Each month, we bring our readers tools and information to assist them on their path to personal wellness and healthy living...naturally! We feature articles by national authors as well as from local leaders in the fields of natural, integrative and complementary health, nutrition, fitness, organics, personal growth, nature, sustainability and natural pet. Have something you'd like to read about? Contact us directly!
Trick & Treat
Host a Halloween that’s Natural, Healthy and Cost-Conscious
by AVERY MACK
Slipping masks, sagging costumes and sugar hits can all contribute to cranky kids at Halloween. Healthier, greener and safer options will up the ongoing...
The Sun’s Electrifying Future
Solar Power is a Worldwide Eco-Goldmine
by LINDA SECHRIST
Humankind has sought for centuries to harness the sun because the cumulative energy of 15 minutes of its rays shining on Earth could power the world for a year. Following the invention of the ...
Breath-Taking Wisdom
Six Ways to Inhale Energy and Exhale Stress
by LANE VAIL
We draw an astounding 22,000 breaths daily, but because breathing is involuntary, we often take it for granted. Transforming breathing into a conscious activity can provide amazing energy, awareness and...
An A for Apples
It’s a Top-Ranked Superstar Fruit
by TANIA MELKONIAN
Apples’ antioxidant power alone could elevate it to status as a superior superfood. Eating apples could help ward off America’s most pressing yet preventable, chronic illnesses, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites as...
Live Your True Self
Four Tools Guide Us on Our Life Journey
by INDIRA DYAL-DOMINGUEZ
Starting today, we can experience life as a naturally unfolding expression of our vision and realize the contribution we are here to make. Living a truly good and purposeful life becomes as natural as breathing as we shift into a new paradigm based on...
Airwaves Activist
Public Radio’s Steve Curwood Empowers Listeners to Aid Planet Earth
by RANDY KAMBIC
As creator, executive producer and host of Living on Earth, the weekly environmental news program broadcast since 1990, first distributed by National Public Radio and more recently by Public Radio International, Steve Curwood keeps millions of people informed on leading...
New Cancer Test for Dogs
Detects Illness in Time for Effective Treatment
by SHAWN MESSONNIER
Pet owners often ask if there’s an accurate, inexpensive way to test dogs for cancer before they develop clinical signs of it. A diagnosis early in the course of the disease is crucial for beginning effective treatment and...
Dynamic Duo
Chiropractors Combine Specialties
by LESLEY TARSI
For many years chiropractic practices and techniques have been an answer for pain relief. Chiropractors handle complaints about lower back pain, joint pain, headaches, osteoarthritis and even carpal tunnel syndrome. In today’s society we...
Indian Vegetarian Cooking
Potent Spices and Veggies Fend Off Disease
by BUSHRA BAJWA
"We are now seeing 20 percent non-Indian customers in our store,” says Vipul Patel, owner of the Louisville, Kentucky, branch of Patel Brothers, the largest Indian U.S. grocery store chain. “Usually, new customers come in with an Indian recipe and we help them find the ingredients.”...
Tips for Eco-Friendly Plants, Shades and Cleaners
A Lovely Loo that’s All Green, Too
by AVERY MACK
Key elements like low-flow faucets and showerheads, VOC-free paint, sustainable flooring and nonporous countertops form the foundation of an eco-friendly bathroom. Now let’s take a look at the softer side of green...
Om Sweet Om
Sounding the Key Note of the Universe
by SAM SAUNDERS
"Om” is a Hindu sacred sound considered the greatest of all mantras, traditionally used in prayers, chants and meditation—possessing high spiritual and creative power, it can be recited by anyone. Om is both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth. When pronounced correctly, it is actually ...
Mindfulness for Little Ones
Teaching Kids to Be Calm and Focused
by TRACI CHILDRESS
Mindfulness, simply defined, is being in the moment. Using simple tools can help us consciously notice our breath, bodies and sensations, as well as what is happening around us. As we practice noticing, we can more readily return to the moment and more immediately connect with ourselves and others. Integrating five mindfulness practices into...
Sparking Creativity in Elders with Dementia
Re-Engaging Through Art, Music and Dance
by DEBORAH SHOUSE
Is there a way to upend the limits of Alzheimer’s disease? Expressive therapies focus on what people can do and their successes. Cultural programs offer creative opportunities for those with dementia and their care partners...
Kamini Desai Explores a Yogic Life
Inner Calmness Leads to Self-Mastery
by LINDA SECHRIST
Kamini Desai’s Ph.D.-worthy versatile body of teachings combines her lifelong interests in Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. Trained at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she develops and leads core programs for ...
The Great Classroom Pet Debate
Kids Like Classroom Pets, Animal Lovers Raise Doubts
by SANDRA MURPHY
Aclassroom pet can help students learn about caring for another species, but is it the best way to teach? A classroom pet can be a great opportunity to teach children gentle behavior. Many kids take pride in...
Conscious Caregiving
Nurture Yourself While Helping Another
by DEBORAH SHOUSE
"If you’re depressed, tired or sick, your caregiving is likely to suffer,” counsels John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network, in Washington, D.C., and a former family caregiver. “For the sake of your loved one, take care of..."
Say Yes to Yoga
It Boosts Health, Peace, Community and Spirituality
by LYNDA BASSETT
LLois Parker Carmona first stepped into a yoga studio looking for better physical health. “I was doing hot vinyasa because I wanted to sweat. I wanted to feel better,” she recalls. Many people on a similar quest try yoga for the first time during...