Natural Awakenings Fort Myers/ Naples- November 2022

COLLIER / LEE EDITION

Publisher Sharon Bruckman Editors Linda Sechrist Martin Miron

Randy Kambic Theresa Archer

Design & Production C. Michele Rose Lisa Avery

Contributing Writers Linda Sechrist Sandra Yeyati

Sales & Marketing Christine Miller Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

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

Dr.Xiu Qiong Cen A.P., D.O.M Licensed Acupuncture Physician

dynamic energy!

In the Eye of the Storm

Everyone I talk to has a Hurricane Ian story if they live in Southwest Florida or love someone that does. We’ve all been affected in one way or another—some more deeply than others. Coming to terms with the disaster will take time and healing, whether we’re dealing with property damage, loss of a business or employment, or no longer being able to enjoy our favorite hangouts. Recovery and rebuilding is going to exact a big toll.

I got lucky. My home wasn’t damaged and quickly became a haven for several family members and pets escaping flooded homes. Witnessing their devastation and the resilience they demonstrated in their recovery efforts has been inspiring. I feel blessed to have a space to offer them at the end of their busy days hauling out personal belongings to the curb, gutting their homes and angling with insurance adjustors.

When we originally planned our November Mental Health issue, we didn’t know that one of the most catastrophic weather events in U.S. history was headed our way. With our collective anxiety already at a high pitch from acrid politics, rising inflation and unpredictable virus variants, we wanted to offer our readers expert advice on ways to set aside the worry and fear, and instead take effective action.

Our feature story on page 20, “Staying Serene in Turbulent Times: How to Turn Anxiety into Positive Action,” couldn’t be more timely. It offers a wide range of recommendations—from simple self-care habits to more elaborate strategies that can make a collective difference or inspire well-being in our neighborhoods.

Two complementary articles; “Tools for Trauma,” on page 16, and “12 Quick Fixes for Anxiety: Simple Strategies for Mental Well-Being,” on page 24, feature other calming remedies, including deep breathing, mindful meditation, journaling, exercising in nature, praying in one’s tradition or trauma therapies with the help of mental health professionals.

What I hear so often from friends that have been affected by the hurricane is their deep gratitude for the blessings they still have in their lives. Whether it’s a story about the free support of a church group who showed up to remove their drywall or someone offering them a place to stay, the beautiful display of humanity and love from people helping others is evident more than ever here in Southwest Florida. We are pulling together. On page 18, Dr. Madiha Saeed confirms the power of gratitude to heal, saying, “Heartfelt emotions—like gratitude, love and caring—produce coherent brain waves radiating to every cell of the body.”

Our dear paradise will be in recovery for a long time. As we begin the holiday season gathering with friends and family around the Thanksgiving table, let us envision that recovery efforts will build us back stronger than ever, not just in our personal lives, but with wider hearts and stronger connections in our community. Prayers and heartfelt hugs to all affected by the storm.

In deepest gratitude,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

NOTE: We have postponed the date of our special January Health & Wellness Guide to allow time for hurricane recovery. Stay tuned for updates.

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Herbal Services Expert in Our Area

Naples-based clinical herbalist Car men Portner, founder of Holistic Harmony and Luna Rosa farm, is now of fering health services online in our area.

Following a new client consultation that includes a comprehensive intake to iden tify patterns and root causes behind un derlying conditions, she prioritizes major concerns and provides an individualized wellness plan that includes herbs, foods and other lifestyle recommendations.

A graduate of the East West School of Planetary Herbology, Portner, who speaks English and Spanish, employs Traditional Chinese Medicine as her primary analytic tool, along with West ern, Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs to craft personalized herbal solutions for specific needs. The high success rate of her work is attributed to her holistic approach and correct use of plant ener getics and chemistry to affect a positive change in well-being.

Portner is currently working toward registering with the American Herbalist Guild, the highest achievement for clinical herbalists in the U.S.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-688-4585, email Info@HolisticHarmonyllc.com, visit Holis ticHarmonyllc.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram at HolisticHarmony.herbs. See ad, page 10.

SWFL RESET Center Seed and Plant Festival and Exchange

On November 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the SWFL RESET Center is hosting a seed and plant festival and exchange. Plant and seed vendors and permaculture experts will convene at the Bill Brewer Family Gardens on the campus of the Universalist Unitarian Congregation, in Fort Myers, celebrating the amazing abundance and nutrition that is available to all from seeds planted in family and community gardens. Festival-goers can gather around vendors offering plants and seeds, stock up for their own gardens or find the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones promoting life and health.

Throughout the day, learn from expert talks and presentations on planting and sustainable growing that will benefit your diet, health, and the environment through proven and regenerative best practices.

Seed growers and savers can bring their seeds, seedlings, cuttings and plants to swap and share the bounty with others or donate them to community gardens and on the tables of those in need.

A $5 donation is requested but not necessary. Register at SeedAndPlantFest.com. Location: 13411 Shire Ln., Ft. Myers.

News to share?

Send your submissions to: NAeditor@NaturalAwakenings.com (Deadline is the 10th of the month.)

Carmen Portner

Bodywork Services by Luminous Healing

Tiffany Angelique Hume, owner of Luminous Healing, recently relocated from Los Angeles to Naples, providing in-person bodywork services and phone counseling. The licensed massage therapist offers in-depth physical, mental and emotional balancing via energy medicine, deep tissue and structural balancing, CranioSacral Therapy, intuitive and spiritual counseling and more, separately or in a holistic combination.

Her style of bodywork therapy spanning more than 21 years combines unwinding techniques—with clients positioned on a pulsed electromagnetic frequency mat that works on a cellular level to enhance healing—with deep structural work and alleviating mental and emotional blockages.

Hume also facilitates trauma resolutions and yoga physical therapy based on more than 28 years of yoga training with an Iyengar emphasis, and is certified in the alignment-specific Yoga Tune Up style. She studied with the Institute of PsychoStructural Balancing, Esalen, the Upledger Institute and the Theta Healing Institute; is an ordained minister with the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness; and is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Spiritual Science program at the University of Santa Monica.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 323-8348125, email SchedulingTiffany@gmail.com or visit Unwind.be. See ad, page 34.

Community Events at CasaShanti

From belly dancing to astrology and creating crystal artwork, CasaShanti is presenting a wide variety of classes at its Fort Myers location this month.

Events, dates and times include Yoga Nidra Meditation with Crystal and Himalayan Singing Owls and Herbal Tea by Crone House from 6 to 7 p.m., November 5 ($35); Full Moon Sound Bath, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., November 6 ($20); ChakraBelly, led by Luna Moonz, 6:30 to 8 p.m., November 7, 14, 21 and 28 ($30); Intermediate Natal Chart Astrology, 5 to 6:30 p.m., November 13 and 27 ($20); Wire Wrapping with Laura Louise Crystals, various days/times ($30 plus cost of chosen crystal); Money, Boundaries and Childhood Energetics (call for time), November 20 ($20); and Black Friday/Small Business Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., November 24, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., November 25.

Location: 2052 Cottage St. For more information or to register, call 239-247-4801, email CasaShantiswfl@gmail.com or visit CasaShanti.us. See ad, page 14.

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news briefs

Special and Weekly Events at Lotus Blossom Clinic

Lotus Blossom Clinic, in Fort Myers, will present many special events in November, as well as ongoing weekly classes, kicking off with a Full Moon Reiki Retreat, led by reiki masters Pattie Carney and Heather Anderson, from 1 to 5 p.m., November 6 ($50) followed by Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation from 7 to 9 p.m., November 8, 15, 22 and 29, led by Mary Robinson and Chris Lee ($80 for the series); Posture-Wise Workshop with Kandy, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., November 8 ($20); Food as Medicine with Dr. David Martin, Deb Martin and Vickie Gelardi, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., November 12 ($35); and Heart-Centered Conflict Management with Patti Wilson, MA, MEd, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., November 19 ($60).

Wednesdays feature Calming Mind for Body Rejuvenation –Releasing and Shifting by EFT Tapping, with Jenny Li Ciccone, 6:30 to 8 p.m. ($100 for four sessions) and Meditation and Qi gong, with JaySun (Jason) Wechs, 1 to 2 p.m. ($15), and Crystal Bowls Sound Bath Meditations with Jenny Jong from 6:46 to 7:45 p.m. ($15) on Thursdays.

Location: 6710 Winkler Rd., Ste. 2 and 3. For more information or to register, call 239-277-1399 or visit LotusBlossomClinic.com. See Resource Guide listing, page 37.

Ada’s Market Embraces the Community

Anna Spaich, manager of Ada’s Natural Foods, in Fort Myers, says, “Our experienced and knowledgeable supplement staff that has been serving the com munity for decades is here to continue providing us with nutritional guidance, helping our community stay well during these difficult times. Ada’s loves Southwest Florida.”

Location: 7070 College Pkwy. For more information, call 239-9399600 or visit AdasMarket.com. See ad, page 3.

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Stretching and Balance Exercises Can Avert Mental Decline

To protect against memory loss, simple stretching and balance exercises work as well as hard-driving aerobics, concludes a new study from Wake Forest University. The study enrolled 296 sedentary older adults with mild cognitive decline such as forgetting dates, keys and names. Those that performed simple stretching routines for 120 to 150 minutes per week experienced no memory decline in a year’s time, as measured by cognitive tests and brain scans that showed no shrinkage. These results matched the outcome of people that did moderate-intensity aerobic training on treadmills or stationary bikes four times a week, striving for about 30 to 40 minutes of a heightened heart rate. A control group of equally matched people that did not exercise did decline cognitively. The people that exercised were supervised by trainers at local YMCAs, which may have helped them stay motivated, say the researchers.

Fruit and Vitamin B6 May Relieve Anxiety and Depression

The best strategy to stay upbeat may be to reach for the fruit bowl, suggests a new study comparing the habits and mental states of 428 people published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Researchers at the UK’s Aston University found that the more often people ate fruit, the lower they scored for depression and the higher for mental well-being. The frequency of fruit consumption seemed to be more important to psychological health than the total amount consumed. People that ate savory snacks such as potato chips, which are low in nutrients, were more likely to report more frequent memory lapses and greater levels of anxiety and depression. The researchers found no connection between eating vegetables and psychological health. Nutrients can be lost during cooking. “As we are more likely to eat fruit raw, this could potentially explain its stronger influence on our psychological health,” says lead author Nicola-Jayne Tuck.

In another study, researchers from the UK’s University of Reading gave 478 young adults either high doses of vitamins B 6 or B 12 or a placebo. After one month, they found that 100 milligrams of the B 6 (about 50 times the recommended daily allowance) significantly boosted gamma aminobutyric acid, which inhibits excitatory impulses in the brain, and reduced self-reported anxiety and depression levels. B 12 had no such effects.

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environmentally speaking

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

Unite for Clean Water on November 10

At 6 p.m. on November 10. we will publicly present the next stage of our citizens’ initiative on zoom (Tinyurl.com/CleanWaterTickets). This is a critical meeting of clean water Floridians, because we must achieve certain benchmarks by specific times to ensure we get to the 900,000 signatures no later than November 30, 2023.

By March 1, we must reach 223,000 signed petitions to trigger Florida Supreme Court review, and raise at least $1 million in funds to kick off paid petitioning operations.

From December 1 through February 28 (three months) anyone—organizations, businesses, groups or individuals— will be able to click into statewide operations (focused at the county level) and help achieve such objectives.

From November 10 (or beforehand) until December 1, every Floridian organization, business or group that stands for clean water should learn about, discuss and commit in whatever capacity to make this happen.

On November 10, we will provide organizational guidelines, training, resources and special instructions to any person, business or nonprofit organization that would like to help.

Share this information with everyone. Make plans with friends to go out most Saturdays at the farmers market or community events to collect signatures. Ask local businesses to become petition locations. Help promote Right to Clean Water events and volunteer opportunities, and collect signatures from friends, family and neighbors.

“With your help, we can bring this initiative to amend Florida’s constitution to the voters in November 2024, so the people can decide whether we should hold our state agencies accountable for harm to Florida’s waters,” says Joseph Bonasia, Florida Rights of Nature Network chair and campaign communications coordinator.

Be sure to download the petition at FloridaRightToCleanWater. org, sign and send it to 13300 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 56, Fort Myers, FL 33906, or your regional coordinator. Subscribe to FloridaRightToCleanWater.org.

Jennifer Vear Hoy MS, MS

Sherry Slater

Myers Resident

Work: Retired association general manager at the community of Rapollo.

Proudest achievement: From work-related ones such as earning a master’s degree and obtaining my goal position to personal ones of raising three wonderful daughters and being married to the same terrific man for 40 years.

Expectations for the future: My personal worldview is one of optimistic hope both in the human race’s ability to overcome and change as needed, and in our innate ability to love and appreciate what we have and so to work tirelessly to intercede for people, climate and environmental needs that are so desperately needed now.

are happening, and we must all make time to be part of them. “government” is us/the “church” is us. It’s time to stop thinking that “someone else” will do the difficult work or make the difficult decisions. Working collectively, the future could be bright. I want to expect this.

Favorite websites: From educational sites like Ted Talks, to self-help and improvement sites like Oprah.com, to researching my hobby sites for crocheting (Crochet.org) and my love of tea (FusionTea.com). The options are endless.

Local or global causes supported: Local organizations around the Fort Myers area are a wonderful collective serving the needs of the community. My favorites are the Harry Chapin Food Bank, St. Matthews House, I Will Foundation, the SWFL RESET Center for environmental issues, and the Café of Life, in Bonita Springs. Each organization brings a special answer to those in need. Lutheran World Relief is my preferred organization to donate to for needs happening around the world.

Favorite thing about Natural Awakenings: I’ve read this magazine for years and love the service resources they highlight, as well as the inspirational and educational articles written by Linda Sechrist.

Most frequented healthy food restaurant: The Green Cup Café, in downtown Fort Myers is my favorite, followed closely by Ada’s Natural market and the Artisan Eatery. Next on my list to try is the Living Vine Organic Café!

Where I pick up my copy of Natural Awakenings: Ada’s Market, or a friend gives them to me. How I support my community: Because Hurricane Ian has so thoroughly changed the landscape in many sections of Fort Myers, supporting the community has become very focused in helping others to clean up their properties after the storm, support others who are experiencing food and monetary insecurities and donating to worthy causes.

Favorite Quote: An African Proverb: “If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk together.”

What I am doing to be the change I want to see in the world: I believe that sometimes we overlook the small things, but the smallest action far supersedes the largest of intentions. I consistently walk a two-mile area and pick up trash, consider carefully what I purchase, always recycle, support local churches in their ministries and pray daily.

Tools for Trauma

Mental Health Expert Offers Protocols that Bring Relief and Healing

by Linda Sechrist

HurricaneIan’s high winds and life-threat ening storm surge left many of us traumatized and needing relief. Caroline Hofman, a Florida licensed mental health counselor and owner of Ascension Counsel ing, is extensively trained in mental health, specializing in trauma. She offers Natural Awakenings readers some pro tocols she uses for her private trauma practice clients.

Looking Left And Right

Sit or lie down. Keeping your nose straight ahead, look a far as possible to the left with the eyes as if you’re trying to look at your ear. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, until the body gives up a sigh, swal low or yawn. Return the head to center and repeat on the right. Notice if it’s easier to breathe now.

Focusing

When we are anxious, we can focus or concentrate to move out of our survival mode brain into our logical, cognitive brain. We can do this by focusing or concentrating on something. Some people do it with crossword puzzles, while others use adult coloring books, listening to music, watching sports or reading a book.

Breathing

Simple breathing exercises are calming. Focus on breathing in while counting one, two, three, four. Breathe out slowly to the count of eight. Repeat.

Noticing

Acknowledge five things you can see around you. Notice four things you can sense; your breath, the material of the clothes you are wearing, the phone in your hand, etc. Notice three things you can hear right now; your own voice, your husband or wife in the other room, a fan, running water. Notice two things you can smell. Notice one thing you can taste.

Trauma Therapy

“Like the legendary Phoenix, people can rise from the ashes of their past by choosing to face their darkest moments and releas ing the negative energies attached to them,” says Hofman, who is trained in multiple methods of trauma resolution and tailors her approach specifically to clients’ needs.

What Is Traumatic To You Is Traumatic

“No one can define your trauma for you. If something was (or is) traumatic for you, it is trauma. Even at a subconscious level, people still react to significant emotional events of their individual personal history, events which continue to be triggered today. This echo can happen in the form of persistent anxiety, panic attacks, depression or negative (‘not good enough’) beliefs about themselves which were learned through experiences. Each of my trauma therapy approaches allows for inner healing by revisiting and reprocessing past events in a safe environment, while diffus ing and releasing repressed negative emotional energy,” explains Hofman, who uses Eye Movement Integration (EMI), Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and Neuro-Linguistic programming (NLP) in hypnosis as her primary tools.

For individuals accustomed to including their metaphysical and spiritual beliefs into their healing process, Hofman is happy to do so without any judgement. Generally, Hofman’s primary tools can take significantly fewer sessions to work through trauma than other methods.

EMI

EMI is considered a neurotherapy. It utilizes the connection be tween NLP eye movements, and their connection to the recall or creation of information in the brain to rapidly resolve traumas. A demonstration can be seen at Tinyurl.com/ReadingEyeMovements. EMI uses guided eye movements to assist an individual in accessing information files in all their multisensory, cogni tive and emotional forms by “moving” the problematic item throughout the visual field to integrate and resolve distress ing experiences and their problematic symptoms. Unlike Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which only uses linear, side-to-side eye movement, EMI uses upwards of 22 eye movements, allowing the brain to access many more resources to resolve the traumatic experience. Additionally, EMI is very effective in decision-making, or getting unstuck from a problem.

Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR)

TIR is a fast (compared to traditional therapy) method of effec tively reducing traumatic stress from emotionally and/or physi cally painful events. It involves re-experiencing past traumas or unpleasant experiences in a completely safe environment, free of distractions, judgments or interpretations.

When something happens that is physically or emotionally pain ful, someone has the option of either confronting it fully and feel

Caroline Hofman

When we are anxious, we can focus or concentrate to move out of our survival mode brain into our logical, cognitive brain.

ing the pain, or trying in some way to block the awareness of it. When an incident is repressed, it continues to exist as ongoing, unfinished business. Such traumatic incidents may continue to exert negative effects such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, low self-esteem and unhealthy relationship patterns. TRI provides a safe space and the means to fully examine that which had been blocked. In this process, individuals significantly shift in the way they view the incident and as a result, how they feel about it. When the event is fully processed, it no longer is stuck and is rarely ever triggered in the same way again.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming In Hypnosis

Neuro (as in neurological) refers to what happens in the brain/mind. Linguistic refers to language; verbal and non-verbal (body language). Programming refers to behaviors we learn and become conditioned to repeat. NLP falls under the umbrella of hypnotherapy because an individual enters a trance (meditative) state during which they are fully aware and in control.

NLP in hypnosis uses permissive language which leaves the client in charge of the state of trance. A popular myth surrounding trance work is that the client is under the control of the hypnotherapist, but at no point during a session will an individual lose control of their mind. If someone hears a suggestion that they don’t agree with or don’t understand, their subconscious mind will automatically reject it. The relaxed trance state used in NLP allows the client to do inner child rescue, reparenting and other techniques.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-758-0896 or email AscensionCounseling.net. See ad, page 29.

Gratitude is Good Medicine

by Madiha Saeed

itself

can trap us in a pattern of negative thinking that

stress and unhappiness. With our internal and external

these days

negativity, being optimistic is more important now than ever before.

is not just a feel-good word. It is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one

in nearly all of the world’s spiritual traditions.

Tinnakorn/AdobeStock.com

gratitude daily is proven to have actual physiological consequences. It helps lower inflammatory markers, influences epigenetics, improves the immune system and even helps the heart, adding years to life.

Optimism has been found to correlate positively with life satisfaction and selfesteem. “Heartfelt” emotions like gratitude, love and caring produce coherent brain waves radiating to every cell of the body, as shown by technology that measures changes in heart rhythm variation and coherence.

Remember that our perspective can reflect either our pain or our power.

Our subconscious governs 90 percent of our thoughts and actions. It shapes our every behavior. But the subconscious mind is nothing other than neural pathways that have been established in the brain as a result of past beliefs and conditioning. Our subconscious does no thinking of its own, but rather relies on our perception of the world around us, interpreting verbal and nonverbal cues.

When we consciously turn negativity to positivity from the inside-out, the neural pathway associated with negativity will take time to come down fully, so it is critical to practice gratitude regularly. Upon waking in the morning, say 10 things that you are grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal. Put sticky notes all over the house with gratitude messages—on photos, light fixtures, fans, exercise equipment—to create a zone of subliminal positivity.

Remember that our perspective can reflect either our pain or our power. That choice is in our hands. Know what you are grateful for each day.

Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM, is the bestselling author of The Holistic RX, an international speaker, founder of HolisticMomMD.com and director of education for KnoWEwell.

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STAYING SERENE IN TURBULENT TIMES

HOW TO TURN ANXIETY INTO POSITIVE ACTION

by Ronica O’Hara

In this day and age, we have good reason to toss and turn in our beds at night. As our nation faces climate catastrophes, acrid politics, stubborn inflation, unpredictable virus variants and hot-button issues like abortion and guns, there’s good rea son our collective anxiety levels are at a high pitch. A recent Yale survey found that 70 percent of Americans report being anxious or depressed about global warming, and a Penn State survey this year found that 84 percent of us say we are “extremely worried” or “very worried” about where the country is headed. Researchers are coining new terms: “polycrisis”, for complex, cascading crises in interacting systems, and “pre-traumatic stress disorder”, when fear of an outcome makes it as good as real to our psyches.

“It’s easy for people to feel overwhelmed now, feeling there are breakdowns and threats on many fronts. People can wonder ‘Where do I even start?’ and feel powerless and hopeless and numb,” says psychiatrist Janet Lewis, M.D., a founder of the nation wide Climate Psychiatry Alliance and a University of Rochester clinical assistant professor of psychiatry. “We are part of a complex system that is moving into new ways of functioning, but there’s no way of predicting ahead of time exactly what all the features of the new ways of operating will be. That makes it impossible for us to wrap our minds around everything that is happening.”

Still, she adds, “We are also by definition part of the system, and therefore have a responsibility to do what we can. We can’t sit

on the sidelines and merely hope that things transform in good directions. The situation being so serious also means that what we do now is really important.”

To move from anxiety into effective action, mental health experts advise several strategies: taking a wider perspective, building resilience through self-care and taking individual steps to make a collective difference. As the Dalai Lama encourages, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!”

Taking a Wider Perspective

News reports almost always sound dire—just like the amygdala of our brains, journalists often see their function as focusing on threats to alert us to dangers. “Still, if you take the long view of history, we are much better off than we were 200 years ago or 1,000 years ago, but it took many years to make those changes,” counsels Robert L. Leahy, Ph.D., director of the American Insti tute for Cognitive Therapy and author of the bestselling The Worry Cure and the upcoming If Only.

“We never know if something is hopeless until we have all the data, and we seldom have all the data,” he says. “And when it comes to political emotions, many of the predictions that are made by the ‘talking heads’ in media never come true.”

Leahy counsels patience: “Social change does not come about by

one person doing something. That usually comes about by a long process of millions of people changing their attitudes and changing their behavior. Small efforts can be made on a daily basis that move this slow process forward. We need to take a longer view, rather than expect immediate change.”

In this ongoing process, anxiety has its rightful place. “Anxiety makes us look around, figure out solutions and act. This can abso lutely be turned into something positive,” says neuropsychologist Barbara Easterlin, of Jackson, Wyoming, an expert on eco-anxiety who is on the steering committee of the Climate Psychology Al liance of North America. “Doing just one thing to help the planet consistently helps defeat anxiety.”

Taking action moves us into our power—as 15-year-old Greta Thunberg demonstrated by holding a sign outside the Swedish parliament. Personal actions matter because numbers add up. Only 25 percent of individuals in a social group need to make a shift before significant social change follows, conclude researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science that analyzed a decade of societal changes in voting, health, technology and finance. Once a group reaches that tipping point, it can trigger a change in the rest of society, says study author Damon Centola, Ph.D., author of Change: How to Make Big Things Happen.

Building Resilience with Self-Care

Fears about the shape of the planet and nation are often piled on top of our everyday living anxieties about family and finances, which can in duce emotional overload. “We all have a ‘zone of resilience’ or ‘window of tolerance’, outside of which we become more reactive, less able to function effectively. But it is not fixed. We can learn tools to expand it and cultivate the capacity to be with more,” says Easterlin.

Therapy can be a part of that process by challenging us to exam ine “the mental narratives that can exacerbate distress,” says Leslie Davenport, a climate psychology consultant and author of Emo tional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change. It’s important to find a therapist, she says, that “validates that your feelings are a normal response to an existential crisis.” She has helped develop new pro

grams at the American Psychology Association and the California Institute of Integral Studies to train therapists in treating eco-anx iety. For low-cost online support, the Good Grief Network offers a 10-step, 10-week program to help process personal anxiety and grief about climate change. People are also sitting down to share their distress at climate cafes, small local gatherings springing up across the country and globe, including some online.

Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising are also key self-care strategies. When anxiety strikes, psychologists advise shifting attention from the head to the body, using such ap proaches as mindful breathing, dancing and grounding. Medita tion, easily accessed these days through apps like Calm and Head space, helps us to enter into what religious and spiritual teachings call “the still point within.”

Rather than “doomscrolling” when anxiety mounts, cutting back our media use can significantly lower stress levels, studies show. Wise media strategies include choosing well-established, cred ible news sources; reading rather than watching the news to lower its emotional impact; limiting news intake to 10 minutes once or twice a day; taking a “news fast” on occasion; and passing up sources that incessantly feed fury.

On the other hand, it’s essential to find sources for hope, an emotion important in recovery from anxiety disorders, according to a study in Behavior Therapy. Googling “good news on climate change” will bring up articles about alternative energy growth, new super-enzymes that eat plastic rubbish and black rhinos com ing back from the brink of extinction. Although dystopic books abound, others offer hope, such as Drawdown, with its sensible, scaled-down strategies to stop global warming by 2050.

Moving into Action

Virtually no one can take on all the problems of the nation and globe at once—and the good news is that unless we hold high public office, we don’t have to. Instead, “In taking action, focus on what you are good at, what your sphere of influence might be,” advises Lewis. “What are you most heartbroken over? Get involved

in that and allow yourself to feel really good about what you’re doing and other people are doing.”

By narrowing our focus, we can hone in on an issue and figure out our part in its solution. “We need a broad range of collective action for transformation,” says Davenport. “For climate change, a teacher could bring social-emotional learn ing to climate education into the classroom or start an after school ‘green club’; an artist could use their creative medium to communicate about climate in a moving way that could engage others; a nurse could create a waste-reduction initiative within a medical setting. These efforts all have ripple effects and help to elevate each other.”

In one recent study, people were found to consume less energy if they believed their neighbors did so and personally cared about conservation. Our neighborhoods are the place to take the small, meaningful steps that address the “crisis of connection” underly ing rancorous national crises, says New York Times columnist David Brooks. He advocates “radical mutuality”, saying, “Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone.” Through simple actions like having casual conversations around town, pitching in to help a family in crisis, bringing a salad to a block party, tutoring a child or holding a civic post, we build the warm relational bonds that strengthen communities. As we meet others

that feel as strongly as we do about our issues, our numbers start building and collective action can unfold.

“Independent of political beliefs, many people can find com mon values such as wanting safety for their families, a clean environment with clean waterways and recreation in natural environments,” says Easterlin.

That, in turn, helps lower our distress. A recent Yale study found that eco-anxiety was linked to depression only among stu dents not involved in group activities; those engaged in collective action such as being part of an environmental group, working in a letter-writing campaign or going to events or protests did not spiral downward emotionally. “Personal transformation and social transformation happen simultaneously. When you reach out and build community, you nourish yourself,” Brooks says.

As Thunberg has put it: “When I’m taking action, I don’t feel like I am helpless and that things are hopeless, because then I feel like I’m doing everything I can. And that gives me very much hope, especially to see all the other people all around the world, the activists, who are taking action and who are fighting for their present and for their future.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

Lorino

Get a Lift with Professional Life Coaching

by Linda Sechrist

Originally from the Boston area and now a Naples resident, Samantha Tierney’s newest endeavor, Fly Your Kite Life Coaching, is catching the wind and sailing high in the sky on its early test run. “It’s a natural career move that brings together everything in my professional career and personal life so far. My Bachelor of Science in Education from Westfield State University, a Master of Education from George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction and my experience as an adjunct faculty/literacy consultant/and elementary school teacher all work for me in my new career. I can even bring in what I know from being a Guardian ad Litem and mentor for new guardians for the 20th Circuit Court of Collier County. The icing on the cake is my certification as professional life coach from the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches. I can confidently guide people through life’s challenges with encouragement, planning and tools for positive change,” says Tierney.

“I’ve been a college student, a teacher, a parent, divorced and a retired professional. So, I’ve experienced most all of life’s major transitions and know a lot about dating, marriage, parenthood and careers. I love the one I now have, and so enjoy guiding others using some great tools such as values assessment. My clients seem to enjoy them because it gives them an opportunity to talk about their strengths and talents. We also do a lot of brainstorming and goalsetting activities that springboard into self-discovery,” advises Tierney.

One thing Tierney loves is an activity that asks clients to think of their life as a

metaphor. “It involves reflecting on the highlights and lowlights of life and asking what patterns they see, and what object they use to describe their life. Reflecting on my life gave me the idea of a kite. I made costumes in theatre and like to sew. A kite bounces up and down before it gets off the ground. It’s made of fabric, and I love bows and ribbons. KITE is an acronym. K is for knowledge of techniques to identify areas where change is necessary. I is for interaction and guidance through activities to uncover and explore your strengths and talents to set your course, T is for tenacity and encouragement to assist you in staying focused on your goals, plans and dreams. And E is for enrichment ideas to add to your future success and positive change. All ways in which I provide support for changing the direction of your life.”

Samantha Tierney is located at Bonita Office Suites, 28441 S. Tamiami Tr., Unit 109, Ste. 105, in Bonita Springs. For appointments, call 239-641-1243 or email FlyYourKite17@ gmail.com. See ad, page 12.

Samantha Tierney

12 Quick Fixes for Anxiety

SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR MENTAL WELL-BEING

by Ronica O’Hara

It is an all-too-human experience to have anxiety—feeling fear or apprehension about what might happen. A survival mechanism for our species, it can easily get out of hand in times of uncertainty, morphing from a timely signal to a crip pling, chronic condition. Happily, mental health professionals have found many useful anti-anxiety strategies to ease us through difficult moments.

Breathe Deeply

“Controlling your breathing is a fantastic hack to help you move out of a stress/anxiety response state. It’s important to try different breathing tech niques to figure out which ones work for you,” says Krista Jordan, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Austin,

Texas. Many options exist such as breathing slowly into the belly; inhaling through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven and exhaling through the mouth for a count of eight; slowing the breath so that the in and out breaths equalize; and placing mindful attention on our breath ing until 10 breaths are completed.

Tap with the Fingers

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a five-minute ap proach using two fingers to tap on specific points of the head and chest in a certain sequence. In one 5,000-person study, 76 percent of participants found anxiety relief after three EFT ses sions, while only 51 percent experienced relief after 15 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy. “EFT sends a calming signal to the brain that reduces your anxiety, which allows for newfound thinking and solutions,” says Colorado Springs thera pist Dana C. Avey. Simple instructions can be found online and in YouTube videos.

Write It Off with Journaling

Whether it’s a three-page brain dump in the morning, a frantic scribbling on paper in a stressful moment or a nightly ritual in a bound journal, writing out anxious thoughts helps clarify worries and puts things into perspective, research shows. Seattle spinal surgeon David Hanscom, a chronic pain expert and author of Back in Control, counsels writing down in longhand whatever is on the mind using graphic and descriptive language twice a day for 10 to 30 minutes, and then prompt ly tearing it up to let the thoughts go.

Meditate Mindfully

Many soothing types of meditation can be tried out on apps like Calm, Insight Timer and Headspace, but the beststudied approach for anxiety is mind fulness, which involves focusing on the breath and body sensations while letting distracting thoughts float by. A 2017 Aus tralian study found that just 10 minutes of daily mindful meditation can help prevent the mind from wandering and is particularly effective for repetitive, anx ious thoughts. “Just be clear that having a constant stream of thoughts is fine and part of the process. It’s sadly ironic that people turn to meditation to help with anxiety, and then get anxious that they are doing it wrong,” advises Jordan.

Move the Body in Nature

According to the Harvard Health Letter, “Just a single bout of exercise can ease anx iety when it strikes ” Studies have proven the value of everything from aerobics to swimming and yoga, and it’s even better if exercising can be done outdoors, because decades of research have found that being amidst the sights, sounds and scents of natural settings lowers anxiety markers. In a recent study, walking without using a smartphone or another electronic device in urban settings just two hours a week re duced cortisol levels 21 percent in 20 min utes, “which helps to reduce the medical effects of stress, including chronic inflam mation, GI disorders and heart problems,” says Santa Barbara-based John La Puma, M.D., co-founder of the ChefMD health

media brand and creator of MyNatureDose. com, a free, anti-anxiety walking program.

Say a Favorite Prayer

Making a deep spiritual connection—an age-old anxiety solution—can involve pray ing or for example, reading psalms, saying a rosary, chanting a mantra or reading sacred scripture. Eric Almeida, a mental health practitioner in Bernardston, Massachusetts, recommends the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” He says, “It doesn’t matter if you believe in God, the wisdom is use ful nonetheless.”

Chill Out

“Sip cold water, hold ice cubes, take a cold shower, blast the AC in your face. Our body and mind are very connected, so if you can’t cool down your mind, cool down your temperature,” advises San Diego-ba sed marriage and family therapist Sarah O’Leary. Some people find the opposite works: taking a long, hot bath infused with essential oils like bergamot, frankincense and lavender.

Get Rooted

Stand barefoot in grass or dirt while breathing deeply or imagine the roots of trees growing from the soles of the feet deep into the earth. “This helps ‘ground’ you or ‘root’ you, and can help you find steadiness rather than getting lost in anxi ety,” says mindfulness trainer and author Joy Rains of Bethesda, Maryland.

Soothe with Supplements

Boston integrative medicine physician Sarika Arora, M.D., of the Women’s Health Network, recommends vitamins B5, B6 and B12 to improve cellular energy, lower cortisol and restore equilibrium to the nervous system; magnesium to sup port balanced metabolism and increase feelings of calm; L-theanine, found in green tea, to lower stress hormone levels; eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) to limit excess cortisol; and vitamin E to support hormone production and stress recovery.

Be with the Anxiety

Tyler Read, the San Francisco-based own er of Personal Trainer Pioneer, decided to bite the bullet by using the tools of dialectical behavior therapy to put him self into anxiety-producing public places. “Instead of convincing myself that I was at peace or not nervous, I accepted that I was nervous. I gave myself permission to shake, sweat and feel nauseous; at times, I acknowledged that I felt like I was dying. And by permitting myself to be nervous, the anxiety decreased over time,” he says.

Move to Music

Relaxing music can be as effective as medication in altering brain func tion, research suggests, especially if the rhythm is 60 beats per minute, which encourages the slow brainwaves associ ated with hypnotic or meditative states. Dancing to upbeat music like no one is watching can also chase worries away. Holistic psychotherapist Kellie Kirksey, Ph.D., of Youngstown, Ohio, suggests shaking to a favorite song: “Begin by shaking out the hands while holding the thought, ‘I let go.’ If shaking the hands feels good, add in shaking one leg at a time. Shake the whole body while imagining yourself releasing the tension stored in your muscles.”

Bond with an Animal

Merely petting a dog or cat releases the feelgood bonding hormone oxytocin into our system. “Animals speak to you in a nonverbal communication, so the inter actions require you to be present and to feel. Both allow for a meditative experi ence that is tremendously impactful for reducing anxiety,” says Shannon Dolan, an Austin, Texas, nutritional therapist and horse owner. “If you don’t have your own pet, look up equine therapy in your area, go to a local dog shelter, spend time with a friend’s dog or travel out to a petting zoo, where you can experience the healing power of animals.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

Mind Body Soul Acupuncture

by Lily Viola

Medically trained in Western and Eastern medicine in Germany and the U.S., Dr. Christine Schierozek is a licensed acupuncturist with a doctorate and master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, four bachelor’s degrees, three of which are in languages, and one in health science. In Germany, she is considered a naturopathic doctor. She speaks English, German, French, Italian and Chinese, and treats an international clientele.

Dr. Christine Schierozek

al’s muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons, and gua sha, a technique in which the therapist uses a smooth-edged tool to stroke the skin while they press on it. This motion raises small, red, rash-like dots that show under the skin.

Schierozek became interested in Chinese medicine because of a 20-year history of migraines. “No Western-trained doctor in town could help me. I would have migraine attacks several times a month which lasted one to four days, and pursuing the normal daily routines was almost impossible. At times, the pain was so bad that I could only sleep with my head hanging upsidedown out of bed. Eventually, I went to see a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) who cured my headaches in just a few sessions by using acupuncture. The yearlong suffering and intake of strong pharmaceutical drugs to achieve at least some relief had finally come to an end,” recalls Schierozek.

“Our bodies are quite adept at repairing themselves, and I use methods that aid that natural ability,” she says. Her services include acupuncture, acupressure, auricular acupuncture, anti-aging therapy, Chinese herbology, cupping, cold laser therapy, myofascial release, electro-acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, homeopathy, injection therapy, moxibustion (burning ground mugwort to warm certain points along the body), acupuncture for weight loss, pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, weight-loss program and smoking cessation.

Additionally, she uses tui na, a technique for massaging and realigning an individu-

TCM and acupuncture can treat pain management (lower back pain, knee pain, shoulder and neck pain, hip pain, neuropathy, headaches, migraines and fibromyalgia), depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, insomnia, stress, gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, chronic diarrhea, eye diseases like glaucoma, pink eyes; constipation, diabetes management); acupuncture for weight loss, gynecological disorders (menopause problems, menstrual disorders, fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, and urinary incontinence.

It also helps skin disorders, acne, cardiovascular diseases (atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia), hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, dizziness, brain fog, Meniere’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear), tinnitus, men’s health (prostate problems, erectile dysfunction), asthma, chronic sinus infections, allergic rhinitis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, pink eye, lazy eye, blurry vision, dry eyes, watery eyes, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, acute hearing loss, COVID symptoms, COVID long-term effects and much more.

Schierozek combines her knowledge of TCM with integrative medicine to confirm her diagnosis by lab tests and establish a wellrounded treatment protocol for her patients.

Mind Body Soul Acupuncture LLC is located at 9371 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste. 14, in Ft. Myers. For more information call 239-600-0039 or visit MindBodySoulAcupuncture@gmail. com. See ad, page 35.

A Money-Back Guarantee on Mold Remediation

by Lisa Marlene

There’sno better time to discuss mold remediation, now that Hurricane Ian has left so many homes in Southwest Florida waterlogged and in need of a mold inspection. But before reaching for the phone, it might be good to learn what Julie Hurst, presi dent of American Mold Experts (AME), offers. “We give a 30-page mold assess ment report with our inspections, in addition to a money-back guarantee and warranty on all our work that eliminates the microscopic invaders which set up residence in your home. We do mold cleaning with our own organic, nondestructive mold remediation product that is a 100 percent green and organic product that’s safe for your home, your kids and your pets. The product is exclusively ours, and we retail it online (UsEnzyme.com) to the public, in addition to using it in our busi ness,” she says. Hurst’s company has been central Indiana’s go-to experts for commercial and residential mold removal services for the past 15 years, and is now available in Southwest Florida.

Mold Cleaning

For 30 years, the industry has had pretty much the same stan dards and protocols for treating mold. But what the experts won’t say is that there are inherent problems within those traditional methods. “In 2008, we took a really hard look at those problems and created a much more thorough process,” says Hurst. “I call it mold cleaning on steroids. Our process is much more labor-intensive and much more expanded on the surfaces in the areas that we clean and touch. It’s simply a more thorough cleaning of those surfaces, rather than just spraying a solution on them. This unique process and the thoroughness of that process allows us to give a 100 percent money back guaran tee and warranty on our work.”

Visual Inspection

A mere visual inspection will not suffice when it comes to mold. AME bases their determination on a variety of factors, including a full examination of the property—exterior and interior, includ ing all rooms, focusing on horizontal surfaces, inside of cabinets, low air movement locations, humidity, moisture readings, HVAC inspection and use of a particulate meter.

When mold is involved, having a trusted mold removal special ist means everything. “Your health is just too important to trust just any mold remediation service company.” says Hurst. “You can expect compassionate care and professionalism from our team, along with a highly detailed mold assessment report, independent third-party testing and thorough action plans. What

Mold Remediation

If a home or business is contaminated, occupants should get a mold remediation immediately. Even a small amount can be dan gerous. A specific danger level has not been set by governments because its effects on most people can vary. One person may have minor affects, while another person in the same property may have major reactions.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are poisonous chemical compounds that fungi (mold) produce as a byproduct. Their molecules are lightweight, eas ily float throughout a structure and are freely breathed in and absorbed through skin of occupants. Mycotoxins are capable of causing multiple negative health symptoms, including illness, disease and even death in humans and other animals. They are often associated with serious health problems centered around neurological damage and can be measured through a urine test offered by Real Time Labs. American Mold Expert’s also does environmental mycotoxin testing with Real Time Labs.

Molds produce many different mycotoxins. The main types include aflatoxins, ochratoxin, gilotoxin and trichothecene, which are not destroyed by traditional mold removal techniques. “Myco toxins can remain in a home even after professional mold removal and mold clearance pass therefore we suggest environmental mycotoxin testing to our mold remediation clients.” says Hurst.

For more information, call American Mold Experts at 239-3028862 or visit AMEswfl.com. See ad, page 29.

Julie Hurst

The Gut-Brain Connection

HOW FOOD AFFECTS OUR MOOD

by Kimberly B. Whittle

We’ve all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but the connection is more than just physical because food im pacts our mood, too. During the last decade, there have been an increasing number of studies exploring what’s called the gutbrain axis and the role that microorganisms in the gut play in mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, depression and other disorders.

Depression is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. There are long-held views in medicine that depres sion is caused by imbalances in brain levels of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and other functions like digestion and sleep. These beliefs resulted in decades of extensive use of antidepressants, most of which boost serotonin in the brain.

However, research by University College London, published in July in the journal Molecular Psychology, found “no consistent evidence of there being an association between serotonin and depression, and no support for the hypothesis that depression is caused by lowered serotonin activity or concentrations.”

Michael Gershon, M.D., a Columbia University professor of pathology and cell biology, and author of The Second Brain, has explained to psychologists that “scientists were shocked to learn” that about 90 percent of serotonin is not created in the brain, but is actu ally produced in the gut and carried from there to the brain, not the other way around. This relationship is called the gut-brain axis.

A recent literature review of 26 studies suggests that imbalances in

gut bacteria can disrupt the two-way communication along the gutbrain axis, leading to depression and other psychiatric issues.

Gut Health Equals Mental Health

“Gut health is extremely important for mental health,” says Bhavna Barmi, Ph.D., a senior clinical psychologist, relationship therapist and founder of the New Delhi-based Happiness Studio. “The tradi tional belief that only psychiatry and talk therapy can treat mental health has widened to include lifestyle and food, too.”

“The truth is that our food is the primary contributor of the qual ity and diversity of bacteria in the microbiome,” says Ishi Khosla, a clinical nutritionist and president of the Celiac Society of India. “There is an intricate relationship between the gut and the brain.” Food sensitivities, alcohol and highly processed, refined and sugary foods can lead to a lower diversity of good bacteria and increases in bad bacteria in the gut, which can trigger gut inflammation and unfavorable health conditions.

Most mood-related disorders start with inflammation of the brain as a response to inflammation in the gut. “Certain foods, like gluten, can cause an inflammatory response in the gut. Over time, sensitivi ties to gluten and other foods can lead to a ‘leaky gut’, an impairment of the gut lining that lets toxins into the bloodstream. Often, if it remains unresolved, it leads to mood-related disorders and other chronic health conditions,” says Khosla.

Clinical nutritionists and other practitioners use biochemical markers and food sensitivity tests to help identify food ingredients that trigger inflammation in patients. However, if a leaky gut is present, a food sensitivity test may not be very accurate. As Tom O’Bryan, DC, chief health officer of KnoWEwell, explains in his bestselling book The Autoimmune Fix, “When you have a leaky gut, a practitioner may do a 90-food testing panel that comes back sensitive to 20 or 25 different foods. And then the patient exclaims, ‘Oh my God, that’s everything I eat.’ Well, of course it is, because your immune system is doing what it is supposed to do—protect ing you from toxins. Once the inflammation in the gut is reduced through the elimination of wheat and other offensive foods, and the implementation of a personalized diet and protocol to heal the gut [takes place], the same food testing panel will correctly identify those few ingredients to permanently avoid.”

Mood-Lifting Foods

Brogan, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist and author of The New York Times bestsellers

Mind of Your Own and Own Your Self

as well as co-editor of the landmark textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression

making three dietary

mood:

foods that are fresh, whole, simple

organic when available fuels

gut bacteria and eliminates the toxins found in packaged foods such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, taste enhancers and sugars that can upset the proper balance in the gut. A powerful mood regulator is the omega-3 fatty acid found in such cold-water fish as salmon and trout or taken as a dietary supplement. These fatty acids regulate neurotransmission and gene expression, act as antioxidants and have potent antiinflammatory properties. Good fats from pasture-raised meats, wild fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil and grass-fed ghee also contribute to mood regulation.

mood disorders,” says Khosla. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickles (truly fermented, not just cured in vinegar), kimchi and coconut kefir are natural sources of probiotics. They are delicious and easy to make at home.

A 2018 University of Toronto study in the World Journal of Psychiatry identified 12 nutrients to prevent and treat depressive disorders and found that the following foods had the highest levels of those beneficial nutrients: bivalves such as oysters and mussels; various sea foods such as octopus, crab and tuna; organ meats; leafy greens; lettuces; fresh herbs; peppers; and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli.

Choosing what to eat is complex and affected by culture, cost, environment and taste preferences. Dietary changes can be difficult and take time, and those suffering

ety

mood swings, depression or

starting small

or two foods

eliminating a highly processed or packaged

in

or two. Focus on incorporating a rainbow of red, yellow, orange and green foods into meals. “Food therapy to improve mood is inexpensive, free of side effects and can begin to show results within days,” says Khosla. In view of the gut-brain axis, says Barmi, “It is imperative that from this point on, nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists work together for holistic care of the client to lead to maximum benefit.”

Kimberly B. Whittle is the CEO of KnoWEwell, the Regenerative Whole Health Hub online solution for health and wellbeing. Visit KnoWEwell.com.

QUINOA

A HINT OF MINT

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

SALAD:

½ cup quinoa

1 medium beetroot, grated

10-12 fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro

2 Tbsp shelled pistachios, roasted

2 Tbsp golden raisins

1 cup water

DRESSING:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp lemon juice, adjust to taste

2 cloves garlic, adjust to taste

½ tsp roasted cumin powder

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Honey to taste

Rinse quinoa and add to a pot. Add water and cook uncovered for around 15 minutes or until all the water is evaporated. Cover the

pan and switch off the stove. Keep covered for 5 minutes, remove lid and fluff cooked quinoa with a fork. Set aside to cool.

In a bowl, mix all dressing ingredients and set aside. Place cooled quinoa, grated beets, pistachios, raisins and chopped herbs in a large bowl. Pour the dressing, toss well. Serve cold.

Recipe courtesy of Ishi Khosla.

GUT-HEALING SMOOTHIE

Blueberries contain compounds that increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, as well as antioxidant properties that are remarkable at pro tecting our brain. In fact, consuming 1 cup of blueberries per day for three years gets our brain working as well as it did 11 years earlier. Bananas are high in pectin, which helps to normalize movements of the large intestine. Look for gelatin powders from pastured animals.

YIELD: 2 SERVINGS

1-1½ cups water

½ cup coconut milk

1-2 frozen bananas

1 cup frozen blueberries

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed

1 Tbsp unflavored gelatin powder

1 Tbsp high-quality fish oil

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1-3 scoops L-glutamine powder (optional)

In a blender, combine the water, coconut milk, bananas, blueber ries, flaxseeds, gelatin powder, fish oil, cinnamon and L-glutamine powder (if using). Blend until smooth. Add more water for a thin ner smoothie, if desired. Serve immediately or pour into ice-pop molds and freeze for a sweet treat later on.

Recipe courtesy of Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN, from his book The Autoimmune Fix.

Saretta_followyourdr/AdobeStock.com

ALMOND FLOUR BLUEBERRY MUFFINS

baking soda

salt

honey

avocado oil

blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients— almond flour, baking soda and salt— and whisk well. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the wet ingredients— eggs, honey and avocado oil—and blend until smooth.

Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Fold in blueberries. Line cup muffin tin with paper liners and pour in batter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM.

MAKING FOREVER CHEMICALS GO AWAY

M ANMADE COMPOUNDS POSE LASTING THREAT TO OUR HEALTH

by Sheryl DeVore

Decades ago, environmental groups urged the banning of what are known as forever chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, compro mised immune systems and hormonal imbalances, among other health issues. Today, al though some of these man-made per- and polyfluoroalkyl sub stances (PFAS) are being phased out, there’s still much to worry about.

“These chemicals are everywhere–in products, in our homes, in our drink ing water. They’re even coming down in rain,” says Mike Schade, director of the Mind the Store program of Toxic-Free Future ( Toxic FreeFuture.org ), a national nonprofit based in Seattle. “This is a growing public health crisis.”

A recent Environmental Working Group ( ewg.org ) report says that 200 million Americans are likely drinking water contaminated with PFAS, and that these chemicals are even more toxic than once thought. In June, the U.S. Environ mental Protection Agency (EPA) estab lished new health advisories for these chemicals, warning about the toxicity of even lower amounts in water. The EPA is

offering $1 billion in grants initially and $5 billion over time to help remove them from drinking water. Recent research has also shown PFAS detected in sludge used as fertilizer in home gardens. “We need action at all levels of government,” Schade says. “ We need states to step up. We need Congress to step up. We need big companies to step up and consumers to take action.”

Origin of PFAS

Since the late 1940s, forever chemicals have been manufactured for use in products such as nonstick cookware; water proof, water-resistant and stainresistant textiles; dental floss; and food packaging, such as m icrowave popcorn bags and fast-food contain ers. Firefighters also use foam that contains the chemi cals. “Production and disposal of these chemicals is leading to the contamination of drinking water supplies and surface water bod ies all across the coun try,” Schade says. “It’s a huge issue, especially in the Great Lakes.”

“We’re talking about more than 9,000 chemicals,” says Susie Dai, Ph.D., a leading PFAS researcher and an associate professor of plant pa thology and microbiology at Texas A&M University. “Because they contain one of the strongest chemical bonds, the carbonfluorine bond, they are very stable. That makes it difficult for the chemicals to break down and easy for them to accumulate in the environment.”

Several years ago, chemical companies began manufacturing what they deem are less-toxic PFAS. They’re known as either short-chain or alternative PFAS, and include chemicals named GenX and PFBS.

“The more that scientists study this very

large class of chemicals, the more that scientists find the replacement chemicals are likely just as toxic,” Schade says. The EPA June health advisories include these two new PFAS.

Meanwhile, as public concern grows, 11 states have banned PFAS in food packaging, and Congress is considering a similar ban, says Schade. Whole Foods Market has stopped using the chemicals in food packaging, and Keen, an outdoor shoe brand, has phased out use of PFAS in their products.

In February, Toxic-Free Future sent rain jackets, hiking pants, cloth napkins, bedding and other products marked as stain- or water-resistant to independent labs for analysis. “Seventy-two percent of them contained forever chemicals,” Schade says. Some of these products are manufactured by recreational equipment company REI, which Toxic-Free is urging consumers to write to, asking it to end the practice.

In July, Columbia Sportswear received petitions with 48,000 signatures from the Natural Resources Defense Council and other environmental organizations urging the company to eliminate PFAS from its products. Although it has begun taking steps, Columbia has yet to set a timeline or define PFAS sustainability standards.

“We can minimize the threat of PFAS contamination by turning off the tap on their use,” says Paloma Paez-Coombe, an associate of Environment Illinois, which participated in the petition drive. “One of the best ways we can do that is by getting a major brand like Columbia Sportswear to publicly lead the way.”

These actions, however, won’t fix the problem of PFAS already

in drinking water. Dai and other researchers have created a new bioremediation technology using plant-based material and fungi that could clean places where forever chemicals have been disposed. She hopes a similar concept can be applied to PFAScontaminated drinking water.

Northwestern University researchers published a paper in August in Science showing PFAS can be destroyed using somewhat harmless chemicals called sodium hydroxide, which is the lye used to make soap, and dimethyl sulfoxide, a medicine for bladder issues. Dai says that before these new approaches, the only way to break down PFAS was to expose them to high temperatures in an incinerator, but that is costly and still introduces harmful chemicals into the environment.

Meanwhile, the Delaware-based chemical company Chemours, a spinoff of Dupont that manufactures PFAS, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA saying the agency’s most recent health advisory regarding PFAS is based on flawed science. Chemours is the same company that has been ordered to pay a $12 million fine to the state of North Carolina after contaminating waterways with PFAS. Schade surmises, “This is an issue that should be of concern to every American, especially when these chemicals are linked to health problems that are on the rise in our communities.”

Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as health and environmental stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

Marcy Hess

calendar of events

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Energy Spa Opening & Special – To celebrate the launch and introduce her services, Zel Rau, owner, is offering a special rate of $50 for any 1-hr service along with a free 30-min consultation, either in person or virtually, throughout Nov. Wellness Suites, 7935 Airport Rd, Ste 214, Naples. 219-381-9777. ZelRau.com. See ad on page 18, and news brief on page 11.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Guided Sound Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. Soothing sound and guided meditation experience, followed by discussion and a bit of applied intuitive development. Angela Black uses her intuitive ability to uniquely channel every meditation. $15. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Psychic Development – 6:30-8pm. Every month, Laurie Barraco offers a different topic to enhance your intuitive practice. Nov topic: Learning the divination art of Scrying. $25. The Mystical Moon Ft Myers, 8890 Salrose Ln, Ste 107, Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-939-3339. TheMysticalMoon.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Illuminate Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festivals –10am-5pm. Exhibits and workshops by local holistic wellness practitioners and artists. Crystals, handmade jewelry and gifts, essential oils, spa products and more. Intuitives, including vetted psychic mediums, angel readers, tarot and oracle card readers, for special rates. Energy healers provide reiki and chakra balancing. Free. Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, 13501 Bell Tower Dr, Ft Myers. IlluminateFestivals.com.

Yoga Nidra Meditation with Crystal & Himalayan Singing Bowls & Herbal Tea by Crone House –6-7pm. Bring your favorite teacup and a mat or blanket and experience the benefits of deep rest

meditation. $35. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

A Full Moon Reiki Retreat – 1-5pm. Join reiki master teachers Pattie Carney and Heather Anderson for this full moon as it invites us to open and receive the light and awareness of spirit and integrate it with our emotional and physical bodies to create balance. Sign up for a 4-hands-on reiki session ($90) following the retreat. $50. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. To register: 774-209-9393. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Sound Bath Sunday – 4:45-6pm. Also held Nov 20. Relax and recharge through the healing vibrations of 7 crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Full Moon Sound Bath – 5:30-6:30pm. Bask in the energy of the full moon and crystal and Himalayan singing bowls. Bring a mat/pillow if desired, and a mug for complimentary tea. $20. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Posture-Wise Workshop – 6:15-7:30pm. Kandy weaves anatomy, movements, alignment, breathing and awareness in a practical and playful way. No experience needed. $20 Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. Register: yoginikandy62@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7pm. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and selfimprovement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping illnesses and maladies of physical and spiritual means. $20. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland, Ste 108, Fort Myers. RSVP: 239-362-0628. HouseOfSpiritsShop.com. Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation – Tuesdays, Nov 8-29. 7-9pm. This 4-wk series supports the practice of mindfulness, developing the skills and attention to become fully present. All levels. Facilitators are Mary Robinson and Chris Lee. Sponsored by Caloosahatchee Mindfulness. $80/ series. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Fort Myers. To register: Tinyurl.com/Nov8Intro.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. With Laurie Barraco. Unwind and de-stress. Align your chakras. $15. The Mystical Moon Ft Myers, 8890 Salrose Ln, Ste 107, Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-9393339. TheMysticalMoon.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Unite for Clean Water – 6pm. Critical zoom meeting. See page 14 for more details.

Goddess Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Pam Bzoch. This month honoring the Goddess Bastet. Connect with the divine feminine and like-minded sisters. Circle often includes meditation and ritual. $25. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

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.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd Fri. With Laurie Barraco. Unwind and de-stress. Align your chakras. $15. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Art in the Glades – 10am-1pm. Arts and crafts festival. Free. McLeod Park, Everglades City. 239695-2905.

Food as Medicine Class – 1:30-4:30pm. Join Dr. David and Deb Martín, and Vickie Gelardi for this popular, medicinal foods sampling class based on the Conquering Any Disease High Phytochemical Food Healing System by Jeff Primack. $35. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. Registration required: 239-277-1399. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. 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.

Intermediate Natal Chart Astrology Class –5-6:30pm. Also held Nov 27. Dive deeper into the stars and how they make you who you are, learn about the planetary placements and how they influence your houses to create the individual blueprint of you. $20. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Wire Wrapping – Learn wire wrapping fundamentals as we make your chosen crystal into wearable art for yourself or a loved one. Class limited to 6 participants. $30 plus price of crystal you choose. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-2089872. CasaShanti.us.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Heart-Centered Conflict Management – 10am1pm. With Patti Wilson. Explore a heart-centered approach to conflict. Are you frustrated or hurt by ongoing conflict that doesn’t seem to have a solution? $60. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. To register: 239-270-1876. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Psychic Fair – 10am-4pm. Reiki, tarot readings, clairvoyancy, mediumship, angel oracle card readings, chakra cleansing and clearing, medicine cards, BioMat session. Appointments highly recommended. $25/25 mins. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland, Ste 108, Fort Myers. 239-362-0628. HouseOfSpiritsShop.com.

Tarot Series – 11am-12:30pm. With Jennifer Garneau. Continue to dive deep into the world of Tarot. This in an interactive in-person workshop. Bring your Rider Waite deck. $25. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. 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 min. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Kickin’ the Blues Music Festival – 4-9pm. Benefits Ian recovery efforts and mental health and suicide prevention. Headlining the music festival are Bill Champlin, Keith Howland and Jeff Coffey, formerly of the band Chicago, and John Paris, current member of Earth, Wind & Fire. $25. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St, Bonita Springs. GroundingWire.org.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Money, Boundaries & Childhood Energetics –

This class gives tools to establish new boundaries, rewrite old thoughts and patterns surrounding money, and understand how early childhood influences those patterns and behaviors. $20. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

Sound Bath Sunday – 4:45-6pm. Relax and recharge through the healing vibrations of 7 crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday – Nov 24-25. 9am-3pm, Fri; 11am-4pm, Sat. Shop for the

holidays from CasaShanti Emporium’s specimen crystals, metaphysical supplies and home décor. Special prices, pop-up sales and other surprises as you support local small businesses. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-2089872. CasaShanti.us.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Seed and Plant Festival and Exchange – 10am3pm. Hosted by SWFL RESET Center. Includes plant and seed vendors and permaculture experts with educational talks. Seed growers and savers can bring their seeds, seedlings, cuttings and plants to swap and share. $5 donation. Bill Brewer Family Gardens, 13411 Shire Ln, Ft Myers. Register: SeedAndPlantFest.com. See news brief on page 8.

Naples Mystic Faire – 10am-6pm. Gathering of area psychics, healers, artists and others. Massage, reiki, animal communication, tarot, mediums, angel portraits and art, feng shui, crystals, candles, incense, spiritual art, books, jewelry, Native American art and drums, mandalas and more. $5, free/age 12 & under. Etudes Dance Studio, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 239-949-3387. MysticFaires.com. See ad on page 36.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Intermediate Natal Chart Astrology Class –5-6:30pm. See Nov 13 listing. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

ahead

Zoom RESET Conversation – 6pm. Speaker: professor

Ian: Will

SWFLReset.org.

Will

sunday

Love Basics – 8:30-9:30am. Perfect for the beginning yogi. We move slowly, break down poses with lots of verbal alignment cues, use props and introduce pranayama and meditation. All levels welcome. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

monday

ChakraBelly – 6:30-8pm. Luna Moonz leads a bellydance class that combines moving meditation, mindful breathing and stretching with dance. The combination taps into kundalini energy, ignites spiritual awakening, and clears and balances the chakras. $30. CasaShanti, 2052 Cottage St, Ft Myers. 239-208-9872. CasaShanti.us.

tuesday

Vinyasa Flow – 5:45pm. With Kim. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Restorative Yoga – 7pm. With Nancy. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

wednesday

Qigong – 11am. With Sue. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Meditation & Qigong – 1-2pm. Join JaySun (Jason) Wechs to learn and practice the ancient art of qigong (Sheng Zhen form), a spiritual form of the practice. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. To register: 239-277-1399. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Guided Sound Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. Soothing sound and guided meditation experience, followed by discussion and a bit of applied intuitive

development. Angela Black uses her intuitive ability to uniquely channel every meditation. $15. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

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.

Calming Mind for Body Rejuvenation – 6:308pm. Join Jenny Li Ciccone to learn natural healing at all levels by removing hidden mind blocks and clearing stuck energies in the body system. $100/4 sessions. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Fort Myers. To register: 239-277-1399. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

thursday

Crystal Bowls Sound Bath Meditation – 6:457:45pm. With Jenny Hong. Experience the healing power of sound vibration with quartz crystal singing bowls. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Fort Myers. To register: JennyLotusBlossom@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

friday

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

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.

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 NAMadvertising@naturalawakenings.com 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 acu puncture and Chinese medicine. Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, mi graines, 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, di gestive and immune disorders. U.S. veterans: no cost with a V.A. referral.

MIND BODY SOUL ACUPUNCTURE

Dr. Christine Schierozek, DAOM, LAc 9371 Cypress Lake Dr, #14, Ft Myers, 33967 239-600-0039 • mindbodysoulacupuncture.com

Board-certified Doctor of Acupunc ture and Oriental Medicine, special izing in internal diseases, such as IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s dis ease, bloating, weight gain, constipa tion, chronic headaches and pain. Acupuncture and herbal medicine without side effects. See ad, page 35.

PHYLLIS C. WEBER, AP

Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine

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 Asso ciation, specializing in highly per sonalized 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

CDC guidelines followed (mask etc). Zero Balancing, Process Acupres sure, Reiki. Webinar classes all dis counted; call for registration. Reflex ology, SEVA Stress Release, Insomnia, MT’s get CEs. Free selfmassage video at AOHMassage.com

LUMINOUS HEALING

Tiffany Angelique Hume, LMT, CST, MSS Unwind.be

SchedulingTiffany@gmail.com 323-834-8125

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, pro moting new strategies for a healthy spine and nervous system.

COLON THERAPY

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 13550 Reflections Pkwy, 5-502 & 5-503, Ft Myers • 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

Since 1994, gravity-enclosed UV/Ox ygen/Ozone sterilized medical-grade water colonics, therapeutic, relaxing, chair, sports, prenatal massage, Cra niosacral/SER, Heart Centered thera py, manual lymph drainage & XP2 System, visceral manipulation, HALO Photonic Blue-Violet Laser Botanical System, Asyra/Quest4 MSA Bio Meridian Stress Analysis, ear candling, Lakota YLEO Raindrop Therapy, Tuning Fork/ Crystal/Bowls Therapy, reflexology, MPS, cupping, ozone steam cabinet and applied ozone therapies, infra red sauna, ionic foot detox by AMD, BEMER sessions, Power Plate, Hyperbaric Chamber, PER 2000 PEMF and notary. MM7376.

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, spe cializing in compounding. He offers a personable approach in consulta tion, practicing with integrative medicine and fostering a relationship with the prescribing doctor; creating a “hometown” pharmacy for all of our patients.

6249 Presidential Ct, Ste E, Ft Myers 33919 239-841-6611

Integrative Body, Mind, Spirit Ther apy: intuitive, in-depth physical, mental and emotional balancing. CranioSacral therapy, spiritual counseling, intuitive guidance, en ergy medicine, deep tissue-structur al balancing. See ad, page 34.

DENTAL HEALTH

• GulfCoastAcupuncture.com

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

PAULA TERRY, LMT

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

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

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 in cludes protection while re moving dental materials plus consultation. All X-rays are digital and minimal. See ad, page 19.

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 39.

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 39.

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 39.

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 19.

METAPHYSICAL STORE

HOUSE OF SPIRITS

12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers 239-362-0628

HouseOfSpiritsShop@gmail.com

Visit us on Facebook & Instagram

Intuitive readings, tarot/oracle decks, oils, incense, candles, books, statues, crystals, reiki, monthly psychic fairs, seances, classes and BioMat therapy. A warm atmosphere and positive energy with unique and unusual items to purchase. Se habla Espanol.

NATURAL & ORGANIC MARKET

ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Ph: 239-939-9600

AdasMarket.com

• Fax: 239-288-6210

Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market-prepared foods. 1000s of gluten-free items. See ad, page 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.

MAGNETUDE JEWELRY

MagnetudeJewelry.com/LisaDoyle ljbluestar@hotmail.com 239-851-4729

We use the strongest Neodymium bio-magnets (4000 gauss) to at tach our “‘tudes” to our bases. These bio-magnets help to over come the harmful effects of EMFs by increasing cellular energy and vitality. Interchangeable, beauti ful and most are designed with powerful gems with your health in mind. See ad, page 6.

NUTRITION

D-SIGNED NUTRITION, LLC

Dee Harris, RDN, LDN, CDE Bonita Bay Executive Center 3531 Bonita Bay Blvd, Ste 300, Bonita Sprgs 239-676-5249 • D-SignedNutrition.com

Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nu trient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body. See ad, page 12.

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 work ing with a nutrition coach. Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 33.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PEACEFUL SUMMIT COUNSELING

Jennifer Vear Hoy, MS

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

Specializing in grief/loss, assertive ness training, anxiety, anger man agement, addictions, depression and relationship problems. See ad, page 14.

classifieds

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

OPPORTUNITY

START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PAS SIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business, complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/ MyMagazine.

SERVICES

PERSONAL GROWTH CONSULTANT – Get focused in your life. Set and achieve goals. Reality Consulting. Free 5-min consultation. 813-530-9538. JJRealityConsulting@gmail.com. Bit.ly/PersGrow.

SOUNDS OF CELEBRATIONS & HEALING – by James-Steven Farnsworth. The Fiddle Flowers Fiddle Gram. Gift of 12 beautiful roses in a vase and gift card, plus a lovely mini-concert of violin/fiddle music. Spe cial intro price: $108 local delivery. Additional services: artistic violin performance: weddings and all special events. The Healing Violin: transformative sound therapy for the elderly and those affected by physical and mental disabilities. Graceful Passages: Funerals and end-of-life celebrations. Call/text: 510-292-7786, JsfViolin@gmail.com. TheHealingViolin.com.

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, Hawai ian Lomi Lomi massage, sports and neuromuscular therapy, cranio facial and TMJ relief, heal injuries. Improve posture: alignment-based yoga and posture classes.