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Natural Awakenings Sarasota / Manatee / Charlotte

Letter From Publisher December 2019 Edition

The holiday season is no longer just around the corner—it’s here, friends, in all its wonderful and hectic glory! But as this fast-paced time of year continues to gain momentum, let’s remember to pause when necessary, focus on the simple joys and cherished memories, hold our loved ones close, and invest in self-care no matter how busy we are. This month’s issue of Natural Awakenings is full of inspiration and wisdom to keep you grounded in the midst of the season’s characteristic “hustle and bustle.”  

Our feature article this month is on “Evolution and Community” which chronicles both nature and humanity’s need for an intentional shift in growth and purpose as the earth continues to evolve. For those of us who call this planet home, this means transitioning our collective mindset from “It’s all about me” to “It’s all about we,” and this happens in the refuge of community. When people join hands in the desire for unity, it raises the consciousness of our society and impacts the world in all kinds of positive ways. And isn’t this what the holiday season is about—relationships, togetherness and love?  

Next on the docket, our “Conscious Eating” article shows you how to bake a festive, wholesome and delicious batch of vegan holiday cookies. These kitchen-tested recipes are sure to delight a crowd—from out-of-town family members, to seasonal party guests, to coworkers at the office luncheon and, of course, to your dessert loving kids. These plant-based treats are ideal for any sweet tooth, and they pack a nutrient dense punch too. 

Finally, speaking of children, this month’s “Healthy Kids” article focuses on the importance of family traditions and rituals passed down from one generation to the next. These meaningful holiday traditions create steadfast and compassionate bonds within the family that kids will appreciate and remember for a lifetime. This year though, add a new spin to your existing traditions with eco-friendly updates such as crafting your own decorations from sustainable or recycled materials, for instance. This provides an outlet to spend quality time with the kids and instill in them care for the environment.  

Well that’s a wrap for the Natural Awakenings team this year. As usual, please send any comments, questions or feedback to [email protected], and we’ll catch up with you again in 2020. In the meantime, happiest of holidays! 

 

Animal Rescue: Government Order Reduces Animal Testing
The Environmental Protection Agency is moving to reduce the animal testing it has long required to gauge the toxicity of chemicals before they can be bought, sold or used in the environment. Read More »
Beyond Calcium: Full-Spectrum Bone Health
Calcium strategies, the right balance of mineral-rich foods, supplements and exercises that increase bone density and muscle mass all help to keep bones strong and fall-resistant. Read More »
Burn Notice: Safe and Sustainable Fireplace Practices
Sustainable, safe and healthy practices for using indoor fireplaces and wood stoves—especially when it comes to maintaining air quality. Read More »
Charge It: Electric Vehicles Get Their Own ‘Gas’ Station
A Maryland gas station owner has replaced his pumps with electric vehicle chargers, making it the first such exclusive charging station in the country. Read More »
Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria
Those with higher quality diets have significantly better gut bacteria diversity, a factor linked to reduced risk for a variety of diseases. Read More »
Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer
Research finds that consuming culinary mushrooms three times a week can lower the chance of developing prostate cancer by 17 percent. Read More »
Eat Nuts to Reduce Odds of Death From Heart Disease
Eating nuts, a good source of unsaturated fat, two or more times per week have a 17 percent lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Read More »
Extreme Weather Events Affect Mental Well-Being
People that experience storm and flood damage to their homes are about 50 percent more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Read More »
Heave Ho: Cruise Line Abandons Plastic Bottles
As a result of its partnership with Just Goods, Inc., the Norwegian Cruise Line will replace single-use plastic bottles across its fleet by January 1, 2020. Read More »
Inhaling the Joy of Life: Conscious Breathwork
Mindfully guiding our breath back to its original rhythm helps lower stress and improve vagal tone, easing such conditions as depression, insomnia and pain syndromes. Read More »
Lab Steak: Making Meat Without Animals
The Alliance for Meat, Poultry and Seafood Innovation is seeking to create real meat from animal cells without the need to slaughter animals. Read More »
Lung Relief: Biosolar Leaf Purifies Air in London
Large, solar panel-like structures on the sides of buildings are being used to grow microalgae, phytoplankton and diatoms, purifying the air while generating breathable oxygen. Read More »
Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight to Lower Cataract Risk
Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, combined with a healthy diet, can reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Read More »
Marry to Halve the Risk of Dementia
Researchers find unmarried individuals—cohabiting, divorced, separated, widowed and never married—have significantly higher odds of developing dementia than their married counterparts. Read More »
Nature Cure: Forests and Shrubs Lower Medical Costs
Higher levels of forest and shrub cover throughout the country correspond to lower levels of Medicare health care spending. Read More »
Perfect Pet Presents: Safe and Eco-Smart Toys
When picking out holiday gifts for our beloved dogs and cats, follow these guidelines to make sure the toys are safe for the pet and eco-friendly for the planet. Read More »
Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria
Gut bacteria may affect how hypertensive patients respond to medications and whether cardiac patients are more likely to have heart attacks. Read More »
Refresh Holiday Traditions: Making the Old New and Green
Eco-friendly, green twists on holiday family traditions to help instill the importance of sustainability in kids. Read More »
Repurposing Weeds: Pond Plants Offer Protein Strategy
Duckweed, a fast-growing plant that blooms on bodies of water, is a superior protein source relatively free of allergens or endangered by climate change. Read More »
Surgeon Mary Neal on Lessons From Heaven
Orthopedic surgeon Mary Neal writes about her near-death experiences and the purpose of life in her books To Heaven and Back and 7 Lessons from Heaven. Read More »
The Emerging Power of ‘We’: Awakening to the Evolution of Community
In this time of climate and societal problems, intentional communities that challenge the “It’s all about me” culture are pointing the way to collective solutions that can save the planet. Read More »
The Generous Heart: How Giving Transforms Us
When we give to others, whether it’s an act of kindness, generosity or compassion, it helps us live from the heart instead of the ego. Read More »
The Merry Vegan: People-Pleasing Holiday Sweets
Healthy vegan, gluten- and grain-free holiday treats and desserts, including recipes for peanut butter cookies, no-bake pecan snowballs and peanut butter cup bars. Read More »
Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades
Middle school students who receive mindfulness training experience lower stress levels, less depression and improved academic performance. Read More »
Waste-Free Feasting: How to Reduce Holiday Food Waste
Eco-friendly holiday waste reduction strategies to apply when planning the family meal gatherings. Read More »
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