Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ September 2021

Publisher Letter

Often, when we’re trying to solve a problem or move ahead with something that has us a bit stalled out, we may get well-meaning advice to “just get creative”! Sure, that’s a great idea ... but how to get started? Read More »

Take A Hike! Challenge in the Great Outdoors

Edward-Elmhurst Health is combining staying physically active and spending time outdoors for a free, family-friendly event: the second annual Take A Hike! Challenge from September 1 through October 27. Read More »

Annual Green Team Summit via Zoom

Faith in Place will present an interactive journey into healing at the sixth annual 2021 Green Team Summit virtually via Zoom from September 12 through 14. Read More »

Edgar Cayce Ancient Egyptian Teachings

The Milwaukee Area Association for Research and Enlightenment and the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center Chicago (A.R.E.) will present Edgar Cayce and Ancient Egyptian Teachings for Our Time, with John Van Auken, director of the Edgar Cayce Foundation, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., September 18, via Zoom. Read More »

Mycelium Mysteries: Women’s Mushroom Conference

The Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference, Mycelium Mysteries, will be held in person from September 24 through 26, with pre- and post-conference events offering a deep dive into topics related to mycology, personal growth, ethnomycology and mushrooms through the eye of fiber arts. Read More »

Ruiz to Speak on Toltec Wisdom

Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr., bestselling author of The Mastery of Self and The Five Levels of Attachments, will lead a workshop on The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide To Personal Freedom & Breaking Old Agreements at Infinity Foundation via Zoom. Read More »

In-Person Green Living Expo in November

McHenry County College (MCC) Sustainability Center will host the 14th annual Green Living Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., November 6. Read More »

GET FIT EGV Expands Offerings

New classes include yoga and will be geared toward seniors to get them up and moving for better health and comradeship with others. Read More »

Celluma Uses Light for Effective Therapy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medical device uses low-level light therapy for the treatment of wrinkles, acne, diminished local blood circulation, muscle and joint stiffness, muscle tissue tension, muscle and joint pain, muscle spasms, arthritis and dermal wound healing. Read More »

Mobile App Connects Consumers with Sustainable Local Farmers

Crate Free USA is relaunching its free mobile app for Apple and Android users. The Illinois Guide to Factory-Free Meat, Dairy & Eggs features the addition of more farmers’ markets, restaurants and retailers that source locally. Read More »

Awards Presented to Lake Villa Couple and Lake County Forest Preserves

The Lake County Forest Preserves and two of its volunteers have earned national awards from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, comprising 122 park and special recreation districts from across the country. Lake Villa residents Joyce and George Proper were awarded the Outstanding Volunteer award. Read More »

Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches to Pain Management

Approximately 20 percent, or 50 million adults in the U.S., are affected by chronic pain, defined as pain on most days or every day in the past six months. Read More »

New Law Protects Birds from Collisions

Up to 1 billion birds die each year from building collisions, and Chicago was named the deadliest city in the U.S. for migrating birds in a 2019 study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Read More »

YouTube Kidfluencers Educate Families About Healthy Living

Parenting has never been so digital, especially post-pandemic, as families navigate safety boundaries. Kid-friendly content creators are responding to the unique needs and trends of millennial, and now Generation Z, parents whose own online scrolling habits are inspiring them to see YouTube as a resource for safe and healthy entertainment. Read More »

Post-Pandemic Eco-Mindfulness

Now that society is hopefully on the path to opening up again and embarking on a “new normal”, we can benefit by assessing our current situation, then taking action to reset and achieve new goals. Read More »

Recipe: Garden Herbal Tea for an Upset Stomach

For those with food allergies and autoimmune disease, stomach pain and body aches are a common symptom. When looking for healthy solutions to manage symptoms from home, families may want to consider heading to the kitchen. GF Mom Certified's Tiffany Hinton suggests a Tummy Troubles Tea made with fresh and natural ingredients. Read More »

Artificial Milk is Next ‘Frankenfood’

Genetically recombined Trichoderma reesei fungus is producing synthetic versions of dairy proteins casein and whey for an animal-free milk. Read More »

Art’s Embrace: Healing Through Creativity

Art can be a powerful force for healing. Throughout America, art’s redemption takes center stage at hospitals, nursing homes, jails, public spaces and homeless shelters. Read More »

Certain Fruits Can Protect Against Diabetes

Research suggests eating two servings of fruit a day lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 36 percent in five years compared to eating less than half a serving. Read More »

Conquering Chronic Pain: How the Body-Mind Connection Works

Understanding the mind/body connection is to key for patients seeking healing from chronic pain through holistic approaches. Read More »

Creative Kids: How to Nurture Imagination

How parents can provide children an environment that encourages curiosity and exploration to help build the creative skills critical to personal and planetary survival. Read More »

Farm Waste Doubles as Construction Material

Agricultural waste (agro-waste) such as manure, leaf litter and crop residues can be recycled into organic and sustainable construction materials, helping to reduce landfill issues. Read More »

Foraged Fungi Fare: Cooking with Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms, particularly foraged fungi that offer a host of nutritional benefits, can infuse exciting new flavors and textures into familiar dishes. Read More »

Healthy Choices Mitigate Cognitive Health Reduction

A survey found that a healthy lifestyle cuts the risk of cognitive impairment by half, even if a person carries the gene that is linked to cognitive loss and Alzheimer’s. Read More »

Healthy Cookware: How to Choose Non-Toxic Pots and Pans

From classic pots and pans to the latest modern synthetic materials, here are some basic factors to watch for in choosing environmentally sound and chemical-free cookware. Read More »

Hen of the Woods Steaks

A delicious, meat-free "steak" recipe using hen of the woods mushrooms. Read More »

Horses as Healers: Equine Therapy has Physical and Emotional Benefits

Numerous studies have shown that equine-assisted therapy helps with anger, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative or other emotional problems. Read More »

Lower Pregnancy Risks with a Healthy Diet

Expectant mothers that follow a healthy diet lower their risk of such pregnancy complications as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Read More »

Martha Beck on Living with Integrity

Bestselling author and sociologist Martha Beck discusses her new book, The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self. Read More »

Plant-Based Meals Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risks

A study finds that individuals who ate a plant-based diet were 73 percent less likely to contract moderate to severe COVID-19. Read More »

Promising Pain Relief Therapies

Integrative modalities commonly used by holistic practitioners to treat chronic pain. Read More »

Shedding Light on Lightbulbs: The Ins and Outs of Our Options

The pros and cons of incandescent, fluorescent and LED bulbs, with information on costs and proper disposal. Read More »

Sicilian Chicken of the Woods

A traditional Italian preparation for chicken of the woods mushrooms, flavored with wild monarda leaves and served with charred bread rubbed with garlic. Read More »

Stay in Tune with Our Body Clock to Sidestep the Blues

Research shows that sleeping out of sync with our natural rhythms makes us more likely to experience depression, anxiety and reduced well-being. Read More »

The Power of the Written Note

Sending off a quick message by email or text comes easy enough, but a handwritten note ensures the recipient will feel appreciated by the time and effort it took. Read More »

Warm Endive and Oyster Mushroom Salad

Tasty, elegant recipe for Warm Endive and Oyster Mushroom Salad. Read More »

Wealth Distribution Linked to Urban Canopies

An analysis has found that a pattern of inequitable distribution of trees has deprived many communities of the health and other benefits that sufficient tree cover can deliver. Read More »

Wild Bees Thrive on Forest Deadwood

Scientists have found that creating deadwood in coniferous forests is a promising restoration measure to promote an abundance of aboveground nesting bees. Read More »

Worldwide Shark Extinction Risk

A study has discovered sharks to be absent from many of the world’s coral reefs, indicating they are “functionally extinct”, that is, too rare to fulfill their normal role in the ecosystem. Read More »

Yoga to Heal Trauma: Soothing Poses Calm the Nervous System

Trauma-informed yoga (also called trauma-sensitive yoga) is a promising therapeutic branch of the yogic system designed to quell the body’s programmed “fight-or-flight” responses. Read More »

Meteor Watching Connects People to Nature

Meteor watching and stargazing are family-friendly activities perfect for an autumn evening. Shery De Vore explores options to see meteor showers in the Chicago area. Read More »

Preparing Our Home Landscapes for Winter

Fall in Chicago is a season of transition and that includes our gardens. Make the most of beautiful fall days to enjoy it and prepare your landscape for the winter ahead with these great tips from gardening expert Melinda Myers. Read More »