Natural Awakenings NYC - Long Island, February 2026

Nurture the Heart

General and Specialty Dentist

BioCompatible Materials

Integrative Holistic Care

Modified SMART Mercury Removal

SDS/Swiss BioHealth Practitioners

Patient-Centered, Relationship-Based

Containment

Disinfection Between Patients

Dr. Howard Robins has been helping people using Ozone Therapy for over 34 years. He is considered to be the foremost clinical expert in North America on bio-oxidative therapies for the safe and effective treatment of diseases and conditions and is published in peer-reviewed medical journals. His clinic has performed over 420,000 treatments, more than any other clinic in the world.

Intravenous Ozone Therapy has successfully treated Herpes (HSV) I and II, Lyme Disease, HIV, Diabetes including diabetic ulcers and neuropathy, Arthritis, Shingles, skin infections and skin conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, All auto-immune diseases and CRPS - just to name a few.

Call to find out if your medical problem can be helped.

Listen to Dr. Robins podcasts on www.voiceamerica.com and on his www.YouTube.com channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins”.

e Toxin Destroyer

INTRAVENOUS OZONE THERAPY

LIVIA DEVI SOUL MISSION ACCELERATOR

Live Your Purpose. Embody Your Calling.

What if the life you were meant to live is already inside you waiting to be remembered?

The Soul Mission Accelerator, is a transformational journey for conscious entrepreneurs, creators, and seekers ready to step into aligned purpose and expanded impact. This immersive experience invites participants to uncover their soul’s blueprint, dissolve limiting beliefs, and activate deeper clarity, confidence and fulfillment. Co-created with an advanced 7D collective consciousness, the Soul Mission Accelerator bridges multidimensional wisdom with practical, real-world embodiment supporting you in living with intention and integrity.

Nurture the Heart

February invites us into a deeper conversation about love. While Valentine’s Day often arrives wrapped in prix-fixe dinners, roses and Hallmark cards (all of which have their place), this month gently asks something more enduring of us: How do we live from the heart—with ourselves, with those we love, and with the world we share?

This issue of Natural Awakenings is devoted to that question.

On our cover, Livia Devi shares her journey from corporate achievement to conscious calling in "From Corporate Climb to Conscious Calling" (p. 14). Her story reminds us that the heart is not a weakness in leadership—it is its most powerful compass. By listening inward, she discovered a broader definition of success rooted in purpose, intuition and service.

That same spirit continues in our feature, “A Whole-Hearted Life” by Hannah Tytus (p. 16), which brings heart health into daily living. Through science-backed insights on nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, movement and connection, the article shows how small, consistent choices quietly shape our well-being.

In our Community Briefs (p. 11), we turn inward with two grounding perspectives on selfhealing and renewal. In “Self-Love as a Path to Inner Peace,” Griselle Phillips reminds us that self-love is not indulgence but a practice of honesty and self-respect. In “Restoring Vitality at the Source,” Ascentiah Healing Center explores how subtle-energy therapies support resilience and deep restoration. Together, these pieces reinforce that lasting wellness begins within.

We also explore the heart from a spiritual lens in Zakiyyah Madyun’s “Nurture the Heart” (p. 15), which frames the heart as a bridge between our physical lives and our higher aspirations.

This month also brings bittersweet news as we honor our Editor, Erin Lehn, as she steps into her next chapter. Erin joined Natural Awakenings at a time when we deeply needed support. Running a magazine in New York takes a village, and Erin became the heart of ours—bringing not only editorial excellence, but warmth, clarity and positive energy that shaped both our pages and our internal culture. That foundational positivity will not be forgotten.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, consider celebrating not only romantic love but heart-led living. When we nurture our own hearts, we ripple healing outward.

With heart,

Cyrece & Michael

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ON THE COVER

Livia Devi

Photo: Daniel Sun

© 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. 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.

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Bill Robert, formerly practicing in Atlanta, is now available for remote Spiritual Light treatments anywhere, for any reason. In NY, Bill is hoping to specialize with students of dance, acting, music and other artists. helping remove creative and emotional blockages. For repeat students/clients, Bill is available for in person treatments by coming to you within 30 minutes of the West Village. Bill has been working by donation only for over 12 years and is here to help you start the journey of healing.

Questions? Call Bill at 770-990-9191 or visit www.bill-robert.com

All Aboard the Eagle Train to Hudson River EagleFest

Teatown Lake Reservation and MetroNorth Railroad are bringing New Yorkers to the 22nd annual Hudson River EagleFest aboard the Eagle Train on February 7. The northbound train departs Grand Central Terminal at 9:25 a.m., and the southbound train leaves Poughkeepsie at 8:58 a.m., each featuring a dedicated car with a guest naturalist to guide birdwatching. Guests must purchase a regular Metro-North ticket; EagleFest admission is separate.

EagleFest celebrates the Bald Eagles’ winter migration along the Hudson River with live bird shows, family bird walks, educational exhibits, hands-on activities and food trucks. Featured programs include Skyhunters in Flight, Christine’s Critters and storytelling with Jonathan Kruk and Steve Kellman.

Cameron Swope and Kyle Bardwell serve as guest naturalists, supporting Teatown’s mission to inspire environmental stewardship. EagleFest is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s

Shiatsu Workshop in NYC With Maureen Miller

The Five Lights Center of Shiatsu, the nation’s longest-running, fully accredited Shiatsu center, will host Shiatsu expert Maureen Miller for a special workshop, Embracing the Whole, from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 28 at its Upper West Side location.

This hands-on class explores how the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) express themselves through movement, posture, breath and emotional tone in Shiatsu sessions. Participants will learn to observe these elemental qualities in the body and respond with greater sensitivity, presence and adaptability.

Through discussion, observation and practice, students will deepen their understanding of how physical patterns, energetic rhythms and relational dynamics reflect the body as an interconnected whole. The workshop emphasizes a holistic, element-centered approach, encouraging practitioners to move beyond technique and cultivate balance, responsiveness and embodied awareness in their Shiatsu practice.

Cost: Early bird discount (through Feb. 28): $205 + $5.13 ticket service fee. General admission (Feb. 1-Mar. 27): $225 + $5.63 ticket service fee. Location: 220 W. 93rd St., NYC. For more information, call 917721-0823 or email Info@FiveLightsCenter.com. Tickets available at

Self-Love as a Path to Inner Peace

Griselle Phillips, a Balance and Emotional Well-Being coach, is the founder of Good Mood Integrative, where she helps clients reset their mindset, get unstuck and develop healthy habits that support lasting emotional balance.

Restoring Vitality at the Source

Ascentiah Healing Center, founded by Hiromi Akiyama, offers tachyonbased therapy designed to support energetic coherence at a foundational level.

Griselle Phillips

A certified health coach, Phillips believes self-love is often misunderstood as selfindulgence. While affirmations, mantras and relaxing rituals can nourish the spirit, she emphasizes that true self-love runs deeper. “Self-love is intrinsic, solid and transformative,” she explains. “It’s the practice of treating yourself with the same honesty, patience and respect you extend to others.”

When practiced consistently, self-love becomes a reliable path to inner peace. Chronic self-criticism, Phillips notes, keeps the body’s stress response activated long after a stressor has passed, making it difficult to find calm in a constantly vigilant mind. Self-love helps disarm that inner turmoil—not by denying imperfections, but by acknowledging them without cruelty.

As individuals stop seeing themselves as problems to fix and begin offering understanding and grace, mental clarity increases and defensiveness softens. Self-love allows permission to rest without guilt, set boundaries without overexplaining and honor personal desires without seeking external validation. Over time, people show up more authentically—not to be liked, but to be honest.

“Each act of honoring one’s needs sends a powerful message: ‘I am safe with myself,’” says Phillips. “That inner safety becomes the foundation for self-love and lasting peace.”

For more information, call 917-245-5105 or visit GoodMoodNow.com. See listing, page 30.

Dr. Jillian Finker, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

• Alternative Medicine

• Women’s Health

• Wellness Programs

• Nutrition

• Personalized Healthcare

• Anxiety Services include:

• PMS • Insomnia

• Breast Thermography, incl. Full Body Scans

Finker compassionately guides all of her patients back onto their path of well being.

A core modality at the center is the Tachyon Healing Chamber, a noninvasive technology that addresses energetic anomalies—areas of disorganization within the human energy field that may develop through prolonged stress, emotional strain and environmental exposure. Rather than adding or stimulating energy, tachyon-based therapy is understood to reduce disorder and support the restoration of coherence within the system. It has been shown to support mental clarity, nervous system regulation and overall vitality.

Akiyama brings decades of experience across multiple energyhealing disciplines, integrating modern energetic technologies with an intuitive understanding of human physiology and consciousness. Her work emphasizes creating conditions that allow the body’s innate intelligence to self-regulate, adapt and restore balance naturally. Sessions are designed to be accessible, gentle and supportive for individuals at all stages of their wellness journey.

Ascentiah Healing Center is an integrative wellness space grounded in the understanding that human health is influenced by subtle energies, frequencies and vibrational states. By supporting coherence at these foundational levels, the center aims to help the body restore balance and resilience naturally.

Cost: $125 per session ($575 for a six-session package). Location: 122 E. 55th St., Fifth Floor, NYC. For more information, call 646-476-4847, email info@ascentiah.com or visit Ascentiah.com. See listing, page 29.

How to Eliminate the Herpes Viruses Permanently, Once and for All!

From

the

Desk of Dr. Howard Robins at The Healing Center in New York City…

Did You Have Chickenpox or a “Cold Sore”?

Most everyone answers “yes” to this question. If you answered yes, then you have a herpes infection. Both types of viral infections are easily transferred by contact with someone that has a current outbreak. You likely may have both!

Herpes zoster (HZ), commonly known as is a viral disease characterized by a skin rash with blisters in a limited area one side of the body, often in a stripe. The initial infection causes the illness chickenpox, which usually occurs in children and young adults. Once the chickenpox is gone, the virus is not eliminated from the body and can go on to cause shingles. HZ is not the same disease as herpes simplex type 1 and 2, despite the similar name, though both HZ and herpes simplex belong to the same viral family.

HZ becomes dormant in some of our nerve cells without causing any symp toms. Many years after a chickenpox infec tion, the virus may break out of nerve cells and cause a viral infection of the skin in the area around the nerve. The virus may spread from one nerve to another causing a painful rash. Although the rash usually heals within two to four weeks, most people experience nerve pain for months or years, a condition called “postherpetic neuralgia.” In the past, outbreaks usually occurred in the elderly, but now it is common for anyone at any age that is under great stress or has a compromised immune system.

protein called L-arginine, found commonly in nuts and chocolate, among other foods.

It Can Be Eliminated!

Treatments with antivirals can reduce outbreaks and may alleviate the severity of symptomatic episodes but will not get rid of the infection. Medical ozone is the only medicine known to destroy and rid the body of this horrible infection.

Please don’t believe the commercials on television saying you can never get rid of it. Though with no promises or guarantees, medical ozone has been used all over the world to treat infections that normally cannot be fixed, i.e., herpes in all its forms. Medical ozone is a gas that when it enters the body intravenously acts like “glue” to all viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and mold. It destroys or inactivates them so the body can remove them completely.

Most importantly, medical ozone does it without harmful adverse reactions or side effects so typical with pharmaceuticals. In more than 50 countries, over 45,000 physicians have been using it worldwide for over 70 years to successfully and safely treat diseases such as herpes.

So, don’t give up hope and don’t wait! It is absolutely possible to eliminate herpes from your body.

Herpes simplex 1 and 2 cause the oral or genital forms of what we commonly simply call “herpes.” It also spreads in a way similar to the HZ virus. Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by both herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are often called “cold sores” or “fever blisters,” is an infection of the face or mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form, and genital herpes is the second most common form of infection. However, both types can be found both orally and genitally! Recurrent outbreaks may occur from time to time, especially in times of stress, using alcohol, or when eating foods high in a

More information about this amazing, safe and effective treatment is available at OzoneWith outBorders.ngo and OzoneDoctor.net. Listen to Dr. Robins’ live and archived radio show on VoiceAmerica.com and the YouTube channel “Functional Medicine with Dr. Robins.” For more information, call 212-581-0101 or email ozonedoctor@yahoo.com. Ask about online consultations. Treatments also available in Nassau County. See ad, page 3.

reserved.

The Power of Voice Vibration

How Sound Shapes Reality

Speaking, singing or humming creates vibrations that ripple through the body and environment. Research in cymatics—the study of visible sound—shows that specific frequencies can reorganize matter into distinct patterns, suggesting that vocal sound may influence both physical and emotional states.

A study published in the Journal of EvidenceBased Integrative Medicine reports that vocal toning and chanting may lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood. These vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the body’s natural relaxation response.

Ancient cultures have long used sound for healing. Sanskrit mantras, Tibetan chants, and indigenous vocal practices each apply specific frequencies to shift consciousness. Today, science increasingly supports what these traditions have practiced for centuries: sound may function as a form of medicine.

Health practitioners recommend beginning the day with a simple vocal toning exercise. Humming or repeating a vowel sound such as “Om” for just three minutes can help regulate the nervous system, improve focus, and support emotional balance.

Cynthia M. Chase, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience integrating Western psychotherapy with Eastern energy healing. She offers Reiki Fusion sessions and certification training in Yonkers, N.Y. To learn more, call 860-395-0284 or visit CynthiaMChase.com.

Cultivating a Positive Body Image

Fitness inspiration, or “fitspiration”, is a social media-related term that describes the prevalence of photos depicting people with slender, idealized figures. Although these beautiful images may be intended to inspire fitness, past research has demonstrated that viewing such photographs can lead to body dissatisfaction and negative mood among women.

A 2023 study published in Body Image involving 238 college females investigated whether a values affirmation intervention could reduce the detrimental effects of viewing fitspiration. The participants—divided into three groups—were asked to view idealized pictures of women on Instagram after either completing a simple writing task, looking at travel images or reflecting on their most important personal values.

The study demonstrated that contemplating personal values helped protect college women from the negative body image effects of fitspiration. The affirmation group experienced a stable mood and body image compared to the control group, where negativity rose significantly. This suggests that affirming personal values outside of appearance can act as a buffer against social media comparison, potentially offering a simple self-help strategy.

Body-Centered Therapy for Trauma

A 2021 review of 16 studies published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology found that somatic experiencing, a body-centered therapy for trauma, helped reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and also improved emotional and physical well-being. The studies demonstrated notable improvements in anxiety, mood and physical symptoms such as muscle tightness and pain. Benefits were observed in individuals with traumatic histories, as well as those without trauma, suggesting that somatic experiencing may support overall nervous system regulation.

Conceived by Dr. Peter A. Levine, the therapy seeks to address the accumulation of stress, shock and trauma in the body and nervous system. It empowers people to cultivate increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions by paying close attention to internal sensations, including body tension, breathing patterns and even their heartbeat.

From Boardrooms to Higher Frequencies

The Transformation of Livia Devi

For more than 15 years, Livia Devi lived a life that looked successful by every conventional standard. A career in Corporate America provided structure, achievement and security. Yet beneath the surface, something quieter—and far more powerful—was stirring: a sense that leadership, success and purpose were meant to feel different. More alive. More connected.

That inner knowing reached a turning point in 2016. In a moment Devi often describes as instantaneous and irreversible, a profound spiritual awakening unfolded, one that radically shifted her relationship with reality itself. What began as a deeply personal awakening soon revealed a far greater calling: Devi became a trance-channel for an advanced 7D collective consciousness known as the Arcturian Council of Light. The experience marked the beginning of a new chapter, not only in her own life, but for the many individuals who would later be guided through her work.

Stepping away from the corporate paradigm, Devi began translating multidimensional wisdom into grounded, practical frameworks for modern leaders. Her work now supports entrepreneurs, conscious creators, and change-makers who sense that the old models of

hustle, hierarchy and burnout no longer serve. Through her programs, participants are invited into a different way of living and leading, one rooted in alignment, clarity and embodied purpose.

Those who enter Devi’s world often describe an immediate shift: stress softens, decisions become clearer, and success feels less forced and more natural. Her offerings are designed to help individuals reconnect with their inner authority while expanding their capacity for impact, wealth and well-being. By addressing both energetic alignment and real-world strategy, participants experience transformation that is not only inspiring, but sustainable.

What distinguishes Devi’s work is its multidimensional foundation. Co-created with the Arcturian Council of Light, her teachings integrate energetic activations, quantum insight and conscious leadership principles. Rather than offering abstract spirituality or purely tactical coaching, Devi bridges both worlds—supporting clients in embodying change at the deepest level while applying it meaningfully in business, leadership and life.

This approach comes to life through signature offerings such as the Wealth Consciousness Mastermind, where participants redefine prosperity beyond numbers and metrics. Wealth is explored as an energetic relationship, one aligned with soul mission, integrity and collective contribution. Limiting beliefs dissolve, confidence expands, and a new paradigm of conscious success begins to take shape.

The Soul Mission Accelerator invites participants into a similarly powerful journey, guiding them to uncover and embody their true calling. Through immersive activations and deep inner exploration, individuals reconnect with their purpose and step forward with clarity and conviction. Continued expansion is supported through Evolve with Livia Devi, a membership experience offering ongoing teachings, transmissions and community connection.

Devi’s vision continues to expand beyond digital spaces into embodied, experiential leadership. In August, she will host the Mount Shasta Retreat: A Journey Inside Lemurian Temples of Light, an immersive experience designed to awaken ancient remembrance through sacred land, energetic transmission, and deep inner connection. The retreat reflects the heart of her work, inviting participants not just to learn, but to experience New Earth consciousness.

In April, Devi will release her new book New Earth Leadership: Redefining Global Leadership for a Changing World, with launch events planned in Florida and New York. The book offers a visionary blueprint for leadership rooted in unity, innovation and expanded awareness.

From corporate boardrooms to multidimensional frequencies, Devi’s journey reflects a larger invitation—one that calls leaders to step beyond the familiar and into a more conscious, connected future. For those who feel that call, her work offers not just guidance, but a lived experience of what the New Earth can become.

Livia Devi is a New Earth Leader, 5D Mentor and entrepreneur empowering conscious entrepreneurs, creators and change-makers worldwide. Through multidimensional teachings, immersive programs and global retreats, she bridges higher consciousness with practical leadership and entrepreneurial strategy supporting individuals and organizations in embodying their highest potential. For more information, visit LiviaDevi.com. See ad, page 5.

Herbs are Nature’s Medicine

with Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H. (Certified Herbalist)

Nurture The Heart

by Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H.

Nurturing the Heart has deeper spiritual connotations for our development as human beings than simply keeping the physical heart healthy. We know that all the tissues and cells in the body depend on the heart’s circulation of blood and all its nutrients to provide nourishment to help fight disease, stabilize temperature, and maintain homeostasis.

The energetics of the heart, in principle, is a closed system of veins and arteries that keeps fluids in constant circulation—working closely with the lungs to gain oxygenated blood, with the digestive system to obtain nutrients, and with the kidneys, the body’s main filtering system. In last month’s article, I referenced the chakras—an energetic system of vortices along the spine that serve as portals for our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Our heart serves as a kind of fulcrum—which serves as a critical balance for the two ends. In the basic anatomy of the chakras, the heart is the center between the lower three “material” and “survival” chakras, and the upper three “spiritual aspiration” chakras. Figuratively, the heart is the center of the Seven Chakra System, upon which our development as higher vibrational human beings is dependent.

Chakras 1 (root), 2 (sacral) and 3 (solar plexus) represent our lower nature and our relationship with the earth, sexuality and personal power. Chakras 5 (throat), 6 (ajna/ third eye) and 7 (crown) represent our higher inclinations to strive towards being better human beings, expressing kinder words, thoughts and actions. To achieve your higher self, you must consciously and actively strive to nurture your heart.

Your purity of heart—your ability to love, to forgive, and to embrace humanity without prejudice, fear, resentment or hatred—directly influences your capacity to raise your spiritual vibration as you aspire toward the Divine Source.

Join our next Master Course cycle and explore each chakra’s unique energy, color, mantra and crystal associations. Through focused practice, we’ll work to elevate and heal deep personal traumas and challenges—mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually—creating space for true personal transformation.

Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H., teaches virtual herbal education classes twice monthly. For more information, visit her blog: HerbsAreNaturesMedicine.blogspot.com; for a consultation call 347-407-4312 or email theherbalist1750@gmail.com. See ad, page 23.

A Whole-Hearted Life

The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive

by Hannah Tytus

Ahealthy heart is built from the inside out. Each day presents opportunities to nurture vitality through dietary choices, physical activity, restful periods, social connections and personal fulfillment. These ordinary decisions profoundly impact the long-term trajectory of cardiovascular well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 32 percent of global fatalities and affecting families across diverse communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in three deaths in the United States can be attributed to this devastating disease. Behind these sobering statistics lies the reassuring fact that small, daily choices can help protect the heart.

Heart-Healthy Foods

Among the most studied heart-supportive eating strategies are the Mediterranean Diet

and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, which help regulate cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Both emphasize the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts, while limiting saturated fat and processed meats. Additionally, eating fatty fish provides whole-food omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be more effective than comparable supplements in supporting heart health, according to a 2018 study published in JAMA Cardiology.

Dr. Regina Druz, based on Long Island, New York, is the founder of Holistic Heart Centers of America and a board-certified specialist in cardiology and functional medicine. Her expertise lies in heart disease prevention through holistic, lifestyle-driven care. She is the author of a forthcoming book, Longevity Code: How to Age-Proof Yourself for Optimal Health

A proponent of the Mediterranean Diet, Druz encourages patients to build a way of

eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced. She emphasizes the significance of meal timing and its alignment with a person’s circadian rhythm. She also often recommends moderate intermittent fasting, as long as it is done safely, sustainably and personalized to the individual.

According to Druz, dietary changes are most powerful when they are part of a larger, three-pillared foundation that includes exercise, nutrition and sleep. She discourages people from searching for a single magic bullet and instead invites them to build a way of eating that feels natural, flavorful and balanced.

Mindfulness and Mood

The intricate connection between the mind and heart is often underestimated. Chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and induce inflammation, placing a burden on the cardiovascular system. Stress reduction does not have to be complicated. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation can shift the body into a more relaxed state, offering the heart a small but meaningful reprieve.

Mindful awareness practices appear to have favorable effects on blood pressure, cortisol levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting that everyday mind-body tools can provide meaningful support. A 2007 report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that Transcendental Meditation (TM), qigong and Zen Buddhist meditation yielded modest reductions in high blood pressure. A 2019 meta-analysis of TM for heart disease demonstrated improvements in blood pressure levels.

Biofeedback involves measuring bodily functions, particularly heart rate variability,

to enable individuals to consciously alter these functions. It can track how slow breathing techniques help the heart relax. Notably, biofeedback has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure levels, according to a 2024 meta-analysis study published in Nature

Healing Power of Slumber

Sleep is integral to heart health. A 2017 study published in Chest reports an association between insomnia and cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart failure. Furthermore, a 2011 study in Circulation demonstrates a link between insomnia and a moderately increased risk for a heart attack.

Druz collaborates with sleep specialists that use wearable technology, such as the SleepImage device, to assess sleep quality in real time. She has observed that even modest adjustments to sleep habits can yield significant improvements—from changing sleep

positions and recalibrating room humidity to optimizing sleep times and reorienting bed pillows. By tracking sleep patterns over time, individuals can identify subtle shifts that contribute to a quantifiably better night’s rest.

Benefits of Consistent Exercise

Regular physical activity remains a cornerstone in reducing cardiovascular risk. The 2004 INTERHEART study, involving nearly 30,000 participants from 52 countries, revealed that moderately intense exercise for four or more hours per week reduced the risk of a heart attack by 12.2 percent.

A 2011 cohort study published in Lancet involving more than 400,000 participants showed that engaging in as little as 15 minutes of daily physical activity can reduce the risk of mortality by 14 percent and extend life expectancy by an average of three years. Each additional 15-minute interval can further decrease mortality across all age

groups, including individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has emerged as an effective regimen for promoting cardiovascular fitness. According to Druz, HIIT maximizes VO2 max (the maximum volume of oxygen a body can use during intense exercise), a key indicator of cardiovascular health and strong predictor of longevity. However, she acknowledges that HIIT may not be accessible to everyone because it alternates short periods of intense, explosive exercise with brief recovery periods to the point of exhaustion.

In such cases, she recommends incorporating “exercise snacks” into daily routines, which involve brief bursts of movement throughout the day. Walking the dog, carrying groceries, completing household chores or simply standing more frequently can contribute to a less sedentary lifestyle. These accessible steps make it easier to integrate movement into daily living.

Hope, Healing & Wellness

The Universe is 98% e nergy!

everything found in, above and under has its own dynamic energy!

Our entire body continually vibrates at a subtle level, moving energy and information through our connective tissues.

The L. i .F. e . s ys T em scans nearly 7,000 energy patterns. By identifying which energy vibrations are out of balance, the system can put them back into harmonic balance, allowing your body to return to a state of rest and healing.

Nature’s Rewards

Spending time outdoors provides more than aesthetic appeal and access to fresh air. Living closer to nature has been linked to lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, stress, diabetes and stroke. Exposure to green space is associated with lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability and reduced cardiovascular mortality. A 2016 study in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases involving nearly 12,000 participants observed that the more recreation time someone spends outdoors, the less likely they are to die of cardiovascular disease.

The Transformative Energy of Optimism

Outlook influences physiology. Positive emotions, optimism and life satisfaction are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality. The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that compared to pessimistic individuals, optimistic people have better vascular health, fewer heart attacks and lower cardiovascular mortality. Among individuals with established disease, those that are optimistic about their treatment and recovery often experience better rates of long-term survival and enhanced function.

Optimism is a skill, not a fixed trait. The AHA identifies Type D (or “distressed”) personality traits, characterized by negative emotions and increased self-criticism, as being linked to poorer cardiovascular outcomes. Encouragingly, Type D individuals often respond favorably to cardiac rehabilitation programs that combine physical activity with counseling and psychological support.

Volunteer work also contributes to wellbeing. A 2017 study in BMC Public Health determined that regular volunteering is associated with enhanced self-rated health and reduced mortality. Older adults that engaged in volunteer work at least 200 hours per year experienced a 40 percent reduction in hypertension over a four-year period.

These findings underscore the significance of joy and purpose in human life. They are integral to the biology of the heart. When individuals cultivate a more compassionate

perspective toward themselves and others, their hearts experience a measurable positive impact.

The Strength of Connection

Relationships exert a powerful influence on health. In a 2016 meta-analysis study published in Heart, researchers determined that poor social relationships were associated with a 29 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a 32 percent increased risk of stroke. Humans are inherently wired for connection, and extended loneliness can have measurable physiological consequences.

“We need each other,” Druz emphasizes. “We are living in a sea of loneliness, and loneliness can be a hugely impactful factor on health.” Making time for family, friendships, community groups or new social circles fosters both emotional well-being and heart resilience.

Loving Our Heart Back

Cardiovascular health encompasses not only disease prevention, but also the cultivation of a lifestyle that enhances vitality, connection, rest and overall well-being. These choices do not need to be drastic. Incorporating more green vegetables, spending more time in the sun, taking a moment to breathe mindfully, taking a short walk outside, getting a good night’s sleep and reaching out to loved ones can collectively contribute to a foundation that can extend life expectancy and enhance the quality of life.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator at KnoWEwell, P.B.C., and former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

5 Simple Ways to Support Heart Health This Winter

by Dr. Jillian Finker

Winter places quiet demands on the body—shorter days, heavier meals and a nervous system that rarely gets a break. During this season it is so important to keep basic foundational habits in place to support cardiac health.

1

Move with intention. Even 10 minutes of daily walking, stretching or gentle movement helps improve circulation, reduce stress hormones and support heart rhythm.

2

Eat a rainbow of colors. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels. Aim for a variety—deep greens, vibrant reds, oranges and purples—to nourish your heart and support cellular repair.

3

Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Deep, steady breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and supports healthy blood pressure. One of the most effective—and enjoyable—ways to strengthen

this pattern is by playing a wind instrument. Anything you blow into naturally trains the diaphragm, slows the breath and builds rhythmic, heart-supportive breathing without effort.

4

Embrace the sauna ritual. Europeans have understood this for generations: regular sauna use is a powerful tool for

cardiovascular wellness. The gentle heat encourages vasodilation, improves circulation, supports detoxification, and helps the body unwind from chronic stress. A few sessions each week can feel like a full reset for both the heart and the nervous system.

5

Stay hydrated. Cold weather often masks thirst cues. Adequate hydration supports blood volume, circulation, and detoxification—all important for cardiovascular function.

These habits may seem simple, but practiced consistently, they create meaningful change. Heart health is deeply connected to breath, stress, blood pressure and daily rhythm. Supporting these foundations now can build resilience well into the months ahead.

Jillian Finker, ND, is the founder of Finker Wellness located at 2308 Bellmore Ave. in Bellmore. For more information, call 516-765-3272 or visit DrFinker.com. See ad, page 11.

Navigating Perimenopause with Confidence and Clarity

by Dr. David Pollack

Many women understandably feel concerned about perimenopause. What should be a natural and relatively smooth transition is often anything but. The widespread belief that menopause is destined to be a difficult experience is simply not accurate. In fact, many patients who begin care and support before menopause are pleasantly surprised to find that their perimenopausal journey is far more manageable—and even symptom-free.

With the right guidance, women can often move through this phase with minimal to no hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings or weight gain. The fear of inevitable bodily or emotional upheaval doesn’t have to be the reality. The key lies in understanding what’s happening in the body and taking proactive steps early on.

What is Menopause?

Menopause marks the natural end of the reproductive years, characterized by a shift in hormone balance—primarily a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. These changes are triggered by rising levels of pituitary hormones like LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). But to truly grasp the impact of this transition, we must look at the broader hormonal system— especially the role of the adrenal glands.

While the ovaries produce about 75 to 85 percent of a woman’s estrogen, the adrenal glands are responsible for the remaining 15 to 25 percent. The adrenals also create all the precursors for estrogen and progesterone. This makes adrenal health essential to hormonal harmony—especially as the ovaries slow down their hormone production during perimenopause.

One of the most important hormones produced by the adrenal glands is cortisol. Commonly associated with stress and weight gain, cortisol’s primary role is to manage inflammation. But it’s important to understand that the body views stress much more broadly than just emotional strain. From the adrenal system’s perspective, stress is any stimulus that requires a response. This includes emotional triggers, physical stressors like posture, injury or exercise, and chemical stress from poor nutrition, toxins, hormone imbalances and even chronic internal inflammation.

When stress or inflammation becomes chronic, the adrenal glands prioritize cortisol production over other hormones. This means estrogen and progesterone take a back seat. If this pattern continues for years, it can create a hormonal landscape that makes perimenopause symptoms far more intense or difficult to manage.

The good news? Our adrenal system is not a fixed machine—it’s adaptable and responsive to care. With high-quality nutrition, proper supplementation, acupuncture, moxibustion and supportive lifestyle choices, we can repair and nourish the adrenal glands. Doing this before and during perimenopause makes a world of difference.

I’ve seen countless women move through this stage with renewed clarity and comfort. With the right support, what once seemed like an overwhelming transition becomes an empowering, even celebratory, chapter of life.

Dr. David L. Pollack is the founder of Pollack Wellness, located at 66 Commack Rd., #204, Commack, NY. For appointments or information, call 631-4620801 or visit PollackWellness.com. See ad, page 7.

Another Leap Forward in Dental Healing: SOLUTIONS FOR WORN, BROKEN AND FAILING TEETH

All mechanical systems require regular maintenance to function properly over time. Cars need oil changes, engines need tuning, and even the most advanced machines break down when forces are applied repeatedly without care. The human chewing system is no different. Teeth, the jaw joints, and the surrounding muscles form a highly engineered mechanical device designed to withstand enormous forces. Every day, teeth come together hundreds to thousands of times during chewing, swallowing and speaking. These repeated contacts place continuous stress on the teeth and the temporomandibular joints, commonly known as the TMJ, making proper alignment, balance and maintenance with the dentist essential for long-term health and comfort.

Natural teeth are remarkably strong, resilient and biologically integrated with the body in ways no artificial replacement can fully replicate. When healthy and properly supported, a natural tooth remains superior to any crown, implant or denture. Preserving natural teeth whenever possible is therefore not only a biological priority, but a mechanical one as well.

Under the care of Dr. Jeffrey Etess, Integrative Dental Specialists of Long Island approaches dentistry with this systemsbased understanding. By evaluating how teeth function together as a mechanical unit, rather than in isolation, the practice focuses on preserving natural teeth, maintaining joint health, and restoring balance so the entire system can function

comfortably, efficiently and predictably for years to come.

Proper maintenance plays a critical role in preserving natural teeth for as long as possible. When teeth are cared for consistently through daily hygiene, regular professional evaluations, and early intervention, their lifespan can be significantly extended. Natural teeth are always the best option and protecting them through quality-focused care helps maintain their strength, function and appearance over time.

At Integrative Dental Specialists, Dr. Etess emphasizes a quality-focused approach that prioritizes precision, prevention and long-term stability rather than short-term fixes. Just as with any mechanical system, addressing small issues early helps prevent larger, more destructive failures later. It is also important to recognize that all things eventually break down. A common misconception is that dentistry lasts forever, when in reality both natural teeth and dental restorations are subject to wear, stress and aging. The true value of dentistry lies not in permanence, but in longevity and performance. With modern techniques, advanced clinical skills, and improved materials used by Dr. Etess and the team at Integrative Dental Specialists, today’s dental care can last significantly longer and function more predictably. When combined with proper maintenance, this level of quality dentistry delivers greater value, durability and long-term oral health.

Under the leadership of Dr. Etess, Integrative Dental Specialists of Long Island and Manhattan takes a comprehensive and biologically driven approach to restoring oral health while preserving what nature intended whenever possible. Using advanced biomimetic composite dentistry, teeth can often be repaired seamlessly, restoring strength, function and natural beauty while bonding restorations to the remaining tooth structure in a way that closely mimics nature itself.

If you want the healthiest, most predictable, and scientifically supported solutions for your dental concerns, contact Integrative Dental Specialists of Long Island and Manhattan and schedule an appointment with Dr. Etess to learn what modern biologic and regenerative dentistry can truly provide.

Jeffrey Etess, DMD, NMD, IBDM, graduated in the top 10% from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. An IVY LEAGUE trained Certified Endodontic Specialist/Implant Specialty Surgeon with a dual degree in Dentistry and Board Certified in Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine & certified in Biomimetic Cosmetic Dentistry to provide a broad array of biological dentistry covering all facets of restorative, cosmetic, prosthetic, surgical, endodontic, pediatric, periodontal and implant dentistry for his patients for over 29 years. Visit idsli.com. See ad, page 23.

Garlic Therapy

Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart

by Marlaina Donato

Fresh garlic is a pungent delight that can jazz up any meal, from hearty winter stews to sautéed vegetables on a bed of healthy grains. Allicin, the compound that gives crushed garlic its distinctive smell, protects the plant from pests and offers humans many health benefits, acting as an antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent; improving gut balance; and supporting cardiovascular and immune health.

Research published last year in Nutrition Reviews indicates that consumption of garlic significantly improves key cardiovascular risk markers, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels, blood pressure, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers. In a 2022 article, the Cleveland Clinic suggests that red blood cells respond to the sulfur in garlic by creating nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide gases, which relax and expand blood vessels. A 2019 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine concludes that supplementation with an aged garlic extract offers similar results to blood pressure-lowering medications. While more research is needed to understand the full-spectrum potential of this kitchen staple, regularly spicing up meals with a clove or two can foster better health.

Maximizing Benefits and Flavor

Mincing, grating or pressing garlic intensifies its pungency, waking up ordinary steamed vegetables when tossed with olive oil or spicing up homemade hummus. Whether regular grocery store-bought, traditional heirloom or locally grown, garlic offers benefits, but following a few easy tips ensures that its nutritious perks remain intact.

According to Natalie Ledesma, a board-certified oncology dietitian and the

founder of Natalie Ledesma Integrative & Functional Nutrition Consulting, in San Francisco, it is best to allow chopped or crushed garlic to sit for about 10 minutes before consuming it, cooking with it or adding it to vinaigrettes or other salad dressings. This waiting period maximizes the formation of allicin. Notably, the acidic nature of vinegar or lemon juice compromises allicin’s stability.

“If you compare raw garlic to garlic that has been cooked by various methods, you can see dramatic drops in allicin, one of the purported active ingredients,” advises Dr. Michael Greger, founding member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of several national bestsellers, including How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook and How Not to Age

If garlic must be cooked, he suggests roasting to retain vital qualities that are quickly lost through simmering, high-heat stir-frying and boiling. “It is simple to prepare and can be used to add flavor to almost any dish,” he explains. “After roasting the garlic, you can also puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth, then portion and freeze it for future use.” A head of roasted garlic yields about one-and-a-half to two tablespoons of a delicious paste, which can be slathered on warm bread or sandwiches, whipped into zesty dips, and stirred into creamy mashed potatoes or a bowl of pasta.

“There are other beneficial compounds in garlic that are not deactivated by heat. They include ajoene, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and S-allyl cysteine, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting benefits,” advises Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician, president

of the Nutritional Research Foundation and author of several bestsellers, including his Eat to Live Cookbook.

Hacks for Sensitive Bellies and General Tips

Garlic should be avoided by anyone on pharmaceutical or herbal blood thinners. For those that experience stomach or intestinal upset, Ledesma suggests removing the green sprout inside the garlic clove, a prime culprit for indigestion, or eating only the garlic scapes (the curly green flower stalks that grow on the garlic plant), which are generally well-tolerated.

For less discomfort and added convenience, Fuhrman endorses dehydrated raw garlic granules, noting that they will soften, expand and partially cook when sprinkled over veggies as they are steamed in a pot, enhancing its digestibility.

When purchasing garlic, choose intact heads that are firm to the touch, have plump cloves and do not have a strong odor of garlic—an indication of damage and loss of vital benefits. After chopping or peeling, rubbing cutting boards and hands with fresh lemon juice will remove the pungent garlic aroma.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWood Smoke.com.

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Foot Fitness for Longevity

The Path to Better Balance and Blood Flow

by Maya Whitman

Often overlooked in fitness routines, the feet and ankles are essential to whole-body function, especially as we age. They support balance, proper posture, mobility and even circulatory and lymphatic flow. “The venous system does not have any capability to pump blood from the lower extremities to the heart and relies on our movements to assist the return of blood,” explains Kim Henderson, a chiropractic physician and the founder of Health Clarified, in Northbrook, Illinois. When we walk or exercise, our leg muscles—especially in the calves— contract and compress the deep veins, acting like a pump to force blood upward.

For older adults, runners or anyone focused on holistic health, strengthening and mobilizing the toes, feet and ankles can enhance cardiovascular support, reduce fall risk and restore lower body mechanics. Every year,

more than 2 million people suffer from plantar fasciitis-related heel pain, one in four adults over 65 experience falls, and more than 2 million visit emergency rooms for sprained ankles. Simple, consistent exercises can enhance quality of life and prevent injuries at any age. Strong calves, flexible ankles and healthy fascia (connective tissue) make every step more stable.

Causes of Foot Instability

Overpronation is when the foot rolls excessively inward while walking or running, causing the arch to flatten and the ankle to angle inward, leading to potential pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and beyond. “We have seen chronic neck and shoulder pain be reduced, even eliminated, by supporting the arch,” notes Henderson, whose patients complete a series of exercises to strengthen the affected muscles.

According to Chicago-based fitness expert Stephanie Mansour, host of the PBS show Step It Up With Steph and a fitness contributor to The Today Show, foot instability and discomfort can have multiple causes, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, overdoing activities without proper warm-up, ignoring pain, excessive barefoot walking, being overweight and medical conditions like diabetes. Listening to the body, rather than pushing through pain, and promptly addressing minor discomfort are paramount.

“Independence depends on functioning feet. That limp will lead to imbalances up into the knees, hips, spine and even shoulders,” underscores orthopedic and corrective exercise specialist Matt Hsu, founder of Upright Health, in California. The most common issue, he says, is a lack of dorsiflexion—the ability to pull the toes and forefoot toward the knee. “This throws off our gait and sets us up for Achilles tendon injuries, especially.” Hsu adds that bunions can also affect our ease of movement and suggests wearing shoes with wider toe boxes to prevent the condition.

Essential Exercises

To cultivate good balance, the National Institute on Aging recommends engaging in three sessions of balance exercises per week, including tai chi, yoga or standing on one foot for five to 10 repetitions per leg, holding each for 10 to 30 seconds. To loosen the arch and increase range of motion, the American Association of Retired Persons suggests rolling a small ball for one minute under each foot daily.

“Regular exercise can improve circulation, reduce stiffness and enhance proprioception, which is your body’s awareness of its position in space. This contributes to better overall mobility,” says Mansour, who recommends that the following four exercises be done three or four times a week. Aim for two to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for each foot.

Calf Raises: Using a wall or chair for support, slowly rise onto the balls of the feet, lifting

the heels off the ground. Hold for a moment, then slowly lower back down. This strengthens calf muscles and the Achilles tendon.

Toe Curls With a Towel: Sit in a chair and place a flat towel under the feet. Keeping heels on the floor, curl the toes to grab the towel and raise it toward the body. Relax and repeat. This strengthens feet muscles and helps with arch support.

Ankle Circles: In a seated position, move each foot in circles, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. This improves flexibility, balance and range of motion, while also preventing stiffness and injury.

Toe Spread: While sitting or standing, try to spread all the toes apart as wide as possible. Hold for a few seconds, then relax and repeat. This creates a wider base for better balance during movement, strengthens foot muscles and combats bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis.

Henderson recommends Heel Raises on Stairs: Stand on a step with both heels hanging over the edge. Slowly lift the heels, keeping the legs straight, while standing on the balls of the feet. Now lower the heels down past the level of the step as far as comfortable before repeating the upward movement again. Aim for two sets of 15 to 20 repetitions, four to five times per week.

Hsu suggests incorporating Tibial Raises: Lean back against a wall with feet 12 to 20 inches apart. Keeping heels down, gently lift the toes toward the shins, then lower them slowly. Repeat until reaching medium fatigue in the shin muscles. Do two sets. This strengthens shins and improves balance, knee support and ankle stability.

Before starting any routine, consult a health professional. Strive for consistency over intensity. Exercise should be a challenge, not cause pain.

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

Weaving Gold Into Life’s Story

by Marlaina Donato

In the depths of win ter, our sorrow, disap pointment and old longings can feel heavier, making us question if sunlight will ever return to our hearts. Like a bare February landscape, pain strips us to the honest bone.

Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with precious metals like gold, serves as an inspiration for life. When our joy or stability shatters, we can transform the remaining pieces into something beautiful. Our hard-earned wisdom, self-compassion and unwavering faith act like precious metals, softening the edges and filling the deep cracks of our brokenness.

Witnessing a loved one fall apart is challenging, but sometimes our greatest act of support is allowing them the space to unearth the metaphorical gold needed for their own repair. Healing is a private and unique journey into the deep self, enabling the art of being fully human.

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on,” said poet Robert Frost, who endured the unspeakable loss of both parents at a young age, as well as the deaths of his wife and four of their six children. Like Frost, who turned tragedy into an artistic legacy, we can cultivate new life from our barren seasons and ruined harvests. We can take our darkest hours in hand to become mended vessels capable of holding future joy.

To embody the ancient metaphorical art of Kintsugi, consider these inspirations:

• Handwrite your losses on one piece of paper and the things that remain on another. Frame the latter and place it somewhere as a daily reminder.

• Tear heavy craft paper into large pieces; write a loss on each one, then reassemble the pieces. Pour metallic paint between the seams, let it dry and frame under glass as an art piece.

• Visualize being a tree with deep roots reaching into an underground river of gold, drawing up nourishment.

Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at WildflowersAnd WoodSmoke.com.

Mindful Mondays with Michael

FREE ONLINE Meditation Group

Hosted by Michael Lehrman, Co-Publisher, Natural Awakenings NYC & Long Island

Monday, Feb. 23 • 6–7pm Google Meets

To register, email publisher@natural awakeningsny.com

Small Acts, Clear Skies

Daily Changes That Lighten Our Pollution Load

by Zak Logan

According to the World Health Organization, the combined effects of household and ambient air pollution from particulate matter, ozone, carbon monoxide and burning fuels are associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Air pollution can trigger or worsen asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung infections, cardiovascular disease, cognitive issues and reproductive problems like low birth weight and birth defects.

“While most people think of highways and factories, many of the biggest contributors to everyday air pollution start at home. Gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, scented candles and household cleaning sprays can all release harmful pollutants into the air, even when used in moderation,” states David Lu, co-founder and CEO of Clarity Movement Co., an environmental technology company based in Berkeley, California.

Lu notes, “The decisions people make every day—what they drive, how they cook, the products they use in their homes—shape the

quality of the air they and their neighbors breathe.” Although the development of cleaner technologies and fuels is paramount, each individual can also be a catalyst for positive change.

Air-Quality Culprits

Indoor air quality has significantly deteriorated in recent decades due to synthetic building materials, chemical-laden personal care products and toxic household cleaners, compounded by energysaving construction practices that can actually compromise air-exchange systems and lead to the accumulation of particulate matter (PM). PM, or soot, is a complex mixture of tiny particles and liquid droplets that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, adversely affecting vital organs.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PM can enter indoor spaces through ventilation, open windows and small cracks in the building envelope. “Particle pollution is made up of several components, including nitrate, ammonium and sulfate compounds, organic compounds, metals, and soil or dust particles,” explains EPA Press Secretary Carolyn Holran. “It can be directly emitted or can form when gases emitted from power plants, industrial sources, automobiles and other sources react in the air. The reverse—indoor air sources contributing to outdoor air pollution— can also be significant, particularly in densely populated areas.”

Brian Christman, M.D., professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University and national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, highlights radon as the most overlooked indoor pollutant and second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. This radioactive, odorless gas can accumulate indoors. The EPA recommends radon testing, followed by professional mitigation for high levels.

Christman suggests avoiding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from household items like furniture; wood- and coal-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters; engineered wood and synthetic flooring; and new carpeting. Other sources of VOCs include tobacco smoke, interior paints, nail polish remover, chemical air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning sprays, perfumes and dry-cleaned clothing.

Holran warns of the short- and long-term adverse health effects from VOCs, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with preexisting respiratory issues. “These pollutants can linger indoors long after the activity is complete, especially in poorly ventilated areas,” she explains.

Lessening Our Impact

Lu underscores the toxic impact of idling cars and gas-powered lawn equipment such as mowers and leaf blowers. “These sources may feel small in isolation but collectively have a measurable impact,”

he laments. Idling vehicles release toxins linked to serious health effects. According to the EPA, monitoring at schools has revealed high levels of benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde during school pickups. Turning off engines when idling more than 10 to 30 seconds helps. The agency also offers an Idle-Free Schools Toolkit for schools to follow.

An affordable air pollution monitor can assess home air quality, detecting pollutants like PM and carbon monoxide. Holran recommends heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators to exchange indoor pollutants with fresh air while saving energy.

Christman suggests using heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the recycle or recirculation setting to minimize the entry of poor outdoor air; scheduling annual HVAC maintenance; and keeping basements and bathrooms dry to prevent mold. He also advocates for ecofriendly cleaners and plain soap and water.

Ultimately, small changes can yield significant results. “Start by identifying habits that don’t actually serve you,” says Lu. “Do you need to idle the car while waiting? Could an air purifier replace a scented air freshener? Is that gas-powered leaf blower really essential? The cleanest choice often isn’t harder— it’s just different.”

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to healthier living.

A Heauxlistic Love Affair Experience

Healing Outside the Box, Rooted in Rhythm

Join Glendalee Muniz, LCSW, for a culturally rooted wellness gathering blending movement, music, nervoussystem care, and real conversations about love and connection. This is not a workshop you watch—but an experience you feel. Come breathe, move, and heal in community.

Saturday, February 15 3–6pm

1966 Newbold Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472

For more info, contact: Glendalee Muniz, LCSW 914-246-0324

hola@labotanikawellness.org

Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center

Complete Integrative Master Course

Join Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H., for a yearlong curriculum in Herbs, Essential Oils, Chakra & Crystal Healing. Learn to create safe and effective formulas, explore plant medicine and crystal healing, and study healing traditions from Ayurveda, African Healing, and the Chinese Five Elements.

Starting March 2026 (through February 2027)

1st & 3rd Saturdays 10am–12pm EST

Virtual (all sessions recorded) $200/month

Contact: theherbalist1750@gmail.com 347-407-4312

Mindful Mondays with Michael

Free Meditation Group

Hosted by Michael Lehrman Co-Publisher, Natural Awakenings NYC & Long Island

The free sessions are open to ALL, with no experience and no expectations necessary, honoring a collective coming together of Natural Awakenings readers.

Monday, February 23 6–7pm • Google Meets

To learn more or register, contact publisher@naturalawakeningsny.com or call: 212-726-1420

Healing Outside the Box, Rooted in Rhythm

Join America’s longest-running event (36 years) dedicated to conscious living and holistic wellness as it returns to New York City. The NewLife Expo brings together passionate attendees, enlightening speakers, including Livia Devi, and a vibrant array of exhibitors in wellness, biohacking, ufo's, metaphysics, alternative health, and spirituality. Discover cuttingedge natural products, personal growth workshops, transformational experiences, and resources to support your mind-body-spirit journey in 2026.

Saturday & Sunday, April 25–26 • 10am-8pm

NYC Event Center

4 West 43rd St, off 5th Ave, Manhattan, NY

For pre-registration discounts, as well as opportunities to exhibit, speak, sponsor, volunteer, or advertise, contact: Mark Becker at 516-897-0900 or mark@newlifemag.com

Visit www.NewLifeExpo.com to register and learn more.

To submit an event which you want to appear in BOTH - the next print issue and our online calendar - scan the QR code to the right or go to: NaturalAwakeningsNY.com and click on the arrow next to the SUBMISSION tab on top of the website, then select “Mark Your Calendar Submission”.

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Wanted

NATURAL AWAKENINGS READERS –

We want to spotlight one of you in the next edition. To learn more, please email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNY.com.

NYC FITNESS PRACTITIONERS –

We want to spotlight one of you in the next edition of Natural Awakenings magazine. Please email Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsNY.com. to learn more.

Community Resource Guide

New York City | Long Island community

Alexander Technique

JEAN MCCLELLAND, MMUS., MAMSAT

JeanMcClellandVoice.com

Private lessons and workshops: voice, breathing and Alexander Technique. Jean McClelland has more than 40 years’ experience as a performer and teacher. She has helped thousands of students free their bodies, strengthen their breathing, and uncover the natural beauty of their voices. See ad, page 10.

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THE CALM MONKEY

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Clinical Nutrition

MDC NUTRITION & WELLNESS

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Guiding individuals to break free from dieting, reclaim confidence around food, and foster an abundance mindset. Learn to eat empowered, reconnect with your whole self through mindful eating, and adopt a balanced, sustainable approach to nutrition, unlocking a vibrant, joyful, and healthier version of yourself.

THE BIAMONTE CENTER FOR CLINICAL NUTRITION

Michael Biamonte, CCN 2185 34th Ave, Ste 14D • Astoria, NY 866-240-8651 info@health-truth.com Health-Truth.com

Michael Biamonte has been in practice for over 30 years, is the author of “The Candida Chronicles” and is a World Recognized Candida elimination expert. His office has proprietary software developed for NASA that helps identify and treat all nutritional deficiencies. Offering both online and In-Per-

Aum Shanti Bookshop is a community-oriented spiritual gallery providing offerings that inspire clarity, guidance and inspiration on one’s journey. They offer high-vibration, reikicharged and spiritually energized items such as a semi-precious gems and tumbled stones, one-of-a kind rare crystal specimens and clusters, beautifully hand-crafted jewelry made with love and empowering energy Join for tarot, psy-

NAMASTE BOOKSHOP & HEALING CENTER

2 W 14th St, NYC

212-645-0141

NamasteBookshop.com

Namaste Bookshop and Healing Center offers a unique and large selection of Eastern and Western philosophy books, tarot cards, crystals, pendulums, calendars, wind chimes, incense, greeting cards, yoga accessories, meditation cushions, instructional and music CDs and DVDs, salt lamps, and 20 sections of books – including Spanish. The event space above the bookshop holds classes, workshops and book signings, and provides rooms for regular readers and practitioners.

Energy Healing

ANN KORONOWSKI

Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner By online appointment/ Schenectady AnnEnergyHealer.com

Allow me to access your soul's divine blueprint through your Akashic Record to discover your true gifts and why your current patterns of choice may not be in alignment with your soul’s intentions. Learn actionable steps to create the life your soul intended. Other services, energy healer, psychic readings.

BILL ROBERT

Remote Lightworker

Based in Manhattan 770-990-9191

InmateHealing@gmail.com. Bill-Robert.com

Remote spiritual Lightwork offers emotional and creative healing, especially for artists. In-person sessions are available for returning clients near the West Village. See ad, page 9.

You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.

—Jodi Picoult

Energy Healing Center

ASCENTIAH HEALING CENTER

122 E 55th St. 5Fl. New York, NY 10022 646-476-4847 • info@ascentiah.com  Ascentiah.com

Located in Midtown NYC, Ascentiah offers holistic healing to support clarity, emotional balance, and nervous system regulation. Through energy work and intuitive guidance, we help you realign with your authentic self and reconnect to a deeper sense of well-being.

Health Food Store

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

8 Locations in Manhattan WholeFoodsMarket.com

Whole Foods Market is an Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products. We support local communities & agriculture, practice and advance environmental stewardship, support & rewards team member excellence, and encourage and educate on all aspects of healthy living. See ad, page 13.

Herbs & Natural Medicine

SACRED HEALING 7 HERB CENTER with Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H. Since 1985 theherbalist1750@gmail.com 347-407-4312 • NYC

For over forty years, the Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center has offered naturopathic, experiential curricula that educate you about various alternative healing modalities so that you can heal yourself physically, emotionally, and energetically, restore your health, and raise your vitality. Available for private/group workshops, seminars, and other events in local NYC locations. See ad, page 23.

Community Resource Guide

Holistic Dentistry

CARIODONTAL

A Place for Dental Wellness

Jonathan Richter DDS, FAGD Specializing in Periodontics and Implantology Periodontal Prosthesis, and Fixed Prosthodontics

525 West End Ave, Suite 1G, NYC 212-874-2880 • Cariodontal.com

We welcome you to come in for a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, early detection, and oral health problems. We offer the following services: holistic dental care, mercuryfree dentistry, TMJ disorder and treatment, treatment for sleep disorders, Invisalign and orthodontics, dental implant, sleep apnea. Payment plans available. See ad, back cover.

GOLDEN DENTAL WELLNESS

444 Community Dr, Ste 204, Manhasset 516-627-8400 • GoldenSmile.com

A practice that cares for you like family. The philosophy of our dental wellness center is a whole-body approach working closely with your healthcare practitioners that you already have a relationship with. The practice incorporates the teaching of Huggins, IOAMT, and much more. See ad, page 2.

INTEGRATIVE DENTAL SPECIALISTS

Long Island: 245 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY • 516-253-1800 Manhattan: 120 E. 56th St • 212-845-9740 drjeff@idsli.com IntegrativeDentalNY.com

Dr. Jeff created Integrative Dental Specialist to provide the best comprehensive dental care today. There is always an emphasis on biocompatible and holistic dentistry to create a natural and beautiful smile you can be proud of. Dr. Jeff has achieved a highly professional, relaxed, caring, and pain-free environment for his patients, with sedation dentistry available if required. See ads, pages 21 and 23.

Holistic Education

OMEGA INSTITUTE FOR HOLISTIC STUDIES

150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572 800-944-1001 • eOmega.org

Open from May to October, we offer a wide variety of workshops and retreats, led by world-class teachers on our beautiful 250-acre campus, just 90 miles north of New York City. Can’t make it to Rhinebeck? Join us for a livestream.

Integrative Coaching

GOOD MOOD INTEGRATIVE LLC

2248 Broadway # 1789, NY, NY 10024 917-245-5105

griselle.goodmood@gmail.com

Griselle Phillips, LCSW, helps clients overcome feeling stuck and overwhelmed using holistic methods. She offers single sessions or a 12week program. Prospective clients may schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss their needs and goals.

Naturopathic Medicine

FINKER WELLNESS

Bellmore

516-765-3272 • DrFinker.com

Utilizing Naturopathic Medicine to help her patients feel better naturally. Many illnesses can be treated by nutrition, botanicals, and nutraceuticals. Dr. Finker provides personalized health care solutions for her patients. See ad, page 11.

POLLACK WELLNESS

66 Commack Rd, Commack NY 631-462-0801 • PollackWellness.com

Dr. David L Pollack specializes in functional nutrition which is the science of helping repair and restore the body naturally without the use of drugs and surgery. Many of his clients were frustrated with their past health care; conventional or holistic. Most seek help with their thyroid, weight loss, digestive disorders, hormone imbalances including infertility, menstrual & Low T. We accept those with or without diagnosis, complex and simple disorders. Most insurance policies accepted for many services. See ad, page 7.

Nutrition

OPTIMAL FRUITS & VEGGIE PLUS 939 Eighth Ave, Third Fl, Ste 307 New York, 646-320-8999

M4hf.com

Whole food supplements rich in phytonutrients are shown to support joint health, heart health, cognitive function, and overall vitality through natural antioxidant protection.

Ozone Therapy

DR. HOWARD ROBINS

The Healing Center 200 W 57th St, Ste 807, NYC 212-581-0101

drhowardrobins@gmail.com OzoneDoctor.net

If you have a disease or condition that you haven’t been able to get rid of, Ozone Therapy will most likely be the answer, even for people that have suffered for years and have lost all hope. If you are questioning if your condition can be treated, call or email Dr. Robins today. See ads, pages 3 and 12.

Pyschotherapy

PRESENT CENTERED THERAPIES

Michael Mongno, MFT, Ph.D, LP Upper West Side • 212-799-0001 drmongno@resentcenteredtherapies.com PresentCenteredTherapies.com

Michael Mongno MFT, Ph.D LP is a licensed psychoanalyst, marriage and family therapist, and holistic counselor based in Manhattan. Committed to creating a real difference in the world, his “Real change in real time” describes the dynamic, effective synthesis of personal growth and spiritual transformation

Skin Care

MASSAGE FOR HEALTH AND FITNESS

Nigel Hunt, LMT New York, 646-329-8999

M4hf.com

Offers an Anti-Aging Face Lift Massage, blending acupressure and massage to rejuvenate skin, boost circulation, and reduce wrinkles naturally. (LMT license not listed)