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Hello and welcome to our April edition. The celebration of spring is an uplifting time for it’s animal babies, new growth and blooming flowers. Enjoy every minute of this short season. Celebrate Central Florida Earth Day’s 18th annual festival at Lake Eola on the 22nd. See our back cover for details. The following Saturday is Earth Fest ’23 at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry. The ad on page 15 has all the info about this event. Both are family friendly and draw from all over Central Florida.

Achieving sustainable sources of healthy food is the focus of our main feature, “A New Dawn On The Farm Front.” Learn about the challenges to stepping away from industrialized agriculture. The Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROC) standard helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. Its three pillars, soil health, animal welfare and social fairness, are designed to ameliorate the problems associated with conventional agriculture. ROC members include Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia. Farming techniques proposed by the ROC are designed to rebuild soil with a variety of standards including crop rotation, cover crops, no tillage, no GMO seeds and no synthetic inputs of any kind. Jeff Moyer, the CEO of Rodale Institute, which champions regenerative organic agriculture is interviewed in Wise Words. Moyer is hopeful about the future of agriculture and its ability to produce the amount of food needed worldwide.

Spring is the season when many begin exercise routines or increase their workouts to get ready for beach season. Repairing muscles after exercise with a solid-muscle recovery plan uses techniques including earthing, hydration, diet, massage and contrast therapy. See our Fit Body article on page 26 for details.

I encourage you to take a break from your mobile devices and immerse in nature this month. We’re preparing a fantastic May edition, focused on women’s health, with a live, online event featuring the Top Women in Wellness.

Bye for now,

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Rebecca Young, Publisher

Swiss Mountain Clinic Retreat in June

Empowering Wellness is hosting a Swiss Mountain Clinic Retreat from June 4 to 11, in Castaneda, Switzerland. Attendees of this rejuvenating, empowering and cleansing health retreat will detoxify, restore and renew utilizing European holistic medicine, herbs, advanced technology, therapies and treatments. They can choose either the Liver Detox Plan or the Wellness Plan.

The eight-day clinic will include doctor consultations, diagnostics, dark-field microscopy, colon hydrotherapy (with Liver Detox Plan), acupuncture (with Wellness Plan), biophoton therapy, infusion therapies, Vichy showers, massages, meditation, yoga, hiking, aromatherapy classes, Indiba treatments, neural therapy, oxygen infusion therapy (with Liver Detox Plan), infrared sauna therapy and more.

“The staff at the Swiss Mountain Clinic specializes in understanding what is going on in your body using a holistic approach,” explains Empowering Wellness owner Leona Douglass, an experienced licensed massage therapist, reiki master, ACE certified personal trainer, theta practitioner, frequency practitioner, shaman and Young Living independent distributor.

“Through corrective and preventative measures, the aim is to restore balance in the body by eliminating toxins and supporting ultimate cellular function,” adds Douglass. “Diagnostics, including blood analysis, help us to understand what is going on deep within. With a 360 degree view of you, they develop a unique treatment plan to meet your medical needs.”

Attendees will begin and complete their days with various group classes, such as yoga, mindful movement and aromatherapy, notes Douglass. They will also get to enjoy an outing in the beautiful countryside and visit the historic city of Bellinzona and the lakeside city of Ascona or Locarno, where they will have an opportunity to do some shopping, dine and soak up the arts and culture.

“There is no other wellness facility I have seen in the over 105 countries I have visited like this,” shares Douglass, who says she plans to make this an annual retreat. “I want to help support and empower people fully in their health and wellness journeys.”

Cost: From $6,399 per person (airfare not included). 50% deposit due by April 10; balance due by May 8. Pay in full prior to April 10 and receive a $500 discount and get a free energy and intention setting session with Douglass. For more information or to register, visit EmpoweringWellness.me See ad on page 31

Weekly Tai Chi Classes Available

Laurie Gomon Ring—a certified Pai Lum instructor with 40 years of experience in tai chi and kung fu—is offering tai chi classes on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, in Ormond Beach, and from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Piggotte Community Center, in South Daytona. She also offers a weekly Thursday class from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church.

“Our classes involve five-element meditation, temple exercises, technique training, self-defense application and form training,” says Ring, who was trained by grandmaster Daniel K. Pai. “All skill and ability levels are welcome. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for easy movement.”

Tai chi chuan is a system of movement evolving from the yin/yang philosophy embraced by the Chinese culture for thousands of years, explains Ring. The origin of the actual movements came much later during the fifth century when Ta-Mo (Bodhidharma) brought his religious teachings from India to China.

Physical training movements based on the “five animal games” emphasizing the yin/yang harmony were used to develop mental and physical abilities and natural meditation, but also included the martial art of self-defense. Over the centuries, these became the family styles found in China and now spread around the world.

Tai chi chuan, known as an internal art, has many fascinating benefits, including increased wellness, mobility, strength and vigor; better balance; improved mental focus; and stress reduction.

Cost: $10 per class. Locations: Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N. Halifax Dr.; Piggotte Community Center, 504 Big Tree Rd.; Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church (Room 9), 105 Amsden Rd. For more information, call or text 386-679-3228. See ad on page 8.

Leona Douglas

Spring is the best life coach: It gives you all the energy you want, all the positive thoughts you wish and all the boldness you need!

~Mehmet Murat ildan

Women’s Wellness Fest

The Women’s Wellness Fest—a recurring event that is all about empowering women through community, connection and education—takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 22, Earth Day, at the Seawalk Pavilion, in Jacksonville Beach. Natural Awakenings is proud to sponsor this fun-filled event, which will include yoga, Pilates, breathwork, meditation, public speakers, dancing, a sound bath and more, plus a vendor village with more than 35 local vendors and nonprofits that will be open to the public. Products and services available at the vendor village will include chiropractors, massage therapists, gemstones, apparel, candles, jewelry and more.

“Women’s Wellness Fest helps to eliminate the fear of the unknown,” shares festival founders Mary Beth Perrone and Karen Wood. “It provides women with the opportunity to experience different wellness activities and techniques in a safe, judgment-free environment so they can find whatever works best for them on their wellness journey. Come join us on April 22, and let’s celebrate being a woman, being in community, and this beautiful planet on which we live.”

Perrone and Wood came up with the idea for Women’s Wellness Fest over lunch in October 2021, and just four months later, in February 2022, the first Women’s Wellness Fest was held. To their delight, and to the delight of those in attendance, their vision of creating a safe space for women to come together in community without comparison or competition was realized.

“Bring your yoga mat, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, blanket, props of any kind (even pillows),” adds Perrone. “Nourish with amazing food from a host of vendors with options for all dietary needs. Food trucks, our raffle table and the vendor village will be accepting credit cards and cash. Come with friends or come alone and leave with new friends. You are sure to make more than one. We promise. Leave with new connections, new information, a sense of peace and calm, and a super cool swag bag filled with goodies.”

The Women’s Wellness Fest is a proud supporter of V for Victory, a local nonprofit helping local families battling cancer with support from local small businesses.

Cost: $67 (a more than $120 value). Location: 75 1st St. N. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit WomensWellnessFest.com See ad on page 6.

Join Natural Awakenings at Lake Eola Park on Earth Day

The 18th annual Central Florida Earth Day (CFED) will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 22 at Lake Eola Park (east side), in downtown Orlando. CFED is organized by Vegetarians of Central Florida and is intended to inspire appreciation for our environment and its inhabitants. It is the largest Earth Day event in central Florida. There will be other Earth Week activities leading up to this festival.

CFED will feature speakers, presentations, food preparation demonstrations, kids’ activities, environmental education, humane education, an animal haven, an artist corner, live music and entertainment, restaurant booths, 200-plus eco-friendly vendors and much more.

Be sure to visit the Natural Awakenings tent in Sponsor Row.

Cost: Admission is free. Location: 512 E. Washington St. See ad on back cover.

New Smyrna Meditation And Healing Center

Pranic Healing® is a highly evolved and tested system of energy medicine developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui that utilizes life force to balance, harmonize and transform the body’s energy processes. Pranic Healing® is a simple yet powerful & effective system of no-touch energy healing.

Pranic Healing® is a highly evolved and tested system of energy medicine developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui that utilizes our natural energy to support the healing of body issues, stress, and to clear the mind.

CBD Made Easy Announces Exclusive Retail Partners

Age Advantage Brands, an Atlanta-based manufacturer of professional-grade CBD and natural skin care products, announces that Heath’s Natural Foods, in New Smyrna Beach, and Debbie’s Health Foods, in Orange City, are now exclusive retail partners of their CBD Made Easy brand. Andrew Strickman, founder and chief innovation officer of Age Advantage Brands, will be offering samples and information at Heath’s on April 3 and at

CBD Products As Good As They Get!

Special Easter Offerings and More at Heath’s Natural Foods

Heath’s Natural Foods, in New Smyrna Beach, is all set for Easter. Hop on over to Heath’s for a variety of organic and Fairtrade candy, mini-eggs, healthy chocolate bars, gummies and more. In addition, they recently started carrying fresh-cut flowers, and in honor of Easter, have lilies for the month of April. Their impressive assortment of bouquets is fit for any Easter celebration or occasion.

Having Issues with Pain, Anxiety, Stress, Sleep, Overeating, or Energy & Focus?

Our Issue-Specific, High-Efficacy, One-Of-A Kind CBD Hemp Oils May Help!

Launched in January 2019, with distribution through health food stores and pharmacies, the CBD Made Easy brand offers a complete line of CBD products as good as they get. These include CBD, CBG, CBN, THCV and Delta-8 hemp oils; vegan CBD, THCV, Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies; pain topicals; and CBD hemp oil for dogs and

The award-winning health food store and deli is also featuring Terry Naturally’s Curamin and CuraMed supplements this month. For occasional muscle pain due to exercise or overuse, it’s safe, effective and non-addictive pain relief* one can count on. Customers will receive a free book, Curcumin, the 21st Century Cure, just for stopping in. This number one selling brand for more than 10 years has won more than 30 awards and has over 60 published studies.

Debbie’s Health Foods 862 Saxon Blvd Orange City (386) 775-7002

“CBD Made Easy products are organic and contain no fillers or synthetic or GMO ingredients,” says Strickman. The company uses pressed hemp seed oil, rather than MCT oil, as the carrier to ensure the maximum bioavailability of the infused cannabinoids. “Additionally, our patented PerfectDose dropper with a calibrated pipette, where one squeeze equals one milliliter, ensures accu-

Heath’s Natural Foods 600 E 3rd Ave New Smyrna Beach (386) 423-5126

Locations: Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd.; Heath’s Natural Foods, 600 E. 3rd Ave. For more information about Debbie’s, call . For more informaHeathsNaturalFoods.

Heath’s Natural Foods has the largest selection of supplements in the area and a helpful staff that has years of experience in the health and wellness industry. Heath’s specializes in the finest natural supplements, herbs and extracts; gluten-free products; natural products; organic wine and beer and produce; natural pet food and products; environmentally safe cleaning products; and grass-fed beef, organic and freerange chicken, turkey and bacon.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Location: 600 E. 3rd Ave. For more information, call 386-423-5126 or visit HeathsNaturalFoods.com. Also follow them on Instagram and Facebook. See ad on page 15.

Exercise for the Brain

Researchers in the UK compared the effect that different types of daily movement had on overall cognition, memory and executive function. Their study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, reported that replacing sitting, sleeping or gentle movement with less than 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity (brisk walking, bicycling, running up and down stairs, aerobic dancing, jogging, running or swimming) can protect the brain and improve working memory and executive processes like planning and organization. The intensity of the exercise matters, and study participants that engaged in light physical activity, rather than more vigorous activity, saw declines in cognitive performance. However, light activity is still more beneficial than sitting, the scientists found.

The data for these findings was taken from the 1970 British Cohort Study, an ongoing survey that tracks the health of a group of UK-born adults. The group of nearly 4,500 participants consented, at age 46, to wear an activity tracker and complete verbal memory and executive functioning tests, and they were followed from 2016 to 2018.

Screening Children for Anxiety

After a systematic review of 39 studies to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a group of disease prevention and medical experts assembled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, now recommends that primary care physicians perform such screenings, even if there are no signs or symptoms of anxiety.

A common mental health condition in the U.S., anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or worry that manifests as emotional and physical symptoms. In children and adolescents, it is associated with impaired functioning, educational underachievement and an increased likelihood of a future anxiety disorder or depression. The 2018-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health found that 7.8 percent of children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 had a current anxiety disorder.

USPSTF recommended using screening questionnaires to identify children at risk, noting that studies show that children with anxiety benefit from treatments that may include cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy. They also concluded that there is insufficient evidence to assess children 7 years old or younger.

Possible Links Between Veggie Diets and Depression

Plant-based diets have been associated with several health benefits, but not much is known about their effects on mental health. A new Brazilian study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders surveyed more than 14,000 people between the ages of 35 and 74 for a period of six months and found that those following a vegetarian diet were twice as likely to have a depressive episode than meat eaters, even when other lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and micronutrient intake were taken into account. The nature of this correlation between vegetarianism and depression is still unclear, and more research is needed.

Josep Suria/ ShutterStock.com

Next Month: TOP WOMEN IN WELLNESS

Don't miss interviews and lifestyle tips for reducing stress.

Scan the QR code to JOIN US LIVE ONL INE as these top women in wellness share their expert insights for reducing stress and achieving WELLthier Living!

Trevor Cates, ND Stress Impact on Skin

Jaclyn Chasse, ND Stress and Fertility

Carol Penn, DO Aging Gracefully

Carrie Jones, MD, FAAP Stress and your Thyroid

Jaquel Patterson, ND, IFMCP Sleep, Cortisol and its Relation to Stress

Anna Cabeca DO, OBGYN, FACOG S t res s a nd Lib i do

Arti Chandra, MD, MPH Healing Your Gut

Anne Marie Fine, ND Cracking the Beauty Code

Kela Smith, PhD DNM Stress & Fertility

Jyl Steinbeck Women’s Health & Homeopathy

SCAN HERE

Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Batteries

A Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, in partnership with Stora Enso, one of the largest private forest owners in the world, has developed a battery for electric vehicles (EV) with an anode made of sustainably raised and harvested wood instead of graphite, paving the way for battery production from a renewable source.

The partners figured out a way to extract lignin, a carbon-rich natural binder that comprises up to 30 percent of many trees, and turn it into a material they call Lignode. According to Stora Enso, by replacing graphite or copper anodes with Lignode, lithium-ion batteries will offer faster charging and discharging, higher cycling stability and more efficient performance in low temperature.

More than 50 percent of the EV’s carbon footprint comes from the manufacture of its battery—both in sourcing raw materials and producing the component. Mining graphite is an expensive and labor-intensive process that requires considerable resources that come from parts of the world where workers’ rights are inadequately protected. While Northvolt’s battery is not on the market yet, this development, along with others like solid-state batteries, may help to reduce the carbon footprint of EVs.

EARTH DAY 2023 INVESTING IN OUR PLANET

by Sandra Yeyati

This year’s Earth Day theme—Invest in Our Planet—reminds us that it is not enough to merely celebrate our ancestral home for one day. We are called upon to dedicate our time, money and talents year-round to ensure a sustaining and just world for generations to come. The motto also calls attention to the economic realities and opportunities of the climate crisis. It is no wonder that EarthDay.org , the global organizer of this annual event, decided to keep the same theme as last year, thus underscoring a continuing need to bring global economies together in harmony with the environment.

“In 2023, we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous and equitable future.

We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to invest in our planet,” advises EarthDay.org President Kathleen Rogers.

Surmounting the climate crisis is within reach if we all take action. The time is right for innovators to bring planet-saving ideas to market, and for consumers to stop supporting brands that are socially and environmentally irresponsible—instead, spending money with businesses that take the Earth’s future seriously.

In the voting booth, citizens have the power to elect leaders that will help build a green economy through regulations, incentives and partnerships with the private sector. We can press our congressional representatives to support clean energy jobs and move away from the doomed fossil

fuel economy.

There are many ways to make a difference in our daily lives, too. We can eat sustainable foods, pick up trash while on a run, participate in beach cleanups, reduce our use of plastic, write our representative, switch to solar power, take reusable bags to the grocery store, drive an electric vehicle, compost, go pesticide-free, plant a pollinator garden, support local farmers, eat less meat, purchase secondhand clothing, use environmentally friendly cleaning products, turn off lights when not in use, take shorter showers and so much more. Learn about all of the ways to make a difference at EarthDay.org

This year, join one of the empowering events here in Jacksonville and meet planet-loving people that are ready to push up their sleeves, vote with their pocketbooks and dedicate their time to a healthy, equitable and prosperous future on Earth.

18TH ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA

EARTH DAY APRIL 22

10a-6p. Lake Eola Park (East side), Orlando

Join us at Central Florida’s Largest Festival!

Celebrate with live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, educational workshops, vegan food and more.

Farmina Pet Foods Specially Priced at Cap’n Lu’s

Cap’n Lu’s—the health food store for pets in New Smyrna Beach, only sells natural foods and treats containing no additives, fillers or byproducts. They carry the wellknown and respected pet food brand Farmina available for twenty percent off during the month of April.

Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. Their mission is to develop the best all-natural, nutritious and scientifically validated food that both cats and dogs will love. That’s why in their kitchen, they mix and cook only the finest raw ingredients, following strict guidelines set by nutritional experts. With their expertise, Farmina has designed a scientifically validated diet specific to a carnivore’s nutritional needs.

Nature is our biggest source of wealth, which is why Farmina preserves their food’s characteristics using tools and methods Mother Nature gave us. They use tocopherol-rich extracts as a natural preservative for their products and exclude any potential genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and instead use only GMO-free ancestral grains (spelt and oats).

The perfect union between nature and science led to Farmina’s revolutionary food lines—Natural & Delicious Grain-Free and Low Ancestral Grain—designed for a carnivore’s nutritional needs.

Cap’n Lu’s is a veteran-owned small business that got its name from two dogs the owner, Michael DeNato, rescued: Capone and Lulu, the store’s mascots. De-

Nato understands the impact cheap kibble, containing fillers, byproducts and other harmful ingredients, can have on a pet. That is why he only sells premium pet food. But just because it’s healthy, it doesn’t mean it has to be unaffordable.

Farmina products are 20% off during April only at Cap’n Lu’s. Location: 701 E. 3rd Ave., Ste. 1, in New Smyrna Beach. For more information, call 386-957-3032 or visit CapnLus.com See ad on page 29.

~Rachel Ray

The Earth as Muse INSPIRATION MEETS CONSERVATION

Experience

Healthy Alternatives at Nature in Beauty

Owner Elizabeth Jones created Nature in Beauty—an organic beauty boutique and parlor in New Smyrna Beach—for her own health and that of her clients. Those sensitive to artificial scents and chemical fumes can have their hair care done with healthier alternatives to traditional ammoniated color products. During the month of April, they are running a special: receive a free deep conditioning treatment with haircut and style.

“We use organic, cruelty-free products and love seeing our clients enjoy the results of our carefully selected natural products,” shares Jones. “At Nature in Beauty, you’ll discover makeup made from flowers, skin care made from plants, fragrances made with herbs and essential plant oils that come from the ground—not a lab. Even the nail lacquers are free of harmful ingredients and feature all the latest fashion colors.”

Nature in Beauty offers a total organic beauty experience. Services include professional hair care, manicures and pedicures, facials, massage and reflexology, makeup, spa packages and even a girl’s night in for small groups. The team at Nature in Beauty enjoys making other people look and feel good on the inside and out.

Location: 314 Canal St. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 386-576-6730. Also visit NatureInBeautyOrganics.com See ad on page 15.

A NEW DAWN ON THE FARM FRONT STEPPING AWAY FROM INDUSTRIALIZED AGRICULTURE

by Sandra Yeyati

We all have to eat, and the food industry is big business, with wide-ranging implications across many arenas. Because agriculture is controlled by a handful of multinational corporations, the priority to maximize profits often conflicts with what is best for human and planetary health. In many ways, our food production and consumption practices are broken or on the brink of failure. They are inhumane, socially unjust, environmentally unsound and unsustainable.

Viable, achievable solutions to these immense challenges exist, and the emerging consensus is that regenerative organic agriculture is the key to preserving human health and helping solve the climate crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic uncovered weaknesses in the system, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, and altered human behavior as more people started cooking at home and exploring healthier lifestyle choices. The time is right to make positive changes to the way we grow, distribute and consume food.

THE PROBLEMS WITH OUR CURRENT INDUSTRIAL FARMING MODEL

For decades, doctors, scientists, farmers and nonprofits at the forefront of the environmental movement have been sounding the alarm about the inherent weaknesses in the national food chain and the harmful effects of industrial agriculture. In his book Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Planet—One Bite at a Time, Dr. Mark Hyman notes, “Food is the nexus of most of our world’s health, economic, environmental,

climate, social and even political crises. While this may seem like an exaggeration, it is not.”

In the late 1800s, American farming began to transition from small, diverse operations that produced a variety of crops and livestock to feed a family or community to an industrialized system dominated by multinational corporations that focused on maximizing yields of just a few crops, primarily corn, soy and wheat. Today, these crops overwhelmingly end up as animal feed, biofuels and cheap, processed food ingredients—a staple of the standard American diet since the 1950s.

Industrial agriculture is now the dominant food production system in this country, characterized by large-scale monoculture, heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and meat produced in confined animal feeding operations (CAFO). Most modest family farms have been forced to either get into business with a big company (contract farming) or go out of business. The Natural Resources Defense Council reports that 90 percent of the 9 billion chickens raised each year in the U.S. are grown under contract, and 57 percent of hogs are owned and slaughtered by just four companies. According to Rodale Institute, only 8 percent of farms produce more than four crops, while specialty crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts are grown on just 3 percent of cropland.

With industrial dominance comes numerous devastating consequences.

HUMAN HEALTH COSTS

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, industrially produced food is bad for us on several fronts. Heavy pesticide use is poisoning our food, fertilizer is polluting our drinking water, junk food made of corn and soybeans is degrading our health and the overuse of antibiotics in CAFOs is accelerating the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bioethicist Peter Singer advises, “Factory farms are breeding grounds for new viruses. We’ve had swine flu and avian flu coming out of factory farms. It’s quite possible that the next pandemic will originate there.”

Zach Bush, a triple board-certified physician and producer of the documentary Farmer’s Footprint, says, “Over the last 25 years, we have seen the most profound explosion of chronic disease in human history. Research from around the globe now suggests that environmental factors are contributing to a combination of genetic, neurologic, autoimmune and metabolic injuries that underpin the collapse of health in our children and adults.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that chronic and mental health conditions account for 90 percent of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care expenditures. Obesity affects 20 percent of children and 42 percent of adults. More than 850,000 Americans die of heart disease or stroke annually, and 37 million have diabetes. Each year, more than 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer, while 600,000 succumb to the disease.

“Most of those diseases are caused by our industrial diet, which means they are avoidable if we transform the food we grow,

the food we produce and the food we eat. Eleven million people die every year from a bad diet,” Hyman asserts.

SOLUTIONS USING REGENERATIVE ORGANIC FARMING

Led by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, which includes organizations and brands like Rodale Institute, Dr. Bronner’s and Patagonia, the Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) standard helps consumers make informed choices about their food purchases. Its three pillars—soil health, animal welfare and social fairness—are designed to ameliorate the problems associated with conventional agriculture.

SOIL HEALTH EQUALS PLANETARY AND HUMAN HEALTH

Chemical-heavy farming practices employed by conventional agriculture deplete topsoil, draining it of all its organic matter—the very microbiome needed to nourish the plants we grow and ultimately nourish us. In 2014, Maria-Helena Semedo, of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, said that if current farming practices continue, we have only 60 years of harvest left. The clock is ticking.

Farming techniques proposed by the ROC are designed to continually rebuild soil. They are proven by years of science done at Rodale Institute and practical results achieved by regenerative organic farmers already growing food this way. “On the farm that we operate here at the Institute, we know that Native Americans were farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. We’d like to be farming this land 8,000 to 10,000 years from now. We probably won’t be using tractors or diesel fuel, but we will be using the soil,” says Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer.

Under ROC standards that include a variety of rotating crops, cover crops, no tillage, no synthetic inputs of any kind, no genetically modified seeds and staggered grazing by animals, farms become biodiverse ecosystems with organically rich soil that absorbs water, doesn’t erode over time and produces safe, nutritious food. As J.I. Rodale said, “Healthy soil equals healthy food equals healthy people.”

Healthy soil draws carbon from the atmosphere deep into the ground, and that is a boost for our fight against climate change. “Regenerative organic farming has a very positive impact on climate, because we’re sequestering more carbon than we are emitting,” Moyer explains. “Under its current production model, agriculture is part of the problem. If it’s part of the problem, then it can and should be part of the solution. That’s the whole premise behind the [ROC] standard itself—treating agriculture as one of the primary tools that we’re going to use as a society to improve our relationship with the planet.”

ANIMAL WELFARE IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO

Under the ROC model, animals must be raised in a humane way that frees them from discomfort, fear, distress, hunger, pain, injury and disease, while also being able to express normal behavior. To achieve these aims, they need to be taken out of CAFOs and reintegrated into farmland, so that they are pasture-raised and grass-fed, creating meat that is more nutritious and less diseased without chemical interventions.

“We’re integrating animals onto the cropland, with livestock, chickens, sheep and hogs. Imagine what the Great Plains of the United States was 500 years ago. You had bison, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and myriad different birds, because the birds always followed the migrating animals. We’re trying to mimic that to a small degree on our ranch,” says North Dakota farmer Gabe Brown, who started transitioning into regenerative organic practices in the mid1990s and wrote an influential book on the subject, Dirt to Soil: One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture.

SOCIAL FAIRNESS AND FARMING RESILIENCE

Taking care of the farmers and workers that plant, raise, harvest and transport our food is not just the right thing to do, it also creates a system that is more stable and resilient, says Graham Christensen, a Nebraska farmer and president of GC Resolve. “There are serious issues with how the big agricultural companies are treating workers. We saw horrible situations with COVID in the meatpacking plants and how the workers were being treated. This is just one of the many reasons that this over-centralized, monopolized system is affecting people in bad ways,” he says. “Regenerative organic farming requires more hands-on work, which creates jobs. Structural changes in the food production system to decentralize agriculture in favor of regional markets comprised of smaller farms would allow for more equity and better management of the ecosystem.”

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings magazine.

mythja/ ShutterStock.com

JEFF MOYER

ON FARMING FOR HUMAN AND PLANETARY HEALTH

by Sandra Yeyati

Jeff Moyer is CEO of Rodale Institute, which champions regenerative organic agriculture through scientific research, farmer-support programs and consumer education. On Earth Day, he plans to retire after dedicating 47 years to the influential nonprofit. Moyer revolutionized organic agriculture when he developed and popularized the roller crimper, a device that simplifies no-till crop management and reduces or eliminates the need for herbicides to control weeds. Under his leadership and as a member of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Rodale Institute helped develop a Regenerative Organic Certified standard that expands USDA Certified Organic requirements to include soil health, animal welfare and social fairness pillars.

Image courtesy of RodaInstitute.org

Why is conventional agriculture problematic?

Because it boils down the measurement of farming success to one word: yield. By focusing just on yield and sacrificing long-term resource stability to get it, we’re chewing up topsoil at a national rate of fiveand-a-half tons per acre of farmland per year for short-term economic benefit. You can only do that so long before you run out of topsoil. It doesn’t make sense long-term.

What farming practices does Rodale Institute promote?

We’re suggesting a different production model, based on science, that incorporates other metrics of success: soil health and long-term planetary and human health. As a side bar, let’s say you’re a smoker and you stop smoking—your lungs will regenerate. The same is true with soil. If we change production practices, the soil will regenerate.

Under our Regenerative Organic Certified standard, we want well-thought-out crop rotations to get more biodiversity into the system, cover crops and reduced tillage to get more earthworms, and a reintegration of livestock into farms. I’m not going to argue whether people should be eating animals, but if you are going to have animals in the system, they should be raised on farms with grass, not feed lots with grain.

Why is soil health such a priority?

Healthy soil is more biologically active and has a positive impact on climate because it doesn’t just sequester more carbon, it sequesters it at greater depths. We want carbon to last in the soil for a very long period of time. We don’t want it to be short-cycled in and out of the system, and we want to sequester it at greater depths where we can control it and maintain it for hundreds of years. Ideally, we’ll get it

deeper and deeper in the soil over time.

Can regenerative organic agriculture affordably feed the world?

Affordability is a strange term. Can we produce all the food we need at a reasonable cost? Absolutely. The problem with the conventional model is that we don’t pay the true cost of food production at the point of purchase. As an example, when we have to dredge the Mississippi River because of all the soil that’s washing into it from agricultural lands, you don’t pay that bill at the supermarket or restaurant. You pay it as a hidden cost, buried in our tax structure. In an organic system, you’re paying the true cost of the production of that food at the point of purchase, which makes more sense. And if you add the cost of human health—diabetes, heart disease—all the things that our current food production and food consumption model embodies, then the system we have now is outrageously expensive, and regenerative organic food is cheaper than conventional food.

Can regenerative organic agriculture produce the amount of food needed worldwide?

Yes. In most parts of the world, we use agricultural lands to produce all kinds of commodity products that aren’t food. Forty percent of the corn we produce in the U.S. goes to ethanol production and another 40 percent goes to livestock feed. The ink

in your pen was made with soybean oil. If we decided to produce the most amount of food on an acre or hectare of land, we can produce way more food than we need.

What we’re saying is that conventional agriculture cannot feed the world longterm. In the short-term, we’re producing a lot of cheap food, but our current production model is doomed to failure over time because we’re going to run out of healthy soil to farm.

Are you hopeful about the future of agriculture?

Very hopeful. The USDA says that most organic farms are more profitable and expanding at a more rapid rate than their conventional counterparts, and that ’ s because we have a growing population of support in the marketplace. People are beginning to pay attention to how their food is produced, asking the right questions and recognizing that they have a vote with their food purchasing dollars. We’re seeing the concept of regenerative organic enter into the daily conversation, just like we did a few years ago with organic. People didn’t know what organic meant at first. Recent USDA statistics suggest that roughly 80 percent of the nation’s population has eaten something organic in the last 30 days, so people are seeking out organic, and we’re going to follow the same course with regenerative organic.

Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings magazine.

SUSTAINABLE EATING TIPS

TO SHRINK YOUR FOODPRINT

by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD

Knowing which foods have the least environmental impact is not always easy. Organic blueberries are considered Earth-protective because no pesticides were used to grow them, but if they were shipped from California to a Florida grocery store, the transportation represents a steep carbon footprint. And if we waited too long to eat those blueberries and had to throw them away, all of the resources spent on producing those fruits were wasted.

To get a fuller picture of our food-related environmental impacts, we need to take into consideration the many variables associated with the production, transportation and consumption of food, and that’s where the “foodprint” comes in—a barometer of eco-friendliness. There are many ways to calculate a foodprint; EarthDay.org/foodprints-calculators lists a few automated calculators and food quizzes that can help. Here are noteworthy examples:

n EatLowCarbon.org compares the carbon emissions associated with different meals—ranging from bean soup (lowest CO2 emissions) to a Philly cheesesteak (highest).

n FoodPrint.org offers a questionnaire about a person’s food choices and follows up with tips to reduce their foodprint.

n FoodEmissions.com calculates the foodprint of specific foods like dairy or seafood by asking about the origination and destination of the food to determine transportation emissions, and by asking the consumer to self-report their percentage of waste to calculate the loss of natural resources.

HOW TO REDUCE OUR FOODPRINT BUY RESPONSIBLY PRODUCED FOOD

When shopping for groceries, consider buying from food producers that support environmental stewardship, sustainability and regenerative farming practices in their production systems. A list of third-party certifications that can help identify responsibly manufactured foodstuffs can be found at Foodprint.org/ eating-sustainably/food-label-guide.

BUY LOCAL AND IN SEASON

Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, encourages her clients to eat local, seasonal produce. “[It] spares the environment, as it doesn’t need to be flown across the country, reducing fuel costs,” she explains, adding that local produce is generally more nutritious and cost effective.

STORE FOOD CORRECTLY

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 to 40 percent of the available food supply is wasted. While there are many reasons for food loss at all stages of production and

delivery, consumers can have a major impact in reducing how much food is wasted.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides advice for properly storing foods in the refrigerator: leafy veggies go in the high-humidity drawer, while most fruits should be placed in the low-humidity bin. Some fruits like apples and avocados release ethylene gas and can cause nearby produce to spoil, so they should be stored separately. Wash berries just before eating them to prevent mold. Store potatoes, onion and garlic in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place. Freeze bread, meat or leftovers that won’t be eaten before they spoil.

CONSUME SUSTAINABLE FOODS

According to Registered Dietitian Lauren Panoff, one way that consumers can benefit the environment is by transitioning to a more plant-predominant lifestyle. “Plant foods utilize far fewer natural resources than industrial animal agriculture, which is also one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and drivers of Amazon deforestation,” Panoff explains.

Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN, founder of the Dietitian Dish, notes, “Plant-based proteins tend to be more affordable and can be stored longer than your animal proteins, helping reduce food waste.”

Nutritics, a food information company, offers a list of the highest-ranking foods when it comes to sustainability, considering inputs like water usage, carbon emissions or capture, land usage and nitrogen storage capabilities. Their list includes mussels, beans, lentils, peas and other legumes, mushrooms, seaweed, cereals and grains, and organic fruits and vegetables.

RESPONSIBLY DISPOSE OF OR SHARE UNEATEN FOOD

Perfectly fresh food that the family has decided not to eat can be donated to people in need. Visit FoodPantries.org to find a nearby soup kitchen or food bank. Compost scraps and spoiled items to divert them from landfills. For composting instructions by the USDA, visit Tinyurl.com/USDAcompost

Ana Reisdorf is a registered dietitian and freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience in the fields of nutrition and dietetics.

Igisheva Maria/ ShutterStock.com

MUSCULAR MAINTENANCE 101 HOW TO REPAIR MUSCLES AFTER EXERCISE

by David J. Sautter, NASM CPT, FNS, PES, ACE SCS

I n any fitness regimen, rest and muscle recovery are just as important as strength training or cardio workouts. Allowing our body to heal micro-tears and inflammation after strenuous exercise readies muscles for subsequent training sessions. By strategically planning a muscle recovery regimen, we optimize performance and reduce injury risk. Key factors that affect recovery time include workout intensity and duration, stress, sleep and nutrition. Workouts that are longer in duration or higher in intensity require a greater amount of recovery time. High stress levels can increase cortisol and adrenaline, and consistently excessive levels of these fight-or-flight hormones have been shown to impact the body’s ability to repair. If we are chronically deprived of proper sleep (at least seven hours every night) our muscles will suffer. And a poor diet is akin to using broken tools to fix something. Following a healthy, well-balanced and protein-focused eating plan can significantly improve muscle recovery time.

Here are a few scientifically proven approaches that promote tissue repair. A solid, muscle-recovery plan should include one or more of these techniques.

EARTHING

Earthing is the practice of connecting with the Earth’s surface energy by going barefoot outside. Also known as grounding or barefoot healing, recent studies suggest that this practice can promote muscle recovery. One study that divided 32 healthy young men into either a grounded or sham-grounded group found that the grounded participants had significantly greater concentrations of neutrophils and platelets, which are essential for pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

In another study, researchers wanted to observe the impacts of grounding on immunity, focusing specifically on delayed onset muscle soreness. Results suggested that being grounded considerably lessened pain levels and altered circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, as well as various chemicals related to inflammation.

“The feeling of being grounded will calm your mind and center your body,” says Anthony Roumell, a personal trainer, gym owner, gymnast and long-time proponent of earthing. But there’s more to grounding than a clear head. He explains, “Our entire cellular system charges with free electrons when we connect to the earth. Studies suggest that these free electrons act as antioxidants in the organism, neutralizing the inflammation response.”

Jonathan Jordan, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and grounding practitioner, advises, “Simply getting off computers or devices and going outside

has immediate benefits. Just taking a break, being outside in nature with sun and fresh air lowers the fight-or-flight response. My clients who take the time and practice this for just a few minutes during the day all see great benefit to their health and in their workout programs.”

HYDRATION

Another way to improve muscle recovery is by hydrating properly. Staying adequately hydrated before, during and after a workout helps the body flush out toxins, reduce inflammation and promote muscle repair. Hydration is more than just drinking water. We also need electrolytes such as sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which can be found in natural sources like coconut water, fruits and vegetables. Electrolytes can also be found in sports drinks, but make sure to choose brands that do not contain sugar, preservatives or food coloring.

DIET

Having a balanced meal before and after

a workout is important for muscle recovery. Eating the right foods can provide the essential nutrients needed to repair muscles. Healthy examples include protein like poultry, wild-caught fish, eggs and grass-fed protein powder; carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa, oats and dark leafy greens; and fats like avocados, nuts, seeds and medium-chain triglycerides, known in the market as MCT oil.

MASSAGE

Massage increases the oxygen-rich blood flow in muscles and may decrease lactic acid buildup—a condition that causes soreness and puts a damper on proper exercise. Consider getting periodic massages from a well-trained professional. A good massage can encourage muscles to heal faster. Self-massage using a foam roller, trigger point balls or our own hands can also be helpful. To promote better blood flow, compression clothing designed to apply pressure to certain parts of the body may also be helpful.

CONTRAST THERAPY

Contrast therapies involve alternating between hot and cold, such as taking a hot shower followed by a cold one. A related muscle-recovery technique is whole-body cryotherapy, which involves exposure to extremely cold temperatures for a very short amount of time, usually one or two minutes.

“Learning how to embrace the discomfort within the cold and heat has had a profound change on my life,” Roumell says. “Contrast therapies will reconnect you to the power of your mind, your breath and your belief in your body’s magnificence After all, when you are finished sitting in a 34-degree tub for two to 10 minutes, what could possibly be much harder in your day?”

David J. Sautter is a professional fitness writer for KnoWEwell and Natural Awakenings

OUTDOOR SAFETY FOR PETS

HELPFUL TIPS TO NAVIGATE HAZARDS

by Paige Cerulli

With nicer spring weather, pets will likely spend more time outside. Whether lounging in the backyard, taking a walk around the neighborhood or venturing out to a dog park, our awareness of potential dangers is important. Despite the risks, there is no reason to keep pets cooped up. With diligence, protecting our furry best friends can become second nature as we safely enjoy the great outdoors together with our pets.

HOME AND YARD

A fenced yard might seem like a safe space for pets, but that is not always the case. “Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are just a few of the toxic substances that could be in a pet owner’s yard,” explains veterinarian Alex Schechter, of Burrwood Veterinary, in Royal Oak, Michigan. “These substances can harm dogs and cats if they are consumed or come into contact with a pet’s skin.”

A 2013 study published in Environmental Research found that dogs exposed to professionally applied lawn care pesticides had a 70 percent higher risk of developing canine malignant lymphoma than dogs that were not exposed to these products.

Schechter recommends that pet owners choose non-chemical lawn management methods that are safe for pets, like neem oil or diatomaceous earth. “Reduce the use of chemicals by using organic farming practices or natural fertilizers,” he says.

Veterinarian Dwight Alleyne, an advisor at Betterpet, cautions that a yard might be home to plants that are poisonous to pets. “Some of these plants could include lilies, sago palms, tulips and oleander,” he advises. “It is important for pet owners who have a backyard to be able to identify any potential hazards before leaving their pet out unattended.”

NEIGHBORS’ YARDS

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mouse or rat poison is a popular pest control choice that kills by causing excessive bleeding. Use of this product can be extremely dangerous to pets if they ingest either a poisoned rodent or the poison itself. Schechter warns, “If you see bait stations or dead rats, those areas may have been treated with a rodenticide.” He advises pet owners to have a conversation with their neighbors, suggesting the use of snap or electronic traps as more humane and less toxic alternatives.

Phot by AdobeStock_221937594.jpg

Our pets are our family.

~Ana Monnar

DRIVEWAYS

Coal tar sealants used on driveways contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may pass through skin or be inhaled. In large amounts, PAHs can irritate eyes and breathing, and several PAHs are carcinogenic in humans. Avoid sealing driveways with any coal tar products. When out for walks, pet owners should keep their dogs off other driveways, as well.

OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS

Dog parks carry several risks, including exposure to intestinal parasites. A 2020 study found that 85 percent of the 288 dog parks sampled had at least one dog infected with gastrointestinal parasites like Giardia, hookworms, whipworms or roundworms. These parasites can be transmitted when dogs eat or sniff poop.

“It is recommended that your dog is on a monthly heartworm preventative, which can help protect against common parasites that they may encounter,” says Alleyne. If a dog regularly visits dog parks, a vet can perform a fecal exam to identify and treat any intestinal parasites that the dog may have contracted.

When visiting ponds and lakes, beware of blue-green algae bacteria, which commonly proliferate in freshwater bodies, particularly during summer months. Dogs can ingest algae by playing in or drinking the water, or when licking their paws. In large quantities, algae can be toxic to dogs (and humans). Because algae are not always visible, keeping dogs leashed around bodies of fresh water is best.

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

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE Neurotoxic Effects of Wireless Radiation

Research indicates that exposure to wireless radiation can harm the brain. Experiential research has found that exposure reduces brain cells and causes brain cell death in the memory and learning centers of the brain. Research also has found DNA damage in the brain from exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields). This scientific evidence of a neurotoxic effect—meaning adverse effects on the brain and brain development—has profound implications for our children’s health future.

ALTERED BRAIN ACTIVITY

Contrary to reports that this radiation has “no effect,” research clearly shows that exposure results in changes in brain activity. In 2011, National Institutes of Health research found just 50 minutes of a wireless transmitting device (cell phone) next to the brain increases glucose metabolism in the part of the brain most exposed.

DAMAGED BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, HYPERACTIVITY AND MEMORY PROBLEMS

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that when mice were exposed to cell phone signals while pregnant, their offspring showed increased hyperactivity and impaired memory. Research on humans has also found higher cell phone radiation exposure associated with higher behavioral problems.

DAMAGED BRAIN CELLS

Research from Turkish scientists found significant brain cell damage within the hippocampus and cerebellum of rats following exposure to cell phone radiation frequencies. Many of these studies exposed rats to radiofrequency for only one hour a day for one

month. After exposure, the animals’ brains were carefully examined using a stateof-the-art stereological technique that counts brain cells to investigate the effects of exposure. The researchers stated the age of their test animals was comparable to human teenagers, and thus their results suggest the human teenage brain is sensitive to chronic mobile phone exposure.

COMBINED EXPOSURES INCREASE EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN

Research investigating cell phone radiation in combination with the heavy metal lead— which is a known neurotoxin—has found that children with blood lead levels had higher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like symptoms if they also had higher cell phone use. This finding led the researchers to consider a potential synergetic effect between lead and radiofrequency fields, meaning the radiofrequency exposure increased the effects from the lead exposure.

DAMAGE TO THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER

Radiofrequency radiation exposure has also been shown to affect the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, as well as altering the expression of microRNA within the brain, which researchers state could lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative disease. When the blood-brain barrier is more permeable, more toxins circulating in the blood can reach the brain.

DNA DAMAGE

In 2016 and 2017, the National Toxicology Program released findings of genotoxic effects in various brain regions of mice and rats exposed to daily low levels of radiofrequency radiation. These research findings parallel previous research studies that have found DNA breaks after radiofrequency exposure.

Source: Environmental Health Trust, a think tank that promotes a healthier environment through research, education and policy. For more information, visit ehtrust.org

Photo by pexels-ola-dapo-3345882.jpg

Thyroid medication: why less really is more

by Dr. Raquel Espinol

Introduction

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by releasing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). When the thyroid underperforms, it causes everything in your body to work less efficiently. This is known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects more than 30 million American adults and is five to eight times more common in females.1 By conservative estimates, one in eight women will develop hypothyroidism.1

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This makes up 75-85% of hypothyroid cases. Oftentimes, people with Hashimoto’s struggle to find a medication or treatment plan that works for them and continue to suffer through symptoms like:

• Fatigue

• Feeling cold

• Losing hair

• Gaining weight

• Depression

While there are many treatment options for hypothyroidism, not all are created equal. Selecting the most appropriate one is vital to managing this disease.

What can interfere with hypothyroid therapy?

Some commonly used prescription drugs that can interfere with thyroid medication absorption and efficacy:

• Antacids

• Lithium

• Amiodarone

• Antibiotics

• Antidepressants

• Dopamine agonists

• Colestipol

• Cholestyramine

• Estrogen, testosterone

Thyroid hormones: T3 and T4

The two hormones to remember are T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 circulates throughout your bloodstream and is stored in your tissues until needed. Once your body finds a need, it converts T4 into T3. Establishing the exact levels of T4 and T3, and determining if the conversion process is working normally, are critical to designing the best treatment approach.

While most healthcare providers understand the critical nature of T4 to T3 conversion, many fail to recognize the factors that affect this process. These include:

• Nutritional deficiencies/excesses

• Autoimmune diseases

• Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, acid reflux, or irritable bowel syndrome

• Use of interfering medications like proton pump inhibitors (Nexium® and Prevacid®, for example) or H2 blockers (Tagamet®, for example), which inhibit the dissolution and absorption of thyroid hormone tablets

• The body’s own obstacles to converting T4 to T3

Some people continue to suffer from hypothyroid symptoms despite being on medication for years. But with some effort, patients can work with their doctor to find an approach that works for them.

Some commonly used nutraceuticals that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicines:

• Iron

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Chromium picolinate

Some foods that can interfere with absorption of medication:

• Soy products

• High-fiber/high-bran foods

• Calcium-enriched foods/beverages

Digestive complications or diseases such as celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome can also complicate thyroid hormone therapy.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor all of your medical conditions, medications (both prescription and nonprescription), and nutritional supplements before starting or switching thyroid hormone therapy.

Dr. Raquel Espinol graduated with honors and received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine). She struggled with her own thyroid condition, which was not successfully managed until she discovered naturopathic medicine and worked with a naturopathic doctor to control her condition. This firsthand success inspired her to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine specializing in thyroid diseases.

Dr. Espinol works with men and women addressing thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, and weight loss. She is licensed to practice in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Montana.

Common choices for treating hypothyroidism

The most common treatments for hypothyroidism include T4 monotherapy with levothyroxine, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) aka “glandular thyroid,” and a regimen of T4 and T3 medications taken together. Figuring out the best option for you may take some time. See the accompanying chart for pros/cons of commonly used hypothyroidism therapies.

T4 monotherapy

Pros:

• Current standard of care for hypothyroidism

• Proven safe and effective

• Available at all pharmacies

• Usually low cost

Cons:

• GI conditions, medications, sensitivities to excipients/ inactive ingredients in tablet formulations can interfere with absorption and tolerability

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT)

Pros:

• Contains both key thyroid hormones: T4 and T3

• An option for people who need supplemental T3

Cons:

• Derived from thyroid glands of pigs – an issue for vegans

• NDT therapies are tablets that contain excipients or “fillers”

• The T4:T3 ratio contained in NDT tablets is 5:1 – different than the normal human ratio of these hormones

• Can lead to cardiac problems like rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and feelings of anxiety

• It comes from pigs and may contain porcine antigens, which may be problematic for some people

• Not all pharmacies carry NDT products. Not all insurance carriers pay for them

Combined T4 and T3 medication therapy

Pros:

• Consistent potency

• Can be an option for those in need of supplemental T3

• Available at most pharmacies

Cons:

• Two separate medicines that need to be taken daily. T4 is taken once a day; T3 may be recommended in multiple daily doses

• Some insurance plans may require two medication copays

• T3 can be risky for some patients with cardiovascular conditions. Some patients can experience heart palpitations and other side effects

Malabsorption and drug underperformance

Most thyroid hormone therapies come in tablet form. These contain inactive ingredients such as wheat starch (gluten), talc, lactose, sugars, and dyes that help hold the tablet together, but also can impede the absorption of their active ingredient, which results in suboptimal or inconsistent levels of thyroid hormones. When this happens, many patients often believe they need to change medication rather than address the factors that contribute to their therapy’s poor performance. They turn to their physician for new therapies in the hope that these can provide long hopedfor relief from their symptoms.2

Nutritional support

Nutrition can play a role in managing hypothyroidism. However, few patients can treat hypothyroidism with nutritional supplements alone. Some examples of helpful nutritional supplements include inositol, nigella, B vitamins, and selenium. However, excess amounts of certain nutritional supplements can also lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Always tell your physician about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking as well as your soy, fiber, and non-animal product intake.

Thyroid treatment: sometimes less is more Less is often more when it comes to hypothyroid treatment. Tirosint®-SOL (levothyroxine sodium) oral solution is a unique liquid hypothyroid medication made with only three ingredients. It contains no fillers or other ingredients that can irritate your stomach or lead to poor drug absorption. Because it’s a liquid, it doesn’t need to dissolve in your stomach like a tablet or capsule before your body starts to absorb it. It’s not made with any ingredients sourced from animals, and it’s easy to swallow and comes in precise monodose ampules that can be conveniently stored for travel. You can pour it into a glass of water and drink it, or you can squeeze the contents of the ampule directly into your mouth.

Since Tirosint-SOL consists of just water, glycerol, and levothyroxine, it’s a very simple yet effective solution for treating hypothyroidism. This is important to me. Additionally, I want to ensure my patients have consistent access to the thyroid medication that works best for them. That being said, Tirosint-SOL has a generous coupon program and low-cost mail-order option to help patients without insurance or with high insurance copays/ deductibles. These can be found on the product’s website.

So, which treatment is right for you?

Share your answers to the following with your physicians so they can work with you to pick the right option for you:

• Have you been treated for hypothyroidism and are dissatisfied with the results?

• Do you want a simpler approach?

• Do you need a drug that is free of excipients like gluten, dyes, lactose, and preservatives?

• Do you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another GI condition?

• Problems swallowing?

Please see Important Safety Information on the following page or toward the back of this issue, and Full Prescribing Information at TirosintSOL.com.

References: 1. American Thyroid Association Website. https://www.thyroid.org/mediamain/press-room/. Accessed December 8, 2022. 2. McMillan M, et al. Results of the CONTROL Surveillance Project. Drugs in R&D. 2015;16(1):53-68.

PM-01-22-0089

VOLUSIA COUNTY’S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Email Publisher@VoFLNatural.com for guidelines and to submit entries. We advise confirming in advance directly with the business or organization.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

18th Annual Central Florida Earth Day

Join us at Central Florida’s Largest Festival! Celebrate with live music, exhibits, craft and plant vendors, educational workshops, vegan food and more.

10a-6p. Lake Eola Park (East side), Orl. Vendor opportunities at: www.CFEarthDay.org or call Larry Rumbough 321-331-1859.

ONGOING

SUNDAY

Yin Yoga – 9-10:30am. Begin your Sunday with this gentle yin class. Energetic, yet calming. All levels. Instructor Micki Higgins. BOGO: new students pay for first class; second class free. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386225-4733.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

Science of Yoga – Discovery – 11am12:30pm. Connect breath with movement allowing you to be centered in the present moment. Learn more than poses with a deeper study of your body in this class. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for firstclass; second class free. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Senior Discount Day – Noon-6pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002.

MONDAY

Monday Madness – 8am-6pm. 1st Mon. Save 25% on supplements and food items. Healing Zone, 515 Canal St, New Smyrna Bch. 386-402-7825.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

EarthFest 2023

Celebrate Earth & Arbor Days at Lake Concord Park in Casselberry.

Fun for the whole family! Free.

10a-3p. Lake Concord Park in Casselberry. Be sure to visit the Natural Awakenings tent.

To participate as a vendor, contact casselberryparks@gmail.com or 407-695-6069 or www.CasselberryFOP.com

See ad on page 15.

Kripalu Yoga – 9:30-11am. Linking posture to posture with pausing to feel the energy allowing the body to speak to its needs. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

LVCY Chair Yoga – 12-1pm. Learn how to make your chair your best friend. BOGO: new students pay for first class; second class free. Limited six per live class; preregistration required. Also Livestream Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

TUESDAY

Rainbow Tuesday –First Tuesday of the month. Save 20% on regular priced items at Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd. in Orange City and 3850 S. Nova Rd. in Port Orange.

Discovery Yoga (Kripalu Tradition) –9:30-11am. Linking posture to posture with pausing to feel the energy allowing the body to speak to its needs. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Tai Chi Class – 3-4pm. Slow movement derived from traditional Chinese healing arts that improve balance, concentration, strength, flexibility and health. 386-6793228. $10 per class. Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 Grandview Ave, Ormond Beach.

Tai Chi Class – 6-7pm. Slow movement derived from traditional Chinese healing arts that improve balance, concentration, strength, flexibility and health. 386-679-3228. $10 per class paid monthly. Piggotte Center, 504 Big Tree Road in South Daytona.

WEDNESDAY

Discount Crystal Live Facebook Show and Sale – 5pm nightly Wednesday through Sunday. Real time shopping. Follow Big Box of Rocks on Facebook.

THURSDAY

Ormond Beach Farmer’s Market –8am1pm. Fresh produce, local honey, fine crafts and yummy treats. City Hall Plaza, 22 S. Beach St. Ormond Beach.

Senior Discount Day – 9am-7pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Two locations: Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002.

Tai Chi Class – 10:30-11:30am. Slow movement derived from traditional Chinese healing arts that improve balance, concentration, strength, flexibility and health.$10 per class. Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Road in Ormond Beach.

Discount Crystal Live Facebook Show and Sale – 5pm. Real time shopping. Follow Big Box of Rocks on Facebook.

Canal Street Nights – 5-8:30pm. Third Thursday of event month fun filled evening with expanded streetside dining, vendors, kid’s zone and specialty food vendors.

Yoga Inspired Qigong – 6-7:15pm. This practice introduces the layering of specific breathing techniques with asana, body and mind reflection. Weaving Qigong throughout encourages connection to the heart space. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

FRIDAY

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

Kripalu Yoga – 9:30-11am. BOGO: new students pay for first-class; attend your second class free. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

First Friday Garden Walk – 10-11am. Join a ranger for a garden walk and learn the history of Washing Oaks while exploring the formal gardens. Washington Oaks, Palm Coast.

Discount Crystal Live Facebook Show and Sale – 5pm. Real time shopping. Follow Big Box of Rocks on Facebook.

SATURDAY

Compost and Honey Special – All day. Compost $5/bag and 10% off local honey. 142 W Int’l Speedway Blvd, Daytona Bch. 386-3415068. NaturalConceptsRevisited.com

Kripalu – Nidra – 9-10:30am. All levels. BOGO: new students pay for first-class; second class free. Also Livestream. Padma Yoga, 5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast. 386-225-4733.

Classic Car Cruise-In – 9am-1pm. 1st Sat. The market welcomes more than 300 classic and collector cars. Enjoy the music of DJ Frank in the west parking lot during

the Cruise-In. It’s free to show your car and free to browse rows of classic automobiles. Daytona Flea & Farmers Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd. 386-253-3330. DaytonaFleaMarket.com

Flagler Beach Farmers Market – 9-1pm. Featuring prepared foods, produce, handmade products, local art and more. Wickline Park, Flagler Beach.

Art & Artisan Stroll on Canal Street –9-3pm. First Saturday of the month. Historic Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach.

Farmers’ Market and More – 9am-5pm. Shop rain or shine for farm fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Bch.

Gallery Walk – 4-7pm. First Saturday of every month. Stroll down Canal, Douglas and Magnolia and enjoy the beautiful galleries and amazing art community in New Smyrna Beach.

Discount Crystal Live Facebook Show and Sale – 5pm. Real time shopping. Follow Big Box of Rocks on Facebook.

Canal Street Classic Cruise Car Show –5-8pm. Second Saturday of the month. Historic Canal St. in New Smyrna Beach.

ADVERTORIAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: NOT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY OR FOR WEIGHT LOSS

• Thyroid hormones, including TIROSINT-SOL, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss.

• In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction.

• Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to glycerol

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

Warnings and Precautions

• Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate TIROSINT-SOL at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation

• Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma

• Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of TIROSINT-SOL treatment

• Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism

• Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy

• Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone over-replacement: Over-replacement can increase bone reabsorption and decrease bone mineral density. Give the lowest effective dose

Limitations of Use

• Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients

• Not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions associated with TIROSINT-SOL are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage including: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, muscle spasm, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash

For Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, visit www.TirosintSOL.com

VOLUSIA COUNTY’S COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@VoFLNatural.com to request our media kit.

Acupuncture Physicians

ACUPUNCTURE & PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER

You Chang Hu, DOM, AP

Kunning Li, DOM, AP

• 2135 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona Beach

386-760-2112

• 50 Leanni Way, Palm Coast

386-445-0098

AcupuncturePainMgmt.com

Dr. Hu and Dr. Li are graduateds of Traditional Chinese Medical Universities in China. They have practiced acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a combined 45+ years. See ad on page 8.

ACUPUNCTURE & SKIN CARE CLINIC

Lorenzo Phan, DOM, AP

725 W Granada Blvd Ste. 15

Ormond Beach

386-615-1203

Dr. Phan has great success in promoting fertility with acupuncture and herbal supplements. Non-surgical modalities for natural pain relief include acupuncture, trigger-point therapy, Chinese herbal remedies, cupping, neuromuscular therapy and cold laser for neck injuries, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, hip/knee arthritis and migraines and more. MM20928 See ad on page 11.

EAST COAST ACUPUNCTURE

Lisa Sweeters, Acupuncture Physician

102 Flagler Plaza Dr., #102, Palm Coast 386-302-5363

EastCoastAcupunctureFL.com

Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, additional TCM studies in Guang Zhou, China. Individualized holistic care for fertility issues including IVF, chronic & accute pain, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, prostatitis, sports injuries. Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy for arthritis, muscle & joint pain, acne, skin tone, edema. In-network provider for VA patients. See ad on page 13.

RP ACUPUNCTURE

Rosa Panos, DACM, AP, PT AP3945

397 Palm Coast Parkway SW #5 386-283-4655 • RPAcupunctureFL.com

Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Licensed Physical Therapist, Oncology Rehab-ilitations Specialist, Integrative Pain Management, Acupoint injections and Zyto Elite Scanning. Over 30 years of medical experience combining Eastern & Western medicine. Studies include Pacific College, China Medical University, Taiwan. See ad on page 35.

Café - Juice Bar

SUPERFOODS CAFÉ & JUICE BAR

515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-402-7825

TheFamilyNutritionStore.com

Daily lunch specials include vegan and gluten-free soups made daily from all organic ingredients. Cold-press juices, 3-, 5- and 10-day cleanse. Doctor-formulated protein smoothies and create-yourown smoothies with a variety of fruit bases and supplements. Call for daily specials. Café Hours M-F 8am-4pm Sat 8-5; Soup 11am-3pm M-Sat. Two daily soups—one vegan, always gluten-free.

CBD Products

YOUR CBD STORE

• 117 W Howry Ave, Deland • 386-627-6715

DeLandFL.CBDrx4u.com

• 160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste A105 Palm Coast • 386-627-5271 Palm Coast.CBDrx4u.com

Offering Certified Organic CBD products exclusive to Your CBD stores. Products are formulated using other cannabinoids and terpenes, creating unique synergies that increase efficacy, target specific ailments and increase the binding of CBD. Stop in and try a free sample. See ad on page 11.

Chiropractic

BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC

@Healing Zone

515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach

386-402-8997 • BeWellNSB.com

Drs. Wendy and Christian Edwards are dedicated to providing holistic patien-centered care. In addition to chiropractic, they offer Class IV laserm Frequency Specific Micro-current, functional medicine, pregnancy care and pediatrics. Through specific testing they locate imbalances and recommend natural natural approaches.

Colon Hydrotherapy

BEACHSIDE COLONICS

Lidia Nash

18 Bovard Ave Ste A, Ormond Beach

Call or text: 386-760-0035

Gentle rinsing of the colon removes toxic waste that can contribute to pain, inflammation and disease. Relaxing and effective. Lidia also offers ionic foot cleanse, infrared detox wraps and healthy food preparation classes. MA46199.

Crystal

KEITH’S BIG BOX OF ROCKS

4601 E. Moody Blvd. Ste. E-4 Bunnell

Keithsbigboxofrocks.com

407-212-5013

Metaphysical store that carries crystals, rocks, gems, fossils and minerals. Shop a wide selection of gemstones and jewelry online or in-store for all your healing energy crystal needs. See ad on page 9.

Dentist

HOLISTIC DENTAL HEALTH CARE

George W Edwards, DMD

David W Edwards, DMD

541 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford 407-322-6143 • HolisticDentalHealth.com

Holistic dentistry focuses on whole-body wellness that starts with the mouth. We are dentists who perform dentistry that is good for the body, as well as the teeth and gums. See ad on page 19.

Energetic Stress Reduction

ACCESS CONSCIOUSNESS

BIO-ENERGETIC BODYWORK

Cathleen Connor, CFMW, Access Consciousness Facilitator

1011 Ocean Marina Dr, Flagler Beach 971-732-2168 • ExuberantlyBeing.com

Providing one-on-one sessions, free intros/consults, Zoom classes and dynamic group classes with bio-energetic bodywork for the Access Bars and Energetic Facelift. Sessions support the body to let go of limitations, blocks, projections and implants to allow more ease and joy.

Health Evaluations

THE PHYSICS OF HEALTH

Trish Watson, CNC

18 Bovard Ave, Ste A, Ormond Beach 303-257-0058

ThePhysicsofHealth.com

Not sure why you’re feeling fatigued? Biofeedback measure-ments can evaluate vitamins, minerals, heavy metals, allergies, supplement needs, and much more. Start feeling better today. Call for a free phone consultation.

Health Coach

THE DIVINE IS WITHIN ENERGY HEALING & COACHING

Melina Stroumpis

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner

Volusia/Flagler

904-325-6622

TheDivineisWithin.com

Emotion Code is perfect for addressing blocks that are holding you back. Effective for anxiety, PTSD, relationship issues, sleep issues, and self-sabotage. Free consult. Veteran discounts.

Health Foods

DEBBIE’S HEALTH FOODS

• 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City 386-775-7002

• 3850 S Nova Rd, Port Orange 386-763-7046

DebbiesHealthFoods.com

High quality supplements, CBD, grocery items, organic produce, special needs diets. Area’s most knowledgeable and friendly advice for over 30 years. See ad on page 19.

FAMILY NUTRITION/HEALING ZONE

515 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-402-7825

TheFamilyNutritionStore.com

Organic produce, natural foods, healthy snacks, personal care, pet products and more. Practitioner-only brands including Standard Process. Save 20% every day.

HEALTH FOODS FOR LIFE

Bob Lewandowski

122 E Rich Ave, DeLand 386-734-2343

Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Bob has been in business more than 39 years with specialties including: non-allergenic foods, energizing weight reduction, organic skin care, herbs and vitamins.

HEATH’S NATURAL FOODS

600 E 3rd Ave, New Smyrna Beach 386-423-5126

HeathsNaturalFoods.com

Wide selection of natural supplements and herbs. Bulk herbs and spices, gluten-free products, organic beer/wine, pet products, grass-fed organic meats. Deli/juice bar. Store open 8am-6pm daily. Deli open 8am-5pm daily. See ad on page 15.

LOVE WHOLE FOODS

CAFÉ & MARKET

• 275 Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach

386-677-5236

• 1633 Taylor Rd, Port Orange

386-767-6543

LoveWholeFoods.com

Open Monday-Friday, 9am7pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm and Sunday, 11am-5pm with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Get involved in your community, shop local and support organics. Save more with our “Get Healthy, Get Rewarded” program.

NATURE’S GARDEN NATURAL HEALTH FOODS

2405 Enterprise Rd, Orange City 386-774-1222

Open Monday-Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am5pm. Quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, body building and dietary supplements, personal care, children and pet products, essential oils, books and mail-order available. 20% discounts every day.

Herbs, Teas, Oils

SPICE OF LIFE HERBS

214 Beresford Ave, DeLand 386-734-0035

SpiceOfLifeHerbs.net

Open Wednesdays-Saturdays, Noon-5pm. Herbs by the ounce. teas, infusers, specialty collector teapots, and more. Essential oils and diffusers for home and auto, aromatherapy books and jewelry, soy candles in many sizes and scents. Visit and like SunSpirits Tea Room on Face Book. Serving wine, beer, tea and coffee. Shop online www.spiceoflifeherbs.net

Insurance

GREAT FLORIDA INSURANCE

Cal Seibert, Agent 415 Dunlawton Ave, Ste 108 Port Orange • 386-256-4812

*Each location is independently owned and operated. Say goodbye to high insurance rates. Contact us for quotes on auto, home, condo, renters, boat, motorcycle, dwelling and flood insurance. Experience personalized service. SR22 and FR44 policies available.

Medical Marijuana

WALK-IN MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINICS

100 S Spring Garden Ave, DeLand

386-232-5599

2575 W US 92, Daytona Beach

386-222-1667 • CMMDR.com

Medical marijuana treats more than 250 medical conditions such as: chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s, IBS, glaucoma, fibromyalgia, lupus and more. See ad on page 19.

Pest Control Natural

NATURALLY GREEN PEST SOLUTIONS

PO Box 354591, Palm Coast, FL, 32135

386-237-9663

NaturallyGreenPest.com

Info@NaturallyGreenPest.com

Offering pest solutions for your home and lawn with a natural focus. Unwanted pests in your home can negatively affect your family’s health and your peace of mind. Eliminate them with a program you can feel good about.

Pet Supplies

CAP’N LU’S

701 E 3rd Ave, Ste 1, New Smyrna Beach

386-957-3032 • capnlus.com

Free Delivery Beachside NSB

A health food store for pets. Holistic, all-natural food and treats for dogs and cats, flea and tick remedies, feed and water bowls, bags, carriers, lifejackets, grooming supplies and accessories. Shop with confidence that you’re getting the highest quality pet food available. See ad on page 28.

Solar Energy

EMPOWER HOME SOLAR

356 Destination Daytona Ln, Ormond Bch Volusia • 386-327-6937

gosolar@empowersolar.com

Our mission is to make solar energy effortless and affordable. We design energy systems specific to your needs to maximize savings and provide clean electricity for your family. FL Lic. Solar Contractor #CVC57067. See ad on page 7.

SOLAR-FIT

1523 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill

Volusia • 386-441-2299

Flagler • 386-445-7606

Solar-Fit.com

Relax and let the sun do the work for you. Solar-fitting your home or business is a smart, economical and environmentally sound investment. We offer a wide range of options to make your home more energy efficient. We are making America energy-independent one home at a time.

Spa

NATURE IN BEAUTY

An Organic Beauty Boutique & Parlor

314 Canal St, New Smyrna Beach 386-576-6730

NatureInBeautyOrganics.com

Nourishing products for professional hair care, manicures and pedicures, facials, massage, reflex-ology, makeup, spa packages, Girl’s Night In. See ad on page 15.

Structural Integration

LAUREE MORETTO

Soft Tissue Specialist

321-271-1678

Flagler & Daytona Bch LaureeMoretto.com

90% of pain is linked to structural misalignment. Your pain is really just a symptom. My work addresses the cause to give you lasting relief. Get your life back now. 20+ years experience. MA20965.

Thermography

FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008 • JuneDrennon@ FloridaMedicalThermography.com

727-729-2711

FloridaMedicalThermography.com

Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power: Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.

Veterinary Services

GENTLE PET PASSINGS

Dr Gayle Burrell

Volusia / Flagler

386-279-8525 • GentlePetPassings.com

Saying goodbye to your beloved friend is a loving, but difficult decision. Spend those final precious moments with your pet in the comfort of their home surrounded by all that they love. See ad on page 28.

Wellness

AMETHYST WELLNESS

Amy Coopersmith, ARNP

50 Cypress Point Pkwy, B-1 Palm Coast 386-283-4180 • AmethystWellness.com

Preventative healthcare, medically supervised weight loss, IV nutrition, hormone optimization, body contouring, aesthetic treatments, laser hair removal, weight loss and more. See ad on page 9.

Yoga

PADMA YOGA

Micki Higgins, E-RYT 500 YACEP

5 Utility Dr, Ste 15, Palm Coast 386-225-4733 • PadmaYogaOnline.com

Cell: 904-377-4217. Fully open with day & evening classes. Yoga for all body types and all ages. We are the only yoga studio in Palm Coast that is not hot. See website for schedule. See ad on page 10.