Natural Awakenings Tucson - December 2021 Issue

December 2021 Issue

In the December Issue: The Power of Gathering in Community; What to Expect During a Metabolic Detox; Amp Up Immunity; A Forgiveness Ritual To Close the Year and Begin Anew; Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare; Medicare Made Simple; Animals Are Soul; Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love; Plus Much More...

Holly Baker, publisher

December 2021 Letter From Publisher

We’ve made it to the end of another especially interesting year in our lives, and that makes it an even better time to pause and reflect, while looking forward to a hopeful future. Read More »

A Forgiveness Ritual: To Close the Year and Begin Anew

The end of a year is when many of us take time to reflect on the past and make resolutions for a New Year. This is also a great time to get rid of past hurts, and to start afresh. Read More »

Animals Are Soul: Daisy Comes Back

Amy agreed to pet sit her friend’s cat. After a month away, the friend returned and asked Amy if she wanted to adopt the kitty. This was a wonderful thing, as Amy had fallen in love with the cat during their time together. Read More »

Holiday Stress and Overwhelm: A Different Viewpoint

This is not our typical “Beat Holiday Stress” tips. Alternatively, let’s be willing to give up our beliefs about holiday stress. Read More »

Medicare Made Simple with Appropriate Complimentary Guidance

From the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7 each year, one can join, switch or drop a plan. Coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets the request by December 7). Read More »

Plantar Fasciitis: The Real Thing

Characterized by significant heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis is the result of an irritated and inflamed thick band of tissue across the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. Read More »

Strengthening Chi with Reiki

Chi is a powerful natural energy which flows through all living things—humans, animals and plants—nourishing and sustaining them with its unique bioenergetic system. Read More »

What to Expect During a Metabolic Detox

A metabolic detox plan helps the body address and remove toxins. The human body is exposed to both endogenous and environmental toxins every day. Read More »

A healthy dark chocolate bark recipe with pistachios, cranberries and shredded coconut

A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark

This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More »

Chart of adaptogen plants for immunity

Amp Up Immunity: Proven Boosters for Good Health

Enhance immunity with specific adaptogens and mushroom powders. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. Read More »

The word colon cancer spelled out with Scrabble pieces

Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More »

Baked stuffed apples in casserole dish

Baked Apples

This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More »

Baklava cookie cups sitting on cooling rack

Baklava Cookie Cups

A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More »

Group of people sitting in circle holding hands

Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community

Small support groups, such as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, prayer circles and dialogue circles, are creating experiences of wholeness and belonging. Read More »

Clownfish swimming near coral reef

Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory

Half of the world's coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, with 14 percent diminishing between 2009 and 2018 alone, due to climate change, overfishing and pollution. Read More »

Glass bottle full of water with h20 label on side

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More »

Avocado sliced in half sitting on counter

Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat

The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More »

An open jar of walnuts

Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More »

Chart showing different sources of PFAS found indoors

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

A new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air has found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and homes. Read More »

Eco-friendly toiletry gifts wrapped in sustainable holiday packaging

Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably

Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More »

Person sitting on rug on floor in front of Christmas tree meditating with holiday lights and decorations around

Holiday Zen: Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves. These simple, self-care fitness tips can help to relieve holiday stress and break the cycle of seasonal overindulgence. Read More »

Honey lavender cookies on parchment paper

Honey Lavender Cookies

Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More »

The backs of people in a circle with their arms around each other

Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

No matter the purpose of gathering, here are tips on how to start and maintain a small group or circle of individuals supporting one another. Read More »

Solar panels in snow

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets

A report finds a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. Read More »

Native American canoeing in water

Native Americans Win Historic Water Battle

The Indigenous Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have reached a historic $1.9 billion water rights settlement, resolving thousands of tribal claims to waterways in Montana. Read More »

Aerial view of rows of planted trees

Planting 500 Billion Trees

A UK tech company claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance, with a goal of planting 500 billion trees by 2060. Read More »

Graphic of person standing in snowy outdoors wearing a long feather coat and headcrown

Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More »

Glass jars of dried foods on wooden tray

Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food

Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More »

Parent reading book to baby

The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

Gifting kids books is a perfect way to encourage childhood reading. Here are tips for selecting the best children's books. Read More »

Christmas tree made out of sliced fruit

The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More »

Thomas Moore on the Art of Soulful Listening

Bestselling author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore explores deeper connections through soulful listening in his latest book, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations. Read More »

Small dog sitting on couch with dog toys

Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys

Recommendations to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe. Read More »

Collage of low- or no-sugar dishes and supplements

Tips to Eat Less Sugar

Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More »

German Shepherd sitting in dog bed surrounded by stuffed toys

Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More »

Damask rose extract

Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function

A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More »

Cutting board on counter with two cloves of garlic on top

Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain

For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More »

Wind power turbines with sun setting in background

Wind Energy Can Be a Climate Change Hero

Research indicates that advanced wind energy strategies could reduce atmospheric average temperatures of about 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit by 2199. Read More »

In-Print, Other