Jacksonville St. Augustine Natural Awakenings: June 2021 Welcome to the June 2021 edition for Jacksonville St. Augustine, jam packed with information to help you live a more natural and inspired life. Connection is Essential to Our Happiness Welcome to our June edition. We have enjoyed one of the longest spring seasons on record. Mild temperatures coupled with a constant breeze has kept humidity low and biting bugs to a minimum. Read More » Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Released in Florida Keys The British company Oxitec, a Bill Gates-backed biotech firm, has recently released the first batch of 750 million genetically modified mosquitos in the United States in an effort to control the mosquito population in the Florida Keys. Read More » Living and Breathing the Yoga Den Philosophy Our philosophy is no judgement. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice yogi, teen or senior, or healing from an injury—this is the brand for every body and everybody! Read More » REAL Strength Don’t be afraid to go against stereotypes. Be strong, but make it true strength. Read More » Seven Reasons Why Men Don’t Go to Doctors (a woman’s perspective) and the Three Reasons Women Nag You The reason why men don’t seek medical advice until a real crisis arises has been a perplexing one for ages. Read More » The Power of Denials & Affirmations 3-Week Class Licensed Unity Teacher Bill Wuerfel and Helen Sylvester, of Unity Church for Creative Living, in Saint Johns, are presenting a three-week course exploring Unity’s spiritual tools of denials and affirmations, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom beginning June 23, 2021. Read More » Almond Cinnamon Granola Take vegan food to-go with this plant-based recipe for Almond Cinnamon Granola. Read More » Andria Somers on Being United for Better Parenting Andria Somers, executive director of the Holistic Moms Network, is connecting and supporting families interested in positive, holistic parenting, health and green living. Read More » Beat the Blues Naturally: Drug-Free Ways to Treat Depression Herbs, dietary changes, exercise routines and other effective alternative therapies to naturally help treat those suffering from depression without the side effects of antidepressants. Read More » Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Make this vegan recipe for chocolate chip pumpkin muffins for an easy plant-based food to take when traveling. Read More » Consider Depression Treatment to Fight Ulcers Research has found that peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, along with other gut disorders, are linked to depression. Read More » Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard. Read More » Cultivate Satisfaction to be Healthier and Happier Older people with high levels of life satisfaction—a favorable attitude toward life—have healthier habits, less depression and pain, better sleep and a longer life, reports researchers. Read More » Eat Five Veggies and Fruits Daily to Live Longer New research has found that two and three daily servings of fruit and vegetables, respectively, were linked to the most longevity. Read More » Improve Sleep with a Weighted Blanket Research has found that sleeping with a weighted blanket can lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, and increased levels of daytime activity. Read More » Integrative Health for Men: Natural Approaches for Robust Vitality Integrative, holistic strategies with a mind-body focus for common threats to men's health such as heart disease, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer and depression. Read More » Japanese Noritos This simple yet elegant recipe for Japanese Noritos is the perfect make-ahead vegan meal for on-the-go plant-based eating. Read More » Lithium Mining for Electric Vehicles Creating Tension The proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada has passed a review by the Bureau of Land Management, but unhappy residents and conservation groups are filing lawsuits. Read More » Nix Sweeteners to Avoid Spreading Antibiotic Resistance Four widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharine, sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium—promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental and clinical settings. Read More » Offshore Wind Power Gaining Momentum With technological advances, falling costs, increased interest, the ability to relieve carbon dependency and the tremendous economic potential, offshore wind energy holds great promise. Read More » Olio App Prevents Food Waste The smartphone app Olio allows people with extra food to post a picture online. Anyone that wants the food can respond and pick it up as a gift. Read More » Plants to Avoid in Pet Yards Specific plants can be poisonous to pets. Be sure to keep the yard clear of the following poisonous plants to create a backyard that’s both fun and safe for pets. Read More » Relaxed Kids: Simple Ways to Calm Anxious Children Expose kids to relaxation practices through fun activities, yoga poses, mindfulness exercises, meditation and other techniques to naturally calm childhood anxiety. Read More » Rethinking Fireworks: Greener Ways to Celebrate the Fourth Most fireworks are made of non-biodegradable plastics and harmful chemicals, polluting the ground, air and water. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives. Read More » Simple Acts Can Change the World It’s easy to feel small and helpless in a world full of big problems, but there are simple, daily actions we can take to change it for the better. Read More » Summer Season Projected to Last Longer A new study predicts that if emissions of greenhouse gases go unchecked, summers in the Northern Hemisphere could last nearly six months by 2100. Read More » Sunscreens Harm Hawaiian Reefs A proposed bill banning sunscreens containing the chemicals avobenzone or octocrylene, harmful to humans, marine animals and coral, has progressed through the Hawaiian House and Senate. Read More » The Fit Gardener: Backyard Workouts Good for Mind and Body Gardening can foster fitness, burn calories and support heart health by offering an opportunity for moderate intensity exercise and providing a challenging workout with aerobic benefits. Read More » Traveling for the Planet: Sustainable Ways to Explore the World How to be green when choosing hotels, modes of transportation, places to shop and dine, and other travel activities to make your tourism sustainable and eco-friendly. Read More » Vegan Road-Tripping: Travel Tips for Plant-Based Eaters Ways to enjoy healthy, plant-based eating when traveling with on-the-go vegan food planning and preparation. Read More » Wild Birds Trained to Pick Up Litter A Dutch company, Crowded Cities, has a device called the CrowBar that trains birds to collect discarded cigarette butts in exchange for food. Read More » World’s Largest Dam Removal Project Underway An agreement between farmers, tribes and dam owners will result in the deconstruction of four aging, inefficient dams along the Klamath River in the Pacific Northwest to restore salmon runs. Read More » In-Print naturally healing depression Andria Somers gardening workout eating vegan