Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ October 2021

14th Annual Green Living Expo Goes Virtual

This year’s edition will offer four sessions throughout the day focusing on unique areas of importance to the audience—renewable energy, waste reduction, food and farming, and fun and recreation—as well as tours and workshops. Read More »

A Naturopathic Approach to Healthy Skin

Skin health reflects whole body health. Its appearance can have profound effects on our psychological well-being, while also serving as an indicator of the body’s internal health status and physiological resiliency. Read More »

Body Mind Spirit Celebration Returns to Northlake

Chicagoland’s vibrant holistic community can gather, celebrate and reconnect at the Body Mind Spirit Celebration from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., October 23, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 24, at the Midwest Conference Center, in Northlake. The weekend features more than 50 performers, presenters and experts in the expanding realm of self-discovery. Read More »

Calling All Student Filmmakers

The environmental One Earth Film Festival, the Midwest’s largest, features environmental films that inspire change or action. Read More »

Chicago Fair Trade Fundraiser

This event will honor WorldFinds and Nasreen Sheikh. All proceeds support Chicago Fair Trade to empower tens of thousands of low-income and marginalized workers, artisans and farmers from around the world to achieve a fulfilling and sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families. Read More »

Chicagoland Halloween Celebrations Emphasize Fun and Safety

Halloween events are still scheduled throughout the Chicago area this fall, but safety considerations will remain front and center as families celebrate the season. Read More »

Christian Science Talk in Wilmette

Michelle Nanouche, a Christian Science healer who trained and practiced as a Christian Science nurse for 10 years, will present a talk, Finding God, Finding Health, at 11 a.m., October 9, based on the teachings of Christ Jesus as recorded in the Bible and discussed in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science. Read More »

Dance for Joy Comforts Breast Cancer Survivors

Having a supportive group can diminish the feelings of isolation which many cancer survivors experience. Read More »

Fitness and Recreational Suggestions for Older Adults

Despite the recent re-emergence of COVID-19 through new variants, older adults, a demographic most impacted by the virus, have numerous options available to stay fit and keep active as we head into the winter months. Read More »

Harvest Celebration Auction to Benefit Illinois Stewardship Alliance

Participants can support the Alliance from anywhere in the world by bidding on great auction items and experiences, including farm tours, food and wine experiences, gift baskets and more. All donations are tax deductible. Read More »

Kids Learn About Conservation at Field Museum

As conservation-related issues across the globe continue to make mainstream news, parents of young children are finding themselves unsure how to educate them on these important, but sometimes scary healthy living topics. Read More »

Kudos - Abdul Alagha

Abdul Alagha, clinic director at the National Lymphatic Centers Downers Grove office and instructor for the Vogel Institute of Lymphology, has passed the CLT-LANA examination, and is now qualified as a certified lymphedema therapist with special certification from the Lymphology Association of North America. Read More »

Kudos - Tony Abruscato

Get Growing Foundation founder Tony Abruscato has received the Greater Chicago Damage Prevention Council Damage Prevention Contributor of the Year award for his impact on communications within the industry, and demonstrating how to drive consumer safety messaging in the communities served by member-contracting companies and the utility companies they serve. Read More »

Letter from Publisher

October brings us to an intersection of seasons as the colors, sounds, aromas, textures and tastes of the natural world transition from late summer’s hazy sweetness to the crispness of fall. Read More »

Marks Drugs Expands Laboratory Facility

Compounded medications are necessary for a variety of reasons and are not commercially available; they are prepared in house by a Mark Drugs pharmacist to meet an individual’s or pet’s unique needs as determined by the prescriber. Read More »

Migrating Ducks Add Color to Midwest Waterways

Songbird migration is mostly over, but there’s another group of birds just starting its migration. Read More »

New and Exciting Things to Experience at November Expo

The Holistic Health and Spiritual Expo will be held November 6 and 7 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Participants can enjoy incredible exhibitors, free tote bags, several free DIY workshops, more than 20 free lectures and workshops both days, gift basket raffles and more. Read More »

New Way to Build Muscle May Help Those with Chronic Disease

A new innovative, nonsurgical U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared device that uses high-intensity, focused, electromagnetic technology to eliminate unwanted fat and build muscle may help patients with chronic disease. Read More »

Offsetting the Cost of Adoption

When a family or individuals explore adding a child to the family by adoption, they are faced with two extremes as to out-of-pocket costs in this process. Read More »

Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Sponsored Content A quick trip to your local pumpkin patch and farmers’ market is all you need to bake up these deliciously healthy pumpkin muffins for the fall season. Read More »

Save on Healing Services by Heather Faun

Due to the economic inflation, financial hardships and rapid increase in health issues, Heather Faun is offering a 50 percent price cut on intuitive readings, medium work, mentoring and channeling services for the remainder of this year. Read More »

Spend the Day at the Angelic Organics Lodge

Celebrate the end of the harvest season under the trees at the Angelic Organics Lodge, in Caledonia, for the Roots & Wings Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 23. There will be live music, pumpkin painting, goat cuddling, hiking the trail system and a locally sourced meal created by their resident chef. Read More »

The Divine One Speaks

The Divine One Presents Awakening Beyond Your Mind, a two-day workshop on November 13 and 14, at the Renaissance Hotel, in Northbrook. Read More »

Trinity Health Freedom Expo in Tinley Park

The Trinity Health Freedom Expo believes you have the right to know and freedom to choose what’s best for you and your family. Participants will hear from 45 natural health experts and health freedom advocates and browse an interactive exhibit hall. Read More »

Avoid Infant Formulas with Added Sugar

A study finds that infants given formulas with added sugar had significant weight gain compared to infants that were breastfed or given formulas without added sugar. Read More »

Buy Nothing: Neighborly Groups Share More and Waste Less

With the aim of reducing waste through local sharing, Buy Nothing provides a Facebook-based platform to freely give, ask, borrow and lend items. Read More »

Cannabis and Canines: How Cannabidiol Benefits Dogs

What current research tells us regarding cannabidiol (CBD) use in dogs to treat conditions such as arthritis, itchiness, cancer, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, seizures and more. Read More »

Consider Barberry to Reduce Diabetes Markers

Researchers have discovered that barberry extract can help lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels, Type 2 diabetes markers. Read More »

Drink Green Tea to Ward Off Flu

Green tea contains compounds called catechins that have significant antiviral activity against influenza, report researchers. Read More »

Eat Strawberries to Improve Blood Vessel Health

A new study demonstrates that strawberries increase flow in blood vessels and reduce systolic blood pressure. Read More »

Exercise More to Counter Risks of Poor Sleep

Both physical inactivity and poor sleep are independently linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and death, but more exercise lowers the consequence of poor sleep. Read More »

Fall Fruits for Savory Dishes: Fresh Approaches to Autumn Flavors

Fall fruits such as apples, figs, pomegranates and pears boast many healthful properties. Flex the unique flavors and health powers of these autumn delights with savory mains and sides. Read More »

Food Waste Complicates Effort to Slow Climate Change

A report suggests that food waste should be viewed not only in relation to world hunger, but also in the context of climate change, as food production consumes vast amounts of resources. Read More »

Forever Chemicals Banned in Maine

In lieu of federal regulation, the state of Maine has enacted a wide-ranging ban on the use of all perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nicknamed “forever chemicals”, by 2030. Read More »

Global Industry Turns to Solar Energy

Production costs for solar energy dropped by 90 percent between 2009 and 2020, with experts estimating a rise in solar power plants around the world. Read More »

Healthy Breast Basics: Lifestyle Choices to Lower Disease Risks

One in eight American women develops breast cancer in the course of her lifetime, but that risk can be reduced by holistic strategies such as dietary changes, cleanses and breast self-exams. Read More »

Less Stuff, More Joy: Ways to Live Simpler and Lighter on Mother Earth

How to turn to simpler, sustainable, conscious ways of living molded by our personal values through minimalist lifestyles. Read More »

Living Lighter Checklist: Some Ways to Up Our Game in Simpler Living

Ideas for adopting minimalist simplicity—living with less clutter; ecological simplicity—prioritizing sustainability; and conscious simplicity—driven by personal and spiritual values. Read More »

Michaeleen Doucleff on Ancient Teachings for Modern Parenting

National Public Radio (NPR) science correspondent Michaeleen Doucleff searched the world to learn how to be a better parent and shares her findings in a new book, Hunt, Gather, Parent. Read More »

Oceans are Key to Controlling Climate

A recent report states that countries must recognize the important role that oceans have in limiting climate change and enact policies to protect marine ecosystems. Read More »

Pear and Lentil Salad

The recipe combines a mix of fresh greens with nuts, seeds, lentils and sliced pears to make a delicious fall salad. Read More »

Pear Barley Salad

Barley and fresh pears combine with chick peas and walnuts in this hearty, healthy salad recipe. Read More »

Return Native Lands to Protect Nature

Land is being transferred to or co-managed by Indigenous tribes, repatriating culturally and ecologically important resources with the former occupants and local communities. Read More »

Skip Southern Food to Avoid a Heart Attack

The fried foods, added fats, eggs, organ meats, processed meats and sugar-sweetened drinks of a Southern-style diet can have dire consequences for people’s hearts. Read More »

Talking to Kids About Climate Change: What They Need to Know from Those They Trust

Children are hearing about the effects of climate change through the media or living through them in their own neighborhoods. Here are ways to calmly talk to kids about the climate crisis. Read More »

The Quiet Power of Intuition

Having strong intuition can enable us to not only endure, but prosper. Adopting these simple habits and activities can help us to foster our intuitive inner voices. Read More »

Using Enzymes to Recycle Plastic

A more sustainable approach for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used in single-use beverage bottles, clothing and food packaging, has been found. Read More »

Walk About: Simple Steps to Well-Being

Walking briskly daily has many proven health benefits. Here are tips for getting started including proper shoes, ways to incorporate a dog, and how to stay motivated and committed. Read More »

Water Scarcity Solutions

Nine practical solutions for combatting water scarcity. Read More »

Water Scarcity Woes: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse

Water scarcity is a legitimate concern. Here are 10 of the most alarming water scarcity facts that the world is currently facing. Read More »