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Functional Medicine is Based on Science


Personalized &
I entered the field of integrative medicine in 1997, bringing 12 years of conventional clinical and hospital experience along with 25+ years in integrative medical practice. As an MD, I have seen how Functional medicine can uncover and address the root cause of health concerns. I have helped many patients heal and regain their quality of life. You do not need to keep struggling with your health.
June 24, 2026 12p.m CT / 1p.m. ET
JUNE TOPIC: Metabolic Fitness over Weight Loss- the best way to regain optimal health.
FAIM patients and the general public are invited to join me for Zoom Lunch & Learn events! During the Lunch & Learns, I’ll talk about various issues like gut health and hormone problems, then take your public questions.











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We are especially grateful this month to spotlight the many dedicated male physicians, practitioners and wellness leaders throughout our Central Florida community who are helping redefine what it means for men to thrive. From chiropractors and integrative doctors to sleep specialists, coaches and holistic practitioners, these professionals are guiding men toward healthier, more balanced lives with compassion, wisdom and a whole-person approach to healing. Their work reminds us that strength is not simply about endurance—it is also about awareness, prevention and connection.

In this issue, we explore some of the most important conversations happening in men’s wellness today. Our feature on low testosterone examines the growing interest in hormone health while encouraging readers to look deeper at the lifestyle and underlying factors that influence vitality. We also take a thoughtful look at sleep health for men and how foundational habits can dramatically impact everything from mood and focus to relationships and long-term wellness. In “Mind Over Muscle,” we explore how meditation and mindfulness practices are helping men reduce stress and cultivate emotional well-being in ways that are both practical and transformative.
Beyond men’s health, this issue also encourages us to think about the next generation. Our article “Developing Minds in a Digital World” offers an important perspective on helping boys navigate today’s online environment with guidance, communication and emotional support. And as summer gatherings fill our calendars, “Smarter Summer Grilling” reminds us that healthy eating can still be joyful, flavorful and deeply satisfying.
What stands out most in these pages is the growing awareness that wellness is not one-size-fitsall. It is deeply personal, constantly evolving and often rooted in the simple daily choices that help us feel grounded and alive. Whether through better sleep, cleaner nutrition, meaningful stillness or supportive healthcare partnerships, every small step toward wellness matters.
We hope this issue encourages the men in our community—and the people who love them—to approach health with curiosity rather than pressure, and with openness rather than judgment. There is tremendous strength in paying attention to our well-being and in creating space for healing, growth and balance at every stage of life.
As always, thank you for being part of our Natural Awakenings community. May this season bring you renewed energy, meaningful connection and many opportunities to thrive.
Wishing you a healthy and joy-filled summer,

Daralyn & Scott

P.O. Box 2230 • Winter Park, FL 32790
Ph: 407-628-0705
Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsCentralFlorida.com
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© 2026 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Some content herein may be partially or wholly produced using AI technology. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.










• Functional Medicine
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic Care
• Acupuncture
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Prolotherapy
• Orthopedic Injections
• Fertility Care
• Vitamin IV Therapy
• Immune Boost Therapies
• Digestive Health & Wellness
• Holistic Toxin Evaluation Services
• and more!


Central Florida residents now have access to faster, science-backed insight into the quality of their indoor environment thanks to a new service from wellness advocates Ingrid and Doug Swailes. Building on their existing chemical-free home wellness solutions, the couple is now offering independent air quality lab testing with a 10-minute sampling and next-day lab results.
The new testing service helps homeowners quickly identify potential toxins and contaminants commonly found in indoor air environment. With Americans spending the majority of their time inside of buildings, concerns continue to grow over exposure to VOCs, allergens, mold spores, smoke and chemical residues from household cleaning products and untreated tap water.
The addition of rapid independent lab testing allows residents to receive fast, objective data about their home environment, making it easier to understand potential toxic burdens affecting both people and pets.
Locally, Ingrid & Doug provide free three-day in-home trials featuring air purification & surface sanitizing units. Their water appliance produces alkalized, ionized, hydrogen-infused, micro-clustered water. It is available for a three-day sampling in the local area. Additionally, their chemical free laundry systems provide a non-toxic solution to rid clothes of all chemicals that are safe for kids, pets and is eco-friendly.
Their whole home detox approach has been successfully integrated into Ingrid Swailes’ 30-year massage practice in her Winter Park studio. Patients have reported noticeable improvements in their mental, physical and emotional well-being.
“Our goal has always been to empower families with practical tools for healthier living,” says Ingrid.
“Now, with quick and reliable lab testing, homeowners can better understand what may be impacting their indoor environment and take steps toward cleaner living,” says Doug.
To learn more about chemical-free living and/or to schedule an indoor environmental test, call or text Ingrid and Doug at 407-4638424. See ad, page 25.

True well-being is more than the absence of illness; it is the pres ence of vitality, resilience and meaningful quality of life. For eight years, Family Integrative Medicine has helped advance a more integrative healthcare landscape in Central Florida, blend ing time-honored Eastern wisdom with the precision of modern biomedical science. What began as a visionary approach to heal ing has flourished into a premier regional healthcare system for whole-person, integrative care, where clinical expertise meets a compassionate understanding of the full human experience.
Family Integrative Medicine operates on a foundational truth: the human body is an interconnected ecosystem. Rather than treating isolated symptoms, clinical teams look to understand the broad er story of each individual’s health. Whether navigating complex hormonal transitions, optimizing metabolic health, pursuing lon gevity medicine or seeking holistic fertility support, care is never transactional. By honoring each patient’s history, goals and aspira tions, the organization moves beyond short-term symptom man agement to help cultivate enduring wellness.
As Family Integrative Medicine marks this anniversary, the par adigm of healthcare continues to evolve. Discerning individuals increasingly seek proactive, personalized partnerships to help maintain vitality. Through advanced diagnostics, regenerative medicine and function-focused pain management, the system de livers tailored pathways across the region that respect the body’s innate capacity for restoration.
Eight years represents an enduring bond of trust with the people of Central Florida. It reflects a dedicated team’s commitment to elevating integrative care and guiding patients toward a life lived with clarity, purpose and optimal health.
Contact 407-751-2192 or see FamilyIntegrativeMedicine.com for more information. See ad, page 13.



October 10–11
Seeking Sponsors and Exhibitors of:
• Holistic & Integrative Health
• Natural Products & Services
• Fitness & Nutrition
• Wellness & Spiritual Practices
• Sustainable Living
Connect with a targeted wellness audience, increase brand visibility, and grow your business within Central Florida’s thriving holistic community.
Exhibitor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are limited. Early registration is encouraged.










A 2026 study in eClinicalMedicine suggests that two chemicals used to make plastics softer and more durable may be linked to nearly 2 million premature births and about 74,000 newborn deaths worldwide in 2018. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) are commonly found in food packaging, vinyl flooring, toys, medical equipment and personal care products like shampoos, lotions and fragrances. There is concern that phthalates, including the two in this study, could interfere with the hormones that regulate growth and development, and that even small hormonal disruptions during pregnancy might have long-term effects.
The researchers investigated the connection between DEHP and DINP and premature births in 200 countries and territories. They found that Africa, the Middle East and South Asia had high rates of premature births, rapidly expanding plastics industries and high levels of global plastic waste. While the study did not prove DEHP and DINP directly or alone cause preterm birth, nor did it examine other types of phthalates, it adds to the growing evidence that phthalate exposure can lead to negative pregnancy outcomes.



Premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Infants born too early are more likely to have serious health problems such as breathing and feeding issues, developmental delays, cerebral palsy and trouble with how they sense things. In the United States, about one in 10 babies were born prematurely in 2024.

Concerns have been raised about the reliability of medical advice given by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. A recent study in Nature Medicine evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT Health, OpenAI’s free consumer health tool, launched in January 2026, which has millions of users. The researchers compared how well ChatGPT Health handled triage recommendations compared to the best advice from doctors. A total of 960 recommendations were evaluated.
The most dangerous failures happened at the extremes: When conditions were not urgent, 35 percent of ChatGPT Health’s responses recommended more care than necessary, and when conditions were emergencies, 48 percent of the chatbot’s responses failed to recommend urgent or immediate attention.
When it came to emergencies that are considered “gold standard”, ChatGPT Health did not treat them as seriously as it should have in 52 percent of cases. For example, it sent patients with diabetic ketoacidosis or impending respiratory failure to see a doctor in 24 to 48 hours instead of directing them straight to the emergency room. However, it did a good job with classic emergencies like strokes and anaphylaxis.
The researchers also found that context influenced recommendations. When a family member or friend minimized symptoms, the system was more likely to suggest less urgent care in borderline cases. Crisis support messages for suicidal thoughts also appeared to be inconsistent.




A Women’s Health Check offers a confidential, early assessment of current health and future risk. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI) detects subtle abnormalities that may indicate inflammation, lymphatic activity, or hormonal and metabolic dysfunction. Thermography offers a non-invasive, radiation-free tool for early insight into gynecological and endocrine health. Read by professional diagnostic professionals
• Breast
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In a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, researchers explain how the warming planet is slowing Earth’s rotation and lengthening the day at a rate not seen for the last 3.6 million years. The length of a day changes over time due to the gravitational effect of the moon, shifting tectonic plates and other geophysical processes on the planet’s surface and in the atmosphere.
Scientists in the study developed a methodology to model changes in the Earth’s rotation over millions of years that included the repeated growth and melting of continental ice sheets from the ice ages. Using their technique, they estimate that our day increased the equivalent of 1.33 milliseconds per century from just 2000 to 2020 due to the redistribution of water from melting polar ice sheets and glaciers.
The researchers expect the Earth’s rotation rate to continue to decline through the end of the century. While a millisecond is very short, they point out that precise space navigation relies upon accurate information about the Earth’s rotation.

GreenDrill is a project co-led by the University of Buffalo to understand the Greenland Ice Sheet’s vulnerability to temperature changes by drilling to collect rock and sediment. The chemical signatures of these core samples provide data about the last time they were exposed to sunlight. Scientists have fewer such samples from under Greenland’s ice sheet than from the moon.
A GreenDrill study in Nature Geoscience reported that the Prudhoe Dome, a 1,600-foot-thick ice sheet in northwestern Greenland, completely melted about 7,000 years ago, much more recently than previously known. The findings suggest the ice cap is more sensitive to even modest warming than once thought and will help scientists better predict where melting may begin and which coastal areas face the greatest risk of rising sea levels.



by Matthias Haberzettl
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of a health-conscious lifestyle. Yet today’s market is dominated by highly concentrated omega-3 products, while traditional natural fish oils from wild catch are becoming harder to find. This leaves many to question why a natural food has become an industrial concentrate.
Natural fish oil contains omega-3s in their original triglyceride form, embedded within a matrix of supporting fatty acids and accompanying nutrients. Humans have adapted to this structure over thousands of years. High-quality wild-caught oils are typically sourced from small fish and gently processed to preserve their natural character.
Omega-3 concentrates are relatively new. They contain very high EPA and DHA levels and standardized compositions. To achieve this, the oil is separated, concentrated, purified and reassembled — in other words, highly processed.
While marketing often emphasizes higher concentrations, achieving an adequate daily omega-3 intake and maintaining a
healthy Omega-3 Index may ultimately be more relevant
Research increasingly links chronic lowgrade inflammation to many modern health challenges. Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate inflammatory processes, making a healthy Omega-3 Index of 8–11% more important than whether one chooses a natural oil or a concentrate. Ultimately, individuals may decide which form best suits their philosophy and lifestyle, but ensuring adequate omega-3 intake is a simple yet meaningful investment in long-term health and wellbeing for oneself and the people we care about most.
Natural omega-3s allow one to respect the wisdom of nature and choose nourishment in a form the body can recognize. In the end, true wellness doesn’t require greater technological refinement — it can be attained through simplicity, balance and respect for natural biological structures.
Matthias Haberzettl is a Holistic Energy Practitioner and Integrative Nutrition Coach at MH Solutions in Miami. See ad, Page 5.






by Varsha Rathod, MD
When conversations turn to men’s health, the focus often lands on physical performance—building strength, improving endurance, tracking biomarkers and optimizing nutrition. Many men are highly disciplined about exercise routines, supplements and wearable health technology. Yet one of the most powerful tools for supporting both physical and emotional well-being is rarely even talked about: meditation.


Stress has become such a normal part of modern life that many people barely recognize how deeply it affects the body. For men in particular, the pressure to constantly perform, provide and push through can accumulate quietly, until it shows up as exhaustion, irritability or declining health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men in the United States, and mental health concerns continue to climb. Many men cope by reaching for familiar but harmful outlets such as smoking, drinking, overworking or shutting down emotionally.
Part of the challenge may come from how men are taught to understand strength. Many grew up absorbing the message that resilience means handling stress alone, staying productive at all costs and avoiding the appearance of vulnerability. In that mindset, slowing down long enough to meditate can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. But wellness experts are increasingly clear: meditation isn’t about checking out of life. It’s a form of mental training that helps the nervous system become more resilient and adaptive under pressure.
The science supporting meditation continues to expand and it is consistent and compelling. Decades ago, Harvard physician Dr. Herbert Benson identified the “relaxation response,” showing that meditation can counteract the physiological effects of chronic stress. Since then, a growing body of research has linked regular meditation to improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, cortisol regulation, sleep quality and emotional regulation.

Meditation may also help men reconnect with emotional awareness in a healthier way. Emotional distress may not appear as sadness, rather it might show up as fatigue, lack of motivation, becoming easily frus trated or feeling emotionally “flat.” Condi tioned to ignore these issues, men push on while stress builds quietly until it begins af fecting relationships, work performance or physical health. Mindfulness practices cre ate space to notice what is happening inter nally before it becomes a bigger problem.
Many men are finding the benefits of em bracing daily meditation. No matter their role—dad, athlete, executive, entrepre neur—men are describing meditation as a tool that improves focus, creativity and decision-making while helping them stay calm during stressful situations. Rather than diminishing ambition, meditation may actually strengthen the ability to re spond thoughtfully and quash reacting impulsively.
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, meditation can also foster a deeper sense of connection and inner steadiness. Integra tive and functional medicine practitioners recognize that true wellness involves more than simply treating symptoms and that health exists within the relationship be tween body, mind and spirit. In moments of stillness, many people discover this re lationship along with greater clarity, com passion and peace that extends into every area of life.
For those new to meditation, it is not com plicated. There are numerous instruction al videos and free tutorials online, such as Learn Meditation in 5 Minutes. Setting aside 10 to 15 minutes each day can help establish a calmer, more intentional tone. Just as exercise strengthens the body, meditation strengthens the mind’s ability to navigate stress with greater balance and awareness.




Varsha Rathod, MD, owns Functional and Integrative Medicine (FAIM), working with patients virtually in Florida and Missouri. For more information, visit FAIMHealth. com. See ad, page 2.







by VIE Loriot de Rouvray
Energy healing is a growing a holistic wellness modality that explores the relationship between consciousness, vibration and the body’s energetic systems. Rooted in concepts from quantum physics and Eastern healing traditions, it suggests that all living things are composed of energy and that energetic balance influences well-being.
Practitioners of quantum or vibrational healing often focus on the body’s energy flow, commonly referred to as Qi or “chi,” the life-force energy that moves through pathways called meridians. When Qi is disrupted, it may cause emotional, physical or spiritual discomfort. Energy healing sessions are designed to support the body’s natural restorative processes.

One branch of this work involves the use of The Light Language, a vibrational form of communication expressed through sound, frequency and energetic transmission. The Light Language is believed to communicate with the energetic field and subconscious awareness. Some practitioners also incorporate sound healing techniques (vocal toning or sound baths) to promote deep relaxation and energetic alignment.
Color light therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is another complementary modality often integrated into vibrational healing sessions. Different colors and wavelengths of light are associated with specific emotional and energetic responses. One color may promote vitality, while another is associated with calmness.
Multidimensional and vibrational healing are noninvasive approaches used to encourage emotional balance, stress reduction and heightened self-awareness. As interest in integrative wellness continues to expand, energy-based therapies are also evolving as complementary health practices.
VIE Loriot de Rouvray is an Intuitive Vibrational and Frequency Healer, owner of the Bio-Institute of Light and Sound and author of 9.1.1. Complete Guide to Natural Healing. To learn more, see InstituteOfLightAndSound.com.
“I was in a severe car accident 4 years ago and had lumbar fusion scheduled for early September 2025. After working with Sean for a month and a half, I felt confident enough in my progress that I was able to cancel my lumbar fusion surgery...”
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by Hannah Tytus
"Wherever you want to make improvements in your life, whether it is with your health, your job performance or your relationships—sleep can be part of that,” says Catherine Darley, ND, an integrative sleep specialist and founder of SkilledSleeper.com.
Better sleep enhances nearly every aspect of life, yet many men ignore the subject entirely. “There’s a lack of information about sleep health in men’s spaces,” Darley laments. “Subjectively, men have fewer complaints than women do about their sleep, but on some objective measures, men sleep worse.” Most people need between seven and nine hours of shuteye nightly, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 37 percent of men fall short.
Precipitous Aging: “Midlife men have higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea, which negatively affects heart health and significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack,” says Darley. “Alzheimer’s risk, arthritis and many physical and digestive complaints are worse when sleep is disordered. During sleep, the brain undergoes vital nightly maintenance, clearing beta amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. A way to hedge against dementia is to get good sleep now.”

Hormonal Issues: Hormones are linked to sleep quality. “During stage 3 sleep (also known as deep sleep) 75 to 80 percent of our growth hormone is secreted, which supports muscle repair and recovery. Exercise improves your deep sleep, helping keep your muscle mass,” Darley explains. “Disrupted sleep from apnea, insomnia or irregular schedules can lower testosterone, causing issues like erectile dysfunction.” A 2020 study in Translational Andrology and Urology reported that older men with sleep disorders exhibited a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
Mental Health Strain: Poor sleep often leads to mental health issues. “Anxiety, loneliness, depression and suicidality are worse when a person isn’t sleeping well,” Darley asserts. Research supports this: a 2021 meta-analysis published in Sleep Medicine Reviews found that enhancing sleep quality significantly improved mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety and rumination.
Relationship Difficulties: “Emotional intelligence is partly based on how well you’re sleeping,” says Darley, noting that a person that hasn’t slept well will struggle to identify a partner’s subtle facial expressions, making it hard to determine if they are happy or angry. “Sleep-deprived people are also much more self-centered in their moral reasoning, causing them to become less flexible, more rule-based and pedantic,” she adds. When these patterns become habitual, they can harm important relationships.
Driving Accidents: “Sleep affects your balance, coordination and reaction time,” Darley says. A sleep deficit can be particularly unsafe if someone is behind the wheel. “If you are chronically sleep-restricted, you’re driving impaired. Compared to drunk driving, drowsy driving is much more likely to be fatal.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes caused by drowsy driving often involve a single driver running off the road at a high rate of speed with no evidence of braking.
Diminished Mental Acuity: Cognitive performance suffers when sleep is compromised, affecting everything from basic memory recall to complex problem-solving. According to Darley, even verbal fluency is affected, making simple conversations difficult and important dates easy to forget. Making matters worse, “We become unaware of how impaired we actually are,” she points out.

“After several nights of poor sleep, we say, ‘I think I’m getting used to this,’ even though we are still impaired.”
Most people adapt to sleep deprivation and may not realize what their true sleep requirements are. Darley suggests the “10 by 10 test”, which involves spending 10 hours in bed for 10 consecutive nights in a dark, quiet room to determine how much sleep the body naturally needs. “After discovering how much sleep your body needs, the next step is scheduling it into your life,” she counsels. “Consistency is crucial. Increased sleep variability relates to mortality.” Aim for consistent sleep with no more than a 30-minute variation in bedtime and wake time, and no more than a one-hour difference in total sleep duration throughout the week.
Our circadian rhythm is the body’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleepiness and alertness. It is primarily influenced by light exposure. Morning sunlight suppresses melatonin—the hormone that induces sleep—while darkness triggers its release. According to Darley, we suffer from what she calls a “darkness deficiency” that confuses the body’s sleep signals. “We’re suppressing our melatonin until bedtime with screens and LED light,” she explains.
To counteract this, she recommends creating a “sunset experience” at home by reducing light to the equivalent of 10 candles’
worth of yellow-hued light one to two hours before bed. The bedroom should be very dark, for which Darley offers a simple test. “If you can hold your hand out at arm’s length and see your fingers wiggling, that’s enough light to suppress your melatonin, keeping you awake,” she says.
Other habits support a healthy sleep rhythm. Exercise earlier in the day helps regulate the body clock. Sleep masks and blackout curtains can reduce light pollution in urban areas. Limiting alcohol and
avoiding caffeine in the evening prevents disruptions. A cooler bedroom also promotes better sleep. There are about 60 sleep disorders, say Darley. If sleep does not improve after a month of these lifestyle adjustments, she recommends seeing a professional. Sleep is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring the cultural underpinnings of health.


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by Marlaina Donato
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), available as injections, patches, gels, pills and implant pellets, was a global market worth nearly $2 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach nearly $3 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. Yet TRT is often misused for symptoms like fatigue or for athletic enhancement, when it is actually meant to treat clinically diagnosed low testosterone.
While this pivotal sex hormone is responsible for male puberty, sperm production and healthy libido, it also acts as a critical metabolic regulator and driving force behind physical energy, healthy muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production and mood regulation. When men experience a decline in performance—whether at work, in the gym or in the bedroom—it may be easy to assume that low testosterone levels are to blame, but the misuse or

overuse of TRT places users at risk for undesirable side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the potential risks of TRT include: worsening sleep apnea; skin reactions, including acne; noncancerous growth of the prostate and growth of an existing prostate cancer; enlargement of the breasts; a reduction of sperm production; and overproduction of red blood cells, which could lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. In addition, according to a 2018 study in the World Journal of Men’s Health, TRT can cause infertility.
The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as a total blood serum level below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) on at least two separate early morning tests, accompanied by symptoms like low sex drive and performance, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat and depression.
“Many men are seeking TRT to treat nonspecific symptoms like general fatigue, weight gain or a slight dip in motivation—issues that are often the result of lifestyle factors, rather than low testosterone,” says Dr. Joel Fuhrman, president of the Nutritional Research Foundation and the author of several books, including Eat for Life and Eat to Live Cookbook. In light of the trend of TRT over-prescription and the considerable risks, Fuhrman stresses the insta_photos/Shutterstock
importance of considering effective natural methods to restore hormonal balance.
Men can experience a decline in their testosterone levels for reasons beyond testosterone deficiency. “Thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, high prolactin [hormone], chronic stress, certain medications, opioids and antidepressants all suppress testosterone or mimic its symptoms. Run a full panel before assuming it’s your testosterone. You might be chasing the wrong problem,” advises Nelson Vergel, a hormone therapy researcher, men’s health educator and creator of ExcelMale.com, an online men’s health and TRT forum.
Vergel highlights the devastating effects of chronic unresolved stress, which “tells the brain to dial back testosterone production. It’s a survival mechanism; your body prioritizes threat-response over reproduction. It makes sense in the short term, but it’s devastating long-term.”
Raymond Wohl, the medical director of Chicago Male Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, says, “A decline in performance, libido or confidence is often an early warning sign of underlying issues such as elevated stress, reduced blood flow, hormonal imbalance or metabolic dysfunction.” Men are often surprised to discover that improvements in energy, sleep, weight management and mood frequently accompany enhanced sexual performance. Wohl emphasizes, “Sexual health is not separate—it’s a powerful indicator of total wellness. We recommend TRT only after a thorough evaluation, including lab work, symptom analysis and lifestyle review.”
Functional medicine specialist and men’s health coach Dr. Andreas Boettcher, in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, also recommends a comprehensive approach. “You need to look at the full hormonal picture, including cortisol patterns across the day; levels of DHEA-sulfate, pregnenolone, estradiol and prolactin; thyroid function, including free T3 conversion; and insulin markers,” he explains, naming multiple hormones besides testosterone.

by Sean Olenek
As men age, maintaining hormonal balance becomes an important part of preserving energy, resilience and quality of life. Chiropractic care can assist with this by optimizing nervous system function, spinal mobility, posture and movement efficiency.
Chronic poor posture can contribute to tension, fatigue, shallow breathing and stress-related dysfunction. Spinal alignment affects nervous system communication and the vagus nerve response. By helping the body shift from a chronic “fight-orflight” state into a more restorative state, chiropractic care supports healthier hormonal balance by reducing stress. Combined with soft tissue therapies, it can help improve mobility, circulation, muscular balance and recovery capacity.
Applied Kinesiology offers a specialized approach for identifying functional imbalances within the body. Using precise muscle testing, practitioners evaluate how movement patterns, muscular coordination, posture and stress adaptation may be affecting overall function. This allows care to be tailored to each individual’s structural and neurological needs.
Functional chiropractic care also emphasizes sustainable lifestyle habits that support long-term strength, mobility and resilience. By improving nervous system communication and helping the body function more efficiently, men may experience better recovery, improved movement and greater vitality throughout every stage of life.
Dr. Sean Olenek is a Chiropractor in Maitland, Florida, and an adjunct professor at Everglades University’s Alternative Medicine Department. His mission is to restore health through natural methods, allowing individuals to attain lasting results with resolution of conditions. For more information, see InsightChiroHealth.com.
Addressing the gut-hormone axis—the network involving the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome and endocrine system—is also high on Boettcher’s radar. “Hormone metabolism, balance and excretion are deeply dependent on your gut,” he points out. “The gut microbiome influences the signaling of virtually every hormone in the body, but the gut-hormone axis is a two-way communication highway, and when it breaks down—through gut permeability, dysbiosis [imbalance of gut flora] or chronic inflammation, hormone balance becomes nearly impossible to achieve, regardless of what else you do.”
Boettcher attests that approximately 80 percent of men receiving hormonal support no longer need TRT once the underlying factors are adequately addressed. Given the right environment, he explains, the endocrine system begins production at levels that restore vitality, energy, lean muscle mass and libido. During his mid-to-late 40s, Boettcher quadrupled his testosterone levels without resorting to TRT or shortcuts. Now approaching 60, he maintains a single-digit body fat percentage, which he attributes to consistent daily choices. He asserts that men are biologically designed to be lean, strong and metabolically healthy well into the latter half of life.
Vergel reports that a significant portion of his patients that were convinced they had low testosterone turned out to have undiagnosed sleep apnea. “Just one week of sleeping only five hours a night drops testosterone by 10 to 15 percent in otherwise healthy men,” he says. “That’s not trivial. Everything else you’re doing—diet, training or supplements—gets undermined if you’re chronically sleep-deprived. Fix the sleep, and testosterone often comes back on its own.”
Psychological factors should also be considered. “Men who have carried unaddressed
trauma for years often look hormonally like someone 15 to 20 years older with lower testosterone, lower DHEA [a testosterone precursor], disrupted sleep and blunted growth hormone,” says Vergel. “No dose of TRT fully compensates for an unresolved psychological load. You have to work both sides.”
Boettcher emphasizes the role of alcohol as an underestimated and significant contributor to hormonal anomalies. “Even moderate, consistent alcohol consumption impairs liver function, and your liver is the primary site of estrogen clearance,” he explains. “Disrupt that clearance and estrogen accumulates, testosterone declines and the hormonal balance tips in exactly the wrong direction.”
Boettcher also highlights the potential damage caused by Ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter medication. Over time, chronic use can damage the gut lining, impair nutrient absorption and disrupt the raw materials the body needs to produce hormones.
Before making a lifelong commitment to hormone therapy, Fuhrman believes that most men can significantly improve their bioavailable testosterone levels by reducing

body fat. “Adipose tissue contains high levels of the enzyme aromatase, which converts your existing testosterone into estrogen. Losing weight keeps your natural testosterone in circulation.”
He recommends resistance training, specifically compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses and curls to trigger a metabolic and hormonal signaling environment. He also suggests a diet rich in green salads and vegetables, including broccoli, kale and arugula; polyphenol-rich foods such as beans to promote a healthy gut microbiome; and omega-3rich nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia, flax and sesame seeds) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Vergel cautions against ultra-processed food and excessive sugar consumption, which contribute to abdominal fat accumulation. He emphasizes the importance of clean protein and healthy dietary fats. “Don’t fear fat,” he remarks. “Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, so olive oil, eggs, avocados and quality meat protein aren’t your enemies.”
Ultimately, feeling well enough to live life to the fullest is not exclusive to a fortunate few. Vergel asserts, “The men I’ve seen most vital in their 60s and 70s are the ones who didn’t accept decline as inevitable. They asked questions, found good doctors and stayed in the game.”
Wohl offers hope and inspiration, saying, “Aging is inevitable, but decline is not. Sexual health does not have an expiration date. With the right interventions, men can maintain, and often regain, high levels of vitality well into later decades. Our oldest patient is 84 and still thriving.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.

by Christina Connors
The internet was not designed for children. And yet, for many boys today, it is where they are forming their earliest ideas about identity, relationships and what it means to be a man, often without a trusted adult anywhere nearby. According to the American College of Pediatricians, a 2022 survey of teens found that 54 percent had seen pornography by the time they were 13, and 15 percent had been exposed to it prior to age 11.
Unlike the previous generation, this is not simply curiosity at play. The content itself has changed dramatically, and boys are not just stumbling upon things. Young people are being pulled in by algorithms designed to keep them watching.
Dr. Yasmine Saad, a psychologist and founder of Madison Park Psychological Services, in New York City, wants parents to understand that the real issue is not just what a boy sees, but also what happens inside him in response. “His nervous system is activated,” she explains. “The emotional centers of the brain light up quickly. But the part of the brain responsible for making sense of what he’s seeing, regulating impulses and contextualizing the experience is still developing. So what happens is not just exposure. It’s an unprocessed emotional imprint.” He may feel curiosity, excitement, confusion and shame simultaneously, without internal tools to decode any of it.

According to Tara Beall-Gomes, a psychotherapist, certified school counselor and founder of Grit and Grace Recovery, who specializes in treating sex addiction and betrayal trauma, “The adolescent brain is wired for reward, not regulation. What may begin as curiosity can evolve into compulsive patterns as the brain starts to associate arousal with artificial stimulation, rather than connection.” A 2025 study published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry underscores this, finding that the consequences of underage pornography exposure may parallel post-traumatic symptoms, affecting the developing sense of self and how boys understand bonding and connection.
Saad points to something deeper than brain chemistry: “Boys, especially during development, are navigating identity through action, performance and exploration. They are naturally drawn to novelty and experiences that help them answer, ‘Who am I?’ Digital environments capitalize on this. They amplify intensity, dominance and performance-based versions of masculinity, while stripping away emotional context entirely.”
Beall-Gomes adds a clinical dimension: “Pornography teaches connection—false, of course—without connection. Youth are learning about intimacy from a screen that removes emotion, consent and mutual respect. Whether the behavior is occasional or more compulsive, the relational impact can be significant and long-lasting.”
Boys often encounter this content not at home, but on a friend’s phone, in a gaming chat or through a social media link. While parents cannot control every environment, they can control what happens next. Saad cautions, “If the response a child receives is panic, punishment or shame, he learns ‘this part of my experience is not safe to share.’ Instead, guide him toward understanding what happened together.” She suggests starting the discussion with comments like, “Sometimes we come across things we’re not ready for. What did you notice or feel when you saw it?”

Beall-Gomes says, “You do not need the perfect script. You just need to stay calm and stay curious. Let him know he is not in trouble. When kids feel safe, they talk.” Her suggested openers include, “Have you ever come across anything online that felt confusing or uncomfortable? What do you think healthy relationships are supposed to look like? What questions do you have about what you’ve seen or heard?”
“What we want to build is inner clarity,” Saad asserts. “Discernment is the ability to ask, ‘What am I seeing? What is this making me feel? Does this align with who I am?’ This is a skill that develops through relationships. When children feel safe to share, they learn to trust their internal sig nals instead of suppressing them.”
Schools can create language and aware ness. Mentors and father figures can mod el emotionally grounded masculinity. But Saad suggests, “Boys are not just learning from what they are told. They are learning from what they see embodied. The expe rience is not the problem. What remains unprocessed becomes the problem.”



For those already concerned about a child’s exposure or patterns, Beall-Gomes offers, “You have not missed your opportunity to help. With the right guidance, youth can build healthy relationships, restore emotional connection and develop a more grounded sense of self.”
Christina Connors is a burnout prevention specialist, keynote singer and author. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.

Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.
—Van Morrison
by Maya Whitman
Summer would not be the same without dinner on the grill. For many Americans, backyard barbecuing is revered as an art form. In recent years, the classic menu of sizzling meats and charred corn on the cob has expanded to include healthier options such as plant-forward burgers, gut-friendly marinades and anti-inflammatory approaches that lower smoke points and use antioxidant-rich herbs and spices to reduce the formation of cancer-causing compounds.
Despite some evidence of an increased risk for colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer from high consumption of barbecued, well-done and fried foods, research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2018 highlights an increase of good gut bacteria from grilling (and roasting) compared to less heat-intense forms of cooking. Swapping out bottled sauces with

questionable ingredients for healthy homemade marinades, avoiding blackened meats and embracing a broader food spectrum will lower health risks while satisfying every palate.
“Rather than only sticking with the typical hot dogs or burgers at your next barbecue, try introducing some creativity into the mix,” recommends Anne Mauney, a registered dietitian in Washington, D.C., and founder of the FannetasticFood.com recipe blog. “One of my favorite grilled meals is shrimp skewers with chimichurri [made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes]. The chimichurri does double duty as a marinade and sauce, and it’s incredibly fresh and delicious.”
One of her favorite things to do is to serve proteins on ample salads, such as her Summer Grilled Corn and Peach Salad With Chicken on a bed of spring mix lettuce. The corn, peaches and chicken are all grilled, and the lightly sweet dressing (and marinade) is made with honey, lime and fresh cilantro.
For traditionalists that love grilled burgers, Mauney suggests adding chopped red bell peppers or shallots to healthier, leaner meats like grass-fed ground beef, turkey or chicken. She also likes introducing finely diced mushrooms into a beef burger patty to increase nutrient density (fiber plus vitamins) while making it more tender and juicy.
Plant-based chef Julia Dunaway, in Azle, Texas, is influenced by her mother’s Japanese heritage and cooking style, which included grilled ingredients and an unforgettable homemade teriyaki sauce. Dunaway’s black bean burger cooked on the grill, griddle or grill pan, is topped with cashew cheese sauce and the usual burger toppings on a whole-grain bun. “This burger, served with grilled vegetables and even grilled potato slices, is better than any meatheavy cookout,” she asserts.

Other grilled favorites include Tex-Mex vegetable fajitas, large marinated mushrooms, zucchini and corn on the cob. Grilling eggplant sprinkled with cumin, asparagus with fresh garlic and stone fruits like peaches, plums and nectarines with cinnamon or ground cloves are delicious ways to pile anti-inflammatory goodness onto summer plates.
According to Oncology Nursing News, grilling meat at high temperatures or over an open flame can produce cancer-causing substances called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To reduce the risk of carcinogen formation, cooking over indirect heat is recommended. Eating charred meat should be avoided. Marinating meat for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking can also keep the surface of the meat from getting too hot. Adding antioxidant- and polyphenol-rich herbs like basil, rosemary and mint along with citrus juices or vinegar will provide great flavor, as well as disease-fighting nutrients.
When brushing ingredients with oil, avocado oil is recommended for its health benefits and high smoke point. Olive oil is also nutrient-dense, flavorful and anti-inflammatory. Dunaway’s favorite marinade replaces oil with tahini, a sesame-seed paste, and incorporates plenty of herbs and spices with vegetable broth to keeps vegetables moist throughout grilling.
“I use a gas grill with a large grilling surface, making sure it is very clean. Heating the grill
on high for several minutes and cleaning the grates is essential. The marinated vegetables and tofu won’t stick on a clean grill,” Dunaway explains. “Once clean, reduce the heat to medium to avoid charring, while still getting a light grill mark. Just plan to cook the vegetables on a lower heat for a longer time so they are tender and cooked throughout.”
Jazzing things up with probiotic-rich sides, including colorful slaws and
fermented kimchi or kraut adds another healthy, tasty dimension. Swap everyday potatoes for sweet potatoes and drizzle with a tangerine vinaigrette for a different twist on potato salad or toss chickpeas with kalamata olives and feta. Creative pairings are the heart of a good grill, and the sky’s the limit.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.



YIELD: 8 BURGERS
1 cup oats
1 cup walnut pieces
1 cup red onion, finely chopped
⅔ cup cremini mushrooms, chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
½ cup carrots, diced
2 Tbsp jalapeño peppers, chopped
3 cups home-cooked black beans (or 2 cans, rinsed and drained)
2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp seasoning blend (such as Kirkland Signature No Salt Seasoning)
2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tsp kosher salt
1 cup cooked brown rice
Pulse the oats and walnuts in a food processor until finely ground. Set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots and jalapeño peppers until lightly browned. Add a little water. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the beans to the walnut and oat mixture in the food processor along with the ground flaxseeds, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, seasoning blend, soy sauce and salt. Pulse a few times. Use a silicone spatula to distribute the ingredients and pulse again once or twice. Keep some of the beans chunky.
Remove the mixture from the food processor, add the cooked brown rice and mix well with the spatula. Divide into 8 patties using a ½ cup measuring cup. Place the patties on a cleaned grill, on indirect heat (medium), and cook for 10 minutes on each side.
Serve on whole-grain buns with any desired toppings such as lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, avocado and condiments like ketchup or mustard.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway.

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
5 medium-sized sweet potatoes
2 cups arugula, finely chopped
2 tangerines, peeled and segmented
1 tangerine for its juice
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 sprig of fresh mint, chopped
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Peel and chop raw sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces, then boil or steam until tender. Once cooked, drain and place them in a large bowl and refrigerate until cold.
Take chilled sweet potatoes out of the fridge and squeeze one tangerine over the pieces before adding vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, mint and the tangerine segments. Gently combine before folding in the arugula. Serve cold.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.

YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
MARINADE
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp Mexican oregano
1 tsp red chili powder
VEGETABLES
2 portobello mushrooms, stems removed, sliced into strips
1-2 bell peppers, sliced into large pieces
2 cups zucchini or summer squash, sliced
1 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 white or sweet potato, baked or steamed ahead and cooled, sliced
Jalapeño peppers to taste
Other in-season vegetables, especially eggplant and okra
1 16-oz block of super-firm tofu
Mix the marinade ingredients and place in a large measuring cup.
Place the vegetables (except the baked potatoes) in a shallow baking dish or gallon-sized plastic bag and add about half of the marinade. Allow the vegetables to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Cover the block of tofu with the remaining marinade, reserving a quarter cup to be used later. Place the marinating tofu in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then cut it into 8 slices.
Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (high heat will burn the vegetables). Grill the tofu 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Grill the vegetables on one side for 3 to 4 minutes or until grill marks appear, then turn them over and reduce the heat to low.
Brush the vegetables with the reserved marinade and close the grill or cover the vegetables with a dome lid or foil tent. Continue grilling the vegetables until they are tender but not burned, basting them a couple more times with the remaining marinade.
Serve the grilled tofu and vegetables on a large platter with flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa and beans on the side.
Recipe courtesy of Chef Julia Dunaway

Wednesday, June 3
Microgreens Workshop: Awaken & Grow! with Joe & Kat Longhany –6-7:30pm. Join Plant Prana Wellness founders Joe and Kat Longhany for an interactive workshop exploring the health benefits and simplicity of growing microgreens at home. Participants will plant a grow kit to take home, sample fresh microgreens and learn practical growing techniques along with the science-backed nutritional value of these nutrient-dense superfoods. Ideal for beginners and wellness enthusiasts seeking easy ways to support healthy living through plant-based nutrition. $44. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. Info@MagnoliaWellnessCenter.org. Register at MagnoliaWellnessCenter.org/Events.
Underground Networking Circle for Health & Wellness Professionals, Winter Park – 7-8pm. A monthly after-hours meetup for local health and wellness professionals in Winter Park area. Hosted by Hope Clark and Amanda Charles, this gathering offers a refreshing, intentional approach to networking. Each month, a new host shares their specialty in a brief spotlight, followed by short introductions from attendees. No dues, no referral quotas, just meaningful, word-of-mouth connections. Free. Various offices in Winter Park area. Text "Winter Park" to 386-280-7511.
Underground Networking Circle for Health & Wellness Professionals, Lake Mary – 7-8pm. A monthly after-hours meetup for local health and wellness professionals in the Lake Mary area. Hosted by Hope Clark and Amanda Charles, this gathering offers a refreshing, intentional approach to networking. Each month, a new host shares their specialty in a brief spotlight, followed by short introductions from attendees. No dues, no referral quotas, just meaningful, word-of-mouth connections. Free. Various offices in Lake Mary area. Text "Lake Mary" to 386-280-7511.
Thursday, June 11
All-Arts Open Mic & Write Night with Florida Comedy Collective – 6:30-8:30pm. Join Magnolia Yoga and Wellness Center and Florida Comedy Collective for an evening of creative expression through comedy, storytelling, music and performance art. The evening begins with a collaborative writing workshop exploring stand-up, improv and sketch comedy inspired by personal experiences and emotions, followed by an open mic welcoming comedians, musicians, poets, dancers and other live performers. Open to all experience levels and community members. Free. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. Info@Magnolia WellnessCenter.org. MagnoliaWellness Center.org/Events.
Saturday, June 13
Four Corners Sound Bath Experience with Alice Gomes – 7-8:30pm. Experience an immersive surround-sound journey designed to encourage deep relaxation, mental clarity and nervous system restoration. Presented by The Four Corners Sound Collaborative, this restorative sound bath features crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, gentle gongs, chimes, flutes and world percussion instruments inspired by the sounds of nature. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket or other comfort items to enhance relaxation during the experience. $85. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. Info@MagnoliaWellness Center.org. Register at MagnoliaWell nessCenter.org/Events.
Thursday, June 18
Elite Athlete Workshop – 6pm. Discover how Applied Kinesiology and NeuroKinetic Therapy can support athletic performance, recovery and injury prevention during this interactive workshop led by Dr. Sean Olenek and Tim Monaco, A.P., LMT. Participants will experience live demonstrations and learn about recovery modalities designed to help athletes move more
efficiently and perform at their highest potential. Ideal for competitive athletes and active individuals seeking a deeper understanding of performance optimization. No cost. Advance registration required. Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center, 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland. 321-926-2997.
Friday, June 19
Breathwork Session – 5-6:30pm. Discover how conscious breathing practices can help restore balance, improve focus and support emotional wellness during this guided breathwork session. Participants will be introduced to techniques that promote relaxation, stress relief and greater self-awareness in a supportive and peaceful environment. Free; donations encouraged and appreciated. Registration required. Inekawa Foundation, 10215 Gopher Rd, Howey in the Hills. 321-481-8288. Inekawa.org/events.
Health, Harmony & Balance – 12:30-2pm. Experience a heart-centered gathering focused on healing with compassion and love through guided meditation. Check-in begins at 11:30am with refreshments and registration, creating a welcoming space to connect and prepare. Explore the center’s crystal galleries and boutique. Access on-site healers for additional support. The center remains open until 4:30pm for continued exploration and connection. Love donations. 1 Purlieu Pl, Winter Park. MehtaMetaphysicalCenter.com.
Saturday, June 27
Beat the Heat Mini Retreat with Lisa Rosen – 2:30-5:30pm. Cool, restore and recharge during this half-day retreat blending Ayurveda and restorative yoga practices designed for the summer season. Participants will explore cooling pranayama, meditation and an Ayurvedic dosha quiz while learning supportive wellness practices to promote balance during warmer months. The afternoon also includes tea, light snacks and a gentle restorative yoga session. Attendees will leave with practical wellness tools and a small goody bag inspired by the retreat experience. $85. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. Info@ MagnoliaWellnessCenter.org. Register at MagnoliaWellnessCenter.org/Events.


Monday
Audubon Park Community Market –5-8pm. Local food and artisan vendors. Live music. 1842 E Winter Park Rd (NW corner of Corrine Dr & Winter Park Rd in Stardust Coffee parking lot). AudubonMarket.com.
Tuesday
Free Magnolia Wellness Hour: The Three Doshas of Ayurveda – 11am-noon. Join Sidney Walters, NAMA Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, for a free community workshop exploring the three Ayurvedic doshas—the energies that shape body constitution, health and wellbeing. Learn how to identify your unique dosha makeup, recognize when doshas are in or out of balance and apply practices to restore harmony. Space limited. Reg req. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. Reg @MagnoliaWellness Center.org/events.
Soothing Yin/Meditation – 6pm. A class that combines breath with longer hold poses for flexibility and to ease stress and anxiety. 75 mins. $20. Sweet Surrender Yoga & Holistic Wellness, 1750 W Broadway St, #112, Oviedo. 786-520-6736. CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com.
Storytellers of Central Florida – 7-8:30pm. 1st Tues. Monthly. Winter Park Public Library, 1052 W Morse Blvd. 407-623-3300. WinterParkLibrary.org.
Wednesday
Downtown Sanford Mom Stroll – 8-9:30am. A friendly group of moms meets weekly in downtown Sanford for a relaxed 1.4-mile walk along the lake, ending with playtime for little ones and casual connection time located at Fort Mellon Park. Free. Sanford Pelvic Therapy and Wellness, 307 E 2nd St, Sanford. Sanford PelvicTherapy.com.
Free Oncology Yoga – 1:30-2:30pm. A gentle yoga session designed specifically for survivors and their caregivers. Magnolia Yoga & Wellness Center, 111 W Magnolia Ave, Longwood. 407-900-6499.
Tai Chi Introductory Class – 6-7pm. Taught by Jim Moltzan, this introductory class will help enhance your range of motion, improve balance and increase strength and flexibility. Open to all ages ,
it’s a great way to get started with this ancient practice in a supportive environment. Free. Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center, 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland. InsightChiroHealth.com. Info@ InsightChiroHealth.com. 321-926-2997.
Thursday
Cosmic Yoga Flow – 6pm. This class combines breath, movement, muscle-toning and balance poses in this gentle Hatha movement class. 75 mins. $20. Sweet Surrender Yoga & Holistic Wellness, 1750 W Broadway St, #112, Oviedo. 786-520-6736. CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com.
Friday
Sound Bowl Meditation – 6-6:45pm. Immerse yourself in 45 minutes of deep relaxation while you naturally increase your vibration as the sound bowls emit a miracle tone of healing at a 432-hertz frequency. Bring a mat, blanket, pillow and water. $10. Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness, 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland. 321-926-2997. InsightChiro Health.com. Facebook:Insight-Chiropractic-Health-and-Wellness-Center.
Saturday
Free Yoga at Reiter Park – 7:30-8:30am. An all-levels flow class held on the bandshell stage, next to the Longwood Farmers Market. BYO mat and water. Location: 111 W Warren Ave, Longwood. Register at MagnoliaWellenssCenter.org/book-a-class.
Saturday Gardening Workshop Series – 10-11am. Free weekly hourlong workshop exploring Central Florida gardening topics—from native plants and seasonal care to pollinator habitats—all led by local nursery experts. Each session offers practical, hands-on guidance to help gardeners cultivate thriving landscapes suited to our region’s climate. Free. South Seminole Farm & Nursery, 2010 E Lake Dr, Casselberry. SSeminoleFarmAndNursery.com.
Stretch N’ Balance – 10:30am. A practice to tone muscle and build stamina with movement and breath in a series of standing and balance poses. 75 mins. $20. Sweet Surrender Yoga & Holistic Wellness, 1750 W Broadway St, #112, Oviedo. 786-520-6736. CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com.
DISTRIBUTION (South Central Florida) – Natural Awakenings Central Florida seeks reliable individual to deliver magazines to local businesses monthly. Flexible schedule first week each month. Must have dependable transportation, strong organization and friendly communication. Opportunity to connect with wellness community while earning supplemental income. Email introduction and availability to apply to ScottChase@NACFLcom.
AVAILABLE & AFFORDABLE (2) OVIEDO SUITES – Courtyard fountain views. Rent one or expand your business and rent both! Located in a Health & Wellness Center. Call 786520-6736.
Coming in July

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in this resource guide email Publisher@NACFL.com to request our media kit on sign-up online at NACFL.com.
INSIGHT CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Sean Olenek, DC
1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland 407-565-3085
InsightChiroHealth.com

We provide effective and individualized care for optimal patient outcomes. Our insights come from integrating chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, energy balancing, integrative medicine, functional medicine and alternative medicine. See ad, page 17.
HEALING AMENITIES
Integrative Wellness for People, Pets & the Planet Doug and Ingrid Swailes, LMT 407-463-8424.03

Provides wellness technologies that support cleaner air, purer water and healthier living. Solutions help relieve sinus issues, allergies, asthma, pet odors and smoke. Beauty water hydrates and nourishes skin at the deepest level. See ad, page 25.
BIO-INSTITUTE OF LIGHT & SOUND HEALING
VIE, 407-902-7199, Sanford LightInstituteInfo@gmail.com InstituteOfLightAndSound.com

Since 2005, VIE has provided multidimensional energy healing using frequency-based light, sound and vibrational techniques to support cellular balance, emotional wellbeing, energetic transformation and holistic restoration through advanced therapeutic sessions promoting personal growth.
HOLISTIC OPTIONS, INC.
635 Primera Blvd, Lake Mary 407-333-1059
HolisticOptionsInc.com

Digital Infrared Imaging is a totally non-invasive, radiation free screening. It detects early pathologies of the breasts, confirming fibrocystic breast tissue vs. a more invasive breast condition. Digital pictures are taken and trained medical doctors review and comment on the findings. Additional imaging available in a “Women’s Health Scan.” See ad, page 11.
INSIGHT CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Sean Olenek, DC 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland 407-565-3085
InsightChiroHealth.com

We provide effective and individualized care for optimal patient outcomes. Our insights come from integrating chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, exercise, energy balancing, integrative medicine, functional medicine and alternative medicine. See ad, page 17.
BIJOU’S BOUTIQUE
2501 Edgewater Dr, Orlando Mon-Sat 10am-6pm 407-841-9728
BijousBoutique.com

For 30+ yrs, find designer brands and unusual fashion, shoes, accessories and more. With Euro and Caribbean influences, French owner Bijou specializes in natural fibers. We carry sizes XS to XXL. 20% OFF during your birthday month.
HOLISTIC DENTAL HEALTH
David W. Edwards, DMD 541 N Palmetto Ave, #101, Sanford HolisticDentalHealth.com 407-322-6143

Since 2007, I specialize in holistic (biological), cosmetic, mercury-free family dentistry and offer safe amalgam removal. Enjoy our relaxing view overlooking Lake Monroe in Sanford. See ad, page 27.
WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT
TOURS
312 E Morse Blvd (just east of Park Ave) Winter Park 407-644-4056
ScenicBoatTours.com

Tours include 12 miles within the pristine Winter Park chain of lakes. Perfect for office parties and family gatherings. Please call ahead for large groups. Gift certificates available.
Dr. Lisa Nezneski, BS, PharmD 301 E New Hampshire St, Ste 700, Orlando • 412-749-1070
LisaNezneski.com

Ancient shamanic wisdom meets modern understanding. Experience deep soul restoration and energy clearing. Release what no longer serves you. Reclaim your wholeness. Science-backed. Soul-supported.
Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation…even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind.
—Leonardo da Vinci
635 Primera Blvd, Lake Mary 407-333-1059
FrontOffice@HolistiOptionsInc.com
HolisticOptionsInc.com

Customized bio-energetic testing as it originated in Germany in the 1940s. Tuning in to your meridian system through energy medicine, detecting disturbed energy pathways caused by environmental chemicals, heavy metals and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi and gaining insight into one’s complex system to determine which path of healing to take. Nearly 40 years of experience in nutritional biochemical balancing. See ad, page 11.
DŌTERRA/ PURE HOPE WELLNESS
Hope Clark Longwood, FL 719-963-3330
PureHopeWellness.com

Hope Clark, doTERRA Certified Essential Oil Specialist and founder of Pure Hope Wellness, brings over a decade of natural health expertise, leading group trainings and clinical workshops on the effective use of doTERRA’s essential oils.
ROSEMARY GEORGE, RN, LMT

Reflexology & Young Living Essential Oils 111 West Magnolia Ave, Ste 2050 407-929-2499 (call or text), Longwood Registered nurse and massage therapist offering professional reflexology and Young Living essential oils to support relaxation, balance and wellness through personalized sessions focused on stress relief, circulation, and natural healing in a calm Longwood office. MA# 35689.
MEHTA METAPHYSICAL CENTER
1 Purlieu Pl, Ste 250, Winter Park 321-203-4688
MehtaMetaphysicalCenter.com

Host your next event in stunning crystal-infused spaces. Four unique spaces for healing, love, spirit and creativity. Available for hourly rental. See ad, page 39.
635 Primera Blvd, Lake Mary 407-333-1059
FrontOffice@HolistiOptionsInc.com
HolisticOptionsInc.com

Avoid the typical hormone disrupting chemicals of most skincare lines, which have been linked to breast, ovarian and other cancers. For years we have been using 100 percent organic skincare and body care products in all our facials and body treatments. Experience customized holistic facials in our beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. See ad, page 11.
MERMAID’S MAGIC SEA MOSS MermaidsMoss.com

Premium wildcrafted sea moss and natural wellness products designed to support energy, immunity and over all vitality. The nutri ent-rich supplements provide an easy, plant-based way to en hance daily health and balance. See ad, page 23.
AIN’T Y MAMA’S BAKED BEANS
Arlene J. Guffin, Owner Operator
AintYoMamasBakedBeans@gmail.com
AintYoMamasBakedBeans.com 407-579-0404

Beaning a Taste of Diversity to Your Table. Come get your bean shot samples. Lady Lake Farmers’ Mkt (Tues 9am-2pm) • Bountiful Farms Mkt (Wed 9am-2pm) • Brownwood Farmers Mkt (Sat 8am-2pm) • Mount Dora Village Mkt (Sun 9am-2pm). Call/txt for special orders.
AIM MICROBIOME
AimMicrobiome.com
689-219-0409

AIM microBiome is a telehealth practice providing advanced functional medicine testing and personalized wellness solutions to support chronic conditions, gut health, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Using data-driven insights, clients receive tailored recommendations for nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation to restore balance, improve digestion, and promote long-term health through a holistic, science-based approach. Offers a $25 discovery call. Protocols guided by Fawad Ahmed, MD. See ad, back cover.
Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.
—Alfred North Whitehead
AND INTEGRATIVE
Varsha Rathod.MD

As an MD, I have seen how Functional medicine can uncover and address the root cause of health concerns. I have helped many patients heal and regain their quality of life. You do not need to keep struggling with your health. See ad, page 2.
CHAMBERLIN’S NATURAL FOODS
Alt Spgs/Wekiva 407-774-8866
East Orl/Herndon 407-228-1373
Lake Mary 407-936-9470
Kissimmee 407-846-7454
Lakeland 863-815-0001
Chamberlins.com

For more than 85 years, proudly serving the Central Florida community with organics and local products.
M & M VITAMINS & HEALTH FOODS
118 Middle St
(SW corner of Lake Mary Blvd) Lake Mary • 407-330-2666
MandMVitamins.com

Serving CFL since 2006, we may be little, but we are loyal. Get the lowest prices guaranteed on protein powders. Visit our website and sign up for exclusive monthly discounts. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-4pm.
INSIGHT CHIROPRACTIC
HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
Sean Olenek, DC 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland 407-565-3085
InsightChiroHealth.com

Boost healing, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. This non-invasive treatment delivers pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to naturally enhance recovery and overall wellness. See ad, page 17.
BEEM LIGHT SAUNA
2305 Edgewater Dr, Orlando 407-203-1721
BeemLightSauna.com

Relax in your own private suite at beem®, where full-spectrum infrared therapy (near, mid and far wavelengths) promotes deep detoxification, boosts circulation, supports calorie burn up to 600 per session and enhances overall wellness from the inside out. See ad, page 15.
PRIME IV HYDRATION AND WELLNESS – WINTER PARK
1844 Winter Park Rd, Ste B, Orlando 407-636-3240

Personalized IV vitamin infusions and in jections delivered in a spa-like setting. Their services help restore hydration, boost immunity, enhance recovery and support overall wellness. From athletic performance to anti-aging, each experience is tailored just for you. See ad, page 8.
LAW OF ATTRACTION LIFE COACH
Life Coach David Phone Coaching 973-444-7301, LifeCoachDavid.com

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.
—F. Scott Fitzgerald
WELLNESS WISDOM
NUTRITION & LIFESTYLE LLC
Eustis, Florida 352-988-0012
Natasha@WellnessWisdomCo.com
WellnessWisdomCo.com

Holistic nutrition and cooking education focused on whole foods, metabolic health, disease prevention/ reversal and practical lifestyle change. Nutrition coaching, fitness coaching and cooking classes that teach preparing meals without heavy-metal leaching or harmful chemicals.
FAIM-FUNCTIONAL AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Varsha Rathod.MD

Certified and experienced. Get the tools and support you need to manifest all you want, feel happier and become the best version of yourself. Once you live your life from a Law of Attraction point-of-view, it only gets better.
MEHTA METAPHYSICAL CENTER
1 Purlieu Place, Ste 250, Winter Park 321-203-4688
MehtaMetaphysicalCenter.com

Explore the largest metaphysical center in the U.S. 15,000 sqft of crystal galleries, guided meditations, healers, crystal boutique and event space rentals available. See ad, page 39.
As an MD, I have seen how Functional medicine can uncover and address the root cause of health concerns. I have helped many patients heal and regain their quality of life. You do not need to keep struggling with your health. See ad, page 2.
982 Douglas Ave, Ste 102 Altamonte Springs 407-751-2192
FamilyIntegrativeMedicine.com

Regenerative medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal therapy, and physical rehabilitation to address root causes of chronic pain, offering personalized, non-surgical care for lasting wellness. See ad, page 8.
Lisa Beaury, DOM
Hillary Carroll, LDN, IFMCP 407-682-7111
KSteele@HealingAlternativesInc.com

Personalized functional healing providers offering integrative medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, immunotherapy, and natural treatments supporting whole-person wellness. Professional practitioner room available for rent.
11101 W Colonial Dr, Ocoee
407-574-2880
RiverOfLifeDO.com

Provides holistic care through osteopathic manipulation, family medicine and natural healing, helping patients restore balance, relieve pain and achieve lasting wellness. See ad, page 19.
DR. GLORIA M. SOSA, MD
111 W Magnolia Ave, Ste 2012 Longwood • 407-900-6499
LadyMasterNada.6ray@gmail.com
LadyMasterNada.com

Certified theta energy and intuitive anatomy healer. Certified spiritual life coach. Healing body level up (HBLU) facilitator. Sacred geometry meditation facilitator. Certified reiki practitioner.
THE CENTER FOR NATURAL & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Kirti Kalidas, MD, ND 6651 Vineland Rd, #150, Orlando 407-355-9246, DrKalidas.com

Dr. Kalidas blends dual medical and naturopathic training to uncover root causes, integrating advanced therapies with compassionate, whole-person care that restores balance, strengthens immunity and supports long-term healing and vibrant wellness. Advanced training in intravenous vitamin-mineral therapy, chelation therapy, ozone, hyperbaric and oxidative medicine. See ad, page 13.
THE CENTER FOR NATURAL & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Amar Kalidas, DO 6651 Vineland Rd, #150, Orlando 407-355-9246, DrKalidas.com

Dr. Kalidas combines osteopathic and functional medicine to uncover root causes of chronic illness, offering thoughtful, data-driven care that supports healing through personalized testing, advanced therapies and collaborative, whole-person treatment plans. Plan may include diet, exercise, vitamins, hormones, supplements, nutritional IV therapy, ozone auto-hemotherapy, hyperthermia heat therapy or prolozone. See ad, page 13.
Kushang Shah, MD 6651 Vineland Rd, #150, Orlando 407-355-9246, DrKalidas.com

Dr. Shah applies internal and functional medicine to reveal the deeper imbalances behind chronic conditions, offering individualized therapies that support long-term wellness, metabolic health and pain relief through advanced, patient-centered integrative care. Functional medicine training from the Institute for Functional Medicine. Certified in ozone and prolozone therapy. See ad, page 13.
Poonam Kalidas Kapadia, MD 6651 Vineland Rd, #150, Orlando 407-355-9246, DrKalidas.com

Dr. Kapadia merges advanced endocrine expertise with integrative medicine, uncovering deeper health imbalances and guiding patients toward hormonal harmony, metabolic stability and lasting wellness through attentive listening, personalized care and evidence-informed therapeutic insight. See ad, page 13.
ROSEMARY GEORGE, RN, LMT Reflexology & Young Living Essential Oils 111 West Magnolia Ave, Ste 2050 407-929-2499 (call or text), Longwood

Registered nurse and massage therapist offering professional reflexology and Young Living essential oils to support relaxation, balance and wellness through personalized sessions focused on stress relief, circulation, and natural healing in a calm Longwood office. MA# 35689.
To have become a deeper man is the privilege of those who have suffered.
—Oscar Wilde
BEEM LIGHT SAUNA
2305 Edgewater Dr, Orlando 407-203-1721
BeemLightSauna.com

Relax in your own private suite at beem®, where full-spectrum infrared therapy (near, mid and far wavelengths) promotes deep detoxification, boosts circulation, supports calorie burn up to 600 per session and enhances overall wellness from the inside out. See ad, page 15.
CENTRAL FLORIDA SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY
450 N Lakemont Ave, Ste A, Winter Park • 407-673-6776
MassageTherapy.cc

Take a tour and enroll for the upcoming March 2025 session. Our graduates quickly become certified with our comprehensive programs. This school also offers discounted massage therapy appointments for readers who apply in advance.
FLORIDA SCHOOL OF HOLISTIC LIVING
Local to Central Florida and Online 407-595-3731
HolisticLivingSchool.org

Herbalist training, workshops, classes and continuing education units (CEUs) available. Live in-person and online, plus an entire catalog of on-demand classes.
THE PROFESSIONAL SHOE REPAIR, INC. Luis Restrepo 407-767-8118

Located inside the Altamonte Springs Mall on the lower level west of JC Penney, I repair all types of shoes, sandals, handbags and clothing alterations. Call for hours. Sometimes I can complete while you wait.
TS SKIN CARE
1520 Edgewater Dr, #A, Orlando Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm • Sun: By Appt Only 407-999-5008, TSSkinCare.com

For over 20 years, we formulate our own natural products and offer a variety of skin care services. We also specialize in acne treatments and deep pore cleansing. Visit our website and sign up for discounts.
INEKAWA FOUNDATION
CENTRAL FLORIDA
321-481-8288
Info@Inekawa.org Inekawa.org

Helping people awaken, we are a nonprofit creating retreat and community spaces that support spiritual growth, healing and reconnection with Source and conscious living.
MEHTA METAPHYSICAL CENTER
1 Purlieu Pl, Ste 250, Winter Park 321-203-4688
MehtaMetaphysicalCenter.com

Explore the largest metaphysical center in the U.S. 15,000 sqft of crystal galleries, guided meditations, healers, crystal boutique and event space rentals available. See ad, page 39.
CENTRAL FLORIDA THERMOGRAPHY
1555 Howell Branch Rd, Ste B-2 Winter Park
407-622-9090
CFLThermography.com

Serving Central Florida since 2017. Locally owned. Safe, no-contact, radiation-free thermography interpreted by a Certified MD Thermologist. Offering breast, half body, and fully body imaging. Early detection is key; proactive, non-invasive insight for your health.
June Drennon, CCT 2008
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.
635 Primera Blvd, Lake Mary 407-333-1059
HolisticOptionsInc.com

Digital infrared thermal imaging is a totally non-invasive clinical imaging procedure for detecting and monitoring several diseases and physical injuries, by showing the thermal abnormalities present in the body. It is used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as monitoring therapy progress, for conditions and injuries. See ad, page 11
VEGETARIANS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Meetup.com/VegetariansCF CFVegFest.org

We are a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Since 2005 we have hosted monthly potlucks and special events, including the annual CFL Earth Day Festival & VegFest. Sign up to receive notices for future events. All are welcome.
HEALING
Integrative Wellness for People, Pets & the Planet
Doug and Ingrid Swailes, LMT 407-463-8424

Provides wellness technologies that support cleaner air, purer water and healthier living. Solutions help relieve sinus issues, allergies, asthma, pet odors, smoke and mold spores. Beauty water is skincare for everyone. Hydration for the skin, eyes and vocal cords to the deepest level. See ad, page 25.
SERENITY CENTER AND COMMUNITY SPACE
2040 Winter Springs Blvd, Oviedo CassandraCurley@aol.com 407-719-8883, SerenityCenter.com (MM# 13024)

Our nurturing environment promotes and supports health, well-being and community. We offer massage therapy, acupuncture, skin care, counseling and more. Space is also available for workshops and special events.
HANDCRAFTED BY LHH
Experienced, affordable, honest. Call or email Leo: 407-252-1894
Aeroleo43@hotmail.com

Refurbish, repurpose or repair any wooden item for renewed use. Anything made of wood can be given a new life or new purpose. See ad, page 10.
SWEET SURRENDER YOGA & HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Cathy Valor
1750 W Broadway St #112, Oviedo 786-520-6736
CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com

Discover a brand-new studio that offers tranquilenhancing yoga, tai chi, sound bowl and day spa services. Studio rental with a kitchen is available for various get-together
T
he more you know yourself, the more patience you have for what you see in others.
—Erik Erikson


















