Before directing you to the many valuable articles about living a healthy, balanced life, I want to remind you to support local businesses.

   A healthy network of local businesses has never been more important. Money spent locally is an investment in our community. Lives are directly impacted by every dollar spent with independent businesses. I urge you to choose locally produced goods and services during the holiday season, and hope you’ll continue this practice into the new year.

    Our back cover this month contains a ‘shopping passport’ for the first Northeast Florida Holiday Shop Hop. Independent crafters collaborated to create this multi-week holiday shopping event that begins on November 5 and continues through December 18. Use the back cover as your passport, and collect a stamp at each location for a chance to win a gift at the conclusion of the event. See the article on page 7 for additional information. Two QR codes within the ad direct readers to more information about the many events and sponsors. We’re excited for these local crafters and know the community and especially our readers will support them.

    We congratulate Empower Solar Solutions on being named a top solar provider in national magazine, The Solar Power World’s 2022 list of top solar contractors. This woman-owned company’s mission is to make solar energy effortless and affordable by providing homeowners with turnkey, renewable energy. They handle the entire process from concept to completion. See the article and ad on page 4.

    Our financial wellness sponsor, Alive Credit Union offers valuable insight into the latest financial fraud and scams. I urge you to take the time to read the feature on page 16 so you’ll recognize potential scams and defend yourself against financial fraud.

    The gut health and mental health connection is explained in conscious eating on page 18. We’ll all heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” About 90 percent of serotonin is produced in the cut and carried to the brain, not the other way around. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to depression and other psychiatric issues. Learn about mood-lifting foods and identifying bio-markers for inflammation. Be sure to try the gut-healing recipes following the article.

    Mental health issues continue to rise due to the prolonged state of anxiety caused by economics, politics and the perceived climate emergency. Twelve strategies for overcoming anxiety are offered in our healing ways section on page 24. Whether for yourself are a loved one, you’ll derive many benefits from this five minute read.

Enter this season with thanksgiving and gratitude.