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JANUARY 2026

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MEG RYAN Join the Movement January 2026

Publisher ’s Letter

Building Momentum January always brings a renewed sense of purpose. There’s something powerful about turning the page into a new year—it invites reflection, fresh perspective and a deeper desire to feel well in every sense of the word. Along with that reflection comes momentum: an eagerness to move forward, make meaningful changes and live with greater intention.

comes from thoughtful choices made consistently, choices that honor the whole self.

For us, this season brings renewed clarity and a more intentional way of creating and connecting—both in print and through an expanding digital presence—along with a growing sense of optimism about what’s possible for the future.

If you’re beginning this year with the intention to feel healthier, more centered or more aligned, you’re not alone. Our January issue is designed to help you discover supportive local resources, practical tools and thoughtful approaches that meet you exactly where you are.

Here in Florida, we are uniquely supported in that pursuit. With year-round access to fresh air, nourishing sunlight and abundant opportunities for outdoor movement, vibrant living feels both natural and attainable. Wellness isn’t something we have to wait for; it’s woven into the rhythm of daily life. Our Health & Wellness issue is one of the most-read of the year because so many of us are actively seeking reliable guidance and new possibilities for whole-person well-being. We want to feel better, function better, and live in ways that support the mind, body and spirit. And true wellness doesn’t come from one big change—it

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That’s why our editorial theme this year is Wellness Made Easy. Taking good care of ourselves shouldn’t feel complicated or out of reach. Often, the most transformative steps are the simplest ones: creating small pockets of quiet, choosing nourishing foods, reconnecting with nature or prioritizing movement that feels good. These gentle shifts, layered day by day, have a remarkable way of guiding us back to balance.

As we step into 2026 together, may this new year feel lighter, more aligned and be filled with moments that bring you back to yourself. Thank you for welcoming Natural Awakenings into your home each month. Together, let’s make this a year of momentum, empowerment and vibrant living. With warm wishes for a radiant and uplifting new year,

JACKSONVILLE / ST. AUGUSTINE / DAYTONA Publishers John & Trina Voell III Design & Production John & Trina Voell III Ad Design Josh Halay Editors John & Trina Voell III Proofreader Randy Kambic Calendar Theresa Archer Marketing Margaret Mary Jones John & Trina Voell III Amanda Andrade Distribution Collin Modeste Website Design Locable

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CEO Kimberly B. Whittle COO Michael Bevilacqua CMO Vee Banionis Sr. VP Operations Brian Stenzler, DC National Editor Sandra Yeyati Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor Melanie Rankin Print Production Specialist Kevin Rankin Design Director Agnes Mazeikaite Production Flip180 Customer Service Dani Bucad National Contact 350 Main St, Ste 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 239-206-2000

© 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.

Contents 10 A Path to Balance & Vitality 11 Safe, Natural Cancer Killers 12 The Power of Integrative Medicine 15 Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived

16 Dean Mitchell 18 Soulful Sourdough 22 Clean, Nonstick Cookware

Departments 6 News Briefs 8 Health Briefs 10 Business Spotlight 11 Product Spotlight

12 Feature Story 15 Inspiration 16 Wise Words 18 Conscious Eating

22 Green Living 25 Calendar 29 Resource Guide

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January 2026

News Briefs

Acupuncture Clinic Offers Natural Pain Relief All American Acupuncture, led by Dr. Morgan Reade AP, LAc, MS, offers holistic care for individuals seeking lasting relief from pain and chronic conditions. Located in St. Augustine and Nocatee, the clinic Dr. Morgan Reade AP, LAc, MS integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern techniques to support natural healing and overall well-being. Reade, a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified practitioner with 20 years of clinical experience, provides personalized care for conditions ranging from arthritis and infertility to migraine headaches and nerve pain. With additional certifications in functional medicine, herbal therapeutics and neuroendocrine immunology, Reade approaches each case through a broad lens that considers both symptoms and root causes. Services include acupuncture, dry needling, electro-acupuncture, infrared heat therapy and cupping. Treatments are tailored to each individual’s needs with careful assessments that take into account lifestyle, health history and long-term goals. Many patients experience improved circulation, reduced inflammation and a deeper sense of balance as part of their healing process. Two convenient locations: 284 Paseo Reyes Dr., St. Augustine and 360 Town Plaza Ave., Ste. 330, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee. For more information or to make an appointment, call 904-916-1714 or visit All AmericanAcupuncture.com. See ad page 19.

Wellness Retreat Blends Nature and Self-Care Recharge, Renew & Rise, hosted by bestselling author Megan Weigel, takes place April 16 to 19 at Mizata, a coastal resort in El Salvador. This immersive retreat invites participants to disconnect from chaos and reconnect with their soul’s purpose through guided self-care practices in a serene natural setting. The retreat offers a curated lineup of wellness activities including daily all-levels yoga, guided journaling, breathwork and meditation. 6

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Attendees also participate in a waterfall hike, candlelit beach dinner and self-acupressure sessions designed to ease stress and support emotional release. Time is set aside for intention setting and quiet reflection encouraging deep personal insight. Optional one-on-one consultations with Weigel, a board-certified nurse practitioner and author of Monday Mantras with Megan, are available for soul support and personalized guidance. Guests enjoy access to Mizata’s tranquil amenities including a sauna, cold plunge, private pool and beach. Accommodations feature ocean or jungle views with air conditioning, private bathrooms and nourishing meals. Free time allows for horseback rides, cultural exploration or rest. This retreat is designed for individuals seeking clarity, healing or space to simply listen inward. No prior yoga or meditation experience is required. Participants are encouraged to bring an open heart and a willingness to pause. Location: Mizata, El Salvador. For more information or to register, visit Solymar.org or follow @mondaymantraswithmegan on Instagram. See Mark Your Calendar ad page 28.

Proactive Wellness Through Integrated Medical Support D e l an d Me d i c a l Wellness Center LLC provides integrated health services that emphasize prevention, early awareness and long-term wellness planning. The center combines medical evaluation with wellness-focused care, offering a preventative model that bridges traditional diagnostics with lifestyle-informed strategies. Care focuses on identifying potential health risks early and supporting individuals in addressing them through practical, individualized planning. Providers consider factors such as metabolic health, nutrition and overall wellness patterns when developing recommendations. This approach allows prevention to be addressed proactively, with attention to both medical indicators and daily habits. The center emphasizes clarity and continuity in care. Individuals receive guidance designed to be realistic and sustainable, supporting gradual improvement rather than short-term fixes. Preventative services are positioned as part of an ongoing relationship, encouraging consistent monitoring and thoughtful adjustment over time. Education plays a supportive role in the care process, helping individuals understand how preventative measures contribute to long-term health outcomes. By reinforcing awareness and early engagement, the center promotes informed participation in personal health planning. Location: 620 E. New York Ave., DeLand. For more information or to make an appointment, call 386-279-4588 or visit DelandMedicalWellness.com.

Lifestyle Medicine and Holistic Health Planning Serenity Wellness and Family Practice offers a holistic approach to preventative health that emphasizes lifestyle medicine, functional wellness and long-term care planning. The practice focuses on how daily habits, nutrition, hormone balance and stress management influence overall health, with the goal of supporting prevention rather than reactive treatment. Care is structured around helping individuals understand how foundational lifestyle factors affect energy, resilience and chronic disease risk. Providers guide patients through practical strategies that support balance and sustainability, encouraging small, consistent changes that align with long-term wellness goals. This approach allows prevention to be woven into everyday life rather than treated as a separate medical task. Education remains central to the care experience. Individuals receive clear guidance on nutrition, movement and self-care practices that support health over time. By emphasizing understanding and participation, the practice encourages informed decision-making and accountability. This collaborative model supports lasting engagement rather than short-term intervention. The practice’s integrative framework blends wellness education with clinical insight, offering a setting that feels accessible while remaining medically informed. This balance allows for preventative planning that respects both individual lifestyle needs and broader health considerations. Location: 890 N. Boundary Ave., Ste. 101, DeLand. For more information or to make an appointment, call 386-873-4560 or visit Serenity WellnessFamilyPractice.com.

Integrative Medicine Bridging Functional and Conventional Care Hyer Health provides an integrative medical model that combines functional medicine with conventional health care to support preventative and personalized wellness. The practice focuses on identifying underlying contributors to health concerns while maintaining clinical oversight and diagnostic evaluation. Care strategies address areas such as hormone balance, metabolic health, weight management and genetic influences on wellness. By

integrating functional insights with traditional medical assessment, providers offer a broader understanding of how biological systems, lifestyle factors and individual history interact. This balanced approach supports personalized planning while remaining grounded in medical standards. Access and continuity are central to the care model. Telehealth services allow individuals to engage consistently with providers, supporting long-term wellness goals and preventative monitoring. This flexibility helps remove barriers to care while maintaining connection and follow-through. Rather than centering care on symptom management alone, the practice emphasizes early identification and proactive decision-making. Patients are guided through the reasoning behind recommendations, encouraging informed participation and realistic goal setting. Education supports accountability and helps individuals understand how daily choices influence long-term outcomes. Location: 722 S. Atlantic Ave., Ste. A, Ormond Beach. For more information or to make an appointment, call 386-267-0831 or visit Hyer-Health.com.

Preventative Care as a Community Health Strategy Halifax Health approaches preventative care through programs designed to influence health outcomes across the broader community. Rather than focusing solely on individual treatment, the organization emphasizes education, outreach and physician-led initiatives that address common population-level health risks. Preventative services focus on conditions that significantly affect community wellness, including heart disease, weight-related illness and metabolic disorders. Physicians integrate prevention into routine care by identifying risk factors during standard medical visits and reinforcing awareness before complications arise. This approach supports early engagement and informed decision-making. Health education serves as a primary preventative tool within the care model. Through clinical guidance and public-facing initiatives, individuals receive clear information about early warning signs, the importance of screenings and practical risk-reduction strategies. This emphasis encourages timely medical engagement and proactive participation in personal health management. Consistency across care settings remains a priority. Patients receive aligned messaging across providers and departments, reducing confusion and improving follow-through. By embedding preventative principles into standard medical workflows, the organization strengthens its ability to influence long-term outcomes on a broader scale. Location: 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach. For more information or to make an appointment, call 386-425-4000 or visit HalifaxHealth.org. January 2026

Soft Tissue Treatment for Aches and Pains

Health Briefs

Rest Deeply for Balance, Clarity and Overall Well-Being

Chronic stress, poor sleep, emotional overload and burnout are all signs that the nervous system is operating in overdrive. While modern life often encourages constant stimulation, the body heals best in stillness. When allowed to deeply rest, the nervous system can downshift from fight-or-flight into repair mode, improving everything from sleep and mood to inflammation and focus. EneRay Healing, in St. Augustine, offers a refuge for those seeking this essential stillness through cutting-edge frequency-based therapies. Central to its approach is the Energy Enhancement System (EESystem), which generates scalar energy fields that support cellular healing and nervous system regulation. Clients often report improved vitality, mental clarity and emotional balance after just one session. For deeper healing, EneRay provides PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy to support pain relief and cellular regeneration and BrainTap, a gentle neurotechnology that guides the brain into restorative states of calm. Complementing these services are holistic workshops and community gatherings that include breathwork, sound healing and emotional wellness practices designed to build resilience and reconnect individuals to their inner balance.

Persistent aches, stiffness and fatigue often trace back to something deeper than overexertion or aging. More than 85 percent of pain, poor posture and physical dysfunction are linked to misalignment. When fascia, organs, nerves or blood vessels become restricted, the body loses its ability to self-correct, and symptoms begin to surface—from neck and back pain to joint inflammation, digestive distress and persistent fatigue. While many turn to medications or surgery for relief, these approaches often treat symptoms, not root causes. Soft Tissue Treatment offers an integrative solution. By targeting restrictions in the body’s connective and organ systems, this advanced manual therapy brings the body back into alignment within gravity. The result is often lasting relief, improved mobility, and a restored sense of balance. A September 2025 study of 563 participants supports these outcomes. It found that the 10-session series of Rolfing—the original method behind Structural Integration—significantly improved lower limb mobility, trunk symmetry and respiratory capacity, suggesting a measurable reduction in strain-related pain. The full study is available at mdpi.com.

All offerings are noninvasive, drug-free and safe for people of all ages including children, older adults and even pets. Many families participate in sessions together, creating shared moments of healing and calm.

Soft Tissue Treatment not only utilizes the components of Structural Integration, but also addresses other structures in the body from nerves, viscera, scar tissue and arterial entrapment. Soft Tissue Treatment is available through Structural Integrative Bodywork with Lauree Moretto (MA20965), a licensed practitioner committed to helping clients move with ease and live without pain.

Location: 3440 S. U.S. Hwy. 1, Ste. 202, St. Augustine. For more information or to make an appointment, call 904-217-0660 or visit EneRay.org. See ad page 23.

Location: 435 S. Ridgewood Ave., Ste. 120, Daytona Beach (MA20965). For more information or to make an appointment, call 321-271-1678 or visit LaureeMoretto.com. See ad, page 31.

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Antioxidant May Protect Heart During Chemotherapy

Cancer patients treated with doxorubicin, a common chemotherapy drug, may suffer heart damage, including reduced heart function, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure. A 2025 study published in Nature investigated whether astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in certain seafood and algae, could help reduce the damage. The researchers divided study rats into a group that received only doxorubicin, two groups that received doxorubicin along with different doses of astaxanthin, and a control group. They used ultrasound scans to check blood markers for heart injury, examined heart tissue, measured cellular energy levels and analyzed proteins related to mitochondrial health. Rats given doxorubicin alone experienced heart damage, mitochondrial disruptions and lower energy levels in the heart. By contrast, rats treated with astaxanthin showed improved heart function compared to the doxorubicin group, fewer signs of injury, healthier heart tissue and higher cellular energy levels. Astaxanthin also protected the structure and function of mitochondria. Further research in humans is needed to confirm whether astaxanthin could safely and effectively be used alongside chemotherapy.

Reducing Anxiety With Virtual Sound Therapy

Biofield tuning (BT) balances the body’s energy field using sound vibrations. A 2023 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine involved 15 participants that received three weekly hour-long BT sessions over Zoom from certified practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participant surveys revealed significant reductions in anxiety, negative emotions and perceived stress after the treatments. They also reported feeling more positive and less overwhelmed. The practitioners observed a decrease in negative emotional language by the participants, indicating a shift to a more positive emotional state. Although the study was small, the results suggest that sound-based energy healing could be an effective, low-risk option for managing anxiety.

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Business Spotlight

A Path to Balance & Vitality Wellness Center Offers Ancient 3,000-Year-Old Energy Practice for Modern Well-Being

ircle of Chi Wellness introduces a sanctuary for renewal and vitality in Jacksonville Beach, inviting individuals to rediscover their natural state of health through the ancient practice of Tai Chi Gung. Rooted in a 3,000-year-old lineage, this unique system blends breath, movement and meditative awareness to restore the body’s life-force energy or chi. At the heart of Circle of Chi’s approach is the belief that every individual holds the innate ability to regenerate and sustain wellness. The center serves as a gathering place for a diverse community—spanning ages, cultures and spiritual backgrounds—drawn together

by the shared pursuit of balance and inner peace. Unlike conventional exercise, Tai Chi Gung gently realigns the body through slow, intentional movements and conscious breathing, creating a flowing meditation that quiets the mind and enlivens the spirit. Students who practice Tai Chi Gung often experience tangible physical improvements: increased flexibility, enhanced balance and greater strength without strain. Movements open the joints, decompress the spine and invite relaxation, making the practice accessible to people of all fitness levels. Many also report better sleep, deeper breathing and a boost in overall energy and vitality. The low-impact nature of Tai Chi

Gung makes it especially welcoming to those seeking gentle yet profound transformation. Beyond physical benefits, the practice supports emotional clarity and energetic release. As stagnant chi is cleared, the body’s natural systems— including immune, circulatory and digestive functions—begin to self-regulate and flourish. Students frequently describe a newfound sense of ease, confidence and mental clarity that extends far beyond the practice itself. Complementing the teachings of Tai Chi Gung, the Circle of Chi Wellness Center offers holistic services such as acupuncture, massage and Ortho-Bionomy. These modalities are delivered by experienced practitioners and are chosen for their synergy with the energy-balancing principles of the Tai Chi Gung tradition. Each service is designed to enhance the body’s ability to heal, ground the nervous system and expand the benefits of regular practice. Looking ahead, Circle of Chi Wellness envisions a future with multiple centers established worldwide. The vision is to make Tai Chi Gung more accessible, spreading the tools for health and happiness across communities and cultures. The center frequently hosts events and offers a complimentary first class, inviting the public to experience its teachings firsthand in a welcoming, supportive environment. Location: 922 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach. For more information or to register, call 904746-7264 or visit CircleOfChiWellness.com. See ad page 23.

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Feature Story

The Power of Integrative Medicine A Guide to Whole-Person Care by Hannah Tytus

us back to what I would think of as plain old good medicine.” On an integrative health team, medical doctors may work alongside acupuncturists, naturopaths, herbalists, chiropractors, massage therapists or any number of specialized practitioners. “Integrative medicine is taking the best of what we call Western medicine and integrating it into what is practiced in other parts of the world to create a health plan where the patient is the focus,” says Hakima Amri, Ph.D., co-director of the integrative medicine and health sciences program at Georgetown University. These other medicine systems include Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Unani-Tibb medicine, homeopathy and others.

The Whole-Person Mindset

s interest in health and wellness grows, more people are seeking medical models that go beyond symptom treatment and disease management. Integrative medicine has emerged as one such approach, blending conventional and complementary methods to address the health of the whole person. An integrative health approach offers a practical, evidence-informed framework for personalized care. Its focus is shifting the conversation to prevention by cultivating holistic health that goes beyond the absence of disease.

Defining Integrative Medicine

The Academic Consortium for Integrative 12

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Medicine & Health defines integrative medicine as a philosophy that emphasizes the practitioner-patient relationship, focuses on the whole person, is evidence based and draws on all appropriate therapies and lifestyle approaches that promote optimal health and healing. Brent Bauer, M.D., a professor of medicine and the research chair for Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine and Health, describes it as “bringing the best of both conventional and evidence-based complementary therapies together to optimally meet the needs of the patient. We simply ask, what is the best therapy for the individual patient? That gets

Integrative medicine is about viewing patients holistically, considering all parts of their humanity. Rather than examining organs or systems in isolation, practitioners evaluate the multitude of factors that influence illness or well-being. It emphasizes disease prevention, resilience building and health restoration throughout the lifespan. “We bring a whole team of practitioners to work with the patient, to look at the patient as a whole and not only treat symptoms, but to truly heal the patient,” explains Amri. Whole-person health rests on five key principles: patient-centered, relationship-based care; personalized health plans; attention to physical, mental and spiritual well-being; prevention and self-responsibility; and collaboration across modalities and providers. It acknowledges the patient as being embedded in environmental, relational, emotional and spiritual contexts that each play a part.

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Bauer explains how an integrative approach might work for a surgery patient. “If they have pain, a conventional approach might include medications, physical therapy or perhaps an injection. As an integrative physician, I have an even larger toolkit with things such as acupuncture, tuina (a Chinese bodywork technique), massage, mind-body practices like yoga and meditation, herbs and supplements, and low-level laser therapy.” As the medical doctor leading the team, Bauer confers with other in-house practitioners to build a customized care plan. This expanded toolkit gives him a better chance of finding a therapy that not only works for the patient but also fits their personal preferences to optimize their quality of life.

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“I think integrative medicine is an excellent approach for any patient,” says Bauer. “But I think it really shines when it comes to patients with chronic disease. By definition, most chronic illnesses are ones that conventional medicine cannot cure.” At the Mayo Clinic, he sees firsthand how integrative approaches can transform lives. He often introduces mindfulness and biofeedback-based meditation to help patients manage stress.

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“Chronic conditions are the biggest plight to humanity today. People are living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, irritable bowel disorders and more, often with multiple conditions at once,” says Amri. Chronic disease is now a leading health challenge in the United States, heavily impacting quality of life for many. One in four American adults lives with chronic pain. At the same time, the use of complementary and integrative approaches has risen sharply from 19.2 percent in 2002 to 36.7 percent in 2022, with increases in yoga and meditation leading the growth.

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Feature Story integrative principles that include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, daily mind-body practice, restorative sleep, strong social and spiritual connections, and time in nature, finding these evidence-based habits to be not only restorative, but profoundly transformative.

Misconceptions and Skepticism

When it comes to innovative healing philosophies, myths abound. Here are some common misconceptions about integrative medicine. • Myth: Integrative medicine is exotic. People often think it is coming from elsewhere—other people’s traditions—and not our culture, yet many of the modalities were founded in the West, including naturopathy, chiropractic, osteopathy and homeopathy, notes Amri. • Myth: Integrative is the same as alternative. Integrative medicine is not alternative medicine. Alternative therapies replace conventional care, often without scientific evidence, while integrative medicine combines evidence-based approaches for positive outcomes. • Myth: There is little scientific evidence. According to Amri, the assumption that there is no scientific evidence to support

the use of integrative medicine is 30 years out of date. Today, almost every major healing modality has been studied. Bauer highlights the scale of research, pointing to the Mayo Clinic Integrative Medicine program, which has published more than 600 peer-reviewed manuscripts covering hundreds of clinical trials over three decades showing the benefits of massage, acupuncture and mind-body practices.

Communicating With Healthcare Providers

Although one-third of adults report using complementary and integrative medicine modalities, at least 42 percent of users do not disclose their integrative therapy usage to their doctor. This nondisclosure can be dangerous, as many integrative modalities can potentially interact with medications or chronic conditions. Amri offers an example: “Ginkgo biloba is good for improving memory, but it is also a blood thinner. If someone is on prescription blood thinners, it could cause serious complications.” Many herbs and supplements can interact with prescription medications and preexisting conditions, so it is very important to establish an open and honest dialogue with healthcare providers.

To facilitate good conversations, Amri advises patients to be open and well-prepared. She encourages patients to bring their research materials with them to their appointments: “Do your research ahead of time,” she says. “If there are papers or studies you find interesting, take them with you and share them with your doctor. Be prepared and explain why you want to try certain therapies.” “Physicians can do their part by listening carefully and by honestly acknowledging where their knowledge base might be limited,” says Bauer. “This is a great time for them to reach out to their integrative medicine colleagues and have them provide guidance to help meet the patient’s needs with evidence-based approaches.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the growth in integrative medicine, key barriers remain. Bauer points to insurance as the biggest gap, explaining, “Very few of these evidence-based, helpful, cost-avoiding therapies are covered by payers. My hope is that we see that change significantly in the immediate future. In a five-to-ten-year time frame, I think we’ll simply drop all the labels and call it good medicine.” Amri also sees the field evolving quickly. “We’ve been training a whole generation of researchers that look at things differently,” she remarks, adding that policy reform and adequate reimbursements are essential to making integrative care more accessible. Integrative medicine brings together evidence, empathy and empowerment, uniting the best of conventional, traditional and complementary approaches. It emphasizes collaboration between patients and providers, shared responsibility for wellness and a comprehensive focus on the whole person. By bridging therapies, fostering dialogue and addressing chronic disease with both science and compassion, integrative care offers a hopeful path to redefining modern health. 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.

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Inspiration

Baby Steps to a Life Well Lived by Marlaina Donato and share only with those we trust. Just as a tiny seed lies dormant in the frozen earth waiting for the right moment to transform, we can rise at the perfect time and reveal our vibrant potential. Allotting a little time each day to baby steps can become something to eagerly await—writing another paragraph of that novel-in-progress, cooking something delicious that nourishes the body, learning a few words in a language course or simply saying no to anything that distracts us from nurturing our growth or bliss.

reathing in the fresh air of a new year can be both invigorating and a little intimidating. We are encouraged to set resolutions, dive headfirst into greater and better lives, and release outdated beliefs. What can begin as a promising path of good intentions may quickly become overwhelming. By spring, some of us may not even remember our January aspirations. But if we silence the well-meaning shoulds and have-tos, it is possible to confidently step into a new chapter at our own pace, increasing our chances of success. This year, instead of lofty resolutions, let’s choose baby steps toward better health or a more peaceful life, basing our hopes on realistic simplicity and modifying our goals into small dedications—sacred vows we uphold

Twelve months is not long to transform, build a business or heal on the cellular level. Reaching the end of another year without crossing our personal finish line does not mean we have failed. It simply offers us another opportunity, another 12 months, to continue investing in our baby steps. New year’s resolutions can be a way of living without deadlines. Ideas for a brand-new year:

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• Allot 10 minutes twice a day for true selfcare, which might include meditation, stillness, listening to music or a few invigorating stretches. • Allocate three hours a week for a cherished project. • View goals as sacred. Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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January 2026

Wise Words

Dean Mitchell on Conquering Candida by Sandra Yeyati

ean Mitchell, M.D., is a board-certified immunologist and a pioneer in holistic immunology. As a founder of the Mitchell Medical Group with his wife, Dr. Ricki Mitchell, in New York City, he specializes in diagnosing and treating candida overgrowth, mast cell activation syndrome and toxic mold exposure. With more than 30 years of practical experience, he combines conventional and integrative care to address the root causes of disease and educate patients on sustainable wellness solutions.

Mitchell, an adjunct assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, is also a published author of several books and host of a popular podcast, The Smartest Doctor in the Room, where he interviews renowned medical specialists. His latest book is Conquering Candida: The New 30Day Protocol for Restoring Your Microbiome and Health, co-authored with his daughter-in-law, Joelle Mitchell, a registered dietitian. Candida is a type of yeast that can live on the skin and in the body without causing problems, but an overgrowth can lead to an infection called candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, which can range from mild to severe and affect various parts of the body.

What is a candida overgrowth?

A healthy microbiome is diverse, with all kinds of different bacteria, viruses and yeast, whereas an unhealthy microbiome is distorted because the good bacteria have been wiped out, leaving candida, a highly resistant organism, as the dominant species. A candida overgrowth occurs when candida yeast microorganisms predominate, affecting the microbiome and resulting in a range of unpleasant symptoms.

What are the most prevalent symptoms of a candida overgrowth? After treating thousands of patients, I have categorized symptoms 16

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into four distinct levels. The initial stage manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhea. The next stage involves leaky gut syndrome, where the yeast moves out of the intestine. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in women who develop chronic vaginal yeast infections. The third stage of candida overgrowth occurs when the candida penetrates deeper into the body, leading to symptoms like brain fog. This occurs because excessive yeast production generates acetaldehyde, a substance that can cause cognitive impairment. The fourth stage is when the candida becomes deeply ingrained, resulting in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and widespread muscle pain.

What causes an overgrowth of candida?

Long-term use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or acid blockers, birth control pills and even steroids—including the ones you inhale or take orally—can disrupt the natural balance of the gut microbiome, leading to candida overgrowth. The other big culprit is excessive glucose intake. Disruptions in the endocrine system can also lead to candida problems. That includes people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome who tend to have high insulin and high blood sugar levels. And when you’re under a lot of stress, your cortisol levels go up as a defense reaction, which can also increase blood sugar levels and precipitate a candida imbalance.

In your 30-day candida protocol, what dietary changes do you recommend?

Initially, avoid processed sugar, dairy (including cheese and yogurt), grains (especially wheat-based), fermented foods and alcohol. You can consume fiber-rich foods, which benefit your microbiome. Apples and berries are good, but avoid very sweet fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe or pineapple. Include a variety of vegetables, especially cruciferous ones and greens, but avoid corn (too sugary) and mushrooms (too yeasty). Skip potatoes and rice, which spike your

sugar. Quinoa is a better alternative. Ensure you have quality protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey and meats. Drink water and teas, but avoid soda or diet soda. Gradually, we reintroduce certain foods.

What about the next prong of your treatment—the antifungal medications?

There is a big misunderstanding about the dangers of antifungals, even among some doctors. From my experience, they tend to be very safe medications. Several FDA-approved options work very well. Patients typically require a minimum of three to four weeks of treatment, with some needing more, potentially extending to several months, to eradicate candida when it has deeply infiltrated the tissue.

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What type of supplementation do you recommend?

I have patients come in, especially when I’m prescribing the antifungals, for intravenous vitamin therapy known as the Myers’ cocktail, comprised of B-complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamins C and D3, plus the antioxidant glutathione. People who are having medical issues like candida need extra support. Intravenous vitamins also mitigate the Herxheimer reaction, a flu-like response that occurs when candida begins to die off and releases toxins, triggering an immune response.

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Could you explain the sublingual immunotherapy drops included in your protocol?

Following my treatment with strong antifungals, the idea is to administer a little bit of candida in the form of sublingual drops to stimulate the body’s own immunity and build up a tolerance. This approach aims to empower the body to effectively manage candida without the reliance on future antifungal interventions. Essentially, it involves stimulating protective antibodies to keep the candida in check. Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.

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Artisans that master its versatility also find sourdough to be a source of emotional nourishment. “You hear the crust crackle as it cools, smell the warmth of grain and time, and know that something very old and very human has happened in your own kitchen,” says Lisa Robitaille, founder of Great Lakes Sourdough, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Conscious Eating

Soulful Sourdough

With knowledge, a good starter and patience, sourdough can become a lifelong friend, offering more than just the iconic crusty loaf. “The same living starter that makes a loaf rise can become the morning’s pancakes, the evening’s pizza or even a tray of chocolate chip cookies,” says Robitaille. “Once you understand how the culture behaves, you can shape it into nearly anything: soft rolls, bagels, waffles, muffins, even pastry.”

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ourdough, made from flour, water, salt and starter, is the oldest form of leavened bread, originating with the ancient Egyptians. Unlike most yeast breads, sourdough has a low glycemic index and does not spike blood sugar levels. A 2024 study in Foods

highlights its benefits compared to other types of bread, including improved digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, better blood sugar control and improved dietary fiber composition, including prebiotics to feed healthy gut bacteria.

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While many yeast breads cause bloating and other gut discomforts, sourdough is gentler. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular consumption of sourdough can improve the intestinal microbiome. “During a long fermentation, the yeast and bacteria produce enzymes that help break down gluten and some carbohydrates and reduce phytic acid, a grain compound that can block mineral absorption. The result is a sourdough bread many people find easier to digest,” explains Katya Nikolov, a cancer research scientist and owner of Dubuque Bakery, in Snohomish, Washington. “My view is simple and science-first: When it is slowly fermented and made with high-quality flour, sourdough can be a delicious, gut-friendly ally within a varied, balanced diet.”

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According to Emily Harryman, owner of Plain Jane Bakes, in Keller, Texas, and author of the upcoming cookbook Plain Jane Sourdough, her customers with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance attest to sourdough’s superiority. “I had one customer in particular who relayed to me that my bread was the only bread she could eat,” Harryman boasts. “She took my sourdough class before she moved out of state so she could replicate it in her new home. It was such a blessing to her.”

Tips for Beginners

A sourdough starter is a live, active, fermented culture made from flour and water that acts as a leavening agent for baked goods, replacing commercial yeast and providing a signature tangy flavor. Sourdough starters vary greatly depending on water-to-flour ratios (from liquid to stiff), flavor profiles (from tangy to sour to slightly sweet) and flour types (from whole grain rye to whole wheat to unbleached all-purpose). The secret to sourdough success is letting nature take its course. Fresh herbs, fruit, cheese, seeds or chocolate can be folded into the dough for a delicious taste experience, but behind every fresh-from-the-oven masterpiece is a good starter. Each one is unique, thanks to a mélange of elements. As Harryman explains, “When the wild yeasts from the starter mingle and consume the sugars in the flour, carbon dioxide gas is released. The dough’s gluten network traps the gas, causing the dough to rise, yielding sourdough’s renowned, airy crumb.” “Sourdough bread baking isn’t just following a recipe; it’s understanding the living system in your bowl and a constant response to a changing environment like temperature, season, humidity and flour,” says Nikolov, who recommends using a scale, keeping notes and aiming for steady, comfortable temperatures between 72° and 78° F for both the starter and dough. She generally prefers clean, non-processed, organic whole-grain flours milled directly from the grain, as well as ancient wheats like einkorn and spelt. For reliability and depth of flavor, Harryman suggests acquiring a mature starter fed with organic flour, ideally dark rye. This can be accomplished by connecting with a local sourdough baker or ordering a well-reviewed, dehydrated sourdough starter. “They are fairly easy to revive, and some are nearly 100 years old in maturity,” she explains. For a gluten-free option, she recommends building a starter from scratch to be sure of its purity. Robitaille underscores the importance of time, grain and imagination for flavor. “Red Fife [a North American heirloom wheat variety] brings a quiet sweetness; rye adds depth and spice; and whole wheat speaks of the harvest field,” she explains. In a busy world, baking bread can be a grounding, meditative act that also nourishes family and friends. “There is a kind of stillness in the act of baking that feels sacred. You watch a living culture transform simple ingredients into sustenance,” she muses. “That, to me, is magic.” Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings. January 2026

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EVERYDAY SOURDOUGH LOAF WITH HONEY YIELD: 1 LOAF 3 cups white-bread or all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1½ cup water ½ cup active sourdough starter ¾ Tbsp honey 1¾ tsp salt Rice flour for dusting Combine all ingredients except the rice flour in a bowl or stand mixer. Mix just until no dry flour remains and the dough is cohesive. The bulk fermentation process begins as soon as the starter is mixed with the other ingredients, which means that the dough will rise and grow in size while it ferments. Cover the dough with a damp linen kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour at 73° to 75° F room temperature. Stretch and fold the dough as follows: With lightly wet fingertips, grab a portion of the dough and stretch it upward. Fold the dough over toward the center of the bowl. Give the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretch and fold. Continue to turn, stretch and fold until the circle is complete. Cover the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes. Repeat this stretchand-fold process three more times, letting the dough rest for 30 minutes in between. After the fourth set of stretch-and-folds, cover the dough with a linen cloth or towel and allow it to ferment at room temperature. Let the dough proof (rise until the needed bulk

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is complete) approximately 5 hours, but the time may vary. Watch the dough, not the clock, looking for a noticeable rise of about 60 to 75 percent, a slightly domed surface, bubbles on the surface and an airy feel with a gentle jiggle. Once the dough has proofed, lightly dust the counter with rice flour. Turn out the dough onto a clean work surface and shape it into a ball by hand—this is called a pre-shape. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes on the counter uncovered. Shape the dough and place it seam-side up in a rice-flour dusted banneton (or extra-large bowl lined with a linen cloth). Let the shaped dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to start fermentation before the cold proof.

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To cold proof the dough, cover the loaf with a damp linen kitchen towel and refrigerate 12 to 16 hours. Place an oven-safe cast iron Dutch oven with the lid onto the center rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 480° F for 1 hour. Invert the cold dough onto parchment paper, score the loaf, load it into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake covered for 20 minutes to trap steam and drive dough expansion. After 20 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven to 450° F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the loaf is deep golden. It is ready when the internal temperature is 205° to 210° F. Let the loaf cool for 1 to 2 hours before slicing, so that the crumb can set. Recipe courtesy of Katya Nikolov of Dubuque Bakery.

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Green Living

Clean, Nonstick Cookware Transforming the Kitchen for Human and Planetary Health by Marlaina Donato to mold exposure, Storm replaced her nonstick cookware with healthier options like cast iron. She advises caution with imported products, which may not disclose the presence of glazes, adhesives, bonding agents or sealants in multi-layer cookware that can introduce phenols, phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

rom omelets to air-fried treats, modern nonstick cookware makes cooking effortless with minimal cleanup. However, many of these pots, pans, baking sheets, waffle irons, slow cookers, countertop ovens and more are coated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—known as “forever chemicals”. These substances can leach into food, accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks, including hormone imbalances, altered immunity, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes and cancer. They also harm the environment, affecting wildlife, soil and water. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated 22

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perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as hazardous, and the manufacture of PFOA was voluntarily phased out by 2015 in this country, imported products may still contain them.

Seeing Through False Claims

“Even when a label claims PFOA-free or PFOS-free, manufacturers often substitute newer fluorinated chemicals like GenX or PTFE [polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as Teflon] derivatives which still fall under the PFAS family and pose risks to the liver, hormones and immune system,” warns Kali Storm, a functional nutritionist and founder of Root Level Living, in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. After recovering from a severe illness linked

High-quality ceramic cookware is generally considered safe. Beth Bollinger, an integrative health practitioner and the founder of Nest Wellness, in Sonoma County, California, points out that true ceramic is stoneware and porcelain. However, she notes that many ceramic nonstick pans are actually metal pans with a sol-gel ceramic coating that can contain nanoparticles, lead, cadmium or PFAS. “Always look for third-party testing certifications and avoid inexpensive ceramic-coated cookware from unknown brands,” she cautions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposes cookware safety regulations, but it does not test the products. The State of California goes further with Proposition 65, which requires manufacturers to disclose whether their cookware contains lead, cadmium or certain PFAS. And the European Union sets the strictest limits on cookware coatings, banning specified heavy metals and harmful chemicals, including PFAS. Third-party organizations that test products to ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations include Greenscreen Certified (GreenScreenChemicals.org), SGS (sgs. com) and Intertek (Intertek.com).

Choosing Cleaner Options

Like Storm, Bollinger cleaned up her food and home environment, including kitchenware, after a health diagnosis, and she believes those modifications led to significant improvements in energy, mental clarity and overall well-being. Her kitchen essentials include enameled cast iron, for its nonreactive nature with acidic foods, and carbon steel, which is lighter than cast iron and heats quickly and evenly. Bollinger suggests, “Start out with stainless steel, because it’s the most versatile and user-friendly option. High-quality stainless steel—18/10 with an aluminum or copper core for even heat distribution—is durable, nonreactive, dishwasher-safe and works for almost any cooking method, be it sautéing, searing, boiling or baking.” She acknowledges the challenge of finding air fryers and slow cookers without chemical coatings but recommends models with stainless steel baskets and true ceramic or stoneware inserts for slow cookers. She also advises verifying with the manufacturer that their ceramic is lead- and cadmium-free. For Storm and her family, cast iron is a versatile and reliable choice. “Cast iron is incredibly user-friendly once you learn how to use and clean it,” she explains. “Many don’t realize how naturally nonstick it becomes when well-seasoned. If you cook in your cast iron regularly and clean it properly with no soap, just hot water and a scrub, you’re technically seasoning it a little bit every time.”

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Storm loves cast iron’s slick surface for egg dishes and golden-edged pancakes. “The same pan can easily go from stovetop to oven. We’ve made lasagna, casseroles, cornbread, skillet meals, roasted vegetables and even apple crisps in cast iron. For stews or chili, a covered cast iron Dutch oven retains heat beautifully.” To season cast iron, she recommends using avocado oil, flaxseed oil or beef tallow, and avoiding budget vegetable or seed oils that may contain fillers and oxidize easily. Cast iron pans naturally add small amounts of iron to food, especially when cooking acidic ingredients like tomato sauce. This can be beneficial for healthy individuals or those that are deficient, but people with too much iron in their blood might want to minimize or avoid using cast iron altogether.

Making the Switch

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in our overall well-being, and opting for cleaner, more sustainable cookware is a wise choice. As Storm points out, “When you remove toxins from what you cook in, breathe in and live around, the body can finally stop fighting and start healing.” Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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Calendar of Events Tuesday, January 6 Twin Hearts Meditation – 6-7pm. This advanced meditation technique was developed by Master Choa Kok Sui and is aimed at achieving illumination or universal consciousness. Free. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville. 904-381-8686. Seventh-Wonder.com.

Tuesday, January 13 Breathwork & Mantra Meditation – 6-7pm. Workshop explores the power of the breath and how to pair it with a mantra to cultivate deeper awareness in meditation. Receive a selection of mantras and affirmations to help focus the mind, and close with a silent meditation to integrate everything we’ve learned and practiced. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville. 904-3818686. Seventh-Wonder.com.

Wednesday, January 14 Meditative Drumming Hour – 6-7pm. Reduce stress, promote emotional release, foster social connection, and enhance overall well-being through physical activity and rhythmic engagement. Donation.

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Thursday, January 15 Open House: Persephone Healing Arts Center – 6-7pm. Gives new and potential patients and their family members to meet Dr. Pautz and learn about the unique medical services offered at the center. Free. 485 6th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach. RSVP: 904-246-3583. DrPautz.com.

Thursday, January 22 From Resolution to Results– 7-8:30pm. Reset and renew through holistic nutrition and lifestyle. Join Sheri Johnson, Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner, for a ref reshing and practical workshop designed to help you reconnect with your body, restore energy, and reignite motivation, naturally. Free. Monique Rogers, Acupuncture Physician, 122 E Lake View Ave, Lake Mary. 407-701-7841. EmpoweredHealthCoaching.com.

Saturday, January 31 Weight Loss & Detox Challenge – 4-6pm.

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Ongoing Events

Daily Farmers Market and More – 9am-5pm, Fri-Sun. Shop rain or shine for farm-fresh produce, plants, trees flowers, herbs and spices, gourmet coffee and teas, honey, jams, salsas and more. Daytona Flea Market, 1425 Tomoka Farms Rd, Daytona Beach. DaytonaFleaMarket.com. Circle of Chi Wellness Center Classes – Standing Tai Chi Gung classes: 9:30am, 12pm and 4:30pm, Mon-Sat. Evening sessions, 6:30pm twice weekly. Sitting classes: 2:30pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs and Sat. For beginners and all fitness levels; first session free. 922 Third St, N Jacksonville Beach. 904-746-7264. CircleOfChiWellness.com. ArchAngel Farms at Beach Blvd Farmers and Flea Market – 10am-5pm. We have f resh Lion’s Mane and Oyster mush-

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Ongoing Events rooms as well as our proprietary liquid concentrates. Beach Blvd Flea Market, 11041 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville. ArchAngelFarms.org.

Sundays Orange Park Farmer’s and Arts Market – 10am-3pm. 1st & 3rd Sun. Start the day at this open-air market featuring local talent, fresh produce, gourmet mushrooms and more with ArchAngel Farms and other vendors. Orange Park Farmer’s and Arts Market, 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park. ArchAngelFarms.org. Lessons in Truth – 10:30-11:30am. Come join us on Sunday mornings and see who is speaking, and what Spiritual or Metaphysical topic will be discussed. Free. Cosmic Church of Truth, 1637 Hamilton St, Jacksonville. Cosmic-Church.org. Unitarian Universalist Service – 11am12pm. Join our welcoming, inclusive community to explore diverse beliefs, grow spiritually, and promote a world that aff irms these aspirations. Community Unitarian Universalist Church. 403 West St, New Smyrna Beach. dbcuuc.org.

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Christina Phipps Foundation Yoga – 1-2pm. Dress comfortably; no prior experience needed. Bring a doctor’s consent. Free. Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jacksonville. 904-233-6162. Christina PhippsFoundation.com. Sound Healing, Crystal Bowls, Tuning Forks, Light Language – 2-4pm. 2nd Sun. Sound bath and light code activation using crystal bowls, tuning forks and guided practices to balance energy, soothe the nervous system and awaken inner light. $44. Hotel Cassadaga, 355 Cassadaga Rd, Cassadaga. 386-228-2323. JillJordanSoundLiving.com/public-events.

Energize Yoga – 7-7:30am. Mon-Thurs. Designed for the busy human. $42/6 classes. Zoom. 386-846-9255. NurYoga1018.com.

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Yoga Nidra – 7-9pm. 2nd & 4th Mon. Guided meditation for deep relaxation, healing and rejuvenation. $10. Cosmic Church of Truth, 1637 Hamilton St, Jacksonville. Cosmic-Church.org.

Tuesdays Healthy Movements Chair Yoga & Tai Chi – 10-11am. Chair-based healthy movements class for all ages and abilities that combines gentle yoga and tai chi to support strength, balance and mobility. $5. New Smyrna Beach Gym, 1000 Live Oak St, New Smyrna Beach. 386-295-0748. NurYoga1018.com.

Men’s Group – 11am-1pm. 2nd Sun. This gathering offers a supportive space for men to connect, reflect and grow together. Through guided discussions and holistic techniques, gain tools for emotional balance, stress relief and overall well-being. $44. EneRay Temple of Healing, 3440 U.S.-1 S, St Augustine. 904-2170660. Tinyurl.com/mr4rjvf8.

Mondays

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Chair Yoga at Island Doctors New Smyrna Beach – 10-11am. Gentle, adaptive chair yoga using a chair for seated or standing postures, with mindful breathing and functional movement to support balance and ease for all levels. Island Doctors, 905 S Dixie Hwy, New Smyrna Beach. 386-2870494. NurYoga1018.com.

Healthy Movements: Tai Chi and Yoga Fusion – 10-11am. Use chair or mat. A unique fun class that focuses on yoga and tai chi movements. Enhancing balance, stability, strength, relaxation and mindfulness. With Annie Barreiro. $5. New Smyrna Beach Gym, 1000 Live Oak St, New Smyrna Beach. NurYoga1018.com.

Energy Tune-Ups – 12:30-1:30pm. A guided meditation designed to rebalance your chakras, reset your nervous system, and refocus your connection to inner wisdom. All levels. $44. EneRay Temple of Healing, 3440 S U.S. Hwy 1, Ste 202, St Augustine. 904-217-0660. EneRay.org. Breathwork – 1pm. Learn the breathing technique. Practice deep breathwork and meditation. Relax, heal and enjoy the benefits. No previous training required. Free. Zoom. Tinyurl.com/26npmk9m. Weekly Meditation – 1-1:30pm. Letting go of thoughts, desires and self-analysis. Free. Y Healthy Living Center Baptist North, 11236 Baptist Health Dr, Jacksonville. BaptistJax.com. Free Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Digestion Symptoms – 4:30-5:30pm. 4th Tues. Yoga postures and techniques to alleviate digestive issues and improve gut health for Parkinson’s patients. Free. AumHome Shala.org/classes/yoga-for-parkinsons. Free Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Respiratory Health – 4:30-5:30pm. 2nd Tues. Yoga postures and breathwork to enhance respiratory well-being for individuals with Parkinson’s. Free. AumHome-

Shala.org/classes/yoga-for-parkinsons. Waveform Sound Sessions – 6-6:45pm. Weekly sound bath led by Intuitive Energy Practitioner, Marie, featuring live crystal singing bowls and chimes. $20. Hotel Cassadaga, 355 Cassadaga Rd, Cassadaga. HotelCassadaga.com/event/ waveform-sound-sessions. Nicotine Anonymous – 6-7pm. 12-step support group. Free. Classroom C (Medical Office Bldg), AdventHealth Hospital Daytona Beach (Main Entrance). 301 Memorial Medical Pkwy, Daytona Beach. Nicotine-Anonymous.org. Rainbow Tuesday – Save 20% off regular price 1st Tues every month. Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City and 3850 S Nova Rd, Port Orange. DebbiesHealthFoods.com. Soothing Yin/Meditation – 6-7pm. Yin yoga class that combines breath with longer-held poses to ease stress and anxiety and support flexibility in a calm, meditative setting. 75 mins. $20. Sweet Surrender Yoga & Holistic Wellness, 1750 W Broadway St, Ste 112, Oviedo. 786-5206736. CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com. Psychic & Mediumship Development Class – 6:30-8:30pm. Ongoing weekly class to develop and strengthen psychic and mediumship abilities through practical techniques, guided exercises and supportive discussion; all levels welcome. $11 per session. Harmony Haven Meditation, 3930 S Nova Rd, Port Orange. 386-2551120. HarmonyHaven.life/blank-3. Peaceful Mind in a Crazy Time – 6:307:45pm. Teachings, guided meditations and discussion on letting go of negative mental states and cultivating compassion, love and a peaceful mind; everyone welcome. $10. Laughing Lotus, 208 Moody Blvd, enter from 2nd St N, Flagler Beach. 386-793-3013. MeditationInJacksonville. org.

Wednesdays Downtown Sanford Mom Stroll – 8-9:30am. Relaxed one-mile walk along the lake ending at Fort Mellon Park, with time for children to play while moms

MARK YOUR CALENDAR April 16-19, 2026 Recharge, Renew, & Rise – Join bestselling author of Monday Mantras with Megan, Megan Weigel for an immersive retreat designed to remove chaos so you can listen to your soul purpose. Through self-care activities like yoga, breath work, acupressure and others in a breathtaking setting, you will leave feeling re-centered. For more information, visit solymar.org or @mondaymantras withmegan on IG.

connect and chat. Free. Sanford Pelvic Therapy and Wellness, 307 E 2nd St, Sanford. 352-396-6280. Midday Midweek Meditation – 1212:30pm. Weekly 30-minute time of rest, reflection and meditation in Unity of Daytona Beach’s sanctuary; come as you are. Donation. Unity of Daytona Beach, 908 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill. UnityDaytonaBeach.org. Yoga Therapy for Life Changes, Trauma, Education – Learn, practice and retain with yoga therapy using mind, body and your inner resource. Hidden trauma in the body may reveal itself causing disease and dis-comfort. $60. Nur Health/ Nur Yoga, 208 Booth Rd, Ste D, Ormond Beach. 386-846-9255. NurYoga1018.com. Heart-Centered Breathwork – 6:30-8pm. Be guided through conscious breathing techniques in the immersive energy of the EESystem, fostering emotional release and deep self-awareness. $44. EneRay Temple of Healing, 3440 S U.S. Hwy 1, Ste 202, St Augustine. 904-217-0660. EneRay. org. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: Wednesday Message Service – 7pm. A demonstration of Spirit Messages. Greetings from Spirit are delivered from mediums and student mediums to as many people as possible. $5 donation. Colby Memorial Temple, 1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga. 386-

228-2880. Cassadaga.org. Astrology Class – 7-9pm. 4th Tues. Learn to read your Natal Chart and understand planetary aspects. Beginners welcome. $10. Cosmic Church of Truth, 1637 Hamilton St, Jacksonville. Cosmic-Church.org. Hypnotic Meditations – 6-7pm. 1st Wed. Monthly guided hypnotic meditation to reset, align and connect with inner calm using spiritually themed practices; no experience required. $33.33. Tatia Orenczak Hypnotherapy, 1415 Atlantic Blvd, Ste C2, Neptune Beach. 904-288-1161. HypnosisByTatia.com/book-now. Oneness Wednesdays – 7:30-9pm. Weekly gathering focused on growth, expansion, holistic health and intuitive development with meditative journeys, discussion and community connection; by donation, minimum $10. Soul Needs A Community Space, 216 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand. 386-873-7707. Meetup. com/deland-spiritual-healing-transformation-meetup-group.

Thursdays Ormond Beach Farmers Market – 8am1pm. Fresh produce, local honey, f ine crafts and yummy treats. City Hall Plaza, 22 S Beach St, Ormond Beach. OrmondBeachMainStreet.com/farmers-market. Senior Discount Day – 9am-7pm. Seniors save 10% off all regularly priced items. Debbie’s Health Foods, 862 Saxon Blvd, Orange City. 386-775-7002. Debbies HealthFoods.com. Canal Street Nights – 5-8:30pm. 3rd Thurs. Fun-filled evening with expanded streetside dining, vendors, kids’ zone and specialty food vendors. Canal Streetnsb.com. First Thursday Yoga at Friendship Fountain – 7-8pm. 1st Thurs. A free, all-levels yoga class presented in collaboration with Jax Parks. An invigorating wellness experience that concludes just in time for the iconic light show at one of the city’s most scenic landmarks. 1015 Museum Cir, Jacksonville. 904-630-2489. JaxParks. com/events.

HEALING ENERGY By TED

Healing Based on

Your Needs

Reiki • Reconnective Healing The Emotion and Body Code Divine Healing • Amethyst BioMat • Healy

(904) 613-7608

6010 DuClay Road • Suite 10 • Jacksonville www.healingenergybyted.com

OUR TEAM OFFERS: • Functional Medicine Finally, a solution • Nutritional Counseling to your health and • Mental Health Vounseling wellness needs. • Cutting-edge Biohacks: Red We believe true health happens when the whole person is cared for— body, mind, and spirit.

Light, Exercise with Oxygen, PEMF, and RIFE • Gut and Hormone Health • Detox Programs • Weight Loss • Chiropractic Care

Your one stop shop for all your health and wellness needs. 9957 Moorings Drive • Suite 403 • Jax (Located off of San Jose Blvd. in Mandarin)

904.268.6568 • DrRepole.com January 2026

Ongoing Events

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

ACU Sound Bowl Therapy – 6-6:45pm. 1st Fri. Monthly sound bowl meditation combined with group acupuncture or acupressure to open energetic pathways, reduce stress and deepen relaxation. $30. Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness, 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland. 407565-3005. InsightChiroHealth.com.

Secure your growing space! Text us today. (386) 736-3838

Healthy Movements Chair Yoga & Tai Chi New Smyrna Beach – 10-11am. Chair-supported healthy movements class for all ages and fitness levels that blends gentle yoga and tai chi to support strength, balance and ease of movement. $5. New Smyrna Beach Gym, 1000 Live Oak St, New Smyrna Beach. 386-295-0748. NurYoga1018.com. Cosmic Yoga Flow – 6-7pm. Gentle hatha movement class combining breath, flowing postures, strength and balance work for whole-body wellness. 75 mins. $20. Sweet Surrender Yoga & Holistic Wellness, 1750 W Broadway St, Ste 112, Oviedo. 786-520-6736. CathrynValorHolisticWellness.com.

Fridays Healthy Movements Chair Yoga & Tai Chi – 10-11am. Chair-supported healthy movements class designed for all ages and abilities, including sedentary workers, students and retirees. $5. New Smyrna Beach Gym, 1000 Live Oak St, New Smyrna Beach. 386-295-0748. NurYoga1018.com. First Friday Garden Walk – 10-11am. Join a ranger for a garden walk and learn the history of Washing Oaks while exploring the formal gardens. Washington Oaks, Palm Coast. FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Spiritual Mind Gathering – 7-9pm. 1st & 3rd Fri. Learn to work with spirit, our higher selves and our connection to source. All levels welcome. $10. Cosmic Church of Truth, 1637 Hamilton St, Jacksonville. Cosmic-Church.org. Ecstatic Dance – 8-9:30pm. 1st Fri. An improvisational meditative movement experience that starts in stillness, builds like a wave, and crashes into deep receptive rest. An opportunity to be present and embodied, to release stuck energy in the body, and potentially experience the bliss of life force energy flowing unobstructed as healing occurs. $22. EneRay Temple of Healing, 3440 U.S.-1 S, St Augustine. 904217-0660. momence.com/s/107543704. Sound Bowl Meditation – 6-6:45pm. Weekly crystal singing bowl sound healing session to calm the nervous system, clear the mind and support emotional and energetic balance; please bring mat, blanket, pillow and water. $10. Insight Chiropractic Health & Wellness, 1551 Sandspur Rd, Ste 101, Maitland. 407-565-3005. InsightChiroHealth.com/events.

HealthyLivingFlorida.com

Saturdays Free Yoga at Reiter Park – 7:30-8:30am. All-levels outdoor flow class on the bandshell stage next to the Longwood Farmers Market; bring your own mat and water. Free. Longwood Farmers Market, 111 W Warren Ave, Longwood. MagnoliaWellnessCenter.org/events. Kundalini Yoga – 8-9am. Kundalini yoga class to build vitality and increase consciousness using breath, eye focus, mudra, posture and relaxation; suitable for all ages and stages. $20. Seventh Wonder Holistic Spa, 4236 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville. 904-381-8686. Secure-Booker.com/SeventhWonder/ClassSchedule/ ClassSchedule.aspx. Wildlight Marketplace – 9am-1pm. 1st & 3rd Sat. ArchAngel Farms pop-up at Wildlight Marketplace with local talent, fresh produce, gourmet mushrooms and alcohol-free mushroom concentrates for healthy living. Free. Wildlight Marketplace, 123 Tinker St, Yulee. ArchAngelFarms.org. Eartha’s Farm and Market – 10am-2pm. 2nd, 4th & 5th Sat. ArchAngel Farms at Eartha’s Farm and Market offering fresh Lion’s Mane and Oyster mushrooms plus alcohol-free liquid concentrates alongside other local vendors. Free. Eartha’s Farm and Market, 4850 Moncrief Rd, Jacksonville. ArchAngelFarms.org. Psychic Fayre – 11am-4pm. 2nd Sat. Readings or healing sessions: $20/30 mins; 2 for $38; 3 for $56. First come, first served. Cosmic Church of Truth, 1637 Hamilton St, Jacksonville. Cosmic-Church.org. Practice Meditation – 1:45-3:15pm. Collective guided weekly meditation sessions at the Hindu Society of NE Florida with established practices, shared discussion and focus on breath and prana to support balance of mind, body and soul; open and free for all ages and experience levels. Free. Hindu Society of North East Florida, 4968 Greenland Rd, Jacksonville.

Community Resource Guide

Acupuncture ALL AMERICAN ACUPUNCTURE

284 Paseo Reyes Dr, St. Augustine 360 Town Plaza Ave, #330, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee 904-916-1714 AllAmericanAcupuncture.com Ancient technique meets modern tools in this holistic practice that relieves pain, reduces tension and restores balance. Acupuncture stimulates circulation and supports healing, often addressing chronic pain, insomnia, infertility and more. Treatments may include needles, cupping, red light or gentle electrical stimulation to encourage whole-body wellness and long-term well-being. See ad page 19.

EAST COAST ACUPUNCTURE AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Lisa Sweeters, Acupuncture Physician 99 Old Kings Rd S, #4, Palm Coast 386-302-5363 EastCoastAcupunctureFL.com

Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, additional TCM studies in Guang Zhou, China. Individualized holistic care for fertility issues including IVF, chronic & accute pain, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, prostatitis, sports injuries. Celluma Low-Level Light Therapy for arthritis, muscle & joint pain, acne, skin tone, edema. In-network provider for VA patients. See ad on page 13.

LORENZO PHAN, DOM, AP

725 W Granada Blvd, Ste 15, Ormond Beach 386-615-1203

Dr. Phan has great success in promoting fertility with acupuncture and herbal supplements. Non-surgical modalities for natural pain relief include acupuncture, trigger-point therapy, Chinese herbal remedies, cupping, neuromuscular therapy and cold laser for neck injuries, chronic lower back pain, sciatica, hip/

knee arthritis and migraines and more. MM20928. See ad on page 20.

Ayurveda COSMIC ROOTS AYURVEDA

St. Augustine 904-377-1629 CosmicRootsAyurveda.com

Rediscover balance and vitality through personalized Ayurvedic Health Consultations or our integrative Trauma Therapy Protocol. Rooted in ancient wisdom and tailored to your unique mindbody constitution, we support deep healing and lasting transformation. Reconnect with your true nature—schedule your session today.

Energy Healing HEALING ENERGY BY TED

Ted Kostek 6010 DuClay Road, Ste 10, Jacksonville 904-613-7608 HealingEnergyByTed.com

Intimacy Coach & Hypnotherapy Plant Medicine Integration Breathwork Sessions Reiki | Workshops Jacksonville

Amanda Andrade | 904.614.5733 AmandaAndradeHypnotherapy.com MasteringRelationshipsAcademy.com January 2026

Community Resource Guide Certified in Reconnective Healing, The Emotion Code, The Body Code, Reiki Master. Powerful healings, with great compassion and care. Clean chakras, aura, entity removal, in-person and remote sessions for humans and animals. See ad on page 8.

Functional Medicine JACKSONVILLE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Dr Jon Repole, DC, CFMP 9957 Moorings Dr, Ste 403 Jacksonville (Mandarin) 904-268-6568 DrRepole.com

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. Find the cause of your health challenge. Our office will create a doctor-supervised, custom-tailored, health program that will include the following: meal planning, supplemental prescriptions, detoxification guidance, food/lifestyle coaching, exercise prescriptions, accountability, online patient portal and more. We utilize the most advanced diagnostics testing available to aid both our diagnoses and treatment. See ad on page 27.

Grocery NATIVE SUN

1585 3rd St North, Jacksonville Beach 904-853-5497 NativeSunJax.com

Jax Beach’s community organic grocer, local food and essential items. Order online for curbside p/u.

Handcrafted Organic Soaps & Candles NP HOME SCENT

Palm Coast, FL NPhomeScent@gmail.com NPHomeScent.com

HealthyLivingFlorida.com

Handcrafted with care, NPHomeScent offers organic, cruelty‑f ree candles and soaps poured in small batches using natural ingredients—no lead, plastic, phthalates, or synthetic dyes—bringing sustainable comfort and genuine joy into your home. Ask about wholesale order discounts provided to local businesses and gift shops.

Heating & Air Contractors CHILLS ON WHEELS

5011 Gate Pkwy Ste 100, Jacksonville 844-688-2653 ChillsOnWheels.com From your f irst call to project completion, we prioritize clear communication and efficient service. We begin with a thorough inspection and honest assessment, followed by a detailed quote tailored to your needs. Once approved, our skilled technicians complete the work promptly and professionally, leaving your home or business comfortable and ready to enjoy. See ad, page 25.

Herbs LAURENCE LAYNE, LMT, HERBALIST

MA0010746 MM005595 Healing Waters Clinic & Herb Shop 26 Clark St, St. Augustine 904-826-1965 HealingWatersClinic.com

A holistic center specializing in pain relief and chronic health issues. Certified in neuromuscular and deep tissue bodywork, myofascial therapy, craniosacral balancing, East-West herbalism. Offering attunement energy healing since 1978. See ad page 15.

Herbs/Teas/Oils SPICE OF LIFE HERBS

214 Beresford Ave, DeLand 386-734-0035 SpiceOfLifeHerbs.net

Visit us Wednesdays-Saturdays, Noon-5pm., or shop onine Herbs by the ounce. teas, infusers, specialty collector teapots, and more. Essential oils and diffusers for home and auto, aromatherapy books and jewelry, soy candles in many sizes and scents. Visit and like SunSpirits Tea Room on Facebook. Serving wine, beer, tea and coffee.

Holistic Cattery APOTHECATTERY

Info@ApotheCattery.com 866-493-2287 ApotheCattery.com Holistic Breeding of Pedigree Ragdoll and Maine Coon Kittens. We nurture our kittens in a natural, compassionate environment, emphasizing holistic care that supports their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through mindful daily practices, we help each kitten grow into a healthy, confident, and well-adjusted companion fully prepared for a harmonious transition into their forever home. See ad, page 25.

Intimacy Coach & Hypnotherapy AMANDA ANDRADE

904‑614‑5733 • Jacksonville AmandaAndradeHypnotherapy.com Masteringrelationshipsacademy.com

Amanda empowers individuals to release emotional blocks and deepen intimacy, guiding them to an authentic connection in personal and professional relationships. Through subconscious reprogramming, she facilitates lasting and effective change. Her work supports emotional mastery, fulfillment, and personal freedom. Also offering Mastering Relationships Academy programs for those ready to transform their inner and outer world. See ad page 29.

Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness ENERAY TEMPLE OF HEALING

3440 US-1 Ste 202, St. Augustine 904-217-0660 EneRay.org

Experience the transformative power of the Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) and scalar wave technology in a space dedicated to healing the mind, body, and spirit. We believe that when hearts come into coherence within a supportive community, profound individual and collective healing emerges, creating a brighter future for all. See ad page 23.

Solar Energy SOLAR-FIT

1523 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Volusia • 386-441-2299 Flagler • 386-445-7606 Solar-Fit.com

Relax and let the sun do the work for you. Solar-fitting your home or business is a smart, economical and environmentally sound investment. We offer a wide range of options to make your home more energy efficient. We are making America energy-independent one home at a time.

Sound Therapy 7TH HEAVEN SOUND BATHS

725 W Granada Blvd, #11, Ormond Beach 386-434-3106 7thHeavenSoundBaths.com

We offer small group sound baths using crystal singing bowls, chimes and acoustic instruments that mimic the sounds of nature to promote deep relaxation. Recline in a zero-gravity chair and let healing frequencies wash over you.

Spiritual Centers CASSADAGA SPIRITUALIST CAMP & BOOKSTORE

1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga 386-228-2880 Cassadaga.org

Established in 1894, our community has mediums, healers, classes, workshops, tours and events year-round. Seekers are welcome and self-exploration is encouraged. Check out our large Spiritual Book & Gift store. More info on website. See ad on page 19.

Structural Integration & Rolfing LAUREE MORETTO

Soft Tissue Specialist 321-271-1678, Flagler & Daytona Beach LaureeMoretto.com

90% of pain is linked to structural misalignment. Your pain is really just a symptom. My work addresses the cause to give you lasting relief. Get your life back now. 25 years experience. MA20965.

Thai Massage BODHISANGHA SCHOOL OF THAI MASSAGE

813-417-6745 BodhiSangha.com

The BodhiSangha School of Thai Massage offers an incredible Journey of Learning beginning in May. There are 7 classes. You are welcome to drop in or take all. Free course books for full program registrants with this ad - $100 value.

Thermography FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY

June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@ FloridaMedicalThermography.com 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.

Wellness Center CIRCLE OF CHI WELLNESS CENTER

922 3rd Street N Jacksonville Beach 904-746-7264 CircleOfChiWellness.com

We offer a peace filled space to gather and learn the ancient system of Tai Chi Gung and offer holistic services f rom highly qualified practitioners with one goal in mind, health, wealth, and happiness for everyone. See ad page 23.

OASIS INTEGRATIVE

Alanna Sockow, MA92439, MM44444 582 N Volusia Ave, Orange City 407-485-4349 OasisMassage-Therapy.com

A community based, conscious healing center. Offering massage, facials, herbal remedies, and Pranic healing. Also offering holistic plant based skincare, Green Envee, a natural skincare you can trust to clean, hydrate, and nourish your skin from the inside out.

Wellness Retreats PLEASANT LIFE LLC

Lisa Pleasants 904-705-4887 PlesantLifeLLC.com

Wellness retreats blending movement, nutrition, and nature. Lisa Pleasants offers immersive day and weekend experiences designed to help participants reconnect with health and inner clarity. Now forming smallgroup wellness retreats for Northeast Florida and beyond! See ad page 20.

Yoga & Meditation YOGA THERAPY FLORIDA

Nora Aly, Yoga Therapist, C-IAYT, 500 RYT, CCMA 3500 W. International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach 386-287-0494 YogaTherapyFlorida.com

As a yoga therapist specializing in trauma-based therapy and life transitions, my intention is to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and cultivate inner strength. Through breathwork, mindful movement, and mind-body connection, I guide clients toward greater self-compassion and empowerment, helping them navigate change with stability and trust. My approach integrates trauma-sensitive techniques with an understanding of the body's wisdom, honoring each person's unique healing journey.

January 2026

3rd Annual

Jacksonville Holistic Wellness Expo Saturday February 28th | 11-3pm

UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center 12000 Alumni Dr, Jacksonville

Experience the latest in natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth, sustainable living, and so much more! Vendors | Giveaways | Workshops Swag bags to first 30 Guests RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKET FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $25 MARKET BUCKS

FREE EVENT