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Letter from Publisher

Peggy Malecki

Welcome to a new year and a new decade that will offer us both opportunities and challenges in our quest for healthier and more sustainable living. It’s interesting to note that we’re back in the Roaring 20s, and just like 100 years ago, this decade is likely to be one of massive technological and societal change. The 1920s saw many technical and scientific advancements such as “talkies”, the first commercial radio station (KDKA, in Pittsburgh), penicillin and insulin, liquid-fueled rockets, portable hair dryers and a product that created perhaps the ultimate idiom. Yep, in 1928, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the automatic, electric bread slicing machine, and it became the greatest thing since, well, you know… The 19th Amendment (women’s right to vote) was ratified in 1920. The decade also saw the start of the Great Depression, prohibition, labor struggles, environmental concerns and other serious challenges of the day.

Once again, we’re on the brink of new advancements. But the last century of rapid change also helped bring us to the current urgency of climate crisis. We begin this year of Natural Awakenings with Wise Words from legendary journalist Bill Moyers, who is leading the charge for a new generation to make a critical difference in our world where it counts: climate change. Natural Awakenings has accepted his challenge to join a global media project called Covering Climate Now to spread awareness of the urgency of this issue. Throughout this year, we’ll be sharing the many aspects of how what we eat and how we live impact the planet—and how each of us can shrink our own climate change footprint through our everyday choices and habits.

Educators everywhere are cultivating the next generation with innovative, hands-on courses that teach students about climate change, the importance of renewable energy, sustainable food production, water quality/quantity and other conservation issues. Continuing our focus on the younger generations that we began in our December issue, Yvette Hammett explores this trend in “Raising Environmentalists: Teachers Prep Kids for the Future.”

This year, our focus on planetary health will also complement an ongoing commitment to cover all facets of personal health. We start by exploring some of the factors that contribute not only to living a long life, but living it well. In our main feature this month, Melinda Hemmelgarn looks at the role of genes, environment and lifestyle factors as she offers age-defying strategies—from diet, exercise and sleep to protecting our telomeres and adjusting our attitudes.

Our daily food choices have major impacts on personal health, as well as the health of others throughout the food web, our global neighbors and the Earth. We love to bring you stories about food, organic agriculture, home gardening and of course, amazing monthly recipes to make the most of healthful, seasonal and local food. In addition to those featured each month in the print version of Natural Awakenings Chicago, look for expanded recipe options coming to our digital version at NAChicago.com.

More good news! Winter solstice has passed, and the days are slowly lengthening. Garden catalogs are arriving almost daily in my mailbox. Spring is still a dream, but it is on the horizon. And while the Chicago winter has a loooong way to go, I encourage you to make the most of this January and enjoy what the natural world has to offer. Check out our print and online calendars for events you can partake in to fully enjoy the winter world, be it a nature hike, bird walk or other outdoor activity. Or head over to one of the many amazing conservatories in our area and enjoy the warmth and humidity of the indoor plants. It’s also a great time of year to volunteer and help others in our community that could use our assistance.

Here’s to a healthy, prosperous and wonderful new year!

Peggy






Chinese New Year Celebrates the Year of the Metal Rat
Laurie Pawli, certified feng shui consultant and director of the Feng Shui School of Chicago, will present three opportunities around the Chicagoland area to contemplate the possibilities of a new chapter in our unfolding cosmic history. Read More »
Ayurveda Science Aids in Daily Wellness
Ayurveda Practitioner Christy Studant, owner of Live Powerfully Ayurveda and co-owner of Mindful Movements, in Glen Ellyn, has 25 years of experience in the health and wellness field, an extensive background in physical therapy and healing work, is Pilates certified and a 500-hour certified yoga teacher. Read More »
Chicago Flower & Garden Show Looks to a New Decade
Welcome spring after a long and cold Chicago winter! With a theme of 2020 Focus on Flowers, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show runs March 18 through 22 at Navy Pier. Read More »
Ease and Convenience of At-Home Health Tests
The public can check many health aspects at home in an easy and highly convenient way without going to a doctor’s office. Read More »
Faith in Place Winter Farmers’ Markets
Faith in Place is celebrating their tenth season of Indoor Winter Farmers’ Markets (WFM) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., January 12, at First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., January 19, at First Church of Lombard UCC; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., January 26, at St Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Glen Ellyn. Read More »
Find Relief with Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatments
Heal n Cure, in Northbrook, is offering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for a variety of conditions with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee or full refund to Heal n Cure functional medicine clients. Read More »
Gardeners will be Inspired at Spring Event in Darien
The sixth annual Darien Garden Club Spring Gardening Inspiration 2020 will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., March 7, at Chateau Orleans, featuring a speaker conference with an environmental tilt. Read More »
Grand Re-Opening Celebration at New Vitality MD
New Vitality MD will hold a grand re-opening celebration from 1 to 4 p.m., January 11, at 20771 N. Rand Road, Suite I-2, in northwest suburban Kildeer. Read More »
Holistic Health & Spiritual Expo Has Something for Everyone
The Chicagoland Holistic Health & Spiritual Expo, to be held February 1 and 2 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, in Rosemont, will feature an Afternoon of Spirit Messages with James Van Praagh. Read More »
Kudos - Great Lakes Colleges
Great Lakes colleges fared well on separate lists from two prestigious magazines that ranked the top green colleges of the U.S. and Canada. Read More »
Learn New Nature Skills at The Resiliency Institute
Through The Resiliency Institute, individuals can learn a new lifelong skill in herbalism, edible wild plants and permaculture gardening. Read More »
Remote CyberScans Now Available at Kintsugi Wellness
Jill Briska, DC, owner of Kintsugi Wellness, in Lombard, is offering $25 off an initial CyberScan. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved technology addresses many chronic health conditions. Briska also does remote scans. Read More »
See T-Rex Skull at Free Conservation Expo
Conservation Expo (CONEX) will bring together Chicago area organizations, agencies and small businesses to celebrate environmental awareness, human culture and sustainable living from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 11, at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, in Palos Hills. Read More »
Tools to Monitor Breast Health
Thermography is not solely a tool to assist with breast cancer prevention, it is a way to monitor overall breast health. Read More »
Allergen Sensitive Substitutes for Every Need
For families with allergies, understanding ingredient substitutions is key to enjoying cooking and continuing many family recipe traditions. Read More »
Complement Winter Meals With Fresh Veggies
In the winter, we mostly eat fresh eggs from our hens and produce from our stored and preserved vegetables. There’s no greater luxury than enjoying a fresh, green salad harvested from the soils of our hoophouses alongside our winter meals. Read More »
Curbing Climate Change
Climate change is the most urgent environmental concern of the 21st century, according to most scientists. Chicago sustainability leaders say individuals can make a difference by resolving in 2020 to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels and support important legislation that promotes clean energy. Read More »
Free Lectures at Midewin Tallgrass Prairie Welcome Center
The 2020 The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Winter Lecture Series will begin at 7 p.m., January 9, and include eight other dates at the Midewin Welcome Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Read More »
Healthy and Delicious Hot Chocolate
Get ready to taste what may be the best hot chocolate you've ever tried: rich, decadent and warming! Read More »
Letter from Publisher
Welcome to a new year and a new decade that will offer us both opportunities and challenges in our quest for healthier and more sustainable living. Read More »
Recipes From a Plant-Based Kitchen
These recipes from a Plant-Based Kitchen are the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied. Read More »
Resolute
With a new year, come new resolutions—new promises that we hope to keep but sometimes forget to abide by. Yet, when we stick to our resolutions it can make all the difference in the new year. Read More »
This is When the Body Rejuvenates
Our bodies can only digest a day of work, food, emotions, physical and mental demands when we sleep perfectly well. It is estimated that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes. Read More »
Natural Awakenings Chicago - January 2020
Read Articles from Our Current Issue Read More »
Beach Junk: Microplastics Found in Brand-New Sand
A Hawaiian beach that was formed by lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano in 2018 is already littered with invisible pieces of tiny plastic. Read More »
Bill Moyers on Covering Climate Now
Bill Moyers, an icon of broadcast journalism, is calling upon reporters and news outlets to join the Covering Climate Now project to push a cohesive message of science and truth. Read More »
Drink Pomegranate Juice to Protect Fetal Brain Growth
Babies whose mothers drank pomegranate juice while pregnant have evidence of both better brain connectivity and development of white matter. Read More »
Eat Fermented Dairy to Lower Heart Risk
Eating and drinking fermented probiotic dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, cheese and sour cream reduces the risk of heart disease for women, report researchers. Read More »
Eat Garlic and Onion for Breast Health
According to a study, women eating more onions and garlic reduced their risk of breast cancer by 59 percent compared to those that ate less of these. Read More »
Green Therapy: Ecopsychology and the Nature Cure
Ecotherapy, green therapy or nature-based therapy, all branches of ecopsychology, is helping to connect people with nature as a means of healing physical and mental health. Read More »
Gut Check: Feeding the Immune System
Nutrition is key in building up a strong immune system. How to foster healthy gut bacteria plus immune-boosting recipes for Creamy Turmeric Cauliflower Soup and Lentil Stew. Read More »
Live Near Green Spaces to Stave Off Metabolic Syndrome
Middle-aged and older adults that live in greener neighborhoods have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Read More »
Living Long and Well: Age-Defying Habits and the Fountain of Youth
Researchers have long pursued the keys to a long and healthy life, concluding that longevity is determined by a combination of genes, environment, lifestyle choices and luck. Read More »
Money Talks: Climate Change Increases Banks’ Financial Risks
Climate risks may cause home values to fall significantly; banks to stop lending to flood-prone communities; and towns to lose tax money needed to build seawalls and other protections. Read More »
Munch More Nuts to Stave Off Weight Gain
Research finds that increasing nut intake by a half serving a day—about 12 almonds or seven walnut halves—is linked to lower instances of weight gain and obesity. Read More »
Natural Healing For Hands: Getting a Grip on Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are commonly linked to hand and wrist pain, but these effective holistic solutions can alleviate discomfort. Read More »
Raising Environmentalists: Teachers Prep Kids for the Future
Educators are using hands-on lessons to get K-12 students not only interested in the world’s environmental priorities, but also actively participating in solutions. Read More »
Rethinking Rice: Farmers Respond to Climate Change
Nfamara Badjie is planning to bring the rice-growing practices of his West African ethnic group to East Coast climates through his Ever-Growing Family Farm operation. Read More »
Tidying Up The Bucket List: Deciding What We Really Want
Many people have a bucket list of things they want to make sure they experience. Tidying up that bucket list when it no longer reflects a person’s values and deepest desires makes sense. Read More »
Time’s Up: Renewable Energy Should Speed Progress
The International Energy Agency predicts that renewable energy will surpass coal as the world’s leading source of electricity by 2030. Read More »
Trays Up: Air Meals May Get an Eco-Makeover
Each airline passenger produces about three pounds of trash per flight. British design firm PriestmanGoode has refashioned the economy meal tray, replacing plastic with renewable materials. Read More »
Uncowed by a Hurricane: Cattle Survive Churning Sea
Three cows turned up at Cape Lookout National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina months after being swept out to sea by Hurricane Dorian. Read More »
When Older Pets Get Quirky: Dealing With Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can affect dogs or cats. Here are signs to look for, ways to care for the pet and tips for possibly preventing cognitive decline. Read More »
When Workouts Don’t Work: Why Less Is Sometimes More
Exercise is a proven component in losing weight and preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but working out can serve as a physical stressor. Here's how to find an optimal balance. Read More »
In-Print Publisher Letter January 2020 New Year Climate Crisis Bill Moyers Melinda Hemmelgarn Yevette Hammett Raising Environmentalists

March 2025 Issue

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March 2025 Natural Awakenings Chicago cover
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