tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/in-print?page=72In-Print | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 72Healthy Living Healthy Planet2022-01-01T20:52:49-05:00urn:uuid:385ffacf-042a-4596-b484-994ab30382b12021-10-21T14:09:28-04:002022-01-01T20:52:49-05:00Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400Buzz Spence<p><i>1 loaf bread, toasted (whole wheat (WW) or half WW, half French bread)<br></i><i>¼ cup unsalted butter<br></i><i>2 cups celery, chopped<br></i><i>1 large yellow onion, chopped<br></i><i>1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped (to taste)<br></i><i>3 Granny Smith apples, chopped, with skin on<br></i><i>¼ cup sage leaves, chopped<br></i><i>¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped<br></i><i>1 to 2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped<br></i><i>2½ cups reduced sodium vegetable or chicken broth<br></i><i>2 eggs<br></i><i>1 to 2 tsp salt to taste (may substitute nutritional yeast or fresh dill)</i></p><p>Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a large, 2-to-3-inch-deep casserole or baking dish. Toast bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. Set aside. Melt butter in a large pan. Add celery, onion, garlic, apples and fresh herbs. Stir to mix and cook until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add bread cubes and apple/vegetable/fresh herb mixture into the egg mixture. Add broth and salt (or nutritional yeast or fresh dill) and mix well. Spoon stuffing into prepared casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more or until golden-brown crust forms. Remove from oven, uncover and cool.</p><p><i><br></i></p><p><i>Courtesy of Buzz Spence. </i><a href="https://www.motherearthliving.com/" target="_blank"><i>More information on fresh herbs for emotional health</i></a><i>.</i></p><p><i><br></i></p><h3><b>More Mood-Boosting Thanksgiving Recipes</b></h3><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861488/fit/80x80/goat-cheese-pistachio-fig-log.jpg?timestamp=1634846912" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank">Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios</a></h4><p>Layer honey, fig spread and chopped pistachios on a fresh goat cheese log for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-" target="_blank"><img alt="pphoto by Christy Ratliffbrp" src="https://cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861520/fit/80x80/greek-style-green-beans.jpg?timestamp=1634846958" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-" target="_blank">Greek-Style Green Beans (Fasolakia Lathera)</a></h4><p>Swap the traditional green bean casserole out for this healthy, vegan Greek-style recipe using potatoes, tomatoes and onions. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861521/fit/80x80/native-american-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies.jpg?timestamp=1634846972" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies" target="_blank">Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies</a></h4><p>A creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays with a cornmeal cookie recipe that includes ingredients to boost mental health. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:05bf86d4-8741-4d64-a512-2099606d96c12021-10-21T15:46:27-04:002022-01-01T20:52:47-05:00Greek-Style Green Beans (Fasolakia Lathera)2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400Elena Paravantes<p><a href="https://www.olivetomato.com/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera/" target="_blank">Click here to access the Greek-Style Green Beans (<i>Fasolakia Lathera</i>) recipe.</a><br></p><p><i><br></i></p><p><i>Courtesy of Elena Paravantes, RDN. </i><a href="https://www.olivetomato.com/" target="_blank"><i>More information and Mediterranean recipes</i></a><i>.</i></p><p><br></p><h3><b>More Mood-Boosting Thanksgiving Recipes</b></h3><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861488/fit/80x80/goat-cheese-pistachio-fig-log.jpg?timestamp=1634846912" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank">Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios</a></h4><p>Layer honey, fig spread and chopped pistachios on a fresh goat cheese log for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861493/fit/80x80/herb-apple-sage-stuffing.jpg?timestamp=1634846922" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing" target="_blank">Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing</a></h4><p>Fresh herbs and apples add delicious flavors to this healthy holiday stuffing recipe. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861521/fit/80x80/native-american-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies.jpg?timestamp=1634846972" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies" target="_blank">Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies</a></h4><p>A creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays with a cornmeal cookie recipe that includes ingredients to boost mental health. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372059/seluisauganasda-cherokee-cornmeal-cookies">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:06910633-56dd-429e-9c16-6b13e77adfb92021-10-21T16:03:09-04:002022-01-01T20:52:45-05:00Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400La Potosina<p>Here’s a creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays while also being mindful of mental health. </p><p><i>¾ cup softened butter<br></i><i>½ cup organic brown sugar<br></i><i>1 egg<br></i><i>1 tsp vanilla<br></i><i>1½ cups flour<br></i><i>½ cup cornmeal<br></i><i>1 tsp baking powder<br></i><i>¼ tsp salt<br></i><i>½ cup raisins (Other versions of this recipe include nuts and dark </i><i>chocolate pieces.</i>)</p><p>Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Using a wooden spoon, mix butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Add flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add raisins. Mix well. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Makes about 2 dozen small cookies.</p><p><i><br></i></p><p><i>Courtesy of </i><a href="https://indigenousfoods.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>La Potosina</i></a><i>. <br></i></p><p><i><br></i></p><h3><b>More Mood-Boosting Thanksgiving Recipes</b></h3><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861488/fit/80x80/goat-cheese-pistachio-fig-log.jpg?timestamp=1634846912" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios" target="_blank">Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios</a></h4><p>Layer honey, fig spread and chopped pistachios on a fresh goat cheese log for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372054/goat-cheese-appetizer-with-honey-fig-and-pistachios">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing" target="_blank"><img alt="photo by Christy Ratliff" src="https://cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861493/fit/80x80/herb-apple-sage-stuffing.jpg?timestamp=1634846922" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing" target="_blank">Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing</a></h4><p>Fresh herbs and apples add delicious flavors to this healthy holiday stuffing recipe. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372055/buzz-s-fresh-herb-and-apple-sage-stuffing">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><div class="media clearfix"><span class="pull-left"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-" target="_blank"><img alt="pphoto by Christy Ratliffbrp" src="https://cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861520/fit/80x80/greek-style-green-beans.jpg?timestamp=1634846958" class="media-object"></a></span><div class="media-body"><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-" target="_blank">Greek-Style Green Beans (Fasolakia Lathera)</a></h4><p>Swap the traditional green bean casserole out for this healthy, vegan Greek-style recipe using potatoes, tomatoes and onions. <span class="pull-right"><a href="https://www.naturalawakenings.com/2021/10/29/372058/greek-style-green-beans-fasolakia-lathera-">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b70af4ab-20de-4acc-9cf4-9f1182e955f52021-10-21T17:03:57-04:002021-11-30T23:37:53-05:00Mindfulness for Stressed Teens: School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400Erin Lehn<p>Teen stress levels often rival those of adults, concludes <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2014/02/teen-stress" target="_blank">data collected by the American Psychological Association</a> in 2017. This is especially true these days with the influx of social media expectations, political unrest and a global pandemic to contend with. Other daily pressures—such as relationship turmoil, bullying, academic challenges, unstable home lives and mood disorders—can add to the stressors. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder many teens often tune out and turn toward their devices, getting fixated on other people’s lives or compulsively recording their own experiences, but not fully living them.</p><p>A wealth of research has demonstrated that one of the most beneficial ways to help teens navigate the ups and downs of these tumultuous years is through mindfulness education. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19803566/" target="_blank">randomized clinical trial published in the <i>Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology</i></a> in 2009 was one of the first studies that provided evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment of adolescents. Since then, there has been no shortage of research findings proving its benefits.</p><p>“In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being keenly aware of your life, in the present, versus the automatic tendency to ruminate about the past or worry about the future,” says Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of <a href="https://www.stressedteens.com/" target="_blank">Stressed Teens</a>, a Campbell, California, business that has been disseminating mindfulness-based programs tailored to adolescents since 2004. “It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment.”</p><p>“Mindfulness is a practice in the art of aligning your energy, mindset and emotions,” says <a href="https://tristhorp.com/" target="_blank">Tris Thorp</a><span>, the San Diego-based author of <i>Healing Your Heart</i> and a Chopra </span>Center-trained leadership coach. “When teens acquire the skills to better navigate what’s happening in the moment, they’ll have more opportunity available to them because they’re calm, centered and grounded.”</p><p><span>“The best moments come when a teen realizes their own wisdom, sees it emerge and is able to grow stronger as a result,” says Jem Shackleford, head of curricula for<i> </i></span><a href="https://mindfulnessinschools.org/" target="_blank">Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP)</a>, a leading nonprofit provider of mindfulness training for schools in the U.K. and internationally.</p><p>According to Biegel, a regular mindfulness-based practice helps rewire the brain when people focus on pleasant, beneficial and positive experiences. “For survival purposes, our brains are naturally wired to the negative, aka ‘negative selection bias’,” she says. “Thankfully, we can train our brains to be more tilted to the positive. In fact, just thinking of a positive memory for 12 seconds can create a benefit for your well-being.”</p><p>While there are multiple approaches to weaving mindfulness practices into a school setting, here are two highly effective practices.</p><p>• <span><b>Certify teachers</b> in mindfulness training so they can deliver the materials directly to their students. “MiSP curricula are produced by educators that have many years of experience of what works in the classroom. They are also long-term mindfulness practitioners, giving them a unique perspective of how mindfulness can be used and taught effectively in school,” says Shackleford.</span></p><p>• <span><b>Implement a</b> school-wide approach. Stressed Teens offers online mindfulness-</span>based groups and one-on-one therapy and coaching sessions for teens, as well as professional instructor certifications and the Whole-School Mindfulness-Centered Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. This approach, in which an entire school participates for a calendar year, is especially beneficial because everyone is going through the program at the same time. “Typically, schools complete two lessons per week to fit the curriculum into one semester or one lesson per week to spread learning over two semesters,” Biegel says. </p><p>While teens can learn and practice these techniques alone, a whole systems approach that involves the family, school and community has been shown to have the biggest impact. “A teenager with a mindfulness practice can have a beneficial effect on other members of the household. However, there needs to be support from every angle in a teen’s environment for it to be sustainable,” says Thorp. “There’s so much evidence-based research and measurables that demonstrate how impactful these programs are in schools and communities. There’s a clear reduction in acting out, reduced conflict, and more participation and engagement.”</p><p>“Think of the ripple effect of possible benefits if the whole community and systems a teen are in are also learning and practicing mindfulness,” says Biegel. “Mindfulness-based methods also include and affect positive human values like gratitude, kindness, generosity, self-care, compassion and acceptance. Youth, parents and educators can all benefit from that.”</p><p><br></p><p><span><i>Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to </i>Natural Awakenings<i> magazine. </i></span></p><p><i><br></i></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/10/29/372068/10-mindfulness-tips-for-teens" target="_blank"><img alt="KoolShootersPexelscom" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861546/fit/80x80/teenager-practicing-mindfulness.jpg?timestamp=1634852724" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/29/372068/10-mindfulness-tips-for-teens" target="_blank">10 Mindfulness Tips for Teens</a></h4>
<p>These 10 tips can help teens to practice more mindful living in their daily lives. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/29/372068/10-mindfulness-tips-for-teens">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e262c918-5f05-40e6-bf35-c3a1ecc673712021-10-21T17:44:58-04:002021-11-07T17:53:31-05:0010 Mindfulness Tips for Teens2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400Erin Lehn<p><b>1. </b>Stop what you’re doing and count your breaths to 10. </p><p><b>2.</b> Devote your awareness to more of the pleasant and beneficial moments in your day. </p><p><b>3. </b>Accomplish only one task at a time. You will be more productive than if you split your attention to multiple tasks.</p><p><b>4. </b>Start a daily gratitude journal. Each day, consider the big things you’re grateful for, like your family, friends, health or home. Also, don’t forget the little things you’re thankful for, such as a cup of coffee or a hug.</p><p><b>5. </b>Get some form of exercise every day. Even a 15-minute walk can do wonders for the mind.</p><p><b>6. </b>Spend time outdoors enjoying nature. Notice the power of grounding by paying attention to your feet on the ground.</p><p><b>7. </b>Begin a daily mindfulness practice. Start with 10 minutes and work your way up.</p><p><b>8. </b>Commit to a nourishing self-care routine with a caveat to set incremental goals you can accomplish. You do not have to overdo it.</p><p><b>9. </b>Acknowledge the positive qualities of your family, friends and others in your inner circle. Let them know how much they mean to you. Let them know you see them and hear them.</p><p><b>10. </b>Carve out daily enrichment time such as learning an instrument or creating artwork. Bring mindful attention, paying notice to your five senses, to anything you do in your daily life.</p><p><i><br></i></p><p><i>Tips courtesy of Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of </i><a href="https://www.stressedteens.com/covid-19-tool-kit" target="_blank"><i>Stressed Teens</i></a><i>; Jem Shackleford, head of curricula for </i><a href="https://mindfulnessinschools.org/freeresources/" target="_blank"><i>Mindfulness in Schools Project</i></a><i>; and </i><a href="https://tristhorp.com/blog/" target="_blank"><i>Tris Thorp</i></a><i>, author and coach. </i></p><p><i><br></i></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/10/29/372065/mindfulness-for-stressed-teens-school-programs-teach-healthy-coping-skills" target="_blank"><img alt="Good StudioAdobeStockcom" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/861531/fit/80x80/mindfulness-teens.jpg?timestamp=1634852675" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/29/372065/mindfulness-for-stressed-teens-school-programs-teach-healthy-coping-skills" target="_blank">Mindfulness for Stressed Teens: School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills</a></h4>
<p>One of the most beneficial ways to help teenagers cope with the stress of these tumultuous adolescent years is through mindfulness education, helping them become calm and centered. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/29/372065/mindfulness-for-stressed-teens-school-programs-teach-healthy-coping-skills">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:5089596d-9f52-4ce2-8753-a51972a0e6392021-10-21T18:02:30-04:002021-12-06T10:54:43-05:00Honoring the Loss of a Pet: Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal2021-10-29 09:30:00 -0400Marlaina Donato<p>French novelist Anatole France’s sentiment, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” rings true for anyone that shares a love story with a beloved pet. Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, the final parting can be quite emotional. Society supports us with empathy and rituals of closure when we suffer the loss of a human love, but grieving an animal companion can be a uniquely silent passage. Surrendering fully to the mourning process, creating a joyful ceremony and celebrating the life of a loved one invites healing and solace.</p><h3>Sacred Grief</h3><p>The animal-human alliance is hallmarked by the absence of emotional baggage, and is therefore capable of provoking grief that equals or exceeds losing a close relative. “This is a deep bond that is never judgmental on how we look, spend money or what we do for a living, as long as we love and nurture. And, in return, we receive undying, unconditional love,” says <a href="https://www.pawstocelebrate.life/" target="_blank">Pam Baren Kaplan</a>, a pet loss grief counselor and life coach in Chicago. </p><p>Diane Stout, a pet parent and retired dog groomer in Paupack, Pennsylvania, knows the impact of this unconditional love, especially through life’s changes. “Long after a spouse has died and family have moved away to other lives and preoccupations, the family pet remains the faithful dinner or TV time companion,” she says. “A cherished pet is often the last true companion.”</p><p>Cancelling appointments or taking time off from work after a pet’s passing does not connote emotional weakness. “Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show another person going through this difficult time,” advises Cheryl Wyatt, a certified grief companion at <a href="https://www.lapoflove.com/" target="_blank">Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice</a><span>, a national network of veterinarians that provides compassionate end-of-life care<i>. </i>“Allow yourself the time to do your mourning work. Tears are cleansing. If they happen to come 10 hours or 10 years from now, you have permission to shed them.” </span></p><h3>Compassionate Transitions </h3><p>Loving an animal until the last goodbye includes relieving their suffering to the best of our ability. In-home euthanasia can make a heartbreaking time more bearable for both pet and owner. “Providing beloved pets euthanasia at home differs from a clinical setting because it allows them to remain in their safe, happy place. At home, the veterinarian can greet the pet family and provide the loved one’s peaceful passing wherever they are most comfortable—a favorite bed or spot on the couch—surrounded by all those who love them most,” explains Wyatt.</p><p>Pet funerals are becoming more common, and ceremonies are as unique as the animal remembered. Stories, poetry and memories can be shared by family and they can include a living memorial such as a tree planted in the animal’s name. </p><p>Stout, also an accomplished artist, finds joy in painting her pets that have gone and suggests “a scrapbook of pictures and memories, because a look back at puppy or kitten pictures can bring an instant smile.”</p><p>Kaplan agrees, “Creating what I refer to as ‘a legacy of love’ can be done by the entire family or by one person. This is a book that you put together with favorite photos of your pet and journal the story around the photo. This is a great way to include family member’s memories from their perspective.”</p><p>Choosing a unique, handmade vessel for ashes can honor an animal. Mary Jane Panebianco, owner of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpiritpetShop" target="_blank">SpiritpetShop on Etsy</a>, was inspired by the passing of a co-worker’s dog. “At the time, I worked in a mixed media art gallery, and she had one of our ceramic artists create her dog Sandy’s memorial urn. It was beautiful and so well done. I did some research on the pet industry, and everything I found was so commercial and mass-produced. I knew pets and their owners deserved another option.”</p><p>Panebianco works with a small number of award-winning American artisans and accepts custom orders for handcrafted urns. “Many of my pet parents have told me how having a beautiful memorial for their beloved pet helps them make peace with their pet’s passing. It’s the last thing you will do for them.”</p><p>In the beginning and in the end, it’s all about the love. For Stout, it’s what animals teach us. “To play and dance often, to give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, to find joy in the little things, and that life is too often short.”</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author and recording artist.</i></p><p><i><br></i></p><h3><b>Advice for the Bereaved</b></h3><p>Cheryl Wyatt, of the Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, recommends: </p><p>• Set aside some time each day to be alone in a quiet place to give yourself space to grieve.</p><p>• Honor the memories. </p><p>• Write out your emotions freely in a journal; compose a poem or letter to your pet.</p><p>• Light commemorative candles in his/her honor.</p><p>• Create a memory table—include all of the things that remind you of your beloved pet. Leave it up for as long as you like.</p><p>• Continue to speak to your loved one, sing to him/her whatever brought you joy in being together.</p><p>• Wear a piece of jewelry that bears your pet’s name or contains a small amount of his/her remains.</p><p>• Join an online group or meet in person with other people that are going through the mourning process.</p><p>• Don’t let people that don’t grasp the depth of the human-animal bond tell you how you should feel. </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:a81dafcc-afaf-44f0-8d82-2fb510cfe4852021-09-07T13:28:53-04:002022-01-01T21:01:08-05:00Eat Strawberries to Improve Blood Vessel Health2021-09-30 09:30:00 -0400Rachael Oppy<p>A new <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn/article-abstract/151/6/1517/6184163?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank">study</a> from Chicago’s Illinois Institute of Technology demonstrates that strawberries increase flow in blood vessels and reduce systolic blood pressure. In the randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, overweight and obese adults with moderately high cholesterol were assigned to drink either a beverage containing 25 grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder or a similar drink without the strawberry powder twice daily for four weeks, followed by a four-week washout period. An hour after consumption, the strawberry powder improved flow-mediated dilation, indicating healthier blood pressure function; systolic blood pressure was lower even four weeks later.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:32ab17cf-e730-474d-a9a8-a23a36cba9be2021-09-07T14:00:49-04:002022-01-01T21:01:09-05:00Exercise More to Counter Risks of Poor Sleep2021-09-30 09:30:00 -0400Rachael Oppy<p>Poor sleepers can cut their health risks by exercising more, reports a new <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2021/05/25/bjsports-2021-104046" target="_blank">study</a><span> of 380,055 middle-age people in the <i>British Journal of Sports Medicine</i>. Both physical inactivity and poor sleep are independently linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death, but Australian researchers found that more exercise lowers the consequence of poor sleep. People that ate better, drank less alcohol and were more physically active also tended to sleep better. The lower the sleep score, the higher were risks of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke. Those at the bottom of the scales with both poor sleep scores and little physical activity had a 57 percent higher risk of death from any cause. People that were younger, female, thinner or better off financially tended to have healthier sleep scores, as did those that ate more fruits and vegetables, spent less time seated, had no mental health issues, never smoked, didn't work shifts, drank less alcohol and were more physically active.</span></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:594a913b-9868-44b5-bc86-300f1a723c0a2021-09-07T14:18:40-04:002022-01-01T21:01:11-05:00Drink Green Tea to Ward Off Flu2021-09-30 09:30:00 -0400Rachael Oppy<p>Green tea, a staple of Japanese culture now enjoyed in many American homes, contains compounds called catechins that have significant antiviral activity against influenza, <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/13/4014" target="_blank">report researchers</a><span> from Thailand’s University of Phayao in the journal <i>Molecules.</i> They analyzed eight studies involving 5,048 people and found that gargling or drinking green tea reduced the risk of influenza by 33 percent in randomized controlled trials and by 48 percent in longitudinal cohort studies.</span></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4a7a58d3-3813-4307-a966-e0048716d7212021-09-07T14:37:29-04:002022-01-01T21:01:13-05:00Consider Barberry to Reduce Diabetes Markers2021-09-30 09:30:00 -0400Rachael Oppy<p><span>Barberries<i> (Berberis integerrima)</i>, the tart, red fruits that grow on bushes, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for digestive issues, and now </span><a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2021/5583691/" target="_blank">evidence</a> has emerged from Iranian researchers that barberry extract can help lower Type 2 diabetes markers. For eight weeks, 30 patients were given 1,000 milligrams of barberry extract daily, along with the standard anti-diabetic medication metformin, while another 35 patients were given only metformin. Afterwards, fasting blood sugar levels were significantly lower among the barberry group as were HbA1c levels, which measure blood sugar levels for two to three months.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>