Natural Awakenings Naples/Fort Myers- October 2024

Experience the Transformative Benefits of Spa Relaxation

Embark on a journey of serenity at our Spa. In the world of Spa of Awakening, every moment is a venture into the depths of your inner peace. Immerse yourself in the luxury and sophistication of our beautiful facility and treatments, where every touch, aroma, and sound is designed for your rejuvenation. Let us guide you into a new realm of relaxation and harmony at Spa of Awakening where every escape becomes truly unforgettable.

Mauro and Melissa are integral parts of a very dynamic partnership at the Spa of Awakening with years of experience. Beyond the conventional spa experience, they envision the Spa of Awakening as a transformative haven where clients embark on enriching journeys.

COLLIER/LEE EDITION

Publisher Sharon Bruckman

Editors Linda Sechrist

Sandra Yeyati

Randy Kambic

Design & Production C. Michele Rose

Sales & Marketing

Lisa Avery

Alina Dabrowski

Sharon Bruckman

Accounting Alina Dabrowski

Website Kristy Mayer

CONTACT COLLIER/LEE

Publisher: 239-207-2775

SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Collier County Sales: 239-207-2775

SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

Lee County Sales: 239-595-5287

AlinaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

SWFLnaturalawakenings.com

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© 2024 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Advertising & Submissions

NATIONAL TEAM

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Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet. To advertise in this local Collier and Lee Counties edition, call 239-207-2775 or email SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com.

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Med-Bed Technology

YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION &

THE ENERGY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMTM (EESystemTM) generates multiple bio-active life enhancing energy fields, including “scalar waves” which can allow cell regeneration, improve immune function, provide relief from pain, detoxify the body, elevate moods, and assist in balancing right and left hemispheres of the brain to increase energy levels.

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Healing With Love

When I launched Natural Awakenings back in 1994, I was already familiar with many of the most popular bodywork modalities of the day, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, and Swedish and deep-tissue massage, but this month’s feature “The Rise of Bodywork Modalities” on page 24 highlights many more healing therapies. According to writer Marlaina Donato, there are more than 180 bodywork and massage therapies alone, which are being used for a variety of health conditions.

As I look back at 30 years of Natural Awakenings, I’m feeling deep appreciation for the invaluable relationships I’ve been so fortunate to develop with advertisers and contributors to our magazine. I cherish the advice, friendship and care these special individuals have offered me in my journey towards health and vitality.

As you leaf through the issue, you’ll notice a number of Natural Awakenings advertisers that offer innovative therapies for health and beauty in spas, healing centers and private offices right here in Southwest Florida. It’s an impressive lineup of services, including energy healing, full-body photon cleanses, non-surgical facelifts, light therapy, lymphatic drainage, nutrient IV’s, oxygen treatments, fractional laser skin resurfacing and collagen biostimulation. As you enter the luxurious, new Spa of Awakening, it’s hard to choose from the 15 different types of massage modalities and even more skin care treatments. Take a look at our article on page 27 for some of our favorite new treatments.

My daughter Alina and I have found tremendous benefits from two-hour and overnight sessions at the Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center, in Cape Coral. Their Energy Enhancement System generates bio-active, life-enhancing energy fields (including “scalar waves”), which have been recognized by medical, alternative and integrative doctors, as well as bio-quantum physicists, for their health-promoting effects. We look forward to joining owner Rosie Neal and her daughter Wendy in celebrating their one-year anniversary this month. See additional details about their special events and discounted rates on page 10.

As I celebrate another birthday this month, I was particularly moved by Sandra Yeyati’s interview of Carol Orsborn on page 30. The bestselling author of 36 books on quality-of-life, spirituality and aging talks about her latest book, Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life, which explores the opportunities and challenges that arise among those that view aging as a path to spiritual transcendence. (I just ordered it!)

I think Carol summed it up beautifully when she said, “Look, the bottom line is learning to love and be loved. I’m seeing love where I didn’t see it before. I’m having compassion where I didn’t see it before. At 76, suddenly I see things with so much depth that I see the love that was there all along.” This is a timeless message for all of us.

Many Blessings,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher

dynamic energy!

Musick Leads Inversion Workshop at Love Yoga Center

Lotus Blossom Clinic Offers HBOT Treatment Specials

Meredith Musick, ERYT, LMT, will lead an Inversion Workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. on October 27 at the Love Yoga Center, in Naples.

Attendees will gain an indepth understanding of how to safely execute inversions which are a highly important part of a yoga asana practice. Practicing inversions can improve spinal decompression, fluid and blood flow, balance development and more.

Designed for teachers and students with three-plus years of experience, the session will relate preparatory poses needed to safely and effectively learn Adho Mukha Vrksana, Shirshasana and Sarvanganana, also known as handstand, headstand and shoulder stand. The benefits, contraindications and protocols to safely develop key anatomical and kinesthetic actions required while using props and a wall will be taught.

Musick, who has been teaching yoga and practicing massage therapy for 30-plus years, and in Naples for 25, studied with many renowned teachers, utilizing alignment-based yoga, brought to the West by BKS Iyengar, with 15,000 hours of certification.

Cost: $65. Location: 4949 Tamiami Tr., Ste. 204. For more information, call 239-692-9747, email om@LoveYogaCenter.com or visit LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 23.

Dr. David Martin, acupuncturist with the Lotus Blossom Clinic, and Vickie Gelardi, a Holistic Health Consultant, will discuss the process of Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and answer questions during an open house event at the Fort Myers facility from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on October 26.

The event will include tours of the facility, snacks, and special offers. Guests that bring a friend will receive a free 20-minute scheduled HBOT session. A raffle for a free 60-minute HBOT session will be held. Special discount packages for the treatment will also be offered.

The primary mechanisms of this natural healing therapy involve pressure and oxygen infused into the patient’s blood and tissues. This process enhances brain function, increases energy, reduces inflammation and pain, and aids in wound healing and more. Martin brought the method to the clinic last spring.

Location: 6710 Winkler Rd. Ste. 2. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-277-1377or visit LotusBlossomClinic.com. See ad, page 45.

Med-Bed Technology

Wellness Center Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center of Cape Coral, is celebrating their one-year anniversary this month by offering a “buy one, bring a friend free” promotion for its Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) during the month. Customers can have a two-hour session for the regular price of $120 with a friend getting it for free, not including purchase of one cup bath salt soak per person.

They are also hosting special anniversary events on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday October 13. Special guest Theresa Beuerly will provide guests with a sound therapy experience using her sound bowls in the scalar waves from 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Owner Rose Neal will also speak at the event. Snacks and beverages will be provided as well as several giveaways.

Cost for either sound therapy session: $99 prepayment, or $112 with bath salt soak. Location: 1126 Country Club Blvd. For more information or to book a session, call 239-200-7810. See ad, page 5.

Functional Medicine Now Offered at A Holistic Approach

A Holistic Approach Center for Natural Health & Wellness, in Fort Myers, now offers functional medicine, led by Dr. Robin Ross. She brings extensive experience in both traditional medicine and holistic therapies, providing the method, giving clients the best of both worlds in personalized health care.

Dr. Robin Ross

After completing her medical training at the University of Connecticut, she spent many years practicing medicine in various capacities, including serving as the president of Robin’s Nest Assisted Living and as a Hospice Physician Director. Her deep understanding of conventional medicine, combined with her passion for Functional Medicine, allows her to offer a truly comprehensive approach to health and healing.

Rather than merely treating symptoms, Functional Medicine is a personalized, holistic approach that focuses on finding the root causes of health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, hormonal imbalances, cancer, mitochondrial function, excess weight and fatigue. This is achieved through specialized testing for environmental factors, mold/fungal exposure, cardiac risk and other areas. Ross uses targeted testing to identify hidden imbalances in the body, allowing for precise interventions that restore balance and promote overall well-being.

This approach can be suitable for those looking for a deeper understanding of their health, a solution that gets to the root of their issues or new insights into their health and wellness.

Location: 15641 New Hampshire Court. For more information, arrange for a free, 15-minute consult with Ross or to make an appointment, call 239-433-5995, email info@AHolisticCenter.com or visit AHolisticCenter.com. See ad, page 37.

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Jade Offers Heart-Centered Holistic Healing Services in Naples

Heart-Centered Alchemist Adena

Jade, a former resident of Washington State now based in Naples, is providing healing energies, intuitive insights and her own modality, the Loving Alchemy Quantum Healing Method, for our entire area.

Jade’s channeled healing sessions often leave clients feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed and attuned to their own vibrational well-being. As a spiritual energetic conduit and Shamanic Priestess, Jade channels frequencies and messages from the nature and spirit realms, often bringing forth messages from ancestors and guides. Each session is a sacred dialogue which can help clients experience love, peace, understanding and an ability to better navigate their journey.

“My own deep healing journey was so incredibly profound,” says Jade, who is also certified in reiki healing which was the catalyst for her own healing journey along with her dream of becoming a healing practitioner. “Each year into that soulful odyssey, I found myself experiencing many other gifts. I started seeing guides, receiving light code downloads, hearing ancestors speaking to me, feeling in my body what others were experiencing in their own bodies, and then receiving messages through tarot/oracle cards and pendulums. My mission is to be a loving mirror… to reflect back to my clients what I already see in them: health, peace, strength, freedom, and grace.”

For more information or to schedule a reading, healing session or DNA healing and activation, text 239-227-0979, email  IlluminedSol@gmail.com or visit AdenaJade.com. See listing, page 46.

Patti Joins Board of Directors of Noonautics

Charles Patti, chief brand ambassador and co-founder of  MY Self Wellness, a cutting-edge ketamine clinic and pioneer in psychedelics based in Bonita Springs, has joined the Board of Directors of  Noonautics, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on advancing consciousness and exploring breakthrough discoveries in psychedelics through the use of N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT). He’ll assist Noonautics in deciding which projects to conduct, contribute his insights into psychedelics and provide his expertise to breakthrough psychedelic therapy.

Noonautics builds and fosters a network of academics, researchers and scientists, helping connect and fund research outside of standard parameters. From machine learning and psychedelics to the origins of religion and consciousness, Noonautics is bringing together experts to explore the profound implications of these innovations.

MY Self Wellness guides and empowers individuals by combining the healing benefits of ketamine with new lifestyle practices. The practice helps clients get off pharmaceuticals and release symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, chronic pain and more. Crediting psychedelic medicine for his own healing journey, Patti has used DMT which helped him quit a six-year opiate addiction and provided a way to help others.

Using a medically supervised, tailored approach to serve each individual’s needs, MY Self Wellness specializes in breakthrough experiences by offering IM (intramuscular) ketamine treatment which creates a non-ordinary or altered state of consciousness, facilitating a profound transpersonal (transcendental, mystical or spiritual) experience. Combined with talk therapy, clients can explore and clear their psyches and experience a full mental reset.

MY Self Wellness is located at 3541 Bonita Bay Blvd., #200, Bonita Springs. For more information, call 239-908-9958, email info@MYSelfWellness.com or visit MYSelfWellness.com. See ad, page 6.

News to Share

To submit news about local happenings to this local Collier and Lee Counties edition, email SharonB@SWFLnaturalawakenings.com.

Adena Jade

Charles Patti

Fall Spirit Fest at Unity of Naples

The sixth annual fall Spirit Fest will be presented by Goddess I Am and hosted by Unity of Naples on their beautiful outdoor campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 16. The event will feature more than 50 readers, healers, food trucks and unique vendors outside under the breezeway.

Attendees will be able to experience a wide variety of in-depth, extensive and varied workshops, and find subjects that fascinate them and indulge in learning.

Cost is $7.50 prior to the event, $10 at the door on the day of. Workshops are priced individually. Location: 2000 Unity Way. For more information, visit GoddessIAm.com. See ad, page 31.

Kudos

Chrissie Missal became the new studio owner of Naples-based Love Yoga Center last month. She has been an integral part of the team, having served as the studio manager for the previous 14 months. In that role, Missal helped shape the programming that students love and helped to introduce exciting new initiatives such as the healing room.

For the past three years, the studio has been led with great care and dedication, creating a community full of love, support and growth. The journey with Love Yoga’s students, which are truly the heart and soul of the studio, has been remarkable. Although there is a change in ownership, the commitment to the community remains steadfast.

Location: 4949 Tamiami Tr., Ste. 204. For more information, call 239-692-9747, email om@LoveYogaCenter.com or visit LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 23.

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heal the body naturally! Light therapy has been used for years to treat injuries, arthritis and neuropathy. Sooth back and neck pain. Light therapy thickens the skin which in turn reduces wrinkles.

“Relief from acute arm and hand pain led me to try the Tree of Light and their equipment’s promised therapeutic effects. Unsuccessful in procuring a Dr.’s appointment, I was skeptical, but desperate for any alleviation from 24 hour discomfort. I signed up for the ARRC Light Chamber and the Lymphatic Massage therapy. I emerged from the sessions totally pain free. It seemed like a miraculous healing. It has been almost a week since that session. I have waited for the pain to return, but it hasn’t.

Synthetic Protein May Slow Alzheimer’s Progression

Experiments on mice with Alzheimer’s at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have made significant progress in slowing cognitive decline and improving memory, using a synthetic protein called PHDP5 delivered through the nasal cavity that can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly affect the memory center. Researchers believe this protein could also prevent Alzheimer’s symptoms if administered early in the disease’s progression.

Brain cell communications depend on the health of nerve synapses and synaptic vesicles, which need the protein dynamin to function properly. In Alzheimer’s, the tau protein, which usually stabilizes structures inside neurons, detaches and binds to dynamin, disrupting synaptic vesicle recycling and causing communication problems between neurons. As the disease progresses, tau forms tangles that further damage synapses. PHDP5 works by preventing tau from interacting with dynamin. Researchers note that turning this discovery into an approved treatment for humans will likely be a long process.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the disease is expected to affect 78 million people by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 globally, leading to high economic costs. Alzheimer’s is a complex disease caused by a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, making it hard to treat, especially after symptoms appear.

Hank Grebe from Getty Images

Evening Primrose May Ease Childbirth

Cervical ripening is the natural process of softening and opening the cervix before labor begins. Pregnant women that need labor induction, have an overdue pregnancy or encounter risks to their health or their baby’s health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, may need assistance ripening the cervix. In a study published by Complementary Medicine Research involving 96 low-risk women with term [39 to 40 weeks] pregnancies, half of the participants received a daily vaginal capsule of evening primrose oil prior to delivery; the other half received a placebo. The need for labor induction was significantly higher in the placebo group, showing that the vaginal use of evening primrose oil could be safe and effective for cervical ripening in low-risk, full-term pregnant women.

Three-Month Planner

Healy to Lead Three-Day Spiritual Meditation Retreat in Fort Myers

Dr. Brian Healy, AP, DOM, with Fort Myers Acupuncture & Massage, will lead “Experiencing Infinite Peace, A ThreeDay Spiritual Meditation Retreat”, where attendees will learn how to look inward and experience the Divine Presence within, starting October 25 at the Marriott Residence Inn Fort Myers-Sanibel. Healy, a yoga and meditation teacher with 35 years of experience, has lived in ashrams, travelled to India and studied with several enlightened masters from Yogic and Buddhist traditions and is looking forward to sharing with all attendees the wisdom and techniques that have been generously shared with him.

His teaching style blends his knowledge of anatomy and physiology, his experience of personal enlightenment and his knowledge of Kripalu Yoga, Amrit Yoga, Amrit Yoga Nidra, Amrit Yoga Therapy and the work of other master teachers such as “Sadhguru” Jaggi Vasudeva, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar (“Punditji”), Ram Dass, Micheal Singer, Alan Watts, Rupert Spira, Margot Anand, Louise Hay, Helena Feldenkrais and many others.

“The knowledge I have gained has helped me to feel more relaxed and present, even as the world around me swirls in confusion, animosity, confl ict and even self-destruction,” says Healy. “In offering this program, it’s my intention to present a methodology by which you too can remain calm and centered, regardless of what’s going on around you.

“We experience emotional discomfort and mental confusion when we get triggered by events that we don’t like. We react with feelings like anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, jealou-

Dr. Brian Healy

sy, false pride and depression. By learning to observe our negative thoughts and emotions from the knowing of the boundless nature of our true self, we are freed from the self-identification with thoughts and emotions and they lose power over us.”

The all-inclusive program includes a twonight stay at the hotel, five healthy meals, three gentle yoga classes and all five program sessions.

Pricing for the retreat program is $479 before October 10 and $549 afterwards. A payment plan is available. Commuter or additional participant rates are $259 before October 10 and $329 afterwards. Commuter rate without meals is only $199. The person who gets the largest group of friends to register together by October 15th gets the entire all inclusive retreat for only $120. Location: 20371 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers. Registration is available by visiting SanibelWellness.com/ Yoga. See ad, page 7.

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Fort Myers Laser Dentistry A Biological Approach to Dentistry

by Linda Sechrist

For three consecutive years, the Best of Fort Myers Award in the dentist category has been presented to Fort Myers Laser Dentistry, owned by Dr. Gerald and Dr. Suzanne Lorino. A key consideration influencing this Fort Myers Award Program with respect to the chosen recipient is that the business enhances a positive image through its service to customers and the community. This factor alone could easily be the reason Fort Myers Laser Dentistry secured its winning place, even when other factors were determined based on information gathered internally and by third parties.

“I think what truly makes us stand out in this category is our philosophy, which is the foundation of our practice. Fundamental to this is our systems approach to the body, our emphasis on offering conservative and biocompatible options for restorative dentistry, and treating each patient as a very important person, just as if they were a valued member of our family. We give a high level of atten-

tion and courtesy to patients, and our treatment approach takes into consideration the interconnectedness of the whole person, not just the teeth. In other words, we consider that oral health is connected to your overall health and well-being,” says Gerald.

The Lorinos prefer a much gentler and less aggressive approach to restoring teeth, whether it is a fracture, decay, missing teeth, or periodontal disease. Their choice of biocompatible materials such as ceramics and the use of the most up-to-date materials and techniques available has won them accolades, as well as repeat customers.

Rather than performing typical aggressive treatments and using modalities that have been common for the past 50 years, the Lorinos are outside-the-box thinkers who do not use metal, amalgam, or mercury. “From the body’s perspective, these materials are incompatible. For example, a patient

with a missing tooth would be offered the option of a ceramic implant rather than the standard titanium implant. These offer less chance of toxicity, and ceramics are much more biocompatible. They’ve been a big hit in our practice,” advises Suzanne.

Regarding the periodontal challenges of gum disease, which can lead to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth, the Lorinos try to determine what is causing the periodontitis. Is it diet-related or the result of oral hygiene habits? “Often, we isolate the bacteria and create a specific treatment focused on eliminating it. Since it may be specific to the patient, we might employ a modality of topical antibiotics. We don’t like to introduce systemic antibiotics too often because that disrupts the gut flora. If we’re unable to correct it, then we use site-specific modalities with antibiotics that are delivered directly into the site rather than systemically. We have special types of antibiotics that will eliminate any bone loss for a period of six months to a year.”

Site-specific treatment is a new type of conservative treatment as opposed to typical periodontal surgery, which is aggressive, painful, and requires a long recovery.

Laser therapy is another modality used by the Lorinos to destroy and eliminate the bacterial load in specific sites, in conjunction with the specifically placed antibiotics. The two work together to help arrest periodontitis.

To stay up-to-date on the latest in dental techniques, the Lorinos attend educational workshops and enroll in continuing education provided by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. The organization focuses on not quite holistic dentistry, but more of a biological approach. Fort Myers Laser Dentistry is located at 1550 Matthew Dr. Phone 239-936-5542 or visit FortMyersLaserDentist.com. See ad, page 4.

Thermography + Mammograms = the Right Combination

by Dr. Carol Roberts, MD

Every year, October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness—a public health initiative designed to educate women and health professionals about the growing threat of breast cancer.

For women looking to make informed choices regarding breast imaging, two options are available.

The first option is the mammogram, considered the “gold standard” and recommended annually for women starting at age 40. Mammograms are performed by compressing the breast as the patient lies prone on a table with a hole for the breast to protrude through. Pressure plates are then applied to compress the breast, and an X-ray image is taken.

While mammograms have a long track record, modern techniques show they are inaccurate 30% of the time—15% false positives (non-cancerous findings flagged as potentially cancerous) and 15% false negatives (missed cancer cases). Additionally, mammograms expose sensitive breast tissue to ionizing radiation every year, which can accumulate over time and lead to DNA mutations. Dense breast tissue can obscure lesions, often necessitating more X-rays and, at times, unnecessary biopsies.

The second option is thermography, for which a doctor’s referral is not required. Appointments can be made similarly to a session with a portrait photographer. Thermography uses digital photography to capture the heat signature of the breasts, with no radiation, touching, or discomfort. Images are sent to specially trained medical doctors for interpretation, much like how radiologists read mammograms. Thermog-

raphy costs approximately $200 per session. After establishing a baseline with two tests, three months apart, annual screening is recommended. Because thermography is not classified as a “medical procedure,” it is typically not covered by health insurance.

One of thermography’s key advantages is its ability to detect early signs of tumor development. Malignancies require a blood supply, and the new blood vessels can light up on a thermogram, signaling suspicious activity in the breast. With this information, knowledgeable health practitioners can often intervene in the early stages of cancer.

Both mammograms and thermography have their value, and when used together, they can correctly identify cancer 98% of the time. While a physician’s referral is required for a mammogram, women can choose to get a thermogram on their own.

Thermography can also be used to diagnose a variety of conditions throughout the body. Inflammatory issues such as thyroiditis, sinusitis, dental infections, back and neck tension, fibromyalgia trigger points, poor limb circulation, and many other conditions can be identified and monitored over time to track treatment effectiveness.

For Southwest Medical Thermal Imaging, scheduling is available at Bennett Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 3725 Bonita Beach Rd. SW, Ste 4, in Bonita Springs, and Axis Natural Medicine 7680 Cambridge Manor Place, in Ft. Myers. Call 239-949-2011 or visit ThermalClinic.com for more info. See ad, page 31.

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Sweet Nostalgia Celebrating National Dessert Month

by Deborah Bevilacqua

Many of us have beloved memories filled with the treasures of the family kitchen—the clanging of baking pans and metal mixing bowls, flour dusted across the counter and the amazing aromas of chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon filling the entire house. That wonderful anticipation of a homemade treat coming out of the oven was pure childhood magic.

“There is nothing better than the smell of home-baked goodies,” says Lynn Feder, owner of Lynn’s Life Breads, an allergen-free bakery. Infused with the best ingredients and dollops of love, desserts are more than just a tasty indulgence. They

celebrate long-held family recipes, cultural traditions and the transformative effect of shared pleasures. October is National Dessert Month, a perfect time to explore the history, nostalgia and nutritional gifts of these delicious delights.

From Ancient Times to Modern Bites

Desserts have evolved from simple combinations of fruits and nuts to elaborate confections. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans enjoyed honey-sweetened treats. By the 16th century, sugar had made its way to Europe from Southeast Asia, paving the way for decadent cakes and pastries.

Today, each culture brings unique flavors and techniques to homes, bakeries and confectioneries around the globe.

American Favorites

Beloved for its chewy texture and rich flavor, the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield, a chef, dietitian, educator and author from Walpole, Massachusetts, who also owned a tourist lodge with her husband, Kenneth, that they named the Tollhouse Inn.

Brownies originated in Chicago in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel, where Bertha Palmer asked her chefs to create a portable dessert that could be served at the World’s Columbian Exposition. These cake-like, fudgy squares may contain nuts, chocolate chips or caramel swirls.

Apple pie is synonymous with American culture. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and is often accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In today’s health-conscious households, ice cream is not made with just cow’s milk. Scrumptious varieties are available featuring milks derived from cashews, oats or coconuts.

“The best ice cream is made from scratch in small batches with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients,” says Chloe Bowman, manager of Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, in Crested Butte, Colorado. “One of our adult favorites is Cookie Monster ice cream made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and all-natural pea flour so it doesn’t make your mouth blue.”

While attempting to recreate a French version, William Lawrence, a New York dairyman, invented the now-classic New Yorkstyle cheesecake. It features smooth, rich cream cheese and a graham cracker crust that can be customized with various toppings.

The Sweet Benefits of Desserts

Aside from satisfying our sweet tooth, some desserts come with nutritious benefits. Dark chocolate contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and fight cell damage, as well as polyphenols that, according to a 2022 study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, help maintain a better mood. Fruits and nuts are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Indulging in a sweet treat may even lead to a sweeter disposition, according to research led by North Dakota State University.

Healthy Alternatives

Dessert time is not always kind to people that are diabetic, vegan, on restricted diets or have gluten sensitivities or allergies to ingredients like eggs, diary and nuts. “I can adapt any recipe to make it delicious and allergy-free. Today, we have so many options,” says Feder, who began baking allergen-free products as a result of her own health issues and allergies.

Dairy substitutes are plentiful in the grocery store, including milk made from oats, almonds, soy, coconut and rice. Alternatives to butter include nut butters, sunflower oil and coconut oil. For those with nut allergies, the texture, taste and nutritional value can be supplanted with rolled oats, granola, crisp rice cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or dairy- and nut-free chocolate chips.

For those looking to reduce their consumption of sugar, there are a number of healthier natural sweeteners, including monk fruit extract, raw honey, pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia and blackstrap molasses. Stevia and monk fruit extract are

derived from plants and have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. A quick search online will provide guidance on measurement equivalents. Monk fruit, which does not raise blood-sugar levels, can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar.

Celebrating National Dessert Month

To celebrate National Dessert Month, consider hosting a dessert-themed party where invitees can share their favorite recipes, and be sure to include low-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, to accommodate everyone’s preferences and dietary restrictions.

Deborah Bevilacqua is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Volcano Surprise Brownie Cupcakes

YIELD: 12 CUPCAKES

STRAWBERRY LAYER

3 large fresh strawberries, quartered

1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

CARAMEL LAYER

¼ cup smooth cashew or almond butter

¼ cup maple syrup

1 date, pitted

BROWNIE MIXTURE

2 Hu brand chocolate bars (choice of hazelnut, cashew, almond or cashew raspberry)

1 cup smooth cashew butter

1 large egg

Preheat oven to 350°F.

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp coconut oil, melted 1 tsp gluten-free vanilla extract

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup cocoa powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp Himalayan salt

½ cup mini chocolate chips, plus extras to sprinkle on top

Prepare the strawberry layer by combining the strawberries, maple syrup or honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from stove and pour off the liquid, retaining the strawberries. Place the strawberries in the refrigerator to cool while preparing the other layers.

To make the caramel layer, first soak the date in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cut it into small pieces and drop them in a blender along with the other ingredients, blending for 40 seconds until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Place the brownie mixture ingredients in a bowl, except the chocolate chips and Hu chocolate bars. Blend using an electric, hand-held mixer. Once combined into a batter, fold in the chocolate chips.

Line a 12-cupcake baking tray with unbleached paper liners. Put one heaping tablespoon of the brownie mixture in each cupcake liner to coat the bottom. Break Hu chocolate bars into squares and place one square on top of the brownie mixture. Spread one teaspoon of caramel sauce on top of the chocolate. Add strawberries to the caramel layer. Top with additional brownie mixture until the liner is three quarters full. Sprinkle with a few mini chocolate chips.

Bake cupcakes for 20 minutes. Remove and place on a cooling rack. They are delicious at room temperature, cold from the refrigerator or frozen.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

Courtesy of Lynn Feder

Lynn’s Pumpkin

Cheese-Less Cake

YIELD: 10-12 SERVINGS

BASE

1¾ cups raw almonds

8 dates, pitted

1 tsp vanilla extract

⅛ tsp Himalayan salt

FILLING

3 cups raw cashews

1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

¾ cup maple syrup

2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 15-oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent of fresh-cooked mashed pumpkin)

2 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ to ½ tsp nutmeg, to taste

¼ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp cloves

½ tsp Himalayan salt

Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Gently hand-press the pie crust onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.

For the filling, soak cashews in water overnight or cover cashews with boiling water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Strain the soaked cashews and add them with the other fi lling ingredients except the coconut oil to a food processor. Blend for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Then add the melted coconut oil and blend until well incorporated into the mixture.

For the base, soak the dates in boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove dates from water and put in food processor with salt, almonds and vanilla, and blend until the nuts are broken down into small pieces and the mixture is sticky when pressed between fingertips.

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

ACUPUNCTURE

FACELIFT

Pour filling into pie crust. Set in freezer for 2 or more hours until the center is solid.

Remove and refrigerate for a few hours until it thaws before serving.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Lynn Feder.

The Rise of Bodywork Modalities

Integrating Innovative and Ancient Healing Arts

by Marlaina Donato

Only a few decades ago, healing modalities like chiropractic care and acupuncture received little attention in the realm of conventional medicine. Today, the wellness spectrum is much more diverse, and although additional research is needed to confirm their efficacies and treatment guidelines, many forms of bodywork once associated with only spa pampering are now considered allies in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions. With new therapies emerging annually, there are more than 180 bodywork modalities, including cold laser therapy for non-invasive pain management and ancient massage techniques

Full-Spectrum Acupuncture

According to the market research company Technavio, the global acupuncture market is predicted to expand by $16.83 billion from 2023 to 2027, with much of the growth attributed to an aging population opting for non-invasive, drug-free solutions.

Cancer patients are increasingly accessing this 2,500-year-old therapy, as well. The National Institutes of Health reports that acupuncture is used to ease the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation at major treatment centers, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center,

in New York, with the latter offering the modality in their accredited continuing education programs. According to a 2023 study published by JAMA Network Open, both integrative acupuncture and massage applications for advanced cancer patients over the course of 26 weeks were associated with decreased pain and improvements in sleep and quality of life.

“Our patients love having one more expert on their integrative medicine team, an additional professional to help them navigate the rollercoaster stressors of cancer treatment, recovery and survivorship,” says Pauline Sok Yin Hwang, an acupuncturist,

registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and the clinical director of Hillgreen Oncology Acupuncture & Herbs, in Toronto, Canada. Hwang also employs other therapeutic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine that harmonize well with oncology acupuncture, including herbal applications; nutrition; moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near parts of the body; cupping; and electroacupuncture, which combines electrical pulses with needles to target specific energetic points on the body.

“Given a prompt, every tiny cell knows where it is and what it should do. The relationship between cells allows them to calibrate, but cancer cells have lost this connection, causing them to proliferate,” explains Jill Blakeway, an acupuncturist and founder of The Yinova Center, in New York City and Long Island. Blakeway adds that acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release serotonin and other endorphins that can dial down pain and elevate mood, something that is much needed by anyone enduring a cancer diagnosis.

Feel-good neurotransmitters are major players in the complex journey of addiction recovery, as spotlighted in a clinical trial published earlier this year in Annals of Internal Medicine. Participants given acupuncture treatments three times a week for eight weeks reduced their methadone dosage by 20 percent or more as compared to subjects that received placebo treatments.

For those that are squeamish about needles, Hwang says, “About 40 tiny acupuncture needles can fit into the hole at the end of a hypodermic needle,” adding that most of her clients do not experience pain throughout treatment, and they are able to relax and even fall asleep by the end of a session.

Moxibustion—an extension of acupuncture that utilizes an herb called Ai Ye—may be promising for chronic kidney disease as a complementary therapy. A 2020 meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows the potential of moxibustion to significantly reduce serum creatinine, 24-hour urine protein excretion and blood urea nitrogen—all of which are indicators of compromised kidney function—and markedly improve quality of life of chronic kidney disease patients.

Chiropractic Goes High-Tech

With 150 techniques in its toolbox, today’s chiropractic medicine incorporates more sophisticated and gentler methods than ever before, especially for individuals with osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Fueled by advanced software, modern diagnostic tools give doctors an edge over standard evaluation methods to provide personalized treatment plans.

The chiropractic use of electric current-based muscle stimulation encourages circulation in muscles along the spine to minimize pain, a technique that is safe for patients with fragile bones or spinal stenosis. Another method—cold laser therapy—springboards from traditional ultrasound using specific wavelengths of light. Also known as low-level laser therapy, cold laser aids injured tissues by amping up the production of adenosine triphosphate, a molecule crucial for energy production within cells, to reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. A 2021 systematic review published in the Journal of Medicine and Life reports that cold lasers can be effective for decreasing pain and may also improve coexisting emotional factors associated with temporomandibular joint disorders in the jaw.

As with traditional chiropractic care, the objective of modern styles is to address the root cause of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction, which, if not treated, can lead to health issues and pain. “When the body is unable to adapt to chemical, physical or emotional stressors, tension within the nervous system is a common result. This often shows up as misaligned vertebrae [bones in the spine], but it can manifest in many ways,” says Brian Stenzler, a chiropractor and author in Sarasota, Florida, and vice president of operations at KnoWEwell, P.B.C. “Every organ, muscle, gland, tissue and cell of the body knows exactly what to do, when to do it and how to do it, as long as the ‘communication lines’ are clear between those body parts and the brain.”

Stenzler notes that because only a small percentage of nerves transmit information about pain, it is unreliable for determining if a chiropractic adjustment is needed. Instead, chiropractors use a combination of objective measures to identify misalignments causing nerve interference, such as posture, x-rays, motion and static palpation, range of motion, heart rate variability, thermography and surface electromyography, which assesses muscle function using electrodes placed on muscle groups.

New Horizons

Swedish and deep tissue massage have long given sore muscles and overextended nervous systems balm, but massage modalities are expanding their scope. Ancient massage systems making their way out of the shadows include Egyptian (Pharaonic), Balinese and gua sha , among others. More traditional approaches are being used to release trauma held in the body and to aid challenging conditions like Parkinson’s

disease, cerebral palsy and cancer. “After a mastectomy, for example, a patient may experience swelling in the arm due to obstructed lymph flow. Specialized massage practitioners can offer lymphatic drainage massage to treat lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment,” says Blakeway.

Tuina, one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to be the oldest form of bodywork and, like acupuncture, targets acupoints, but without the use of needles. In research from 2018, this modality—when combined with other aspects of Chinese medicine—shows promise for early-stage diabetic foot disease, a condition resulting from peripheral artery disease or sensory neuropathy.

Guided by overhead bars for balance and support, practitioners of the Japanese modality ashiatsu primarily use their feet to ease their clients’ tight muscles. “The foot’s broad surface allows for comprehensive muscle manipulation, targeting larger groups while maintaining precision for specific areas. While we may combine foot and hand techniques for certain areas such as the neck, the primary focus is on harnessing the foot’s unique capabilities for a truly transformative experience,” explains Mariah Maven, a licensed massage therapist, ashiatsu educator and owner of THE SPACE, in Spokane, Washington.

Maven points out that ashiatsu can help stabilize the shoulder while gently stretching the neck, creating an unparalleled sense of traction and release, as well as promote better posture, flexibility and quicker recovery from sports injuries, but cautions that “it is contraindicated for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia [reduced bone mass].”

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Ortho-Bionomy, pioneered by British osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, has gained attention for its positive effect on pain and postural problems by working with the body’s natural capacity to find balance and reset the nervous system. “Pauls took the osteopathic principle of positional release, gently placing the body in a position of optimal comfort and adding gentle compression into a joint from its position of greatest ease. He found that this stimulated proprioceptor nerve endings [sensors in muscles, tendons and ligaments] and produced a release response,” explains Donna Racik, a certified Ortho-Bionomy practitioner in Leonia, New Jersey, adding that she has found this modality to be effective in relieving pain, restoring alignment and improving the flow of blood and lymph.

Stenzler, who believes that tomorrow looks brighter with the education and guidance of integrative health providers that encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles, says, “While helping people overcome health challenges is very noble and an extremely important aspect of health care, I strongly believe that the future should lie in a salutogenic model,” which focuses on the origins of health and well-being rather than the causes of disease.

Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Mariah Maven/CanvaPro

Spa of Awakening

The Benefits of a Monthly Facial

by Lisa Marlene

Women and men in the U.S. are increasingly adopting the wellknown skincare habits of the French, including regular professional facials as part of their overall skin health routine. In 2020, a Simmons National Consumer Survey reported that 2.73 million Americans had facials four or more times within six months.

“This survey indicates that facials are seen as beneficial for men and women and no longer just as pampering or a luxurious once-ina-while experience,” says Melissa Jacobs, co-owner of Spa of Awakening in Naples.

The skin, consisting of several layers, is the largest organ of the body. “Given its crucial role in defending against microbial invasion, ultraviolet radiation, and preventing dehydration, it’s essential to care for it. While facials for women focus on certain areas of concern, facials for men focus on getting a deep cleanse and removing blackheads and impurities. Both are desired results. The best way to do this is with regular facials,” explains Mauro Sacraida, also co-owner of Spa of Awakening.

The skin renews itself approximately every 28 days via the cellular turnover and regeneration cycle. This continuous process helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. As men and women age, the cell regeneration process starts to slow down, and we lose a percentage of hyaluronic acid each year. With consistent monthly facials, a proper at-home skincare routine, and healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can decrease the likelihood of skin issues, including dryness, dullness, and

premature aging while also promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.

Facials support the renewal process, particularly the exfoliation of dead skin cells, which is key to cell regeneration. “Dead cells tend to linger on the skin’s surface as we age, accentuating fine lines and making the complexion appear dull and lifeless. Exfoliating—whether mechanically with scrubs or chemically using acids or enzymes—removes these dead skin cells, compensating for the slowing skin-renewal process. This improves skin tone and texture. At any age, healthier, more youthful-looking skin is possible by protecting the skin from UV damage, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, using skincare products with active components like antioxidants and retinoids, and getting expert treatments,” advises Sacraida.

supports a healthy skin barrier, allowing it to function optimally.

Regular gentle exfoliation removes the top layer of dead and damaged skin cells, helping to fade age spots, unclog pores, release natural skin oils, minimize pore size, and reduce the appearance of superficial scars. It also makes fine lines and wrinkles less visible because the newly exposed layer of skin reflects light better and absorbs moisturizers, antioxidants, and collagen-boosting serums more effectively.

Facials with steam and extraction processes help detoxify the skin by eliminating toxins, pollutants, and impurities that can accumulate and cause dullness or congestion. Regularly removing these impurities

“When men and women come to our spa for a facial, our estheticians cater to their skin’s specific needs. We use a line of results-driven G.M. Collin products, an undisputed leader in dermo-corrective solutions. If your skin has a problem, G.M. Collin has a solution that produces noticeable and lasting results. Even skin suffering from flight fatigue benefits from these products. I frequently fly between New York and Florida, so my skin suffers from dehydration and free radicals. I use City D-Tox to provide a layer of protection from dehydration and pollutants,” says Jacobs.

A clinical peel, collagen treatment, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, or radiofrequency treatment can be added to enhance a monthly facial.

Spa of Awakening is located at 2500 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 109, in Naples. Call 239-384-9474 or visit SpaOfAwakening.com. See ad, page 2.

The Toxic Legacy of Breast Implants

by Linda Sechrist

With the growing cultural focus on youth, longevity and physical attractiveness, it is perhaps unsurprising that the growing trend in plastic surgery continues to rise each year. Among the top categories, liposuction holds first place followed by breast augmentation. In 2023, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported in its National Plastic Surgery Statistics that a total of 304,181 breast augmentations were performed. A less publicized but increasingly common trend was also reported in 2023 by the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society—74,326 women had their implants removed (explanted) and not replaced.

The marked increase in surgeries implanting these Class III “high risk” medical devices includes many women that undergo procedures to replace old implants that have broken or caused other problems. In the past, an estimated 40,000 U.S. women a year have the surgery to remove the implants entirely. These “explants” stem from a variety of issues, including rupture, delayed wound healing, broken implants causing breast pain, capsule contracture, spontaneous deflation, breast lesions, infection, wrinkling/scalloping and necrosis.

Another reason for removal is the growing concern about the reported incidence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a treatable T-cell lymphoma, and breast implant illness (BII) associated with silicone and saline implants. The FDA first raised concerns about the rare lymphoma in 2011, linking it to implants with textured, Velcro-like outer shells. Later, it issued a letter to healthcare providers seeking to increase awareness “about an association between all breast implants, regardless of filling or texture,” and BIA-ALCL.

Three local women are part of the growing trend to have implants removed and not replaced. Doreen DeStefano, APRN owner of Root Causes in Fort Myers, Root Causes Clinical Director, Sandra Hoskins, and Nadia Barsamian, owner of HerbaLuxe Organic Skincare, in Naples, courageously shared their stories with Natural Awakenings hoping to enlighten others regarding the surgery.

Doreen DeStefano, whose office focuses on integrative and investigative medicine, estimates that 12 patients in her practice have decided to have their implants removed and not replaced. “It might seem silly that one of the questions I ask on my intake form is, ‘Do you have anything in your body that you weren’t born with? It’s necessary for me to know this when I take on a new patient because when a

woman starts presenting systemic symptoms such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, memory and concentration problems, depression, anxiety, skin problems and hair loss, she may not logically think those symptoms point to breast implant illness (BII) because she wasn’t informed of the potential problem by her surgeon. Depending on how long she has had them, it may not occur to her because she wasn’t aware that she’d previously had a problem. There is no official medical diagnosis for BII, and while there aren’t a lot of doctors that are familiar with the condition, I am because I had to have my implants removed,” she says.

BII is an empiric diagnosis based on exclusion, which means DeStefano needs to run lab tests on her patients to eliminate each possibility. “To convince a woman, including me, to have her implants out when there’s nothing on paper that indicates BII, and no lab results because there are no lab tests for it, is nearly impossible,” says DeStefano

Recalling how exhausted she always felt before being explanted, and without a clue as to the cause, she recounts a particular night when she was crawling from her bed to the bathroom, all the while thinking, Am I going to die? “That was the motivation for me getting on my computer and beginning to search for answers. It took me a long time to figure out that it was BII. Even when I knew that I needed to have them removed for the sake of my health, I had to force myself to do it.

Sandra Hoskins (left) and Doreen DeStefano

I was trying to talk myself out of it. I know firsthand how difficult it is for women to admit when their health problems are caused by their breast implants because it’s the agony of the denial that I experienced all the way to the surgeon’s office,” advises DeStefano.

At age 26 Sandra Hoskins had her first implants and was informed that they should be replaced every 10 years. She had them replaced at age 38 and removed at age 51. “I was around 40 when I started noticing the bloating and my distended abdomen. I worked out so it bothered me that I looked like I was pregnant. I changed my diet but eventually suffered from constipation. In my mid mid-40s, I began experiencing muscle pain, fatigue and brain fog. I attributed those symptoms to getting older and not getting enough sleep, stress, and spending too much time multi-tasking. My hair fell out. I had dark circles under my eyes. My weight was down to 98 pounds, and I didn’t have the energy to drive my car. I was always finding reasons that had nothing to do with my implants,” says Hoskins.

DeStefano ran tests and tried every solution she could think of, including IV therapy, and ozonating Hoskins’ blood and running it through a UV machine. “One day, when a new patient came into our office and I was scribing for Doreen, as the patient described her symptoms, I mentally checked every one she had. That’s when Doreen connected all the dots, and I scheduled my explant surgery,” recalls Hoskins.

Nadia Barsamian had her implants for 11 years until immediately after her daughter was born. “I started experiencing horrendous symptoms, leaving me unable to take care of my newborn. I had gut issues, was exhausted and would fall asleep anywhere. I suffered from hair loss, raised skin rashes, and was diagnosed with SIBO, Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth.

“Two weeks after I had the implants removed, I was a completely different person. I find it challenging to believe how uneducated we are about breast implants and the problems they can cause. This is also happening with men who get testicle implants for medical reasons or aesthetic reasons,” she says.

Having her implants removed was a tough decision for Barsamian. She explains, “It was very difficult. No one believed my symptoms were directly correlated to the implants. I saw different specialists and had numerous blood tests and imaging, but nothing showed up. I met with six different surgeons before one agreed to remove the implants without replacements. I had to make the decision without the support of doctors or anyone else.”

Barsamian questioned herself. “Was my life worth more than my vanity or how I looked. I’d just had a baby that I couldn’t take care of. It felt like such craziness because I was still questioning if remov-

ing the implants was the right decision. It took me a few months to internalize all of it and mull it over. It’s absurd that it wasn’t an easy decision. My health was at risk, so it should have been a no-brainer. My husband is always my biggest supporter. I could not have gone through the removal without his support.”

This experience has led to an immense lifestyle change for Barsamian and her husband. They are now very conscious of the foods they eat and avoid synthetic ingredients, fragrances, and chemicals. “Herbaluxe Organic Skincare came to fruition from my experience. I hope it will help other women realize the dangers of putting foreign objects and chemicals into their bodies. In the long run, they will make you sick and age faster,” she says

Facebook.com/groups/HealingBreastImplantIllness has become a sanctuary for more than 150,000 women that report a range of symptoms associated with BII. Nicole Daruda, of Vancouver Island, Canada, says she created the group to support women that visited her website, HealingBreastImplantIllness.com, where she told her personal BII story that began with implant surgery in 2005. “I never anticipated an avalanche of women’s stories about the symptoms that I endured before having my explant surgery in 2015.”

After hearing from other women, Daruda felt affirmed in her suspicions that implants had caused her symptoms. “I also had headaches, recurring infections, swollen lymph nodes, irritable bowel syndrome and problems with thyroid and adrenal glands. I believe that various doctors pigeonholed my symptoms into the category of autoimmune disorders because few general practitioners are aware of BII.”

The National Center for Health Research reports that at the time of explant surgery, approximately three out of five women have had implants and their unhealthy symptoms for 10 years or more. After explant surgery, 89 percent of the women report improvement. However, explant surgery is just the first step in the recovery process. For example, Daruda used chelation and the protocols of Gerson Therapy, a natural treatment that activates the body’s ability to heal itself through an organic, plant-based diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and supplements. It took four years for Daruda to recuperate.

The lesson Daruda shares today with other women is one embraced by DeStefano, Hoskins and Barsamian—self-love and self-worth are more important than society’s false concepts of beauty. The essence of who we are is not tied to any body part.

Root Causes, 12734 Kenwood Lane, Ste. 4. For more information, call 239-425-2900 or visit RtCausesMD.com. See ad, page 19.

Herbaluxe, 1575 Pine Ridge Rd., Ste.15, Unit 9, in Naples. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-387-2549 or visit Herbaluxe.us. See ad, page 15.

Carol Orsborn on Growing Whole, Not Just Old

by Sandra Yeyati

For five decades, Carol Orsborn has been a leading voice of her generation and a bestselling author, having written 36 books on quality of life, spirituality and aging. Her latest book is Spiritual Aging: Weekly Reflections for Embracing Life, to be published in December. Designed to be read weekly over two years with 120 readings, it focuses on the issues and concerns that arise among those that view aging as a path to spiritual transcendence.

Orsborn earned a master’s degree in theological studies and a doctorate in history and critical theory of religion from Vanderbilt University, completing her postgraduate work in spiritual counseling at the New Seminary, in New York City. She served on the faculties of Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California; Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles; and Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C. She has appeared on Oprah, NBC Nightly News and The Today Show, and presented talks at the Omega Institute, American Society of Aging and Vanderbilt University Hospital.

What do we get wrong about aging?

There have been two dominant theories about aging that have influenced the stereotypes, and each one gets aging wrong in its own way. The first is that aging is a period of sad, slow decline and the best you can do is try and put old people behind gated communities and facilities and keep them as happy as possible.

The flip side, which has been holding sway and is just as insidious, is called “activity theory”. It keeps older people active—the more active they are, the longer they are active, the better it supposedly is. So, we say things like “60 is the new 30” as we try to extend midlife, turning us into desperate robots.

What is a better way to look at aging?

Getting old is a life stage with meaning and purpose of its own. You have the freedom to choose how you want to live your life. Sometimes you may want to be contemplative, quiet and take time away from the limelight. Other times, you may want to roar like a lion; you might have a lot left in you that you want to give.

How do you define spiritual aging?

The first tenet of spiritual aging is accepting reality as it is while believing that there is meaning and purpose to life. The second is loving yourself no matter what. Spiritual aging treats the process of getting old not as a problem to be solved, but rather as a spiritual experience in and of itself. This is your last chance to embrace all of life and to have the freedom to pick what you want to do because your soul is telling you to do it.

As we confront physical and mental diminishment, what role does grief play in this spiritual experience? Grief can shake you from your faith. You can hit bottom a lot of ways and feel that life is meaningless and hopeless. In my book, I talk about a place I call “the void”, where reality outstrips your ability to cope and you go to a place that feels bottomless, dark, scary and hopeless. Every spiritual and religious formulation that I’ve ever read has a place like that—like the dark night of the soul in Christianity—where the status quo loses hold of you, and yet it also seems like a holy place because it allows you to let go of the illusions and what used to be, and to reconstruct yourself from the ground up in a way that is more in alignment with reality.

Is it never too late to find your purpose in life?

Of course not. In fact, I would say the opposite. It takes growing old to finally be able to live with some degree of purity of purpose, because you’re not going to be as distracted by what society’s expectations are of you. For those with physical and mental impairments, there is an opportunity to find meaning and purpose not only despite those challenges, but through them. If you’re taking a walk and you’re going much slower than you’re used to, you’re much more likely to notice the flower growing out of a crack in the sidewalk, for instance.

Our generation has been told all our lives that we should follow our heart and passion. That was hard when we were in our 40s because if you followed your heart and you wanted to be a poet, you couldn’t make a living at it. But now in your 70s, 80s or 90s, if you want to be a poet, go for it! There’s a lot of late-life blooming going

Carol Orsborn courtesy of Carol Orsborn

on, tempered by what our hearts are telling us and by our physical and mental abilities. That’s what the reinventing should be about.

As we age, we become increasingly dependent on others. What are the spiritual lessons there?

We don’t receive well. The tendency in older people is to complain or get mad at their caregivers if they aren’t giving to us perfectly. So it’s about learning to receive, but also learning to be gracious and put other people before yourself—allowing your caregiver to feel good about what they’re doing for you.

Look, the bottom line is learning to love and be loved. I keep learning every day. I have family issues that may never resolve, but I’m learning I’m beloved anyway. I’m seeing love where I didn’t see it before. I’m having compassion where I didn’t see it before. At 76, suddenly I see things with so much depth that I see the love that was there all along.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/OrsbornWW or scan the QR code.

Got Chronic Disease?

There are hidden causes to your disease. Dr. Torres will help you find them and get rid of them. This will allow your body to finally heal!

Zorayda “Jiji” Torres has 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. Adding functional medicine to your treatment will surely enhance the healing process.

Zorayda “JiJi” Torres, Md, aBiHM

Ergonomic Solutions at Work and Play

How Good Posture and Mindful Habits Prevent Injury

by Maya Whitman

Regardless of lifestyle, many people experience everyday aches as they strive to balance work and play. Recurring movements while sitting or standing with bad posture can take a toll on the body. Jobs involving typing, hairstyling, power-tool use or assembly-line tasks, as well as asymmetrical recreational activities such as golf, tennis, bowling, electronic gaming or even playing musical instruments, can amplify the risk for chronic pain.

The American Heart Association reports that 80 percent of all U.S. jobs are mostly sedentary, a problem even without the added burden of too much screen time, poor sitting positions and the long-term effects of repetitive motion. The National Spine Health Foundation offers three recommendations for office workers: be mindful of posture, don’t look down at screens and get up and move around on a regular basis.

The importance of prevention cannot be ignored when we look at the cost of workers’ compensation cases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021 claims included $4.7 billion for awkward postures and $1.7 billion for repetitive motions involving “microtasks” performed in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, such as typing.

Pressure Points

According to Margie Bissinger, a physical therapist and integrative health coach in Parsippany, New Jersey, one of the most common conditions caused by repetitive movement is carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from pressure on the median nerve, which extends along the hand, arm and shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness in the thumb and fingers.

“Ergonomics is the design of working environments to help individuals use the best postures and habits that will keep their bodies healthy and avoid injuries,” Bissinger explains, noting that good posture is designed to maintain the inward curve of the lower back. To reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, pain on the pinkie-finger side of the wrist or other related injuries, she recommends keeping the shoulders relaxed, the wrist in a neutral position, the thumb in line with the forearm and elbows close to the body while typing.

Gamers are prone to tendinitis in the hands and forearms, notes Shari Berkowitz, biomechanist, ergonomist and founder of The Vertical Workshop, in Beverly Hills, California. She remarks that compression in the neck can lead to not only carpal tunnel syndrome, but also double crush syndrome, a condition associated with compression at more than one location along a nerve path.

“Gamers have a lot of repetition of movement in small joints, as well as holding patterns in the arms, shoulders and spine over a prolonged period. They would benefit

from using ergonomic devices that require very little force to press buttons, toggle, etc.,” she advises, adding that players should position themselves to support the entire body, not just the wrists. Whether working or playing, Berkowitz stresses the need to step away from the desk every hour for five minutes to get something to drink, go to the bathroom or just move around.

Bissinger cautions that slouching at the desk or while playing electronic games is a surefire way to set off pain patterns. “You don’t want to be on the couch hunched with your low back rounded,” she says. “You should make sure your neck is looking straight ahead, not up or down, for extended periods of time.”

Exercise Ergonomics

Bad habits in the gym or on the yoga mat can foster chronic pain in the lower back, knees, neck, shoulders and wrists. “Learn about proper joint alignment for whatever exercises you’re doing and then try to achieve that for each movement,” advises Berkowitz. “When a set of muscles that are primary to a movement is fatigued, synergists, or assistant muscles, must work more than they are supposed to. That means strain is going to happen.” She recommends stopping as soon as there is a feeling of muscle fatigue and decreasing the weight and repetitions.

For a well-rounded approach to exercise that aids in preventing issues, Berkowitz suggests mobility training such as Pilates, yoga, tai chi and dance, along with running, walking or strength training. She also suggests replacing backless shoes like flip-flops and slides with anklesupporting, foot-forming options such as Flux Footwear.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

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Taking the Cold-Therapy Plunge

From Icy Showers to Cryotherapy Chambers

by Madiha Saeed, M.D.

Stress gets a bad reputation, but some forms can be quite beneficial. Hormesis, a self-imposed stress to the body, teaches it to become resilient. Cold therapy is a popular method used by athletes, biohackers and others looking to optimize their performance and physical health.

According to Molly Maloof, a concierge physician, biohacker and consultant to more than 50 companies, there are several types of cold therapy, including a cold shower or cold plunge in 50 to 59°F

water; an ice bath in water that is 41 to 50°F; and cryotherapy, which exposes the body to extremely cold air (-166 to -220°F) in a specialized chamber. Maloof notes, “Women may not need as cold a plunge as men because women shiver at higher temperatures and are more sensitive to cold.”

Benefits of Cold Therapy

According to Tom Moorcroft, a boardcertified physician specializing in chronic, tick-borne illnesses, “People with chronic inflammatory conditions generally do

Robert Pavsic from Getty Images/CanvaPro

really well [with cold therapies], both from a perspective of lowering inflammation and dealing with the stress of chronic illness. Patients with chronic, tick-borne infections typically report less pain and inflammation, improved energy and better overall quality of life with even a short 60- to 90-second cold shower daily. A cold plunge three to four times a week improves symptoms even more.”

Maloof notes the following benefits:

• Hormonal Effects: Cold therapy can increase production of norepinephrine and endorphins, which may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Metabolism and Weight Management: Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), increasing calorie burn. Women typically have more BAT than men, potentially making cold therapy more effective for a metabolic boost.

• Inflammation and Recovery: Cold-water immersion can be beneficial post-exercise to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. While men’s bodies naturally redirect blood flow after a workout, women’s bodies tend to keep blood in the skin. A cold plunge can help women push that blood back to the muscles, aiding recovery. This benefit may be particularly useful for those experiencing inflammation during certain phases of their menstrual cycle.

• Immune System: Regular cold therapy may strengthen the immune system, and the effects may be more pronounced in men than women due to differences in responses to stimuli.

• Skin Health: Cold therapy, especially plunging the face into a bowl of ice water, can improve skin tone and reduce puffiness by constricting blood vessels.

• Fertility and Reproductive Health: Cold therapy might improve fertility in women by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones, but more studies are needed.

• Cardiovascular Health: Cold exposure can improve cardiovascular health by enhancing circulation. This benefit is important for women, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause.

Contraindications

Moorcroft states that common side effects of cold therapies include cold skin, temporary dizziness, lightheadedness or headache, an increase in blood pressure and, rarely, frostbite or skin rash. According to both Maloof and Moorcroft, cold therapies are contraindicated for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, an inability to sense the extremities, an allergy to cold, Raynaud’s disease, pregnancy, open wounds, skin infections or recent surgery.

Cold therapy might also be inadvisable for people with eating disorders, as it can exacerbate a disordered metabolism. Cryotherapy is not recommended for those with cardiovascular conditions, stroke history, claustrophobia, severe anxiety disorders, deep vein thrombosis or serious respiratory problems. Cold plunges or ice baths are not recommended for those with epilepsy, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Tips for Taking the Plunge

Maloof recommends beginning with cool showers and slowly decreasing the temperature for brief periods. Her other recommendations for safely experiencing the benefits of cold therapies include:

• Start cold plunges for short durations of 30 seconds to two minutes.

• Limit cold-water immersion to below the shoulders or neck.

• Keep immersion times to two rounds of 30 seconds with two minutes in-between at the lowest temperatures, and a maximum of six rounds of three minutes with two minutes in-between at the highest immersion temperatures.

• Listen to the body and do not push beyond a level that is comfortable. Remember that women are more sensitive to cold.

• Warm up properly afterward by having warm, dry clothes ready.

• Stay hydrated with water before and after a cold therapy session.

• A cool shower before bed may help with sleep, especially for menopausal women.

“[Cold showers] are more accessible, and more people I work with are likely to start with these than a cold plunge or a cold chamber,” says Moorcroft. “Personally, I prefer a cold plunge by a long shot. It’s a more Zen and focusing experience.”

Madiha Saeed is a holistic, functional and integrative doctor in Naperville, Illinois, and director of education for Documenting Hope and KnoWEwell.

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The Case for Cloth Diapers

Saving Money and the Environment

by Kelcie Ottoes

Disposable diapers hit the shelves in 1948 and have become a household staple. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group estimates that 28.8 billion diapers were sold in 2023 in the United States. Parents concerned with environmental, monetary and other associated costs of disposables are moving back to cloth diapering.

“Both my husband’s mom and my mom mentioned that they cloth-diapered. They said it was really no big deal. Cloth diapers used to be the norm just a few generations ago,” says Kate Sawyer, a water and wastewater professional in Durango, Colorado.

Health Benefits

Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals due to their thinner, more permeable skin. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require diaper manufacturers to test their products for toxins other than lead. A 2019 study published by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety tested 23 bestselling disposable diapers and found toxic substances, including volatile organic compounds like naphthalene, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene, phthalates, formaldehyde, pesticides and dioxins. A 2000 study published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood showed that boys exhibited a higher scrotal temperature when wearing disposable diapers than cotton varieties, posing possible fertility issues in later life.

Cloth diapers are made of natural, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or hemp, which generally do not contain perfumes, polyacrylate (a super-absorbant polymer) or chlorine that can strip away protective bacteria, causing a baby’s skin to become dry and irritated. Look for organic versions free of toxins from the farm and factory.

Unlike disposables designed to absorb moisture quickly and keep it away from the skin, cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled, and the baby’s bottom must be cleaned well and allowed to dry before applying a fresh diaper.

Toddlers wearing cloth diapers can feel the wet sensation against their skin and are more aware of when they have relieved themselves, making potty training easier. According to an article in Parenting Science, approximately 60 percent of American children in 1947 were potty trained by 18 months old, whereas the average age rose to 37 months by 2004, in part due to the use of disposable diapers, researchers believe.

When washing cloth diapers, follow the manufacturers’ instructions, use recommended amounts of detergent, run an extra rinse cycle to thoroughly remove all the soap, and avoid fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can be irritants. Responding to parents that don’t want to deal with the messiness of cloth diapers, Sawyer says, “No matter what, you’re going to deal with poop as a parent. Using cloth diapers actually gives you a process to deal with poop, so when a blowout happens—cloth diaper or not—you can deal with it quickly and efficiently.”

A Cleaner Option

Each year, 3.6 million tons of disposable diapers are sent to landfills. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that a child will require up to 3,000 diapers in the first year, and about 8,000 by the time they’re potty-trained. Most disposable diapers are made of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene and absorbent polymers that take up to 500 years to break down. The fecal contents can also leach into groundwater.

Parents that use cloth tend to buy between 20 and 40 diapers, which can last up to 400 washes if they’re well maintained and can be repurposed into dust rags to extend their life. Although they usually do not pile up in landfills, cloth diapers still pose some environmental concerns. Hot water and energy are needed to wash and dry them. Cotton is also a chemically dependent crop, but when regenerative organic principles are employed, the cotton-growing process conserves water, protects biodiversity and avoids toxic fertilizers and herbicides.

Cheaper in the Long Run

The average cost of one disposable diaper is 29 cents; cloth diapers are about $2 to $21 each. “It can be expensive to get started [with cloth diapers], but the long-run savings more than make up for the upfront costs,” says Leah Black, a mom and founder of Cheeks Ahoy, a reusable baby-wipe company in Canada. “You don’t have to buy all brand-new stuff. Wellmade cloth diapers will last much longer than your child’s diapering stage, so there is nothing wrong with looking for gently used cloth diapers.”

A Flexible Approach

Families that want the benefits of cloth diapering do not have to make it an all-or-nothing decision. Many use disposable diapers when a newborn first comes home, because they require so many changes at that time, and then switch to cloth diapers once the child is a few weeks old. Some parents choose to use cloth diapers only during the day and avoid fuss by using disposables at night when they are tired and trying to get back to sleep. Others go with cloth diapers at home and disposables when they are out, so they aren’t carrying around soiled diapers at the grocery store or park.

Kelcie Ottoes is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Fair-Trade Environmentalism

How Our Purchases Help Workers and the Planet

by Megy Karydes

In a 2021 study by sustainability consultancy GlobeScan, 41 percent of U.S. respondents said they had changed their purchasing choices to make a difference on economic, social or environmental issues. Walk into a grocery store today and the likelihood of finding fair-trade coffee or chocolate is higher than five years ago. The same GlobeScan study found that about 80 percent of U.S. consumers were aware of the Fairtrade America certification, viewed it favorably and would pay up to 35 percent more for Fairtrade coffee. The trend is clear: people are increasingly seeing their everyday shopping as an important way to make a difference.

None of this is by accident. Large and small nonprofits—such as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam) America, which fights global inequality to end poverty and injustice, and Chicago Fair Trade, a grassroots coalition—as well as independent retailers have been raising awareness by advocating on behalf of farmers and producers for years. Another growing trend in the fair-trade space is an understanding that environmental concerns need to be part of the conversation.

Sustainability Goals

Eric Muñoz, associate director for Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems at Oxfam America, notes one of the key issues of concern for their organization is an acknowledgement that hunger and poverty are concentrated in rural areas. Fair-trade efforts address those inequalities while also supporting

community engagement and dialogue, democratic participation in decision-making and women’s empowerment.

“Some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities and households are those that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods,” he remarks. “Farmers involved in or selling into global supply chains, or even regional or national value chains, find themselves at a disadvantage. They are least able to negotiate a good return on the cost of their goods, or access markets that are going to adequately compensate them for their work and benefit from their labor. Fair trade is an effort at getting at that issue.”

Environmental concerns are inextricably involved in fair-trade negotiations. Nancy Demuth, director of outreach for Chicago Fair Trade, cites the example of coffee bean farmers in East Africa that are dealing with the negative impacts that unpredictable weather patterns

have on their yields. “Those farmers will be farming less, and that means they’re earning less money,” she explains. “If they are using unsustainable environmental techniques, then that might be negatively impacting their soil health, and in 10 to 20 years’ time, their soil will be less productive.” To be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must improve soil and water quality, avoid harmful chemicals and reduce waste and emissions.

Retailers Leading the Way

Since 2010, Tracy Zhu has been selling fairtrade items at her clothing shop, Tango Zulu, in Port Gamble, Washington, and about two years ago, many of her customers began to ask for environmentally responsible products. “There seems to be more awareness of the waste and pollution in the garment industry,” Zhu says. “People are interested in sustainable clothing and also items made from clothing scraps, like upcycled kantha dish towels [made of quilted rags].”

Melissa Kendrick of Sojourns, a fair-trade retailer in Birmingham, Alabama, has likewise changed her inventory to serve a burgeoning interest in conservation. “Upcycled items received lots of attention, and more and more, we saw customers reacting to the information we posted about sustainability aspects of our products,” she says. “Now we see them actively asking about and seeking out items that have a smaller environmental footprint. We even have a section in our online shop that highlights items that are exceptionally eco-friendly.”

Zhu and Kendrick are responding to a rising and vocal support for companies and brands that align with their interests and values. Consumers increasingly ask questions about issues beyond the working conditions or compensation of the people producing the items. They want to know how fair trade impacts the environment and are willing to shift their purchasing power accordingly.

Reducing Consumption

Dampening uncontrolled consumerism is also a concern. “Part of what we do is talk about stopping the madness of mindless consumption,” notes Katherine Bissell Cordova, executive director of Chicago Fair Trade. The nonprofit hosts free clothing swaps, fashion shows featuring recycled garments and opportunities to engage with other advocates at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, the first of its kind in the U.S.

What consumers do makes a difference, and Demuth encourages individuals to do all they can where they live. “Pick something that is of interest to you and see if you can make one switch,” she recommends. “Do one thing to make a positive difference, rather than overwhelm yourself by trying to suddenly shop 100 percent ethical, because it’s impossible to do that in our society.”

Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.

Part One of Special Series on Fertility

The Eye-Opening Truth About Fertility

by Dr. Susan Fox

Global declines in birth rates have made headlines, but the rise of male and female infertility has largely been overlooked. Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after trying for one year. In 2021, Scientific American reported that the world-wide fertility rate dropped by almost 1 percent per year from 1960 to 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 5 American married women in their reproductive years have difficulty in either getting pregnant or carrying to a live birth, and 11.4 percent of men ages 15-49 have some form of infertility.

For women, a study found a 1 percent per year increase in reported miscarriage rates in the US over a two-decade period. The increase in infertility among women has manifested itself in the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization among younger women, not just those that waited to start families until after age 35. There also has been an increasing trend in the use of gestational surrogacy as family has taken on a wider definition than traditionally, and as corporations have begun to include fertility benefits in their employee compensation packages.

Numerous studies have identified an increase in male fertility issues, including:

• Declines in sperm concentration (52 percent) and total sperm count (nearly 60 percent) between 1973 and 2011. At this rate, average sperm count could be zero by the middle of this century.

• Decreases in testosterone levels of almost 1 percent per year during recent decades in excess of natural, agerelated declines.

• Declines in total testosterone levels among adolescent and young adult males from 1999 to 2016.

• Increases in testicular cancer rates.

• Increases in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction among younger men.

Susan Fox is Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Marin County, California, and has specialized in working with women and couples navigating fertility challenge for more than 20 years. Connect at healthyouniversity.co and drsusanfox.com.

There is hope! Watch in November for our next article in this series. Also, learn more, access valuable resources today, and get your COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS PASS for the very special January 20-24 fertility immersive event. Scan the QR Code.

Financial Planning for Pet Illnesses

How Pet Insurance Can Help

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Although approximately 82 million U.S. households own a pet, only a small fraction—around 5.4 million—were insured by the end of 2023. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28 percent of American pet owners encountered barriers to pet care in the past two years, primarily due to financial constraints.

Pet insurance can provide crucial financial support during unexpected emergencies or costly treatments, but deciding whether to invest isn’t always simple. Some pet owners are hesitant due to concerns about cost, policy complexity or the belief that insurance might not be necessary. However, many that do opt for insurance report significant benefits.

Eases Financial Worries

One of the most significant benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides, allowing families to focus on their pet’s health without constantly worrying about the financial implications. Patrons of Trupanion Pet Insurance have noted how insurance has made managing their pet’s health care easier because they have to meet the deductible only once per new condition, after which 90 percent of the costs are covered. Trupanion also covers alternative treatments like acupuncture.

Simplifies Decision-Making

AKC Pet Insurance covers preexisting conditions after 365 days—a crucial factor

when a pet has medical problems at the time of adoption. If a pet later develops a related ailment that requires costly testing, the insurance will cover these costs, allowing a pet owner to make the best decision for their pet without financial constraints.

Promotes Preventive Care

Many insurance plans, like those offered by Pets Best, include coverage for preventive care such as check-ups, vaccinations and wellness visits, which encourages pet owners to maintain regular veterinary visits. By catching potential health issues early, pet owners can avoid more costly

treatments down the road, ensuring that their pets live healthier lives.

Reduces the Burden of HighCost Treatments

Facing a high-cost treatment can be daunting, and in such cases, an insurance company that provides this level of coverage can be a lifesaver, enabling pet owners to provide the necessary care without the fear of financial ruin. A study published in Animals found that pet health insurance significantly increased the amount spent at the veterinarian, with insured dog owners spending an average of $211 more on

veterinary care compared to those without insurance. While extra spending appears to be an argument against the value of pet insurance, the study’s authors present it as a positive, noting that as pet insurance alleviates owners’ financial stress, it encourages them to invest more in their pet’s health care.

Saves Lives

The financial strain of veterinary care can often lead to emotional distress for pet owners, particularly when they are forced to make difficult decisions in an emergency. A 2020 study published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science showed that insured dogs had a significantly lower pre-surgical euthanasia rate (10 percent) compared to non-insured dogs (37 percent). This suggests that pet insurance allows owners to choose lifesaving treatments rather than face the heartbreaking decision of euthanasia due to financial constraints.

Pet Insurance Shopping Guidelines

• Preexisting Conditions: Most pet insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions. To ensure coverage, enroll a pet in an insurance plan before any significant health issues arise.

• Waiting Periods: Many pet insurance plans include waiting periods before coverage begins, during which illness or injury may not be covered.

• Coverage Limits: Pet insurance policies vary in their coverage limits, including annual, per-incident or lifetime caps. Review these provisions carefully to understand the maximum amount the insurance will pay in different scenarios.

• Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Policies differ in how they handle deductibles and reimbursement levels.

Some may have higher deductibles but offer higher reimbursement rates. Choose a plan that fits both the budget and healthcare needs.

• Alternative and Holistic Care: Not all plans include coverage for holistic treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, so the selected policy should align with the owner’s preferences.

• Understanding Exclusions: Some insurance plans may exclude services for routine wellness care, dental cleanings or certain hereditary conditions. Understanding these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.

• Plan Flexibility: Some insurance providers offer customizable plans, allowing pet owners to choose their deductible, coverage limits and options. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it requires careful consideration to ensure the best value for the money.

Deciding whether to invest in pet insurance is a personal choice that should align with the owner’s financial planning, the pet’s health and the priorities set for their pet’s care. Pet insurance can be a useful tool for managing veterinary expenses, offering peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise.

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

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

Saturday, October 5

High Vibrational Wellness – 11am-1:30pm. Book signing and presentation featuring several local authors, with special offers and giveaways. Center for Spiritual Living, 406 SW 24th Ave, Cape Coral. 239-5746463. RSVP: Info@GiftOfficial.com.

Wednesday, October 9

Posture & Breathing: Partners in Strength & Balance – Oct 9 & 16. 6-7:15pm. Efforting to be upright and to breathe is a common response to stress, fatigue and pain/strain. Choosing awareness of postural alignment and easy breathing patterns offers you more ease, strength and balance in your daily activities. $35/2 classes; $20/1 class. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 3, Ft Myers. Register: YoginiKandy62@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See news brief on page 10 and ad on page 45.

Monthly NDE Sharing Group – 6:308:30pm. 2nd Wed. Approved by IANDS, it’s a safe space for those who’ve had Near Death Experiences, their families or anyone interested. Fosters support, education and dialogue, promoting community and understanding. Center for Spiritual Living, 406 SE 24th Ave, Cape Coral. Free, donations welcome. For more info, Liz: 314-4125539. IANDS.org.

Friday, October 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. $35 cash/20 mins. Goddess I Am, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAm.com. See ad, page 41.

Saturday, October 12

Forest Bathing at Unity of Naples – 9:3011:30am. With Go Forest Bathing. The wooded property features a short trail system, scenic pond and labyrinth. $45. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. Pre-registration required: bit.ly/3z3XBi1.

Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center

One-Year Anniversary – Oct 12-13. 1-3pm & 4-6pm. Special guest Theresa Beuerly provides guests with a sound therapy experience with her sound bowls in the scalar waves. Owner Rose Neal will also speak. Snacks and beverages provided as well as several giveaways. Cost for either sound therapy session: $99 prepayment; $112

with bath salt soak. 1126 Country Club Blvd, Cape Coral. 239-200-7810. See ad on page 5 and news brief on page 10.

Sunday, October 13

Light Code Activations – 9-11am. Channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $33. Goddess I Am, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAm.com.

Quantum Scalar Wave Wellness Center One-Year Anniversary – Oct 12-13. 1-3pm & 4-6pm. See listing on October 12th for more details.

Saturday, October 19

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. $35 cash/20 mins. Goddess I Am, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAm.com.

Great Bones Book Club & Food Sampling – 1:30-3pm. Join us on an integrative and positive journey to get smart about healing and maintaining our bones. Our guide is Dr. R. Keith McCormick’s book published in 2023, Great Bones, Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis. We explore a wide toolkit by tapping into our own powers via holistic healing as well as functional and Western Medicine, and we bring in experts on practical issues. $10. Virtual. Register: Deb@LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Friday, October 25

Experiencing Infinite Peace: A 3-Day Spiritual Meditation Retreat – Oct 25-27. With Dr. Brian Healy. A unique opportunity to look inward and experience the Divine Presence within. Learn about the wisdom and techniques that have been generously

shared with him. All-inclusive retreat. $479 before Oct 10; Commuter rates available starting at only $199. Marriott Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel, 20371 Summerlin Rd, Ft Myers. Register: SanibelWellness. com/Yoga. See Event Spotlight, page 16. See ad, page 7.

Saturday, October 26

Lotus Blossom Clinic Open House – 12:304pm. Dr. David Martin, acupuncturist, and Vickie Gelardi, a Holistic Health Consultant, will discuss the process of and answer questions about Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatment. Also includes tours of the facility and more. 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2. 239-277-1377. LotusBlossomClinic.com. See news brief, page 10. Tea & Tarot – 4-7pm. 4th Sat. Featuring psychics, healers, energy work, tarot, oracle, reiki and aura mapping. $35/20 mins. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com. See ads, pages 12 and 21.

Sunday, October 27

Let’s Go Upside Down! An Inversion Workshop – 1-4pm. With Meredith Musick. Designed for teachers and students with 3+ yrs of experience or more. $65. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter. com. See news brief, page 10. Channeling and Healing Gallery – 4-6pm. Join Beth, a Master Channeler with 30+ years, for an afternoon of Channeling Mary Magdalene & Healing 1:1. Beth is a Quantum Healer who can work with past life issues, energy blocks, attachments, the cause of disease, pain, imbalances in your energy bodies and more. $60/20 mins. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Plan Ahead

Saturday,

November 16

Naples Spirit Fest – 9am-4pm. Presented by Goddess I Am. Festival features over 50 readers, healers and unique vendors. Goddess I Am offering a full schedule of indepth, extensive and varied workshops. $10/at door; $7.50/online presale tickets. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAm.com. See ad on page 31 and news brief on page 13.

Thursday, November 21

Sip & See Holiday Pop-Up Shopping Event – 4-7pm. Experience amazing talents and passions brought to you by local SWFL vendors. $40 mini-facials, wine and snacks, shopping of clothing, jewelry, skincare and more. Free admission. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-317-2940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Thursday, January 23

Reset & Renew Women’s Retreat  – Jan 23-26. Start 2025 with intention with a transformative weekend designed to recharge your mind, body and spirit. Join us for yoga, workshops and meaningful connections on the serene riverfront near Tampa Bay. Embrace the New Year with clarity and purpose. More info, Britt & Kim: 904-370-3895 or 4SRetreats.com.

Ongoing Events

Daily

Allstar Dance Studio Group Classes – From the grace of ballet through the expressiveness of contemporary dance, Spanish dances and hip hop, into more than 20 ballroom and Latin partner dances, we have the dance for you. 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Studio: 239-304-9013. Mobile: 239-682-2124. Allstar@AllstarDanceStudio.com.

Allstar Dance Studio: Social Parties and Private Lessons – Explore different dance styles, enjoy the tremendous health benefits of dance, socialize with new friends, and develop your dance skills. Special early bird discount. 3339 Tamiami Trl N, Naples. Studio: 239-304-9013. Mobile: 239-682-2124. Allstar@AllstarDanceStudio.com.

Kayak Eco-Tours – Explore the lush waters of Southwest Florida on the gentle quietness of a kayak and see Florida wildlife while respecting it. GAEA Guides offers several different kayak tours that vary in time and location, guided by a Florida Master Naturalist. 239-694-5513. GAEAGuides.com

Sunday

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. Experience an atmosphere of healing while using Reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. $20. Goddess I AM, 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Naples Florida Community of Mindfulness Meeting – 6-8pm. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way, Naples. FloridaMindfulness.org/naples.

Monday

Healthy Happy Hour – 2-5pm. Also held Wed & Fri. Specially priced IV nutrient/rehydration therapy and vitamin injections from the IV nutrient experts. Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, 12734 Kenwood Ln, Ste 56, Ft Myers. 239-425-2900. rtcausesmd.com/iv-therapy.html. See ad, page 19.

Wednesday

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.

Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living.

—Louis P. De Gouy

Thursday

Yoga and Meditation – 9:30am. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Friday

Sound Bath Meditations – 10-11am. Also Sat. $15. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-3172940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought. com. See ad, page 3

Saturday

Qigong with Dee – 9:30-10:30am. A mindbody-spirit practice that improves one’s mental and physical health by integrating posture, movement, breathing technique, self-massage, sound and focused intent. All levels. $18/class, $75/6-class package. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Pre-register, Dee: 570-417-9823. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Sound Bath Meditations – 10-11am. $15. Soluna Medical Aesthetics, 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs. 239-3172940. SolunaMedicalAesthetics.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought.com.

Classifieds

Products

Crystals, Gemstones, Jewerly and More – Crystals large and small, Gemstones from A-Z, lots of jewelry, glass stone beads, tumble stones, etc. Buddhas, feng shui books and items, turtles and more. So much inventory you can start your own business. Super low prices, 50% off or more. Email: StoneAge@ mindspring.com or text: 239-246-4703.

Services

Truth Seeker’s – Looking for 3-5 people to mentor for free, after listening and resonating with podcast episodes: YouTube. com/@SpirtualTruthSeeker. If you are ready to grow your soul, please contact Diane: 562-354-6878 or DivinelyGuided4u2bu@ gmail.com.

Treatment Room for Lease

Lovely, Private Space Inside Movement Studio in Ft. Myers – Perfect for Pilates, fitness trainer, PT. $600/month or negotiable terms. Vicki: 239-770-8670.

Community Resource Guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email AlinaD@SWFLnaturalawakenings.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 more than 28 years of experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Experienced in pain management, women’s health, insomnia, migraines, digestion issues and much more.

LOTUS BLOSSOM CLINIC

Acupuncture – Oriental Medicine

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

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

Ayurveda

CHRISTINA CARLIN, AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

Ayurveda Clinic, Massage & Yoga Therapy 501 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Ste A107, Naples 34102 • 239-450-6903

Practicing holistic medicine since 1987. Professional Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, specializing in highly personalized Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle consultations, massage and individual yoga sessions for chronic and acute problems. Pancha Karma, Shirodhara and skin care. Ayurveda and Yoga Study program available. MA0023929, MM0008584, FB0716888. See ad, page 14.

Bodywork

ART OF HOLISTIC MASSAGE EST. 1991

Alvina Quatrano, LMT FL MA 50896 For Info or Appt: 732-266-5276 AOHMassage.com

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

PAULA TERRY, LMT

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

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

Chiropractor

NETWORK CHIROPRACTOR

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

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

Grateful Aging

Colon Therapy

RB INSTITUTE, INC.

C. Robyn Berry, LMT, CRR, CCT, CLDT 12651 McGregor Blvd, Ste 5-502, Ft Myers 239-939-4646 • RobynBerry.com

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

Compounding Pharmacy

UPTOWN CHEMIST

Pharmacy, Compounding, Wellness

Norman Ruiz-Castaneda, PharmD, Owner/Pharmacist

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

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

Coming in November

Dental Health

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 208 Ft Lauderdale FL 33308

855-381-6001

954-945-7355 (new patients) GoNaturalDentistry.com

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

NAPLES FAMILY DENTIST

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

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

Energy Healing & Psychic Medium

ADENA JADE

239-227-0979

AdenaJade.com illuminedsol@gmail.com

20-year Reiki practitioner. Offering Loving Alchemy Quantum Healing©, tuning fork healing, mediumship, tarot and oracle readings, and intuitive coaching. Gentle, heart-based services.

Functional Medicine

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

George Moricz, MD

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

Specializing in hormonal management and women’s health, Dr. Moricz has more than 20 years of experience. He is experienced in hormone optimization, medical bariatrics and anti-aging therapies. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Rona Tagalog, ARNP

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

Rona Tagalog is a licensed, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience. She provides primary and functional medicine care to all ages with a focus on body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 47.

NAPLES CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Lina Sakr, MD

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

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

ZORAYDA “JIJI” TORRES, MD, ABIHM,

IFMCP

Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine Office: 239-444-5636 upstreammd.com

Dr. Torres is a board-certified internist with over 17 years of experience and knows the limitations of conventional internal medicine. She is among the few Certified Practitioner M.D.s, trained by the Institute For Functional Medicine. See ad, page 31.

Health Coaching

MARCY HESS, BS

501 Goodlette Rd N, Ste C208, Naples 239-231-6028

ThePerfect10Strength@gmail.com

Looking and feeling strong and healthy is the first reason for working with a nutrition coach. Let me help you get back on track for life without dieting! See ad, page 42.

ANDREA JOY HEALTH COACHING

Certified Health And Mindset Coach Andreajoyhealthcoaching.com  239-287-5083, Virtual or In-Person andreajoyhealthcoach@gmail.com

Mindset Coach focused on nutrition and mindfulness. Individual and group programs teach you to build stress resilience, increase energy, reduce cravings and lower inflammation. Education and accountability with a twist of fun!

Healthy Dining

FOOD & THOUGHT

ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ 2132 Tamiami Trl N, Naples 239-213-2222

FOOD & THOUGHT 2

ORGANIC FARM MARKET & CAFÉ 7941 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples 239-791-3663 • 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 3.

Life is just a slide. Back and forth between loving and leaving, remembering and forgetting, holding on, and letting go.

—Nicole Lyons

Hypnotherapy/ Neuro ProgrammingLinguistic(NLP)

LAURIE CONROD, MNLP, CCHT, MTT, EFTP, MSC

Naples, FL • 239-785-2711

Laurie@lcAssetManagement.com lcAssetManagement.com

“Your mind is your most valuable asset.” Eliminate negative emotions, emotional blocks, limiting beliefs, break bad habits, start good habits, eliminate cravings, create confidence and more. In only one session. Specializing in helping women navigating divorce.

Med Spa

SOLUNA MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Dr. Andrew P. Kontos, MD 8800 Bernwood Pkwy, Unit 2, Bonita Springs, 34135 • 239-317-2940 solunamedicalaesthetics@gmail.com

Offering cosmetic, aesthetic face and body treatments, brows/waxing and lashes. Addressing all your skincare needs and concerns for anti-aging, acne, wrinkles, scarring, dark spots and more. See ad, page 21.

Natural & Organic Market

ADA’S NATURAL MARKET

7070 College Pkwy, Ft Myers 33907

Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Ph: 239-939-9600 • Fax: 239-288-6210 AdasMarket.com

Natural and organic produce and grocery items. Vitamins and supplements. Organic juice and smoothie bar. New Green Leaf Café. Market-prepared foods. 1,000s of gluten-free items. 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 Springs • 239-676-5249

D-SignedNutrition.com

Nutrition is our lifeblood. Healing with food starts with a personalized plan to address inflammation, nutrient insufficiencies, toxic burden and imbalances in the body. See ad, page 13.

Space Clearing & Feng Shui

EVA SAHLIN INTERIORS

239-848-5398

Increase profits, invite harmony, clear your home, and declutter your mind. Let energetic technologies and Feng Shui reset your world for success in 2024.

Yoga & Massage

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

MeredithMusick.com

Yoga’s ancient/modern healthcare system improves and enhances life at every age. Practicing massage, and teaching yoga, for over 30 years, Meredith uses many tools: Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage, Sports and NMT, Lymph massage, alignment-based yoga, and myofascial release, TMJ relief, and facial massage. Take a moment for yourself!