Each month, we focus on topics relating to various aspects of living a healthy life, whether it be eating more vegetables, finding a new exercise regimen, going green or teaching our children to follow in our healthful footsteps. This month’s theme, Healing Addiction, truly stands out from the rest.

Almost everyone has known someone who has struggled with an addiction of some sort, but the topic is often taboo. The person with the addiction is often blamed or discounted, as though the same struggle could not happen to us. The truth is, addiction impacts not only the life of the addicted person, but those around them. It is a topic that needs to be discussed.

It is not only important to take care of ourselves by eating well, exercising and reducing our impact on the environment around us, but also to understand and treat harmful instances of addiction we may experience. Addiction affects nearly everyone in some way, but the good news is that the Tucson area is abundant with natural options for overcoming these unhealthy compulsions, which can be found on page 24.

Another thing plentiful in our community is great artists. For an inspiring story about an incredible Tucson talent, Victor Navarro, read “Le Artiste” on page 36. Navarro began painting at 10, and has had work displayed in galleries across the world, including one you may have heard of—the Louvre—at only 19 years old.

Whether relief comes from therapy, a 12-step program, yoga, acupuncture—or even art—may you and yours defeat the struggles that may plague you, and come out healthier on the other side.

To overcoming the odds,

Holly Baker

Publisher