with soapy water, sweep the floors and avoid leaving standing water overnight. If there are no food sources around, the ants will lose interest.

STOP ENTRY INTO THE HOME

After cleaning, the next line of defense is to keep ants from entering the home in the first place. One of the most effective, toxin-free methods is to spray cedar oil outside, around the perimeter of the house. Mix one ounce of cedar oil in one quart of water (or four ounces per gallon) and spray the solution three feet up the outside walls and on the ground, six feet out from the edges of the house.

USE NATURAL REPELLENTS

Numerous natural repellents work well inside the home. Place one or more of these in the kitchen or wherever the ants are entering: cucumber peels or slices; tea bags of mint tea or dry, crushed mint leaves; cloves; cayenne pepper;

citrus oil soaked into a piece of string; lemon juice; cinnamon; or coffee grounds.

CONFUSE ANTS TRAVELING BACK TO THE NEST

As worker ants travel from their nest to forage for food, they leave a sex hormone (pheromone) scent in order to find their way back to the nest. These invisible trails can be washed away with a mixture of one-quarter cup of white vinegar, two cups of water, and 10 to 15 drops of peppermint, clove, eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil.

USE NATURAL ANT KILLERS AS LAST RESORT

A serious ant problem might require more drastic measures that kill the invading ants. These two options employ nontoxic ingredients.

 Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, talc-like powder made from the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. When sprinkled on ants, the powder causes them to dehydrate.

 Cornmeal left out in small piles where ants are visible is another option that poses no threat to pets or little kids. The ants will eat the cornmeal, but because they can’t digest it, they will perish.

Hues of Health

BENEFITS OF A COLORFUL DIET

by Veronica Hinke

Eating plant-based foods from every hue in the rainbow provides an exceptional array of health benefits. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables also contain phytonutrients such as antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids and polyphenols that contribute to the color, flavor and aroma of such foods. There are thousands of phytonutrients and, according to a 2022 review of clinical studies published in Nutrients, these natural chemical compounds “play an important role in the prevention of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, along with different types of cancer or degenerative diseases.”

From a culinary perspective, colorful, plant-based foods add pops of color and flavor to a dish, and simple techniques can transform uber-nutritious fruits and veggies into crave-worthy delights. From tasty spreads and luscious dressings to pungent pickling recipes and rich soups, eating the rainbow can be a scrumptious and sustainable everyday lifestyle.

Keeping a medley of wholesome choices in the house is a good tactic to help a family adopt a rainbow-based diet. According to Registered Dietitian Olga Kras, “Not any single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients we need. Making a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables visible increases the likelihood that they will be part of a daily routine.”

When her children were younger, instead of giving them sugary treats, she would cut fruits and vegetables into shapes with cookie cutters. “They loved opening their lunch boxes to find the fun shapes,” she recalls, noting the allure of visually pleasing treats. As the first-century Roman Apicius said, “We eat first with our eyes.”

According to Sarah Stegner, co-owner and chef of Prairie Grass Cafe, in Northbrook, Illinois, “Food is medicine. It is what lifts us up. When we allow ourselves to get run-down or we are tired, that is when we are the most vulnerable, and we reach for that highly processed, packaged thing. That’s when we compromise, and compromise leads to long-term illness.”

Stegner compares food shopping to a trip to an art store for the artist that is about to paint a rainbow. “Center yourself,” she coun-

Dwayne Watson/ShutterStock.com

sels. “Don’t put anything into the cart that shouldn’t be eaten. The key word is choice. If people don’t understand and realize what the choices they have are—for example, what herbs are and how to use them—then that is not a choice for them when they go home to cook a meal.”

“It’s just fun to have foods that are colorful,” says Erin Hoogendyk, a cooking instructor at Grebe’s Chef Center, in Wausau, Wisconsin, whose favorite flavor accents are onions, lemons and limes, as well as a panoply of herbs, including basil, rosemary, chives, parsley and mint. To add color and nutrition to everyday salads, she tosses in blueberries or dresses them with homemade vinaigrettes made with strawberries and balsamic.

Hoogendyk recommends farmers markets, individual farm stands and community-supported agriculture subscriptions to discover the freshest, in-season ingredients. When it comes to cooking and putting meals together, a sense of adventure and enjoyment is paramount, she says. Her coleslaw recipe includes red and green onions, radishes and red cabbage. “I don’t like coleslaw to be boring,” she quips, adding that her next project is to pickle an ingredient she has never pickled before: celery. “I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

For those wanting to optimize their rainbow-based diets, “testing can help people understand how to best support their biology and determine what their bodies need,” says Dr. Véronique Desaulniers, a chiropractor and author of Heal Breast Cancer Naturally. She recommends the DNA test kit and whole-body health report from Nutrition Genome to pinpoint which foods to enjoy or avoid, depending on genetic weaknesses. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is also important, she notes, as daily glucose and insulin spikes “can turn on cancer-causing genes and cancer-causing pathways.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

CHEESY CAULIFLOWER MUSHROOM STEAKS

This dish can be served as a meal or cut into smaller pieces and presented as party appetizers. Caulifl ower provides vitamins

B6 , K and C, magnesium and fi ber. It is also a great source of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, two types of antioxidants that have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Button mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus and folate. They also contain polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols and carotenoids, which are associated with cancer-fighting properties.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

4 slices of cauliflower, ¾-inch thick

1 tsp cooking spray

4 tsp olive oil

1 Tbsp dry Italian seasonings

2 cups fresh brown button mushrooms, sliced

2 fresh garlic cloves, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp red pepper flakes

1 Tbsp fresh thyme for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400º F and spray two large baking sheets with cooking oil. Place the cauliflower slices onto one of the baking sheets. They need lots of space between them and shouldn’t overlap.

Brush each side of the cauliflower steaks lightly with the olive oil and season with sea salt, pepper and Italian seasonings. Roast 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown.

In a mixing bowl, add mushrooms, minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and pepper, then toss to coat well. Spread the mushroom mixture on the other oil-sprayed baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. As an alternative, sauté the mushroom mixture in a medium pan with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes.

Once done, remove the pans from the oven. Sprinkle roasted cauliflower steaks with cheese and top the cheese with the roasted or sautéed mushrooms and garlic mixture. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sprinkle with fresh thyme and enjoy.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jennifer Carden.

This vibrant, lime green-colored soup is an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium and calcium. It also contains several phytonutrients, including the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and B-carotene, as well as tocopherols. For the croutons, choose a healthy bread, such as sprouted whole grain, gluten-free, almond flour or flax loaves.

YIELD: 2 TO 6 SERVINGS, DEPENDING ON PORTION SIZE

FOR SOUP:

6 cups broccoli florets, chopped

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 generous pinch of sea salt

1 pinch of chili pepper flakes

3 Tbsp butter

FOR CROUTONS:

1 cup diced bread

2 Tbsp melted butter

½ tsp fresh thyme, chives or other fresh garden herbs, minced

Bring the stock to a boil. Add the sea salt and chili flakes. Add the broccoli and cook until fork tender and bright green. Transfer to a blender, add butter and blend well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with aged cheddar cheese and croutons.

To make the croutons, toss the diced bread in a bowl with melted butter, salt and fresh herbs. Spread the bread in an even layer on an oven-safe pan. Bake at 350º F and toast until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

SUMMER BROCCOLI SOUP WITH HERB CROUTONS

MARINATED BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE CROSTINI

Deriving their deep-red color from phytonutrients called betalains, beets are rich in nitrates, which help to lower blood pressure. They also provide calcium, folate and fiber. The pistachios in this recipe contain potassium, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium and calcium.

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 lb mixed-color baby beets

1 cup orange juice

1 cup apple cider

1 cup honey

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 pinch sea salt

1 pinch grain mustard

3 oz goat cheese

2 Tbsp herbs (chives, basil, mint), chopped

3 oz olive oil

3 oz chopped pistachios

1 toasted baguette, sliced

Remove the beet tops and reserve for other uses. Boil the beets in salted water until tender. Allow to cool slightly and rub the skin off the beets.

Using an old dish towel will help the skin come right off.

Mix the vinegar, honey and orange juice in a bowl. Add the thyme and mustard. Add the beets, cover and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Place the oil, sea salt, herbs and pistachios in a blender. Pulse until slightly pureed and chunky.

To assemble the crostini, remove the beets from the marinade and slice. Spread the goat cheese onto the toasted baguette slices and top with the beets. Drizzle the pistachio sauce on top and serve.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Sarah Stegner.

THE MICROBIOME CONNECTION

HOW SOIL AND HUMAN HEALTH ARE RELATED

by Kelcie Ottoes

The human gut microbiome, which is critical to fighting off disease, and soil microbiome, which enables plant growth, are vitally important to maintaining all life on our planet. These two communities of microorganisms are indirectly connected in important ways, and researchers are trying to find out more about their interplay.

Human Microbiome

The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms of different species. These microbes help to digest food, synthesize vitamins and other important compounds, regulate our immune system and even influence behavior and mood.

The gut microbiome includes both helpful and potentially harmful microbiota that coexist peacefully in a healthy person. But certain diets, or the use of antibiotics or other bacteriadestroying medications, can upset the balance, a state known as

dysbiosis, which can impair the microbiome’s functions, leaving the body susceptible to disease.

Soil Microbiome

The soil microbiome has many parallels to the human gut scenario. It consists of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses— microorganisms that play an important role in maintaining the health of the soil. They do this by breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients and protecting crops against harmful pathogens.

Regenerative organic farming practices that promote biodiversity and disdain the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers develop robust soil that is rich in nutrients and beneficial microbes. In such settings, farmers don’t need to use chemicals, because the microbiome creates disease-resistant soil to fight off threats.

Photo by Rodale Institute

The Nutrition Link

While a direct link between the soil microbiome and the gut microbiome has yet to be proven, soil certainly impacts our health through our diet. A diverse and active soil microbiome is responsible for supporting plant growth. Plants then provide us with the nutrients that our gut microbiome needs to thrive, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, K and the B complex.

Dan Kittredge, founder of The Bionutrient Institute, explains, “The sophistication of the soil microbiome is connected to the nutritional value of the food that’s produced. The healthier the [soil] microbiome, the healthier the food.” The use of fertilizers and pesticides does not directly produce less nutritious food, but rather their impact on the health of the soil microbiome can impact the crops’ nutritional value.

There is a hypothesis that food has become less nutritious since the mid-1900s. In a 2004 study, University of Texas scientists examined the nutritional value of 43 garden crops from 1950 to 1999 and found that while all 43 foods showed a statistically reliable decline in nutrition, it was likely due to cultivating plants with desired traits, such as larger sizes, faster growing rates and increased pest resistance. It wasn’t the soil that was the problem, but that growers had not prioritized breeding crops for higher nutritional value.

According to Jack Gilbert, a pediatrics professor at the University of California San Diego and co-founder of the Earth Microbiome Project and the American Gut Project, “There is an indirect relationship between a healthy soil microbiome and healthy gut microbiome. While we need healthy soils to grow plants, a healthy soil microbiome does not equal a healthy gut microbiome.”

He explains, “The link is really about diet in the gut microbiome. Precision nutrition is the idea that how we all respond to food is unique, and that we can predict those responses if we understand what kinds of bacteria are in the gut. This is because the gut microbiome varies between people, and those same gut microbes can mediate how food influences our physiology. Eating a healthy diet can have a profound impact on reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.”

The nutritional value of food is more complicated than the quality of the soil in which the crops grow. It is also impacted by the processing of the food. As Kittredge notes, when the bran in wheat is removed—a common process that turns flour white—wheat loses much of its nutritional value. Unprocessed foods allow us to access more of the nutrients within them.

Digging in the Soil

There is another way that soil microbes can benefit human health: spending time in nature. Exposure to the soil microbiome has been shown to stimulate the immune system. When outside, we are exposed to a diverse array of microorganisms that increase disease resistance and provide neurological benefits.

Gilbert has largely built a career on the benefits of getting his

The Promise of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified farms and products meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and farm worker fairness. The idea is to create farm systems that work in harmony with nature to improve quality of life for every creature involved. The Regenerative Organic Certified framework is designed to go above and beyond the USDA Certified Organic seal. To date, 134 farms and more than 47,000 smallholder farmers totaling almost 880,000 acres are Regenerative Organic Certified. Nearly 100 brands offer Regenerative Organic Certified products on the market. Under Regenerative Organic Certified standards, soil health is promoted by including a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs, no genetically modified seeds and rotationally grazed animals. Farms that follow these protocols become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, does not erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. Learn more at RegenOrganic.org.

Photo by Rodale Institute

hands dirty. He is currently conducting a study to find out how giving children two hours of outdoor learning a day can impact their metabolic health and help them avoid diseases. According to Kittredge, playing in the dirt isn’t just for kids. “It is beneficial to expose ourselves to soil microbes,” he says. “Everyone should nature bathe.”

“Exposure to soil microbes, like Mycobacterium vaccae, can positively impact our physical and mental health,” says Kathleen DiChiara, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and digestive wellness educator. “We are losing diversity and not getting the exposure we used to.” She points out that the gut microbiomes of urban citizens in the U.S. have lower bacterial diversity than those in rural societies, including hunter-gatherers from Tanzania and the Amazon.

While diet, lifestyle and genetics play a role in the host-specific differences, the microbiome composition in adults is also based on exposure to microbes in the environment. According to DiChiara, there is no perfect profile for the gut microbiome, and our gut microbial communities ebb and flow. “If a specific strain of bacteria suddenly disappears, perhaps due to an illness, another species can take on its task,” she explains. “Like nature, it’s about working together on our behalf.”

Diversity, richness and symbiotic behavior of the gut microbes are central to our well-being. DiChiara notes that many variables can negatively impact the gut microbiome. Some result from the choices

we make voluntarily, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating ultraprocessed foods, being chronically stressed and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Other factors are beyond our control, such as neurological injuries, illnesses and hormonal shifts due to puberty or menopause.

Human Impact on Soil Health

The soil microbiome and the gut microbiome both need our support to maintain proper health. Although our gut microbiome may not be directly impacted by the health of soil microbes, it can be impacted by the pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in our food.

Degradation of the soil microbiome occurs in many ways. Tillage, bare soil, dry soil, fertilizer, chemical sprays and fungicides all harm the soil microbiome. These non-regenerative agricultural practices can have negative impacts on the health of individuals that eat the plants and on the health of the broader ecosystems.

Chemicals like glyphosate can damage the gut microbiome by creating oxidative stress, which agitates the microbiome and impedes its ability to function properly. Pesticides can also have a detrimental impact on the gut microbiome. Each year the United States uses 1 billion pounds of pesticides that may be damaging our bodies when we eat our veggies. “What we are not doing is prioritizing protecting the microbiome—for us and the soil. It’s time we recognize the interconnections between climate, soil and the gut,” DiChiara says.

There are multiple ways we can cultivate a closer, healthier relationship between our soil and our gut, such as supporting sustainable agriculture, avoiding processed foods, frequenting farmers markets for organic produce or spending time in nature. Better yet, Kittredge suggests planting a pesticide-free garden at home and eating carrots straight from the soil.

Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics.

Photo by Rodale Institute

Photo by Rodale Institute

Anne Biklé

ON THE ADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE FARMING

by Linda Sechrist

Anne Biklé and David R. Montgomery, a husband and wife team, collaborated to write What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health. A biologist, environmental planner and gardener extraordinaire, Biklé earned degrees in biology and natural history from the University of California (UC) Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from UC Berkeley. She uses her endless fascination with the natural world to explore the tangled relationships between people and their environments. She also helped Montgomery, a professor of Earth and space sciences at the University of Washington, research and write The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Health, as well as Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life. Exploring the connection between soil health and human health, the duo shows us how the roots of our good health begin on farms.

Why did you write this book?

It was a case of evolution, a progression of our research and thinking, as well as the culmination of a journey that we’ve been on, looking into how soils affect human societies. When you’re a writer and you’re constantly looking for connections and patterns, this is what can happen. When David was writing Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations, he discovered that how we treated the land in the past shaped the way that the land was able to treat the descendants of people. In other words, if you don’t take care of your land, it doesn’t take care of you.

What effects do soil erosion and degradation have on our food supply?

In looking at the UN’s “Status of the World’s Soil Resources" from 2015, the study concludes that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and we’re losing about 0.3 percent of our ability to feed ourselves— to grow food on this planet every year—due to soil erosion and soil degradation. That doesn’t sound like a big number in any one year, but adding it up over the rest of this century, it comes to 30 percent of our ability to feed ourselves. Adding to this is the serious degradation of the world’s agricultural land from long-term farming practices, such as tilling or plowing, which is the villain in what is becoming a significant planetary problem that can be reversed with regenerative farming practices. The plow is one of the more destructive implements that mankind has ever invented despite its ability to help feed us in the past. It contributes to soil degradation and erosion because it fundamentally alters the balance between how fast soils are being made and how fast they’re being lost.

What are the benefits of regenerative farming practices?

Regenerative agriculture uses less fertilizer, less pesticide and less fossil fuel. It also increases the carbon content in the soil. Carbon-rich soil retains more water and contains more life, such as whole new worlds of microbial metabolites [the energy and nutrients needed to live and reproduce] that come from soil microbes.

Do farming practices influence the health of crops and human health?

Conventional farming practices use synthetic nitrogen, which degrades organic soil matter and alters the communities of life in the soil. In studies of organic versus conventional, we’ve found that there’s almost always evidence that there are differences in micronutrients and phytochemicals, with organic crops having higher levels of both. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals that we need in trace

amounts for our health—for example, selenium, boron, zinc and iron—which we need just a little bit of, but that little bit has an oversized effect on our health.

Conventional crops almost always have higher levels of pesticides and heavy metals. There’s a lot of controversy scientifically about how much is enough to affect human health. The companies that make pesticides assure us that the levels in food are perfectly safe. But there are now scientists who are starting to investigate chronic exposure to even small amounts over a whole lifetime. How much does that influence our health? We think there are reasons to keep asking those questions.

It is highly suggestive that the idea of a connection between soil health, crop health and animal health translates into what’s in our food. If we’re getting more vitamins, phytochemicals and mineral micronutrients, which are shown to support health, you can make the argument that these regeneratively grown foods are probably healthier for us to eat.

What influence do farming practices have on livestock and human health?

The nature of what ruminants eat greatly influences the nature of the fats that are in meat and dairy. Livestock grazing on leafy green plants are getting an omega3-rich diet. Ruminants that eat predominantly seed- or seed oil-derived rations in a feed lot are getting a mainly omega6-derived diet. Omega-6 fats help trigger inflammation. We want our bodies to be able to trigger inflammation when we need it, but we also want it to turn off when it’s done. Inflammation is not a process that just stops, so we need omega-3 fats, which are central to the process of terminating or quelling inflammation.

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

Green Exercise

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE

by Cristina Parker

For some fitness buffs, it doesn’t feel like exercise unless they’re at the gym lifting weights, pedaling the stationary bike or hearing the grunts of others giving it their all. But there’s an emerging trend taking hold: green exercise. Prompted by a growing focus on reconnecting with nature, combined with the well-known benefits of physical exertion, outdoor workouts in natural settings and urban parks are all the rage. From daily walks around the neighborhood to calisthenics with the aid of a tree or yoga on the beach, the possibilities are delightfully endless for all ages and fitness levels. Medical pros are prescribing it for science-based reasons.

Green exercise is not exactly a new concept. In a 2013 review of studies published in Extreme Physiology & Medicine, researchers concluded that physical activity in a natural setting as opposed to an indoor gym is perceived as easier and more fun, thereby boosting motivation. They wrote, “The nature element may help achieve a greater intensity of exercise without perception of effort changing.” In other words, people walk faster outdoors yet paradoxically feel as though they’re kicking back.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found a positive correlation between green space and health. People that spend time in nature often experience a reduction in stress, cortisol levels, muscle tension and heart rate—all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Psychology involving obese young people confirmed that exercising in nature led to improved stress recovery, enhanced attentional restoration and a reduction in negative emotions.

Exposure to sunlight is another benefit. According to Dr. Natty Bandasak, a physical therapist and founder of The Myokinetix Clinic, in New Jersey, “Getting vitamin D from the sun is much more impactful than the vitamin D absorbed from ingestible supplements. Just 10 minutes spent outside first thing in the morning can really set the day in a good direction.”

To maximize the benefits of green exercise, Rajeshwari Reddy, a physical therapist in Maryland, suggests a few precautions. “If you have any kind of vision issues, you should exercise midday when there is enough light to keep yourself safe, and if you suffer from seasonal allergies, try to avoid areas with flowering plants or trees,” she explains. “Standard walking shoes are different from running shoes, and the body mechanics of different activities require different levels of shock absorption. These oftenoverlooked components of an outdoor exercise routine can go a long way to keep you safe, avoid unnecessary injuries

Ground Picture/AdobeStock.com

and ensure you are having fun with your new program.”

After choosing a suitable time and location, the next step is deciding what exercises to do. Dr. Christine Masterson, a physical therapist at Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group, in New York, says, “For those who desire supervision, joining a local walking or running group is an excellent option. Alternatively, for those who prefer independence, a self-paced exercise routine is recommended.”

Both Masterson and Bandasak describe bodyweight-supported exercises as a perfect outdoor-friendly, equipment-free workout. Moving against gravity uses the person’s weight as a natural form of resistance. As a result, no dumbbells or resistance bands are required. Pick a nice spot in the grass, on the sand or under a shaded treat and do sit-ups, heel raises, push-ups and squats.

Masterson suggests pairing calisthenics with walking. A sample routine could include a brisk walk to the park, followed by squats sitting and standing from a bench, then another brisk walk to a wooded area, followed by heel raises holding onto a tree trunk for balance. “In a bodyweight program, you can focus more on your form and movement pattern, then you can progress these exercises by increasing repetitions, rather than adding weights,” she notes.

Bandasak asserts that aerobic exercises like walking, jogging or hiking can be optimized by adding a grip challenge. “One factor strongly correlated with increased longevity is grip strength,” he explains. “Grip can be strengthened through your ability to hold onto objects like a pull-up bar at a playground or stable tree branch in nature. If those items are not available, just holding any heavy objects by your sides as you walk can be beneficial.”

A key, take-home message when beginning any green-exercise program is to keep an open mind. There are so many activities we can enjoy outdoors. Reddy considers green exercise anything that gets the heart rate going, which can include diverse activities like golf, gardening in the backyard or swimming in a lake. While getting the blood pumping, remember to breathe in the fresh air, listen to the songbirds and soak up the summer sunshine. Masterson is a proponent of outside yoga to refocus the mind and deeply reconnect with our surroundings.

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

Radiation Protection Strategies from Renee Walsh

by Lisa Marlene

Renee Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth Healing Arts, offers electromagnetic frequency (EMF) home assessments and mitigation strategies. She was content being a massage therapist for 14 years until she was making a house call where the client owned a very basic EMF radiation meter that she bought online at Amazon. “She noticed that I was wearing an ionizer—a battery-run personal air purifier—around my neck. She asked me if I ever considered the EMFs that it emits. I hadn’t. She turned her meter on and it went crazy. Next, we tried my cell phone and that was worse. I left her home that day and ordered an amateur meter. When it arrived, I began measuring things such as my washer and dryer, and then everything I could. I was amazed by the invisible EMF radiation from appliances, electrical wiring and technology around me. I realized I could use the meter to show others what was going on in their homes,” advises Walsh.

When she realized there was another level to measuring EMFs with far superior meters, Walsh began watching all the YouTube videos on the subject and discovered building biologist Brian Hoyer, who was knowledgeable about all the different kinds of EMFs. “I found out he had been educated on the subject at the GEOVITAL Academy. I wrote to the academy and enrolled in their courses online,” says Walsh, who arrives at a client’s home with four meters.

Since 2022, along with her massage therapy, as a GEOVITAL EMF radiation specialist, Walsh has been offering the assessments and mitigation strategy using professional instruments that measures the EMFs in the body. “It’s called ‘body load’. I

offer them in Naples, Bonita, Fort Myers, Estero, Lehigh, Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral and the Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale areas,” explains Walsh.

Magnetic fields are generated by outdoor powerlines, appliances, automobiles, etc., and have been linked to several forms of cancer, including childhood leukemia and breast cancer, as well as having a negative effect on iron stores in the body. Electric fields radiate from 120-volt household wiring at 60 Hertz of alternating current, which pulses a field up to six feet from the walls 60 times per second. It has been linked to stimulated cortisol levels and mineral depletion.

Many people associate radio-frequency with emissions from cell phones and their transmission towers, WI-FI and smart meters. These have been linked to autism, cancer, diabetes and infertility, as well as other disorders.

“The assessment can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the size of the house and what I find. I focus on bedrooms. Additional time is charged by the hour. Through the process, I offer shielding and mitigation options from GEOVITAL, and you will receive a 15 percent discount on the shielding products with your special customer pricing. After an individual has put GEOVITAL shielding in place, I do a free re-test to verify the performance of the shielding products,” says Walsh, who notes that her website offers the option to email for a quote if their area is not mentioned.

For a free 15-minute consultation, appointment or more information, call 239-2505115 or visit AlchemyOfLoveAndTruth. com. See ad, page 22.

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.

Renee Walsh

EXPOSURE Can Affect Children’s Learning

by Savannah Noir

School may be the cause of a child’s illness. In 2011, Lincoln Middle School, in Elmhurst, Illinois, found extensive mold damage caused by water damage from several floods. Although the areas in question had been remodeled with new carpet and some drywall repairs , there had been no environmental testing or addressing of systemic flooding and mold that should be conducted as a precautionary measure after flooding.

According to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet, Mold in Schools, “When mold grows in school buildings and portable classrooms, some staff and students, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems, may report adverse health effects. Mold requires oxygen, water and a source of food to grow. Controlling moisture is the key to managing mold in schools and our homes.”

Inhalation exposure to fungi in indoor environments can cause health effects in some people. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Mold exposure can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma that are allergic to mold. In addition, molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals, whether they are allergic to mold or not.

“When mold does grow indoors, the occupants of a building may begin to report odors and a variety of symptoms, including headaches, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, allergic reactions and aggravated asthma symptoms,” advises Julie Hurst, president of American Mold Experts, a leading provider of mold inspections, testing and “green” removal. “Young children are often more susceptible to problems that result from mold exposure, so it’s imperative that we ensure that the indoor air quality in schools and our homes is not a health threat and that the air quality provides for an optimal learning environment.”

American Mold Experts, with offices in central Indiana and Naples, can return indoor environments to mold-safe through their 100 percent organic non-destructive mold remediation process. “For 30 years, our industry had pretty much the same standards and protocols for mold treatment, but we knew that the industry standard experts weren’t telling people about the inherent problems in those traditional methods. So, we decided we wanted to be different. In 2008, we took a hard look at those problems and created a much more thorough process. I call it ‘mold cleaning on steroids’. Our process is much more labor intensive and much more expanded regarding the surfaces and

the areas that we clean and touch. We physically clean the surfaces, versus simply spraying a solution on them. This unique process allows us to give a 100 percent money-back guarantee and warranty.”

American Mold Experts is located at 999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 200, in Naples. For residential and commercial mold inspections, testing, safe removal or assessments in Estero, Bonita, Naple, or Marco Island, call 239-572-2216 or visit AMEswf.com.

See ad, page 10.

Fighting Climate Change in the Garden

REGENERATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM

by Julie Peterson

“Growing a garden is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals to enact positive change and make a difference,” says Emily Murphy, the California author of Grow Now: How We Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet—One Garden at a Time. “If you’re looking for practical solutions to the climate crisis and the resulting loss of biodiversity, the answer is right out your door and in the earth beneath your feet. It’s possible to sequester enough carbon to offset your carbon footprint while supporting wildlife.”

According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden and co-founder of Savvy Gardening. com, “Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your gardening practices and reduce time and budget in the long term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of human disturbance.”

LAYER SOIL

lightpoet/AdobeStock.com

Reversing global warming may feel like a challenge that is out of reach, but anyone can make a difference by planting an ecologically supportive garden. Regenerative techniques employed in the backyard, a community garden or even an apartment patio can significantly improve local ecosystems. And because living systems are interconnected, a healthier ecosystem boosts the well-being of all life forms, as well as the environment.

A key principle of regenerative gardening is to add layers to the soil instead of digging downward or tilling. “Layering up increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil to sequester carbon,” Murphy explains.

“Addition of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or well-aged manure, helps build good soil structure and feeds beneficial soil microbes,” says Walliser, who recommends adding one to two inches per year to gardens.

Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible. In some cities, free compost is available through community compost hubs where residents drop off bins of yard and food waste. “Purchasing commercially produced compost may be a worthwhile investment, particularly when growers are just getting started and soil quality is poor,” suggests Bryan O’Hara, the Connecticut author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture: Pesticide-Free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing NutrientRich, High-Yielding Crops.

PLANT PERENNIALS

Perennials come back every year and can provide food for people and wildlife. Many varieties of fruiting shrubs, trees, vegetables and nuts can form the backbone of a garden with annual plants interspersed throughout. Adding beauty to the mix, perennial flowers—some of which are edible—are essential food for bees, butterflies and birds.

“Choose plants with different flower shapes, sizes and colors, as well as plants with a diversity of bloom times,” Walliser advises. “Opt for plants native to your region, as they have co-evolved with native insects and may provide better resources for them.”

EMBRACE BIODIVERSITY

“When you’re fostering biodiversity, you’re supporting the mutualism that naturally exists in wildlife. You’re increasing and improving ecological relationships,” says Murphy. Instead of planting monoculture rows in a vegetable garden, mix up the plants the way Mother Nature does, Walliser recommends. And if abandoning tidy rows of the same type of plant seems too unruly, interplant the rows: a few beans, a tomato, flowers, then more beans and peppers, for example.

Another suggestion is to plant a variety of salad greens, carrots and radishes in a raised bed and interplant edible nasturtiums, chives and violets. “Interplanting makes it harder for pests to find their favorite host plant. It also makes it harder for diseases to spread from one plant to the next,” Walliser explains.

AVOID CHEMICALS

Skip the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. “Even organic pesticides can be harmful to pollinators and pest-eating beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings and others,” says Walliser. A chemical-free, biodiverse garden is a safe place for beneficial bugs. Trust that the good bugs will find the bad bugs and there will be balance.

A sun-kissed organic tomato from the garden will forever ruin us for grocery store produce. And when we sink our hands in healthy soil to retrieve a beet or plant seeds, we may feel a wave of positive energy because soil microbes have been found to work like natural antidepressants, making us happier and healthier.

“When we begin to understand the inner workings of our greater ecosystem through the ecosystems closest to home, such as our gardens and communities, we come to see that we each have the power to grow positive change beginning at home,” says Murphy.

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

Too Much Histamine

NATURAL SOLUTIONS TO AN EXCESSIVE ALLERGIC RESPONSE

by Carrie Jackson

Histamine is an organic chemical produced by the body as a protection from allergens. It is also found in some of the foods we consume. While certain levels of this compound are considered normal and healthy, an overabundance can cause troublesome symptoms—from runny noses and hives to intestinal discomfort and brain fog. Histamine intolerance, as this condition is called, is often caused by food triggers or the body’s inability to break down the excess histamine. Over-the-counter antihistamines promise short-term symptom relief but may have unappealing side effects. Long-term, drug-free resolution is possible with a little sleuthing and holistic lifestyle adaptations.

A WIDE ARRAY OF SYMPTOMS

“Histamine intolerance can affect every area of the body, including the brain. The inflammation created by excess histamine often leads to brain fog and other neurological symptoms,” says Michael Ruscio, a naturopathic practitioner, doctor of chiropractic, clinical researcher and author of Healthy Gut, Healthy You Symptoms of histamine intolerance often start in the intestinal tract with diarrhea and bloating and contribute to leaky gut. “If the sensitive gut lining is damaged, histamine can permeate to other areas of the body and lead to redness, swelling and itchiness, as well as respiratory issues, joint pain and anxiety. These seemingly unrelated symptoms can all have the same underlying cause, and

patients, as well as many doctors, are not aware of these connections,” says Arti Chandra, a Seattle-based family practice physician who is certified in functional medicine and serves as faculty at the Institute for Functional Medicine.

KNOWING THE TRIGGERS

“Mast cells, a type of white blood cell, are responsible for releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. A histamine intolerance or exposure to high-histamine foods can lead to mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), where they release excess amounts into the body. Typically, enzymes will break down the histamine so that it doesn’t build up, but if the body doesn’t have the proper level of enzymes to break it down or if too much histamine is being released, then persistent symptoms can occur,” Chandra asserts.

Symptom management begins by healing the digestive system. “A healthy gut biome supports the body in producing one of the enzymes needed to break down histamine and can help lower inflammation,” she explains. “Dysbiosis, which is when the gut flora is out of balance, is often caused by the Standard American Diet, also known as SAD. Processed foods, fillers, chemicals, additives and other unnatural substances can all compromise the gut flora and gut function. Dysbiosis often leads to low levels of DAO [diamine oxidase], an enzyme in the gut that helps break down histamine. Some people can have a genetic basis for this—a mutation— that can also lead to excess histamine from impaired breakdown.”

SOLUTIONS FOR HISTAMINE OVERLOAD

Per Ruscio, “A simple, balanced, whole foods diet like the Paleo diet is a great starting point to calm inflammation and heal your gut. This means aiming for a variety of vegetables, fresh fish,

JEGAS RAr/AdobeStock.com

eggs, meat, nuts and seeds, and fruits in moderation. If symptoms continue, try a low-histamine diet.”

Chandra suggests avoiding processed and fast foods, gluten, dairy, sugar and artificial sweeteners. Foods that are naturally high in histamine, including aged cheese, fermented foods, cured meat, alcohol, caffeine and tomatoes, can exacerbate symptoms. She recommends eliminating triggers for three weeks and slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see which are still problematic. “As the gut biome becomes stronger, the body may naturally be able to tolerate high histamine foods better; eating a diet rich in prebiotic foods and sometimes taking an appropriate probiotic supplement can help with this,” she says.

Environmental factors can also trigger histamine reactions. “The body produces histamine to ward off substances like pollen, infections, chemicals and mold. Many people get what they think are normal allergies in the spring, with symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes and a scratchy throat. However, if these symptoms occur year-round, it could be a sign of a histamine intolerance or MCAS. Mold contains mycotoxins that are known to activate mast cells and lead to a histamine release. If someone is living in a building with mold and the exposure is continuous, it can lead to chronic inflammation and histamine issues. Proper air filters can help, but they ultimately may need to eliminate the mold or move out of the environment,” says Chandra. While over-the-counter antihistamine medications may help, they can have a sedating effect and other side effects, including cognitive issues. Natural and holistic treatments work just as well and are often better tolerated by the body, Chandra says. “Quercetin, found in apple skin and onions, can stabilize mast cells and make them less leaky, as can luteolin, both of which are available in supplement form and in Himalayan Tartary buckwheat. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, and omega-3 fatty acids found

in fish oil or supplements have antiinflammatory properties. Stinging nettles, another stabilizer, can be used as a tea or in supplement form. Spices such as curcumin are natural anti-inflammatories and a nourishing addition to any diet,” she advises.

Stress management can help reduce histamine reactions, too. “Stress can trigger mast cells, causing a release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals,

as well as causing dysbiosis and leaky gut,” Chandra says. “Breathwork and meditation, as well as restful sleep, can help reduce histamine intolerance symptoms, support the gut and contribute to an overall level of internal balance.”

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

Gut Health for Kids

CLEVER STRATEGIES FOR PICKY EATERS

by Sheila Julson

Most kids look forward to summer vacation, but the dog days can eventually lead to boredom and over-snacking. By creatively offering children healthy, diverse foods, presented in ways to please even finicky palates, parents can support microbiome health while establishing a lifetime of good eating habits.

Tickle Their Palate

“Foods with probiotic-containing living cultures or fermented foods can add beneficial bacteria to the gut,” says Jill Castle, a Massachusetts-based pediatric dietitian and founding CEO of The Nourished Child, an online nutrition resource for parents. She recommends incorporating treats that are alive, tart and bubbling with healthful microbes.

“Parents can make sure they offer a variety of prebiotic and probiotic foods routinely at mealtimes as options to taste and try. The good news is there are many healthy, gut-supporting foods for children to eat,” she advises.

Yogurt with live or active cultures and kefir, a fermented milk drink, both contain these beneficial probiotics. “Although kefir tends to be sour, some brands have flavored kefir, such as strawberry, mango or peach,” Castle explains. “I’ve had great luck introducing this to children who are picky, because it’s smooth and creamy and tastes like a smoothie.”

She also notes that kombucha, a fizzy, fermented tea with live and active cultures, is available in fruity flavors that appeal to children. Pickles fermented over time with salt and water are a source of healthy bacteria for the gut. And although cheeses are fermented, only a few have live, active cultures. Castle recommends gouda, mozzarella or cheddar.

Sneak in the Fiber

According to Dr. Joanne Aponte, a naturopathic doctor at Lakeside Natural Medicine, in Milwaukee, a diverse diet high in fiber is key to supporting a healthy gut microbiome. “All veggies are beneficial, but ones high in galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotics help grow and support healthy gut bacteria,” she explains. GOS-rich foods include beans, lentils and peas, along with broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, while FOS-predominant choices are garlic, onions, asparagus, artichokes and leeks.

Aponte also recommends chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which can be ground up in an inexpensive coffee grinder and added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or home-baked goods such as cookies, pancakes or waffles. “Sunflower butter can be used to make cookies,” Aponte notes. “I make oatmeal-sunflower butter cookies that are packed with microbiome-supporting oatmeal, pumpkin, ground chia seeds and, of course, chocolate chips.”

For children that are choosy about vegetables, Aponte suggests making zucchini or carrot muffins with ground chia seeds or walnuts. Entice children to eat raw veggies by offering dipping sauces, such as teriyaki, ranch dressing or salsa. Aponte notes that skins should be left on vegetables whenever possible because they contain fiber, which helps feed the gut microbiome.

“It takes some experimentation, but encourage your child to try lots of different foods,” Aponte says. “Some kids might prefer a black bean spread or dip, or refried beans, versus eating whole beans. There are also pastas made with chickpeas or lentils. Veggies like onion or zucchini can be chopped small and hidden in spaghetti sauce.”

Add a Pinch of Fun

Katrina Lien, the program development specialist for Sanford  fit, a

children's fitness program in rural South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, suggests that parents find ways to engage and empower kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.

“Try offering new foods with foods that you know your kids already like,” she says. “When you introduce something new or unfamiliar alongside foods that are a well-known favorite, kids are more open to trying the unfamiliar food.”

Attempt to make foods more interesting and fun, Lien advises. “This can be done by how you arrange the food items on the plate or cutting foods into different shapes. For example, use a cookie cutter to turn simple cucumber slices into a heart or a star.”

According to Lien, when parents involve their children in snack and meal preparation, kids feel included and excited to try the foods they helped create. Although getting kids interested in unfamiliar foods can be laborious and time-consuming, parents should remind themselves to be patient and remain consistent.

Sanford fit offers free, online resources through printable literature, videos, lessons and games at fit.SanfordHealth.org.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

Protecting Pets From Lyme Disease

PREVENTION AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TIPS

by Paige Cerull

When the weather is nice and we crave outdoor adventures with our pets, we may not want to think about Lyme disease, but it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid an infection. One bite from an infected tick could lead to troubling health concerns. Despite the risks, there is no reason to hide indoors, as there are numerous actions we can take to protect our animal companions from infection and to relieve their symptoms should they contract the ailment.

Disease Prevalence in the U.S.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme disease is spread by bites from blacklegged deer ticks or western blacklegged ticks that carry the disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While cases have been reported in nearly every U.S. state, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northwest. A 2018 study published in Environmetrics found that the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs is getting worse in the Northeast and spreading into regions that weren’t previously considered to be high risk, including areas in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.

Symptoms in Cats, Dogs and Horses

Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic.

“We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains.

Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also experience a serious kidney complication called Lyme nephritis that causes them to feel very sick, drink lots of water and urinate more. Two studies performed by IDEXX, a developer of diagnostic and software products for animals, revealed that dogs exposed to tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, had a 43 percent increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, horses

with Lyme disease may experience weight loss, lameness that shifts among the legs, muscle tenderness, low-grade fever and swollen joints.

Preventing Tick Bites

Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, notes that pet owners can naturally reduce their pet’s risk of being bitten by a tick by keeping their yards in check. “Ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass, weeds and leaf litter,” she says. “Keeping your yard tidy by mowing your lawn and removing any dead leaves or debris can help reduce the number of ticks in your yard.”

Pet owners may also use food-grade diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, to help kill ticks in areas where pets like to spend time. Several natural fly sprays, many of which help to repel ticks, are also available for horses.

Removing a Tick

It’s important to carefully inspect pets for tick bites after spending time outdoors. “If you can remove the tick within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, it won’t transmit Lyme disease,” O’Leary maintains. She recommends tools like the Tick Twister or a pair of tweezers to safely coax a tick from their pet. “If you can get down to where the head is inserted and squeeze that with tweezers, that’s the easiest thing to do,” she says.

Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for advice,” she says.

Caring for an Infected Pet

According to O’Leary, the antibiotic doxycycline is the best available treatment for Lyme disease, and giving the pet a bit of turmeric to eat can relieve inflammation, though it is best to consult

with a veterinarian regarding the most appropriate treatment options and dosages. To reduce a fever, soaking a towel in cool water and applying it around a pet’s paws and ears will help.

Savageau highlights the importance of feeding pets a balanced and nutritious diet that supports the immune system, as well as supplements and other natural remedies. “This may include adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to their food to support gut health and reduce

inflammation. Herbs like echinacea may help stimulate the immune system and support the body’s ability to fight infections,” she says, adding, “Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any natural or alternative treatment for pets, as some may be harmful or interfere with prescribed medications.”

Paige Cerulli is a freelance writer in Western Massachusetts specializing in the health and care of pets.

The Sweet Tapestry of Summer

by Marlaina Donato

July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness.

Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land.

Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?

Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good, such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.

We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 2

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. See ad on page 41 and news brief on page 9.

SUNDAY, JULY 9

Light Code Activations – 9-10:30am. Join an hour-plu of channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be short cuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $22. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

MONDAY, JULY 10

AOHMassage Foundation 1: Subtle Body – 9am5pm. This workshop will be presented monthly this summer as well as at the FSMTA Convention June 27. 7 CEs MTs FL and NCBTMB. $100. Art of Holistic Massage, 3323 Olympic Dr, Ste 721, Naples. 732-266-5276. AOHMassage.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 11

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, JULY 12

Reflexology – 9am-3pm. This is an experiential workshop that 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 Inflammation – 3-4pm. Discussion of specific herbs to help combat inflammation. Includes a handout. Recipes of herbs and spices that help with inflammation. Healthy tea provided. $15. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 13

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.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

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.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

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.

Great Bones Book Club & Food Sampling – 1:303pm. 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. In-person and Zoom. $10. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 303-929-4972. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad on page 45.

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. See July 2 listing. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Sound Bath with Harmonic Alignment – 4:456pm. 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 on page 15.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Kids’ Sparkle Spa Day – 5-6pm. Activities include healthy snacks, sanitation discussion, ageappropriate skin cleansing, theme park meditation, stretch yoga, organic foot soak, unicorn organic sugar scrub, lavender calming play dough, cucumber relaxation and a surprise gift bag. $49/ages 5-12. Limited to 10 children. Purely You Spa 2, 7935 Airport Rd, 2nd Fl, Naples. RSVP by July 24: 239-331-8266. PurelyYouSpa.com.

plan ahead

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

Health, Wealth, Wellness, Beauty & Job Fair – 2-6pm. For people seeking an exciting career in health, wealth, wellness and beauty, and businesses looking to promote their products and employment opportunities. $25. Purely You Spa, 3066 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 302, Naples. PurelyYouSpa.com. See Event Spotlight on page 14 and ad on page 2.

ongoing events EDUCATE.

daily

$75 New Student Special – One month of unlimited classes. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Electromagnetic Frequency Assessments – Renee Walsh, owner of Alchemy of Love and Truth Healing Arts, in Naples, is providing electromagnetic frequency (EMF) home assessments 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 xx.

Sunset/Bird Rookery Kayak To ur – 5:308:30pm. GAEA Guides on the Caloosahatchee River. See thousands 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.

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

Healthy Happy Hour – 2-5pm. Also held Wed and Fri. Specially priced IV nutrient/rehydration therapy and vitamin injections from the IV nutrient experts. Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, 12734 Kenwood Ln, Ste 56, Ft Myers. 239-4252900. rtcausesmd.com/iv-therapy.html. See ad on page xx, and news brief on page xx.

Ashtanga Mysore Open Studio – 6-8:30am. MonFri, except moon days. New time for the summer. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Intro to Ashtanga – 5:45-6:30pm. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.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. 941888-0116. 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.

Crystal Bowls Sound Bath Meditation – 6:457:45pm. Participants lie down or sit while the frequencies reverberate through the body, bringing it back into a state of harmonic resonance, promoting deep relaxation and healing on all levels. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register, Stephanie Niles: ananyaj1025@ gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.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. 239-688-4585. 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 29.

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 3.

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 29.

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.