Natural Awakenings Charlotte - February 2021 Enjoy the February 2021 edition of Natural Awakenings Charlotte. Figuring Ourselves Out Letter from Publisher of Natural Awakenings Charlotte - Shannon McKenzie Read More » Gaston's Amber Pederson on Trapped Emotions and Physical Health Just as everything in the universe is made up of energy—from a chair to the cells in our body and our thoughts—so too, are emotions Read More » Charlotte's Kenneth Haas on Heart Health February is American Heart Month, and here are a few facts to keep in mind about cardiovascular risk factors Read More » NamaStay Sobruary Challenge NamaStay Sober is holding their 4th annual Sobruary (Sober February) Challenge Read More » Get Natural Awakenings Charlotte from Earth Fare: Delivery and In Store Earth Fare plans to open a total of six grocery stores in the Charlotte area and you can get Natural Awakenings Charlotte magazines in-store or delivery Read More » Home Improvement Contest Using Repurposed Materials - Open to Mecklenburg, Gaston and Surrounding Counties In honor of Earth Day, Natural Awakenings Charlotte, Claudia Josephine Design and Sustain Charlotte are sponsoring a Home Improvement contest for readers using repurposed products Read More » Local Amy Gray-Cunningham Offers Soul Realignment Sessions Amy Gray-Cunningham is now offering Akashic Record Readings to help us understand who we are at the soul level and who we were created to be at our soul’s origination Read More » Free Webinars on Improving Gut Health in the Charlotte Area Carolinas Natural Health Center will host two free, live, webinars on boosting immunity and gut health related to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic at 7:30 p.m. on both February 18 and 24 Read More » Becoming Heart-Minded Meditation teacher Sarah Blondin explains how drawing our attention inward and focusing on our heart center can help us become more kind, calm, loving, accepting, inspired and creative. Read More » Big Love From Small Animals: The Joy of Furry Little Companions Smaller pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs, can be the furry friend that a family may long for without the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat. Read More » Blueberry and Pumpkin Seed Yogurt Bark This frozen yogurt bark recipe can be an easy breakfast alternative that balances high-quality protein, dietary fiber and heart-healthy fats. Read More » Childhood Immunity Enhanced by Natural Environment Research finds that switching a child’s playground from gravel to natural forest floor could foster a better immune system by exposing them to a greater variety of skin and gut bacteria. Read More » Climate Change Makes Hurricane Destruction Worse Research suggests hurricanes will remain stronger and persist longer after making landfall, causing greater and more widespread destruction, because of ocean waters heated by climate change. Read More » Consider Melatonin to Lower COVID-19 Risk Melatonin, a hormonal sleep aid, appears to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 30 percent, report researchers from the Cleveland Clinic. Read More » Disaster Fatigue Influences Decisions Extreme levels of stress from wildfires, hurricanes, floods and the pandemic can induce “disaster fatigue”, a form of emotional exhaustion that may reshape how people make choices. Read More » Earth-Friendly Engagement Rings From conflict-free or ethical diamonds to inherited pieces or alternative gems, here are green, sustainable and meaningful jewelry for engagement rings. Read More » Eat Chili Peppers to Live Longer Regular consumption of chili peppers can reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 26 percent and from cancer by 23 percent, suggests a review of thousands of studies. Read More » Europe Tightens Methane Emission Monitoring, But U.S. Does Not 62 oil and gas companies acting as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership have adopted framework to report methane emissions, but none of them are in the U.S. Read More » Government Updates Risks of Amalgam Fillings In updated guidelines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that dental amalgam fillings may cause health problems for some high-risk groups because of mercury vapor leaks. Read More » Halting Hypertension: Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure Fortifying healthy lifestyle changes with aerobic exercise, yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help prevent and manage high blood pressure readings. Read More » Heartfelt Eating: Best Foods for a Heart-Healthy Diet The basics of heart-healthy eating with plant-based foods to incorporate into diets for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read More » Lentil, Raisin and Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash With lean proteins from the lentils, complex carbohydrates from the squash and heart-healthy fats from the pecans, this well-balanced vegan recipe is nourishing and delicious. Read More » Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Integrative Cardiologists on Preventing Heart Disease Research shows that simple lifestyle changes can prevent 80 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths through diet, exercise and other holistic prevention options to improve heart health. Read More » Low-Carbon Cement Offsets Climate Change The manufacture of cement creates up to 8 percent of the total global carbon dioxide generated by humans, but a variety of approaches are being explored to lower these worrisome emissions. Read More » Plastic Particles Ingested in Food and Water Researchers estimate people that drink bottled water ingest an additional 90,000 microplastic particles annually compared to 4,000 microplastics for those that drink only tap water. Read More » Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing Edamame’s flavors pair well with quinoa, crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, and combine seamlessly with the spicy, toasty notes of the ginger-sesame dressing in this heart-healthy recipe. Read More » Saying ‘I Do’ to the Planet: Green Weddings Embrace Sustainability Ways to green up your wedding through eco-friendly, sustainable invitations, venues, flowers, vegan food, favors and other planning details. Read More » Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Relationships Clinical psychologist, international keynote speaker and bestselling author, Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., discusses conscious relationships, intimacy, romance and love. Read More » Shoes Off! Keep Germs Outside Prevent the spread of germs, including viruses and bacteria, from entering the home via shoes with these helpful tips. Read More » Special Valentine’s Offer from NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com is having a sale to help singles connect with like-minded individuals looking for loving relationships online through the conscious dating website. Read More » Take Propolis and Vitamins A, E and D for Respiratory Tract Infections Studies find that propolis and vitamins A, E and D help to reduce symptoms and durations of upper respiratory tract infections. Read More » Tools for Inner Peace: Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation Mindfulness, which puts us into the moment, and meditation, which accesses deeper levels of consciousness, offer science-backed benefits for body and psyche, helping us achieve inner peace. Read More » Veggie Tricks: How to Get Kids to Eat Better Parenting bloggers and nutritionists share effective ways to get even the pickiest of children to eat more vegetables. Read More » In-Print