IN THIS ISSUE: July 2020

Outdoor Feasts: Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills; Beyond Factory Farms: Big Meat Coimes at High Costs; Rethinking Lawns; Mindfulness in the Bedroom; Stephen Dinan on a Sacred Vision for America Read More »

Avoid Chlorhexidine Mouthwash to Reduce Cavity Risk

Chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouthwash commonly prescribed by dentists for gingivitis, actually increases acidic levels in the mouth, leading to an increase in cavity-causing bacteria. Read More »

Balancing Act: Exercises for Strength and Stability

Protect yourself from falls and injury with core-strengthening balance training, yoga and tai chi exercises and poses designed to increase agility. Read More »

Beyond Factory Farms: ‘Big Meat’ Comes at High Cost

The industrial factory farms that monopolize the livestock industry at great cost to the environment are getting a pushback from people and organizations exploring sustainable options. Read More »

Boost Motivation with Ayurvedic Bacopa

Anhedonia—the clinical name for a lack of motivation and inability to feel pleasure in life—can be helped by Bacopa monnieri, also known as Brahmi, an Ayurvedic herb. Read More »

Calming Kids: Ways to Turn Anxiety Around

In these uncertain times, many kids are feeling anxious, but parents can use these straightforward strategies to help lower childhood anxiety. Read More »

COVID Kids: Stress Can Impact Sperm and Future Offspring

Fear and anxiety brought on by major stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic may have a lasting impact on a man’s sperm composition that could affect future offspring. Read More »

Cultivating Contentment: The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

Tending to our own happiness begins by seeing joy not as a mood dependent upon circumstances, but as a spiritual discipline like any other. Here are ways to create more joyous moments. Read More »

Earth-Friendly Pets: Our Animals Can Go Green, Too

Eco-friendly alternatives pet owners can choose for toys, homeopathic remedies, grooming, food and more for dogs and cats. Read More »

Eat More Citrus for a Thinner Waistline

Studies show that eating citrus fruits or their extract can significantly reduce body weight. Read More »

Eco-Friendly Beach Tips: Maximizing Sun and Surf During Crises

It’s more important now than ever to soak up vitamin D to bolster the immune system, but social distancing and other health and environmental precautions need to be practiced at the beach. Read More »

Forest Loss Leads to Spread of Human Disease

Viruses like COVID-19 that jump from animals to people will likely become more common as people continue to transform natural habitats into agricultural land, says a new study. Read More »

Greener Green Grass: Why Organic Lawns Make Eco-Sense

The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on lawns damage both the environment and our health. Here are ways to naturally, organically and sustainably grow green grass. Read More »

Gut Talk: Tips for a Healthy Microbiome

Healthy gut bacteria are essential for our metabolic health and immune system. Here are foods and lifestyle tips for developing and preserving gut health. Read More »

Healthy Glow: Ultraviolet Radiation Suppresses Skin Inflammation

In research that could help target new treatments for skin cancer, scientists have identified how human skin suppresses inflammation after exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Read More »

Help Recover from Stroke with Ear Acupuncture

Researchers have found that acupuncture in the ear can help speed rehabilitation of stroke patients. Read More »

Mindfulness and Meditation May Promote Longevity

Mindfulness and meditation techniques have been linked to anti-aging and longevity, as marked by longer telomere length, a biomarker of human aging. Read More »

Natural Thinking: Spending Time in Nature Increases Cognitive Performance

Nature may improve cognitive function by improving memory formation and recall, specifically that of short-term or working memory, and goal-oriented or directed attention. Read More »

Outdoor Feasts: Inspired Picnics and Healthy Grills

Whether firing up the backyard grill or having a picnic, these healthy, plant-based recipes are perfect outdoor meal ideas to savor this summer season. Read More »

Reduce Artery Plaque Risk with Berberine

A new study concludes that berberine, an alkaloid compound found in goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry and other herbs, can potentially reduce artery plaque. Read More »

Reduce Cognitive Decline with Tai Chi

Research shows that practicing tai chi can improve memory, learning, mental speed and attention, the ability to formulate abstract ideas, mental flexibility and visuospatial perception. Read More »

Stephen Dinan on a Sacred Vision for America

Stephen Dinan, founder and CEO of The Shift Network, discusses his new book, Sacred America, Sacred World, and how we can all help to build a new chapter in American history. Read More »

Sweet Serenade: Music as Medicine

Listening to music for 30 minutes a day can lower post-heart attack anxiety and significantly reduce future cardiac risks, reports a new study. Read More »

Try Turmeric, Ginger and Black Pepper for Osteoarthritis

Researchers find a turmeric extract, ginger and black pepper combination works just as well as the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, Aleve, in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis. Read More »