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Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ August 2024

Aug 01, 2024 ● By Peggy Malecki
We’re excited to share the AUGUST issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago with you, featuring a focus on the Power of Community, as well as National Farmers Market Week and recipes for Seasonal Eating. As always, this publication is designed to nourish everyone’s mind, body and spirit. We hope you find inspiration within these pages.

Chicago Male Clinic
Better Health Through Better Social Interaction
Adults that are more socially connected are healthier and live longer. Read More »
National Farmers Market Week - Illinois Farmers Market Association
Celebrate Local Flavors: National Farmers Market Week in the Chicago Region
Celebrate the 25th annual National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) from August 4 through 10 at markets across Chicagoland. Read More »
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve to Expand with Addition of 18 Acres
The Lake County Forest Preserves (LCFP) Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 18.2 acres to expand Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, in Lake Forest, at a meeting in July. Read More »
Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Honored Nationally
The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, a dynamic and dedicated Refuge Friends organization, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Molly Krival Award – Refuge Friends Group of the Year. Read More »
From Garden to Table: Reviving Century-Old Recipes for Tomato Season
Flipping through the cooking sections of mid-1920s newspapers, it’s clear that tomato recipes were just as important 100 years ago around this time of year as they are today. Read More »
Holistic Approaches to Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, marked by the thyroid gland’s underproduction of thyroid hormones, affects about 5 percent of the population, particularly women and older adults. Read More »
Celebrate Family Wellness at TheosoFest in Wheaton
The TheosoFest Mind Body Spirit Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 7, on the Theosophical Society’s 40 beautiful acres, in Wheaton. Read More »
Chicago Workshop to Focus on Posture Health
Practitioner Aurelia Vaicekauskas will present a free one-hour workshop on the Gokhale Method to help individuals learn ways to improve their posture from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on August 11 at Garrett Hypnosis & Wellness Center, on Chicago’s northwest side. Read More »
Coach and Hypnotherapist Builds on Personal Experience to Help Others Avoid Burnout
Life coach and hypnotherapist Avani Patel knows firsthand about burnout from the demands of work and home life. Read More »
Experience a Taste of Ravinia at All-Day Farmers Market in Highland Park
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the second annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Read More »
Explore Spirituality and Social Justice at Faith in Place Summit
Chicago-based Faith in Place will host their Annual Environment and Spirituality (AES) Summit virtually and via local watch parties, September 22 through 24. Read More »
Exploring the Hidden Benefits of Melatonin
Melatonin is a well-known and inexpensive supplement that is available almost everywhere. Many people are familiar with melatonin as a sleep aid, but it has powerful effects that extend far beyond sleep. Read More »
Hands-On Manual Lymphatic Drainage Training with Sharon Vogel
Sharon Vogel is now offering in-person and online continuing education to licensed massage therapists (LMTs) to become certified in the Vogel Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (VMLD). Read More »
Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Letter from the Publisher
A small, red admiral butterfly nectaring on purple coneflowers in the yard caught my eye this morning. Read More »
New Co-op Grocery Store Opens in Rogers Park
Wild Onion Market, a full-service grocery co-op at 7007 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, is now open to the public and is inviting community members to shop. Read More »
New Yoga Classes for Men at Chicago Male Clinic
Chicago Male Clinic is introducing a Yoga for Men program designed to improve men’s health and wellness. Read More »
OsteoStrong and Be Optimal Present Women’s Wellness and Education Event
OsteoStrong, a skeletal strengthening center with locations in Wilmette and Schaumburg, will host holistic health experts from Skokie’s Be Optimal from 5 to 8 p.m., August 28, in Wilmette. Read More »
Reiki Master Offers New In-Person Services in Hinsdale and Joliet
Sara Mae Kerley Berry, founder of Healing With Sara Mae, is now offering in-person reiki services in Hinsdale and Joliet, in addition to her online services, which include distance reiki, akashic records reading and life coaching. Read More »
Sauteed Italian Vegetables courtesy of Heal n Cure
The Top Four Blue Zone Diet Ingredients
Blue Zones are regions of the world thought to have a higher than usual number of people that tend to live much longer than average, with many reaching age 100 without health problems like heart disease, obesity, cancer, dementia or diabetes. Read More »
Eugenia Bone - Mycelium Mysteries
Women’s September Mushroom Conference Celebrates 8th Year
Mycelium Mysteries, the Women’s Mushroom Conference, will be held September 20 through 22 in Almond, Wisconsin. Read More »
community eating food together at a table
The Power of Community: Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection
Despite society’s increasing emphasis on individualism, the concept of community remains a powerful force for personal and collective well-being. Read More »
Ilarion Merculieff
Ilarion Merculieff on The Wisdom of the Elders
Insights from Ilarion Merculieff on Indigenous wisdom, heart-based living, and the vital role of women in leading the way to a harmonious relationship with Mother Earth. Read More »
community eating around a table
In Search of the Healthiest Diet: Sustenance and Habits Inspired by Blue Zones
The dietary and lifestyle habits of Blue Zone regions contribute to longevity, including plant-based diets, physical activity, and vibrant social networks. Read More »
Healthy soup
Immune Boosting Soup With Miso and Ginger Scent
A soothing macrobiotic soup featuring miso and ginger. This healing broth, enriched with vegetables and wakame seaweed, can be customized with noodles or fish for added depth. Read More »
Toasted spiced chickpeas
Toasted Spiced Chickpeas (Sardinia Side Dish)
Crispy, spiced chickpeas make a delicious and healthy side dish or snack. Baked with cumin, garlic salt, chili powder, and black pepper, they offer a satisfying crunch. Read More »
tribal friendship fire
Gathering Around the Friendship Fire
Modern life frays our bonds, leading to isolation. Rekindle community by joining groups, appreciating others, and spending time with loved ones to mend relationships and connect deeply. Read More »
group of people cleaning the beach of litter
Protecting Waterways: How Individuals Can Make a Real Difference
Individuals can protect waterways through cleanups, reducing pollution, supporting ecosystems, and improving outdoor spaces for community enjoyment. Read More »
man and woman sailing
Cross-Brain Fitness: An Integrative Workout for the Mind and Body
Enhance brain function and creativity with cross-brain fitness training. Incorporating activities that engage both brain hemispheres, improve cognitive skills, and promote overall health. Read More »
drumming circle
The Power of Healing Circles: Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing Company
Healing circles offer support, resilience, and emotional nourishment through activities like drumming, art, and communal gatherings. Read More »
Young group of people together on cell phones
Overcoming Generation Z Loneliness: Prioritizing Human Interactions Over Screen Time
Generation Z faces loneliness due to digital connectivity and societal pressures. Combat this by engaging in community, sharing hobbies, talking to strangers, and being authentic. Read More »
dog at park with people
Pet Posse: Building a Network Around Our Animal Companions
Pet ownership builds social capital, fosters community bonds, and enhances the well-being of both pets and owners through shared knowledge and support. Read More »
image of body for colorectal cancer
Western Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Ohio State University researchers link the Western diet to increased colorectal cancer risk due to gut bacteria imbalance and inflammation, emphasizing a shift to plant-based diets. Read More »
natural remedies
Natural Remedy for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis
A study shows Alantel cream, with aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme, significantly reduces lesions and dermatitis duration in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Read More »
check your decafe coffee
Harmful Chemicals in Decaffeinated Coffee
Environmental groups urge the FDA to ban cancer-causing chemicals in decaf coffee production. Safer methods exist, and consumers can check decaffeination processes on CheckYourDecaf.org. Read More »
food rich in vitamin D
Lifestyle, Nutrition and Bone Density
A study shows that adequate vitamin D, physical activity, and proper nutrition significantly improve bone mineral density in premenopausal women, impacting bone health later in life. Read More »
fungi carbon
Fungi Carbon Capture
Kew Gardens' research on fungi reveals their crucial role in carbon sequestration. Understanding fungi-plant relationships can enhance reforestation efforts and combat climate change. Read More »
polar bear on small ice cap
Refreezing the Arctic
Geoengineers are testing methods to slow Arctic ice melt, including creating protective ice layers and scattering reflective glass beads, to combat rapid warming and its global impact. Read More »
bag made of mushroom leather
Designer Handbags Use Mushroom Leather
MycoWorks uses mycelium, the root structure of fungi, to create sustainable, customizable leather alternatives. This biodegradable material is already featured in Hermes designer handbags. Read More »
detergent pods
Environmental Realities of Detergent Sheets and Pods
Laundry detergent sheets contain PVA, which doesn't fully biodegrade, adding to microplastic pollution. Despite eco-friendly claims, most PVAs from detergent pods end up polluting the environment. Read More »
Panama Canal low water
Drought at the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal faces severe drought, causing shipping restrictions, delays, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Water recycling to maintain lake levels threatens drinking water supply. Read More »
clean natural office
The Environmentally Friendly Workplace
Sustainable measures for a greener workplace to reduce costs, save energy, cut waste, and boost morale. Read More »
Integrative Dental Health team members
Unlock Savings on Holistic Dental Care This Summer
Integrative Dental Health (IDH), in South Elgin—a holistic dental practice dedicated to promoting overall health by emphasizing the mouth-body connection—is offering a special discount on new patient visits through August. Read More »
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September 2024 Issue

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