Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Chicago - February 2025

Celebrate a Happy Heart with the February 2025 issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago! This month, explore expert insights on heart-healthy living with the latest in integrative cardiology, learn about the benefits of dark chocolate and cacao (plus delicious recipes), and find out how stretching can help support cardiovascular wellness.

Explore our Natural Chicago areas at a local gull watching event. And get tips for creating a more holistic lifestyle for our four-legged family members.

Stay connected to your community with local events, discover ways to embrace nature during winter, and find inspiration to make this season one of health, happiness, and renewal. Whether you're looking for holistic wellness tips, local events, or mindful living practices, this issue is your guide to a thriving heart and balanced life.

Read more inside and start your journey to better heart health today!

Pick up your print copy throughout Chicagoland. For more information, visit NAChicago.com.

A Silent Signal of Cardiovascular Risk in Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can indicate cardiovascular disease. Men with ED should seek a cardiovascular evaluation. For more info, contact Chicago Male Clinic at 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com. Read More »
Dr. Susan Fox
Best Prep for Pregnancy Online Event and Expo Offers Fertility Guidance
Best Prep for Pregnancy is a five-day online event from March 25-29, featuring over 30 experts on fertility, IVF, and egg freezing. Learn holistic approaches to fertility from leading specialists. Register at BestPrep4Pregnancy.com Read More »
Health Clarified EWOT
Boost Cardiovascular Health With EWOT Oxygen Therapy
Health Clarified in Northbrook offers 20% off EWOT 12-pack this month. Boost heart health with low-impact exercise and oxygen. Call 224-344-8668 or visit HealthClarifiedNow.com. Read More »
Center for Agrarian Learning Logo
Cultivate Success at MCC’s Cut Flower Production Workshop
McHenry County College's Center for Agrarian Learning hosts a Cut Flower Production workshop March 1-2, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., covering growing, marketing, and design. Cost: $345. Register by Feb. 21 at Eventbrite.com. Read More »
Wellness Trends Healthy Living Expo
Explore Health and Sustainability at the Wellness Trends Expo in Schaumburg
The Wellness Trends Healthy Living Expo returns March 22-23, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at Embassy Suites, Schaumburg. Explore wellness trends, eco-friendly products, and expert-led seminars. Call 773-339-2928. Read More »
Wild Things Logo
Explore Illinois’ Wild Side at the Wild Things 2025 Conference
Wild Things 2025 Conference, March 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., at Donald E. Stevens Center, Rosemont. Features 140+ talks on conservation, ecology, and advocacy. Keynotes: Marla Garrison, Joey Santore. Tickets: $60/$40. Read More »
MCC The Great Seed Event
Grow Gardening Knowledge at McHenry County’s Great Seed Event
The Great Seed Event, hosted by the University of Illinois Extension and the Center for Agrarian Learning, is on Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at McHenry County College. Free demos, speakers, and more! Read More »
Stanislava Jankovic-Stasha
Inspire Yoga and Wellness
Inspire Yoga & Wellness combines Kundalini yoga, detox programs, and modern therapies to foster physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. They plan to expand with workshops, retreats, and virtual programs. Read More »
MWHC Team photo
Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Offers Deep-Dive Preconference Learning Opportunities
The 14th Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference runs May 23–25 in Almond, WI, featuring preconference workshops on herbalism, medicine making, and more. Register at MidwestWomensHerbal.com. Read More »
Navy Bean Tuscan Kale Soup
Support hormone balance with this nutrient-packed winter soup featuring kale, white beans, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Rich in antioxidants, it promotes healthy hormone levels. Read More »
Protecting Trees from Winter Stress: Winter Tree and Shrub Care Tips From Bartlett Tree Experts
Sponsored Content GPT Icon SEO-Friendly Webpage Description: Protecting Trees from Winter Stress Winter can be tough on trees, even though they thrive outdoors. Cold temperatures, heavy snow, ice storms, and extreme weather can lead to winter injuries that affect their health and growth. From frost cracks to branch breakage and root damage, understanding common winter tree problems can help you take proactive steps to protect your landscape. Learn how to identify signs of winter stress and discover tree care tips to keep your outdoor space healthy all season long. Read More »
Photo courtesy Sarah Miller
Psychic Readings by Sarah Offers Guidance and Spiritual Insight
Psychic Readings by Sarah in Glenview offers readings, astrology, and chakra balancing with over 30 years of experience. Call 847-470-0049 or visit PsychicReadingsGlenview.com. Read More »
Headshot of publisher Peggy Malecki
Publisher's Letter
February brings stunning sunsets and vibrant cardinals, signaling the transition to spring. This issue focuses on heart health, winter birdwatching, and seasonal wellness, plus nourishing recipes. Read More »
Snowy Owl Bubo Scandiacus
Snowy Owl
Snowy owls nest in the Arctic and migrate south in winter, sometimes to Texas and Georgia. They hunt by day and prefer open landscapes. Males are white; females and juveniles have dark flecks. Read More »
Buttermilk Cornbread
Sweeten Your Winter Table With Buttermilk Cornbread
Explore Illinois winter farmers markets for meats, cheese, honey, eggs, and grains. Try a cornbread recipe made with local grains, buttermilk, and honey for a fresh, rich, and sweet flavor. Read More »
Henrietta Adkin
Unlock the Secrets to Manifesting Desires
Join Henrietta Atkin's four-session virtual class, Manifesting With Your Heart, Feb. 3–Mar. 17, 7–9 p.m. Learn to align heart and spirit for $90. Details: HolisticCenterChicago.com. Read More »
Adult ring-billed gull
Winter Gull Watching Affords Glimpses of Rare Beauties From Up North
Gulls, resilient and diverse, thrive in Illinois with 22 species, including rare winter visitors. Expert Amar Ayyash highlights hotspots like Montrose Harbor and the annual Gull Frolic. Visit IllinoisBirds.org. Read More »
Senior man making a heart symbol with his hands
The Thriving Heart: Integrative Approaches to Cardiology
Integrative Approaches to Cardiology: Holistic and traditional practices combine to prevent heart disease and support a thriving, healthy heart. Read More »
Anil Gupta
Anil Gupta on Immediate Happiness
Life coach Anil Gupta reveals how forgiveness, gratitude, and giving create lasting happiness. Read More »
Woman eating a chocolate bar
Chocolate Champions: Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao
Benefits of Dark Chocolate and Cacao: Explore the heart-healthy, mood-boosting power of dark chocolate and why it’s more than just a sweet treat. Read More »
MIGHTY MUSHROOM CACAO BITES
Mighty Mushroom Cacao Bites
Energy-packed bites with cacao, dates, and functional mushroom powders for health and vitality. Read More »
HEART-OPENING DRINKING CHOCOLATE
Heart-Opening Drinking Chocolate
Ceremonial-grade cacao in a rich, frothy drink with warming spices and optional sweetener. Read More »
Chili and Cocoa Spice Mixture
A versatile blend of cacao and spices to enhance meats, seafood, or vegetables Read More »
CHOCOLATE-BRAISED SHORT RIBS
Chocolate-Braised Short Ribs
Chocolate-Braised Short Ribs: Tender ribs slow-cooked with cocoa, red wine, and spices for a rich, flavorful dish. Read More »
CHOCOLATE CHERRY VINAIGRETTE on a salad
Chocolate Cherry Vinaigrette
A tangy-sweet dressing with cherries, cocoa, and honey for salads or drizzling over meats and fish Read More »
Men sharing a hug
Healing Power of Hugs
Discover how hugs reduce stress, boost immunity, and foster mindfulness with tips to make this simple act part of your daily life. Read More »
monarch butterfly perched on a flower
Bringing Back the Monarch Butterfly: How Milkweed and City Gardens Can Help
Urban milkweed gardens play a critical role in saving monarch butterflies and supporting ecosystems. Read More »
forward bend
Stretching for Heart Health: Gentle Movements To Regulate Stress and Circulation
Simple stretches improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote heart health in just minutes a day. Read More »
fitness tools bar bells lean chicken measuring tape
Metabolic Health Strategies: Weight Management With the Help of Medications
Metabolic Health Therapies: GLP-1 medications aid weight loss and improve health. Learn about their benefits, challenges, and their role in extending longevity. Read More »
dog and pestle
Holistic Lifestyle for Dogs: How Herbs, Mushrooms and the Outdoors Can Help
Herbs, mushrooms, and outdoor activities support a dog’s emotional and physical health for a balanced, happy life. Read More »
3D Printed Teeth
3D Printed Teeth
Premium Teeth Resin offers durable, biocompatible materials for 3D-printed dental solutions like crowns and dentures. Read More »
comparing vegetables to a fast food burger
Diet To Reduce Biological Age
A vegan diet reduced biological age and improved systemic health markers in an eight-week twin study. Read More »
man listening to soothing sounds on his headphones
Binaural Beats To Lower Anxiety
Listening to binaural beats lowers anxiety and enhances relaxation during medical procedures. Read More »
woman holding a smart pillow
Smart Pillow
AI-powered pillow adjusts head position to reduce snoring, track oxygen levels, and improve sleep quality. Read More »
woman after cesarean holding baby
Long-Term Health of Cesarean Babies
Vaginal seeding could improve the microbiomes of Cesarean-born babies, potentially reducing risks of obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Read More »
wasp for pest control
Wasps for Pest Control
Paper wasps show promise as natural pest control for caterpillars, reducing pesticide use and promoting biodiversity. Read More »
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
Comeback of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
Captive breeding programs released the 1,000th sparrow, a milestone for this endangered species. Read More »
Polar Bear Family
Ice-Free Arctic Day
The Arctic may experience its first ice-free summer day by 2027, accelerating global climate change impacts. Read More »
dry cleaning chemicals
Phasing Out Dry Cleaning Chemical
EPA mandates a phased ban of PCE, a toxic solvent, aiming to protect health and the environment. Read More »
100% biodegradable bag
Starch-Based Plastic
Retarch offers eco-friendly, biodegradable plastic alternatives that reduce CO2 emissions and microplastic pollution. Read More »
DIY Valentine's gift birdseed heart
Handmade Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Meaningful, sustainable Valentine’s crafts like birdseed ornaments and melted crayon hearts make gift-giving special. Read More »
February 2025 Yoga Network Inspire Yoga & Wellness
Local Yoga, Movement & Fitness News, Updates and More
“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” - B.K.S. Iyengar Read More »
In-Print

March 2025 Issue

Read It Now

March 2025 Natural Awakenings Chicago cover
Click Here to Read Past Issues
Subscribe to our Email Newletter Here!