Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ August 2021

Annual Trinity Health Freedom Expo Adds Mental Health Component

Participants can experience interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, product demonstrations and visit with many wellness-related businesses. The exhibit hall will showcase businesses and products in the health industry, including nutritional support, essential oils, beauty products and personal wellness tools. In addition, each guest will receive a complimentary gift bag filled with product samples, valuable coupons and informational brochures. Read More »

Body Mind Spirit Celebration is Back in Skokie

Attendees are invited to rediscover the local and national vibrant, holistic community in this two-day weekend event, where they can safely explore selected performers, presenters and experts in the ever-expanding realm of self-discovery. Read More »

Chill at the Be Market Cafe and Bar

The plant-based (vegan), fresh, organic market offers gourmet comfort foods that promote wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Read More »

Discover the Magic of Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential nutrient, but nearly half of the U.S. population does not get enough for good health. Read More »

Estrogen Dominance and Women’s Well-Being

One in 10 women experiences depression at least once in their lifetime in the United States, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. A majority of women are also unsatisfied with their bodies, especially when it comes to their periods, and premenstrual syndrome is so severe for some that it interferes with daily life. Read More »

Find Organic Herbal Formulas at Janes Herbs

As the summer starts to change to fall, it’s the perfect time to start a detox program. Read More »

Holistic Health & Spiritual Expo Seeks Vendors

Enjoy readers, astrologists, energy workers, holistic alternatives, shop for jewelry, handmade items, crystals, skin care and more. Attend free classes, speakers, meditations, channeling, several DIY workshops and more. Read More »

Illinois FarmFED Co-Op Empowers Regional Farmers

An ambitious project underway in Mt. Pulaski, located near Springfield, will help bridge the gap between local farmers and community members that want more access to food grown in Central Illinois than is currently available. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

Happiness is a topic that’s been written about throughout human history, and the subject of countless songs, poems, paintings, movies, websites and self-help books. Certainly happiness is one of humanity’s most important themes, and rightly so. Read More »

Managing School Anxiety Starts with a Healthy Gut

Going back to school can be anxiety-provoking under normal circumstances, and the challenges of the past year may bring additional stress. Dr. Meena Malhotra, MD is the medical director at Heal n Cure, an integrative facility in Glenview that specializes in functional medicine. She says that holistically reducing anxiety and promoting happiness starts with a healthy gut, and people of all ages can benefit from proactively optimizing their gut function to manage stress. Read More »

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Photo Contest

Midewin mascot Woodsy Owl will turn 50 on September 15, and amateur photographers can enter to win a chance at seeing their work adorn the cover of the 2022 Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Conservation Education Schedule booklet. Read More »

Morton Arboretum Breaks Ground on New Garden

The Grand Garden will become a new centerpiece of the Arboretum guest experience—it will be a must-see destination. It will appeal to the public’s appetite for beauty and experience with colorful plantings, delightful water features and spaces designed for celebration and joy in a gorgeous outdoor landscape garden. Read More »

New Arboretum Tree Census Reveals Ways To Protect Chicago Region’s Urban Forest

In the past decade, millions of ash trees have died in the Chicago region, with more likely to die in another 10 years. Meanwhile, the percentage of invasive species continues to rise, causing harm to the region’s ecosystems. Trees continue to provide numerous benefits for humans and wildlife, and there’s much individuals can do to improve and maintain a healthy urban forest. Read More »

New Book on Gut Health Wins Award

Kozlowski works with food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, detoxing from toxic chemicals such as heavy metals and mold, and most importantly, mental, emotional and spiritual health. He guides readers to boost the immune system, heal the gut and unlock mental, emotional and spiritual health. Read More »

New Custom Fashion Design Service in Highland Park

The Atelier is a destination for people seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, customized clothing and tailoring, including alterations to vintage clothing, repurposing fabrics and family heirlooms. Clients can create exquisite dresses and accessories for casual or formal wedding parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, proms or other special occasions. Read More »

Premiere of New Wildlife Documentary

Monty and Rose, a new documentary film about the endangered Great Lakes Piping Plovers that have nested at Chicago’s Montrose Beach the past three summers. Read More »

Recipe: Brain Health Muffins

Every ingredient in these muffins is a powerhouse for brain health. Not only is this a healthy muffin that doesn’t taste like cardboard, but it will keep you satiated for a long time, help you poop, give your cells nutrients to use and keep your taste buds happy. Read More »

Recipe: Gluten-Free, Plant-Based Greek-Style Salad

This salad combines the hydrating effect of cucumbers with the saltiness of olives, making this a crowd favorite for summer parties and backyard barbeques. We suggest using a vegetable spiralizer to slice the cucumber into veggies noodles to add some flair to this simple, summer Greek salad. Read More »

Sea Turtle Care Center Connects Children with Conservation Efforts

Ocean conservation efforts have taken a global spotlight as scientists, conservationists and legislators around the world look for solutions that protect our oceans and wildlife. Read More »

Talk on Engendering Equanimity and Resiliency

Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Change, will speak at 10 a.m., August 14, via Zoom. She’ll provide a road map to guide participants in challenging times with clarity, calm, heartfulness, equanimity and resiliency to effect real change. Read More »

ThriveMD is Growing

Dr. Seaman has put together an incredible team of caring providers and staff and combined that with the most comprehensive list of functional medicine treatment modalities under one roof . Read More »

Zyto Scan Provides a Digital Body Analysis

Wellness Empowered features Zyto Scan services in Northbrook. The practice is offering one complementary session of the modality with the purchase of a cell well-being digital hair analysis through August 31. Read More »

Alberto Villoldo on Shamanic Healing

Alberto Villoldo, psychologist, medical anthropologist and best-selling author, discusses how shamans today combine ancient wisdom teachings with cutting-edge neuroscience to heal. Read More »

Avoid Air Pollutants to Protect Children’s Mental Health

Exposure to even moderate levels of traffic-related air pollutants during childhood results in a greater risk of mental illness by age 18, report researchers. Read More »

Avoid Sugary Drinks to Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

Drinking two sugary drinks per day from ages 13 to 18 increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 32 percent in women by age 50. Read More »

Back-to-School Wellness: Tips to Keep Kids Healthy

Parents can ensure children’s health and well-being as they go back to school with these tips for kid's healthy food, family communication, adequate sleep and more. Read More »

Bug Battle: How to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance; they can carry infectious diseases, so it’s important to know the best ways to keep them at bay, including natural bug repellents. Read More »

Cactus Poachers Are Denuding Deserts

More than 30 percent of the world’s 1,500 or so cactus species are threatened with extinction, and criminal scavengers are primarily to blame. Read More »

‘Clean the Garden’ Kimchi

This easy kimchi recipe turns common garden veggies into a spicy probiotic ferment that’s loaded with good bacteria and health benefits. Read More »

Eat Oily Fish to Live Longer

A new large-scale analysis suggests that omega-3s from oily fish may extend lifespan. Read More »

Eat Produce to Lower Stress and Heart Disease

Research finds that eating one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables a day lowers blood pressure and risk of heart disease, while two cups of fruits and vegetables a day can decrease stress levels. Read More »

Microbiome Linked to Risk of Death from Disease

Researchers found that greater numbers of bacteria in the gut from the Enterobacteria family increase the risk of death from cancer, respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal disease. Read More »

Pickled Watermelon Radishes

Enjoy fresh radishes year-round with this flavorful recipe for pickled watermelon radishes. Read More »

Pineapple Tepache

Tepache is a wonderful, effervescent, lightly fermented pineapple beverage. It’s made from the skins and core of pineapple, making use of the parts typically discarded. Read More »

Pollinator-Friendly Yards: Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants

Create a pollinator-friendly yard with these gardening and landscape tips for choosing native plants, mowing less often, and avoiding pesticide use. Read More »

Power Up Fido: Five Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

Five ways to build resilient immune systems in dogs to stave off disease, keep them healthy, promote optimal wellness, reduce trips to the vet and extend their lives. Read More »

Preserving the Harvest: Classic Ways to Store Garden Bounty All Year

Preservation techniques to help capture the bounty of the garden harvest or farmers' market hauls through canning, dehydrating, refrigerator pickling, fermentation or cold storage. Read More »

Smiling Can Make Us Happier

The benefits of smiling including increased happiness, reduced stress and anxiety, lowered blood pressure and heart rate and less pain. Read More »

Soil Regulators Soft on Pesticide Use

A new study recommends changes in how regulatory agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assess the risks posed by the nearly 850 approved pesticide ingredients. Read More »

Superfund Mine-Polluted Stream Restorations See Success

Large investments made to clean up acid drainage into streams and rivers polluted by toxic metals from abandoned mining sites are yielding success. Read More »

Textile Manufacturers Fight Climate Change

With a goal of 45 percent reduced CO2 emissions from textile fiber and material production by 2030, Textile Exchange is pushing for urgent climate action. Read More »

Think Yourself Happy: Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier

Simple, research-based methods to change our thinking, rewire our brains and ultimately, increase our levels of happiness. Read More »

Unleash Your True Potential: Working with a Life Coach Can Help

The benefits of working with a life coach to better understand ourselves and lead fulfilled lives, including tips for hiring the right coach for individual needs. Read More »

UN Methane Report Faults Big Meat and Big Dairy

With livestock contributing 32 percent of the methane footprint, there is a great need to regulate and mitigate methane emissions from global meat and dairy companies. Read More »

Water Sports for a Total Body Workout: Cool Ways to Stay Fit this Summer

Waterskiing, stand up paddle boarding (SUP), river rafting, kayaking, SUP yoga and other summer water sports that improve bone density, elevate mood and engage major muscle groups. Read More »

Well-Being Basics

Choose happiness by taking these research-supported daily actions to enhance overall well-being. Read More »

Zucchini Bacon

This recipe for a vegan take on bacon uses seasoned, dehydrated zucchini strips for a healthy, plant-based snack. Read More »